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US3945645A
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US
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Tangential spheres geometric puzzle
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-09-23
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Granted: 1976-03-23
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Expires: 1994-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A tangential spheres geometric puzzle uniquely formed from nine assembly pieces, of which eight pieces are based upon a triangular sphere array and a ninth piece based upon spheres disposed in a square array, providing a challenging educational and manipulative game. The pieces are assemblable into a tetrahedral pyramid.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick A. Roberts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:11
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/06; A63F9/12; A63F9/001; A63F2009/0033; A63F2009/0035
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A geometric puzzle of tangential spheres for array in a tetrahedral pyramid comprising a plurality of discrete and geometrically different assembly pieces for assembling said puzzle, each said piece including at least three tangentially affixed spheres in non-linear array, wherein further all said pieces but one of said pieces include identical triangular arrays of three spheres, and wherein selected ones of said triangular array pieces include a further sphere tangentially affixed to one of said triangular spheres in respectively different positions out of the plane of said triangular array, said plurality of pieces when arranged in a predetermined order defining said tetrahedral pyramid with all face portions and internal areas thereof of the size of said spheres occupied thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A geometric puzzle of tangential spheres for array in a tetrahedral pyramid comprising a plurality of discrete and geometrically different assembly pieces for assembling said puzzle, each said piece including at least three tangentially affixed spheres in non-linear array, wherein further all said pieces but one of said pieces include identical triangular arrays of three spheres, and wherein selected ones of said triangular array pieces include a further sphere tangentially affixed to one of said triangular spheres in respectively different positions out of the plane of said triangular array, said plurality of pieces when arranged in a predetermined order defining said tetrahedral pyramid with all face portions and internal areas thereof of the size of said spheres occupied thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The puzzle of claim 1 including a retainer frame bounding the pyramid array of spheres about its base and within which said pieces are placed to assemble the puzzle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein each assembly piece includes at least four spheres excepting one piece having only three spheres, thereby comprising nine assembly pieces for said puzzle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein said one piece comprises a planar square array of four spheres.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein said spheres are of substantial size on the order of several inches in diameter, thereby to facilitate manipulation by the visually handicapped.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein said spheres are of small size on the order of small pellets or ball bearings, thereby to enhance ready pocket portability.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The puzzle of claim 1 wherein a line between the center of each said further sphere and said one triangular array sphere is disposed at an angle to a line extending through the center of said adjacent triangular array sphere to which it is affixed with said latter line perpendicular to the plane of said triangular array.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The puzzle of claim 7 wherein said angle is on the order of 30°.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-23 | 1979-09-22 | 1980-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-23 | 1983-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-23 | 1987-09-22 | 1988-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |