Patent US4177993A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4177993A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable block puzzle and container
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1977-08-29
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Granted: 1979-12-11
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Expires: 1997-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A puzzle which can be manufactured in several different versions, each version including a box that is open on top and containing nine blocks that must interfit a specific way so to fit into the box, and a separately purchasable expansion kit of four additional blocks for use in substitution of four blocks in the original puzzle so to vary the puzzle solution; the purchases kit being sold also with a drawer in which the unused four blocks and the puzzle box can be neatly stored together.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce R. Crosby
- 👤 George Spector
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:41
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/06; A63F9/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A puzzle comprising a plurality of blocks with interfitting and abutting surfaces which when properly assembled form a rectangularly shaped assembly of predetermined dimension in combination with a container having a cavity of rectangular contour adapted to snugly receive the assembly thereon in further combination with means for varying the shapes of some of said blocks forming sub assemblies adapted to replace specific sub assemblies of said blocks to obtain the same said assembly of predetermined dimensions, wherein said container includes a compartment underlying said cavity for storing all of said blocks thereon, wherein, said means comprises additional blocks which replace certain blocks of different shape of the assembly, said additional blocks forming subassemblies similar to the replaced subassemblies.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A puzzle comprising a plurality of blocks with interfitting and abutting surfaces which when properly assembled form a rectangularly shaped assembly of predetermined dimension in combination with a container having a cavity of rectangular contour adapted to snugly receive the assembly thereon in further combination with means for varying the shapes of some of said blocks forming sub assemblies adapted to replace specific sub assemblies of said blocks to obtain the same said assembly of predetermined dimensions, wherein said container includes a compartment underlying said cavity for storing all of said blocks thereon, wherein, said means comprises additional blocks which replace certain blocks of different shape of the assembly, said additional blocks forming subassemblies similar to the replaced subassemblies.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said means comprise blocks of adjustable shape each having a removable portion which can be removed from and secured to a plurality of blocks to form subassemblies of the same shape and dimension, wherein the said blocks of adjustable shape each being identical to the other blocks when said adjustable blocks include said portion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-12-10 | 1983-06-11 | 1983-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-12-10 | 1987-06-11 | 1987-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-12-10 | 1991-06-11 | 1991-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |