GB2200051A - Puzzle - Google Patents

Abstract

A puzzle comprises a structure consisting of a multiplicity of relatively rigid laminar pieces joined together along lines about which the structure may be folded, the arrangement being such that the structure may be manipulated from a first configuration to a second configuration by a proper sequence of folds. <IMAGE>

Description

PUZZLE This invention concerns a puzzle intended primarily for amusement but also of possible therapeutic value.

According to the present invention there is provided a puzzle comprising a structure consisting of a multiplicity of relatively rigid laminar pieces joined together along lines about which the structure may be folded, the arrangement being such that the structure may be manipulated from a first configuration to a second configuration by a proper sequence of folds.

Apertures may be provided in the fold lines wherever two or more such lines cross, and the size of the apertures may increase with an increasing number of crossing fold lines.

The pieces may have distinctive colours on their opposite faces.

One preferred puzzle embodying the invention is in the form of a sleeve having a first fold line around its periphery midway between its upper and lower ends, eight equi-spaced fold lines extending between said upper and lower ends all to define sixteen sections of square shape and further fold lines across the diagonals of each said section of square shape.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description with reference to the several figures of the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, one form of puzzle embodying same.

Of the drawings: Figure 1 shows an end view of the puzzle; and Figure 2 shows an elevation of the puzzle seen in the direction of the arrow II on Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings it will be seen that the puzzle comprises a structure in the form of an open-ended sleeve 10. As shown in the drawings the sleeve 10 is of square cross-section - though it will be appreciated that this sleeve can be folded to give other cross-sections including one where the structure is completely flat.

The structure has a fold-line 11 around its periphery mid-way between the upper and lower ends 12 and 13 of the sleeve 10.

There are eight futher equi-spaced fold-lines 14 extending axially of the sleeve 10 between its ends 12 and 13.

The fold-lines 11 and 14 divide the structure into sixteen sections 15 of square shape and each of these is divided by further fold lines 16 and 17 extending across its diagonals.

Circular apertures 18 are provided wherever two fold-lines cross - that is at the centres of the sections 15 and circular apertures 19 of greater diameter are provided wherever four fold-lines cross that is at the junctions between four sections 15.

The structure is conveniently made of sixty-four triangular plates 20 moulded or stamped from a somewhat rigid plastics material and enclosed between two transparent sheets of flexible plastics material to form a laminate.

The faces of the plates 20 on one side are differently coloured from their opposite faces.

The object is to manipulate the structure by a proper sequence of folds to turn the sleeve 'inside out', change readily recognised on account of the different coloured faces of the pieces 20.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof.

Thus, for example, the structure may be produced in a different way such as by making a one piece plastics moulding having lines of weakness therein.

Claims (6)

1. A puzzle comprising a structure consisting of a multiplicity of relatively rigid laminar pieces joined together along lines about which the structure may be folded, the arrangement being such that the structure may be manipulated from a first configuration to a second configuration by a proper sequence of folds.

2. A puzzle according to claim 1 wherein apertures are provided in the fold lines wherever two or more such lines cross.

3. A puzzle according to claim 2 wherein the size of the apertures increases with an increasing number of crossing fold lines.

4. A puzzle according to any preceding claim in the form of a sleeve having a first fold line around its periphery midway between its upper and lower ends, eight equi-spaced fold lines extending between said upper and lower ends all to define sixteen sections of square shape and further fold lines across the diagonals of each said section of square shape.

5. A puzzle according to any preceding claim wherein said pieces have distinctive colouring on their opposite faces.

6. A puzzle substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the figures of the accompanying drawing.