GB2445605A

GB2445605A - Gaming device having open and closed elements

Info

Publication number: GB2445605A
Application number: GB0620321A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chaim Raphael Weinreb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-03
Filing date: 2007-10-03
Publication date: 2008-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-03
Also published as: GB0620321D0; GB2445605A9; GB2445605B

Abstract

A game or puzzle having a plurality of flat elements each element having a plurality of segments thereon. The segments being of two distinct groups, open or closed. The open segments may have an image or colour thereon however one or more segment may be missing / blank rendering the overall image or colour incomplete. The closed elements may have multiple different images or colours thereon which correspond to the missing images or colours from the open elements. By laying the open element over the closed element it can be determined if the incomplete image may be completed. The game may be provided with a frame. The images may be made from postage stamps.

Description

1 2445605

GAMING AND VALIDATION DEVICE INVOLVING OPEN AND CLOSED

ELEMENTS

This invention is concerned with a visual gaming and validation device for multiple users, capable of being used

over a wide range of fields.

The present invention provides a device comprising a plurality of separate elements having several segments thereon in locations which are identical in grid, outline and size, and the elements being of either two distinct groups, which are apparent by inspection alone, some of which having at least one segment being open, called the open elements, and other elements having all segments being closed, called the closed elements, and each of the open elements having thereon a single image or colour with one or more segments missing as a result of being open thereby rendering the image incomplete, and each of the closed elements having thereon multiple segments bearing sections of various images, which are related to several open elements by having the open elements' missing segments thereon located on the closed elements in compatible positions to the positions of the open segments on the open elements, whereby when a certain open element, or a number of open elements, is layed over a related closed element in proper attitude and orientation, the image on the top open element which was hitherto incomplete or disconnected is thereby becoming visibly completed or connected.

Preferably the open elements are of proportional dimensions, square, triangular, polygonal, star shaped or elongated.

Preferably the elements are having more than one orientation in relation to each other.

Preferably all the segments of each open element always exactly overlie all the segments of all the other open elements and at least some of the segments of all closed elements.

Preferably the elements are made of cardboard or plastic.

The shape of the segments may be either regular being rectangular, round, polygonal or star shaped or irregular being in the shape of people, animals, objects or any other irregular shape whatsoever.

Segments on the same element may differ from each other in size and/or shape.

The closed elements may be of identical size and shape to the open elements and having the same number of segments, or of bigger size and shape and with a larger number of segments.

Each element has two faces. However in some embodiments only one face may be covered with images, the reverse being kept blank or covered with a neutral single pattern or colour.

Preferably the open segments in the open elements are either cut out windows or unprinted transparent substance.

Preferably all, the segments on the closed elements are closed.

Preferably the open elements carry only one image on each face, being either areas of a single solid colour, or sections of a single picture, or a single map or connected paths or any other single image.

Preferably all the segments on a closed element carry sections of multiple images, being either areas of different sol.d colours, or parts of different pictures, or parts of different maps, or parts of different paths, or random letters or numbers, or any other image.

Preferably the said sections of the images on the closed segments of a certain closed element include the missing sections of a certain open element, referred to hereinafter as being related to it, and are located in compatible positions, whereby when the said open element is overlaid on the said related closed element in proper attitude, orientation arid, if closed element is bigger, location, then the open elements' missing segments which are located on the closed element are visible through the open segments of the open element, thereby completing the visible image.

Preferably the missing section or sections of the said image on the open element which are rendering it incomplete are located on the related closed element in a compatible position.

Preferably the same image is provided on several open elements, differing from each other only in locations of the open and missing segments.

Preferably each open element is related as hitherto described to at least one closed element.

Preferably each closed element carries the missing elements of more than one open element that are related to it as described, whereby the images of all of them can be visibly completed by being overlaid at identical or varying orientations or locations, either one at a time, or many open elements alongside or on top of one another over that same single closed and related element.

On both the open and closed elements the areas between the segments as well as the areas between the segments and the edges of the elements are blank or may be covered with images or colours merging with the images of the segments.

