A puzzle with tactile clues that includes a tactile image that can be felt by a visually impaired person includes orientation indicia for the puzzle, as well as orientation indicia for individual pieces. The puzzle orientation indicia are raised, distinguishable clues. The piece orientation indicia are indicated by the shape of the tabs and blanks. The puzzle is waterjet cut to ensure a tight tolerance, and constructed of a washable material so it can be disinfected. Optionally, a guide puzzle of less difficulty may be included with the primary puzzle to instruct the assembler on assembly and the final image.

A puzzle with tactile clues that includes a tactile image that can be felt by a visually impaired person includes orientation indicia for the puzzle, as well as orientation indicia for individual pieces. The puzzle orientation indicia are raised, distinguishable clues. The piece orientation indicia are indicated by the shape of the tabs and blanks. The puzzle is waterjet cut to ensure a tight tolerance, and constructed of a washable material so it can be disinfected. Optionally, a guide puzzle of less difficulty may be included with the primary puzzle to instruct the assembler on assembly and the final image.

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.

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.

An animated puzzle and/or animated puzzle kit comprising at least two puzzle pieces and at least one animated component. The at least two puzzle pieces being configured into shapes that fit together to form an assembled puzzle. The assembled puzzle having at least one pre-determined pre-cut section for placement of the at least one animated component. At least one animating device being connected to the at least one animated component, whereby operation of the at least one animating device animates the at least one animated component.

An animated puzzle and/or animated puzzle kit comprising at least two puzzle pieces and at least one animated component. The at least two puzzle pieces being configured into shapes that fit together to form an assembled puzzle. The assembled puzzle having at least one pre-determined pre-cut section for placement of the at least one animated component. At least one animating device being connected to the at least one animated component, whereby operation of the at least one animating device animates the at least one animated component.

A rotatable platform for facilitating the assembly of a jigsaw puzzle by multiple person includes (a) a base having an upper or top surface and a lower surface or bottom surface; (b) a bearing or other pivot is secured to the bottom surface of the base for facilitating rotation of the platform; and (c) retainer for removably retaining a box top cover or similar part of the jigsaw puzzle box which shows the scene to be re-created is mounted to the upper surface of the platform.

System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

A movable puzzle platform includes a puzzle board and a board accessible unit. The puzzle board has a bottom for supporting on a playing surface, and a top surface for playing puzzle piece thereon. The board accessible unit is coupled at the bottom of the puzzle board for sliding on the playing surface, wherein the board accessible unit provides accessibility for the puzzle board to move the puzzle board at different planar directions with respect to the playing surface. Therefore, a player is able to move the puzzle board on the playing surface at a desired orientation to assemble the puzzle pieces on the top surface of the puzzle board.