Combined puzzle

Abstract

The present invention relates to puzzles, and methods of assembling and creating puzzles comprising a plurality of planar jigsaw puzzle pieces which are assemblable together to complete one or more planar jigsaw puzzle(s) (100) as shown in Figure 4. The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces include a plurality of sculpture pieces (10) which have an outer edge (12) shaped such that the sculpture pieces (10) are adapted to be stacked in a stacked assembly in which the sculpture pieces (10) collectively define with their outer edges (12) a recognisable three-dimensional figure (200). The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces also comprise a plurality of hybrid pieces (20), each of which has at least one tab (28) or blank (26) and each of which comprises a first edge (22) shaped to be contiguous with at least part of an outer edge (12) of one of the sculpture pieces (10) in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) (100).

Description

[0001] COMBINED PUZZLE

[0002] Background

[0003] The present application relates to a puzzle, and more particularly, to a combined puzzle having pieces which can be used to complete both a two-dimensional (2D, or planar) puzzle and a three-dimensional (3D) sculpture.

[0004] Jigsaw puzzles are well known. In a jigsaw puzzle, the objective is to fit together a number of segments in a predetermined manner, typically so as to form a coherent picture or image, though jigsaw puzzles without an image are also available. Conventional 2D jigsaw puzzles remain popular with consumers of all ages due to their easily variable difficulty, sizes, and designs. For example, smaller / more numerous pieces provide for a more challenging puzzle. Other innovations known in this regard include the incorporation of multiple ‘edge pieces’, designed to make it harder for the puzzler to complete the outer frame of the image.

[0005] Three dimensional puzzles are known in which layers of planar pieces are stacked to form a 3D figure. WO 2006 / 079831 A1 relates to a puzzle which on completion comprises a core member; and a plurality of substantially planar layers stacked on the core member.

[0006] WO 2009 / 056852 A1 relates to a puzzle and a method of assembling a puzzle from a plurality of planar puzzle pieces. More particularly, the document relates to a puzzle having pieces which, when stacked upon each other on completion of the puzzle define in relief a recognisable image. Each puzzle piece has on a planar surface thereof a part of an image which is shown as a whole once the puzzle pieces are assembled together in a completed planar jigsaw puzzle. However, the definition of an image in relief necessitates puzzle pieces which are unlike conventional 2D jigsaw pieces. Also these puzzles cannot define a 3D sculpture more generally, but only a sculpture in relief on a surface of the completed puzzle. As can be seen from figure 9 of WO 2009 / 056852 A1 , the puzzles pieces when stacked in layers are held in place in a frame comprising at least two side frame part extending vertically alongside opposite edges of the stacked layers. As can be seen in figure 11 of WO 2009 / 056852 A1 a central circular core can be provided to extend through apertures in the puzzle pieces provided substantially centrally in each layer. US 3 779 558 A discloses a puzzle comprising a plurality of pieces which can be assembled in more than one configuration, either as a three-dimensional, recognisable shape, or as a two-dimensional surface which presents a graphic representation. The completed planar puzzle taught by this prior art does not tessellate perfectly, resulting in an undesirable planar puzzle. The puzzle pieces also do not have the tabs (the lugs of puzzle piece, sometimes call loops or knobs) and the blanks (the apertures of a puzzle piece that receive the tabs of other pieces) that are a well-liked an common feature of a fully interlocking two dimensional jigsaw puzzle, in which the jigsaw pieces fit together in a way such that cannot be easily mover once placed and connected by their tabs located in matching blanks.

[0007] There is therefore a demand for a puzzle which combines the easily variable difficulty and tessellation of a conventional 2D jigsaw puzzle, that can also provide a 3D sculpture in the round.

[0008] Summary

[0009] The application concerns a combined puzzle, comprising a plurality of planar jigsaw puzzle pieces. The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces are assemblable together to complete one or more planar jigsaw puzzle(s). The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces include a plurality of sculpture pieces each of which has an outer edge shaped such that the sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked in a stacked assembly in which the sculpture pieces collectively define with their outer edges a recognisable three-dimensional figure. The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces also comprise a plurality of hybrid pieces, each of which has at least one tab or blank and each of which comprises a first edge shaped to be contiguous with at least part of an outer edge of one of the sculpture pieces in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s). Each planar jigsaw puzzle has at least two sculpture pieces and each sculpture piece is spaced and separated from the other sculpture piece(s) by at least one hybrid piece. The sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked with at least one planar surface of each sculpture piece in contact with a facing planar surface of an adjacent sculpture piece.

[0010] It is to be understood that it is not necessary for the entirety of the outer edge of the sculpture pieces to be able to be recognisable in the stacked assembly as a part of the recognisable 3D figure; for instance, the stacked assembly of sculpture pieces can form a recognisable figure which is a bust of a celebrity (e.g. David Beckham), with a flat rear surface enabling the bust to sit, for example, flush against a wall. The inclusion of hybrid pieces into such a puzzle facilitates the creation of a superior 2D puzzle since not every piece is solely defined by the need to create a sculpture, and can still tessellate. By tessellation it is meant that the puzzle pieces align with one another to form a continuous surface without any gaps. Contiguous means that the pieces are in direct contact or connected such that they share a common boundary or border.

[0011] Each planar puzzle piece may have on a first planar surface a part of an image which is shown as a whole in the / one of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s). The inclusion of an image aids the puzzler in assembling the planar puzzle while improving the overall puzzling experience. However, puzzles with no image on the planar puzzle are also possible, for a greater challenge for the puzzler.

[0012] It is to be understood that the outer edge of the sculpture pieces may include the faces of the planar puzzle piece which are perpendicular to the planar face bearing the image viewed in the completed planar puzzle. The edge may, therefore, have a thickness which is less than, equal to, or greater than its length. A greater thickness is appropriate if the 3D sculpture comprises thicker parts of constant cross-section, or if, say, the puzzle is to be suitable for younger children.

[0013] One or more of the sculpture pieces may be formed of a plurality of sub-pieces. These subpieces may then interlock to form the sculpture piece. Increasing the number of pieces in this way also necessarily reduces their size (for a given size of 3D figure), making the puzzle more challenging.

[0014] The puzzle may further comprise standard pieces, each standard piece having one or more tabs for engaging with blanks of one or more other standard pieces. Tabs, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, may also be referred to as rounded tabs, lugs, and protrusions. Similarly, blanks may be referred to as corresponding indentations or lugholes. In use, blanks and tabs engage with one another, for example by blanks receiving tabs. This engagement may be referred to as interlocking.

[0015] Each hybrid piece may also further comprise one or more tabs and / or blanks for engaging with blanks or tabs of one or more standard pieces or of another hybrid piece. The inclusion of standard pieces, which do not engage with sculpture pieces, allows the creation of a puzzle of almost any level of complexity through changing the dimensions of the standard pieces. Standard pieces are designed in this case to be those known in the art of 2D jigsaws and therefore may include pieces with false-edges (i.e., a side with no blank or tab) that abuts another false edge piece to make it harder for the puzzler to construct the frame of the planar puzzle.

[0016] The standard pieces may interlock in columns and rows. The columns and rows may further be orthogonal. This allows the product type to feel more akin to a typical puzzling experience.

[0017] The outer edge of one or more (or each) of the sculpture pieces may be coloured according to the recognisable three-dimensional figure to be formed. As above, the edges may be relatively thick, these edges could have details on, rather than being a single colour (for example, part of the sculpture showing lips may be red in colour, while another part, showing hair, may be darker, for a bust-type figure). Conversely, the edges may be left blank for the puzzler to decorate.

[0018] The puzzle may further comprise a base comprising a mounting for stacking the sculpture pieces to collectively define the recognisable three-dimensional figure. According to another embodiment, the base may comprise a plurality of mountings. This helps with the stacking of the puzzle, and can provide the puzzler with a useful display, and may be further customisable (i.e. such as with logos from a particular franchise which the sculpture relates to). In some embodiments, one or more mountings may be interlocked with the sculpture puzzle after some or all of the sculpture pieces have been stacked to provide either greater stability to the completed structure, or to facilitate the stacking of more complex shapes.

[0019] The sculpture pieces may comprise one or more blanks for receiving the mounting(s). This makes the construction of the 3D puzzle easier for the puzzler and reduces the risk of the puzzle being inadvertently knocked over. Similarly, one or more (or each) of the sculpture pieces may comprise a tab for being received in the mounting. A single combined puzzle could have both blanks and tabs on different sculpture pieces, with an appropriately shaped mounting. According to a particular embodiment, wherein the sculpture pieces are comprised of a plurality of sculpture sub-pieces, multiple sculpture sub-pieces may comprise a blank and / or tab for engaging with the mountings on the base, as well as the adjacent hybrid pieces in the planar puzzle.

[0020] The base may further comprise a plurality of mountings for stacking the sculpture pieces to collectively define the recognisable three-dimensional figure, such that one or more of the sculpture pieces comprises a blank for receiving the mounting or a tab for being received in the mounting.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, wherein one or more of the sculpture pieces is formed of a plurality of sub-pieces, each of the sub-pieces may have one more tab(s) and / or blank(s) by which the sub-pieces can be interlocked with other sub-pieces and / or hybrid pieces, and each sub-piece may have a blank for receiving a mounting and / or a tab for being received in a slot in the mounting. By providing alternative mountings to support different sculptural sub-pieces, the stability of the overall three-dimensional figure may be improved.

[0022] Other techniques for supporting 3D figures made from substantially planar layers, such as magnetised pieces and complementary surface shapes (for sculpture pieces which are not strictly planar) may also be used.

[0023] The sculpture pieces may be provided in duplicate as part of the puzzle to facilitate a completed planar puzzle and 3D figure simultaneously.

[0024] The three-dimensional figure may be a sculpture in the round. In another embodiment, the three-dimensional figure may be an image defined in relief. The freedom to create sculptures in the round allows for more impressive three-dimensional figures.

[0025] The application also concerns a combined puzzle, comprising a plurality of planar jigsaw puzzle pieces, wherein: the planar jigsaw puzzle pieces are assemblable together to complete one or more planar jigsaw puzzle(s). The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces include a plurality of sculpture pieces each of which has an outer edge shaped such that the sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked in a stacked assembly in which the sculpture pieces collectively define with their outer edges a recognisable three-dimensional figure. In the stacked assembly the majority of sculpture pieces (other than the lowermost and uppermost pieces) each abut the neighbouring pair of sculpture pieces. Each planar surface of each sculpture piece (other than the lowermost face of the lowermost piece and the uppermost face of the uppermost piece) is in contact with a facing planar surface of a neighbouring, in other words adjacent, sculpture piece.

[0026] The planar jigsaw puzzle pieces also comprise a plurality of hybrid pieces, each of which has at least one tab or blank and each of which comprises a first edge shaped to be contiguous with at least part of an outer edge of one of the sculpture pieces in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s). Each planar jigsaw puzzle has at least two sculpture pieces and each sculpture piece is spaced and separated from the other sculpture piece(s) by at least one hybrid piece. A base is provided on which the sculpture pieces are stackable, the base comprising a mounting extending upwardly from the base for securing the stacked sculpture pieces in place. In one option, blanks provided in each of the sculpture pieces are adapted to align when the sculpture pieces are stacked to form a slot in a surface of the three-dimensional figure for receiving the mounting. Additionally or alternatively, each of the sculpture pieces is provided with a tab which extends outwardly from a surface of the three-dimensional figure (e.g. a rear surface of a bust) formed by the stacked sculpture pieces and which engages a slot in the mounting, the said tabs aligning in the stack of sculpture pieces.

