US20240100414A1 - No-flip jigsaw puzzle and methods of making the same - Google Patents
No-flip jigsaw puzzle and methods of making the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20240100414A1 US20240100414A1 US18/243,930 US202318243930A US2024100414A1 US 20240100414 A1 US20240100414 A1 US 20240100414A1 US 202318243930 A US202318243930 A US 202318243930A US 2024100414 A1 US2024100414 A1 US 2024100414A1
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- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 3
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- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005389 magnetism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012797 qualification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/10—Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/10—Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
- A63F9/1044—Display boards therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/10—Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
- A63F2009/1005—Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles with images on both sides
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to puzzles and, in particular, to a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that do not need to be turned over during assembly thereof.
- Jigsaw puzzles are an enjoyable pastime for many individuals and families. Typically, many of the pieces are first turned over so that all pieces have the “picture side” facing upwardly. This can be time consuming, and delays the more enjoyable hunt for the right pieces.
- This invention improves upon existing jigsaw puzzles by providing a puzzle with pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly. Instead, the pieces may be dumped from a box onto a table, spread out to remove unwanted overlapping of the pieces, and sorted or assembled immediately without having to look at the sides of the pieces that are facing the table.
- the invention provides pieces with shapes that are symmetrical along at least one axis, and wherein mirror images are printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly.
- a puzzle according to the invention includes a plurality of puzzle pieces, with each piece displaying a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed.
- Each piece has first and second sides, with each displaying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle.
- each piece has an axis of symmetry, such that the portion of the design on one side of the piece, and the portion of the design on the other side of the piece, are mirror images of one another with respect to the axis of symmetry.
- the pieces may have flat edges with tabs and tab-receiving voids, and the axis of symmetry may be parallel to two of the opposing flat edges.
- the axis of symmetry may intersect opposing tabs or opposing voids, or may intersect a tab on one edge and a void on an opposing edge.
- ‘Edge pieces’ may have a straight edge with no tabs or voids, and the axis of symmetry may be perpendicular to the straight edge.
- the axis of symmetry may run diagonally through the piece, as might be the case with corner pieces.
- “Jigsaw puzzle” in the context of the invention should be taken to include and type of puzzle with pieces having edges that form a larger image, picture or design when the edges of the pieces abut one another. This would include traditional, generally square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as other, non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with non-rounded shapes.
- the first and second sides of the pieces may be flat, and in spaced-apart planes, thereby defining a thickness.
- the puzzle may be provided with a box or other container to hold the pieces, and an image of the completed puzzle may be displayed on the box or container as a guide to assembly.
- FIG. 1 A is a drawing that shows a puzzle piece with dual symmetry surrounded by other pieces assembling a portion of a design
- FIG. 1 B shows the piece of FIG. 1 A with images on both sides
- FIG. 1 C shows the piece of FIG. 1 B turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 1 D shows the piece of FIG. 1 B turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 1 E shows the piece of FIG. 1 A with an alternative image on the flip side
- FIG. 1 F shows the piece of FIG. 1 E turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 1 G shows the piece of FIG. 1 E turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 2 A is a drawing that illustrates a puzzle piece having a singular axial symmetry
- FIG. 2 B shows the piece of FIG. 2 A turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 2 C shows the piece of FIG. 2 A turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 3 A is a drawing that depicts an edge piece having a singular symmetry with respect to an axis perpendicular to the edge;
- FIG. 3 B shows the piece of FIG. 3 A turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 3 C shows the piece of FIG. 3 A turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 4 A is a drawing that shows an inner piece having a diagonal symmetry
- FIG. 4 B shows the piece of FIG. 4 A turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 4 C shows the piece of FIG. 4 B following a 90-degree counter-clockwise rotation
- FIG. 4 D shows the piece of FIG. 4 A turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 4 E shows the piece of FIG. 4 B following a 90-degree clockwise rotation
- FIG. 5 A is a drawing that shows a corner piece having a diagonal symmetry
- FIG. 5 B shows the piece of FIG. 5 A turned over about a vertical axis
- FIG. 5 C shows the piece of FIG. 5 B following a 90-degree counter-clockwise rotation
- FIG. 5 D shows the piece of FIG. 5 A turned over about a horizontal axis
- FIG. 5 E shows the piece of FIG. 5 B following a 90-degree clockwise rotation
- FIG. 6 A shows a portion of larger puzzle with nine interlocking pieces constructed in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 B shows the reverse side of the assembled puzzle portion of FIG. 6 A .
- FIG. 1 A depicts a puzzle piece 102 interlocking with adjacent pieces 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 .
- the assembled pieces complete a simplified design represented by visual element 120 .
- piece 102 has two tabs 122 , 124 and two voids 124 , 126 and is symmetrical about two axes, X and Y.
- the X axis runs through the centers of voids 124 , 126 , whereas the Y axis divides tabs 122 , 124 .
- FIG. 1 B shows piece 102 isolated from the assembly, and also shows design element 120 printed on the back side of the piece as 120 ′, as though the piece 102 was transparent. Since the piece 102 is symmetrical about two orthogonal axes, there are different options for printing on the back side of the piece according to the invention.
- design element 120 ′ is a mirror image of element 120 with respect to the Y axis.
- FIG. 1 C when this piece of FIG. 1 B is flipped over with respect to the Y axis, the piece is identical to the piece prior to being turned and can this be used as shown in FIG. 1 A . Even when the piece flipped over with respect to the X axis as shown in FIG. 1 D , it can still be rotated and used as seen in FIG. 1 A .
- design element 120 may be printed on the back surface of the piece as a mirror image about the X axis as element 120 ′′.
- FIGS. 1 F, 1 G when the piece is flipped over either way it can be rotated and used as shown in FIG. 1 A .
- FIG. 2 A shows a piece 202 that is only symmetrical about one axis, in this case the X axis, though this description remains the same Y-axis-only symmetry.
- the design element 220 on the back side 220 ′ is mirrored about the X axis.
- FIGS. 2 A- 2 C The description relative to FIGS. 2 A- 2 C apply to edge pieces as shown in FIGS. 3 A- 3 C .
- the axis of symmetry X (or Y) of piece 302 is perpendicular to edge 304 .
- tabs 306 , 308 may be replaced with voids, and void 310 may be a tab.
- Design element 320 is mirrored about the axis X on the back side as 320 ′, such that the either side of the piece may be used to complete the puzzle like the pieces of FIGS. 1 , 2 .
- FIGS. 4 A-E When a piece is not symmetrical about either X or Y, it may still be applicable to the invention if symmetrical about a 45-degree angle, as shown in FIGS. 4 A-E .
- the piece 402 is symmetrical about diagonal axis 406 .
- design element 408 is printed on the back side as a mirror image of 408 as 408 ′, either side may again be used to complete the puzzle.
- FIG. 4 B shows the piece flipped about the Y axis and rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise in FIG. 4 C for placement
- FIG. 4 D shows the piece flipped on the X axis and rotated 90 degrees clockwise and ready for placement.
- FIGS. 5 A-E show a corner piece 502 with a design element 508 mirrored about diagonal axis 506 on the reverse side of the piece as 508 ′.
- FIGS. 5 B- 5 E show how either side of the same piece 502 may be used to complete the puzzle. Note that the voids 510 may be replaced with tabs. It will also be appreciated that if the design element for a piece has no symmetry (i.e., a piece with a solid color), the same color may be used on the back side without regard to the symmetry of the piece. This exception may be particularly advantageous for side and corner pieces.
- FIG. 6 A shows a portion of larger puzzle 600 with nine interlocking pieces 602 , 604 , 606 , 608 , 610 , 612 , 614 , 616 , 618 constructed in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 B shows the reverse side of the assembled puzzle portion of FIG. 6 A .
- the back side of the assembled portion does not form a cohesive image as the various pieces have been transformed in accordance with the invention.
- the invention is not a “two-sided” puzzle in the sense that the images on both sides are cohesive. Rather, the image on one side will be jumbled for the sake of expeditious assembly without having to turn over any pieces to get started.
- FIGS. 6 A , B that since pieces 606 , 612 , 618 are all symmetrical about axis 620 , the front and back images are the same, such that the “rules” of FIG. 1 apply.
- pieces 604 , 610 , 616 which are symmetrical about axis 622 .
- Corner piece is symmetrical about diagonal axis 602 , and is printed on the back side according to FIG. 5
- edge pieces 608 , 614 are symmetrical about axes 608 , 614 respectively, with the reverse printed per FIG. 2 .
