WO2013019115A1

WO2013019115A1 - A portable puzzle storage device, a method and a use

Info

Publication number: WO2013019115A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Theodorus KOEMAN
Original assignee: Koninklijke Jumbo B.V.
Priority date: 2011-08-03
Filing date: 2012-08-03
Publication date: 2013-02-07
Also published as: NL2007217C2

Abstract

A portable puzzle storage device (1), a method and a use The invention relates to a portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle. The device comprises an assembly element (2) having an assembly surface (3) for supporting puzzle pieces of a jigsaw puzzle (P) to be assembled thereon, and a cover (4) having a cover surface (5) for covering the assembly surface during storage and/or transport of the device. The device is arranged to be brought into a first position, wherein the cover surface is substantially parallel with the assembly surface and covers the assembly surface, and counter-acts shifting of puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface. Further, the device is arranged to be brought into a second position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity.

Description

Title: A portable puzzle storage device, a method and a use

The invention relates to a portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle.

When assembling a jigsaw puzzle a relatively large assembly surface, for supporting puzzle pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, is needed. Commonly, an area of a top of a table or a floor area is used as the assembly surface. Therefore, such area may be occupied during a relatively long period of time, particularly in case of complex puzzles consisting of relatively many puzzle pieces. This is not always convenient. Further, it is not always convenient to work on the assembling of the puzzle at the same location. To address these issues, portable puzzle storage devices have been proposed. Generally, a portable puzzle storage device comprises two pivotably connected flaps and a separate rigid panel having a relatively rough assembly surface, which panel can be taken out of the storage device and can be placed on a flat surface, such as a top of a table. After the rigid panel including puzzle pieces on top of it has been placed in the storage device, the panel can be clamped between the two flaps which can be temporarily secured to each other, e.g. by zipping them up. However, it is quite difficult to take the panel with a partially assembled puzzle out of the storage device in a controlled way, especially when the panel is relatively wide and/or relatively heavy. Furthermore, it is hard to place the panel with a partially assembled puzzle on top of it back into the storage device without dropping any of the pieces to the ground.

Another disadvantage of conventional portable puzzle storage devices is the relatively inconvenient accessibility of their assembly surfaces during assembling of the puzzle. For example, the assembly surface is relatively inaccessible when it is integrated with an inner side of one of the flaps, for instance because the flaps are provided with relatively high flanges and/or sizeable zippers.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle, wherein at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above is counteracted. In particular, the invention aims at providing a relatively convenient portable puzzle storage device.

Thereto, the inventious device provides for a portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle, comprising an assembly element having an assembly surface for supporting puzzle pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover having a cover surface for covering the assembly surface during storage and/or transport of the device, the device being arranged to be brought into a first position, e.g. a storage and/or transport position, wherein the cover surface is substantially parallel with the assembly surface and covers the assembly surface, and counteracts shifting of puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface, the device further being arranged to be brought into a second position, e.g. an assembling position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity. It is noted that the incline relative to the field of gravity means that the assembly element is positioned at a non-vertical slope relative to the horizontal plane, and that the horizontal plane is the plane substantially perpendicular to the gradient of the local gravity field.

By arranging the device such that it can be brought into the second position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at a slope, it is made possible to assemble a puzzle on a sloped assembly surface. As a result, the device according to the inventing provides an assembly surface which is relatively well accessible in the second position and relatively easy to transport and/or store in the first position. Therefore, the device is convenient to use by a puzzler. For example, the sloped assembly surface is more ergonomic, e.g. it is easy to reach, and it counteracts that the puzzler is relatively far away from the assembly surface and/or needs to bend forward a lot during assembling of the puzzle, thereby reducing the risk of back, arm, neck and/or shoulder injuries, such as CANS. Moreover, the convenience for the puzzler is increased. For instance, the puzzler is in less need to look down and can look more ahead, thereby sparing his/her eyes to some extent. It is noted that the device according to the invention may thus provide a relative ergonomic assembly surface in the second position.

By forming the assembly surface as a substantially planar surface, conventional planar jigsaw puzzles can be conveniently assembled on top of it.