[0027] A combined puzzle template can be designed. A method for designing this template comprises: designing one or more planar jigsaw puzzle templates comprising a plurality of standard pieces, each standard piece having one or more tab(s) and blank(s) for engaging with blanks and tabs of one or more other standard pieces; designing a stackable puzzle template comprising a plurality of sculpture shapes; superimposing the sculpture shapes on top of the one or more planar jigsaw puzzle templates, such that each sculpture shape is spaced from one another to form a combined puzzle template; and splitting any standard pieces in the combined puzzle template which are intersected by the superimposed sculpture shape into one or more parts to form sculpture pieces inside the superimposed sculpture shape formed of one or more standard pieces or parts thereof, and hybrid pieces outside the superimposed sculpture shape.

[0028] This provides a combined puzzle template which can be used to create a combined puzzle having the advantages discussed herein.

[0029] The method for designing the template may further comprise merging one or more standard pieces or parts thereof inside the superimposed sculpture shape; this facilitates the sculpture piece being a single piece, which may improve the stability of the three- dimensional figure. The sculpture pieces may then be divided into sub-pieces distinct from those formed by the original standard pieces of step 1 .

[0030] The resulting hybrid pieces may be merged with one another and / or abutting standard pieces. This can help to prevent pieces which are unreasonably small being included in the final puzzle. Unreasonably small pieces are those which are difficult to manufacture, delicate, difficult to handle for a dexterous person and / or may not interlock well with neighbouring pieces owing to the merging of the sculpture shapes and standard pieces.

[0031] The combined puzzle may then be manufactured by receiving a combined jigsaw puzzle template and cutting the combined jigsaw puzzle template into a sheet of material. The sheet of material could be any material used for creating puzzles, such as cardboard, wood, plastic, foam, metal, etc..

[0032] The application also relates to a method of assembling a puzzle from a set of jigsaw puzzle pieces which comprise a sub-set of sculpture pieces. The method comprises assembling the sculpture pieces along with the other jigsaw puzzle pieces to form one or more assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) with each assembled planar jigsaw puzzle having at least two sculpture pieces separated by at least one of the other jigsaw puzzles pieces. Then the sculpture pieces are removed from the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) while leaving the remaining jigsaw puzzle pieces in place interlocked with each other. The removed sculpture pieces are stacked with outer edges of the stacked sculpture pieces collectively defining a recognizable three-dimensional figure. The sculpture pieces are stacked with planar surfaces of each sculpture piece engaging facing planar surfaces of sculpture pieces adjacent in the stack (apart from the uppermost and lowermost sculpture pieces in the stack, which will each have only one planar surface in engagement with a planar surface of an adjacent sculpture piece).

[0033] This assembles both a 2D puzzle which is more in common with typical puzzles and an improved three-dimensional figure.

[0034] The recognisable three-dimensional figure may be a sculpture in the round. The freedom to create sculptures in the round allows for more impressive three-dimensional figures. The method may further include removing the sculpture pieces from the completed planar jigsaw puzzle(s) in a sequence dictated by a relative position of each sculpture piece in the completed planar jigsaw puzzle(s).

[0035] The method may further comprise assembling the sculpture pieces from a plurality of subpieces.

[0036] Each planar puzzle piece may have on a first planar surface a part of an image which is shown as a whole in the / one of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s). The method for assembling the planar puzzles may further comprise using a knowledge of an image which is shown as a whole in the / one of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzles, and in part on a first planar surface of each of the puzzle pieces, such that, consulting a reference image enables the puzzlers to place the puzzle pieces in their approximate locations in the planar puzzle (e.g. by identifying parts of the image corresponding to the same object, such as ‘sky’).

[0037] Each sculpture piece may comprises a blank or a tab. In assembling the three-dimensional figure, it may be needed to engage a blank, tab, or other geometric feature of the sculpture pieces with a mounting on a base, wherein the mounting comprises a supporting construction for this purpose.

[0038] The method of assembling may further comprise forming the stack of the removed sculpture pieces on the base with the mounting. In one option, each of the sculpture pieces has a blank and the method includes aligning the blanks when the removed sculpture pieces are stacked on the base to form a slot in a common surface of the three- dimensional figure and engaging the mounting in the slot. Additionally or alternatively, each of the sculpture pieces has a tab and the method includes aligning the tabs when the removed sculpture pieces are stacked on the base so that they all extend in an aligned manner from a / the common surface of the three-dimensional figure and the method incudes engaging the tabs in a slot provided in the mounting.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] The present specification makes reference, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 A to 1C shows different types of puzzle piece which may be used in a combined puzzle;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a completed planar puzzle which may be used in a combined puzzle;

[0042] Figure 3 shows part of a completed planar puzzle which may be used in a combined puzzle which produces a different 3D sculpture to the of Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a partially completed 3D sculpture including sculpture pieces from the planar puzzle of Figure 3;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a planar puzzle being used to construct the 3D sculpture of Figure 4; and

[0045] Figure 6 shows a sculpture piece formed from a plurality of sub-pieces which may be used in a combined puzzle.

[0046] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0047] In the context of the present disclosure, it may be helpful to define the terms ‘in relief’ and ‘in the round’ in the context of puzzles, since in the traditional context of sculpture, the term relief relates to the technique of being carved into a flat surface, which, clearly cannot relate to puzzles of this type.

[0048] A puzzle which defines an image in relief cannot be recognised when viewed from a direction which is perpendicular to the primary viewing direction, wherein the primary viewing direction is itself orthogonal to the outermost edges (i.e. the frame) of the image.

[0049] A sculpture in the round is then taken to mean a 3D sculpture which is not in relief. It is to be understood that a puzzle which defines a recognisable three-dimensional sculpture in the round may not be recognisable from strictly all orientations. In other words, a puzzle which forms a sculpture ‘in the round’ according to the present combined puzzle may have a flat or generally flat rear surface for placing the completed sculpture flush with a wall.

[0050] Figures 1 A to 1C show different puzzle pieces which may be used in forming a combined puzzle. Figure 1 A shows a sculpture piece 10. A sculpture piece 10 is one which is stackable with other sculpture pieces 10 so that the stacked sculpture pieces 10 together define with their outer edges 12 a recognisable three-dimensional figure 200. The sculpture pieces are stacked with planar surfaces of each sculpture piece engaging facing planar surfaces of sculpture pieces adjacent in the stack (apart from the uppermost and lowermost sculpture pieces in the stack, which will each have only one planar surface in engagement with a planar surface of an adjacent sculpture piecej.An example of a three-dimensional figure 200 created by stacking a plurality of sculpture pieces 10 is shown partially completed in Figures 4 and 5.

[0051] Examples of recognisable figures include characters, faces, animals, buildings, structures, etc. By recognisable it is meant that there is a defined structure formed by the outer edges 12 which can be identified by a person. In other words, not a random shape.

[0052] It is not necessary for the entirety of the outer edge 12 of the sculpture pieces 10 to be recognisable as a part of the recognisable 3D figure 200; for instance, the recognisable figure 200 may be a bust of a celebrity (e.g. David Beckham) which has a flat or generally flat rear surface to sit flush against a wall, for example. To facilitate this, the sculpture piece 10 may have a corresponding substantially flat or straight rear edge 14.

[0053] Figure 1 A further shows a blank 16 provided in a sculpture piece 10, opening on to and extending away from the (otherwise) substantially flat rear edge 14. The blank 16 can receive a mounting 204, which is discussed in more detail below, during stacking of the sculpture pieces 10. In other examples, the blank 16 may be an internal blank (i.e. a cutaway inside the formed three-dimensional figure). Alternatively, or additionally, the sculpture piece 10 could comprise a tab extending outwardly from the rear edge 14 which can engage with a slot in the mounting 204.

[0054] The outer edges of the illustrated sculpture pieces 10 include faces which are orthogonal to the normal of the direction from which the completed planar puzzle would be viewed. As illustrated they are orthogonal to the planar faces of the sculpture pieces. In each sculpture piece the two planar faces are separated by a thickness dimension. Each outer edge in the illustrated embodiment, therefore, has the thickness dimension and this thickness is typically significantly smaller than the other dimensions of the sculpture piece (that is the length and breadth of the sculpture piece). However, the thickness could be greater than this (perhaps even, equal to, or greater than a length or breadth of the sculpture piece), for instance in a version for young children.

[0055] Sculpture pieces 10 may have coloured outer edges 12 such that the 3D figure is colourful, and the colouring may vary between the sculpture pieces and be specific to a surface pattern of the 3D figure defined by the stacked sculpture pieces. Alternatively, the outer edges 12 may be left blank for the puzzler to paint or otherwise colour (such as with crayons or pens). As a further alternative, the outer edges 12 may all have the same single colour, so that when the sculpture pieces are stacked together in the completed puzzle they give the formed three dimensional figure the appearance of being formed from stone or plaster or another material typically used for a sculpture, especially when the 3D sculpture is viewed from a distance.

[0056] Figure 6 (discussed in more detail below) shows how a sculpture piece 10 may be formed of one or more sub-pieces 10a, which are attached to one another - such as by interlocking. The blank 16 for receiving a mounting 204, described above, is formed in one of the sub-pieces 10a.

[0057] Figure 4 (discussed in more detail below) shows a partly-formed three-dimensional figure 200 formed from a stack of sculpture pieces 10. The outer edges 12 of the sculpture pieces 10 collectively define a recognisable three-dimensional figure. In the case of Figure 4, this is a figure of Darth Vader’s mask from Star Wars™, although as the skilled person will appreciate, the combined puzzle is not limited to such a design. Previous stackable sculpture puzzles have included sculptures as varied as one of Elvis Presley™, the Statue of Liberty, an American Eagle, and Mount Rushmore.

[0058] Figure 1 B shows an interface piece, specifically a hybrid piece 20. This hybrid piece 20 comprises a first edge 22 which is shaped to be contiguous with at least part of the outer edge 12 of one of the sculpture pieces 10 in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100. Although Figures 1 A and 1 B are not to scale, it will be appreciated that in general (and indeed as shown in Figures 3 to 5) the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100 may have a plurality of hybrid pieces 20 surrounding the outer edge 12 of a sculpture piece 10. In such a case, the entire first edge 22 of the hybrid piece 20 is contacting a part of the overall outer edge 12 of the sculpture piece 10.

[0059] The hybrid piece 20 shown in Figure 1 B further includes tabs 28 and a blank 26. However, it is appreciated that any combination of tabs 28 and / or blanks 26 may be provided. This includes having a flat shape on one or more (or indeed all) sides of the hybrid piece 20 other than the first edge 22. Figure 5 (discussed in more detail below) shows hybrid pieces 20 which are also edge pieces (i.e. forming an outer edge of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100). These tabs 28 and / or blanks 26 allow for the hybrid piece 20 to engage with a further hybrid piece 20 or a standard piece 30 (discussed in more detail below), such as via blanks 26 or tabs 28 of the other hybrid piece 20 or the standard piece 30.

[0060] Tabs 28 may also be referred to as rounded tabs, lugs, or protrusions. Similarly, blanks 26 may be referred to as corresponding indentations or lug-holes. In use, blanks 26 and tabs 28 engage with one another, for example by blanks 26 receiving tabs 28. This engagement may be referred to as interlocking.

[0061] Figure 1C shows a further jigsaw puzzle piece, specifically a standard piece 30. Standard pieces 30 comprise one or more tabs 38 and / or blanks 36. While Figure 1C shows an example with two opposing tabs 38 and two opposing blanks 36, any combination of blanks 26 and / or tabs 38 (including having one or more sides without any) may be provided on a standard piece 30. The standard piece 30 may be any suitable shape, including the generally rectangular (or square) shape shown in Figure 1C, but in general any shape may be used.

[0062] Each standard piece 30 may be for engagement with other standard pieces 30, such as via the tabs 38 and blanks 36 discussed above. Each standard piece may also be able to engage with a hybrid piece 20, again through respective tabs 28, 38 and blanks 26, 36. In other words, hybrid pieces 20 provide an interface between standard pieces 30 and sculpture pieces 10. The standard pieces 30 may engage with one another in columns and rows. These columns and rows may themselves be orthogonal such as shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0063] With these planar puzzle pieces 10, 20, 30 defined, a combined puzzle may be defined. This is referred to as a combined puzzle in that it can form both a planar jigsaw puzzle (as shown in Figure 2), from the puzzle pieces 10, 20 and 30, and a recognisable three- dimensional Figure from a stacked assembly of the sculpture pieces 10 (the sculpture pieces are used first to complete the planar puzzle and then are removed from the completed planar puzzle to be stacked on each other to form the stacked puzzle). The sculpture pieces are stacked with planar surfaces of each sculpture piece engaging facing planar surfaces of sculpture pieces adjacent in the stack (apart from the uppermost and lowermost sculpture pieces in the stack, which will each have only one planar surface in engagement with a planar surface of an adjacent sculpture piece).The combined puzzle typically comprises a plurality of each of the three types of planar puzzle pieces 10, 20, 30. However, the combined puzzle could be formed from only a plurality of sculpture pieces 10 and a plurality of hybrid pieces 20 (that is, it is possible for the combined puzzle to be defined without any standard pieces 30).

[0064] The planar puzzle pieces 10, 20, 30 of the combined puzzle can be assembled together into one or more planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100. That may be, for example, as a result of engagement of adjacent tabs 28, 38 and blanks 26, 36, as well as engagement of the first edge 22 of hybrid pieces 20 with the outer edge 12 of sculpture pieces 10. Figure 3 shows a section of a completed planar jigsaw puzzle 100. This planar jigsaw puzzle 100 comprises hybrid pieces 20, standard pieces 30, and sculpture pieces 10. As can be seen, at least two sculpture pieces 10 are separated in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100 by at least one hybrid piece 10. This is important because the arrangement of puzzle pieces de-couples and separates the sculpture pieces 10 from one another in the completed planar puzzle, such that complex three-dimensional figures 200 can be assembled. Without this separation, the shape of a sculpture piece 10 would be defined based on the shape of the adjacent sculpture piece 10, which greatly limits the design freedom. In the completed planar puzzle the sculpture pieces 10 are provided in a spaced apart relationship to each other, separated by at least hybrid pieces 20 or by a combination of hybrid pieces 20 and standard pieces 30.

[0065] Figures 3 to 5 show an example of a planar jigsaw puzzle 100 in which each planar piece 10, 20, 30 has on a first planar surface a part of an image which is shown in whole in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100. However, this is not necessarily the case and a more complex planar jigsaw puzzle 100 could be produced without such an image - for example, with a block colour on the first planar surface.

[0066] Although Figure 3 shows the completion of a single planar puzzle 100, it will be understood that larger 3D sculptures may be produced with multiple planar puzzles 100. For example, a sculpture requiring a single planar puzzle with 1500 pieces could similarly be formed from three 500 piece puzzles, or a 500 piece puzzle and a 1000 piece puzzle. Additionally, it is known to have “family-puzzles” which are 2D jigsaw puzzles with differently-sized pieces, to facilitate a group with different levels of dexterity (such as a family with small children) to puzzle together. The easily variable difficulty afforded by a puzzle of the present combined puzzle facilitates the potential for multiple planar puzzles of varying difficulty level, the sculpture pieces 10 of which are stackable into a single sculpture of a recognisable figure 200, thereby facilitating a ‘team’ approach to puzzling which is challenging for people with different levels of manual dexterity.

[0067] Figures 4 and 5 show how the sculpture pieces 10 can be stacked to collectively define, with their outer edges 12, the recognisable three-dimensional figure 200. In Figures 4 and 5 the sculpture pieces 10 are removed in a set order from the planar jigsaw puzzle 100 to be stacked on each other to form the three-dimensional figure 200. In the stacked assembly the majority of sculpture pieces 10 (other than the lowermost and uppermost pieces) each abut the neighbouring pair of sculpture pieces 10. Each planar surface of each sculpture piece 10 (other than the lowermost face of the lowermost piece and the uppermost face of the uppermost piece) is in contact with a facing planar surface of a neighbouring, in other words adjacent, sculpture piece.

[0068] In a variant, the combined puzzle may include one or more (or indeed all) of the sculpture pieces 10 provided in duplicate. This can allow for the planar puzzle 100 and the three- dimensional figure 200 to both be complete simultaneously, with a first set of sculpture pieces used to assemble the planar puzzle and then the second set of sculpture pieces, which match the first set, stacked in a order shown by the completed planar puzzle, to thereby form the completed three-dimensional figure 200.

[0069] Figures 4 and 5 show the combined puzzle further comprising a base 202 which comprises a mounting 204. The base 202 and mounting 204 assist in stacking of the sculpture pieces 10 to form the three-dimensional figure 200. In these examples, the mounting 204 is a column or pillar or post extending upwardly from the base. The mounting 204 could have a channel or slot formed therein for receiving a part of one or more of the sculpture pieces 10. The mounting 204 may effectively act as an elongated tab or blank.

[0070] In contrast to the arrangements shown in WO 2009 / 056852 A1 , the mounting 204 is provided to engage with aligned blanks of the stacked sculpture pieces 10 defining a channel in a generally planar rear surface of the assembly (the reverse arrangement is also possible, namely that aligned tabs of the stacked sculpture pieces 10 protruding from the planar rear surface all engage a slot provided by the mounting 204). In WO 2009 / 056852 A1 laterally spaced frame members extend along the laterally spaces side edges of the assembled stacked puzzle pieces, which means that the stacked puzzle pieces can only form a feature in relief on the front and / or rear surfaces and cannot form a full sculpture in the round. The provision of a mounting 204 engaging tabs or blanks provided in the rear surface enables the forming of a sculpture in the round.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1A, a sculpture piece 10 comprises a blank 16. This blank 16 can then receive the mounting 204. This can provide structure and stability to the assembled three- dimensional figure 200.

[0072] As noted above, the mounting 204 could alternatively comprise a slot. In such cases, a sculpture piece 10 may comprise a tab which is received in the slot in the mounting 204. A single mounting 204 could both receive tabs of sculpture pieces 10 and be received in blanks 16 of sculpture pieces 10. For example, a slot formed in the mounting 204 of Figures 4 and 5 would achieve this.

[0073] Not every sculpture piece 10 needs to have a blank or tab. There may, for example, be an interaction between adjacently-stacked sculpture pieces 10 which means that this is not necessary.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, a sculpture piece 10 may comprise multiple blanks (or tabs) 16b which engage with the corresponding tabs (or blanks) of hybrid pieces 20. In some embodiments, the base 202 may comprise a plurality of mountings 204 for engaging a plurality of blanks / tabs 16,16b on a sculpture piece 10. In a further embodiment, wherein each sculpture piece 10 comprises sculpture sub-pieces 10a, these mountings engage with different sculpture sub-pieces 10a which form the same sculpture piece 10, so as to provide greater support to the three-dimensional figure. In some embodiments, each sub-sculpture piece 10a forming a single sculpture piece 10 will engage different mountings.

[0075] The three-dimensional figure 200 defined in Figures 4 and 5 can be classified as a sculpture in the round, as noted above. The present combined puzzle allows such sculptures in the round to be formed, but it is equally possible to construct a sculpture in relief for the three-dimensional figure 200 if desired.

[0076] Figure 5 shows how an order of the pieces in the completed planar puzzle(s) 100 can relate directly to the order in which the sculpture pieces 10 should be stacked to create the three-dimensional figure 200. As can be seen in Figure 5, forming the three-dimensional figure 200 can be performed by removing the sculpture pieces 10 from the planar puzzle 100.

[0077] The sculpture pieces 10 may be arranged in the planar puzzle 100 in an order such that the same order can be followed to assemble the three-dimensional figure 200. For example, Figure 5 shows an example where the sculpture pieces 10 are arranged in an array, and the sculpture pieces 10 are progressively removed in order from the array. That is, in the columns of the array from a pre-defined starting point. In the example of Figure 5, the predefined starting point is the bottom-left corner. In other words, the sculpture pieces 10 may be stacked (and / or removed) in a sequence dictated by a relative position of the sculpture pieces 10 in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100, as indicated generally by the arrows P and Q in the figure.

[0078] Of course, other systems could be used to indicate the stacking order of the sculpture pieces 10. The order of the sculpture pieces 10 could itself be a puzzle or riddle to be solved. For example, the order could be based on information provided in an image on the first planar faces of the planar pieces 10, 20, 30 which is shown as a whole in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100.

[0079] Figure 6 shows an example of a sculpture piece 10 which is formed of a plurality of subpieces 10a. This sculpture piece 10 may be used with any of the combined puzzles discussed herein. In this example, the sub-pieces may be assembled with one another to form the sculpture piece 10, such as by interlocking. Figure 6 shows sub-pieces which each have a tab 18a and / or a blank 16a. The sculpture piece 10 are assembled by engaging the tabs 18a with the blanks 16a. Of course, other examples may have different combinations of tabs 18a and / or blanks 16a on the sub-pieces, including having a subpiece which has no tabs 18a and / or no blanks 16a. Alternatively, the sculpture sub-pieces 10a may further comprise tabs and / or blanks 16b for interlocking with hybrid pieces 20. Once assembled, this sculpture piece 10 can be used in the same manner as the other sculpture pieces 10 discussed herein.

[0080] As the skilled person would understand, conventional planar jigsaw puzzles and prior examples of stackable puzzles have a range of possible complexities which determine the number of pieces in the planar and stackable puzzles. The overall complexity is also partially governed by the overall puzzle dimensions and the individual puzzle piece dimensions. Indicative values for these parameters are detailed below. It is to be understood that all possible combinations of the ranges of parameter values below are included in the scope of protection of this application.

[0081] For example, the number of sculpture pieces of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, form a recognisable three-dimensional figure comprising at least 10, at least 20, or at least 50 sculpture pieces.

[0082] For example, the thickness of the planar puzzle pieces of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, be from 1 - 5 mm, 1 - 3 mm, or around 1 .3 mm.

[0083] For example, the height of the completed three-dimensional figure of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, be from 50 to 300 mm or from 100 to 200 mm.

[0084] For example, the edges of the standard pieces of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, measure between 15 and 40 mm across, or between 20 and 30 mm across.

[0085] For example, the number of planar puzzle pieces of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, be from 500 - 2000, or from 1000 - 1800.

[0086] For example, the dimensions of the completed planar puzzle of any of the previously described embodiments may, in some embodiments, have a length from 500 - 5000 mm and a width from 250 - 3000 mm respectively, or have a length of about 3000 mm and a width of about 2160 mm.

[0087] A method for solving a combined puzzle, such as one as described above, is also provided. First, the sculpture pieces 10 and interface pieces (such as hybrid pieces 20 and / or standard pieces 30) are assembled to form one or more assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100. Each assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100, has at least two sculpture pieces 10 separated by at least one hybrid piece 20. The sculpture pieces 10 are then removed from the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100. As noted above, an order of removal of the sculpture pieces 10 from the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100 may be dictated by the positioning of the sculpture pieces 10 in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle 100, for example as shown in Figure 5.

[0088] The sculpture pieces 10 are then stacked, so as the outer edges 12 of the sculpture pieces 10 collectively define a recognisable three-dimensional figure 200.

[0089] Depending on the specific embodiment of the combined puzzle, further steps may be necessary for the puzzler to complete the combined puzzle.

[0090] For example, first assembling it may be necessary to assemble one or more of the sculpture pieces 10 from a plurality of sub-pieces 10a. This could be before assembling the planar jigsaw puzzle(s) 100 or during the assembly thereof.

[0091] In further examples, the method may further comprise mounting the sculpture pieces 10 onto a base 202. This base 202 may include a mounting 204 such as discussed above, with the sculpture pieces 10 stacked to engage with the mounting 204.

[0092] The method may include aligning blanks in the removed sculpture pieces when the sculpture pieces are stacked on the base 202 to form a slot in a common surface of the three-dimensional figure and engaging the mounting in the slot.

[0093] The method may include aligning the mounting engaging tabs of the removed sculpture pieces when the sculpture pieces are stacked on the base 202 so that they all extend in an aligned manner from a surface of the three-dimensional figure and the method incudes engaging the tabs in a slot provided in the mounting 204.

[0094] The method may further comprise replacing the sculpture pieces 10 which are removed from the completed planar puzzle 100 with a corresponding duplicate sculpture piece 10, This can allow the puzzler to have a completed planar puzzle 100 and a completed three- dimensional figure 200 simultaneously. A method of designing a combined puzzle template is also provided. The combined puzzle template being the shape which needs to be cut into a sheet of material (such as cardboard, metal, plastic, etc.) in order to create the combined puzzle.

[0095] As a first step, one or more planar jigsaw puzzle templates are designed. That is, one or more templates for a planar jigsaw puzzle 100. This planar jigsaw puzzle template will have a plurality of standard pieces 30 as discussed herein.

[0096] A stackable puzzle template is then designed. This is a series of shaped sculpture pieces which, when stacked, form the recognisable three-dimensional figure 200. In the stacked assembly the majority of sculpture pieces 10 (other than the lowermost and uppermost pieces) each abut the neighbouring pair of sculpture pieces 10. Each planar surface of each sculpture piece (other than the lowermost face of the lowermost piece and the uppermost face of the uppermost piece) is in contact with a facing planar surface of a neighbouring, in other words adjacent, sculpture piece. The designed shapes of the sculpture pieces are then superimposed on top of the planar jigsaw puzzle template, in a way that spaces the sculpture pieces from one another.

[0097] Then, any standard pieces 30 of the one or more planar jigsaw puzzle template(s) which are intersected by the superimposed sculpture piece shapes are split. The portions of standard pieces 30 which fall outside the superimposed sculpture piece shapes are then hybrid pieces 20; while the portions of standard pieces 30 which fall inside the superimposed sculpture piece shapes form part of the sculpture piece 10.

[0098] This then forms the combined puzzle template.

[0099] In certain examples, a sculpture piece 10 is defined by any whole or parts of standard pieces 30 which are inside the superimposed sculpture shape. In other examples, one or more, or indeed all of, the standard pieces 30 and parts of standard pieces 30 inside the superimposed sculpture shape may be merged together in the design process so that the sculpture pieces are each unitary pieces. In further examples, a sculpture piece 10 can be designed to be formed of sub-pieces 10a; these sub-pieces 10a may themselves be formed by merging together a plurality of the portions of standard pieces which fell inside the superimposed sculpture piece shapes. Likewise, one or more hybrid pieces 20 may be merged in the design process with another hybrid piece 20 and / or with a standard piece 30. This can help to avoid small / difficult pieces in the combined puzzle template.

[0100] A combined puzzle can then be created by receiving a combined puzzle template designed according to this method (or indeed designing a combined puzzle template using this method) and then cutting the combined puzzle template into a sheet of material. The material could be, for example, cardboard, wood, plastic, foam, metal, or any other suitable material.

[0101] In this sense an improved combined puzzle, method for designing a combined puzzle, method for creating a combined puzzle, and method of assembling a combined puzzle may be provided.

[0102] It will be appreciated that, insofar as embodiments of the disclosure are implemented by a computer program, then a storage medium and a transmission medium carrying the computer program form aspects of the disclosure. The computer program may have one or more program instructions, or program code, that, when executed by a computer, causes an embodiment of the disclosure to be carried out. The term “program” as used herein, may be a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system, and may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, a module, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, source code, object code, a shared library, a dynamic linked library, and / or other sequences of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. The storage medium may be a magnetic disc (such as a hard drive or a floppy disc), an optical disc (such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or a Blu-ray disc), or a memory (such as a ROM, a RAM, EEPROM, EPROM, Flash memory or a portable / removable memory device), etc.. The transmission medium may be a communications signal, a data broadcast, a communications link between two or more computers, etc.

