GB2613000A

GB2613000A - A jigsaw puzzle

Info

Publication number: GB2613000A
Application number: GB2116698.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Turner Christine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: GB202116698D0

Abstract

A jigsaw puzzle 1 comprising at least two puzzle pieces 2 adapted to connect with one another. The puzzle comprises at least one light-emitting puzzle piece 3 and one or more of the puzzle pieces comprising a light reactive portion 4, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, highlighting the light reactive portions. The light reactive puzzle pieces may comprise at least two light reactive portions that may be in different layers. The light emitting puzzle piece may comprise at least two offset LEDs 5 that emit light into the at least two light reactive portions in a sequence. Also disclosed is a jigsaw puzzle with one or more of the puzzle pieces comprises a light diffusing means, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, diffusing the light through the light diffusing means.

Description

A JIGSAW PUZZLE

[0001] This invention pertains generally to the field of jigsaw puzzles, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with creating a visual pay-off once the jigsaw has been completed.

[0002] A jigsaw puzzle is a type of puzzle that requires the assembly of a number of pieces or tiles. These pieces are often oddly shaped and they are interlocked with one another to create a picture. Each piece typically comprises a portion of the picture, and a user must fit them together in a specific arrangement to create a complete picture. Modern jigsaw puzzles are typically made of paperboard or cardboard as that makes them easier and cheaper to mass produce. Artwork is glued to the paperboard or cardboard, which is then fed into a press. A puzzle die made from hardened steel blades or similar, is forced through the cardboard to cut right through it to the desired pattern, thus creating the pieces.

[0003] It is important that the cut is very precise. Hydraulic machines have been used, and more modern roller-press methods are thought to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0004] More recently, puzzles have been created from wood and plastics materials such as acrylic, and these are laser cut into pieces. Using laser cutters the puzzle can be custom-cut to any size or shape, with any number of pieces. Acrylic pieces offer the advantage that they are very durable and do not wear or tear so easily, waterproof, and can withstand continued use without the image degrading. Also, because the print and cut patterns are computer-based, lost pieces can easily be remade. -2 -

[0005] Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of sizes. Among those marketed to adults, 300-, 500-and 750-piece puzzles are considered "smaller". More sophisticated, but still common, puzzles come in sizes of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 7,500, 8,000, 9,000, 13,200, 18,000, 24,000, 32,000 and 40,000 pieces.

[0006] Jigsaw puzzles geared towards children typically have many fewer pieces, and are typically much larger. For very young children, puzzles with as few as 4 to 9 large pieces (so as not to be a choking hazard) are common. They are usually made of wood or plastic, for durability, and can be cleaned without damage.

[0007] However, very few jigsaw puzzles offer any pay-off once the puzzle is completed. Placing the last piece into the puzzle can feel like a great achievement, but there isn't usually any way of celebrating this, or of enhancing the appearance of the puzzle in some way to show that it is complete.

[0008] There is a need to provide a visual pay-off upon completion of a jigsaw puzzle. There is a need to enhance the appearance of the finished puzzle picture, without considerably impacting unit cost. There is a need to enhance the experience of tackling jigsaw puzzles without introducing major changes to current manufacturing processes.

[0009] The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

[0010] GB 2 337 942 (Baxter) discloses jigsaw puzzle apparatus comprising a base board and jigsaw puzzle pieces characterised in that the base board has a network of conductive tracks and the pieces have an electrically conductive base. When the puzzle is assembled correctly, the conductive base of the pieces bridge -3 -the tracks to permit passage of electric current and activation of a sound or light display. This gives a user some feedback and a pay-off upon completion of the puzzle. However, should the conductive tracks become damaged in some way, or if a piece is lost, the circuit would be broken and the sound or light would not work. The jigsaw requires a base board, which takes up considerable space in the box and adds to the unit cost for the puzzle, whilst also considering the additional cost for the conductive tracks and the circuitry.

[0011] US 2019 255 428 (Binder) discloses a system and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

[0012] Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of providing a pay-off or reward upon completion of a jigsaw puzzle, they require complex circuitry between pieces, and this circuitry must be complete in order to see the visual or audible reward. If a piece were to become damaged, or if a piece is lost, the circuit would not be complete and the reward would not happen. Where the prior art requires a base, the unit cost would be far greater, and the packaging size would need to contain the base too. -4 -

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a jigsaw puzzle with a visual rewards or pay-off, that can occur upon completion, but can also occur during the process of constructing the puzzle, thereby ensuring the user's attention is maintained, and also providing a visual reward that is unaffected if pieces become lost or damaged. Preferred embodiments also aim to provide a jigsaw puzzle that does not require a special base that is greater than the overall size of the puzzle.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jigsaw puzzle comprising: at least two puzzle pieces adapted to connect with one another; at least one light-emitting puzzle piece adapted to connect with one or more of said puzzle pieces; wherein: one or more of the puzzle pieces comprises a light reactive portion, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, highlighting the light reactive portions.