By providing the assembly surface as a surface with a substantially rectangular, preferably oblong, shape, the assembly surface may accommodate common rectangular jigsaw puzzles. The assembly surface and/or the global device size may have an aspect ratio in the range of 1: 1 - 1:2, preferably in the range of 1: 1.35 - 1: 1.60, more preferably 1: 1.45 - 1: 1.55, for instance, the aspect ratio can be about 1: 1.40, 1: 1.45, 1: 1.50, or 1: 1.55. For example, the assembly surface and/or the global device size is about 51 x 71 cm, 50 x 80 cm, or 40 x 60 cm. However, the assembly surface and/or the global device size can have an other aspect ratio and/or size.

By providing the device with one or a multiple number of carrying handles and/or grips, transport of the device may be further facilitated.

By arranging the device to be brought into a further position, e.g. a further assembling position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered, and wherein the assembly element is positioned at a less steep slope relative to the local horizontal plane than in the second position, the angle of inclination of the sloped assembly surface can be adjusted to some extent, e.g. it is adjustable to specific needs of a certain specific puzzler, thereby providing a relatively convenient device. In principle, the device may be arranged to be brought into more than three positions. For example, the angle between the slope and the horizontal plane is adjustable in increments or is continuously adjustable.

By arranging the cover to substantially support the sloped assembly element in the second and/or further position, a relatively simple construction of the device can be obtained. The device can thus be arranged to be brought into the second position wherein the assembly element is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity and is at least partly supported by the cover. For example, the cover may be relatively rigid and may be foldable downwards as a whole, e.g. the cover may be folded at an angle with the horizontal plane and/or may be placed oblique to form a support to the assembly element.

The cover may be hingedly connected to the assembly element, for instance, the cover may be foldable about a hinge. The hinge does not need to be or to comprise a separate hinge construction element, but may e.g. be a linear hinge provided by a folded line, or a so called living hinge.

Alternatively, the cover may e.g. be releasably securable to the assembly element, for instance the cover and the assembly element may be arranged to be engagingly connectable at one or a multiple number of predetermined angles.

By producing the cover as a rollable cover, able to be rolled up into a roll, and/or a foldable cover, e.g. able to substantially form a prism, the cover can be conveniently transformable into a supporting state for supporting the sloped assembly element. For example, the cover may be substantially rigid and can comprise a single pivot axis or folding line or a multiple number of folding lines or pivot axes, which preferably are substantially parallel with each other.

By providing a device comprising a base flap, a portable puzzle storage device is provided which enables relatively stable support of the sloped assembly element in the second and/or further position. For example, the base plate may enable temporary locking of the assembly element and/or the cover in a certain position, e.g. at a certain angle, relative to the base plate and/or each other.

By pivotably connecting the base flap, e.g. using a hinge, film hinge and/or an elongated strip of flexible fabric, a simple and convenient puzzle storage device is provided, which is relatively easy transformable from one position into another. Preferably, a first side of the base flap is pivotably connected to a first side of the assembly element, along a first pivot axis. The base flap may be arranged to cover a second surface of the assembly element in the first position, the second surface of the assembly element being substantially opposite to the assembly surface. The base flap may further be arranged to lie on an external support surface, such as a table top or a floor, in the second and/or further position. However, it is noted that the base flap does not need to be connected to the assembly element. For example, in embodiments, the assembly element may be separated or separable from the base flap. By arranging the assembly element separated or separable from the base flap, the assembly element may be easily removed from the rest of device and may for instance be used to lie flat on a table top.

By providing a device of which the cover is pivotably connected to the base flap, preferably near a second side of the base flap, the second side of the base flap being substantially opposite to the first side of the base flap, more preferably along a second pivot axis being substantially parallel with both the cover surface and the base flap, a device can be provided which is relatively simply transformable.

By forming the cover as a cover having at least two cover parts, which are pivotably connected to each other along at least one third pivot axis, the cover eases bringing the device from one position into another position. Besides, the height of the support formed by the supporting cover can be easily limited without needing to put the supporting cover at a relative faint slope, thereby, for instance, enabling the support to be relatively sheer and thus relatively stable, or for instance enabling the cover to be fold into a supporting state, such as a prismatic state. Therefore, one or a plurality of said third pivot axes may assist to provide a relatively stable sloped assembly surface. It is noted that more than two cover parts and more than one third pivot axis may be provided, e.g. three or four parts and two or three third pivot axes. Preferably, one or a multiple number of third pivot axes is substantially parallel with the first and/or second pivot axis. In embodiments, the multiple third pivot axes are substantially parallel with each other.

