Wisdom ring puzzle

A wisdom ring puzzle includes a base, a three-dimensional structure including a columnar structure and a first structure having an arched structure or an annular structure, and a member having an annular structure. The columnar structure has a first connection member and a first annular member. The columnar structure and the first structure are provided to face each other in a side view. The first connection member passes through the first structure and has one end connected to the columnar structure and another end to the first annular member. The columnar structure and the first structure is included inside a ring of the first annular member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application 2019-078518, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a wisdom ring puzzle having a three-dimensional structure and using a ring-shaped string.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, as typified by a Chinese ring, a disentanglement puzzle configured of a plurality of posts each formed of a rod with a closed ring at one end and a closed ring-shaped string has been known. Also in recent years, by taking a Chinese ring as a prototype, a disentanglement puzzle has been suggested in which a closed ring made of a rigid material and a rod made of a rigid material having one end connected to this ring are taken as one post, the disentanglement puzzle including a plurality of said posts each having the rod of any other post passing through the inner side of the ring of each post and each having the other end of the rod mutually connected to the other ends, and a closed ring-shaped string made of a soft material, in which disentanglement is performed by removing the string hung on the rod of any post (Japanese Patent No. 6112956). Also, as a toy similar to the Chinese ring, a ring-moving toy has been known in which a ring fitting in one post is moved as fitting in the other post (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H02-283392).

SUMMARY

A wisdom ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a three-dimensional structure including a columnar structure and a first structure having an arched structure or an annular structure, and a member having an annular structure, wherein the columnar structure has a first connection member and a first annular member, the columnar structure and the first structure are provided to face each other in a side view, the first connection member passes through the first structure and has one end connected to the columnar structure and another end to the first annular member, and the columnar structure and the first structure is provided inside a ring of the first annular member.

The wisdom ring puzzle according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a second structure having an arched structure or an annular structure, a second connection member, and a second annular member, wherein the columnar structure may have the second connection member and the second annular member, the second connection member may pass through the second structure and may have one end connected to the columnar structure and another end connected to the second annular member, the columnar structure and the second structure may be provided inside a ring of the second annular member, and the second connection member may have a height from the base lower than a height of the first connection member from the base.

The first annular member may be swingably provided to the other end of the first connection member.

The second annular member may be swingably provided to the other end of the second connection member.

The first structure or the second structure may be an arched structure provided by bending one member or an oval structure including an oval member.

The first annular member may have a chain-link ring configured of two or more connection annular members, one of the connection annular members may be provided to the other end of the first connection member, the first structure may be provided inside a ring of one of the connection annular members, and the columnar structure may be provided inside a ring of another one of the connection annular members.

The second annular member may have a chain-link ring configured of two or more connection annular members, one of the connection annular members may be provided to the other end of the second connection member, the second structure may be provided inside a ring of one of the connection annular members, and the columnar structure may be provided inside a ring of another one of the connection annular members.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings and so forth. The invention can be implemented in many different modes, and is not construed as being limited to description details of the embodiments exemplarily described below. Also, the drawings, for the purpose of further clarifying the description, the width, thickness, shape, and others of each part may be schematically represented compared with actual modes. However, this is merely an example, and is not meant to construe the present invention in a limited manner. Furthermore, in the specification and each drawing, a component similar to one described in relation to an already-described drawing is provided with the same reference character or an alphabet such as A or B and detailed description may be omitted as appropriate. A character “first” or “second” annexed to a component is an index for convenience to be used to distinguish each component and does not mean more unless otherwise specified.

In the specification and a drawing, “left” or “left side” means “left” or “left side” with respect to the sheet of the drawing, and “right” or “right side” means “right” or “right side” with respect to the sheet of the drawing. Also, “above” or “upper side” means “above” or “upper side” with respect to the sheet of the drawing, and “below” or “lower side” means “below” or “lower side” with respect to the sheet of the drawing. Therefore, it is evident that by freely changing a direction in which an object shown in the drawing is viewed, the relation among above, below, left, right, and so forth is freely changed in accordance with the direction in which an object is viewed, and this does not make the present invention construed in a limited manner.

