Abstract:
Animated puzzle toys are disclosed ranging from simple flat panels having floating eyeballs, to clamshell packaging puzzles for animated display, to eyeball puzzle boxes, to multi-size and multi-number eyeballs, to 3D puzzle pieces, to stackable 3D eyeball containers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of parent application Ser. No. 09/493,588 filed Jan. 28, 2000 which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,543 on Aug. 13, 2002. This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/117,841, filed Jan. 29, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to using known spherical toy balls, commonly known as “floating eyeballs,” Jet Balls™ or Glide Balls™ in a panel of a puzzle to create an amusing and entertaining three-dimensional display. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Known in the art are “floating eyeballs” comprised of an eyeball-decorated (i.e. pupil, iris, blood vessels, etc.) inner sphere encased and floating within a larger clear outer sphere. The inner and outer spheres are separated by a clear liquid. The eyeball-decorated inner sphere is weighted such that the pupil automatically rotates no matter which direction the sphere is rotated. It is not known to combine the floating eyeball with a puzzle panel, thereby forming an animated puzzle. The present invention creates a toy that in one embodiment creates a plurality of facial expressions by combining said panels and one or more pair of floating eyeballs. It is known in the art that any floating objects including belly buttons, other body parts, insects, compass needles, other amusing objects, and/or graphic designs would all be equivalent to the best mode depiction herein of floating eyeballs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an animated toy puzzle used for amusement. The puzzle is comprised of a panel with one or more spherical toy balls, commonly known as the above noted “floating eyeballs.” The puzzle can bear features resembling a human, insect, animal or other creature-like facial expression. The puzzle can bear facial features on both its front and back surfaces. The panel can be hingedly connected to a transparent cover to keep the pieces in the puzzle. The puzzle and floating eyeballs together make an entertaining three-dimensional character representation that can be controlled by the user to create an animated effect called “Eyeball Animation™.” “Eyeball Animation™” describes a visual effect in which the eyeball-decorated inner sphere moves about the clear plastic outer sphere in a manner similar to human-like eye movement. 
     The primary aspect of the present invention is to affix a floating eyeball to a puzzle so as to create a variety of entertaining and amusing facial expressions and scenes via the combination. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to allow the user to create additional entertaining and amusing scenes by shaking or tilting the puzzle causing the floating eyeballs to move in different directions thereby providing the artwork surrounding the “floating eyeballs” varied visual affects. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide plastic packaging for retail exposure as well as storage for the puzzle pieces, both assembled and unassembled. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to permit the user to create his own entertaining three dimensional representations by introducing a blank puzzle piece over and around the floating eyeballs affixed to the primary puzzle such that the user may draw, paint or otherwise place an image of his own creation on the blank puzzle piece(s). 
    
    
     Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an animated puzzle. 
     FIG. 2 is a side plan exploded view of a clamshell-type puzzle. 
     FIG. 3 is a side plan view of an alternate embodiment of a clamshell puzzle having rim locks. 
     FIG. 4 is another side plan view of the FIG. 3 embodiment assembled. 
     FIG. 5 is a side plan view of another clamshell embodiment having the upper and bottom halves hinged. 
     FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the FIG. 5 embodiment being closed. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another clamshell having trimable heat-sealed sides. 
     FIG. 8 is a side prospective view of a two-sided and/or poster embodiment puzzle. 
     FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a clamshell embodiment having a built-in stand. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the FIG. 9 embodiment. 
     FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the FIG. 9 embodiment. 
     FIG. 12 is a side plan view of a clamshell like the FIG. 9 embodiment, but having a top hinge. 
     FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the FIG. 9 embodiment. 
     FIG. 14 is a side plan view of an opened clamshell puzzle having a large base. 
     FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the FIG. 14 embodiment partially assembled. 
     FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the puzzle of FIG. 15 completed and being moved into the open clamshell. 
     FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a clamshell embodiment having a small base. 
     FIG. 18 is a side plan view of a clamshell embodiment having a storage compartment. 
     FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the FIG. 18 embodiment. 
     FIG. 20 is a side plan view of another version of a clamshell embodiment having a compartment. 
     FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the FIG. 20 embodiment. 
     FIG. 22 is a side plan view of another version of a clamshell embodiment with the compartment in the base. 
     FIG. 23 is an exploded side view of a snap-off face clamshell embodiment. 
     FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the face of the FIG. 23 embodiment. 
     FIG. 25 is a side plan view of the FIG. 24 embodiment of the face. 
     FIG. 26 is a front plan view of a puzzle having two different sized eyeballs. 
     FIG. 27 is a back side view of the FIG. 26 puzzle. 
     FIG. 28 is a front plan view of a worried or surprised character. 
     FIG. 29 is a front plan view of a suspicious or angry character. 
     FIG. 30 is a front plan view of a three-fourth profile character. 
     FIG. 31 is a front plan view of a side view character. 
     FIG. 32 is a front plan view of various sized floating eyeballs. 
     FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of floating eyeballs having special mounting features. 
     FIG. 34 is a front plan view of a four-eyeball puzzle. 
     FIG. 35 is a side plan view of a  3 D puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of a multi-baseplate embodiment for a multi-puzzle toy. 
     FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of a cup-style clamshell. 
     FIG. 38 is a side plan view of a folding box embodiment. 
     FIG. 39 is a side plan view of the FIG. 38 embodiment opened. 
     FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of the FIG. 39 embodiment partially assembled. 
     FIG. 41 is a side plan view of a locking system for a floating eyeball. 
     FIG. 42 is a side plan sectional view of a reversible bottom box member puzzle. 
     FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the FIG. 42 embodiment assembled. 
     FIG. 44 is an exploded view of a palet-type puzzle and box. 
     FIG. 45 is an exploded view of a large piece puzzle embodiment having the floating eyeballs attached to the puzzle pieces. 
     FIG. 46 is a top perspective view of a puzzle piece of FIG.  45 . 
     FIG. 47 is a side plan view of the puzzle piece of FIG.  46 . 
     FIG. 48 is an exploded view of a glued eyeball-to-puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 49 is an exploded view of a screwed eyeball-to-puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 50 is an exploded view of a  3 D glued eyeball-to-puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 51 is an exploded view of a pressure-fitting eyeball-to-puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 52 is an exploded view of a  3 D puzzle piece with a snap-on eyeball. 
     FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of  3 D puzzle pieces. 
     FIG. 54 is an exploded view of a plug-type puzzle piece. 
     FIG. 55 is a top perspective view of an eyeball container. 
     FIG. 56 is a side plan view of stackable eyeball containers. 
     FIG. 57 is an exploded view of a simple puzzle/box embodiment. 
     FIG. 58 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  57 . 
    
    
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following pages provide many Eyeball Animation™ puzzle ideas and concepts. As it would be impractical to list every variation or possibility, only a limited number of possible concepts are documented herein. There are included, however, a range of options; from premium designs to the very simple, from expensive manufacturing costs to relatively inexpensive, from young age appeal to adult. 
     Referring first to FIG. 1 a puzzle  1  is comprised of a panel  2  having puzzle pieces  3  which are graphically coordinated to make an image in this case of a man  8 . Limitless possibilities exist for the choice of the puzzle&#39;s image. However, in the present preferred embodiment shown, the panel  2  has holes  4 ,  5  which support floating eyeballs  6 ,  7 , the floating eyeballs being graphically coordinated with the puzzle&#39;s image. In this puzzle, floating eyeball  6  is larger than floating eyeball  7  which helps create a  3 D profile look. The user can tilt and shake the panel  2  to create an animated toy puzzle  1 . An optional ridge  9  may be used to secure the puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces around the floating eyeballs form appropriate holes to enable the floating eyeballs  6 ,  7  to protrude therethrough. 
