US4589663A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gear-based mechanical puzzle
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1984-08-23
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Granted: 1986-05-20
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Expires: 2004-08-23
Abstract
Abstract A mechanical puzzle which relies on intermeshed gears which must be rotated into alignment, either relative to each other or static markings, or both. The gears rotate substantially unison unless a cut-out or slip-spot on any of the gears is so aligned with the shaft of an intermeshed gear such that the intermeshed gear can rotate freely.
Inventors
- 👤 Slobodan Doroslovac
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:44
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/06; A63F9/08; A63F9/0803; A63F9/0819
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A mechanical puzzle comprising at least four flat gears with markings wherein: said gears are disposed in the same or parallel planes and interlocked so as to turn in unison; and said puzzle has means for aligning said markings or said gears with each other, or with static markings or both; and said puzzle also has means for disengaging some of said gears, said disengaging means being in the form of cut-outs provided on at least one of each pair of interlocked gears such that when said cut-outs are rotatably aligned with adjacent gears, said adjacent gears will be out of physical contact and capable of independent rotation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A mechanical puzzle comprising at least four flat gears with markings wherein: said gears are disposed in the same or parallel planes and interlocked so as to turn in unison; and said puzzle has means for aligning said markings or said gears with each other, or with static markings or both; and said puzzle also has means for disengaging some of said gears, said disengaging means being in the form of cut-outs provided on at least one of each pair of interlocked gears such that when said cut-outs are rotatably aligned with adjacent gears, said adjacent gears will be out of physical contact and capable of independent rotation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said gears are housed and/or mounted between two face plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 2, wherein said plates are comprised of a clear, transparent material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said gears are arranged in a square formation such that a large center gear is surrounded by four smaller gears.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said gears are arranged in a linear formation such that all of the gears are aligned in a row.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said gears are arranged to form a circular pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein some of the gears are positioned in inverted fashion with respect to the others forming a twosided puzzle, all of said gears interlocked and turning substantially in unison.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said gears are positioned in various positions such that a plurality of puzzle faces or sides are formed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A mechanical puzzle as in claim 1, wherein said markings are comprised of a member of the group consisting of color bands, black and white bands and stripes and all shaped in any form.
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) | 1989-05-19 | 1989-11-18 | 1990-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-19 | 1993-11-18 | 1994-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-19 | 1997-11-18 | 1998-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |