Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-1-
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
GEOMETRIC RANDOM SELECTION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a hand-manipulatable three-dimensional device
for generating and displaying groups of symbols in combinations selected in
pseudo-
random sequence, for use as a parlour game or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
[0002] Three-dimensional combination toys or puzzles, in which different
combinations of colours or pictures or numbers may be produced by moving
blocks in
three dimension, are known. The ultimate aim of these amusement devices is
common, namely, to manipulate the plurality of elements to different positions
in an
attempt to reproduce a predetermined pattern. Puzzles, with similar purposes,
have
been invented with various overall shapes.
[0003] For example, the popular Rubik's Cube~ is in the form of a cube
consisting of a plurality of manipulatable cubical elements which by rotation
can be
moved to different positions, the object being to reproduce the original
pattern of
cubical facets on all six faces of the cube.
[0004] Another form of hand-manipulatable three-dimensional puzzle is
described and illustrated by Goldfarb U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,155 issued Jan. 19,
1985;
including a body in the shape of an octahedron and constituted of a plurality
of
elements interconnected together to permit rotation of one-half of the body
with
respect to the other half along each of three orthogonal planes symmetrically
passing
through the body. The octahedron-shaped body is defined by a pair of
interpenetrat-
ing tetrahedra presenting the outline appearance of a six-pointed star when
the
device is viewed along any one of the eight axes of the tetrahedra. The eight
smaller
tetrahedra, which define the outer face of the puzzle, may be manipulated to
different
positions with the aim of reproducing a predetermined pattern.
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-2-
[0005] One possible internal mechanism which permits relative movement of
the elements of the three-dimensional puzzles is taught by Isobe in U.S. Pat.
No.
4,344,623 issued Aug. 17, 1982. His mechanism comprises a central, spherical
core
and a plurality of guide canopies laterally spaced apart from one another such
that
the spaces between the edges of adjacent guide canopies define guide tracks.
Seven movable elements are provided (each provided with a slide piece
dimensioned
to slide within and be retained by the canopies and guide spaces and attached
to its
element via an inwardly projecting slide leg free to move within the guide
tracks), as
well as an eighth, fixed element fastened to the central core. The guide
canopies are
first attached to the central core; the seven movable blocks are then
assembled with
their respective slide pieces inserted into the guide spaces via a slide piece
insertion
opening. Finally the fixed element is fastened to the central core above the
slide
piece insertion opening.
[0006] Other patents of general background interest describing and
illustrating
hand-manipulatable toys or puzzles, include U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,089 of
Gustafson
issued Mar. 12, 1963, U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,201 of Nichols issued Apr. 11, 1972
and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,502 of Paulos issued Oct. 4, 1983.
[0007] Applicant's U.S. patent No. 4,844,467 issued Jul. 4, 1984 describes
such three-dimensional device, which has a chance selection application. The
device is used as a parlour game for entertainment, by generating and
displaying
groups of symbol combinations through movable elements selected in pseudo-
random sequence and by permitting the "reading" of the symbol combinations of
the
adjacent faces of the device. The mechanism of this device comprises a sphere
with
sections of part spherical contours centrally mounted thereon. The sections
are
spaced apart from each other and adapted to allow sliding of the feet of the
movable
elements on the surface of the sphere.
[0008] The device according to the above Applicant's patent presents a unique
application of three-dimensional hand-manipulatable devices. It can be seen
that it
would be highly desirable for such application, that the movable parts be
easily mov-
able by a user. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a unique
geometric
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-3-
random selection device having a mechanism that allows for an easy movement of
the movable parts of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a hand-manipulat-
able three-dimensional device for generating and displaying groups of symbol
combinations selected in pseudo-random sequence. The device comprises an
octahedral unit formed of eight elements having equilateral congruent
triangular
faces. The elements are interconnected together to permit rotation of one-half
of the
unit with respect to the other half along each of the three orthogonal planes
of
symmetry of the unit. The elements are also grouped about and enclose a center
sphere with their triangular faces facing outwardly, seven of the elements
being
movable on the outer surface of the sphere, the edges of which elements define
the
allowable directions of rotation of the other elements about the sphere and
guide
those elements during rotation. A similar triangular foot of part spherical
contour is
mounted centrally by post means to the underside of each of the elements, the
part
spherical contour of the feet corresponding to that of the surface of the
sphere such
that the feet are slidable on the surface of the center sphere. Circular
sections of part
spherical contour, centrally mounted by means of post means above the surface
of
the sphere for holding the feet between the circular sections and the surface
of the
sphere are provided, the circular sections being spaced from adjacent circular
sections to form paths between which the post means of the movable elements
pass.
