PUZZLE WITH CONDUCTIVE PATH

• US 20110031689A1
• Filed: 09/29/2009
• Published: 02/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sphero Inc.
• Original Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Inventors: BINDER, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 8,602,833 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 273/157.R
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/1016 the pieces having additional connections, i.e. in addition to the connection by the jig-saw shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/1066 completing a circuit if solved correctly
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/10 Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/1011 Composition of faces, i.e. visages, using individual pieces representing parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/1044 Display boards therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32

Abstract

System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

Claims

1. A puzzle set for electrically announcing a proper solving of a two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, the puzzle set comprising:

a plurality of inter-engaged puzzle pieces, each having front and rear planar surfaces and a side surface, which can be assembled together into a one assembled puzzle revealing an image, each piece having on a front surface thereof a part of the image which is shown as a whole in the assembled puzzle;

a frame for surrounding the puzzle pieces having a raised peripheral rim and a bottom wall defining a well therewith having a planar plate for receiving the partially or fully assembled jigsaw puzzle;

each of said puzzle pieces comprising two electrically connected conductive pads attached to the side surface, and when assembled together the pads of adjacent puzzle pieces are in contact such that the assembly of the plurality of the puzzle pieces form a continuous conductive path;

an annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling; and

a power source for powering said annunciator;

wherein the proper solving of the puzzle form an electric circuit so that electrical current flows from the power source via said conductive path to the annunciator for activating thereof.

2. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said puzzle pieces comprises a wire electrically connecting said two conductive pads.

3. The puzzle set according to claim 2, wherein said wire is attached to rear surface of said at least one puzzle piece.

4. The puzzle set according to claim 3 further providing aesthetics by hiding the wire, wherein said wire is routed between said front and rear surfaces of said at least one puzzle piece.

5. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said puzzle pieces comprises a conductive paint electrically connecting said two conductive pads.

6. The puzzle set according to claim 5, wherein the conductive paint is on the rear side of said at least one of said puzzle pieces.

7. The puzzle set according to claim 5, wherein the conductive paint is on the front side of said at least one of said puzzle pieces.

8. The puzzle set according to claim 7, wherein the conductive paint is under the printed image on the front side of said at least one of said puzzle pieces.

9. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery.

10. The puzzle set according to claim 9, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

11. The puzzle set according to claim 9, further comprising a battery compartment for housing the battery.

12. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is powered from a domestic AC power outlet, the puzzle set further comprising a power cord for connecting to the AC power outlet.

13. The puzzle set according to claim 12, further comprising an AC/DC adapter powered from said AC power outlet, the AC/DC adapter comprising a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC powering the annunciator.

14. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said puzzle pieces comprises three or more conductive pads.

15. The puzzle set according to claim 14, wherein in said at least one of said puzzle pieces electrically the three or more conductive pads are electrically connected.

16. The puzzle set according to claim 15, wherein two or more distinct conductive paths are formed using distinct connected conductive pads, and wherein said distinct conductive paths are electrically connected at least in part along the conductive paths.

17. The puzzle set according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said puzzle pieces comprises four conductive pads designated as first, second, third and fourth conductive pads.

18. The puzzle set according to claim 17, wherein said first and second conductive pads are electrically connected, and wherein said third and fourth conductive pads are electrically connected.

19. The puzzle set according to claim 18, wherein two or more distinct conductive paths are formed using distinct connected conductive pads, and wherein said distinct conductive paths are electrically isolated at least in part along the conductive paths.

20. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is part of the frame.

21. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is part of one of the puzzle pieces.

22. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator is part of the frame.

23. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator is part of one of the puzzle pieces.

24. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the conductive path is formed only by part or all of the engaged puzzle pieces.

25. The puzzle set according to claim 1, wherein the conductive path is formed by the frame and by part or all of the engaged puzzle pieces, and wherein said frame further comprising two or more conductive pads for connecting with respective conductive pads in one or more of the engaged puzzle pieces.

26. The puzzle set according to claim 1 further comprising a switch connected for connecting and disconnecting the current to the annunciator.

27. The puzzle set according to claim 26 wherein the switch is a single pole single throw switch.

28. The puzzle set according to claim 26 wherein the switch is a pushbutton switch.

29. The puzzle set according to claim 26 wherein the switch is part of the frame.

30. The puzzle set according to claim 26 wherein the switch is part of one of the puzzle pieces.

31. The puzzle set according to claim 26 wherein the location of the switch as part of the revealed image is associated with the puzzle image theme.

