Multiple Level Jigsaw Puzzle

Abstract

A multiple level jigsaw puzzle comprised of varying thickness and irregular interlocking pieces which, when assembled, form an image with visible surfaces in relief relative to the tabular surface. The pieces have variable distinct surfaces and variable thickness with planar and/or textured surfaces to result in a raised relief 3D effect. The specific mix of individual pieces exhibiting variable thicknesses & distinct surfaces enhances enjoyment by adding strategic elements to puzzle assembly and optimizes the quality of the image.

Claims

1. A multiple level jigsaw puzzle, wherein the multiple level puzzle comprises a plurality of puzzle pieces further comprising: a plurality of single tier puzzle pieces, wherein the single tier puzzle pieces further comprise: at least a base tier, wherein the base tier has a top face, a bottom face, and at least three irregular edges disposed between the top face and the bottom face; at least one knob or hole disposed on at least one irregular edge of the at least a base tier, wherein the knob or hole is complementary to and interlocking with an adjacent puzzle piece; at least one multiple tier puzzle piece, wherein the multiple tier puzzle piece further comprises: a base tier, wherein the base tier has a top face, a bottom face, and at least three irregular edges disposed between the top face and the bottom face; a first elevated tier disposed on the top face of the base tier, wherein the first elevated tier has a first tier top face and a first tier bottom face, and is at a first height; at least a second elevated tier disposed on the top face of the base tier or on the top face of the first elevated tier, wherein the second elevated tier has a second tier top face, a second tier bottom face, at least one irregular edge disposed between the second tier top face and the second tier bottom face and correlating with one of the at least three irregular edges disposed on the base tier; wherein the second elevated tier is at a second height; and at least one knob or hole disposed on at least one irregular edge of the at least a second elevated tier, wherein the knob or hole is complementary to and interlocking with an adjacent puzzle piece.

2. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the base tier of the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces has a thickness of about 1.6 mm to about 1.9 mm.

3. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the base tier of the plurality of multiple tier puzzle pieces has a thickness of about 1.6 mm to about 1.9 mm.

4. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 3, wherein the at least one elevated tier has a thickness of about 1.2 mm to about 1.9 mm.

5. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces are cardboard, wood, paperboard, chipboard, or plastic.

6. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces is 4 tiers thick or 5 tiers thick.

7. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of puzzle pieces has an average planar or surface area of at least 1.0 square inches.

8. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and the at least one multiple tier puzzle piece are comprised of the following: at least 40% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a base tier or visible tier 1; at least 20% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a first elevated tier or visible tier 2; and at least 20% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a second elevated tier or visible tier 3.

9. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and the at least one multiple tier puzzle piece are comprised of the following: at least 35% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a base tier or visible tier 1; at least 15% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a first elevated tier or visible tier 2; at least 15% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a second elevated tier or visible tier 3; and at least 15% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a third elevated tier or visible tier 4.

10. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and the at least one multiple tier puzzle piece are comprised of the following: at least 30% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a base tier or visible tier 1; at least 15% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a first elevated tier or visible tier 2; at least 15% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a second elevated tier or visible tier 3; at least 10% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a third elevated tier or visible tier 4; and at least 5% of the pieces have a maximum elevated tier of a fourth elevated tier or visible tier 5.

11. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, further comprising at least one five tier puzzle piece; wherein the at least one five tier puzzle piece comprise the base tier, the first elevated tier disposed on the top face of the base tier, a second elevated tier disposed on the first elevated tier, a third elevated tier disposed on the second elevated tier, and a fourth elevated tier disposed on the third elevated tier; wherein the at least one five tier puzzle piece comprises at least 15% of the pieces; and wherein the fourth elevated tier is a visible tier, at least one of the base tier, first elevated tier, second elevated tier, or third elevated tier is partially visible under a fourth elevated tier.

12. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces comprise at least 20% of the pieces; wherein the at least one multiple tier puzzle piece are bi-tier pieces, and the bi-tier pieces comprise at least 35% of the pieces; wherein the at least one multiple level puzzle piece are tri-level pieces, and the tri-level pieces comprise at least 5% of the pieces.

13. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces further comprise at least 35% of the pieces.

14. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the at least one multiple tier puzzle piece is a plurality of puzzle pieces and the at least one multiple tier puzzle pieces comprise the following: at least 25% of the pieces have one change in tier elevation; at least 12% of the pieces have two changes in tier elevation; and at least 8% of the pieces have three changes in tier elevation.

15. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the top face of at least one of the plurality of single tier puzzle pieces has a contoured texture, wherein the contoured texture mimics a subject object.

16. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the top face of at least one multiple tier puzzle piece has a contoured texture, wherein the contoured texture mimics a subject object.

17. The multiple level jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein the puzzle has a straight border, a jigsaw border, or a contoured border.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a single level jigsaw puzzle piece showing multiple tiers in an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a single level jigsaw puzzle piece in an embodiment of the invention, showing a base tier puzzle piece.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a multiple level jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevations and three visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a multiple level jigsaw puzzle piece having one change in tier elevation, and two visible tiers in an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having three visible tiers and two changes in tier elevation, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having three changes in tier elevation and two visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevations and three visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevations and two visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevation and three visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevation and two visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having multiple changes in tier elevations and three visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece having one change in tier elevation and two visible tiers, in an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece in an embodiment of the invention showing the tiers having different thicknesses.

[0040] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a jigsaw puzzle piece with three irregular edges and three holes.

[0041] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle piece with a contour textured surface in an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 15 at location A-A, showing the multiple contour textured surfaces.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a top-down view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle in an embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the puzzle has a straight-edged border.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a top-down view of a multilevel jigsaw puzzle in an embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the puzzle has a jigsaw-edged border.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0045] The inventive multiple level jigsaw puzzle is designed to enhance the image and alter the strategy and assembly used in completing jigsaw puzzles. The pieces include single level pieces and multiple level puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces include at least a base tier, and optionally one or more elevated tiers are disposed on the base tier. The multiple level puzzle pieces optionally have one elevated tier, two elevated tiers, three elevated tiers, or four elevated tiers, and can include one elevation change, two elevation changes, or three elevation changes. The puzzle pieces of the multiple level puzzle are optionally up to 3 tiers thick, 4 tiers thick, or 5 tiers thick. The tier elevation changes optionally include two separate visible tiers or three separate visible tiers. The multiple level puzzle optionally includes a contoured texture disposed on the top face of the puzzle pieces, designed to mimics a subject object.

[0046] As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an insert includes a single element or two or more elements.

[0047] As used herein, about means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means15% of the numerical.

[0048] As used herein, adjacent means a section of the puzzle in proximity to the puzzle piece when the puzzle is assembled.

[0049] As used herein, top or upper and lower or bottom are referenced on the image depicted in FIG. 1. Top or upper means any portion of the puzzle directed to the top in FIG. 1. For example, reference number 5 is above reference number 3. Lower or bottom is directed toward the bottom of FIG. 1.

[0050] As used herein, complementary means geometrically shaped and sized elements that conform to the adjacent element, such that a male element conforms to a female part to which it is being interconnected, or a female element conforms to a male element.

[0051] As used herein, interlocking means the respective pieces are united firmly together due to adjacent elements having complementary contours of recesses and projections.

[0052] As used herein, visible means the top face of the tier element is capable of being seen.

[0053] As used herein, knob means a protrusion extending from the edge of a puzzle piece. In some instances, the knob is rounded, though a protrusion is not required to be rounded to meet the definition herein.

[0054] As used herein, hole means a gap or opening along the edge of a puzzle piece, i.e.

[0055] a section of the puzzle recessing in from the edge of the puzzle piece.

[0056] As used herein, thickness means the distance between the top face and the bottom face of a tier or puzzle piece.

[0057] As used herein, tier means one of a number of successively overlapping layers or rows placed one above the other to from multiple tiers. For a single tier puzzle piece, the puzzle piece may have overlapping tiers or may be formed on a single, base tier having no overlapping layers or rows. The tiers include the full row or a subset thereof. For example, where a tier is 1.6 mm thick, the tier can vary in thickness to accommodate a texture on the tier. In some examples, without being limited in scope, the 1.6 mm thick tier can vary from about 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm, accommodating a contoured texture that approximates the three-dimensional elements of an image, such as those depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0058] Ranges disclosed herein include subsets of the specified ranges.

