Magnetic game or puzzle and method for making same

• US 5,409,236 A
• Filed: 12/23/1993
• Issued: 04/25/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joel M. Therrien
• Original Assignee: Joel M. Therrien
• Inventors: Therrien, Joel M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stoll, William E.
• Application Number:
  US08/172,220
• Time in Patent Office: 488 Days
• Field of Search: 273/156, 273/157 R, 273/288, 273/290, 273/291, 273/239
• US Class Current: 273/288
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/1204 Puzzles consisting of non-interlocking identical blocks, e.g. children's block puzzles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/34 Games using magnetically moved or magnetically held pieces, not provided for in other subgroups of group A63F9/00

Abstract

An amusing puzzle made up of a plurality of cube-shaped pieces, which form a unitary cube when the puzzle is properly solved. Each puzzle piece contains at least one permanent two-pole magnet which, when the puzzle is properly solved, is attractedly engaged with the corresponding pole of the magnet contained within the adjoining puzzle piece, thereby holding the puzzle pieces together in order to form the unitary cube.

Claims

1. Game or puzzle playing piece, comprising:

two-pole, permanent magnet having a circular cross-section,

said magnet being concealed within the face of said one playing piece; and

an annular ferrous metal element substantially conforming to the dimensions of the cross-section of said two-pole magnet, said element surrounding a portion of said magnet such that at least a portion of said magnet protrudes through the annular opening of said element,

whereby said ferrous metal element concentrates and directs the field of magnetic influence emanating from said two-pole magnet toward the direction of said face of said playing piece.

2. The game or puzzle playing piece of claim 1, wherein said playing piece is formed in a regular geometric shape.