     Referring next to FIG. 2 a clamshell puzzle  20  is shown. Upper clamshell half  21  has a cup  23  which houses the floating eyeball  25 . When the lower clamshell half  22  is assembled against the upper clamshell half  21 , the cup  24  locks the floating eyeball between cups  23 ,  24 . The puzzle pieces  26  have holes aligned with the floating eyeball  25  so they lie flat between halves  21 ,  22 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 3,  4  a modified clamshell puzzle  30  has halves  31 ,  32 . Rim locks  33 ,  34  and  35 ,  36  allow the halves  31 ,  32  to snap together and apart. In the art, the term “tab lock” is used. interchangeably with “rim lock”. The floating eyeball  37  and puzzle pieces  38  are locked between halves  31 ,  32 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 5,  6 ,  7  the clamshell halves  51  (upper),  52  (lower) of puzzle  50  form a hinge  53 . The puzzle can be made from clear plastic vacuum formed or injection molded. The halves  51 ,  52  can reverse upon themselves as shown by arrows  54 . In FIG. 5 the upper half  51  has rotated 360 degrees, locking onto the back of what was the lower half  52 , thereby forming a platform for the puzzler  55 . In FIG. 6 the pieces  56  are assembled and along with floating eyeball  57  are locked between halves  51 ,  52  when the halves are snapped together as indicated by arrows  58  using rim locks  62 ,  63 . FIG. 7 shows the retail package  59  of the puzzle  50  which may include trimable heat seals  60 ,  61 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 8 a clamshell puzzle  80  has an upper half  81 , a lower half  82 , and a hinge  83 . The floating eyeballs  84 ,  85  are supported between the halves  81 ,  82 . The puzzle  87  may be one-sided only, side A or two-sided, sides A,B. If the puzzle  87  is one-sided, then a poster  86  (showing the completed puzzle or perhaps showing an advertisement can be inserted between halves  81 ,  82 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 9,  10  and  13  a standing clamshell puzzle  90  has an integral base  91  which supports halves  92 ,  93 , floating eyeball  94 , and puzzle  95 . An advertising insert  96  can fit in the base  91  of the puzzle  90 . Hinges  97 ,  98  at the bottom of halves  92 ,  93  form the base  91 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 11 a standing clamshell puzzle  110  is hinged at the bottom at  111 . The pedestal base  112  is designed as small as possible so that the pedestal  112  will not impede puzzle assembly when the puzzle  110  is laid on its side. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 12,  14  a standing clamshell puzzle  120  has an upper hinge  119 , a base  121  and halves  113 ,  114 . The halves  113 ,  114  sandwich the puzzle pieces  115  and floating eyeballs  116 . The width d 1  of base  121  is relatively small so that the puzzler&#39;s working surface S lies relatively flat as shown in FIG.  14 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 15,  16  a standup clamshell is puzzle  150  has a base  151  having a relatively large width d 2 . In this case, a puzzler may complete the puzzle  152  on a flat surface as shown in FIG.  15 . The poster  153  is used as a tool to lift the puzzle off the surface as shown by arrows  154 ,  155 . The puzzler slides the poster  153  under the finished puzzle and carefully transports the puzzle into the stand  159  when its in the open position. The floating eyeballs  158  are placed into their respective holes before closing the stand  159 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 17 the standing clamshell puzzle  170  has a base  171  which has a relatively small width d 3 , thereby allowing puzzler&#39;s work surface S 1  to lie relatively flat as shown. Arrows  172  indicates the open-to-play position of the puzzle  170 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 18 a puzzle  180  is shown to be of a clamshell design, fit as shown for retail display. A compartment  181  is formed by halves  182 ,  183 . Puzzle pieces  184  are housed in the compartment  181 . A poster  185  can include retail signage as shown. 
     In FIG. 20 the compartment  201  of puzzle  200  is formed by halves  202 ,  203 . Halves  202 ,  203  are hinged at  204 ,  205  to form a base  206 . FIG. 21 shows how the puzzle  200  may contain a retail poster  207 . 
