Word search puzzle apparatus and method

Abstract

According to an embodiment, there is provided herein a word search-type puzzle in which the hidden words are arranged in such a way as to form a shape or image within the matrix that contains the hidden words. In an embodiment, after the words have been located and circled or otherwise visually identified, the image will be apparent. According to an embodiment, a theme or theme word will be selected that describes or relates in some way to the image that is revealed when the puzzle is solved by highlighting the hidden words.

1 . A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of:
 a. choosing a theme;   b. selecting a plurality of words associated with said theme, each of said selected words being comprised of a plurality of letters;   c. arranging said plurality of letters associated with said selected plurality of words into a pattern that is an identifiable shape or image representative of said theme;   d. embedding said plurality of letters associated with said selected plurality of words within a matrix containing others letters, wherein said embedded words are arranged according to said pattern;   e. forming a visually perceptible presentation of said matrix;   f. presenting said visually perceptible representation of said matrix to a user; and,   g. allowing the user to attempt to identify each of said plurality of words and said identifiable shape or image within said matrix.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix is rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said visually perceptible representation of said matrix is presented to the user on a medium selected from the group consisting of a printed page and a computer display. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said selected of plurality of words are presented to the user in a word bank. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of words is positioned within said pattern at a position related to its meaning with respect to said theme. 
     
     
         6 . A puzzle book comprising a plurality of pages, wherein at least one page contains a puzzle printed thereon that is prepared according to a method comprising the steps of:
 a. choosing a theme;   b. selecting a plurality of words associated with said theme, each of said selected words being comprised of a plurality of letters;   c. arranging said plurality of letters associated with said selected plurality of words into a pattern associated with said theme;   d. embedding said plurality of letters associated with said selected plurality of words within a matrix of others letters, wherein said embedded words are arranged according to said pattern; and,   e. printing said matrix on said at least one page, thereby forming said printed puzzle.   
     
     
         7 . The puzzle book according to  claim 6 , wherein said matrix of letters is rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said selected of plurality of words are presented to the user in a word bank. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein each of said plurality of words is positioned within said pattern at a position related to its meaning with respect to said theme. 
     
     
         10 . A puzzle book containing a plurality of pages, wherein at least one page of said puzzle book contains at least one matrix of letters containing a plurality of words hidden therein, each of said plurality words being associated with a predetermined theme and said plurality of words being positioned within said matrix of letters on said page so as to form a pattern associated with said predetermined theme. 
     
     
         11 . The puzzle book according to  claim 10 , wherein said matrix of letters is rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said selected of plurality of words are presented to the user in a word bank. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein each of said plurality of words is positioned within said pattern at a position related to its meaning with respect to said theme. 
     
     
         14 . An educational word search puzzle, comprising:
 a. a puzzle surface;   b. an arrangement of a plurality of letters forming a matrix on the surface, the arrangement including a plurality of hidden words positioned therewithin among the other plurality of letters forming the matrix; and   c. a pattern representative of a shape or image representing an object within the matrix, the pattern being formed by the position of the plurality of hidden words and revealed upon the identification of the hidden words, resulting in a transformed surface containing the pattern;   wherein the plurality of hidden words relate in some way to the pattern revealed when the puzzle is solved.   
     
     
         15 . The puzzle of  claim 14 , wherein the hidden words are spatially arranged within the matrix in positions that correspond graphically to where a like element may be found in the object. 
     
     
         16 . The puzzle of  claim 14 , wherein the hidden words all relate to a particular theme. 
     
     
         17 . The puzzle of  claim 14 , wherein the puzzle surface is a printed surface. 
     
     
         18 . The puzzle of  claim 14 , wherein the puzzle surface is a display screen. 
     
     
         19 . A puzzle book containing a plurality of pages,
 wherein at least one page of said puzzle book contains a matrix of letters containing a plurality of words hidden therein,   each of said plurality words being associated with a same predetermined theme and said plurality of words being positioned within said matrix of letters either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on said page,   wherein said plurality of words taken together depict a recognizable shape or image associated with said predetermined theme.