Example 1

[0059] The multiple level jigsaw puzzle is formed of a plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and at least one multiple tier puzzle pieces, designed to enhance and alter the puzzle's image and assembly strategy. The puzzle pieces include single tier puzzle piece 1 and multiple tier puzzle piece 2. Single tier puzzle piece 1 can be a puzzle piece having a single level, multiple-tier elevation, as seen in FIG. 1. The single level multi-tiered puzzle piece includes base tier 3 and at least one elevated tier. In FIG. 1, the single level, multi-tiered puzzle piece includes base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, and second elevated tier 5. However, other elevated puzzle pieces are formed of base tier 3 and first elevated tier 4, base tier 3 with first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5 and third elevated tier 6. The single level puzzle pieces can be formed of only base tier 3, as seen in FIG. 2. Knob 10 is positioned on one or more tiers and dimensioned to engage, or interlock with, hole 15 on an adjacent piece, thereby locking the two adjacent puzzle pieces together. Hole 15 is similarly positioned on one or more tiers to engage knob 10 of an adjacent puzzle piece. The puzzle pieces may include any combination of knobs and holes along the edges of the piece. Further, the puzzle pieces include along the irregular edges of the piece, which are complementary to the geometry on an adjacent puzzle piece.

[0060] Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 can be formed having two or more different visible tiers on the same piece, as seen in FIGS. 3 through 5. Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 optionally has numerous changes in elevation, as seen in FIG. 3, where the elevation difference is one tier between the base tier and a first elevated tier, one tier between the first elevated tier and the second elevated tier, and two tiers between the base tier and a second elevated tier. In the exemplary figure of the puzzle piece, the piece is formed of base tier 3 and two separate sections or visible tiers, one forming first elevated tier 4 and the other being a second elevated tier 5. Other embodiments of multiple tier puzzle piece 2 possess one change in elevation, as seen in FIG. 4, where the elevation difference is one tier. In the figure, the piece is formed of base tier 3 and a first elevated tier 4 having a smaller area than base tier 3. Alternatively, the multiple tier puzzle piece is formed of base tier 3 with a first elevated tier 4a having a smaller area than base tier 3 and a second elevated tier 4b having a smaller area than base tier 3, as seen in FIG. 5.

Example 2

[0061] The multiple level jigsaw puzzle is formed of a plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and multiple tier puzzle pieces, designed to enhance and alter the puzzle's image and assembly strategy. The puzzle pieces include single tier puzzle piece 1 and multiple tier puzzle piece 2. Single tier puzzle piece 1 can be a puzzle piece having a single level, multiple-tier elevation, as described in Example 1.

[0062] Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 can be formed having two or more different visible tiers on the same piece. For example, multiple tier puzzle piece 2 can include visible sections of tier 1, 2, 3, the visible tier 4, in any combination. In the illustrative drawing, multilevel puzzle piece 2 has a change in elevation covering multiple tiers, from tier 4 to tier 1, as seen in FIG. 6. Multilevel puzzle piece 2 includes variations disclosed in Example 1, as well as variations having base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, where the elevated tiers have a smaller area than base tier 3. In the figure, all the elevated tiers have the same surface area, such that the change in elevation from the elevated tier to the base tier is three tiers. In other embodiments, the change in tier elevation from a higher tier to a base tier or lower tier is one tier, two tiers, or three tiers. Knob 10 is disposed on base tier 3, with a second knob 10 disposed on base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6. The knobs are each dimensioned to engage, or interlock with, a respective hole 15 on an adjacent piece, thereby locking two adjacent puzzle pieces together. Hole 15 is disposed in base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6 and dimensioned to accept a knob from an adjacent puzzle piece. Further, the puzzle pieces include along the irregular edges of the piece, which are complementary to the geometry on an adjacent puzzle piece.

[0063] In other variations of the multiple tier puzzle piece, the puzzle piece has two drops in elevation, as seen in FIG. 7. An example for this variation shows multiple tier puzzle piece 2 with exposed, or visible, sections of tier 1, 3, and 4. Multilevel puzzle piece 2 includes base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, where first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5 have a smaller area than base tier 3, but first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5 share the same area, i.e. are the same size. Third elevated tier 6 has a smaller area than first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5, resulting in the puzzle piece having three exposed tiers.

