JIGSAW PUZZLE BOARD TURNTABLE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/784,805, filed on Jul. 25, 2024, entitled “Novel Jigsaw Puzzle Tray and Jigsaw Puzzle Rack Thereof.” Each of the above-referenced applications or patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of jigsaw puzzle boards, and more specifically, to a jigsaw puzzle board turntable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Jigsaw puzzles are both educational and entertaining for individuals of all age groups. Various types of jigsaw puzzle toys are available, each with unique characteristics. In practical puzzle assembly processes, a turntable is often installed at the bottom of the puzzle board to facilitate rotation. However, due to the limited support area of conventional turntables, the puzzle board tends to tilt or deform. In addition, poor stability prevents the turntable from supporting large puzzle games, thereby severely affecting the user experience. Some turntables suffer from poor structural integrity, complex assembly procedures, and difficulty in forming an integrated unit. Uneven stress distribution may lead to structural failure. Even when integrated, such turntables are often difficult to disassemble, resulting in high maintenance costs.

Moreover, installing a turntable with a puzzle board is typically time-consuming and labor-intensive. The rotation performance is often poor, and the turntable fails to rotate smoothly. To address these issues, the present disclosure provides a jigsaw puzzle board turntable with an improved structure and functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a jigsaw puzzle board turntable, which solves the problems of complicated structure, poor stability, poor rotation effect, and inconvenient disassembly and assembly of the jigsaw puzzle board turntable.

The following is the cited content from the parent application. A novel jigsaw puzzle tray includes: a seat body and a tray body, wherein a rotation connection portion is arranged between the seat body and the tray body, and the rotation connection portion is used for a circumferential rotation of the tray body to facilitate jigsaw puzzles in different orientations; a plurality of drawer assemblies that are arranged on a side wall of the tray body, drawable, and in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of jigsaw puzzle areas, wherein the plurality of drawer assemblies are used for classification placement of jigsaw blocks; and a plurality of light prompt assemblies that are arranged at a bottom of the tray body, wherein the plurality of light prompt assemblies divide the tray body into the plurality of jigsaw puzzle areas.

Optionally, each of the drawer assemblies includes a drawer portion mounted on the side wall of the tray body in a drawable manner, and a convex handle arranged on an outer side of the drawer portion; and further includes a through slot formed close to the bottom side wall of the tray body, and the through slot facilitates drawing of the convex handle when the drawer portion is embedded in the tray body.

Optionally, each set of the light prompt assemblies includes a light strip arranged at the bottom of the tray body, wherein the light strips are in a number of 6 and correspond to a position of each drawer portion, and an operation button arranged on the convex handle on the corresponding drawer portion, wherein the operation button is used for controlling turning on and off of the light strip in the position.

Optionally, a label is further arranged on an upper surface of each of the convex handles.

Optionally, the rotation connection portion includes a mounting ring arranged at the bottom of the tray body, and a plurality of balls arranged between the mounting ring and the seat body, and the plurality of balls are used for a relative rotation of the seat body and the tray body.

To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present disclosure is as follows. A jigsaw puzzle board turntable is provided, including an outer race that is annular and an inner race fitted within the outer race, wherein the outer race is embedded in a circular recess at a bottom of a board body. The outer race and the inner race are rotatably connected to each other via balls snap-fitted between the outer race and the inner race. The balls are snap-fitted within an annular track arranged between the outer race and the inner race, and the annular track is defined by a side of the outer race facing a center and a side of the inner race facing away from the center. The outer race is provided with ball installation holes to facilitate insertion and removal of the balls.

Optionally, an outer diameter of the inner race is not greater than an inner diameter of the outer race, and a thickness of the inner race is equal to a thickness of the outer race.

Optionally, an inner wall of the outer race facing the center is provided with a first annular track, a radial depth of the first annular track is equal to a radius of the ball, and a maximum axial opening size of the first annular track is equal to a diameter of the ball.

Optionally, an outer wall of the inner race facing away from the center is provided with a second annular track, a radial depth of the second annular track is equal to a radius of the ball, and a maximum axial opening size of the second annular track is equal to a diameter of the ball.

Optionally, the annular track is formed by the first annular track and the second annular track, and the balls are snap-fitted in a space between the first annular track and the second annular track.

Optionally, a threaded hole is provided in a radial direction of the outer race, and the threaded hole extends from a side wall of the outer race facing away from the center to the first annular track.

Optionally, a diameter of the threaded hole is not less than a diameter of the ball, and the threaded hole is sealed with a bolt.

Optionally, a plurality of first through holes are evenly arranged in an axial direction of the outer race, a plurality of second through holes are evenly arranged in an axial direction of the inner race, and the plurality of first through holes and the plurality of second through holes are correspondingly used for mounting support components.

Optionally, the outer race and the inner race are correspondingly disposed in the circular recess at the bottom of the board body, and the support components on the inner race are magnetically attracted to magnetic components within the circular recess.

Optionally, an upper surface of the inner race is directly magnetically attracted to the magnetic components within the circular recess through the magnetic components.

Optionally, each of a radial cross-section of the first annular track and a radial cross-section of the second annular track are semicircular.

Optionally, each of the radial cross-section of the first annular track and the radial cross-section of the second annular track is rectangular.

Optionally, a support surface area of the support components is greater than an installation surface area.

Optionally, an outer diameter of the outer race is less than a diameter of the circular recess.

Optionally, each of a thickness of the outer race and a thickness of the inner race is greater than a depth of the circular recess.

By adopting the above technical solution, the present disclosure provides the following beneficial effects.

By providing the outer race that is annular and the inner race fitted within the outer race, relative rotation of the outer race and the inner race in the horizontal direction can be realized, thereby driving the jigsaw puzzle tray above the turntable to rotate. The outer race and the inner race are rotatably connected to each other through the balls, which makes the rotation of the outer race and the inner race more stable. The balls are snap-fitted in the annular track to further enhance the stability of the turntable. The annular track is arranged between the side of the outer race facing the center and the side of the inner race facing away from the center, which can greatly improve the stability of the turntable. After the balls are installed, the outer race and the inner race can be rotated smoothly, and at the same time form a stable integrated structure, which will not cause separation and detachment. The provision of the ball installation holes allows the balls to be detachable, and at the same time realizes the detachability of the outer race and the inner race.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or the prior art of the present disclosure, the drawings to be used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art are briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art may also obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a jigsaw puzzle board turntable according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic installation diagram of the jigsaw puzzle board turntable of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic disassembly diagram of the jigsaw puzzle board turntable of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an outer race in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an inner race in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the inner race in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the inner race in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a support component in FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of bolt installation;

FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of bolt disassembly;

FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of the outer race assembled with balls;

FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of the inner race assembled with balls;

FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of the support component in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the support component in Embodiment 3;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the support component in Embodiment 3;

FIG. 18 is a schematic structural diagram of the outer race support component in Embodiment 6; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic structural diagram of the inner race support component in Embodiment 7.

REFERENCE NUMERAL

• • 2, board body; 110, outer race; 111, first annular track; 112, first through hole; 113, threaded hole; 200, inner race; 201, second annular track; 202, second through hole; 30, support component; 31, fixing part; 32, supporting part; 4, ball; 50, bolt; 70, circular recess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

This specific embodiment is merely an interpretation of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation thereof. Those skilled in the art may make modifications to this embodiment as needed after reading this specification without creative effort, and all such modifications shall fall within the scope protected by the claims of the present disclosure.