The conventional disentanglement puzzle configured of a member having coupled rings and an elongated ring member or the conventional ring-moving toy in which a ring fitting in one post is moved as fitting in the other post, their solution is burdensome and can also be a repetition of simple mechanical operations. Thus, it is difficult to continuously providing interest and enthusiasm for solving the disentanglement puzzle or the ring-moving toy. Therefore, this disentanglement puzzle or ring-moving toy is not generally widespread.

The present invention is to provide a wisdom ring puzzle capable of continuously providing interest and enthusiasm.

1. First Embodiment

1-1. Structure of Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

FIG. 1Ais a diagram describing the structure of a wisdom ring puzzle100in a first embodiment of the present invention. In the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention, an annular string90(member having an annular structure) having an appropriate length is put into or put out from a first structure50provided so as to face (be parallel to) a first annular member30and a post10connected to tips of a first connection member40. Also, the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention can be enjoyed by entwining the string90at the bottom (base bottom) of the post10(columnar structure) or removing the string90entwined at the bottom of the post10. In the specification, entwining the string90around the wisdom ring puzzle100is referred to as an operation on the wisdom ring puzzle100, and removing the string90entwined around the wisdom ring puzzle100is referred to as a solution of the wisdom ring puzzle100.

The wisdom ring puzzle100has the post10, a base20, the first annular member30, the first connection member40, the first structure50, and the string90. As a material configuring the post10, the base20, the first annular member30, the first connection member40, and the first structure50, a material not easily deformed is adopted, such as plastic, wood, or metal. As a material configuring the string90, an easily-bendable material is used, such as a rubber-like member or a fibrous member. In the specification and so forth, for example, the material configuring the post10, the base20, the first annular member30, the first connection member40, and the first structure50is a metal and the material configuring the string90is a fibrous member.

The post10is provided substantially at the center of the base20. For example, one end of the post10is inserted into a hole provided substantially at the center of the base20.

The first structure50is provided on the base20so as to face the post10. For example, the first structure50is inserted into a hole provided at a position on the base20where the first structure50faces the post10. The first structure50has a hollow part. The hollow part may take a substantially circular shape, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape. The first structure50may have any annular shape allowing the string or the connection member to pass therethrough. Also, the first structure50may be an arched structure with one rod-shaped member bent in an arched shape. As shown inFIG. 1A, the first structure50is configured of, for example, a member with an annular structure50A and a rod-shaped structure50B connected together.

The first annular member30is an annular member. As shown inFIG. 1A, the first annular member30has, for example, a substantially circular shape. The first annular member30may have an oval shape, an elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape. The first annular member30can implement solutions of the wisdom ring puzzle described in the specification and so forth, and may have any annular shape.

The first connection member40passes through the annular structure50A, and has one end40A connected to the first annular member30and the other end40B connected to the post10. Since the first annular member30and the first connection member40are connected to the post10, it can be said, in other words, that the post10has the first annular member30and the first connection member40. Also, the post10and the first structure50are provided inside the ring of the first annular member30.

The base20is provided to stably fix a three-dimensional structure having the post10and an arched structure or annular structure. The three-dimensional structure is the first structure50, a second structure80, which will be described further below, or the like. As shown inFIG. 1A, for example, the base20is made of a plate-shaped member having a circular shape, but is not limited to this example. The base20may have a quadrangular shape or a polygonal shape. The base20may have any structure capable of stably fixing the post10and the three-dimensional structure. The post10and the base20may be integrally formed. With the post10and the base20integrally formed, cost of manufacturing the wisdom ring puzzle can be reduced.

The post10, the first structure50, and the second structure80may be fixed or attachable to and detachable from the base20. In one wisdom ring puzzle100, when the post10, the first structure50, and the second structure80are attachable to and detachable from the base20, a user can freely change a combination of the post10, the first structure50, and the second structure80.

Therefore, the user can enjoy puzzles of various combinations.

1-2. First Operation of Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

A first operation of the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention is described by usingFIG. 2AtoFIG. 2E. Description of a structure identical or similar to that ofFIG. 1Amay be omitted.