A pyramidal segment is rotatably secured at the center of its base to the
center of the
triangular face of each of the elements. The base of each pyramidal segment is
of
similar size and shape to the triangular faces of the elements of the unit.
Each of the
pyramidal segments has an outwardly directed apex and three outer faces. The
three outer faces of each pyramidal segment converge at the apex. Each of the
faces of the pyramidal segments bears a distinguishing symbol to provide clear
visual
coordination or non-coordination with corresponding symbols on the adjoining
triangular faces of adjacent elements, whereby the coordination or non-
coordination
of the symbols on pairs of adjacent triangular faces of the elements when
viewed
along the facing outer vertexes may be visualized.
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-4-
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the symbol on each of the faces of the eight
elements is a pair of colours, wherein four of the pairs of colours can share
a
common colour. The groups of symbol combinations can be groups of colours and
the colours can be the same or different.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the device can further comprise a
stand having a base and upstanding arms spaced from each other on the base,
the
arms having, on their upper ends, means located so as to hold therebetween the
apexes of oppositely positioned elements on the unit to permit rotation of the
unit on
the axis passing through said opposite apexes.
[0012] The device according to the invention by permitting the "reading" of
the
groups of symbol combinations as displayed by the symbols of the adjacent
faces of
the elements, may be used as a parlour game.
BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the
drawings in
which:
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with the
invention mounted on a stand, and in position for viewing by a user;
[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the central core part of the device
of
FIG. 1;
(0016] Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the device of FIG. 1,
illustrating
the interconnection of the part thereof; and
[0017] Figures 4a and 4b are schematic views of the device of FIG. 1,
illustrat-
ing examples of combination of colours.
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-5-
[0018] While the invention will be described in conjunction with the
illustrated
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
invention to such
embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as
defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following description, similar features have been given similar
reference numerals.
[0020] Turning to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a device 2 in
accordance with the present invention. Device 2 comprises a hand-manipulatable
pseudo-random selection unit 4 rotatably mounted on a stand 33. Unit 4 as can
be
seen in FIG. 3 is made of eight similar elements 8, each having a flat, equal-
sided
triangular outer face 10, and slidably mounted on a central spherical core 12
(FIG. 2)
to form an octrahedral unit having adjacent equilateral congruent triangular
faces.
Elements 8 are interconnected together, as illustrated, to permit rotation of
one-half
of the unit with respect to the other half along each of the three orthogonal
planes of
symmetry passing through the center of the unit. Seven of elements 8 thus are
slidably movable on the outer surface of core 12 while the eighth element (8a)
is
secured to the core, post 13 locking into an aperture 15 in core 12, element
8a being
not movable with respect thereto. In this way, the three edges 11 of the fixed
element 8a define the three allowable directions of relative rotation for the
remaining
seven elements 8 about core 12 and also provide the necessary guidance during
their rotation. Each plane of symmetry divides the elements 8 into two groups
of four.
This permits one-half of the unit to be rotated with respect to the other half
along
each of these three planes of symmetry.
[0021] Movement of the seven movable elements 8 on the spherical surface of
core 12 is permitted and guided by means of triangular feet 14, of part-
spherical
contour, mounted centrally by means of posts 16 to the underside 18 of each of
such
element 8, feet 14 being slidable on the surface of core 12 and held there by
means
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-6-
of circular umbrella sections 20 spaced from each other and from the surface
of core
12. Circular umbrella sections 20 are mounted thereon by central shaft 22. The
shape of the underside of each circular umbrella section 20 is that of a
sphere of
radius slightly more than (r +e) where r is the radius of the core 12, and a
is the thick-
ness of the feet 14, while the outside of the circular umbrella section 20 is
also
spherical of radius slightly more than (r +e +t) where t is the thickness of
the umbrella
section. When the umbrella section 20 is projected onto a flat surface at
right angles
to the shaft 22 it is circular-shaped.
