Doncaster inventors create 3D crossword puzzle cube
The cube is a mechancial 3D crossword puzzle
A pair of Doncaster inventors have created a 3D crossword puzzle cube - that they hope will become a hit across the globe.
David Petitt and Gillian Weston, both in their mid 70s, have created the Generation Puzzle, a 3D puzzle based on The Times crossword.
The game has been in the making for four decades - and the advent of 3D printing has allowed them to create the game.
He said: “We have made 12 working prototypes.
“Thanks to The Times crossword, that gave me the idea to make a 3D crossword cube.
“Thanks to the 3D printer we were able to make a working cube. We would like to make it smaller and can only do it with precision engineering.”
The pair are now looking to raise funds to pay for an international patent and to reduce the size of the puzzle.
He said: “So, to raise the funds we will auction a working 3D cube.
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“Whoever is the highest bidder would be only the second person in the world to own a 3D mechanical, crossword puzzle.”
He said@ “After 40 plus years of never giving up, it is a story to inspire others old or young to be more inventive and create their own project and invent something.”
The new Generation cube brings together two of the world's greatest puzzles - the 3D cube and the crossword puzzle.
He said: “There are an estimated 50 million people who have to do a crossword as part of their daily life.
“Word games can be addictive. This 3D crossword will be a jewel for any crossword or puzzle player.”
The game allows players to mix up 96 letters and make words up of any size. using all 96 letters.
He said: “The number of complete solutions is endless. How many times can you rearrange 96 letters into words?
“Then there is the hardest level of what the puzzle was designed for - to build a 16 letters crossword on each of the six faces.
He added: “The time is right for this new Generation cube to hit the market.
“Parents are crying out for a game to get their children off their devices for an hour or two, and give them a mind-bending experience, challenge and fun.
“It will sell for decades to come and bring joy for millions of players.
“Rubik and the crosswords have a great pedigree. I see no reason why my new Generation cube will not be the same or even better.”