Here, the first operation of entwining the string90at the bottom of the post10is described. In the specification and so forth, for description of operations and solutions of the wisdom ring puzzle100, as shown inFIG. 1A, it is assumed that, with the string90first passing through the first annular member30, the first connection member40and the first structure50are on a right side of the post10. It is also assumed that a tip of the string90passes through the first annular member30along the post10from below to above and is then caused to go to a left side of the post10. Furthermore, a space between the first structure50and the post10may be referred to as the inside of the first structure50and a space on a right side of the first structure50may be referred to as outside or a right-side space.

First, the state is such that the string90is removed from each member provided to the base20. As shown inFIG. 2A, the tip of the string90is put from a left side of the post10and below the first annular member30. Next, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 2A, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10to be positioned on a right side between the post10and the first annular member30. A series of operation described by usingFIG. 2Ais referred to as step201.

Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 2B, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure50A to go along the first connection member40from the other end40B to the one end40A. Then, as shown inFIG. 2Bthe tip of the string90is caused to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50(step202).

Next, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 2C, the tip of the string90is caused to go from the right side of the first structure50over the first structure50and further over the post10to be positioned on a left side of the post10(step203). Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 2D, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from above to below the first annular member30(step204).

Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow b ofFIG. 2Dand an arrow a of FIG.2E, the tip of the string90is moved so as to pass the left side of the first structure50to go over the post10and the first structure50. Then, as shown inFIG. 2E, the string90is caused to be positioned in the right-side space of the first structure50(step205). By the operation up to step205, the string90entwined around the first structure50is moved from above to below the first connection member40.

Lastly, as indicated by an arrow b ofFIG. 2E, a tip opposite to the above-described tip of the string90is pulled to pass below the annular structure50A. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to be entwined at the bottom of the post10(step206).

1-3. First Solution of Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

A first solution of the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention is described.

In the first solution, the operations from step201to step206described by usingFIG. 2AtoFIG. 2Eare performed in reverse from step206to step201, thereby allowing the string entwined at the bottom of the post10to be removed from the post10. In the following, a brief description is given. The tip of the string90is moved to pass below the first connection member40through a lower part of the annular structure50A of the first structure50. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the first annular member30and the post10to be positioned on the left side of the post10. Next, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the left side of the first annular member30. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50(on the one end40A side of the first connection member40). Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B to go over the post10. This causes the string90to become in the state shown inFIG. 2A. By pulling the opposite side of the tip of the string90, the string90can be removed from each member provided to the base20.

1-4. Second Operation of Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

A second operation of the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention is described by usingFIG. 3AtoFIG. 3D. Description of a structure identical or similar to that ofFIG. 1AandFIG. 2AtoFIG. 2Emay be omitted.

First, from the state in which the string90is removed from each member provided to the base20, as shown inFIG. 3A, the tip of the string90is moved to pass below the first connection member40through the lower part of the annular structure50A of the first structure50(step301).

Subsequently, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 3A, the tip of the string90is moved from the right side of the first structure50and the outside the first annular member30to go over the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to the left side of the post10and the left side (outside) of the first annular member30to become a state shown inFIG. 3B(step302).

Next, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 3B, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30(step303). Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 3C, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to become a state of being positioned on the right side of the first structure50(step304).

Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 3D, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure50A to go along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B. Then, as shown inFIG. 3D, the tip of the string90is caused to be positioned between the post10and the first structure50(step305).

Furthermore, as indicated by arrows b and c ofFIG. 3D, from the state of being positioned between the post10and the first structure50, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the post10to go along the post10from below to above the first annular member30, thereby being entwined at the bottom of the post10(step306).

1-5. Second Solution to Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

A second solution of the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention is described.

In the second solution, the operations from step301to step306described by usingFIG. 3AtoFIG. 3Dare performed in reverse from step306to step301, thereby allowing the string entwined at the bottom of the post10to be removed from the post10. In the following, a brief description is given. The tip of the string90is moved from below to above the left side of the first annular member30. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10to be positioned between the post10and the first structure50. Next, the tip of the string90is moved along the first connection member40from the other end40B to the one end40A to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the first structure50and the post10to go along the post10from above to below the first annular member30. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50from outside (left side of) the first annular member30to become in the state shown inFIG. 3A. By pulling the opposite side of the tip of the string90, the string90can be removed from each member provided to the base20.

