I am thinking about creating a puzzle and could use some suggestions for 'standardized objects'. The goal of the puzzle will be to pack certain objects into a container in such a manner that all of the items fit within the boundaries of the container. I want the container and the packed objects to be items that most people can find around the home (or easily locate). I also want people to be able to quickly make the puzzle for themselves and without any special skills (e.g., woodworking skills). Since the size and shape of the items are an important part of the puzzle, they should all have a standard shape and size. For example, the container could be a 'standard' round coffee can. The puzzle maker could ensure that they had a 'standard' coffee can by measuring the can's diameter and height. It would be best if the same container/objects could be found in various countries. For example, in the United States it is fairly easy to find a 'standard-sized' one-quart glass mayonnaise (mason) jar, but I'm not sure if such jars are common in other countries (e.g., they may only have one-liter jars). It also best of the objects are rigid, so that they can't be squished. The packed objects should be small enough so that several can be packed in the container, but not so small that they can't be handled easily. The container should have about a .25 to 2 liter capacity (e.g., a coffee can or mayonnaise jar). Below I have listed some objects that I feel are fairly 'standard' (at least in the U.S.). I would appreciate any additional suggestions.
Thank you.
Carl G.
Containers:
coffee can. peanut can. mayonnaise jar. baby food jar. 12 ounce soda can (with top removed). 1 liter soda bottle (perhaps cut down in size). milk bottle/carton (although the shape of glass milk bottles may vary too much).
Packing objects:
golf ball. ping-pong ball (although this isn't as rigid as I would like). glass marble, 5/8 inch diameter. unsharpened pencil, 7.5 inches long, .25 inch diameter. various U.S./British coins (coins of other nations are often harder to come by). six-sided die, 5/8 inch side. 3 1/2 inch floppy disk. wine bottle cork (how much do these vary in size?) plastic soda bottle cap. jingle-bells (these usually come in various standard diameters). cap to a well-known brand of spray deodorant (e.g., 'Right-Guard'
. billiard ball (this may not be common enough and is bit on the large size). tape cassette. AAA, AA, C, and D-sized batteries. metal lid from a 12 ounce can of frozen orange juice concentrate.