By forming the base flap as a tray for containing puzzle pieces and/or arranging the base flap for containing at least one puzzle piece holder, such as a puzzle piece drawer, a puzzle piece tray and/or a puzzle piece panel, a relatively convenient portable puzzle storage device can be provided, which facilitates temporary storing of puzzle pieces. Further, it may provide relatively easy access to puzzle pieces stored in the tray and/or at the puzzle piece holder, during assembling. Additionally, the pieces may be easy to access when the device is in the first position, e.g. by pulling a piece drawer at least partly out of a device wherein the assembling element and the cover are temporarily secured substantially parallel to each other.

By arranging the device for enabling the puzzle pieces to be clamped between the cover surface and the assembly surface, shifting of puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface may be counteracted, for instance when, during transport of the device, the device and the assembled puzzle pieces clamped in it are not kept substantially horizontal anymore, but rather substantially vertical.

By providing the cover and/or the base flap with a lock for temporarily locking at least a part of the cover to the base flap, enabling the base flap to be temporarily secured relative to the cover, transport of the device is facilitated, since the device can therefore kept shut in the first position. By alternatively or additionally providing the cover and/or the assembly element with a lock for temporarily locking at least a part of the cover to the assembly element, enabling the assembly element to be temporarily secured relative to the cover, clamping of the puzzle pieces between the cover surface and the assembly surface may be facilitated.

By providing an at least partly resilient cover surface and/or assembly surface, e.g. a surface comprising a resilient material, one or both of the surfaces are able to be at least partly pushed in, into a direction inwards the cover and/or the assembly element, respectively, thereby enabling a firm clamping of the puzzle pieces between the cover surface and the assembly surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the base plate and/or an optionally provided separate intermediate clamp element, such as a panel arranged for being placed between the cover surface and the assembly surface, may be at least partly compressible in order to facilitate the clamping of the puzzle pieces.

By providing at least one first fastener located at the cover and/or assembly element, for temporarily fastening the cover to the assembly element, and/or providing at least one second fastener located at the base flap and/or assembly element, for temporarily fastening the base flap to the assembly element, and/or providing at least on third fastener located at the cover and/or base flap, for temporarily fastening the cover to base part, the device can conveniently be temporary fastened in one or a multiple number of positions, e.g. predetermined positions, such as the first and/or further assembling position. Optionally, the device comprises at least one first fastener located at the cover and/or assembly element, for temporarily fastening the cover to the assembly element, e.g. while the cover is supporting the sloped assembly element.

By providing at least one fastener comprising a magnetic snap, the device is relatively easy to fasten in a certain position. By providing the assembly surface with an unslippery material, the coefficient of friction between the unslippery material and a material of a backside of at least one of the puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface being relatively high, preferably above 0.2, more preferably above 0.5, and even more preferably above 0.8, puzzle pieces can lay relatively stably on the assembly surface, even when the surface makes a relatively big angle with the horizontal plane, i.e. when the slope of the assembly surface is relatively steep. The assembly surface may be rough-textured, and is e.g. provided with a lining, for instance a natural felt and/or a synthetic felt material, such as a material comprising polyester, polypropylene and/or acrylic fibres. It is noted that the assembly surface comprising the unslippery material can mean that the assembly surface comprises a frictious surface.

By providing the assembly element with a substantially rigid board, a relatively rigid and/or flat assembly surface may be provided.

By using a lightweight material, for instance a paper material, such as a cardboard material, for the manufacture of the assembly element and/or device the weight of the device can be kept relatively low.

By providing a lid support, for holding the lid of a box of the puzzle in a convenient position for viewing during assembling of the puzzle, a device may be provided, which is capable of holding the lid, thereby facilitating a relatively ergonomic puzzling arrangement.

The invention also relates to a method for setting up an assembly surface for assembling a puzzle thereon and a use of a portable puzzle storage device.

Other advantageous embodiments according to the invention are described in the appended claims.

By way of non-limiting example only, embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Fig. 1 shows schematic perspective views of a first embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device according to the invention in two different positions;

Fig. 2 shows schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device according to the invention in three different positions;

Fig. 3 shows perspective views of a third embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device according to the invention in three different positions.

Fig. 4a shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a lid support according to the invention;

Fig. 4b shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a lid support according to the invention; and

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of method steps according to the invention.

It is noted that the figures show merely a preferred embodiment according to the invention. In the figures, the same reference numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 shows schematic perspective views of a first embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device 1 according to the invention in two different positions I, II.

The portable puzzle storage device 1 is suitable for storing a jigsaw puzzle. The device 1 comprises an assembly element 2 having an assembly surface 3 for supporting puzzle pieces P of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover 4 having a cover surface 5 for covering the assembly surface 3 during storage and/or transport of the device 1.

In a first position I, a so called storage and/or transport position, the cover surface 5 is substantially parallel with the assembly surface 3 and covers the assembly surface 3, thereby counteracting shifting of puzzle pieces P placed on the assembly surface 3. The device 1 further comprises a carrying handle 12 for providing a convenient grip during transport.

In a second position II, a so called assembling position, the assembly element 2 is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity G and is not covered, allowing puzzle pieces to be placed on the assembly surface. In the second position II the angle between the incline and the horizontal plane is, for instance, substantially 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50° or 55°.

Figure 2 shows schematic perspective views of a second embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device 1 according to the invention in three different positions II, III, IV. Here, a further position III is shown, wherein the assembly surface 3 is uncovered as well. The assembly element 2 is supported in a sloped position which is less steep relative to the local horizontal plane H than in the second position II, thereby giving a choice to a puzzler for adjusting the slope to his/her needs and/or desires. In the further position III the angle between the incline and the horizontal plane is, for instance, substantially 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45° or 50°.

Further, the device comprises a base flap 6, of which a first side 6a is pivotably connected to a first side 2a of the assembly element 2, along a first pivot axis A. As shown in Fig. 1, in the first position I, the base flap 6 covers a second surface 7 of the assembly element 2, which second surface 7 is positioned substantially opposite to the assembly surface 3. In Fig. 2 is shown that the base flap 6 lies on an external support surface S, e.g. formed by a table top or floor surface, which surface S supports the device 1 in the respective assembling positions II, III, IV.

Further, the cover 4 is pivotably connected to the base flap 6 near a second side 6b of the base flap, which side 6b lies substantially opposite to the flap's first side 6a, along a second pivot axis B, which is substantially parallel with both the cover surface and the base flap. The cover 4 comprises two cover parts 4a, 4b, which are pivotably connected to each other along a third pivot axis C. In the first position I the cover parts 4a, 4b lie substantially in one plane. Further, the cover 4 has been temporarily locked relative to the base flap 6 by a lock 8a, which is provided at the first longer side 6a of the base flap 6. Extra locks 8b, provided at the shorter sides 6c of the base flap, facilitate tightly locking of the cover 4, thereby holding the assembly element, cover, and base flap clamped together, as to enable the device to stay in a transportable mode. Here, the locks 8a, 8b comprises half of a snap, e.g. the male half, which can be snapped into another half, e.g. the female half, comprised at the cover. Alternatively or additionally, other locks may be provided, such as magnetic snaps and/or zippers. Alternatively or additionally the locks may be placed on other parts of the device and/or at other places, e.g. in one or a multiple number of corners of the base flap, cover and/or assembly element.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the cover 4 and the assembly element 2 comprises fasteners 9. Here, the fasteners comprise holes 9a in the shorter sides of the assembly element 2 for temporarily locking corresponding protruding fingers 9b provided at the cover 4, nearby the third pivot axis C. Here, in the second embodiment, three set of holes 9a are provided, enabling the assembly element to be temporarily locked relative to the cover in three sloped assembling positions II, III, IV. Alternatively or additionally, other fasteners 9, such as snaps or magnetic fasteners may be provided, and/or the fasteners may be provided at other spots.

In the first embodiment, shown in Fig. 1, the angle a between the slope and the horizontal plane is continuously adjustable, since second cover part 4b is lockable to the second surface 7 of the assembly element 2 at steplessly selectable spots along a first direction D, which substantially lies at the second surface 7 and is substantially transverse to the first pivot axis A. For example, the angle a may be adjustable in a range being

substantially from 0° to 70°, from 0° to 60°, from 0° to 50°, from 0° to 45°, from 0° to 40°, or from 0° to 35°. Although here the second cover part 4b is magnetically fastened to the assembly element 2, other fastening means may be provided, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, e.g. Velcro.

The base flap 6 contains four puzzle piece holders 10, formed as trays 10, which can be slid out of the device 1, when it is in one of the assembling position, and also when the device is in the storing position in case the respective lock 8b at the shorter side of the device has been unlocked. Alternatively or additionally, the base flap 6 may be formed as a tray for containing puzzle pieces itself, which can be at least accessible in one of the assembling positions.