1-6. Modification Example of Wisdom Ring Puzzle100

In the specification and so forth, the first annular member30may be swingably provided to the one end40A of the first connection member40. For example, the first connection member40is formed of a wire, and the one end40A of the first connection member40is formed to have a ring shape. With the first annular member30surrounded by the ring-shaped portion at the one end40A of the first connection member40so as not be detachable, the first annular member30can be swingably provided to the one end40A of the first connection member40.

In the specification and so forth, the example is described in which the first annular member30includes the post10and the first structure50inside the ring of the first annular member30. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The first annular member30may not include the post10inside the ring of the first annular member30. For example, the first annular member30has a chain-link ring configured of two or more connected annular members. When the first annular member30has a chain-link ring, of two or more connected annular members configuring the chain-link ring, the post10is provided inside the ring of any one of the annular members, and the first structure50is provided inside the ring of any one of the annular members configuring the chain-link ring positioned oppositely to the post10(on a first structure50side) with respect to the annular member including the post10. That is, the wisdom ring puzzle100can include a structure having an annular member not including the post10inside its ring.

In the specification and so forth, the example is described in which the first connection member40is connected to the post10as passing through the inside of the first structure50. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The first connection member40may not pass through the inside of the first structure50. For example, the first connection member40does not pass through the inside of the first structure50but is provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the first structure50is provided.

In the specification and so forth, a connection member A that is different from the first connection member40and an annular member A that is different from the first annular member30may be provided. For example, the connection member A may have one end connected to the annular member A and the other end connected to the post10, and the connection member A may not pass through the inside of the first structure50but may be provided so as to include the first structure50inside. For example, the connection member A and the annular member A are provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the first connection member40is provided and at a position of the post10higher than the height of the first connection member40from the base20. Alternatively, for example, the connection member A and the annular member A are provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the first connection member40is provided and at a position of the post10lower than the height of the first connection member40from the base20.

As described above, since the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure not in conventional disentanglement puzzles, operations and solutions different from those of the conventional disentanglement puzzles are necessary, and the user can continuously maintain interest and enthusiasm for the wisdom ring puzzle.

Also, since the wisdom ring puzzle100in the first embodiment of the present invention can have any of various structures as described above, operations and solutions different from those of the conventional disentanglement puzzles are necessary, and the user can continuously maintain interest and enthusiasm for the wisdom ring puzzle.

2. Second Embodiment

2-1. Structure of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

FIG. 1Bis a diagram describing the structure of a wisdom ring puzzle200in a second embodiment of the present invention. The wisdom ring puzzle200in a second embodiment of the present invention has a structure further including, in addition to the structure of the first embodiment, the second structure80, a second connection member70, and a second annular member60. In the description of the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention, description of a structure similar to the structure of the first embodiment is omitted, and the second structure80, the second connection member70, and the second annular member60are mainly described. Description of a structure identical or similar to that ofFIG. 1A,FIG. 2AtoFIG. 2E, andFIG. 3AtoFIG. 3Dmay be omitted.

In the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention, the annular string90having an appropriate length is put into or put out from the first structure50provided so as to face the first annular member30and the post10connected to the tips of the first connection member40and the second structure80provided so as to face the second annular member60connected to one tip70A of the second connection member70and the post10. Also, the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention can be enjoyed by entwining the string90at the bottom of the post10or removing the string90entwined at the bottom of the post10.

The second structure80is attachably and detachably provided on the base20so as to face the post10. For example, as with the first structure50, the second structure80is inserted into a hole provided at a position on the base20where the second structure80faces the post10. The second structure80can take a structure and form similar to that of the first structure50. As shown inFIG. 1B, the second structure80is configured of, for example, a member with an annular structure80A and a rod-shaped structure80B connected together.

The second annular member60is an annular member. As shown inFIG. 1B, the second annular member60has, for example, a substantially circular shape. The second annular member60can take a structure and form similar to that of the first annular member30.

The second connection member70passes through the annular structure80A, and has one end70A connected to the second annular member60and the other end70B connected to the post10. Since the second annular member60and the second connection member70are connected to the post10, it can be said, in other words, that the post10has the second annular member60and the second connection member70. Also, the post10and the second structure80are provided inside the ring of the second annular member60.

In the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention, the height of the second connection member70from the base20is lower than the height of the first connection member40from the base20. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, in the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention, the height of the second connection member70from the base20may be higher than the height of the first connection member40from the base20. In the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is only required that the height of the second connection member70from the base20and the height of the first connection member40from the base20have a difference. By this difference, a space can be provided between the second annular member60and the first annular member30, thereby allowing the string90to be moved smoothly.

2-2. First Operation of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

A first operation of the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention is described by usingFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4IandFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5D. Description of a structure identical or similar to that ofFIG. 1A,FIG. 2AtoFIG. 2E, andFIG. 3AtoFIG. 3Dmay be omitted.

Here, the first operation of entwining the string90at the bottom of the post10is described. In the specification and so forth, for description of operations and solutions of the wisdom ring puzzle200, as shown inFIG. 1B, it is assumed that the first connection member40and the first structure50are on the right side of the post10and the second connection member70and the second structure80are on the left side of the post10. Also, a space between the post10, and the first structure50and the second structure80may be referred to as an inner space, and a space around the first structure50and the second structure80may be referred to as outside. Furthermore, the outside may be referred to as a right-side space or left-side space.

First, from the state in which the string90is removed from each member provided to the base20, as shown inFIG. 1B, the string90passes through the second annular member60from below to above. Subsequently, the string90passes through the annular structure50A of the first structure50lower than the first connection member40. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50and outside the first annular member30, that is, on the right side and outside of the first structure50(step401).

Next, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 4A, the tip of the string90is moved from the right side of the first structure50and outside the first annular member30to go over the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to come above the second annular member60between the post10and the second structure80to cause a state shown inFIG. 4B(step402).

Next, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 4B, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30(step403). Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow b ofFIG. 4B, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50(step404).

Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 4C, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure50A to go along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B to be positioned between the post10and the first structure50(step405).

Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 4D, from the state of being positioned between the post10and the first structure50, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the post10to go along the post10from above to below the first annular member30(step406). By the operations so far, the tip of the string90is entwined at a portion where a portion above the other end70B of the second connection member70and the post10cross.

Next, as indicated by an arrow b ofFIG. 4D, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure80A to go along the second connection member70from the other end70B to the one end70A. Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow c ofFIG. 4D, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the second structure80from the left side of the second structure80. Then, as shown inFIG. 4E, the tip of the string90is positioned between the post10and the second structure80and above the other end70B of the second connection member70(step407).

Next, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 4E, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30(step408). Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow a ofFIG. 4F, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the post10and pass through the inside of the annular structure50A along the first connection member40from the other end40B to the one end40A. Then, the tip of the string90is positioned on the right side of the first structure50as shown inFIG. 4F(step409).

Next, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 4G, the tip of the string90is moved from the right side of the first structure50to go over the first structure50and the post10and then go between the post10and the first annular member30from above to below. Then, the tip of the string90is positioned on the left side of the post10(step410). The state shown inFIG. 4Gis also a state in which the tip of the string90is positioned between the second structure80and the post10and above the other end70B of the second connection member70.

Furthermore, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 4H, from the state of being positioned above the other end70B of the second connection member70, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the post10and the first structure50. Then, the tip of the string90is positioned in the right-side space of the first structure50(step411). Here, by pulling the other end opposite to the tip of the string90(a portion on the left side of the string90entwined at the second structure80), the tip of the string90is pulled to a position near the post10(step412).

Subsequently, the tip of the string90passes through the second annular member60from above to below. Then, the tip of the string90passes below the first connection member40and below the annular structure50A of the first structure50to become in a state shown inFIG. 4I(step413). Furthermore, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 4I, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to be moved at a position shown inFIG. 5A(step414). The state shown inFIG. 5Ais also a state in which the tip of the string90is positioned between the second structure80and the post10and above the second connection member70.