There is no limit to the number of elements, both open or closed, that may be used in this device.

There is no limit to the number of segments on each element. However preferably, for open elements, they should be between three and thirty six.

Games and devices according to embodiments of the present invention come in different shapes and sizes but all involve positioning at least one thin element, known as open element, in the correct position, attitude and orientation, on top of another element, known as closed element, with the open element being capable of completing an image which was until then incomp].ete and which may be a picture or colour or parts of a map or paths or any other image, and the elements all having areas known as segments which match in shape, size and position the segments of all, other elements, whether open or closed. The segments on the open elements may be open, i.e. they can be seen through, or closed, while the closed elements have no open segments whatsoever. Al.]. the elements, whether open or closed, have two faces arid the closed segments, on one or both faces of, carry parts of a picture or colour or parts of a map or paths or parts of any other image, with the distinction that while on open elements all the segments, on one or both faces, carry parts of a single picture or image, on closed elements the segments, on one or both faces, carry parts of several pictures or images.

Each of the embodiments of this invention, as described below, employs the described features of the hitherto described elements in different measures and compositions, to provide maximum effectiveness.

We shall now describe the various embodiments with the help of the enclosed illustrations, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -Fig. 1 shows a schematic grid of all the elements of three by four elements in Figs. 2-4.

Figs. 2a to 2d respectively show upper view of four typical open elements of EMBODINT A. l0 Fig. 3 shows a typical closed element which is related to the four elements in Figs 2a-2d.

Fig. 4 shows the same closed element as Fig. 3 but with an added insertion frame.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic grid for an element of four by four of EODIMENT A. Fig. 6 shows an alternative and bigger closed element which is related to the four elements in Figs 2a-2d.

Fig. 7 shows a randomised die-cutting system, with movable punches on tracks, able to facilitate production of open elements in EMBODIMENT A. Fig. 8 shows a version of open element of EMBODIMENT A with disconnected paths.

Fig. 9a shows the closed element to which the open element in Fig. 8 is related, while Fig. 9b shows the paths created by correctly placing the open element of Fig. 8 over the te closed element of 9a.

Fig. 10 shows a typical closed element for the game in EMBODIMENT B of the invention.

Fig. 11 shows the 16 open elements for the closed element in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 shows the different groups of segments on a triangular element as used in Figs 10-11.

We shall now describe the different versions and embodiments of the invention with relation to the drawings.

The first embodiment of the present invention, referred to hereinafter as MBODINT A, is based on relating several open elements of any proportional shape to one or more closed elements. This embodiment is intended as an amusing interactive educational device for younger children, or as a card game.

To grasp fully the way in which each embodiment of this invention is designed it is first desirable to construct a schematic grid in the shape of an open element and having identified areas in positions corresponding to the positions of the segments in all the other elements, whether open or closed. As examples of possible shapes Fig. 1 shows such a grid for a rectangular element of three by four segments, while Fig. 5 shows a grid for a square element of four by four segments, but it should be understood that the grid is used only at the design stage and has no use or function beyond it.

In a preferred variation of EODIMENP A all elements follow the same schematic grid as illustrated in Fig. 1, of four by three segments, making altogether twelve segments which, for sake of identification, are marked from a to 1, the same marking being applied to the segments of all elements, whether open or closed. In this variation four open elements A are provided, as illustrated in Figs. 2a-2d, each carrying a familiar infants' legendary image, with three open, therefore missing, segments c, making altogether twelve missing segments c for the four open elements. It should be also understood that the dotted line marking the closed segments in Figs. 2a- 2d are given for identification purposes only and in the actual embodiment the closed segments merge completely with the adjacent areas of the segments without being marked.

