Patent Description:
There are different types of child play puzzles such as jigsaw, construction, and combination puzzles. Puzzles can have different levels of difficulty. Children can develop memory and motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and shape recognition by playing with puzzles of appropriate levels of difficulty. It is desirable that such puzzles be safe, easy to set up, and appropriate for children of different ages.

<CIT> describes a cylindrical block toy a base plate and a column including blocks. Each block has a small wooden stick. Each block is provided with a block hole in the middle of the block.

The invention provides a child play puzzle according to claim <NUM> and a child play puzzle set according to claim <NUM>. Implementations of the present disclosure include a child play puzzle that includes a set of pieces. Each piece defines a non-circular aperture therethrough. The child play puzzle also includes a base and a pole extending from the base along a pole axis. The pole sequentially receives each piece of the set of pieces with the pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the pole. The pole has multiple sections spaced along its length. Each section is of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pole axis. At least one of the sections is rotatable about the pole axis with respect to an adjacent one of the sections, such that moving a piece from about the rotatable section to about the adjacent section requires rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section. The adjacent section is rotationally fixed with respect to the base.

In some implementations, the adjacent section is disposed between the rotatable section and a second section rotatable about the pole axis with respect to the adjacent section such that moving the piece from about the adjacent section to about the second rotatable section requires rotationally aligning the second rotatable section with the adjacent section. In some examples, the second rotatable section is disposed between the adjacent section and a second adjacent one of the sections disposed between the base and the second rotatable section such that moving the piece from about the second rotatable section to about the second adjacent section requires rotationally aligning the second rotatable section with the second adjacent section. In some implementations, the adjacent section is arranged offset with respect to the second adjacent section such that moving the piece from about the adjacent section to about the second adjacent section requires first rotationally aligning the second rotatable section with the adjacent section, and then rotationally aligning the second rotatable section with the second adjacent section. In some implementations, the rotatable section and the second rotatable section are of a first color and the adjacent section and the second adjacent section are of a second color different than the first color.

In some implementations, each section of the multiple sections is of a common cross-section shape and size, and the non-circular aperture of each piece is of a size and shape to match the common cross-section shape and size of the sections. In some implementations, each section of the multiple sections defines a polygonal cross-section.

In some implementations, the pole is attached to the base so as to extend vertically with the base on a horizontal surface. In some implementations, the pieces of the set have different overall widths, measured across their apertures.

In some implementations, the child play puzzle also includes a second set of pieces each defining a non-circular aperture therethrough. The child play puzzle also includes a second pole spaced from the pole and extends from the base along a second pole axis. The second pole sequentially receives each piece of the second set of pieces with the second pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the second pole. The second pole has second sections spaced along its length, each section being of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pole axis. A first section of the second sections is rotationally misaligned with a second section of the second sections and spaced from the second section to define a gap therebetween, such that moving a piece from about the first section to about the second section requires rotationally aligning, at the gap, the piece with the second section.

In some implementations, the second sections are rotationally fixed with respect to each other.

In some implementations, each of the second sections includes one or more ribs extending away from the second pole and along the second pole axis.

Implementations of the present disclosure also include a child play puzzle set that includes a base, a first play module supported on the base, a second play module supported on the base, and a third play module supported on the base. The first play module includes a first set of pieces each defining a non-circular aperture therethrough. The first play module also includes a first pole extending from the base along a first pole axis. The first pole sequentially receives each piece of the first set of pieces with the first pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the first pole. The first pole includes sections spaced along its length, each section being of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the first pole axis. At least one of the sections is rotatable about the first pole axis with respect to an adjacent one of the sections, such that moving a piece from about the rotatable section to about the adjacent section requires rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section. The second play module is spaced from the first play module. The second play module includes a second set of pieces each defining a non-circular aperture therethrough. The second play module also includes a second pole extending from the base along a second pole axis. The second pole sequentially receives each piece of the second set of pieces with the second pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the second pole. The second pole includes second sections spaced along its length, each section being of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pole axis. A first section of the second sections is rotationally misaligned with a second section of the second sections and spaced from the second section to define a gap therebetween, such that moving a piece from about the first section to about the second section requires rotationally aligning, at the gap, the piece with the second section. The third play module is spaced from the first play module and includes a third set of pieces each defining a threaded aperture therethrough. The third play module also includes a third pole that extends from the base along a third pole axis. The third pole has an exterior thread to threadedly receive each piece of the third set of pieces with the third pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the third pole.

