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Geometric random selection deviceRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Chance DevicesGeometric random selection device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050285335, Geometric random selection device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a hand-manipulatable three-dimensional device for generating and displaying groups of symbols in combinations selected in pseudo-random sequence, for use as a parlour game or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART [0002] Three-dimensional combination toys or puzzles, in which different combinations of colours or pictures or numbers may be produced by moving blocks in three dimension, are known. The ultimate aim of these amusement devices is common, namely, to manipulate the plurality of elements to different positions in an attempt to reproduce a predetermined pattern. Puzzles, with similar purposes, have been invented with various overall shapes. [0003] For example, the popular Rubik's Cube.RTM. is in the form of a cube consisting of a plurality of manipulatable cubical elements which by rotation can be moved to different positions, the object being to reproduce the original pattern of cubical facets on all six faces of the cube. [0004] Another form of hand-manipulatable three-dimensional puzzle is described and illustrated by Goldfarb U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,155 issued Jan. 19, 1985; including a body in the shape of an octahedron and constituted of a plurality of elements interconnected together to permit rotation of one-half of the body with respect to the other half along each of three orthogonal planes symmetrically passing through the body. The octahedron-shaped body is defined by a pair of interpenetrating tetrahedra presenting the outline appearance of a six-pointed star when the device is viewed along any one of the eight axes of the tetrahedra. The eight smaller tetrahedra, which define the outer face of the puzzle, may be manipulated to different positions with the aim of reproducing a predetermined pattern. [0005] One possible internal mechanism which permits relative movement of the elements of the three-dimensional puzzles is taught by Isobe in U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,623 issued Aug. 17, 1982. His mechanism comprises a central, spherical core and a plurality of guide canopies laterally spaced apart from one another such that the spaces between the edges of adjacent guide canopies define guide tracks. Seven movable elements are provided (each provided with a slide piece dimensioned to slide within and be retained by the canopies and guide spaces and attached to its element via an inwardly projecting slide leg free to move within the guide tracks), as well as an eighth, fixed element fastened to the central core. The guide canopies are first attached to the central core; the seven movable blocks are then assembled with their respective slide pieces inserted into the guide spaces via a slide piece insertion opening. Finally the fixed element is fastened to the central core above the slide piece insertion opening. [0006] Other patents of general background interest describing and illustrating hand-manipulatable toys or puzzles, include U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,089 of Gustafson issued Mar. 12, 1963, U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,201 of Nichols issued Apr. 11, 1972 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,502 of Paulos issued Oct. 4, 1983. [0007] Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,467 issued Jul. 4, 1984 describes such three-dimensional device, which has a chance selection application. The device is used as a parlour game for entertainment, by generating and displaying groups of symbol combinations through movable elements selected in pseudo-random sequence and by permitting the "reading" of the symbol combinations of the adjacent faces of the device. The mechanism of this device comprises a sphere with sections of part spherical contours centrally mounted thereon. The sections are spaced apart from each other and adapted to allow sliding of the feet of the movable elements on the surface of the sphere. [0008] The device according to the above Applicant's patent presents a unique application of three-dimensional hand-manipulatable devices. It can be seen that it would be highly desirable for such application, that the movable parts be easily movable by a user. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a unique geometric random selection device having a mechanism that allows for an easy movement of the movable parts of the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a hand-manipulatable three-dimensional device for generating and displaying groups of symbol combinations selected in pseudo-random sequence. The device comprises an octahedral unit formed of eight elements having equilateral congruent triangular faces. The elements are interconnected together to permit rotation of one-half of the unit with respect to the other half along each of the three orthogonal planes of symmetry of the unit. The elements are also grouped about and enclose a center sphere with their triangular faces facing outwardly, seven of the elements being movable on the outer surface of the sphere, the edges of which elements define the allowable directions of rotation of the other elements about the sphere and guide those elements during rotation. A similar triangular foot of part spherical contour is mounted centrally by post means to the underside of each of the elements, the part spherical contour of the feet corresponding to that of the surface of the sphere such that the feet are slidable on the surface of the center sphere. Circular sections of part spherical contour, centrally mounted by means of post means above the surface of the sphere for holding the feet between the circular sections and the surface of the sphere are provided, the circular sections being spaced from adjacent circular sections to form paths between which the post means of the movable elements pass. A pyramidal segment is rotatably secured at the center of its base to the center of the triangular face of each of the elements. The base of each pyramidal segment is of similar size and shape to the triangular faces of the elements of the unit. Each of the pyramidal segments has an outwardly directed apex and three outer faces. The three outer faces of each pyramidal segment converge at the apex. Each of the faces of the pyramidal segments bears a distinguishing symbol to provide clear visual coordination or non-coordination with corresponding symbols on the adjoining triangular faces of adjacent elements, whereby the coordination or non-coordination of the symbols on pairs of adjacent triangular faces of the elements when viewed along the facing outer vertexes may be visualized. [0010] In a preferred embodiment, the symbol on each of the faces of the eight elements is a pair of colours, wherein four of the pairs of colours can share a common colour. The groups of symbol combinations can be groups of colours and the colours can be the same or different. [0011] In another preferred embodiment, the device can further comprise a stand having a base and upstanding arms spaced from each other on the base, the arms having, on their upper ends, means located so as to hold therebetween the apexes of oppositely positioned elements on the unit to permit rotation of the unit on the axis passing through said opposite apexes. [0012] The device according to the invention by permitting the "reading" of the groups of symbol combinations as displayed by the symbols of the adjacent faces of the elements, may be used as a parlour game. BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS [0013] These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which: [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with the invention mounted on a stand, and in position for viewing by a user; [0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the central core part of the device of FIG. 1; [0016] FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the device of FIG. 1, illustrating the interconnection of the part thereof; and [0017] FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic views of the device of FIG. 1, illustrating examples of combination of colours. [0018] While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0019] In the following description, similar features have been given similar reference numerals. Continue reading about Geometric random selection device... Full patent description for Geometric random selection device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Geometric random selection device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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