[0064] In other variations of the multiple tier puzzle piece, the puzzle piece has one drops in elevation but two changes in elevation, as seen in FIG. 8. An example for this variation shows multiple tier puzzle piece 2 with exposed, or visible, sections of tier 2 and 4. Multilevel puzzle piece 2 includes base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, where first elevated tier 4 has a smaller area than base tier 3. but first elevated tier 4 has a larger area than second elevated tier 5. Second elevated tier 5 and third elevated tier 6 share the same area, i.e. are the same size, and split into two separate sections, such that third elevated tier 6 covers second elevated tier 5, resulting in the puzzle piece having two exposed tiers and two changes in elevation. In a similar variation, the multiple tier puzzle piece optionally includes a two-tier change in elevation, from third elevated tier 6 to first elevated tier 4 and back to third elevated tier 6, as seen in FIG. 9.

[0065] Thus, the puzzle piece types include flat or single-level pieces, bi-level pieces having two different elevations, tri-level pieces having three different elevations. Subsets of these puzzle pieces can include two changes in tier elevation from a first tier elevation to a second tier elevation and back to the first tier elevation.

Example 3

[0066] The multiple level jigsaw puzzle is formed of a plurality of single tier puzzle pieces and multiple tier puzzle pieces, designed to enhance and alter the puzzle's image and assembly strategy. The puzzle pieces include single tier puzzle piece 1 and multiple tier puzzle piece 2. Single tier puzzle piece 1 can be a puzzle piece having a single level, multiple-tier elevation, as described in Example 1.

[0067] Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 can be formed having two or more different visible tiers on the same piece. For example, multiple tier puzzle piece 2 can include visible sections of tier 1, 2, 3, 4, or top-most tier 5, in any combination, except that the top-most tier must be exposed. The multiple tier puzzle pieces include variations disclosed in Examples 1 and/or 2, as well as variations having four elevated tiers. The latter examples include base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7, as seen in FIG. 10. Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 optionally has numerous changes in elevation, where the elevation difference is one or more tiers in distance. Further, the elevation change can occur between the base tier and a first elevated tier, one tier between the first elevated tier and the second elevated tier; two tier change between the base tier and the second elevated tier, between the first elevated tier and the third elevated tier, or between the second elevated tier and the fourth elevated tier; three tier change between the base tier and the third elevated tier, or the first elevated tier and the fourth elevated tier; or a four tier change between the base tier and fourth elevated tier.

[0068] In the exemplary figure of the puzzle piece, the piece is formed of base tier 3 with two separate visible tiers, between second elevated tier 5 and fourth elevated tier 7. Multiple tier puzzle piece 2 possess one change in elevation, in two locations, where the elevation difference is multiple tiers. In the figure, the piece is formed of base tier 3, and first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5 having the same area as base tier 3, i.e. the base tier and first and second elevated tier are the same size and shape. Third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7 are smaller in area than first elevated tier 4, resulting in a visible section of second elevated tier 5 and a visible section of fourth elevated tier 7. This also results in a change in elevation from the second elevated tier to the fourth elevated tier, or a two-tier elevation change.

[0069] Other embodiments of multiple tier puzzle piece 2 possess multiple changes in elevation, as seen in FIG. 11, where the elevation difference is multiple tiers. In the figure, the piece is formed of base tier 3, first elevated tier 4 and second elevated tier 5 having the same area as base tier 3, i.e. the base tier and first and second elevated tier are the same size and shape. Third elevated tier 6 is smaller than second elevated tier 5 and fourth elevated tier 7 smaller in area than third elevated tier 6, resulting in a visible section of second elevated tier 5, third elevated tier 6 and a visible section of fourth elevated tier 7. This also results in two changes in elevation from the second elevated tier to the third elevated tier and to the fourth elevated tier. Further, in the illustrative example, the puzzle piece includes a one-tier elevation change, i.e. from the second elevated tier to the third elevated tier, and a two-tier elevation change, i.e. from the second elevated tier to the fourth elevated tier. Furthermore, in the illustrative embodiment, knob 10 extends from base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, and second elevated tier 5. The puzzle piece also includes two holes 15, found disposed within base tier 3, first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7. Knob 10 is dimensioned to engage, or interlock with, hole 15 on an adjacent piece, thereby locking the two adjacent puzzle pieces together. Further, the puzzle pieces include along the irregular edges of the piece, which are complementary to the geometry on an adjacent puzzle piece.

