Cylindrical Puzzle

This invention relates to puzzles, and more particularly to a geometric puzzle that is configured in the shape of a 12-ounce beverage can and may preferably be a beer can. It consists of a removable plastic sleeve which may be printed with the name of a canned beverage. Alternately, a cylindrical sleeve made from, for example, cardboard or any other suitable material, may be placed between a clear, non-printed sleeve and the assembled pieces which form the remainder of the puzzle. The cardboard sleeve would have printed thereon the same indicia as described above in connection with the printed plastic sleeve embodiment.

The remainder of the puzzle consists of ten pieces which, when assembled the proper way, form a replica of a 12-ounce beverage container.

FIG. 1 shows the instant cylindrical puzzle in its fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 2 shows the instant puzzle with its printed sleeve removed; and

FIG. 3 shows the instant puzzle with its sleeve removed and in partially disassembled configuration.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the instant cylindrical puzzle 1 in its fully assembled configuration which includes a sleeve 3 which might have indicia 4 printed thereon. FIG. 2 shows the sleeve 3 removed from the puzzle. The puzzle without the sleeve consists of ten pieces; eight side segments 5, bottom portion 7 and top portion 9. Each side segment 5 is identical in its outside dimensions, extends the full length of the puzzle between the top 9 and bottom 7 pieces or ends and encloses, for example, an arc of 45.degree. of the cylindrical structure. Obviously, more or fewer pieces 5, covering a different arc of the cylindrical structure of the puzzle, could be utilized.

Each of the side pieces 5 is removably attached between the top 9 and bottom 7 pieces by means of pairs of posts 11, which pairs of posts fit within pairs of holes 13 molded into the side pieces 5. Each bottom piece 7 and top piece 9 have eight pairs of posts 11. Each of the side pieces 5 have two pairs of holes 13, disposed at either end thereof such that, when each side piece 5 is assembled to the correct location on the bottom 7 and top 9 pieces, they are flush with the outer surfaces thereof.

Each of the bottom 7 and top 9 pieces are formed basically in a circular shape; however, this circle is then divided into eight equal straight arcuate lengths. The pairs of posts 11 are molded to each eight straight portions of the top 9 and bottom 7 pieces. Each of the posts may preferably be of one of two different diameters. Thus, each pair of posts could contain a large and a small post, two large posts or two small posts. Obviously, the position of the large and small posts within the configuration of the pair may be reversed such that four different configurations of post pairs may be utilized. Similarly, the pairs of holes 13 contained on the side pieces 5 may have holes of two different diameters and may be configured within the pair in the same manner as described with respect to the top 9 and bottom 7 pieces. In this manner, a puzzle is formed in which, for example, the ten pieces may be assembled in only one manner. Thus, this puzzle will provide many hours of entertainment for users of all ages.

Of course, other configurations of means for attaching the side segments 5 to the top 9 and bottom 7 portions could be utilized, such as, for example, arcuate tabs and holes molded respectively to the puzzle pieces.

The disclosed puzzle may preferably be formed by injection molding apparatus from a plastic material. Alternatively, the puzzle could be formed from other materials, for example, wood, cardboard, rubber, etc.

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.