Next, from the state shown inFIG. 5A, as shown inFIG. 5B, the tip of the string90is caused to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50. Specifically, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 5B, the tip of the string90passes through the first annular member30along the post10from below to above. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to be positioned on the right side of the first structure50(step415). Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow c ofFIG. 5B, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure50A and go along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to be positioned between the post10and the first structure50(step416).

Next, as indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 5C, from the state of being positioned between the post10and the first structure50, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the post10to go along the post10from above to below the first annular member30(step417). By the operations so far, the tip of the string90is entwined at a portion where a portion above the other end70B of the second connection member70and the post10cross.

Next, as indicated by an arrow c ofFIG. 5C, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the second structure80to be positioned on the left side of the second structure80as shown inFIG. 5D(step418).

Lastly, as indicated by an arrow b ofFIG. 5D, by pulling the tip of the string90the end opposite to the tip of the string90, the tip of the string90passes below the annular structure50A. Then, the tip of the string90is entwined at the bottom of the post10(step419).

2-3. First Solution of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

A first solution of the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention is described.

In the first solution, the operations from step401to step419described by usingFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4IandFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5Dare performed in reverse from step419to step401, thereby allowing the string entwined at the bottom of the post10to be removed from the post10. In the following, a brief description is given.

The tip of the string90passes below the second connection member70and below the annular structure80A of the second structure80outward from a side where the post10is arranged. Then, the tip of the string90is moved to the outer space on the left side of the second structure80. Next, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the second annular member60and the second structure80to be moved above the other end70B of the second connection member70between the second structure80and the post10.

Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30to go over the post10. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is moved to pass through the inside of the annular structure50A to go along the first connection member40from the other end40B to the one end40A. Then, the tip of the string90is moved to the outside space on the right side of the first structure50. Next, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the first structure50and the post10from the right side of the first structure50. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved from above to below between the post10and the first annular member30. Then, the tip of the string90is moved between the second structure80and the post10.

Still further, from the state of being positioned above the other end70B of the second connection member70, the tip of the string90is moved from the left side of the second structure80and outside the second annular member60to go over the post10and the first structure50. Then, the tip of the string90is moved to the right-side space of the first structure50. Here, by pulling the other end opposite to the tip of the string90, the tip of the string90is pulled to a position near the post10. Subsequently, the tip of the string90passes through the second annular member60from below to above. Subsequently, the tip of the string90passes below the first connection member40and below the annular structure50A of the first structure50. Here, the tip of the string90is moved to the right-side space of the annular structure50A again. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to be moved between the second structure80and the post10(above the other end70B of the second connection member70).

The tip of the string90passes through the first annular member30from below to above along the post10. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to be moved to the right side of the first structure50. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved to go through the inside of the annular structure50A to go along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10and to be moved along the post10from above to below the first annular member30. Here, the string90is away from the first annular member30. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the second structure80to be moved to the left side of the second structure80. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved inside the annular structure80A of the second structure80to go along the second connection member70from the one end70A toward the other end70B. By the operations so far, the tip of the string90is entwined at a portion where a portion above the other end70B of the second connection member70and the post10cross.

Next, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30. Then, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10to be moved to pass through the inside of the first structure50to go from the other end40B to the one end40A of the first connection member40. In this manner, the tip of the string90is moved to the right-side space on the right side of the first structure50. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the first structure50and the post10to be moved between the first annular member30and the post10from above to below.

Lastly, the tip of the string90passes between the second structure80and the first annular member30to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the post10, and the first structure50to be moved to the right-side space of the first structure50. Then, by pulling the end opposite to the tip of the string90, the tip of the string90can be removed from each member provided to the base20.

2-4. Second Operation of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

A second operation of the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention is described by usingFIG. 6AtoFIG. 6I. Description of a structure identical or similar to that ofFIG. 1A,FIG. 2AtoFIG. 2E,FIG. 3AtoFIG. 3D,FIG. 4AtoFIG. 4I, andFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5Dmay be omitted.

