Patent Publication Number: US-4548410-A

Title: Number puzzle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to puzzles to game devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a number puzzle. 
     BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Hertofore it was known to provide certain number games or puzzles such as is disclosed in Gambardella, U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,209, granted June 29, 1976; Hartman, U.S. Pat. No. 1,464,424, granted Aug. 7, 1923; King, U.S. Pat. No. 2,791,430, granted May 7, 1957; Preston, U.S. Pat. No. 3,124,357, granted Mar. 10, 1964; and Solimene, U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,913, granted Jan. 11, 1972. 
     Such prior art devices were either lacking in challenge or were so unduly numerically complex so as to discourage broad utilization, while often some constructions were illsuited for hand-held play often requiring a table surface. 
     Now there is a number game which eliminates one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art construction, and is readily playable in a hand-held mode. 
     An object of this invention is to provide a hand-held game which can be played either as a solitaire type of game or can be played with an opponent. 
     Another object is to provide a puzzle as aforesaid which is amusing and fascinating to play and which will provide the player with challenged concentration. 
     Another object is to provide a puzzle which is relatively simple in construction, positive in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object is to provide a puzzle-type game comprising a housing with associated tiles arranged to be manipulated between a randomly placed position and a predetermined orderly position on the game board in a manner in which a solution is rendered possible every time. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved game which is simple to play and does not require complex and numerous rules and instructions. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the number puzzle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is the number puzzle indicating the movement of the numbered tiles; 
     FIG. 3 is the number puzzle showing the solution; and 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the FIGURES there is shown the number puzzle of the present invention generally referred to as 10. Puzzle 10, in broad terms, includes an exterior frame 11, an interior housing or frame 12, forming a main square recess 13 and an auxiliary or access recess 14, and a plurality of nine tiles 16, numbered 1-9 in seriatim, for purposes hereinafter appearing. 
     Frame 11 is a square formed of four frame members 11a-11d, which frame members are corner angled and fixedly interconnected by well known means (not shown). Frame 12 is a square formed of five members 12a-12e, with members 12a-12c being identical, and members 12d and 12e being differently sized. The peripheral edge of each member 12a-12e is formed with an undercut tongue 19 (typical) which is received in groove 20 formed on the inner peripheral edges of frame members 11a-11d (FIG. 4). In this manner of construction frame 12 holds frame 11 in place and forms recess 13 and recess 14. Recess 14 is bounded by wall 11e of frame member 11d, wall 12f of frame member 12d, wall 12g of frame member 12e, and one side wall 21 of any tile 16 (FIG. 3). Recess 13 is formed of interior peripheral walls 12h, 12i, 12j and 12k of frame members 12a-12d, respectively (FIG. 3). 
     Tiles 16 are each formed as square blocks having top surface 22 with numbers imprinted thereon and bottom surface 23 without imprinting, and four like side edges 21, which side edges slide with relation to each other, as well as in relation to the interior peripheral walls of the frame members. 
     In playing the game the player may start from a random position and through manipulation of the tiles, by sliding one tile from recess 13 to recess 14, the other eight tiles may be slidably arranged. Of course, in the arrangement various tiles at any one time may individually be moved from the recess 13 to recess 14. With specific reference to FIG. 2 there is shown the manipulation of tile No. 9 to and from recesses 13 and 14, with concomitant manipulation of the other tiles. An opponent player may try to achieve the solution in less time or number of moves. 
     Now referring specifically to FIG. 3, there is shown the nine tiles arranged in recess 13 in the solution position wherein the sum of the numbers in each vertical, horizontal or diagonal line or row totals &#34;15&#34;. An imprinted number &#34;15&#34; may be provided on the frame to assist the player in remembering the desired total. 
     The exterior frame, interior frame and tiles may all be constructed of molded plastic or other suitable material which permits sliding with a minimum of contact. The molding of these parts may be a well known techniques. 
     In one variation, the tiles and recesses may be cooperatively tongue and groove construction on adjacent sides so as to permit interfitting, and thereby lock the tiles within the frames. 
     While preferred specific embodiments of the invention are hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions, materials, devices and symbols illustrated and described because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice.