Puzzle Platform Apparatus And Method

Abstract

A puzzle building platform and method of supporting a puzzle are disclosed. The puzzle building platform can include a first surface piece with a substantially flat top surface and at least one bar-like member cooperative with and mountable in a relatively fixed orientation with respect to the first surface piece to at least one of: (i) establish a boundary approximate to the dimensions of a puzzle to be assembled on the first surface; or (ii) temporarily hold puzzle pieces in convenient view to be assembled in a puzzle on the first surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention generally relates to jigsaw puzzles, and more particularly, a puzzle-building platform for assembling a jigsaw puzzle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Jigsaw puzzles typically are assembled on flat surfaces such as tables. While simple puzzles only may take a short time to assemble, it may take days or even weeks to complete more complex puzzles. As a result, the puzzle may occupy a table or other surface for an extended period of time, during which the surface cannot be used for any other purpose.[0003]A person building a puzzle may spread the puzzle pieces out on the table or other surface for viewing and to facilitate their placement in the puzzle. When assembling larger puzzles, the spread of the puzzle pieces may consume a substantial amount of space on the table top. The spread of the puzzle pieces also makes it difficult for a puzzle builder to view and select puzzle pieces to assemble in the puzzle, and the builder may too easily lo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While simple puzzles only may take a short time to assemble, it may take days or even weeks to complete more complex puzzles.

As a result, the puzzle may occupy a table or other surface for an extended period of time, during which the surface cannot be used for any other purpose.

When assembling larger puzzles, the spread of the puzzle pieces may consume a substantial amount of space on the table top.

The spread of the puzzle pieces also makes it difficult for a puzzle builder to view and select puzzle pieces to assemble in the puzzle, and the builder may too easily lose concentration or focus on which piece is sought to be placed.

Sometimes, a puzzle builder is forced inconveniently to lean or stretch across the table top to see or pick-up a puzzle piece.

Another problem associated with puzzle building is that the puzzle builder initially does not have an outline of the exact puzzle dimensions and, therefore, must approximate where the edge and corner pieces of the puzzle should be placed.

The puzzle builder may have to wait until all of the edge pieces are assembled before determining the puzzle's dimensions, which may slow construction.

Depending on where the builder has assembled the puzzle, it may be difficult or impossible to apply glue or sealant to the puzzle without damaging the table or other surface on which the puzzle is built.

The puzzle builder may undesirably be forced to move the puzzle to a different work surface or location by sliding or lifting the puzzle, which may cause the puzzle pieces to fall apart.

Thus, the puzzle builder seeking to mount and frame the finished puzzle may have to move and / or rebuild portions of the puzzle or risk damaging the puzzle building surface when applying sealant or glue.

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