- Puzzles according to the invention may be constructed in any suitable manner, with the preferred method printing the completed image on one side, and the scrambled version on the reverse of thick card stock, using a die cutting press with a sharp, flat metal ribbon to stamp out the individual pieces.
- the invention is not limited in terms of manufacturing, however, as “printing” may be taken to include any image forming method including without limitation flexographic, lithographic, screen printing, and/or photographic, including digital techniques. Any substrate may be used including without limitation paper, cardboard, wood, plastic and metal, and cutting technologies such as water jet, laser, etc. may alternatively be used. The only important qualification is that the steps have sufficient precision that the outlines of the pieces on both sides are faithfully reproduced.
- the puzzle pieces are generally square or rectangular with a plurality of outwardly protruding tabs and tab receiving voids.
- this is not required by the invention, as other shapes may be used so long the pieces provide an axis of symmetry.
- the edges of the pieces may be curved or jagged as opposed to straight.
- Tabs and voids are also not required if the pieces are held together or interlock through another mechanism such as magnetism, hook-and-look, static cling, etc.
- the pieces may be of any thickness, preferably in the range of 1 ⁇ 6 to 1 ⁇ 4 inch, but the invention is not limited in this regard. Indeed, for very young children, the pieces may be cubes with the design reproduced on all six sides so that the child can assemble the puzzle with any side facing upwardly.
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Abstract
A jigsaw-type puzzle has pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly of the puzzle. The pieces have peripheral shapes or outlines that are symmetrical along at least one axis, with mirror images being printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly. Each piece shows a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed. Each piece has first and second sides, with each piece portraying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle. The invention is applicable to edge pieces, corner pieces and inner pieces, including square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with other shapes.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/686,933, filed Mar. 4, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates generally to puzzles and, in particular, to a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that do not need to be turned over during assembly thereof.
- Jigsaw puzzles are an enjoyable pastime for many individuals and families. Typically, many of the pieces are first turned over so that all pieces have the “picture side” facing upwardly. This can be time consuming, and delays the more enjoyable hunt for the right pieces.
- This invention improves upon existing jigsaw puzzles by providing a puzzle with pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly. Instead, the pieces may be dumped from a box onto a table, spread out to remove unwanted overlapping of the pieces, and sorted or assembled immediately without having to look at the sides of the pieces that are facing the table. To accomplish this, the invention provides pieces with shapes that are symmetrical along at least one axis, and wherein mirror images are printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly.
- A puzzle according to the invention includes a plurality of puzzle pieces, with each piece displaying a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed. Each piece has first and second sides, with each displaying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle.
- In the preferred embodiment, each piece has an axis of symmetry, such that the portion of the design on one side of the piece, and the portion of the design on the other side of the piece, are mirror images of one another with respect to the axis of symmetry. The pieces may have flat edges with tabs and tab-receiving voids, and the axis of symmetry may be parallel to two of the opposing flat edges. The axis of symmetry may intersect opposing tabs or opposing voids, or may intersect a tab on one edge and a void on an opposing edge. ‘Edge pieces’ may have a straight edge with no tabs or voids, and the axis of symmetry may be perpendicular to the straight edge. The axis of symmetry may run diagonally through the piece, as might be the case with corner pieces.
- “Jigsaw puzzle” in the context of the invention should be taken to include and type of puzzle with pieces having edges that form a larger image, picture or design when the edges of the pieces abut one another. This would include traditional, generally square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as other, non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with non-rounded shapes.
- The first and second sides of the pieces may be flat, and in spaced-apart planes, thereby defining a thickness. The puzzle may be provided with a box or other container to hold the pieces, and an image of the completed puzzle may be displayed on the box or container as a guide to assembly.
-
FIG. 1A is a drawing that shows a puzzle piece with dual symmetry surrounded by other pieces assembling a portion of a design; -
FIG. 1B shows the piece ofFIG. 1A with images on both sides; -
FIG. 1C shows the piece ofFIG. 1B turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 1D shows the piece ofFIG. 1B turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 1E shows the piece ofFIG. 1A with an alternative image on the flip side; -
FIG. 1F shows the piece ofFIG. 1E turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 1G shows the piece ofFIG. 1E turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 2A is a drawing that illustrates a puzzle piece having a singular axial symmetry; -
FIG. 2B shows the piece ofFIG. 2A turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 2C shows the piece ofFIG. 2A turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 3A is a drawing that depicts an edge piece having a singular symmetry with respect to an axis perpendicular to the edge; -
FIG. 3B shows the piece ofFIG. 3A turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 3C shows the piece ofFIG. 3A turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 4A is a drawing that shows an inner piece having a diagonal symmetry; -
FIG. 4B shows the piece ofFIG. 4A turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 4C shows the piece ofFIG. 4B following a 90-degree counter-clockwise rotation; -
FIG. 4D shows the piece ofFIG. 4A turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 4E shows the piece ofFIG. 4B following a 90-degree clockwise rotation; -
FIG. 5A is a drawing that shows a corner piece having a diagonal symmetry; -
FIG. 5B shows the piece ofFIG. 5A turned over about a vertical axis; -
FIG. 5C shows the piece ofFIG. 5B following a 90-degree counter-clockwise rotation; -
FIG. 5D shows the piece ofFIG. 5A turned over about a horizontal axis; -
FIG. 5E shows the piece ofFIG. 5B following a 90-degree clockwise rotation; -
FIG. 6A shows a portion of larger puzzle with nine interlocking pieces constructed in accordance with the invention; and -
FIG. 6B shows the reverse side of the assembled puzzle portion ofFIG. 6A . - Now making reference to the accompanying drawings,
FIG. 1A depicts apuzzle piece 102 interlocking withadjacent pieces visual element 120. As can be seen,piece 102 has twotabs voids voids tabs -
FIG. 1B showspiece 102 isolated from the assembly, and also showsdesign element 120 printed on the back side of the piece as 120′, as though thepiece 102 was transparent. Since thepiece 102 is symmetrical about two orthogonal axes, there are different options for printing on the back side of the piece according to the invention. InFIG. 1B ,design element 120′ is a mirror image ofelement 120 with respect to the Y axis. As can be seen inFIG. 1C , when this piece ofFIG. 1B is flipped over with respect to the Y axis, the piece is identical to the piece prior to being turned and can this be used as shown inFIG. 1A . Even when the piece flipped over with respect to the X axis as shown inFIG. 1D , it can still be rotated and used as seen inFIG. 1A . - Optionally, as shown in
FIG. 1E ,design element 120 may be printed on the back surface of the piece as a mirror image about the X axis aselement 120″. As shown inFIGS. 1F, 1G , when the piece is flipped over either way it can be rotated and used as shown inFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2A shows apiece 202 that is only symmetrical about one axis, in this case the X axis, though this description remains the same Y-axis-only symmetry. With only one axis of symmetry, thedesign element 220 on theback side 220′ is mirrored about the X axis. As such, when the piece is flipped over about the X axis as shown inFIG. 2B , it is ready for placement, and when flipped about the Y axis it is likewise ready for placement after rotation. - The description relative to
FIGS. 2A-2C apply to edge pieces as shown inFIGS. 3A-3C . In this case the axis of symmetry X (or Y) ofpiece 302 is perpendicular to edge 304. As with other examples,tabs Design element 320 is mirrored about the axis X on the back side as 320′, such that the either side of the piece may be used to complete the puzzle like the pieces ofFIGS. 1, 2 . - When a piece is not symmetrical about either X or Y, it may still be applicable to the invention if symmetrical about a 45-degree angle, as shown in
FIGS. 4A-E . The same description applies to corner pieces such as the one shown inFIG. 5 . InFIG. 4A , thepiece 402 is symmetrical aboutdiagonal axis 406. As such, ifdesign element 408 is printed on the back side as a mirror image of 408 as 408′, either side may again be used to complete the puzzle.FIG. 4B shows the piece flipped about the Y axis and rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise inFIG. 4C for placement, andFIG. 4D shows the piece flipped on the X axis and rotated 90 degrees clockwise and ready for placement. -
FIGS. 5A-E show acorner piece 502 with adesign element 508 mirrored aboutdiagonal axis 506 on the reverse side of the piece as 508′.FIGS. 5B-5E show how either side of thesame piece 502 may be used to complete the puzzle. Note that thevoids 510 may be replaced with tabs. It will also be appreciated that if the design element for a piece has no symmetry (i.e., a piece with a solid color), the same color may be used on the back side without regard to the symmetry of the piece. This exception may be particularly advantageous for side and corner pieces. -
FIG. 6A shows a portion oflarger puzzle 600 with nine interlockingpieces FIG. 6B shows the reverse side of the assembled puzzle portion ofFIG. 6A . As is evident fromFIG. 6B , the back side of the assembled portion does not form a cohesive image as the various pieces have been transformed in accordance with the invention. To be clear, the invention is not a “two-sided” puzzle in the sense that the images on both sides are cohesive. Rather, the image on one side will be jumbled for the sake of expeditious assembly without having to turn over any pieces to get started. - Note in
FIGS. 6A , B that sincepieces axis 620, the front and back images are the same, such that the “rules” ofFIG. 1 apply. The same holds true ofpieces diagonal axis 602, and is printed on the back side according toFIG. 5 , andedge pieces axes FIG. 2 . - Puzzles according to the invention may be constructed in any suitable manner, with the preferred method printing the completed image on one side, and the scrambled version on the reverse of thick card stock, using a die cutting press with a sharp, flat metal ribbon to stamp out the individual pieces. The invention is not limited in terms of manufacturing, however, as “printing” may be taken to include any image forming method including without limitation flexographic, lithographic, screen printing, and/or photographic, including digital techniques. Any substrate may be used including without limitation paper, cardboard, wood, plastic and metal, and cutting technologies such as water jet, laser, etc. may alternatively be used. The only important qualification is that the steps have sufficient precision that the outlines of the pieces on both sides are faithfully reproduced.
- In the preferred embodiments, the puzzle pieces are generally square or rectangular with a plurality of outwardly protruding tabs and tab receiving voids. However, this, too, is not required by the invention, as other shapes may be used so long the pieces provide an axis of symmetry. Thus, for example, the edges of the pieces may be curved or jagged as opposed to straight. Tabs and voids are also not required if the pieces are held together or interlock through another mechanism such as magnetism, hook-and-look, static cling, etc. The pieces may be of any thickness, preferably in the range of ⅙ to ¼ inch, but the invention is not limited in this regard. Indeed, for very young children, the pieces may be cubes with the design reproduced on all six sides so that the child can assemble the puzzle with any side facing upwardly.
Claims (13)
1. A method of making an interlocking jigsaw-type puzzle with pieces that do not need to be turned over to complete the puzzle, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate having first and second parallel surfaces;
printing a two-dimensional image on one surface of the substrate;
printing a transformed version of the two-dimensional image on the second surface of the substrate;
cutting the substrate into a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece having one or more protruding tabs and one or more tab-receiving voids; and
wherein the same portion of the two-dimensional image is printed on both surfaces of each piece, but wherein the portions of the image represented by the pieces on the second surface are flipped, rotated, or both, enabling either surface of any piece to be used to complete the puzzle.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of cutting the substrate includes die cutting.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein portions of the image represented by the pieces on the second surface have peripheral outlines with tabs and voids that align with the tabs and voids of the image represented by the pieces on the first surface when the substrate is cut.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the two-dimensional image on the one surface of the substrate is unscrambled; and
the transformed version of the two-dimensional image on the second surface of the substrate is scrambled due to the portions of the image represented by the pieces on the second surface being flipped, rotated, or both.
5. The method of claim 5 , including the steps of:
providing a container for the pieces; and
printing at least a portion of the unscrambled the two-dimensional image on the container.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the portions of the image represented by the pieces on the second surface are flipped with respect to an axis of symmetry resulting in a mirror image of the portion of the image represented by the piece on the first surface.
7. The method of claim 1 , including:
corner pieces with two flat edges devoid of tabs or voids;
side pieces with one flat edges devoid of tabs or voids; and
inner pieces with no flat edges devoid of tabs or voids.
8. An interlocking, jigsaw-type puzzle with pieces that do not need to be turned over to complete the puzzle, comprising:
a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece having a peripheral outline with one or more protruding tabs and one or more tab-receiving voids;
wherein a tab or void of each piece interlocks with a tab or void of an adjacent piece to complete a two-dimensional image;
wherein the pieces are cut from a substrate having first and second parallel surfaces such that each piece has first and second sides;
wherein first and second sides of each piece display the same portion of the two-dimensional image, but wherein the portion on one side is transformed through flipping, rotation, or both, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle.