[0070] Other embodiments of multiple tier puzzle piece 2 possess one change in elevation, as seen in FIG. 12, where the elevation difference is multiple tiers. In the figure, the piece is formed of base tier 3 and a first elevated tier 4 having the same area as base tier 3, i.e. the base tier and first elevated tier are the same size and shape. Second elevated tier 5, and third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7 are smaller in area than first elevated tier 4, resulting in a visible section of first elevated tier 4 and a visible section of fourth elevated tier 7. This also results in a change in elevation from the first elevated tier to the fourth elevated tier, or a three-tier elevation change.

[0071] Thus, the puzzle piece types include flat or single-level pieces, bi-level pieces having two different elevations, tri-level pieces having three different elevations and quad-level pieces having four different elevations. Subsets of these puzzle pieces can include two changes in tier elevation from a first tier elevation to a second tier elevation and back to the first tier elevation.

Example 4

[0072] The multiple level puzzle has a maximum of either 3 tiers, 4 tiers, or 5 tiers, as provided for in the previous Examples. The puzzle pieces forming the puzzle have one or more tiers, and optionally include more than two tiers per puzzle piece. In certain embodiments, the base tier has a first thickness A and the elevated tiers have a thickness which differs from first thickness A, as seen in FIG. 13. As seen in the figure, first elevated tier has a thickness B, second elevated tier has a thickness C, third elevated tier has a thickness D, and fourth elevated tier has a thickness E. In specific embodiments, the base tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm or 1.9 mm. The elevated tiers, i.e. first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7, have a minimum thickness of 1.2 mm Optionally, thicknesses B through E have the same thickness. In a nonlimiting example, thicknesses B through E are all 1.2 mm or about 1.2 mm, and are the same thickness. Further, the puzzle piece average surface area varies, but has an average surface area of at least 1.0 sq.in.

Example 5

[0073] The multiple level puzzle has a maximum of either 3 tiers, 4 tiers, or 5 tiers, as provided for in the previous Examples. The puzzle pieces, when viewed by the major side elements and ignoring knobs and holes, approximate geometric shapes. For example, the puzzle pieces can approximate a triangle, as seen in FIG. 14. In the Figure, the puzzle piece approximates a right-angled triangle when holes 15 are ignored. The puzzle pieces can also approximate quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, or heptagons. However, in most instances the plurality of puzzle pieces approximate an irregular rectangle. Irregular edges are not defined as holes or knobs if they do not interconnect. In the figure, irregular edge 40 is complementary by not interlocking with an adjacent puzzle piece. In other embodiments, corner puzzle piece 32 has a knob or hole on two sides as seen in FIG. 17. Edge or border puzzle piece 33 has a knob or hole on three sides as seen in FIG. 17.

Example 6

[0074] The multiple level puzzle has a maximum of either 3 tiers, 4 tiers, or 5 tiers, as provided for in the previous Examples. The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle have a varied design, based on the desired complexity of the puzzle. The puzzle pieces can be formed of six knob and hole variations; knob-hole-knob-hole, knob-knob-hole-hole, knob-knob-knob-hole, hole-hole-hole-knob, knob-knob-knob-knob, hole-hole-hole-hole. The composition of each variation alters the complexity of assembly, with puzzles containing more similarly constructed pieces increasing the complexity. For example, puzzles with a high composition of knob-hole-knob-hole pieces increase assembly difficulty, as the pieces cannot be distinguished by unique knob-hole combinations. To increase the ease of assembly, the puzzle piece composition is made of about an equal number of the six knob and hole combination.