[0103] Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of the terms herein are to be construed as including the plural form and, where the context allows, vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as “a” or “an” (such as a component or an element) means “one or more” (for instance, one or more components, or one or more elements). Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words “comprise”, “including”, “having” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises” or similar, mean that the described feature includes the additional features that follow, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude the presence of other components.

[0104] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“for instance”, “such as”, “for example” and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0105] Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after a step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed.

[0106] All of the aspects and / or features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

[0107] A method of manufacturing and / or operating any of the devices disclosed herein is also provided. The method may comprise steps of providing each of the features disclosed and / or configuring or using the respective feature for its stated function.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A combined puzzle, comprising a plurality of planar jigsaw puzzle pieces, wherein: the planar jigsaw puzzle pieces are assemblable together to complete one or more planar jigsaw puzzle(s); the planar jigsaw puzzle pieces include a plurality of sculpture pieces each of which has an outer edge shaped such that the sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked in a stacked assembly in which the sculpture pieces collectively define with their outer edges a recognisable three-dimensional figure; the planar jigsaw puzzle pieces also comprise a plurality of hybrid pieces, each of which has at least one tab or blank and each of which comprises a first edge shaped to be contiguous with at least part of an outer edge of one of the sculpture pieces in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s); and each planar jigsaw puzzle has at least two sculpture pieces and each sculpture piece is spaced and separated from the other sculpture piece(s) by at least one hybrid piece.

2. The combined puzzle according to claim 1 , wherein each planar jigsaw puzzle piece has on a first planar surface a part of an image which is shown as a whole in the / one of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s).

3. The combined puzzle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each sculpture piece has a / the first planar surface and a second planar surface spaced apart from the first planar surface and the sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked in the stacked assembly with each planar surface of each sculpture piece engaging a facing planar surface of an sculpture piece adjacent in the stack, apart from the uppermost and lowermost sculpture pieces in the stacked assembly, which each have only one planar surface in engagement with a planar surface of an adjacent sculpture piece.

4. The combined puzzle according to claim 1 wherein each sculpture piece has a pair of planar surfaces and the sculpture pieces are adapted to be stacked in the stacked assembly with the majority of sculpture pieces, other than the lowermost and uppermost sculpture pieces, each abutting a neighbouring pair of sculpture pieces, with each planar surface of each sculpture piece, other than the lowermost surface of the lowermost stackedsculpture piece and the uppermost surface of the uppermost stacked sculpture piece, in contact with a facing planar surface of a neighbouring sculpture piece.

5. The combined puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the sculpture pieces is formed of a plurality of sub-pieces, each of the sub-pieces having one or more tab(s) and / or blank(s) by which the sub-pieces can be interlocked with other subpieces and / or hybrid pieces.

6. The combined puzzle according to any preceding claim, further comprising standard pieces, each standard piece having one or more tab(s) and / or blank(s) for engaging with one or more blank(s) or tab(s) of one or more other standard pieces, and the hybrid pieces further comprise one or more tab(s) and / or blank(s) for engaging with blanks or tabs of one or more standard pieces or other hybrid pieces.

7. The combined puzzle according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a base having a mounting for securing the sculpture pieces when stacked on the base and wherein the sculpture pieces each comprise a blank and are adapted such that when the sculpture pieces are stacked on the base to form the three-dimensional figure then the blanks in the sculpture pieces align to form a slot in a surface of the three-dimensional figure for receiving the mounting.

8. The combined puzzle according to any of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a base having a mounting with a slot for securing the sculpture pieces when stacked on the base and wherein each sculpture piece comprises a mounting-engaging tab extending outwardly from the outer edge thereof and the sculpture pieces are adapted such that when the sculpture pieces are stacked to form the three-dimensional figure the mounting-engaging tabs all align and are insertable into the slot in the mounting.

9. The combined puzzle according to any of the preceding claims wherein the three- dimensional figure is a sculpture in the round.

10. The combined puzzle according to any of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the sculpture pieces are provided in duplicate.

11. A method of designing a combined puzzle template, comprising:designing one or more planar jigsaw puzzle templates comprising a plurality of standard pieces, each standard piece having one or more tab(s) and blank(s) for engaging with blanks and tabs of one or more other standard pieces; designing a stackable puzzle template comprising a plurality of sculpture shapes; superimposing the sculpture shapes on top of the one or more planar jigsaw puzzle templates, such that each sculpture shape is spaced from one another; and splitting any standard pieces in the planar jigsaw puzzle template(s) which are intersected by the superimposed sculpture shape into one or more parts to form sculpture pieces inside the superimposed sculpture shape and hybrid pieces outside the superimposed sculpture shape, to form the combined puzzle template.

12. A method of assembling a combined puzzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: assembling the sculpture pieces along with the other jigsaw puzzle pieces to form one or more assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) with each assembled planar jigsaw puzzle having at least two sculpture pieces separated by at least one of the other jigsaw puzzle pieces; removing the sculpture pieces from the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s) while leaving the remaining jigsaw puzzle pieces in place interlocked with each other; and stacking the removed sculpture pieces with outer edges of the stacked sculpture pieces collectively defining the recognizable three-dimensional figure.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the sculpture pieces are stacked in a sequence defined by the relative positions of the sculpture pieces in the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s).

14. The method according to claims 12 or claim 13 in which the combined puzzle to be assembled has at least one sculpture piece which comprises a plurality of sub-pieces having interlocking features and the method comprises interlocking the sub-pieces to form the at least one sculpture piece.

15. The method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein each planar puzzle piece has on a first planar surface a part of an image and the method comprises assembling the puzzle pieces to form the whole image in the / one of the assembled planar jigsaw puzzle(s).

Images