Embodiment 1

The present embodiment provides a jigsaw puzzle board turntable, specifically as shown in FIG. 1, including an outer race 110 and an inner race 200 that rotate relative to each other. The outer race 110 is configured in an annular structure, and the inner race 200 is fitted within the outer race 110. In the present embodiment, the inner race 200 is also configured in an annular structure, and an outer diameter of the inner race 200 is equal to an inner diameter of the outer race 110. In other embodiments, the inner race 200 may also be configured in a disk structure. An annular track is provided between a sidewall of the outer race 110 facing a center and a sidewall of the inner race 200 facing away from the center. The outer race 110 and the inner race 200 are rotatably connected to each other through balls 4 installed in the annular track, so as to enable relative rotation between the outer race 110 and the inner race 200, thereby driving the jigsaw puzzle board to rotate. The turntable utilizes the principle of ball bearings. By arranging the balls 4 between the inner and outer rings, the friction coefficient can be greatly reduced, making the turntable more durable and smoother in rotation than conventional designs.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer race 110 is snapped into a circular recess 70 at a bottom of a board body 2. An outer diameter of the outer race 110 is smaller than a diameter of the circular recess 70, allowing the outer race 110 to be smoothly placed into the circular recess 70. Each of a thickness of the outer race 110 and a thickness of the inner race 200 is greater than a depth of the circular recess 70. The outer race 110 and the inner race 200 are partially hidden within the circular recess 70, ensuring aesthetic appearance. In addition, the turntable produces very low noise during rotation, significantly improving the user experience.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 have the same thickness. The annular track for housing the balls 4 is defined between the sidewall of the outer race 110 facing the center and the sidewall of the inner race 200 facing away from the center. The balls 4 can rotate within the annular track. The outer race 110 and the inner race 200 form a stable integral structure through the balls 4. Meanwhile, a threaded hole 113 is provided on a sidewall of the outer race 110 facing away from the center. Through the threaded hole 113, the balls 4 can be installed and removed. Once the balls 4 are installed between the outer race 110 and the inner race 200, they can no longer move relative to each other in an axial direction and can only rotate relatively in a horizontal plane, thereby greatly improving the stability of the turntable.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a first annular track 111 is provided on the sidewall of the outer race 110 facing the center. A radial depth of the first annular track 111 is equal to a radius of the ball 4, and a maximum axial opening size of the first annular track 111 is equal to a diameter of the ball 4. In the present embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of an inner cavity of the first annular track 111 is semicircular, and a radius of the cross-section equals the radius of the ball 4. In some embodiments, the inner cavity of the first annular track 111 may also be square-shaped, with a length equal to the diameter of the ball 4 and a width equal to the radius of the ball 4. After installing the ball 4, half of a volume of the ball 4 is located within the inner cavity of the first annular track 111. A plurality of first through holes 112 are provided in the axial direction of the outer race 110, and are evenly distributed on the outer race 110. Each first through hole 112 passes from an upper surface to a lower surface of the outer race 110 and is used to install a support component 30.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a threaded hole 113 is also provided on the sidewall of the outer race 110 facing away from the center. The threaded hole 113 passes from the sidewall of the outer race 110 facing away from the center to the first annular track 111. The threaded hole 113 extends into and spatially communicates with the inner cavity of the first annular track 111, allowing the ball 4 to be installed into the inner cavity of the first annular track 111 via the threaded hole 113. The ball 4 can also be removed from the inner cavity via the threaded hole 113. A diameter of the threaded hole 113 is not less than the diameter of the ball 4, allowing the ball 4 to pass through smoothly and enabling convenient installation and removal. In the present embodiment, a bolt 50 is matched to the threaded hole 113. After installing the ball 4 via the threaded hole 113, the bolt 50 can be used to seal the threaded hole 113 to prevent the ball 4 from falling out via the threaded hole 113. In other embodiments, the threaded hole 113 may also be configured as other types of installation holes that facilitate disassembly of the ball 4 and prevent it from falling out. In this device, the ball 4 is inserted via the threaded hole 113 and then secured by tightening the bolt 50. During operation, the ball 4 will not detach from the track, and the turntable will not come apart, so as to further enhance the stability.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a second annular track 201 is provided on the side wall of the inner race 200 facing away from the center. A radial depth of the second annular track 201 is equal to the radius of the ball 4, and a maximum axial opening size of the second annular track 201 is equal to the diameter of the ball 4. During rotation, half of the volume of the ball 4 is located within an inner cavity of the second annular track 201. In the present embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity of the second annular track 201 is semicircular, and its radius is equal to the radius of the ball 4. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity of the second annular track 201 may also be square, with a length equal to the diameter of the ball 4 and a width equal to the radius of the ball 4. When the inner race 200 is fitted within the outer race 110, the first annular track 111 and the second annular track 201 together enclose an annular cavity for receiving the ball 4. The ball 4 rotates within the annular cavity, such that the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 are firmly connected as an integral structure, while still allowing relative rotation between the outer race 110 and the inner race 200.

Optionally, a plurality of second through holes 202 are evenly arranged on the inner race 200, and each of the plurality of second through hole 202 passes from an upper surface to a lower surface of the inner race 200. In the present embodiment, the second through holes 202 are used for installing the support components 30. The support component 30 is configured as a magnetic attraction structure, and can be magnetically attached to a magnetic attraction structure at the bottom of the jigsaw puzzle board, thereby ensuring that the turntable provides sufficient frictional force to drive the rotation of the jigsaw puzzle board, while also facilitating installation and removal.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the support component 30 includes a fixing part 31 and a support part 32, both of which are cylindrical structures. A diameter of a cylindrical body of the fixing part 31 is equal to an aperture of each of the first through hole 112 and the second through hole 202, facilitating installation. A diameter of a cylindrical body of the support part 32 is greater than the diameter of cylindrical body of the fixing part 31, so as to provide a larger supporting area. In some embodiments, an upper surface of the support part 32 is further provided with a hole for convenient disassembly, and the upper surface of the support part 32 is also provided with a shock-absorbing gasket.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bolt 50 can be easily screwed into the threaded hole 113. After the ball 4 is inserted into the annular track via the threaded hole 113, the bolt 50 is tightened to effectively prevent the ball 4 from falling out of the threaded hole 113, ensuring that all balls 4 are snap-fitted within the annular track to rotate, thereby enabling the inner race 200 and the outer race 110 to be securely connected as an integral structure. By unscrewing the bolt 50, the ball 4 can flow out of the threaded hole 113, thereby enabling the disassembly of the inner race 200 and the outer race 110.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, after the ball 4 enters the first annular track 111 via the threaded hole 113, half of the volume of the ball 4 is snap-fitted within the first annular track 111, and the ball 4 can rotate annularly along the first annular track 111.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, after the ball 4 enters the second annular track 201 via the threaded hole 113, half of the volume of the ball 4 is snap-fitted within the second annular track 201, and the ball 4 also rotates annularly along the second annular track 201.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, both the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 are provided with the support components 30. The support components 30 on the inner race 200 can be connected to the circular recess 70 through magnetic attraction, thereby facilitating installation and disassembly.

Further, the turntable in this device is made of aluminum alloy, which is more firm, durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. Additionally, the embedded installation method saves transportation costs. During transportation, the turntable can be embedded in the jigsaw puzzle board to save space. During use, it does not require separate installation, and placing the turntable in the circular recess 70 that is embedded allows it to be used directly, so as to significantly improve portability and adaptability.

During use, first, the inner race 200 is fitted within the outer race 110, with the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 kept on the same horizontal plane. Then, the balls 4 are inserted via the threaded hole 113. The outer race 110 and the inner race 200 form an integral structure through the balls 4. Next, the bolt 50 is used to seal the threaded hole 113. Then, the turntable is placed into the recess at the bottom of the jigsaw puzzle board. Through magnetic attraction, the rotation of the jigsaw puzzle board can be achieved. During disassembly, first, the turntable is removed from the bottom of the jigsaw puzzle board. Then, the bolt 50 is unscrewed in the threaded hole 113 and the balls 4 are poured out one by one via the threaded hole 113, thereby completing the disassembly of the turntable.

By providing the annular outer race 110 that is annular and the inner race 200 fitted within the outer race 110, relative rotation between the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 in the horizontal direction can be achieved, thereby driving the rotation of the board body 2 located above the turntable. The outer race 110 and the inner race 200 are rotatably connected to each other through the balls 4, so as to make the rotation of the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 more stable. The balls 4 are snap-fitted in the annular track, further enhancing the stability of the turntable. The annular track is arranged between the side of the outer race 110 facing the center and the side of the inner race 200 facing away from the center, which significantly improves the stability of the turntable. After the balls 4 are installed, the outer race 110 and the inner race 200 can be rotated smoothly and form a stable integrated structure that will not separate or fall off. The configuration of the ball installation hole allows the balls 4 to be detachable, thereby enabling disassembly of both the outer race 110 and the inner race 200.

Embodiment 2

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in that the upper surface of the inner race 200 is not provided with the support component 30. Instead, an annular magnetic component is attached to the upper surface of the inner race 200 to be magnetically connected to the circular recess 70. By removing the support component 30 from the upper surface of the inner race 200, on the one hand, the contact area with the circular recess 70 is increased to improve the stability of the turntable; on the other hand, the volume of the turntable embedded in the circular recess 70 is increased, which further enhances the aesthetic appearance.

Embodiment 3

The difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in that the inner race 200 is configured as a tray-shaped structure. Compared to the annular structure, the present embodiment provides a larger supporting surface. The entire upper surface of the inner race 200 can contact the circular recess 70, thereby providing greater friction and enabling more stable turntable operation.

Embodiment 4

The difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in that a side of the inner race 200 in contact with the circular recess 70 is thickened, such that its height is greater than a height of the outer race 110. Therefore, the support component 30 is not provided on the inner race 200 and the inner race 200 directly contacts the circular recess 70, so that the inner race 200 can provide a larger supporting surface to improve stability.

Embodiment 5

The difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in that the side of the outer race 110 where the support component 30 is installed is thickened, making its height greater than the height of the inner race 200. Therefore, the support component 30 is not provided on the outer race 110, and the outer race 110 can provide a larger supporting surface to improve stability.

Embodiment 6

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in that the support component 30 on the outer race 110 is configured as an annular structure, matching a size of the outer race 110. A side of the support component 30 facing the turntable is provided with multiple fixing parts 31, which correspond to the first through holes 112. The part 32 that is annular is provided on the fixing part 31, and a radius of the support part 32 matches that of the outer race 110. Such a support component 30 increases the supporting surface on the outer race 110, so as to enable smoother operation of the turntable.

Embodiment 7

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the difference between the present embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in that the support component 30 on the inner race 200 is configured as an annular structure, matching a size of the inner race 200. A side of the support component 30 facing the turntable is provided with multiple fixing parts 31, which correspond to the second through holes 202. The support part 32 that is annular is provided on the fixing part 31, and a radius of the support part 32 matches that of the inner race 200. Such a support component 30 increases the supporting surface on the inner race 200, so as to enable smoother operation of the turntable.

The above description is only intended to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and not to limit it. Any modifications or equivalent replacements made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure shall fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.