Block puzzles of the class to which the present invention relates have been known for many years. It is recognized that they can provide not only a source of amusement and diversion, but also a test of skill and perceptive ability. Typically, the component blocks are rectilinear in shape and are provided with recesses, notches or the like which permit assembly of the puzzle into a desired "solution." When so assembled, the blocks appear to pass through one another in three dimensions; and the recesses, notches or the like are substantially concealed from view. Block puzzles of this class are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,836,421 granted to W. D. Turner on May 27, 1958, and in Canadian Pat. No. 94,613 granted to S. J. Curtis on June 17, 1905.
The patents to Turner and Curtis disclose block puzzles having a relatively large number of component blocks. Eleven blocks are used for a solution to the block puzzle disclosed by Curtis; six blocks are used for a solution to the block puzzle disclose by Turner. In each case, a relatively complex array of notches and slots are provided in the component blocks.
It is recognized that in some case a block puzzle consisting of a relatively large number of component blocks may be desirable. However, it is considered that a block puzzle consisting of relatively few component blocks is also desirable. Individuals are less apt to be discouraged from seeking a solution to a block puzzle consisting of relatively few blocks than they are when confronted with a seemingly complex puzzle consisting of a relatively large number of blocks. Moreover, from the point of view of manufacturing the component blocks or a block puzzle on a production scale, it is obviously preferable to have as few differently shaped blocks as possible.
An object of the present invention is to provide a block puzzle of the class described, and which has a minimal number of component blocks.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a block puzzle where there may be minimal variation in the geometry of the component blocks.