Puzzle Game

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a puzzle game designed with a three-dimensional puzzle system and includes an element of competition or game play designed to engage individual or multiple users. The puzzle game comprises a plurality of cuboidal puzzle sticks with images on one or more than one side that, when properly configured, displays one or more than one completed puzzle image. The puzzle game utilizes a portable puzzle tray that holds the puzzle sticks securely whether in use or not. The puzzle game allows individuals of any dexterity, age, or ability to configure the puzzle sticks and provides entertainment for single or multiple users in any setting.

1 . A puzzle game comprising
 a) a plurality of cuboidal sticks comprising at least a first stick and a second stick;   b) a tray for retaining said plurality of cuboidal sticks;   c) wherein when said first stick is placed adjacent to said second stick an image on a first side of said first stick is complementary to an image on a first side of said second stick; and   d) wherein said tray has an array of retaining features for holding said plurality of sticks in a predetermined position.   
     
     
         2 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of cuboidal sticks has a square cross-section. 
     
     
         3 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  wherein a first portion of said retaining features comprise a plurality of divots extending into said tray. 
     
     
         4 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  wherein a first portion of said retaining features comprise a plurality of protrusions extending from said tray. 
     
     
         5 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  wherein said first stick comprises one or more divots on said first side of said first stick, wherein said one or more divots are configured to receive one or more of said retaining features. 
     
     
         6 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1   a) wherein when said plurality of cuboidal sticks are placed in a predetermined configuration at least one of said cuboidal sticks is disposed parallel to at least one other cuboidal stick and at least one of said cuboidal sticks is disposed perpendicular to at least one other cuboidal stick.   b) wherein said predetermined configuration is a rectangular arrangement of said cuboidal sticks; and   c) wherein said predetermined configuration is disposed over all of said retaining features in said array.   
     
     
         7 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  further comprising a game body
 a) wherein said tray is disposed in said game body; 
 b) wherein said tray is configured to move in a direction of travel from a first position to a second position; and 
 c) wherein said direction of travel is perpendicular to a surface of said tray. 
 
     
     
         8 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  further comprising one or more springs disposed adjacent to said tray, wherein said one or more springs are configured to move said tray from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         9 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  further comprising a sheet having a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is disposed over a respective retaining feature. 
     
     
         10 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  further comprising a timer connected to said tray, wherein said timer is configured to cause said tray to move from a first position to a second position once said timer runs out of time. 
     
     
         11 . The puzzle game as in  claim 1  further comprising a switch, wherein said switch releases said tray to cause said tray to move from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         12 . The puzzle game as in  claim 7  further comprising
 a) a second tray disposed in said game body; 
 b) wherein said second tray is configured to move in a direction of travel from a second tray first position to a second tray second position; 
 c) wherein said second tray direction of travel of said second tray is perpendicular to a surface of said second tray; and 
 d) wherein said second tray has an array of second tray retaining features for holding said plurality of sticks in a predetermined position. 
 
     
     
         13 . The puzzle game as in  claim 12  further comprising a first switch connected to said first tray and a second switch connected to said second tray,
 a) wherein said first switch releases said first tray to cause said first tray to move from said first position to said second position; and 
 b) wherein said second switch releases said second tray to cause said second tray to move from said second tray first position to said second tray second position. 
 
     
     
         14 . The puzzle game as in  claim 13  wherein each of said plurality of cuboidal sticks has a square cross-section. 
     
     
         15 . The puzzle game as in  claim 14  wherein a first portion of said retaining features comprise a plurality of protrusions extending from said tray and wherein a first portion of said second tray retaining features comprise a plurality of protrusions extending from said second tray. 
     
     
         16 . The puzzle game as in  claim 15  wherein said first stick comprises one or more divots on said first side of said first stick, wherein said one or more divots are configured to receive one or more of said retaining features. 
     
     
         17 . The puzzle game as in  claim 16   a) wherein when said plurality of cuboidal sticks are placed in a predetermined configuration at least one of said cuboidal sticks is disposed parallel to at least one other cuboidal stick and at least one of said cuboidal sticks is disposed perpendicular to at least one other cuboidal stick;   b) wherein said predetermined configuration is a rectangular arrangement of said cuboidal sticks; and   c) wherein said predetermined configuration is disposed over all of said retaining features in said array.