Ball-in-a-maze puzzle

A simple wooden ball-in-a-maze

Ball-in-a-maze puzzles are dexterity puzzles which involve manipulating either a maze (or labyrinth) or one or several balls so that the ball or balls are manoeuvered towards a goal. Toys like this have been popular since "Pigs in Clover" was invented by Charles Martin Crandall in the 1880s, with the patent being applied for in 1889.[1][2][3][4][5]

In some versions a wooden labyrinth is tilted using two knobs and the ball has to be navigated past a series of holes and obstacles. A magnet is used in other versions where the balls have to be manipulated rather than the maze.[2] Perplexus is an example of a 3D ball-in-a-maze. Recently a large number of virtual versions have become available.

Another version, usually molded in transparent plastic, uses the ball as a key to opening an internal compartment by manipulating the ball into position, and then operating a sliding mechanism that releases an access door. They are sometimes called "Money Maze" banks or puzzle boxes.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ http://www.gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/VirtualExhibits/puzzles/dexter/pigsin.html
  2. 1 2 van Delft, Pieter; Jack Botermans (1978). Creative Puzzles of the World. Cassell. p. 141. ISBN 0-304-30300-3.
  3. ↑ http://jigglepuzzle.com/animals%20oblong%20pigs%20in%20clover.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.indiana.edu/~liblilly/overview/puzzle_docs/Sam_Loyd_Successful_Hoax.pdf
  5. ↑ US 410956, Crandall, Charles, "Game or Puzzle No. 410,956", issued 1889


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