Example 7

[0075] The multiple level jigsaw puzzle is formed of a plurality of contour textured multilevel puzzle pieces and contour textured single level puzzle pieces, similar to the multilevel puzzle pieces of Examples 1 and 2. The puzzle pieces include contour textured puzzle piece 20, formed as single level puzzle pieces or multilevel puzzle pieces. As in Example 1, the contour textured single level puzzle piece can be at any elevation. As such, the contour textured single level puzzle piece can be a base level or a single elevated tier, formed of a base tier 3 and at least one elevated tier having the same area as the base tier. The multilevel puzzle piece has two or more changes in elevation, as seen in FIG. 15. The multilevel puzzle piece includes a base level and at least one elevated tier, as discussed in Example 1. For example, the contour textured multilevel puzzle piece can possess a single change in elevation, where the elevation difference is a single tier. In other variations of the contour textured multilevel puzzle piece, the puzzle piece has a change in elevation covering multiple tiers, as seen in FIG. 15. In other variations of the invention, the puzzle piece includes two drops in elevation, or puzzle pieces which include two changes in elevation from a first elevation to a second elevation and back to the first elevation.

[0076] The top-most tier of the contour textured puzzle piece 20 has textured face 28, such as an ear seen in FIG. 15. The textured face is formed from contoured relief 25. Contoured relief 25 includes contour indent 26, contour projection 27, or a combination of the indent and projection, as seen in FIG. 16. Assembly of the multiple level puzzle pieces proceeds similarly to Examples 1 and 2, with the subject image, and optionally background, having a gentle relief mimicking the imagery of the puzzle subject.

Example 8

[0077] Contour textured puzzle piece 20 is formed of puzzle pieces as disclosed in the previous Examples. The puzzle has at least base tier 3, having a thickness of 1.6 mm. For pieces formed of elevated tiers, i.e. first elevated tier 4, second elevated tier 5, third elevated tier 6, and fourth elevated tier 7, the elevated tiers have a minimum thickness of 1.2 mm. Embodiments of this example have a contoured relief 25 which does not extend beyond the thickness of the tier, i.e. the relief does not exceed 1.2 mm. The puzzle pieces assemble to form edged puzzle 30 having a raised relief image, or jigsaw edged puzzle 31 having a relief image.

Example 9

[0078] The multiple level puzzle has a maximum of either 3 tiers, 4 tiers, or 5 tiers, as provided for in the previous Examples. The puzzle pieces include knob 10 hole 15 along the irregular edges of the piece, which interlock and are complementary to the knob and hole on an adjacent puzzle piece. Straight edged puzzle 30 has edges of the puzzle border which are straight, regardless of the tier, i.e. the base tier and any elevated tier contacting the edge of the puzzle have a straight edge, as seen in FIG. 17. The subject image has a contoured edge, mimicking the subject image or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the image possesses various levels, such as a second level for the subject rear body, a third level for the subject front body, and a fourth level for the subject head.

[0079] Jigsaw edged puzzle 31, seen in FIG. 18, is formed of a plurality of multilevel puzzle pieces and single level puzzle pieces, as disclosed in Example 1. Jigsaw edged puzzle 31 has edges of the puzzle border which mimic the jigsaw edges, i.e. the puzzle edges have puzzle pieces including knob 10 and hole 15 along the puzzle edges. The knob or hole on the border edge does not interlock with an adjacent piece and can be simply an irregular edge. The edges include base tier and any elevated tier contacting the edge of the puzzle. The subject image has a contoured edge, mimicking the subject image or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the image possesses various levels, such as a second level for the subject rear body, a third level for the subject front body, and a fourth level for the subject head.

Example 10

[0080] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in the previous Examples, have three tiers; a base tier, a first elevated tier, and a second elevated tier. In this embodiment, the base tier has a thickness of 1.9 mm, the first elevated tier has a thickness of 1.9 mm, and the second elevated tier has a thickness of 1.9 mm. The breakdown of percentages of puzzle pieces are a minimum of 40% of the puzzle pieces have only a base tier, i.e. tier 1; a minimum of 20% of the puzzle pieces have a base tier and first elevated tier, i.e. tier 2; and a minimum of 20% of the puzzle pieces have all three tiers, or tier 3.