[0022] The thickness a of feet 14 permits a predetermined guide space to be
formed between each circular umbrella section 20 and the central core or
sphere 12.
[0023] The spaces between adjacent circular umbrella sections 20 receive arid
guide posts 16 of movable elements 8, and are oriented to ensure proper
directional
movement of these elements.
[0024] The circular shape of the umbrella sections 20 allows for an easy
movement of the feet 14 between consecutive umbrella sections.
[0025] By holding four of these elements 8 and 8a in one hand, the other four
can be moved into one of four possible positions corresponding to the
positions
where each triangular element 8 is perfectly aligned with its three adjacent
triangular
elements. In each of these positions, any one of the three possible axes of
rotation
can be chosen and the unit will be free to rotate. A difficulty arises if the
unit is left in
some intermediate position which may be close to one of the four desired
positions
but not right on it. If a new axis of rotation is chosen, great difficulty
will be experienc-
ed in moving the unit elements. Should undue force then be used, destruction
of the
unit could then ensue. To avoid this problem, corner depressions 24 are
provided on
the inner surfaces of circular umbrella sections 20 to form four definite
click stops to
receive therein corner portions of feet 14 and signal when their correct
position has
been reached.
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
7-
[0026] Rotatably secured to outer face 10 of each element 8 is a pyramidal-
shaped segment 26 having a base 28 which is triangular in shape and normally
congruent with outer face 10. Each of these segments 26 has three triangular
outer
faces 29 converging at apex 30 in the form of a truncated comer of a cube
forming a
pyramid standing on an equilateral triangle with the edges meeting at the apex
30
being mutually orthogonal. Each of these outer segments 26 is centrally
rotatably
mounted on the outer face 10 of its respective triangular element 8. This adds
greatly to the number of permutations and combinations possible.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention each of the twenty-four
faces 29 available for segments 26 is marked with a pair of colours, for
example red-
blue, green-yellow, pink-gray, red-green... The same pair of colours can be
provided
on two different faces. Two respective faces of the three faces of a given
tetrahedron
may share one common colour. For example if one of the three faces is red-
blue, the
second may be blue-gray and the third gray-red. It can thus be seen that eight
differ-
ent faces of the twenty-four faces may share one common colour. If such eight
faces
come into conjunction one another, the result will be a combination as
illustrated for
example in FIGS. 4a and 4b. If we identify each pair of colours by a letter A,
B, C...,
the eight outer tetrahedral segments each with their three faces may then be
marked
with the following pairs.
A I E
B J F
C K G
D L H
E A I
F B J
G C K
H D L
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
_$_
Wherein: A is red-blue
B is blue-green
C is red-green
D is red-purple
E is gray-red
F is yellow-blue
G is blue-red
H is green-red
I is blue-gray
J is green-yellow
K is green-blue
L is purple-green
[0028] A problem may arise when the outer segments 26 are allowed to rotate
about axes through their vertexes. If one of these tetrahedral segments 26 is
left so
that the vertexes overhang any of the adjacent segments 26, there is a
possibility that
damage could result if the rotation of one group of four elements 8 with
respect to the
other four are attempted. To avoid this, three click stops in the form of
projections 31
are provided on the base of each segment 26, to be releasably seated in
correspond-
ing indentations in the triangular face 10 of the corresponding element 8 when
in
proper alignment, so that the operator knows for sure that the outer segment
has
been left in the correct position.
[0029] To assemble the unit, first the six circular umbrella sections 20 are
secured to core 12. The movable inner elements 8 have triangular-shaped feet
14. It
is possible to insert these feet into the spaces between any three of the
circular
umbrella sections 20 and with a slight twist, slide it into place around the
core 12.
Element 8a has a foot 14 of more rounded shape because it is not possible to
twist
this last element, so that it is retained under each of the three
corresponding circular
umbrella sections 20. The eighth element 8a is simply dropped into place and
secured to core 12 by square-shaped snap pin 32 at the end of post 13 to both
hold it
and prevent it from rotating.
