Jig-saw puzzle

Abstract

A jig-saw puzzle is disclosed which when assembled, forms a 3-dimensional object defining at least two intersecting surfaces. The puzzle is formed from a plurality of interlocking pieces most of which are substantially identical to standard jig saw pieces of a traditional jigsaw puzzle, but at least some of which are transition pieces and are hinged such that part of the piece is co-planar with one of the intersecting surfaces and the other part is co-planar with the other intersecting surface. The pieces may be plastic or cardboard. Where they are formed from a sheet of material they are preferably cut out with a laser to ensure a tight interference fit between pieces to maintain the structural integrity of the assembled puzzle. Alternatively they may be injection moulded in plastic. Thus, a 3 dimensional object can be formed from jigsaw pieces which generally maintain the identify and familiarity of the pieces of a traditional jig-saw puzzle.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . A jigsaw puzzle including a plurality of rigid planar pieces, a plurality of interlocking cooperative pairs of coupling elements being formed in said pieces to interlock edge to edge each adjacent piece to another adjacent piece characterised by at least some of the pieces being transition pieces which include hinges and define transitions between two intersecting surfaces in the completed puzzle.  
     
     
         20 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 19  wherein each transition piece includes a single hinge line.  
     
     
         21 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the planar pieces comprise paperboard or cardboard having a thickness in excess of 1 mm.  
     
     
         22 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the planar pieces comprise a solid plastics material.  
     
     
         23 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the hinges are defined by score lines cut into one side of the transition piece only such that the piece may be bent in one direction only.  
     
     
         24 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the coupling elements define grooves, patterns or other surface irregularities to provide resistance between interlocking coupling elements.  
     
     
         25 . A jigsaw puzzle as claimed in  claim 19  which when assembled defines a hollow cube.  
     
     
         26 . A jig-saw puzzle which when completed, forms a 3-dimensional object defining at least two intersecting surfaces, the puzzle being formed from a plurality of such interlocking generally planar pieces, at least some of which are transition pieces being hinged such that one part of the piece is co-planar with one of the intersecting surfaces and an other part of the piece co-planar with a second different intersecting surface.  
     
     
         27 . A jig-saw puzzle as claimed in  claim 26  wherein the transition pieces have a first face and a second face and define fold lines defined on one face of the pieces so that the piece may be bent in one direction only.  
     
     
         28 . A jig-saw puzzle as claimed in  claim 26  wherein the angle defined between the two intersecting surfaces of the transition piece in the 3-dimensional object is substantially less than 180°.  
     
     
         29 . A jig-saw puzzle as claimed in  claim 26  further including a hinged structural piece defining first and second relatively rotatable planar portions, the first portion in use defining part of an external surface or shell of the puzzle, the other second portion extending inside the external shell of the puzzle.  
     
     
         30 . A jig-saw puzzle as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the second portion of the structural piece defines a slot for inter-engagement with parts of the structural pieces.  
     
     
         31 . A jig-saw puzzle as claimed in  claim 26  wherein the generally planar pieces are formed from a non-foamed plastics material.  
     
     
         32 . A method of making a jigsaw puzzle of a 3-dimensional object comprising the steps of:—
 mapping the surfaces of the object to two dimensions;    defining a series of transition pieces crossing edges of the object where the surfaces of the object intersect and redistributing areas of the surfaces to take account of the transition pieces;    separating the pieces in the two dimensional map;    forming hinge lines in the transition pieces: and cutting out the pieces.    
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the pieces are slightly enlarged prior to cutting.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the pieces are cut out using a laser cutter.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the pieces are cut out using a knife blade.  
     
     
         36 . A jigsaw puzzle including: 
 a plurality of rigid plastic planar pieces defining a first face and a second face joined by side edges, a plurality of interlocking cooperative pairs of coupling elements being formed in said side edges of said pieces to interlock edge to edge each adjacent piece to another adjacent piece to form a self supporting surface wherein the coupling elements define surface irregularities or patterns to increase interference between interlocking coupling pieces; wherein    the pieces when assembled form a hollow three dimensional object defining intersecting surfaces characterised by;    a plurality of transition pieces, each transition piece comprising two generally planar portions joined by a hinge line, each portion defining coupling elements for interlocking with corresponding coupling means on adjacent pieces; wherein    the hinge lines of the transition pieces defining intersecting surfaces of the hollow three dimensional object.