No-flip jigsaw puzzle

Abstract

A jigsaw-type puzzle has pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly of the puzzle. The pieces have peripheral shapes or outlines that are symmetrical along at least one axis, with mirror images being printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly. Each piece shows a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed. Each piece has first and second sides, with each piece portraying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle. The invention is applicable to edge pieces, corner pieces and inner pieces, including square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with other shapes.

1 . A puzzle with pieces that do not need to be turned over to complete the puzzle, comprising:
 a plurality of puzzle pieces, each piece having one or more protruding tabs and one or more tab-receiving voids, and wherein a tab or void of each piece interlocks with a tab or void of an adjacent piece;   each piece displaying a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are interlocked with one another, the two-dimensional image is completed;   wherein each piece has first and second sides; and   wherein each side of each piece displays a transformed version of the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle.   
     
     
         2 . The puzzle of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each piece has an axis of symmetry; and   the portion of the design on one side of the piece, and the portion of the design on the other side of the piece, are mirror images of one another with respect to the axis of symmetry.   
     
     
         3 . The puzzle of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the tabs and tab-receiving voids are on flat edges; and   the axis of symmetry is parallel to opposing flat edges.   
     
     
         4 . The puzzle of  claim 3 , wherein the axis of symmetry intersects opposing tabs or opposing voids. 
     
     
         5 . The puzzle of  claim 4 , wherein;
 the piece is an edge piece having a straight edge with no tabs or voids; and   the axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the straight edge.   
     
     
         6 . The puzzle of  claim 3 , wherein the axis of symmetry intersects a tab on one edge and a void on an opposing edge. 
     
     
         7 . The puzzle of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the pieces have edges defining a square with two diagonals; and   the axis of symmetry coincides with at least one of the diagonals.   
     
     
         8 . The puzzle of  claim 7 , wherein the piece is a corner piece having two flat edges without tabs or voids. 
     
     
         9 . The puzzle of  claim 2 , including inner pieces, side pieces and corner pieces with interlocking tabs and voids;
 wherein the corner pieces have two flat outer edges and the side pieces have one flat outer edge; and   wherein the axis of symmetry intersects a tab or void on the inner and side pieces but not the corner pieces.   
     
     
         10 . The puzzle of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sides are flat and in spaced-apart planes defining a thickness. 
     
     
         11 . The puzzle of  claim 1 , including a box or other container to hold the pieces; and
 wherein the two-dimensional image is displayed on the box or container as a guide to assembling the puzzle.   
     
     
         12 . A method of assembling a puzzle, comprising the steps of:
 providing the puzzle pieces of  claim 1  in a box or other container;   removing the pieces from the box or container and placing the pieces on a surface; and   assembling the puzzle without turning any of the pieces over.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the two-dimensional image is displayed on the box or container as a guide to assembling the puzzle.