Example 11

[0081] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in the previous Examples, have four tiers; a base tier, a first elevated tier, a second elevated tier, and a third elevated tier. In this embodiment, the base tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm, the first elevated tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm, the second elevated tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm, and the third elevated tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm. The breakdown of percentages of puzzle pieces are a minimum of 35% of the puzzle pieces have only a base tier, i.e. tier 1; a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have a base tier and first elevated tier, i.e. tier 2; a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have three tiers, or tier 3; and a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have all four tiers, or tier 4.

Example 12

[0082] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in the previous Examples, have five tiers; a base tier, a first elevated tier, a second elevated tier, a third elevated tie, and a fourth elevated tier. In this embodiment, the base tier has a thickness of 1.6 mm, the first elevated tier has a thickness of 1.2 mm, the second elevated tier has a thickness of 1.2 mm, the third elevated tier has a thickness of 1.2 mm, and the fourth elevated tier has a thickness of 1.2 mm. The breakdown of percentages of puzzle pieces are a minimum of 30% of the puzzle pieces have only a base tier, i.e. tier 1; a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have a base tier and first elevated tier, i.e. tier 2; a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have three tiers, or tier 3; a minimum of 15% of the puzzle pieces have four tiers, or tier 4; and a minimum of 5% of the puzzle pieces have all five tiers, or tier 5.

Example 13

[0083] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in any one of the previous Examples, can be classified based on the highest number of visible tiers disposed on the puzzle piece. For example, the single level puzzle pieces can be classified as visible tier 1, 2, or 3, for variations having up to 3 tiers; visible tier 1, 2, 3, or 4, for variations having up to 4 tiers; or visible tier 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, for variations having up to 5 tiers; depending on the number of elevated tiers. Multiple level pieces can also be classified by their visible tiers. For example, a multiple level piece with a tier 2 and a tier 4, or 2+4 puzzle piece, is classified both as a visible tier 2 and a visible tier 4. In such classification, to meet the enhanced image and assembly strategy goals of the invention, the puzzle pieces for any of Examples 1 through 5, 7, or 8, are formed such that at least 40% of the puzzle pieces contain a visible tier 1 classification, at least 20% fall into a visible tier 2 classification, and at least 20% fall into a visible tier 3 classification, for 3 tier variations. For 4 tier variations, at least 35% of the puzzle pieces contain a visible tier 1 classification, at least 15% fall into a visible tier 2 classification, at least 15% fall into a visible tier 3 classification, and at least 15% fall into a visible tier 4 classification. For 5 tier variations, at least 30% of the puzzle pieces contain a visible tier 1 classification, at least 20% fall into a visible tier 2 classification, at least 15% fall into a visible tier 3 classification, at least 10% fall into a visible tier 4 classification, and at least 5% fall into a visible tier 5 classification.

Example 14

[0084] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in any one of the previous Examples, can be classified based on the type of puzzle piece, or piece type. The specific piece types include flat, bi-level, and tri-level. In such classification, to meet the enhanced image and assembly strategy goals of the invention, the puzzle pieces for any of Examples 1 through 4 are formed such that at least 20% of the puzzle pieces fall into a flat classification, meaning the puzzle pieces do not change elevation. At least 35% of the puzzle pieces fall into a bi-level classification, meaning there are two separate levels on the puzzle piece. At least 5% of the puzzle pieces fall into a tri-level classification, or the puzzle piece contains three separate levels on the piece.

Example 15

[0085] The puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in any one of the previous Examples, can be classified based on the change in tier elevation disposed on the puzzle piece. The specific changes in tier elevation include one, two, and/or three. In such classification, to meet the enhanced image and assembly strategy goals of the invention, the puzzle pieces for any of Examples 1 through 4 are formed such that at least 25% of the puzzle pieces have one change in tier elevation, such as from the base tier to tier 2, from tier 2 to tier 3, i.e. 2+3, etc. At least 12% of the puzzle pieces have two changes in tier elevation, such as from the base tier to tier 3, i.e. 1+3, from tier 2 to tier 4, i.e. 2+4 piece, or a multiple change in elevation such as from the base tier to tier 3 and to tier 2, i.e. 1+2+3 piece. At least 8% of the puzzle pieces have a three-tier changes in tier elevation, such as from the base tier to tier 4, or 1+4 piece, or a multiple change in elevation such as from the base tier to tier 4 and to tier 2 or 3, i.e. a 1+3+4 piece or 1+2+4 piece. The remaining pieces do not have a change in elevation, either the base tier or a flat elevated tier. At least 35% of the puzzle pieces are puzzle pieces having no change in tier elevation.

