Customized therapeutic puzzles

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic puzzle. The puzzle comprises a plurality puzzle pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface of one or more of the pieces features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when the pieces are assembled in the pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A therapeutic puzzle comprising:
 a plurality of pieces, each of said pieces having a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern, wherein the top surface of one or more of said pieces includes a therapeutic aid which features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when said pieces are assembled in said pre-determined pattern to form said puzzle.   
     
     
         2 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic message is an image, drawing or photograph. 
     
     
         3 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 2  wherein the image, drawing or photograph is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user. 
     
     
         4 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic message consists of written text. 
     
     
         5 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 4  wherein the written text is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user. 
     
     
         6 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 1  further comprising a flat puzzle assembly surface. 
     
     
         7 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 6  wherein the puzzle assembly surface further comprises a raised border said pieces fitting within said border when assembled in said pre-determined pattern. 
     
     
         8 . A therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages focus on one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The use of a therapeutic puzzle according to  claim 1  for the treatment of one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation. 
     
     
         10 . A therapeutic device comprising:
 a plurality of pieces, each of said pieces having a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges, said side edges comprising a series of protrusions and indentations, wherein said protrusions and indentations of one of said plurality of pieces mate in a detachably complimentary fashion with said protrusions and indentations of another of said plurality of pieces for detachably assembling said plurality of pieces in a pre-determined pattern forming a therapeutic message integrated on the top surface of said pieces.   
     
     
         11 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 10  wherein the therapeutic message is an image, drawing or photograph. 
     
     
         12 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 11  wherein the image, drawing or photograph is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user. 
     
     
         13 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 10  wherein the therapeutic message consists of written text. 
     
     
         14 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 13  wherein the written text is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user. 
     
     
         15 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 10  further comprising a flat assembly surface. 
     
     
         16 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 15  wherein the flat assembly surface further comprises a raised border, said pieces fitting within said border when assembled in said pre-determined pattern. 
     
     
         17 . A therapeutic device according to  claim 10  wherein the therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages focus on one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation. 
     
     
         18 . The use of a therapeutic device according to  claim 10  for the treatment of one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.