Two-dimensional tiling puzzle having three-dimensional features

Abstract

A tiling puzzle having a first two-dimensional portion and a second three-dimensional portion that extends away from the plane of the first two-dimensional portion.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A puzzle apparatus comprising:
 a three-dimensional section comprising a plurality of three-dimensional pieces; and   couplings for coupling individual three-dimensional pieces together.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the three-dimensional pieces comprise one or more tabs. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein tabs on corresponding three-dimensional pieces are coupled together with one or more coupling. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the individual three-dimensional pieces are initial two-dimensional and are foldable. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein folds of the individual three-dimensional pieces are designated to fold below a horizontal plane of the unfolded individual three-dimensional pieces. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein folds of the individual three-dimensional pieces are designated to fold above a horizontal plane of the unfolded individual three-dimensional pieces. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the couplings are U-shaped clips inside of which two mating flaps are held together. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the individual pieces of the three-dimensional section are held together one or more of: U-shaped clips, staples, glue, tape, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the three-dimensional section forms piece selected from the group consisting of: a mask, a model, a building, a decoration, a lamp shade, a window hanging where the three-dimensional section is translucent or transparent, a sculpture, a poster, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         28 .- 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A coupling apparatus comprising:
 a generally U-shaped support with a first arm and a second arm; and   a recess between the first arm and the second arm.   
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , further comprising one or more protrusions on the U-shaped support, wherein the one or more protrusions extend into the recess from the first arm or the second arm. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising at least one protrusion extending into the recess from the first arm and at least one protrusion extending into the recess from the second arm. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the at least one protrusion extending into the recess from the first arm and the at least one protrusion extending into the recess from the second arm are offset. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the one or more protrusions extend parallel to the direction of the first arm and the second arm. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising one protrusion approximately centered on a surface of the first arm facing the recess, and two protrusions near outer edges of a surface of the second arm facing the recess. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising three protrusions on a surface of the first arm facing the recess, and three protrusions on a surface of the second arm facing the recess. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , further comprising angled free ends on the first arm and the second arm. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the recess accepts corresponding tabs on foldable puzzle pieces. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are activated by pressing distal ends of the first arm and the second arm towards one another. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , further comprising a hinge between the first arm and the second arm, wherein at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm extends distally from the hinge. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the apparatus is a single piece. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 45 , wherein the apparatus comprises multiple pieces coupled at the hinge. 
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first arm is longer than a second arm. 
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 48 , wherein the second arm comprises a turn.