Jigsaw puzzle with drawing surface

Abstract

An improved jigsaw puzzle includes puzzle pieces that each have a drawing surface such as high quality drawing paper surface. The puzzle pieces are held within a casing, which has a cover lid pivoted at one end of the casing for opening and closing a space within the casing. The space is wide enough to hold the puzzle pieces whether they are assembled or disassembled, and a puzzle frame for holding the puzzle pieces assembled therein. A resilient spacer such as a sponge like material is interposed between the puzzle pieces and the casing. The resilient material compresses when the puzzle pieces are arranged in the case in a jumbled manner, overlapping one another, and the cover lid is closed. The puzzle can therefore be drawn on, disassembled and assembled within the casing without losing any pieces and while displaying the drawing.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A jigsaw puzzle, comprising: 
 a number of puzzle pieces each having a drawing surface;    a casing with a cover lid pivoted at one end of the casing for opening and closing a space within the casing, said space being wide enough to hold the puzzle pieces whether assembled or disassembled;    a puzzle frame for holding the puzzle pieces assembled therein; and    a resilient spacer interposed between the puzzle pieces and the casing.    
     
     
         2 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 each of said puzzle pieces comprises cardboard material having a blank drawing paper surface.    
     
     
         3 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the drawing surface of each of said puzzle pieces is covered with select high-quality drawing paper.    
     
     
         4 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 3 , wherein: 
 the high-quality drawing paper comprises at least one of: watercolor paper, cotton bristle drawing paper, charcoal papers, rice paper, canvas-textured paper.    
     
     
         5 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 3 , wherein: 
 the high-quality drawing paper is suitable for various drawing tools.    
     
     
         6 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the casing is of a plastic rectangular shape with four side walls and a bottom wall; and    said cover lid is pivoted at one of the four side walls.    
     
     
         7 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the resilient spacer comprises sponge.    
     
     
         8 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the puzzle frame is adhered to a backing sheet.    
     
     
         9 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 8 , wherein: 
 the resilient spacer is interposed between the backing sheet and the casing.    
     
     
         10 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the cover lid is clear to allow viewing of the puzzle pieces.    
     
     
         11 . A jigsaw puzzle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the resilient spacer is compressible to accommodate a height of the puzzle pieces when disassembled and overlapping one another, at least in part.