[0030] In operation, the elements 8 are rotated through any of the three axes
of rotation, any number of times. As well, each outer pyramidal segment 26 can
be
rotated about an axis through its own vertex. As a random permutation device,
for a
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
_g_
given combination, the invention gives the same probability as would occur if
three
coins were thrown six times.
[0031] For operation and viewing of the unit 4, a stand 33 having a base 34
and spaced, upstanding arms 36 is provided. At the upper ends of arms 36 are a
pair of inwardly oriented, aligned sleeves 38, secured to the arms 36.
Apertures 40,
adapted to releasably hold the apexes 30 of oppositely positioned segments 26
to
permit rotation of the unit 4 on the axis passing through these apexes 30, are
pro-
vided in the facing ends of sleeves 38. When all manipulations on the unit 4
are
finished, the unit 4 is placed on stand 33 to facilitate reading. The apexes
of two
opposing pyramidal segments 26 chosen are inserted into apertures 40 of
sleeves 38. With two of the pyramidal vertexes 30 being used as pivot points,
six
vertices are left around which readings may be made. Each of these vertices is
associated with a pyramid which in turn is surrounded by three faces of three
other
pyramids. By interpreting the patterns formed by these conjunctions, one can
get the
same effect as if one were to toss three coins six times.
[0032] The sleeve mounts 38 on the stand arms 36 are formed with click stops
(not illustrated) every 120°, the click stops on each sleeve being
60° out of phase
with those on the other. By rotating the unit 4 through to the next click stop
on the
right hand side, a new central pyramidal segment 26 is seen surrounded by the
faces
29 of three adjacent pyramidal segments 26. This gives rise to a new set of
combination of colours. A third rotation of unit 4 in its stand 33 brings a
third
pyramidal segment 26 into view and a third set of combination of colours can
be
found. If the unit 4 is now rotated 60°, the right hand sleeve 38 will
click into a stop
position. If the entire stand 33 is now slightly turned clockwise on its base
34, a
fourth central pyramidal segment 26 will be viewed and a fourth set of
combination of
colours determined. A 120° rotation of the unit 4 in its stand 33 will
reveal a fifth
pyramidal segment 26 while rotation to a sixth click stop position will give
the
remaining set of heads and tails.
[0033] In this regard, to illustrate to the user the proper orientation of the
stand 33 for viewing each of these two sets of three central pyramidal
segments 26
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-10-
and surrounding faces of adjacent segment 26, an appropriate stand alignment
means in the form of linear markings is provided. In the illustrated
embodiment, this
alignment means is provided by the orientation of edges 41 and 42 of base 34.
These edges are formed so that when one or the other directly faces the user,
the
stand (and unit 4 held within) are properly positioned so that the user has a
direct
view of one or the other of these sets of segment 26. As an example of the use
of
this device, symbols 44 representing, as previously discussed, when aligned on
adjacent faces on adjacent segments 26, a "face" is formed on the segment
faces as
illustrated in FIG. 1, and when not aligned on adjacent faces of adjacent seg-
ments 26, the combination of colours, may be provided on the segment faces as
illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4d. The pairs of colours would be arranged on the
faces
29 as previously indicated herein.
[0034] In order to use the device one may formulate a question about a matter
one has been thinking of for some time. The unit is then removed from stand 33
and
manipulated by that person by rotating through any of its three rotational
directions
for any number of times. In addition, any of the eight segments 26 can be
rotated on
its own axis. The unit is then returned to its stand with a pair of opposite
apexes
positioned in apertures 40 of sleeves 38. The device is then ready to be read.
[0035] Starting from the point where the unit 4 has been returned to the
stand,
the stand is first turned slightly so that edge 42 is directly in front of the
user. The
unit 4 is then rotated slightly in the stand until it clicks into detente on
the left hand
sleeve of the stand.
[0036] The various combinations of colours of these patterns may then be
correlated with interpretation charts, which would provide, for example,
predictions
concerning the user's future or the like.
[0037] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with
the
invention a hand-manipulatable three-dimensional device for generating and
display-
ing groups of symbol combination selected in pseudo-random sequence wherein
the
movable parts of the device are easily movable. While the invention has been
CA 02510858 2005-06-27
-11 -
described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that
many
alternatives modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in
light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all
such
alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad
scope of
the invention.