Non-claimed implementations of the present disclosure also include a method of child play. The method includes obtaining a child play puzzle that includes <NUM>) a set of pieces each defining a non-circular aperture therethrough, <NUM>) a base, and <NUM>) a pole extending from the base along a pole axis. The pole sequentially receives each piece of the set of pieces with the pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the pole. The pole has a plurality of sections spaced along its length. Each section is of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pole axis. At least one of the sections is rotatable about the pole axis with respect to an adjacent one of the sections, such that moving a piece from about the rotatable section to about the adjacent section requires rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section. The method also includes inserting a piece of the set of pieces through the pole to dispose the aperture of the piece about the rotatable section. The method also includes rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section, and moving, with the rotatable section aligned with the adjacent section, the piece from about the rotatable section to about the adjacent section.

In some implementations, inserting the piece includes engaging, with the aperture of the piece, an exterior surface of the rotatable section. Rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section includes rotating the inserted piece to rotate the rotatable section.

Non-claimed implementations of the present disclosure also include a method of setting up a child play puzzle. The method includes obtaining a child play puzzle that includes <NUM>) a base, <NUM>) multiple blocks each defining an aperture therethrough, and <NUM>) a pole extending from the base along a pole axis. The pole sequentially receives each block with the pole extending through the aperture of each block. At least a section of the pole defines a non-circular cross-section. At least one of the blocks defines a non-circular aperture such that, with the block inserted in the pole, the block is rotationally locked with respect to the pole. At least one of the blocks is a rotatable block defining an aperture that allows, with the block inserted in the pole, rotation of the block about the pole axis with respect to the pole. The method also includes inserting the blocks in the pole alternatingly such that at least one rotatable block is adjacent a rotationally locked block. The method also includes rotating the rotatable block about the pole axis to misalign the rotatable block with respect to the rotationally locked block.

In some implementations, at least two of the rotationally locked blocks define cross-sections that, when inserted in the pole, are misaligned with respect to each other. Inserting the blocks includes inserting a rotatable block between the two rotationally locked blocks such that the rotatable block is always misaligned with at least one of the two rotationally locked blocks. In some examples, the pole defines a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the pole and the at least one rotationally locked block has an inwardly projecting shoulder extending from the aperture. The longitudinal groove receives the inwardly projecting shoulder with the rotationally locked block inserted in the pole to prevent rotation of the block with respect to the pole.

In some cases, the second pole is disposed between the pole and the third pole. The poles are spaced from each other to allow stacking of each set of pieces on their respective poles at the same time. Each pole extends vertically from a common surface of the base and is arranged parallel to each other.

Various embodiments of these concepts may help to promote child's learning and stimulate development during play. Having multiple puzzles or play modules of different levels of difficulty in one board allows a child to use the toy for months or even years of development. The multiple puzzles have a common fundamental goal but each requires different executions to solve the puzzle, which can teach a child how similar goals can be approached in different ways. For example, the puzzles have common solving patterns (e.g., all puzzles require rotating the pieces and moving the pieces from top to bottom) with each puzzle increasing in difficulty from left to right. Additionally, having multiple puzzles with varying levels of difficulty provides the opportunity for both individual exploratory play by the child and parent engagement with the more complex puzzles of the toy. The large pieces of the puzzle are safe for small children to play with. The pieces of each puzzle or play module can be similar in size and shape, which may require a child to figure out which pieces go in which pole to promote problem-solving skills. Lastly, each set of pieces is of a different family of color, with each piece of the corresponding set having a similar color and the corresponding pole having a similar color than at least one of the pieces. Such configuration can aid a child in problem-solving and promote visual learning.

Referring to <FIG>, a child play puzzle <NUM> or puzzle set includes a base <NUM> and three play modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> supported on base <NUM>. Base <NUM> can be a rectangular board that is supportable on a horizontal surface <NUM>. A first module <NUM> of the three play modules is a child play puzzle (e.g., a twist and pivot puzzle) that includes a first pole <NUM>, a set of blocks <NUM> or sections coupled to pole <NUM>, and a set of pieces <NUM> (e.g., removable pieces) that can be inserted in and stacked along pole <NUM>. A second module <NUM> of the three play modules is a child play puzzle with a second pole <NUM>, multiple sections <NUM> coupled to or extending from second pole <NUM>, and a second set of removable pieces <NUM> that can be inserted in and stacked along second pole <NUM>. Second play module <NUM> is spaced from first play module <NUM>. A third play module <NUM> spaced from first play module <NUM> and second play module <NUM> includes a threaded pole <NUM> and a third set of removable pieces <NUM> that can be threadedly inserted in and stacked along pole <NUM>. First play module <NUM> may feature a higher level of difficulty than second and third play modules.

Referring also to <FIG>, first pole <NUM> extends from board <NUM> along a first pole axis 'A', second pole <NUM> extends from board <NUM> along a pole axis 'B', and third pole <NUM> extends from board <NUM> along a pole axis 'C'. Each of pole axes 'A', 'B', and 'C' is perpendicular to a broad surface <NUM> of base <NUM>. Thus, each pole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is attached to base <NUM> so as to extend vertically from base <NUM> and parallel with respect to each other, with base <NUM> supported on horizontal surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the poles can extend horizontally from a vertical base or at an angle. The poles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are spaced from each other to allow stacking of each set of pieces on their respective poles at the same time.

As shown in <FIG>, first pole <NUM> sequentially receives each piece <NUM> of set of pieces <NUM> with pole <NUM> extending through a non-circular aperture <NUM> of each piece <NUM> to form a stack of the pieces <NUM> along pole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and as further described in detail below with respect to <FIG>, pole <NUM> has multiple sections or blocks <NUM> spaced or disposed along its length. Each block <NUM> has a non-circular cross-section (e.g., a non-circular periphery) in a plane perpendicular to first pole axis 'A'. At least one block 113a is rotatable about first pole axis 'A' with respect to an adjacent block 113b such that moving a piece <NUM> from about rotatable block 113a to about adjacent block 113b requires rotationally aligning rotatable block 113a with adjacent block 113b. Rotatable block <NUM> can be aligned before or after inserting piece <NUM>. For example, when piece <NUM> is inserted in pole <NUM> and disposed about rotatable block 113a, aperture <NUM> of piece <NUM> engages the exterior surface of rotatable block 113a so that rotating the piece <NUM> rotates rotatable section 113a.

As shown in <FIG>, adjacent block 113b is rotationally fixed with respect to base <NUM>. For example, with pole <NUM> rotationally fixed to base <NUM>, adjacent block 113b (e.g., a rotationally fixed block) can be coupled to pole <NUM> to prevent rotation of adjacent block 113b with respect to pole <NUM> and base <NUM>.

Rotationally fixed block 113b is disposed between first rotatable block 113a and a second rotatable block 113c such that moving a piece from about first rotationally fixed block 113b to about second rotatable block 113c requires rotationally aligning second rotatable block 113c with first rotationally fixed block 113b.

Second rotatable block 113c resides between rotationally fixed block 113b and a second adjacent block 113d (e.g., a second rotationally fixed block) that is disposed between base <NUM> and second rotatable block 113c. Similar to first rotationally fixed block 113b, second rotationally fixed block 113d is fixed against rotation with respect to base <NUM>. Similar to rotatable block 113a, second rotatable block 113c rotates about pole axis 'A' with respect to second rotationally fixed block 113d such that moving a piece <NUM> from about second rotatable block 113c to about second rotationally fixed block 113d (e.g., to reach base <NUM> with piece <NUM>) requires rotationally aligning second rotatable block 113c with second rotationally fixed block 113d.

First rotationally fixed block 113b is misaligned (e.g., arranged with offset corners) with respect to second rotationally fixed block 113d. Such arrangement requires that, when moving a piece <NUM> from about first rotationally fixed block 113b to about second rotationally fixed block 113d, one must first rotationally align second rotatable block 113c with rotationally fixed block 113b, and then, once piece <NUM> is about second rotatable block 113c, rotationally align second rotatable block 113c with second rotationally fixed block 113d.

First rotatable block 113a and the second rotatable block 113c can be of a first color different than a color of the first and second rotationally fixed blocks 113b and 113d. Each block <NUM> of the set of blocks <NUM> can have a common cross-section shape and size. For example, each block <NUM> has a polygonal cross-section (e.g., square) of same or similar size. Each removable piece <NUM> defines a central non-circular aperture <NUM> therethrough. Non-circular aperture <NUM> of each piece <NUM> can be of a size and shape to match the common cross-section shape and size of blocks <NUM>. Pieces <NUM> can have different overall widths, measured across their apertures <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, second pole <NUM> sequentially receives each piece <NUM> of set of pieces <NUM> with second pole <NUM> extending through a non-circular aperture <NUM> of each piece <NUM> to form a stack of the pieces <NUM> along pole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second pole <NUM> has multiple sections <NUM> spaced along its length, each including one or more ribs <NUM> (e.g., rounded ribs) extending away from second pole <NUM> and along second pole axis 'B'. In other words, each section <NUM> has a non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to second pole axis 'B'. A first section 122a is rotationally misaligned with a second section 122b and is spaced from second section 122b to define a gap 'G' therebetween. Such configuration requires that moving a piece <NUM> of the second set of pieces <NUM> from about the first section 122a to about the second section 122b requires rotationally aligning, at gap 'G', piece <NUM> (e.g., aligning the non-circular aperture of the piece <NUM>) with second section 122b.

Rounded ribs <NUM> are arranged in groups or sections <NUM> along the length of pole <NUM>, with each rounded rib <NUM> of section <NUM> disposed at a different radial location of pole <NUM> and at the same vertical elevation along pole <NUM>. Each section <NUM> can be rotationally fixed with respect to each other. For example, each section <NUM> can be rotationally fixed with respect to base <NUM> or, if rotatable about axis 'B', all sections <NUM> rotate together in the same direction.

Third pole <NUM> sequentially receives each piece <NUM> of set of pieces <NUM> with third pole <NUM> extending through a circular aperture <NUM> of each piece <NUM> to form a stack of the pieces <NUM> along pole <NUM>. Circular aperture <NUM> of each piece <NUM> is a threaded hole and third pole <NUM> has an exterior thread that threadedly receives each piece <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, third set of pieces <NUM> includes pieces <NUM> of different sizes. For example, pieces <NUM> can have a circular shape, with each piece <NUM> having a different outer diameter.

<FIG> illustrate different elements of first child play module <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of first play module <NUM>, featuring first block 113a of play module <NUM> rotationally coupled to pole <NUM>. To insert piece <NUM> in pole <NUM> about first block 113a, the square-shaped aperture <NUM> of piece <NUM> is aligned with rotatable block 113a. The square cross-section of aperture <NUM> corresponds with the square cross-section perimeter of block 113a so that rotating piece <NUM> rotates block 113a. Similarly, piece <NUM> rotates the second rotatable block 113c (see <FIG>).

<FIG> show the two blocks 113b and 113d that, when inserted or assembled in pole <NUM>, are rotationally fixed to pole <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, first non-rotatable block 113b has one or more inwardly projecting shoulders <NUM> arranged along a diagonal axis 'D' that extends between opposite vertices of block 113b. As shown in <FIG>, second non-rotatable block 113d has one or more inwardly projecting shoulders <NUM> arranged in an axis 'E' that extends symmetrically between two opposite sides of block 113d, across a center of block 113d. Such shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> engage a common groove of pole <NUM> to prevent blocks 113b and 113d from rotating with respect to pole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows pole <NUM> with a longitudinal groove <NUM> extending along a length of pole <NUM> from or near a base <NUM> of pole <NUM> to or near a top end <NUM> of pole <NUM>. In some implementations, groove <NUM> can extend along a portion of pole <NUM> or be a discontinuous groove. Longitudinal groove <NUM> receives inwardly projecting shoulder <NUM> of first non-rotatable block 113b to prevent rotation of the block 113b with respect to pole <NUM>. Longitudinal groove <NUM> also receives inwardly projecting shoulder <NUM> of second non-rotatable block 113d to prevent rotation of the block 113d with respect to pole <NUM>. The arrangement of respective shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> is such that when blocks 113b and 113d are inserted in pole <NUM>, the blocks are misaligned with respect to each other and a rotatable block 113c between the two non-rotatable blocks is always misaligned with at least one of the two non-rotatable blocks.

To set up play module <NUM>, a user may insert rotatable and non-rotatable blocks in an alternating arrangement as shown in <FIG>, or place more than one rotatable block between two non-rotatable blocks. Additionally, before inserting pieces <NUM>, a user (e.g., a parent) can rotate the rotatable blocks 113a and 113c to misalign the rotatable blocks with respect to the adjacent rotationally locked block.

Claim 1:
A child play puzzle (<NUM>), comprising:
a set of pieces (<NUM>) each defining a non-circular aperture therethrough;
a base (<NUM>); and
a pole (<NUM>) extending from the base along a pole axis, the pole configured to sequentially receive each piece (<NUM>) of the set of pieces with the pole extending through the aperture of each piece to form a stack of the pieces along the pole, the pole comprising a plurality of sections (<NUM>) spaced along its length, each section (<NUM>) being of non-circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the pole axis,
wherein at least one of the sections (113a) is rotatable about the pole axis with respect to an adjacent one of the sections, such that moving a piece (<NUM>) from about the rotatable section to about the adjacent section requires rotationally aligning the rotatable section with the adjacent section, characterized in that the adjacent section is rotationally fixed with respect to the base.