Although in the embodiments shown film hinges 11 are used to connect the base flap 6 to the cover 4 and to the assembly element 2, alternative pivoting means may be provided. It is noted that the pivotably connection is actually not even required. For example, the device may comprise one or a multiple number of second fasteners for temporarily fastening the base flap 6 to the assembly element 2 and/or to the cover 4.

Figure 3 shows perspective views of a third embodiment of a portable puzzle storage device 1 according to the invention in three different positions V, VI, II. Like the embodiments of Fig. 1 and 2, the portable puzzle storage device 1 of Fig. 3 is suitable for storing a jigsaw puzzle. The device 1 comprises an assembly element 2 having an assembly surface 3 for supporting puzzle pieces P of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover 4 having a cover surface 5 for covering the assembly surface 3 during storage and/or transport of the device 1. The device 1 is arranged to be brought into a first position (not shown in Fig. 3), wherein the cover surface 5 is substantially parallel with the assembly surface 3 and covers the assembly surface 3, and counteracts shifting of puzzle pieces P placed on the assembly surface 3. Further, the device 1 is arranged to be brought into a second position II, wherein the cover surface 5 leaves the assembly surface 3 uncovered and wherein the assembly element 2 is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity G.

It is noted that position V is a first intermediate position V which may occur when bringing the device 1 from the first position I, the storage position, into an assembling position II. In the first intermediate position V the cover 4 is lifted from the assembly surface 3 and the folded along the third pivot axis C. In position VI, a second intermediate position which may occur, it is shown that the assembly surface 3 is removed from the base flap 6 and that the cover 4 is temporarily mounted in a position such that the cover 4 can support the assembly surface 3 in a position wherein said assembly surface 3 is at an incline relative to the field of gravity G.

Further, here, the cover surface 5 is provided with pressing means 38 for facilitating the clamping of the puzzle pieces P positioned on the assembly surface 3, for instance during transport of the device 1.

However, contrary to the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the embodiment shown, the assembly element 2 is not hingedly connected to the base flap 6. Actually, in the embodiment shown, the assembly element 2 is not fixed to the base flap 6. In the embodiment shown here, the base flap 6 comprises a slide stop 33a for blocking sliding movement of an edge 34 of the assembly element 2. Here, the slide stop 33a comprises an abutting flange 33a for blocking sliding movement of an edge 34 of the assembly element 2. In the embodiment shown, the flange 33a forms a part of a circumferential raised edge 33 of the base flap 6. The raised edge 33 can surround the assembly element 2 in the first position, for instance during transport of the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, other slide stops may be provided and/or one or a multiple number of second fasteners suitable for temporarily fastening the base flap 6 to the assembly element 2 may be provided. For example, the slide stop and/or second fastener may comprise a slit for blocking and/or clamping the edge 34 of the assembly element 2 or for blocking and/or clamping a (not shown) rim. The rim can be for example provided at the assembly element 2, for instance near the edge 34, and/or can be provided at the cover surface 5 of said element 2. As other examples, the base flap 6 and/or the assembly element 2 may be provided with one or a multiplicity of magnetic snaps, hooks and eyes, Velcro fasteners and/or clamps.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the assembly surface 3 can be set up by bringing the device 1 from the first position (here not shown), the so called storage and/or transport position, into the second position II, the so called assembling position. Thereto, the cover 4 can be lifted, as is shown in position V. Subsequently, the assembly element 2 can be removed from the base flap 6 and the cover 4 may be folded around the third pivot axis C. Then, the cover can be temporarily fastened to the base part using a third fastener 36 for temporarily fastening the cover 4 to the base part 6.

Subsequently, the assembly element 2 can be placed such that said element 2 rests partly on the cover 4, preferably on a bend 4c near the third pivot axis C. Said assembly element 2 can further be temporarily fastened with the aid of the second fastener 33a. As a result, the device 1 can thus been brought into the second position II, as is shown at the bottom of Fig. 3, in which the assembly element 3 is supported by the cover 4.

In embodiments, the cover 4 and the assembly element 2 comprise one or a multiple number of fasteners 9 for temporarily fastening the inclined assembly element 2 to the cover 4. The fasteners may for instance comprise snaps, Velcro or magnetic fasteners. Advantageously, at least a part of the fasteners are provided at or near one or more of the third pivot axes C.