9. The puzzle of claim 8 , including:
corner pieces with two flat edges devoid of tabs or voids;
edge pieces with one flat edges devoid of tabs or voids; and
inner pieces with no flat edges devoid of tabs or voids.
10. The puzzle of claim 8 , including pieces wherein the portion of the image displayed on one side is flipped about an axis of symmetry to create a mirror image of the portion of the image displayed on other side of that piece.
11. The puzzle of claim 10 , wherein the axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the one flat edge on edge pieces.
12. The puzzle of claim 10 , wherein the axis of symmetry intersects a tab on one edge and a void on an opposing edge.
13. The puzzle of claim 10 , wherein:
the pieces have edges defining a square with two diagonals; and
the axis of symmetry coincides with at least one of the diagonals.
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US18/243,930 US20240100414A1 (en) | 2022-03-04 | 2023-09-08 | No-flip jigsaw puzzle and methods of making the same |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/686,933 US20230277922A1 (en) | 2022-03-04 | 2022-03-04 | No-flip jigsaw puzzle |
US18/243,930 US20240100414A1 (en) | 2022-03-04 | 2023-09-08 | No-flip jigsaw puzzle and methods of making the same |
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US17/686,933 Continuation US20230277922A1 (en) | 2022-03-04 | 2022-03-04 | No-flip jigsaw puzzle |
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US20240100414A1 true US20240100414A1 (en) | 2024-03-28 |
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US18/243,930 Pending US20240100414A1 (en) | 2022-03-04 | 2023-09-08 | No-flip jigsaw puzzle and methods of making the same |
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Family Cites Families (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1948962A (en) * | 1932-12-14 | 1934-02-27 | Ammiel F Decker | Picture puzzle |
US1907382A (en) * | 1933-02-25 | 1933-05-02 | Ida E Birdsall | Correspondence puzzle |
US3010723A (en) * | 1959-11-18 | 1961-11-28 | William J Moss | Puzzle game |
US3665617A (en) * | 1970-02-13 | 1972-05-30 | Ina Gilbert | Design elements for creating artistic compositions |
JPH0718788U (en) * | 1993-09-16 | 1995-04-04 | 恵子 中村 | Reversible jigsaw puzzle |
FR2728177A1 (en) * | 1994-12-14 | 1996-06-21 | Libeskind Yves Bernard | PUZZLES |
DE20000942U1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2000-04-06 | Lai James | Two-sided puzzle |
US6435503B1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2002-08-20 | George Eric Laughlin | Jigsaw puzzle box easel |
US20040119235A1 (en) * | 2001-07-17 | 2004-06-24 | Flinn Michael Edward | Children's game |
GB0215240D0 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2002-08-14 | Theobald Gavin | Multi-way puzzles |
US8490976B2 (en) * | 2009-02-02 | 2013-07-23 | Cardin Flora Salgado | Double-sided jigsaw puzzle and method of making the same |
KR20110000670U (en) * | 2009-07-14 | 2011-01-20 | 김종섭 | Both sides puzzle |
US9498735B2 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2016-11-22 | Yana Mohanty | Polygonal tiles for two-dimensional and three-dimensional symmetry structures |
CN202128885U (en) * | 2011-04-14 | 2012-02-01 | 朱小兵 | Harmless intelligence development double face picture-splicing toy and teaching tool for 2-3 year old children |
US9056243B2 (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2015-06-16 | Pigment & Hue, Inc. | Packaged puzzle |
US20170259165A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-14 | James L. Prentice | Process for creating multiple-in-one jigsaw puzzles and for creating artwork from single images |
JP2019041879A (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-03-22 | 株式会社ゲートウェイアーチ | Jigsaw puzzle and puzzle piece |
US20210146234A1 (en) * | 2019-11-20 | 2021-05-20 | Tad L. Wheeler | Sequentially numbered puzzle pieces outlined and numbered on the Assembly Mat |
US20210170266A1 (en) * | 2019-12-05 | 2021-06-10 | Neuro Puzzles, LLC | Neuro Puzzles |
DE202022101644U1 (en) * | 2022-03-29 | 2022-04-27 | Dirk J. Brauner | Two-dimensional puzzle with matching aid |
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2022
- 2022-03-04 US US17/686,933 patent/US20230277922A1/en active Pending
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2023
- 2023-09-08 US US18/243,930 patent/US20240100414A1/en active Pending
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