Abstract:
This present invention entitled “Jimmy Block” provides a three dimensional cube puzzle and more particularly, a three dimensional cube puzzle comprising a number of unique three dimensional pieces which are capable of being assembled into an overall unique three dimensional shape, whereby each unique piece can only go together in a particular way and in a specific order to successfully assemble the unique three dimensional shape.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application no. 60/584,295 which was filed on Jun. 30, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Three dimensional game block puzzles are well known and widely used as entertainment and/or educational tools for children, as well as adults. To aid the user in the blocks reassembly, the blocks can use a color scheme or pictures attached to one or more faces. A user&#39;s skill set are noticeably improved through the manipulation of these 3D block puzzles, including the further development of pattern recognition, an improved hand/eye coordination and depth perception, to mention a few. The object of many of the presently available game blocks is to assemble the blocks in a predetermined arrangement to produce a finished pictorial image or shape.  
         [0003]     Currently there are several designs of game blocks or cubic puzzles in existence; however they suffer from a number of problems. For example, a common block puzzle requires that the blocks be assembled on a horizontal plane and do not allow for three dimensional and abstract thinking. In addition, this greatly limits any opportunity for the user to develop and sharpen fine motor skills.  
         [0004]     Thus, there is a need for an improved three dimensional block puzzle assembly which challenges and enhances the user&#39;s sensory motor skills and reasoning abilities.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     This present invention entitled “Jimmy Block” provides a three dimensional cube puzzle and more particularly, a three dimensional cube puzzle comprising a number of unique three dimensional pieces which are capable of being assembled into an overall unique three dimensional shape, whereby each unique pieces can only go together in a particular way and in a specific order to successfully assemble the overall unique three dimensional shape. The overall unique three dimensional shape can be assembled inside a container or assembled outside the container and later be inserted in the container.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a three dimensional cube puzzle which is fashioned inside an outer box assembly providing the user with fun and entertainment. The outer box assembly consists of a five sides of a box (cube) and a lid assembly piece. The inner structure comprises a plethora of unique three dimensional pieces which can only properly go together in a certain fashion.  
         [0007]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a three dimensional block puzzle for assembly where the three dimensional block puzzle is made from a plurality of materials including wood, ceramic, glass or any material which can be shaped or molded. For example, an acrylic three dimensional block puzzle would be a useful and attractive paperweight for a desk or table top.  
         [0008]     The present invention would then be an executive stress relief device. For example, a person who is working at their desk and finds his or her job stressful. They would be able to escape from the pressure of their job and refocus through the use of the present invention by providing a necessary distraction.  
         [0009]     Along the theme of paperweight or desktop decoration, another object of this invention is to provide a three dimensional block puzzle in which a logo, symbol or insignia can be embedded inside. This is achieved in a clear version of the three dimensional block puzzle allowing the present invention to be utilized as a table or desk decoration.  
         [0010]     A therapeutic use of the present invention can be found in the fields of physical rehabilitation. A child with motor sensory latency problems would find the present invention a valuable rehabilitation aid. Not only would the child improve their motor skills while using the present invention, they would benefit from by developing the spatial relationships portion of their brain. It has been proven that children can excel and retain more mathematical skills when the brain is properly stimulated through the use of puzzles.  
         [0011]     Another object of the present invention is to provide for a decorative, yet functional stress release device such as a fob. This three dimensional block puzzle fob is like any other fob and is easily attachable to a keychain or key ring. A traveling user who is feeling stressed would find relief by using his or her three dimensional block puzzle anywhere in the world, not only at their home or office.  
         [0012]     The methodology and schema of the present invention can be transferred to a graphical computer program allowing for the assembly of a virtual three dimensional block puzzle on the user&#39;s video screen of a personal computer or video game. For example, a java or flash program creates each unique three dimensional piece of the virtual three dimensional block puzzle allowing for assembly by dragging, rotating and dropping each piece into a virtual box.  