If we examine Figs. 2a-2d we shall find that in the image of Fig. 2a the open, therefore missing, segments are c, g and k; in the image in Fig. 2b the open, therefore missing, segments are b, f and j; in the image in Fig. 2c the open, therefore missing, segments are a, d and h; and in the image in Fig. 2d the open, therefore missing, segments are e, i and 1. Also provided is a single closed element B of the same schematic grid, as illustrated in Fig. 3, to which all four open elements A are related, by having all the missing twelve segments thereon in identical positions. If we look at Fig. 3 we shall see that the segments a, d and h carry the parts missing from the image on the open element of Fig. 2c; likewise segments b, f and j carry the parts missing from the element in Fig. 2b and segments c, g and k carry the parts missing from the element in Fig. 2a while segments e, i and 1 carry the parts missing from the image in Fig. 2d. As a consequence, if any of the four open elements A, as illustrated in Figs. 2a-2d, is positioned over the single closed element B, one element at a time, the image on each of them will be visually completed.

In a preferred card game application of EMBODIMENT A two separate batches are provided. One batch of 32 open elements, similar in concept to the elements in Figs. 2a-2d and bearing 16 different images, whereby each of the 16 images is provided twice, but with different positions of the missing segments.

The 16 images may be subdivided into groups, for example, groups of four images each of the same childrens' story. The second batch consists of 16 closed elements, similar in concept to the element in Fig. 3, each bearing at the compatible position all the missing segments of at least two open elements, altogether bearing all the missing segments of all the open elements. The ratio of the related closed elements to each closed element may be equal, e.g. two -meaning that each open element may be completed by being overlaid on either of two closed elements. Alternatively some open elements may be relate4 to more closed elements than others.

Any number of players may participate. In a preferred conduct of the game, after thorough shuffling, the batch of open elements is shared equally between the players while the batch of closed elements, after being shuffled, is placed as a separate pile, faces downwards.

Each player in his turn picks up a top card of the pile and turns it around to place it on the table with its face upwards. All the players then check their hands to see if they have a related card whose image can be completed. The first to do so calls "SNAP" or another agreed word, and then overlays his open element on top of the closed element in the right position to prove his claim, thus capturing that image.

The other players are following suit with the rest of the pile of closed elements. The player who have caught most images is the winner.

If the images may are subdivided into groups or series, as described above, a point system may predetermine that any player that capture the images of a complete group scores double, or alternatively, is declared outright winner.

A junior version of this game may be provided on a grid of 2 x 2 with only one segment missing on each open element.

The number of different open elements that are capable of being related to a single closed element may be equal to the number of segments in the element's schematic grid, if each of the related open elements has only one open segment.

Therefore, in a grid of six by six segments, no less than 36 open elements may be related to a single closed element.

Therefore if five such closed elements are issued, then no less than 180 different open elements may be provided for players whose task would be to find the missing segment of their open element on one of the closed elements. When a multitude of closed elements is used, the frequency of segments provided on the related closed elements, as well as the positioning of the open segments upon the open elements, can be manipulated to make particular open elements more difficult to "complete" than other open elements.

In this capacity EMBODIMENT A is particularly useful as a promotional game with an unlimited number of elements, both closed and open, whereby a large number of open elements bearing images of, e.g. desirable products or holiday destinations, and with one, two or three open segments upon each in an unlimited number of positions and frequencies will be distributed freely amongst players as incentives and the players, keeping their open elements for a prescribed duration, will be checking periodically changing closed elements, published either in the press, the internet or appearing on notice boards, to find out whether they have won that prize, which is won if their open element is completed by the published closed element. Alternatively the closed element may be printed on packaging of popular food product, for example biscuits, chocolates or cereals while open elements that are capable of being related to it are enclosed with the product inside the packaging.

The open element to be provided for a promotional game may have images on one side of the element only, or on both sides, which doubles the player's chances of winning.

If the closed element is published on paper, adhesive material may be spread on the reverse side of the open element to facilitate gluing it to the closed element in order to complete the picture prior to claiming the prize.

In further variation of EMBODIMENT A the closed element is larger than the open elements 2a-2d, while both the open element and the closed element feature identically sized segments. In an example of this variation, as illustrated in Fig 6, the number of segments on the closed element D is 49, on a seven by seven grid. If we examine the closed element D in Fig. 6, we can see that it is related to the four open elements A in Figs. 2a-2d, which are capable of being overlaid on top of the closed element D in positions that will complete the hitherto incomplete images. The image on the open element in Fig. 2a can be completed if it is overlaid on top of the closed segment D in position K, as the missing segments c,g and k, are compatibly positioned thereon. Likewise the missing segments b, f and j of the element in Fig. 2b are compatibly positioned to complete the image of that open element if it is overlaid in position L, after being rotated 90 counter-clockwise. Also the image of the open element in Fig. 2d can be completed if it is placed in position N after being rotated 9O clockwise, as the missing segments e, I and 1 are located there in compatible positions and the missing segments a,d and h are compatibly positioned on the closed element D to complete the picture of the open element in Fig. 2c if that element is overlayed in position M after being rotated 180.

The other segments on the closed element D, which appear in linear pattern in Fig. 6, are not related to the four open elements Ga-Gd. They can be utilised by being related to other open elements, or]ust used as distractions.

The larger closed element may be provided to the participants together with the open elements, or separately.

For example, a considerable number of regular size open elements, bearing pictures of desirable objects or holiday resorts, with one to three segments missing at random

II

locations, are to be thstra.buted amongst the readership of a periodical or the consumers of food products, e.g. cereals, and separately a larger closed element is published in the newspaper, or on the packaging of a product, to enable all readers or consumers to find out whether their open elements are related to the large close element. -i.e. that the image on their open element is completed by laying it at a proper position and orientation over the published closed element. If it is related, then the owners of that open element may claim the prizes as determined by the images.

To broaden winning capacity the open elements may bear images on both faces. Alternatively only one face of the open element will bear an image, with adhesive provided on the reverse, to enable the claimant to glue his open element on a sheet of the closed segment, for the completed image to be sent for claiming the prize.

This application as a promotional game would require multiple copies of open elements with the same image, but having the greatest possible random variations in the locations of the open segments. To facilitate such a variation a randomized die-cutting system, as illustrated in Fig. 7, should be installed. The punches x are movable, located on tracks y and controlled by randomizing software z, which moves them into different positions along the tracks between each cutting action.

This promotional application of this invention is suitable also as a computer game, whereby each player is given one or more virtual open element which, by using a mouse or other controlling device, can be moved on screen and placed over a periodically changing edition of a closed element, which may cover part or the entire screen. By using a mouse to move a virtual open element into the proper position, overlaying the virtual closed element, the completed image may then be won by the player and claimed.

In yet another variation of EMBODI)NT A, an example of which is illustrated in Figs. 8-9, a game is provided with one or more closed elements R displaying a large number of disconnected haphazardly aligned paths f meandering across a rectangular strip, and one or more open element(s) S are also provided, with one or more open segments g, bearing upon one or both faces a number of paths stretching from one edge of the open element to the other edge and most or all paths being disconnected by the cut out open segments. Both the open and closed elements are so designed that whenever the open element is positioned over the closed element in a proper position, attitude and orientation called hereinafter a crossing position, a continuous path is then displayed from one edge of the closed element to another.

In a preferred version of this variation there is more than one proper crossing position. In order to enable the player to register the proper crossing positions, some coordinates marking signs h of either alphabetical letters or digits or any other symbols should be spaced at equal and matching distances along the rims of the closed elements.

Small indents k are to be located along the sides of the smaller open elements to allow viewing of the closed element's markings when it is covered by the open element. Also the open element should have separate marking m, one on each side, which should be distinct from the closed element markings by, for example, being numerical if the other marking is alphabetical, or vice versa.

If we examine closely the example of closed element R in Fig. 8 and open element S in Fig. 9a, we can see that if the open element S is positioned with its marking 1 over the closed element's marking a then a crossing position cpl (as denoted by a dotted line in Fig. 9b) is created across the closed element from one edge to another. Other crossing positions are created (cp2, cp3 and cp4) when respectively open element marking 2 is placed over closed element marking b, open element marking 3 is placed over closed element marking e and open element marking 4 is placed over closed element marking d.

Preferably the number of crossing positions is indicated prior to the game, for example, between 5 and 10, leaving it then to the player(s) to find them. Alternatively no number is given, leaving it to the player to find out how many crossing positions are there. Once found, the crossing positions can be marked by pen or stickers.

In a more advanced form of the said variation, more than one open element is provided and the width of the closed element is equal to two or three open elements. The players' task is to overlay a number of open elements adjacently to each other on top of the closed element to facilitate a crossing position across all two or three open elements, resulting in a visible continuous path from one edge of the closed element to the opposite edge. In that case some marking points should be placed also inside the closed element.

In this variation, as well as in all the variations of EMBODIMENT A, the same open element may be related and used by a number of closed elements. Also the same closed element may be related to a large number of open elements.

For example, a newspaper may distribute periodically a number of open elements to its readers and then publish a daily edition of different closed elements on its puzzle page, in which the playing readers can use the same open elements to figure out the crossing positions on all the different closed elements which are published that week.

Alternatively pictures of prizes, currency values or other valuable objects may be marked at the end of the paths on the rims of the closed element and whenever a player connects the paths using his open elements which he places in a proper positions on top of the closed element then he/she wins the marked prize or sum of money.

In yet another variation of the above embodiment, particularly suitable for younger players, instead of paths both the rectangular long closed element and the open elements are covered with rows of colour spots of varying colours or objects, i.e. fruits, or splashes of spot colours, and the crossing position as described above is achieved if by overlaying an open element or elements on top of the closed element in the proper position and location a continuity of the same colour or object can be viewed across the closed element, the said continuity may be straight or otherwise.

In a completely separate application of EMBODIMENT A, the closed element will be provided with an attached frame D, as illustrated in Fig. 4, sealed on three sides, with one side e left open, whereby each open element can be inserted into the frame only from one side and also kept there in steady position. Similar embodiments may also be provided as ornamental pieces, calendars etc. In the second embodiment of this invention, referred to hereinafter as EMBODIMENT B, a game is provided for multiple players consisting of one closed element in a particular proportional shape, i.e. triangle, square, hexagon or octagon and a multitude of open elements in which only two or three of the segments are closed and the remaining segments are open, and the locations of the two or three closed segments is varied among all the open elements.

In this embodiment both the closed element and the open elements may simply consist of unprinted material of a certain colour with cut out windows for the open elements, while the closed element, being also of unprinted material but of contrasting colour, has no open windows. I5

Unlike the other embodiments of this invention which involve laying only one layer of open element on top of the closed element, this embodiment involves laying multi layers of open elements on top of a single closed element.

In a preferred version the closed element is either placed in a tray or between restricting pegs.

In a preferred example of this embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 10-11, all the elements are triangular. The closed element N is located between three pegs P (Fig. 10) and 16 open triangular elements Q are provided (Fig. 11), all with 13 open cut out segments and three closed segments.

As categorized in WEINREB G32345645 (pp. 6-8), the segments on this shape and grid belong to five different groups (Fig. 12). Belonging to the same group is determined by the segments being capable of covering each other if two elements are laid on top of one another in any possible position, after being rotated and turned over. To maximise playability the distribution of the closed segments on the 16 different open elements in Fig. 11 is as follows: 9 closed segments each for the homogenous segment groups A, B and D. 17 closed segments for the heterogeneous segment group C and 4 closed segments for the hermit segment group E. In a preferred conduct of the game the open elements Q are distributed equally amongst the players, the first player starts by placing one element on top of the closed element N and the other players then follow, taking turns to place one open element on top of the others, at the orientation and attitude of their choice. The winner is the player who has placed the open element which covers the closed element completely under all the layers of open elements.

Alternatively the closed element has segments printed upon in different colours and each player identifies initially with a particular colour. The conduct of the play is as described above, except that the winner is the player that has placed the open element which left only one segment of the closed element underneath visible. If that segment is his colour, then he scores double points. The segments may also carry numbers that may determine and increase the scoring even further.

In the third embodiment, referred to hereinafter as EODIMENT C, the present invention may be used as validation device for students. In a preferred version several open elements depicting animals may have their missing segments printed on a number of closed elements following a scientific criteria, wherefore the missing segments of an open element showing e.g. the Siberian tiger will appear on three different closed elements: 1) headed "Large Carnivores" 2) headed "Asian Fauna" 3) headed "Endangered Species", whereby whenever the student positions the open element depicting the tiger on top of any of these three closed elements (or insert it if they are provided with a frame as described above) the picture will be completed, thus confirming that it belongs to these categories. However, if he would place the element depicting the tiger over any other closed element, e.g. those headed "African Fauna" or "Domestic Animals", the picture will not be completed, hence corroborating to the student that the tiger does not belong to any of these categories.

In another version of EMBODIMENT C the present invention of a device comprising open and closed elements may be used as a tool of visually validating entry into places of restricted admission.

In a preferred variation a ticket for an event or for a restrictedbuilding is to be provided in a shape of an open element carrying a picture or design as described above, preferably with an image reflecting the event or the building, and with a number of open segments placed in key positions.

The open segments that are missing from the open element are then printed on a closed element with a frame and insertion slot as described above in Fig. 4, to be provided and located near the entrance to the restricted admission area, whereby when an open element, serving as a ticket, is inserted into the frame, the picture is completed.

In a way of example, if we assume that the event with a restricted entry which has to be controlled is an infants' theatre show, and the theatre hall is divided into four sections: Circle with a capacity of 90 seats, Stalls with a capacity of 80 seats, Balcony with a capacity of 65 seats and Boxes with a capacity of 30 seats, then 90 tickets similar to the element in Fig. 2a, 80 tickets similar to the element in Fig. 2b, 70 tickets similar to the element in Fig. 2c and 30 tickets similar to the element in Fig. 2d are being provided.

Also provided is a framed closed element similar to the element in Fig. 4, with one open side for insertion, and the said framed element is located at the entrance to the theatre, whereby all the tickets, when inserted, are having their picture completed. A further closed framed element, only bearing the segments a, d, e, h, I and 1, is then placed at the combined entrance to the Stalls and Boxes, while a third framed closed element, bearing only the segments e, i, and 1 is located at the entrance to the stalls, whereby only the tickets 2c and 2d are having the picture completed when inserted into the frame.

This will make it easier for human operator to monitor and supervise entrance while viewing it from a distance. This method is particularly useful as visual additional confirmation for electronic entry systems, to assist electronic validation devices, e.g. barcodes and magnetic strips and also is particularly useful when the holder of the open element, who may be a foreign visitor or a child prior to reading age, wishes to ascertain visually whether he/she may enter a restricted area. The closed element can be updated from one show to another by changing the positions of the open elements and to restrict entry of a particular individual at a particular date and time. This device may also allow for many entrances to be manipulated from a central controlling point if the closed framed elements are monitored by a closed circuit television arid facility for barriers that can be activated by remote control.

Another advantage is that it will allow control of many categories of entrance to a particular event, for example, a theme park with many additional attractions may use different open elements to suit different participation requirement of its customers. The number of tickets available may be varied according to different categories of service.

EMBODIMENT C can also be applied as commemorative and philatelic device, whereby an envelope upon which a closed element is printed is being related to a number of open elements in the shape of postage stamps.

In a way of example, when a political union of three countries, e.g. ELDORADO, SHANGRILA and ARCADIA, wishes to commemorate a common event, each country would issue a gummed postal stamp with a schematic grid of three by two segments, whereby each stamp will bear an image representing that country, leaving two segments open. The related closed element, based on the same schematic grid, will be printed on a commemorative envelope bearing the six missing segments of the three open elements, whereby when each stamp of the respected country will be stuck upon the envelope, a full image of that country will be visible. Therefore, while the assortment of segments on the envelope represents the plurality of the federation, each particular stamp, when affixed, reflects the individuality of each country.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as EMBODIMENT D, the open elements as described in EMBODINT D, are provided in pairs, which are then attached back to back to each other along the edges, leaving only one side open, thus creating a pocket with an inserting slot on one side, into which a closed element with images printed on both sides may be inserted.

This version is particularly suitable for promotional games.

In a preferred embodiment the pockets are provided and distributed initially to be kept by the players/clients and then closed elements with segments of multiple images printed on both faces are provided as vouchers for shopping or published in the press whereby if by inserting the dual-sided closed element into the pocket a picture is completed at least on one side of the pocket a prize is being won. A much larger prize is being offered if the pictures are completed on both sides.

In further variations of all the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention the device is adapted for use on a computer, electronic game-machine or television screen, the elements being images generated by the computer and manipulated by the player using a mouse, joystick or similar interactive control device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for playing a game for multiple players and for use as a validation device comprising a plurality of flat elements having several segments thereon which are identical in grid, outline and size to the segments on the other elements, and the elements being of either two distinct groups, which are apparent by inspection alone, some of which having at least one segment being open, called the open elements, and other elements having all segments being closed, called the closed elements, and the closed elements may be of the same size and having the same number of segments as the open elements or bigger and with a larger number of segments than the open elements, and each of the open elements having thereon a single image or colour with one or more segments missing as a result of being open thereby rendering the image incomplete, while each of the closed elements having thereon multiple segments bearing sections of various images, which are related to several open elements by having the open elements' missing segments thereon located on the closed elements in compatible positions to the positions of the open segments on the open elements, whereby when each of the several related open elements is laid over that closed element in proper attitude and orientation, and if it is bigger also in proper location, then the image on the open element which was hitherto incomplete or disconnected is thereby becoming visibly completed or connected.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1. in which the segments on the same element differ from each other in size and/or shape.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3. in which the closed elements are bigger and with a larger number of segments than the open elements

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the open elements carry only one image on each face, being either areas of a single solid colour, or sections of a single picture, or a single map or connected paths or any other single image.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which all the segments on a closed element carry sections of multiple images, including the missing sections of several open element, referred to as being related to it, and located in compatible positions, whereby when each of these open elements is overlaid on the related closed element in proper attitude, orientation and, if closed element is bigger, location, then the open elements' missing segments which are located on the closed element are visible through the open segments of the open element, thereby completing the visible image.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the images of several open elements can be visibly completed by being overlaid at identical or varying orientations or locations, on top of a related closed element, either one at a time, or many open elements alongside or on top of one.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1. in which both the open and closed elements the areas between the segments are merging with the images of the segments.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which there is no limit to the number of elements, either open or closed, that may be used.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which there is no limit to the number of segments on the closed element. 2i

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the closed element may be provided separately by being printed on packaging of popular food product, or in the press.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which The open element have images on one side of the element only and adhesive material is spread on the reverse side to facilitate gluing it to the closed element.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which there are multiple copies of open elements with the same image, but having the greatest possible random variations in the locations of the open segments.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which a randomized die-cutting system, is used to facilitate the greatest possible random variations consisting of punches located on tO tracks and controlled by randomizing software, which moves them into different positions along the tracks between each cutting action.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which some coordinates marking signs are spaced at equal and matching distances along the rims of the closed elements and small indents are located along the sides of the open elements to allow viewing of the closed element's markings when it is covered by the open element.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the closed element will be provided with an attached frame, which is sealed on three sides and insertion slot on the fourth side, and is used for decorative or visual validation of entry by inserting a compatible open element.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which a game for multiple players is provided which requires no printing, only cutting and which consists a single closed segment and multiple open elements which in the course of the game are all S laid on top of the single closed element.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the closed element is an envelope or document while the open elements are postage or commemorative stamps.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the open elements are provided in pairs, which are then attached back to back to each other along the edges, leaving only one side open, thus creating a pocket with an inserting slot on one side, into which a closed element with images printed on both sides may be inserted.