Stephen S Samuels

US Patent:

43854672, May 31, 1983

Filed:

Mar 6, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/238351

Inventors:

Stephen S. Samuels - Mill Valley CA

International Classification:

A63H 3306

US Classification:

46 16

Abstract:

A multi-layered puzzle toy wherein each layer has a plurality of elements confined within a uniform ovoid peripheral contour, with elements being interchangeable and reversibly interchangeable with other elements in the same layer and other layers. The elements of each layer have contrasting opposite surfaces so that within a given layer elements may be reversed to fit in corresponding area portions that provide contrast in the appearance of the layer when filled with its elements. Within the ovoid contour are elements capable of forming a contrasting nose, mouth, and eyes of a stylized face with there being a sufficient multiplicity of elements in the region of the nose, mouth, and eyes to allow at least one of these facial features to be changed in position or shape to permit variations in the facial expression depicted. Moreover, the elements may be rearranged and selectively reversed within a layer to form an abstract asymmetrical configuration that is reminiscent but not directly representative of a stylized face. Each layer is preferably provided with one or more areas, filled by a first group of elements in that layer, that may be filled by a second group of elements in another layer wherein the individual elements of the second group have different peripheral configurations, differing in either size or shape.

US Patent:

42598044, Apr 7, 1981

Filed:

Mar 31, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/136125

Inventors:

Stephen S. Samuels - Mill Valley CA

International Classification:

A63H 3300

US Classification:

46 16

Abstract:

A multi-layered puzzle toy wherein each layer has a plurality of elements confined within a uniform ovoid peripheral contour, with elements being interchangeable and reversibly interchangeable with other elements in the same layer and other layers. The elements of each layer have contrasting opposite surfaces so that within a given layer elements may be reversed to fit in corresponding area portions that provide contrast in the appearance of the layer when filled with its elements. Within the ovoid contour are elements capable of forming a contrasting nose, mouth, and eyes of a stylized face with there being a sufficient multiplicity of elements in the region of the nose, mouth, and eyes to allow at least one of these facial features to be changed in position or shape to permit variations in the facial expression depicted. Moreover, the elements may be rearranged and selectively reversed within a layer to form an abstract asymmetrical configuration that is reminiscent but not directly representative of a stylized face. Each layer is preferably provided with one or more areas, filled by a first group of elements in that layer, that may be filled by a second group of elements in another layer wherein the individual elements of the second group have different peripheral configurations, differing in either size or shape.