In Figure 3, temporarily fastening the cover 4 to the base part 6 is performed by placing an edge 35 of the second cover part 4b into respective grooves that form the third fastener 36 in respective side edges 37 which, in this embodiment, are part of the circumferential raised edge 33.

Alternatively or additionally, other third fasteners 36 may be provided at the base part and/or the cover 4. For instance, the side edge 37 may comprise one or more slide stops, such as a stiffening rib of said side edge 37, against which the second cover part 4b or a protruding support part (not shown) of the cover may rest. Further, other parts of the base flap may be provided with one or more third fasteners 36. For instance, a groove may be provided in a top surface of the base flap 6, preferably between the trays 10. Although in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 the device comprises only one set of third fasteners 36 for temporarily fastening the cover 4 in one position, i.e. the second position II, the device 1 may alternatively comprise more third fasteners or sets of third fasteners for temporarily fastening the cover 4 in one or multiple further positions, such that the angle of inclination of the sloped assembly surface 3 may be adjustable relatively easily.

Although the embodiment of Fig. 3 does not comprise fasteners for temporarily fastening the cover 4 to the assembly element 2 in the second or further position, such fasteners may additionally be provided. For example, the cover 4 may be provided with said fasteners in the proximity of the third pivot axis C, for instance at the bend 4c.

Figure 4a shows a schematic perspective view of a lid support 20 according to the invention. The support 20 comprises a frame 21 and a thereto connected lid connector 22 for connecting a lid 31 of a puzzle box to the lid support 20. The lid connector 22 comprises two clamping elements 22a, 22b enclosing a notch 23 for containing a part of a flange of the lid of the puzzle box. Here, the lid support 20 further comprises a device connector 24 for releasably connecting the support 20 to the portable puzzle storage device 1, the device connector 24 being connected to the frame 21. The device connector 24 comprises also two clamping elements 24a, 24b enclosing a notch 25. In use, the device connector 24 is slid on a top side 2b of the assembly element 2, clamping the lid support 20 onto the device 1. A flange 31 of the lid 30 may then be clamped between two clamping elements 22a, 22b of the lid connector 22. Therefore, the lid support 20 can hold the lid 30 during assembling of the puzzle in a convenient position for looking at a printed top side 32 of the lid 30, since the printed top side 32 is then substantially facing the puzzler.

Alternatively, the support 22 may be unreleasbly connected to the device 1, and/or form an integrated part of it, for instance the support 20 can be integrated or connected with the assembly element 2.

Advantageously, the lid connector 22 and the device connector 24 may be rotatably connected relative to each other, thereby providing a lid support 20 which is e.g. adjustable for use in different slope positions of the assembly element 2 and/or adjustable for different viewing angles of the puzzler.

Figure 4b shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a lid support 20 according to the invention. Here, the device connector 24 and the lid connector 22 are formed as separate parts which can be connected to each other, preferably by clicking the respective connector 22, 24 to each other. Here, a protruding part 22a of the lid connecter can be inserted into an opening 24a of the device connector. In embodiments, the separate parts 22, 24 can be releasably connected to each other. By providing separate parts, the lid support 20 can relatively easily be put away in the puzzle storage device 1, because a minimum height of each of the respective separate parts 22, 24 can be lower than a minimum height of an assembled lid support and/or a lid support formed as an integral part.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of method steps of a method 100 according to the invention. The method 100 is suitable for setting up an assembly surface for assembling a puzzle, such as a jigsaw puzzle, thereon. The method 100 comprises a first step 110 of providing a portable puzzle storage device having an assembly element including an assembly surface for supporting a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover including a cover surface. Further, the method 100 comprises a second step 120 of bringing the device from a first position, wherein the cover surface is substantially parallel with the assembly surface and covers the assembly surface, into a second position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at a slope relative to a local horizontal plane, the plane being substantially perpendicular to the gradient of a local gravity field.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

For example, the embodiments shown principally concern devices which are mainly dimensioned for rectangular jigsaw puzzles, therefore comprising substantially rectangular covers, assembly elements and base parts. However, the device 1 and/or one or a multiple number of its parts 2, 4, 6 may be shaped differently, e.g. having one or a multiple number of rounded corners, and/or being substantially oval, star-shaped or triangular, for instance to facilitate storing and/or assembling of alternatively shaped puzzles.

Other such variants will be clear for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle, comprising an assembly element having an assembly surface for supporting puzzle pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover having a cover surface for covering the assembly surface during storage and/or transport of the device, the device being arranged to be brought into a first position, wherein the cover surface is substantially parallel with the assembly surface and covers the assembly surface, and counteracts shifting of puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface, the device further being arranged to be brought into a second position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at an incline relative to the field of gravity.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is further being arranged to be brought into a further position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at a less steep slope relative to the local horizontal plane than in the second position.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is arranged to substantially support the sloped assembly element in the second and/or further position.

4. The device according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a base flap, preferably of which a first side is pivotably connected to a first side of the assembly element along a first pivot axis, the assembly element having a second surface being substantially opposite to the assembly surface, the base flap being arranged to cover the second surface of the assembly element in the first position, the base flap further being arranged to lie on an external support surface in the second and/or further position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the cover is pivotably connected to the base flap, preferably near a second side of the base flap, the second side of the base flap being substantially opposite to the first side of the base flap, more preferably along a second pivot axis being substantially parallel with both the cover surface and the base flap.

6. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cover comprises at least two cover parts, pivotably connected to each other along a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis preferably being substantially parallel with the first and/or second pivot axis.

7. The device according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the base flap is formed as a tray for containing puzzle pieces and/or wherein the base flap is arranged for containing at least one puzzle piece holder, such as a puzzle piece drawer, a puzzle piece tray and/or a puzzle piece panel.

8. The device according to any of claims 4-7, wherein the cover and/or the base flap comprises a lock for temporarily locking at least a part of the cover to the base flap, enabling the base flap to be temporarily secured relative to the cover.

9. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cover and/or the assembly element comprises a lock for temporarily locking at least a part of the cover to the assembly element, enabling the assembly element to be temporarily secured relative to the cover.

10. The device according to any of the previous claims, further comprising at least one first fastener located at the cover and/or assembly element, for temporarily fastening the cover to the assembly element, and/or comprising at least one second fastener located at the base flap and/or assembly element, for temporarily fastening the base flap to the assembly element, and/or comprising at least on third fastener located at the cover and/or base flap, for temporarily fastening the cover to base part, the at least one fastener preferably comprising a magnetic snap.

11. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the assembly surface comprises an unslippery material, the coefficient of friction between the unslippery material and a material of a backside of at least one of the puzzle pieces placed on the assembly surface being relatively high, preferably above 0.2, more preferably above 0.5, and even more preferably above 0.8.

12. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the assembly surface is rough-textured, and is preferably provided with a lining, for instance a natural felt and/or a synthetic felt material, such as a material comprising polyester, polypropylene and/or acrylic fibres.

13. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the assembly element comprises a substantially rigid board, preferably comprising a lightweight material, for instance a paper material, such as a cardboard material.

14. A portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle, preferably according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a substantially flat substantially rectangular base element for installation on a substantially horizontal external support surface, e.g. a table top, a substantially flat substantially rectangular assembly element having an assembly surface for supporting puzzle pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a substantially flat substantially rectangular cover having a cover surface for covering the assembly surface during storage and/or transport of the device, wherein a first longer side of the

substantially rectangular base element being pivotably connected to the assembly element along a first pivot axis, a second longer side of the base element being pivotably connected the cover, the cover being at least partly foldable along a second pivot axis, and the cover further being able to support the assembly element at least temporarily in order to hold the assembly surface at a slope relative to the base element.

15. A portable puzzle storage device for storing a jigsaw puzzle, preferably according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a lid support having a frame, the frame being connected to a lid connector for connecting a lid of a puzzle box to the lid support, and to a device connector for connecting the support to the portable puzzle storage device.

16. A method for setting up an assembly surface for assembling a puzzle thereon, such as a jigsaw puzzle, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a portable puzzle storage device having an assembly element including an assembly surface for supporting a jigsaw puzzle to be assembled thereon, and a cover including a cover surface; and

bringing the device from a first position, wherein the cover surface is substantially parallel with the assembly surface and covers the assembly surface, into a second position, wherein the cover surface leaves the assembly surface uncovered and wherein the assembly element is positioned at a slope relative to a local horizontal plane, the plane being substantially perpendicular to the gradient of a local gravity field.

17. A use of a portable puzzle storage device, such as a device according to any of claims 1-15, the use being according to the method of claim 16, and further comprising the step of:

bringing the device from the second position into the first position.