First, from the state in which the string90is removed from each member provided to the base20, as shown inFIG. 6A, the tip of the string90passes between the post10and the second structure80to go below the second connection member70and the lower side of the annular structure80A of the second structure80to be moved to the left side of the second structure80(step501).

Subsequently, operations indicated by arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 6A, arrows a and b ofFIG. 6B, and arrows a and b ofFIG. 6Care performed. Since the operations indicated by the arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 6A, the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6B, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6Care similar to those indicated by the arrow c ofFIG. 4D, the arrow a ofFIG. 4E, the arrow a ofFIG. 4F, the arrows a and b ofFIG. 4G, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 4H(step407, step408, step409, step410, step411, and step412), description is omitted herein.

Next, the tip of the string90passes from below to above the second annular member60. Then, the tip of the string90passes below the first connection member40through the lower side of the annular structure50A of the first structure50to become a state shown inFIG. 6D(step513). Furthermore, operations indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 6D, arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 6E, and arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 6Fare performed. Since the operations indicated by the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6D, the arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 6E, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6Fare similar to those indicated by the arrows a and b ofFIG. 4I, the arrows a, b, and c ofFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 5C(step414, step415, step416, and step417), description is omitted herein.

Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow c ofFIG. 6F, tip of the string90is moved to a position after going over the second structure80(step518). Furthermore, by pulling the other end of the string90opposite to the tip of the string90in a direction indicated by an arrow d ofFIG. 6F, the tip of the string90is entwined at the second connection member70(step519).

Subsequently, operations indicated by arrows a and b ofFIG. 6G, arrows a and b ofFIG. 6H, and arrows a and b ofFIG. 6Iare performed. Since the operations indicated by the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6G, the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6H, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 6Iare similar to those indicated by the arrow a ofFIG. 4E, the arrow a ofFIG. 4F, the arrows a and b ofFIG. 4G, and the arrows a and b ofFIG. 4H(step408, step409, step410, step411, and step412), description is omitted herein.

Lastly, the end of the string90opposite to the tip of the string90positioned in the right-side space of the first structure50is pulled. Then, the tip of the string90passes through a lower portion of the annular structure50A to be entwined at the bottom of the post10(step520).

2-5. Second Solution of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

A second solution of the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment of the present invention is described.

In the second solution, the operations described by usingFIG. 6AtoFIG. 6Iare performed in reverse, thereby allowing the string entwined at the bottom of the post10to be removed from the post10. In the following, a brief description is given.

The tip of the string90passes through the second annular member60from below to above. Furthermore, the tip of the string90passes below the first connection member40and the lower side of the annular structure50A of the first structure50from the left side to the right of the first structure50. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to be moved between the second structure80and the post10.

Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30to be moved to the outer space on the right side of the post10and the first structure50. Furthermore, the tip of the string90passes through the inside of the annular structure50A to be moved along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved between the post10and the first annular member30from above to below. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is moved between the second structure80and the post10. Here, the tip of the string90is entwined at the second connection member70.

Subsequently, the tip of the string90is moved inside the annular structure80A of the second structure80to go along the second connection member70from the other end70B toward the one end70A. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the second structure80to be moved to a space between the second structure80and the annular member30. Furthermore, the tip of the string90is moved along the post10from below to above the first annular member30. Next, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10, pass through the inside of the annular structure50A, and go along the first connection member40from the other end40B to the one end40A. Then, the tip of the string90is moved to the outer space on the right side of the first structure50. Next, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the first structure50and the post10to be moved along the post10from above to below the first annular member30. Here, the string90is away from the first annular member30.

Furthermore, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the post10, and the first structure50to be moved to the right side of the first structure50. Here, by pulling the string90entwined at the second structure80, the tip of the string90is moved to the post10. Subsequently, the tip of the string90passes from above to below the second annular member60, and passes below the first connection member40and the lower side of the annular structure50A of the first structure50from the left side to the right side of the first structure50.

Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the outside of the first annular member30, the first structure50, and the post10to be moved between the second structure80and the post10. Next, the tip of the string90passes from below to above the first annular member30along the post10, and is caused to go over the post10and the first structure50to be moved to the right side of the first structure50. Subsequently, the tip of the string90passes through the inside of the annular structure50A to be moved along the first connection member40from the one end40A to the other end40B. Subsequently, the tip of the string90is caused to go over the post10to be moved from above to below the first annular member30along the post10.

Subsequently, the tip of the string90is moved to go over the second structure80from the right side of the second structure80to be moved to the outer space on the left side of the second structure80. Lastly, by pulling the end of the string90opposite to the tip of the string90, the string90can be removed from each member provided to the base20.

2-6. Modification Example of Wisdom Ring Puzzle200

In the specification and so forth, the example is described in which the wisdom ring puzzle200has two structures. However, the number of structures is not limited to this. For example, the wisdom ring puzzle200may have three or four or more structures. In the specification and so forth, the number of structures of the wisdom ring puzzle200is selected as appropriate in a range allowing the user to continuously maintain interest and enthusiasm for operations and solutions of the puzzle.

In the specification and so forth, the second annular member60may be swingably provided to the one end70A of the second connection member70. For example, the second connection member70is formed of a wire, and the one end70A of the second connection member70is formed to have a ring shape. With the second annular member60surrounded by the ring-shaped portion at the one end70A of the second connection member70so as not be detachable, the second annular member60can be swingably provided to the one end70A of the second connection member70.

In the specification and so forth, the example is described in which the second annular member60includes the post10and the second structure80inside the ring of the second annular member60. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The second annular member60may not include the post10inside the ring of the second annular member60. For example, the second annular member60has a chain-link ring configured of two or more connected annular members. When the second annular member60has a chain-link ring, of two or more connected annular members configuring the chain-link ring, the post10is provided inside the ring of any one of the annular members, and the second structure80is provided inside the ring of any one of the annular members configuring the chain-link ring positioned oppositely to the post10(on a second structure80side) with respect to the annular member including the post10. That is, the wisdom ring puzzle200can include a structure having an annular member not including the post10inside its ring.

In the specification and so forth, the example is described in which the second connection member70is connected to the post10as passing through the inside of the second structure80. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The second connection member70may not pass through the inside of the second structure80. For example, the second connection member70does not pass through the inside of the second structure80but is provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the second structure80is provided.

In the specification and so forth, a connection member B that is different from the second connection member70and an annular member B that is different from the second annular member60may be provided. For example, the connection member B may have one end connected to the annular member B and the other end connected to the post10, and the connection member B may not pass through the inside of the second structure80but may be provided so as to include the second structure80inside. For example, the connection member B and the annular member B are provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the second connection member70is provided and at a position of the post10higher than the height of the second connection member70from the base20. Alternatively, for example, the connection member B and the annular member B are provided on a side of the post10opposite to the side where the second connection member70is provided and at a position of the post10lower than the height of the second connection member70from the base20.

As described above, since the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment has a structure not in conventional disentanglement puzzles, the structure, though, that is complex compared with the wisdom ring puzzle100, operations and solutions different from those of the conventional disentanglement puzzles are necessary, and the user can continuously maintain interest and enthusiasm for the wisdom ring puzzle.

Also, as with the wisdom ring puzzle100, the wisdom ring puzzle200in the second embodiment can have any of various structures. Therefore, operations and solutions different from those of the conventional disentanglement puzzles are necessary. As a result, by using the wisdom ring puzzle in the second embodiment, the user can continuously maintain interest and enthusiasm for the wisdom ring puzzle.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, a wisdom ring puzzle capable of continuously providing interest and enthusiasm can be provided.

The embodiments described above as embodiments of the present invention can be entirely or partially implemented in combination as appropriate unless mutual inconsistency arises.

Based on the wisdom ring puzzles described as embodiments according to the present invention, those with addition, deletion, or a design change of a component performed as appropriate by a person skilled in the art or those with addition, omission, or a condition change of a step are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention. Also, the above-described embodiments can be mutually combined in a range not causing a technical contradiction.

Also, other operations and effects that are different from the operations and effects brought by the modes of the above-described embodiments are construed as being naturally brought by the present invention as long as they are clear from the description of the specification and so forth or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art.