     In FIG. 22 the hinge  221  of puzzle  220  is at the top of the clamshell package. There may be a poster  222  as well as the floating eyeballs  223  between the halves  224 ,  225 . The puzzle pieces  227  are housed in the compartment  226 , formed in the base  228 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 23,  24 ,  25  a “face-off design” of a standing clamshell puzzle  230  is shown. The face  231  snaps off half  232 . The floating eyeball  233  is supported is between half  234  and face  231 . The puzzle pieces  235  are assembled on the face  231  around the floating eyeballs  233 . 
     FIG. 25 shows how the face  231  acts as a natural easel. 
     FIGS. 26-32 show how different-sized eyeballs can be used to create interesting and fun graphics. FIG. 26 shows the front side of a dog puzzle AA having one large eyeball  260  and one small eyeball  261 . The rear side BB of the puzzle has a fish figure. FIG. 28 shows a worried/surprised man  280 . FIG. 29 shows a suspicious/angry man  290 . FIG. 30 shows a profile perspective look of man  300 . FIG. 31 shows a side view profile with perspective look of man  310 . FIG. 32 shows large floating eyeball  260 , medium  2611 , and small  261 . In FIG. 33 is shown more complex and expensive to produce floating eyeballs  330 ,  322  having a mounting ring  331  and mounting plug  333  respectively. Utilizing vacuum-forming or injection-molded plastic allows for the different size eyeballs to be designed into the clamshell halves less expensively rather than using special floating eyeballs like those shown in FIG.  33 . 
     FIGS. 34,  35 , and  36  show how multiple sets of floating eyeballs can be incorporated into a single puzzle plastic mold  360 . Mold inserts  361  (two eyes, equal size),  362  (two eyes, different size),  363  (two small eyes), and  364  (two sets of small eyes) all-interchangeably fit into mold cavity  365 . 
     FIGS. 34,  35  show how two sets of eyes can be used in animated puzzle  340 . Also, a 3D eyebrow piece  341  is shown to enhance the visual effect. 
     Referring next to FIG. 37 a clamshell puzzle  375  has halves  373 ,  370 . Half  370  has cups  371  while half  373  only has holes  372  for the mounting of floating eyeballs (not shown). This option may be favorable when considering interchangeable mold inserts because only the cutting die would change to cut different-sized holes  372  versus interchanging the inserts found on both sides of a vacuum mold. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 38-44 shows a series of interactive puzzle packaging embodiments using molded clear plastic packaging. Features include: 
     Interactive Packaging 
     Consumers/puzzlers are able to wiggle and jiggle the eyeballs both on the shelf and after building the puzzle. 
     Great Shelf Appeal 
     One can clearly envision how this packaging would stand apart from all others. 
     Numerous Design Options 
     As the preceding notes demonstrate, the designs/options/versions/cosmetics are limited only to the imagination. 
     Product Line Extension 
     An entertaining, ever changing mix of product may be developed, helping to keep Eyeball Animation™ puzzles fresh on store shelves. 
     Options for all age Groups 
     All shapes, sizes and corresponding age levels may be accommodated. 
     One thing common to all versions of the clear plastic design is that the “packaging” is part of the product; it is as much a part of the puzzle as are the individual puzzle pieces. It is the frame that holds all of the pieces together, the showcase. The consumer must know this before “ripping” open the package, possibly being required to trim off certain heat-sealed areas, leaving behind a nice looking frame. 
     In FIG. 38 a clamshell box  380  has halves  381 ,  382  hinged at  383 . Arrows  384  show how the box  380  is closed and can be shrink-wrapped to allow consumers to “test the product” by shaking the box before purchase. The floating eyeball  385  will dance around any graphics on box surface T. 
     FIG. 39 shows the box  380  opened for use by the puzzler to build around the eyes  385 . When the box  380  is opened, the gutter area GA is pinched together tightly for a smooth working surface S 3 . FIG. 40 shows the box  380  during play with puzzle pieces  386  on smooth surface S 10 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 41 an apparatus to lock a floating eyeball  410  to a box  411  or equivalent structure like a board of a game is shown. The box  411  has box cover  412  and interlocking box bottom  413 . Members  412 ,  413  are flexible. A hole  417  exists in box top  412 . Width d 4  is a narrow three-quarters inch. A ring  414  snaps into the hole  417  with a locking overlap at  415 ,  416  under surface S 10 . The bottom  421  of floating eyeball  410  contacts (or almost contacts) the box bottom  413  at  420 . Puzzle pieces  418  are placed around the eyeball  410  or stored inside the box  411 . The consumer is unable to pull the eyeball out or push the eyeball further into the box while the box  411  is closed on a retail shelf so long as the box  411  is secured closed by a known manner not shown such as taped shut. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 42,  43  a common everyday box  420  has floating eyeballs  421  glued or otherwise secured to box top  422 . The box bottom  423  is flipped over and aligned with the box top  422  in FIG. 43 to provide a working surface S 8  for the puzzler using puzzle pieces  418 . 
     Referring next to FIG. 44 box  440  is preferably the type shown in FIG. 41 having removable floating eyeballs  410 . The puzzle pieces  418  are stored inside the box  440  which has a bottom portion  446 . A die-cut foldout board  444  is also stored in the box  440 . The board is hinged at  445 . The puzzler can either finish the puzzle on the open board  444  as shown and then pick up the board  444  to place on the box top  441 , or take out the eyeballs  410  and place them into the holes  443  of the board  444 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 45-54 a variety of large  3 D puzzle pieces are shown. The large piece puzzle  450  has a backboard  451  with holes  452  to accommodate mounting plugs  458 ,  459  of floating eyeballs  456 ,  457  respectively; Puzzle pieces  453  are conventional. However, pieces  454 ,  455  have holes  498 ,  499  to accommodate mounting plugs  458 ,  459  respectively. The puzzle piece and eyeball become one. A simple and fashionable display is provided at low cost. Alternately, the plugs  458 ,  459  may be made smooth so that the holes  452  would not be necessary. 
     In FIG. 48 a piece . 480  has a floating eyeball (or a rubber painted eyeball)  481  glued on at G. In FIG. 49 a piece  490  has a hole  494  through which bolt  493  threads into collar  492  of eyeball  491 . 
     FIG. 50 shows piece  500  using a traditional spherical floating eyeball  503 . A cup  501  is formed, and glue G holds the eyeball  503  in place. Optional  3 D features  502  may be included. 
     In FIG. 51 a piece  510  has a hole  511  with a groove  512  to receive a snap ring  513  on eyeball  514 . 
     In FIG. 52 a piece  520  has a molded  3 D eyelid  521 . A plug  524  secures the eyeball  522  via hole  523 . 
     In FIG. 53 other 3D features are shown in pieces  530 ,  531 ,  532 . Said features are preferably molded in plastic, whereas the rest of the puzzle is made of cardboard. The pieces  530 ,  531 ,  532  coordinate with the floating (or painted) eyeball  522 . 
     In FIG. 54 a flat piece  540  has a plastic plug  541  which is received by hole  543  of eyeball  542  wherein piece  540  is made of cardboard. 
     FIGS.  55 , 56  show stackable containers  550 . The base has a recess  553  to accommodate floating (or painted) eyeballs  552  which are secured to the container top  551 . The container can be any shape from round to square. The eyeballs may snap in or be glued. 
     In FIGS.  57 , 58  a simple puzzle/box embodiment  570  has a traditional box bottom  576  that holds puzzle pieces  577 . The puzzle pieces may have a puzzle on each side, or be just a one sided puzzle. 
     A box liner/puzzle board  573  has holes  574 , 575  in which the spherical toy balls  572  are mounted. The box top  571  has matching holes  574 T,  575 T from which the balls  572  protrude when the box is closed as shown in FIG.  58 . The picture of the puzzle (maybe a dinosaur) can be displayed on the cover  571   c  with the balls (maybe floating eyeballs) coordinated with both the cover display and the completed puzzle on the board  573 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.