         [0013]     Other objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention showing an outer container with a cover affixed.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the present invention showing an inner assembly of the conjoined pieces.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the inner assembly of the conjoined pieces in  FIG. 2 . and the outer container of  FIG. 1  without the cover.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the present invention with its cover removed and the inner assembly of the conjoined pieces located inside the outer container.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front side perspective view of the present invention with its cover on showing a first slice vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces assembly of the conjoined pieces located inside the outer container.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front side perspective view of the present invention with its cover on and a second slice vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces assembly of the conjoined pieces located inside the outer container.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a front side perspective view of the present invention with its cover on and a third slice vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces assembly of the conjoined pieces located inside the outer container.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a left rear diagonal perspective view of the present invention with its cover on and a fourth vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces assembly of the conjoined pieces located inside the outer container. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]     The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0023]     A first embodiment of the present invention has a three dimensional cube puzzle which is fashioned inside an outer box assembly providing the user with fun and entertainment. The outer box assembly consists of a five sides of a box (cube) and an interlocking lid assembly. The inner structure comprises a plethora of conjoined unique three dimensional pieces which can only go together in a certain fashion.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of the present invention  100  showing an outer container  102  with a cover  101  affixed.  FIG. 2  shows a cutaway view of the outer container  102  with the cover  101  removed. A plurality of three dimensional block puzzle pieces  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116  comprise a top layer of three dimensional block puzzle pieces. A middle layer of plurality of three dimensional block puzzle pieces  124 ,  130 ,  132  and  138  and a bottom layer of plurality of three dimensional block puzzle pieces  134 ,  140  and  140  are also show.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the present invention illustrating the outer container  102  and a plurality of three dimensional block puzzle pieces comprising an entire inner core. The inner core assembly comprising three dimensional block puzzle pieces  110 - 142 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the present invention with its cover  101  removed and the inner core assembly. The top layer comprises the conjoined pieces  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side cutaway of the present invention wherein a first side the outer container  102  is removed showing a first set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces  112 ,  116 ,  124 ,  130 ,  134  and  138  adjacent to said first side.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a second set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces  112 ,  116 ,  118 ,  124 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  136  and  142  adjacent to the first set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a third set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces  112 ,  114 ,  120 ,  124 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  and  140  which are adjacent to the second set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces. Some vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces transgress two or more figures due to their shape.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a fourth set of vertical three dimensional block puzzle pieces  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  118 ,  120 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  136 ,  138  and  142  from a left rear diagonal perspective.  
         [0031]     In a first embodiment of the present invention, the JIMMY BLOCK three dimensional block puzzle comprises a unique set of conjoined unique pieces and must be put together in a set manner. The present invention can be made out of any malleable material or a die-cast material which produces the desired three dimensional block puzzle pieces. For example, the present invention may be made out of wood and the three dimensional block puzzle pieces can be carved, sawed or chiseled. The wood could then be stained and sealed allowing the wood&#39;s natural grain to enhance the present invention&#39;s appearance.  
         [0032]     As an alternative to wood, the present invention may be made out of a plastic or glass material. The material could be opaque, translucent or clear. An injection molding system for example, could be utilized to mass produce the three dimensional block puzzle pieces or alternatively, the pieces may be machined.  
         [0033]     Another material would find the present invention&#39;s three dimensional block puzzle pieces made out of ceramic. The pieces would be produced by pouring the wet ceramic material into molds or the three dimensional block puzzle pieces could be individually sculptured. Different glazes could then be applied to produce a variety of colors and finishes. This above list of materials which the present invention three dimensional block puzzle can be made out of is not exhaustive.  
         [0034]     The present invention can also be assembled within a decorative outer container  102  and cover  101 . The materials for outer container  102  and cover  101  may utilize the same material as the inner three dimensional block puzzle. This is purely an esoteric, manufacturing and marketing concern. An emblem, insignia or crest may also be embedded into a clear version of the present invention. For example, a company may place a three dimensional version of its logo inside the present invention and distribute the present invention as a marketing device.  
         [0035]     The center three dimensional block puzzle pieces of the inner assembly may take on any shape, such as a sphere, cone, rectangle or any shape that would be aesthetically pleasing to the user.  
         [0036]     A method for using the present invention as a therapeutic or rehabilitation device. The present invention can help a learning disabled child by helping the child learn to think and reason. The assembly of the three dimensional block puzzle unique pieces forces the child to map out strategies and learn to reason. In addition, the present invention also improves the eye-hand coordination of the user.  
         [0037]     In yet another embodiment, a method for stress reduction using the present invention is achieved by confidence building. The present invention is not limited to any material, size or number of three dimensional block puzzle pieces. A beginning user of the present invention could begin with an easy puzzle block. As the user becomes proficient and intrigued by the simple complexity of the present invention, they will find that their self confidence has improves as they move to more and more complex block puzzles.  
         [0038]     In still yet another embodiment, the present invention can be made small and then can be affixed to a key chain, lanyard or any apparatus. Therefore the present invention can be used as a fob. A fob is an ornament or seal attached to such a chain or ribbon. This embodiment allows for the present invention to become portable.  
         [0039]     A further development has the schema and characteristics of the present invention transferred to a graphical computer program. This allows for the assembly of a virtual three dimensional block puzzle on the user&#39;s video screen of a personal computer or video game. For example, a program written in java creates virtual unique three dimensional pieces of the virtual three dimensional block puzzle. The virtual unique three dimensional pieces can then be assembled by dragging, rotating and dropping each piece into a virtual outer container  102 .  
         [0040]     It is to be understood that the above described embodiment of the invention is illustrative only and that modifications thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this invention is not to be regarded as limited to the embodiment disclosed herein.