Example 16

[0086] In this variation, the multiple level jigsaw puzzle is comprised of tiered frame 50 and single tier puzzle pieces 1. Tiered frame 50 is formed of base plate 51, side rails 52, and one or more tiers, as seen in FIG. 19. In the illustrative example, tiered frame 50 includes first elevated frame tier 61, second elevated frame tier 62, third elevated frame tier 63, fourth elevated frame tier 64, fifth elevated frame tier 65, and sixth elevated frame tier 66. However, it is within the skill of an ordinary artisan to modify the number of tiers to accomplish the desired effect.

[0087] In this variation, each tier is a flat elevation, as seen in FIG. 20. Accordingly, in the illustrative example, each tier is a distinct flat elevation forming first flat elevated frame tier 61a, second flat elevated frame tier 62a, third flat elevated frame tier 63a, fourth flat elevated frame tier 64a, fifth flat elevated frame tier 65a, and sixth flat elevated frame tier 66a. Flat tiered frame 50a can be formed of metal, wood, plastic, paperboard, or cardboard. In some variations, the tiered frame is formed of wood sections that are formed by computer numerical control (CNC) grinding, lathing, router, rotary, or drill press. Alternatively, the tiered frame is formed of plastic that is vacuum formed, slide molded, or injection molded. In alternative variations, flat tiered frame 50a is formed of base plate 51, and one or more tiers, i.e. lacks side rails 52.

[0088] Single tier puzzle pieces 1 are assembled on each tier, thereby forming a multiple level puzzle, as seen in FIG. 21.

Example 17

[0089] The multiple level jigsaw puzzle, includes flat tiered frame 50a, described in the previous Example. In this variation, the multiple level jigsaw puzzle is comprised of the tiered frame and multiple tier puzzle pieces 2 or a combination of single tier puzzle pieces 1 and multiple tier puzzle pieces 2, as seen in FIG. 22.

[0090] Each tier is assembled independently using multiple tier puzzle pieces 2 or a combination of single tier puzzle pieces 1 and multiple tier puzzle pieces 2.

Example 18

[0091] In this variation, the multiple level jigsaw puzzle is comprised of contoured tiered frame 50b and the puzzle pieces of the multiple level jigsaw puzzle, described in the previous Examples. However, while single tier puzzle pieces 1, multiple tier puzzle pieces 2 or a combination of single tier puzzle pieces 1 and multiple tier puzzle pieces 2 can be used, it is preferred to use contour textured puzzle piece 20. Contoured tiered frame 50b is formed of base plate 51, side rails 52, and one or more partially contoured tiers, as seen in FIG. 23. In the illustrative example, tiered frame 50b includes first contoured elevated frame tier 61b, second contoured elevated frame tier 62b, third contoured elevated frame tier 63b, fourth contoured elevated frame tier 64b, fifth contoured elevated frame tier 65b, and sixth contoured elevated frame tier 66b. As with the prior examples, it is within the skill of an ordinary artisan to modify the number of tiers to accomplish the desired three-dimensional effect.

[0092] Contoured tiered frame 50b can be formed of metal, wood, plastic, paperboard, or cardboard. In some variations, the tiered frame is formed of wood sections that are formed by computer numerical control (CNC) grinding, lathing, router, rotary, or drill press. Alternatively, the tiered frame is formed of plastic that is vacuum formed, slide molded, or injection molded. In alternative variations, contoured tiered frame 50b is formed of base plate 51, and one or more tiers, i.e. lacks side rails 52.

[0093] As seen in the cross-sectional image of FIG. 23, each contoured level does not fully complete the shape of the level. The tier of contoured tiered frame 50b is designed to engage contour textured puzzle pieces 20 of the respective level to complete the relief or contour of the level, as seen in FIG. 24.

[0094] The disclosures of all publications cited above are expressly incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety, to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.

[0095] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. Now that the invention has been described, what is claimed is: