In-Tube Puzzle Toy Patent by Louis Hall
I began the patent work for my toy in 2009, and it was patented May 22, 2012, US8181961
This was like a Masters course in US patent process: I was the Inventor, patent attorney, project manager, technical writer and illustrator for my toy puzzle for both the provisional patent and the full utility patent, US8181961. In 2014 this toy invention became available as "FlipStir Puzzle" from Enlivenze.com.
Patent Abstract: A self-contained three-dimensional puzzle game that has a plurality of free-floating individual puzzle pieces (6) enclosed within a transparent enclosure (8). Puzzle is solved by using a wand (1) to move the individual puzzle pieces and forming the three dimensional solution. Wand is comprised of a rod, which extends through a small hole (4) in the enclosure. One embodiment has the three-dimensional subject solution covered with image graphics (10) so that when the individual pieces are manipulated into the correct positions they bring about an overall composition.This experience was like a MBA in the USA patent process. Patent summary: A self-contained puzzle comprising a plurality of individual free-floating puzzle pieces contained within a transparent enclosure, a wand which is used to solve said puzzle by reaching through hole in said transparent enclosure and moving said individual free-floating puzzle pieces and forming the three dimensional solution.