32. The puzzle set according to claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprising a smoke generator.

33. The puzzle set according to claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprising a visual signaling device.

34. The puzzle set according to claim 33 wherein the visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

35. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp.

36. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination and for blinking.

37. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of or all the image.

38. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the visible light emitter is part of one of the puzzle pieces.

39. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the visible light emitter is integrated in the image.

40. The puzzle set according to claim 34 wherein the illumination of the visible light emitter is associated with the image theme or image shape.

41. The puzzle set according to claim 40 wherein the visible light emitter location, type, color or steadiness are associated with the image theme or image shape.

42. The puzzle set according to claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprising an audible signaling device.

43. The puzzle set according to claim 42 wherein the audible signaling device comprising electromechanical or piezoelectric sounder.

44. The puzzle set according to claim 43 wherein the audible signaling device comprising a buzzer, a chime or a ringer.

45. The puzzle set according to claim 42 wherein the audible signaling device comprising a loudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

46. The puzzle set according to claim 42 wherein the audible signaling device is operative to generate a single or multiple tones.

47. The puzzle set according to claim 42 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is associated with the image theme or image shape.

48. The puzzle set according to claim 47 wherein the volume, type, steadiness, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre or texture of the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is associated with the image theme or image shape.

49. The puzzle set according to claim 47 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device corresponds to the sound generated by a member shown as part of the image.

50. The puzzle set according to claim 49 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a characteristic sound of one out of a household appliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal or a musical instrument.

51. The puzzle set according to claim 47 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

52. The puzzle set according to claim 51 wherein the song or melody name or content relates to the theme of the image or shape.

53. The puzzle set according to claim 47 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a human voice talking.

54. The puzzle set according to claim 53 wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story or a long story.

55. The puzzle set according to claim 54 wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis or is pre-recorded.

56. The puzzle set according to claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprising time metering device.

57. The puzzle set according to claim 56 further for measuring the assembly time, wherein the time metering device stops counting upon forming the conductive path.

58. The puzzle set according to claim 1 further comprising a second annunciator.

59. The puzzle set according to claim 58 wherein one annunciator includes a visual indicator and the annunciator includes an audible indicator.

60. The puzzle set according to claim 58 further defining distinct and isolated first and second conductive paths, and wherein said first conductive path is activating the first annunciator and wherein said second conductive path is activating the second annunciator.

61. The puzzle set according to claim 1 further comprising a firmware and a processor for executing instruction embedded in said firmware, said processor being coupled to control said annunciator.

62. The puzzle set according to claim 1 further comprising a sensor connected for activating the annunciator and a motor for moving movable parts.

63. A game set for electrically announcing a proper solving of the game, the game set comprising:

a plurality of inter-engaged game pieces, each game piece having one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, wherein the game is solved by the game pieces can be assembled together in a single way using mating indentations and protrusions into a one pre-defined structure;

each of said game pieces comprises two or more conductive pads attached thereto, such that when properly assembled together the pads of engaged game pieces are in contact such that the assembly of the plurality of the game pieces form a continuous conductive path;

an annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling associated with the game theme; and

a battery for powering said annunciator;

wherein the proper solving of the game form an electric circuit so that electrical current flows from the battery via said conductive path to the annunciator for activating thereof.

64. The game set according to claim 63 wherein said at least part of the game pieces are having front and rear substantially planar surfaces and a side surface.

65. The game set according to claim 64 wherein said conductive pads are mounted in said side surface.

66. The game set according to claim 65 wherein said game set is a jigsaw puzzle and said game pieces are puzzle pieces, and wherein each piece having on a front surface thereof a part of the image which is shown as a whole in the assembled puzzle.

67. The game set according to claim 63 further comprising a frame having a raised peripheral rim and a bottom wall defining a well therewith having a planar plate for receiving the partially or fully assembled game pieces.

68. The game set according to claim 63, wherein at least one of said game pieces comprises a wire electrically connecting said two conductive pads.

69. The game set according to claim 63, wherein said wire is attached to a surface of said at least one game pieces.

70. The game set according to claim 63, wherein at least one of said game pieces comprises a conductive paint electrically connecting said two conductive pads.

71. The game set according to claim 63, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

72. The game set according to claim 63, wherein the conductive path is formed only by part or all of the engaged game pieces.

73. The game set according to claim 63 wherein the annunciator comprising a smoke generator.

74. The game set according to claim 63 wherein the annunciator comprising a visual signaling device.

75. The game set according to claim 74 wherein the visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

76. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp or fluorescent lamp.

77. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination and for blinking.

78. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of or all the structure.

79. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter is part of one of the game pieces.

80. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter is integrated in the structure.

81. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the location of illumination of the visible light emitter is associated with the image theme or image shape.

82. The game set according to claim 75 wherein the visible light emitter type, location, appearance, color or steadiness are associated with the game theme or game shape.

83. The game set according to claim 63 wherein the annunciator comprising an audible signaling device.

84. The game set according to claim 83 wherein the audible signaling device comprising electromechanical or piezoelectric sounder.

85. The game set according to claim 84 wherein the audible signaling device comprising a buzzer, a chime or a ringer.

86. The game set according to claim 83 wherein the audible signaling device comprising a loudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

87. The game set according to claim 83 wherein the audible signaling device is operative to generate a single or multiple tones.

88. The game set according to claim 83 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is associated with the game theme or game shape.

89. The game set according to claim 88 wherein the volume, location, type, steadiness, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre or texture of the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is associated with the game theme or game shape.

90. The game set according to claim 88 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device corresponds to the sound generated by a member shown as part of the structure.

91. The game set according to claim 90 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a characteristic sound of one out of a household appliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal or a musical instrument.

92. The game set according to claim 88 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

93. The game set according to claim 92 wherein the song or melody name or content relates to the game theme of the image or shape.

94. The game set according to claim 88 wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a human voice talking.

95. The game set according to claim 94 wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story or a long story.

96. The game set according to claim 95 wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis or is pre-recorded.

97. The game set according to claim 63 wherein the annunciator comprising time metering device.

98. The game set according to claim 97 further for measuring the assembly time, wherein the time metering device stops counting upon forming the conductive path.

99. A puzzle set for electrically announcing a proper solving of a two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, the puzzle set comprising:

a plurality of planar puzzle pieces, each having front and rear planar surfaces and a side surface, which can be assembled together into a one assembled planar puzzle revealing an image, each piece having on a first planar surface thereof a part of the image which is shown as a whole in the assembled planar puzzle;

each planar puzzle piece comprising two electrically connected conductive pads attached to the side surface, and when assembled together the pads of adjacent puzzle pieces are in contact such that the assembly of the plurality of the puzzle pieces form a continuous conductive path;

an annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling; and

a power source for powering said annunciator;

wherein the proper solving of the puzzle form an electric circuit so that electrical current flows from the power source via said conductive path to the annunciator for activating thereof.

100. A game set for electrically announcing a proper solving of the game, the game set comprising:

a plurality of inter-engaged game pieces, each game piece having one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, wherein the game is solved by the game pieces can be assembled together in a single way using mating indentations and protrusions into a one pre-defined structure;

each of said game pieces comprises two or more conductive pads attached thereto, such that when properly assembled together the pads of engaged game pieces are in contact such that the proper assembly of the plurality of the game pieces form a continuous conductive path;

a timer circuit for measuring a time duration; and

a display for selectively displaying information from said timer circuit;

wherein said conductive path is coupled to said timer circuit such the proper solving of the game control the operation of said timer circuit.

101. The game set according to claim 100 wherein said timer circuit comprises a count-up or a count-down timing measurement capability and is further operative to affect the starting or the stopping of time measurement.

102. A clip for attachment to a puzzle piece, said clip comprising:

an elongated strip of a conductive material having two opposed ends;

first and second opposed attachment parts, each disposed at a respective end of said strip and each configured to be attached to the puzzle piece;

first and second conductive connecting elements extending transversely to said strip, each of said connecting elements being carried by a respective one of said attachment parts and being conductively connected to said strip,

said first connecting element having a protruding form and said second connecting element having a recessed form that is complementary to said protruding form to provide a conductive connection between one of said connecting elements of said clip attached to a first puzzle piece, and the other one of the connecting elements of an identical clip attached to a second puzzle piece when the two puzzle pieces are correctly assembled together.

103. Two clips each for attachment to a respective one of two puzzle pieces, each said clip comprising:

an elongated strip of a conductive material having two opposed ends;

first and second opposed attachment parts, each disposed at a respective end of said strip and each configured to be attached to one of the puzzle pieces;

first and second conductive connecting elements extending transversely to said strip, each of said connecting elements being carried by a respective one of said attachment parts and being conductively connected to said strip,

said first connecting element having a protruding form and said second connecting elements having a recessed form that is complementary to said protruding form,

said clips providing a conductive connection between one of said connecting elements of one of said clips attached to one of the puzzle pieces and the other one of said connecting elements of the other one of said clips attached to the other one of the puzzle pieces when the two puzzle pieces are correctly assembled together.