[0015] Preferably, the light-emitting puzzle piece may incorporate at least one LED operatively connected to power and operatively connected to a switching means.

[0016] Preferably, the power may comprise a battery.

[0017] Alternatively, the power may comprise a solar cell.

[0018] Preferably, the switching means may comprise a push button.

[0019] Alternatively, the switching means may comprise a light-dependent resistor.

[0020] Preferably, the light reactive portion may comprise engraved portions. -5 -

[0021] Alternatively, the light reactive portion may comprise light reactive ink.

[0022] The LED may comprise an ultraviolet LED.

[0023] Preferably, the puzzle pieces may comprise a substantially transparent material.

[0024] The puzzle pieces may comprise a substantially translucent material.

[0025] Preferably, the puzzle pieces may comprise a plastics material.

[0026] The plastics material may comprise acrylic.

[0027] The puzzle pieces may display an image.

[0028] The image may comprise a printed image.

[0029] The light reactive portion may also display an image.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jigsaw puzzle comprising: at least two puzzle pieces adapted to connect with one another; at least one light-emitting puzzle piece adapted to connect with one or more of said puzzle pieces, wherein: one or more of the puzzle pieces comprises a light diffusing means, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, diffusing the light through the light diffusing means.

[0031] Preferably, the light diffusing means may comprise a translucent material. -6 -

[0032] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: [0033] Figure 1 shows three puzzle pieces with light reactive portions before being interconnected to one another and one embodiment of light-emitting piece prior to being connected to the puzzle pieces; [0034] Figure 2 shows the puzzle pieces of Figure 1, some of which have light reactive portions, interconnected with one another and with the light-emitting puzzle piece; [0035] Figure 3 shows the light-emitting puzzle piece being activated to emit light, and the light reactive portions reacting to said light; and, [0036] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of light-emitting puzzle piece showing two LEDs, each LED being configured to emit light, with a corresponding light reactive portion in line with each LED within a puzzle piece, such that the light reactive portions can be illuminated at different times.

[0037] In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

[0038] It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and/or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and/or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical. -7 -

[0039] Figure 1 shows a part of a jigsaw puzzle 1, made up of a plurality of puzzle pieces 2. The puzzle pieces 2 that make up the jigsaw puzzle 1 are configured and designed to connect with each other, such that neighbouring pieces connect or interconnect to make up an image. In this figure there are three typical puzzle pieces 2, and one light emitting puzzle piece 3. The puzzles pieces 2 and the light emitting puzzle piece 3 incorporate means about their edges to allow them to interconnect with one another, usually in a specific arrangement, to make a picture or image.

[0040] The light-emitting puzzle piece 3 may incorporate one or more light-emitting diodes or LEDs 5, which are operatively connected to power 6 and to a switch 7. The power 6 may comprise a cell or battery, or it may even comprise a solar cell configured to charge a cell or battery. The battery may be rechargeable The switch 7 may comprise a push button switch, or alternative mechanism switch, not shown. The switch 7 may alternatively comprise a sensor, such as a light-dependent resistor or LDR. The LDR would detect when a person's finger is covering it, and therefore switch the LEDs 5.

[0041] Each of the puzzle pieces 2 may incorporate one or more light reactive portions 4. These light reactive portions 4 react to the light emitted from the light emitting puzzle piece 3. Where the light-emitting puzzle piece 3 incorporates one or more LEDs, these LEDs are directed to emit light through the puzzle pieces 2, to illuminate or activate the light reactive portion 4. The light reactive portion 4 may be engraved into the puzzle pieces 2, where these puzzle pieces 2 are made from a transparent plastics material such as acrylic. The acrylic puzzle pieces 2 act as a light guide through total internal reflection. When the light hits an engraved portion the total internal reflection is broken, and the light passes out through the surface of the puzzle piece 2, appearing to illuminate the light reactive portions 4. These light reactive portions 4 appear to glow. -8 -

[0042] The light passing through the acrylic puzzle pieces 2 may also illuminate the interconnected edges of the puzzle pieces 2, and the edges of the jigsaw puzzle 1 itself. The puzzle pieces 2 may comprise multiple light reactive portions 4, where the light reactive portions of one puzzle piece 2, where joined to one or more puzzle pieces 2, make up an image 8.

[0043] The image 8 for the jigsaw puzzle 1 may be formed from the light reactive portions 4. The puzzle pieces 2 may also incorporate a further image, not shown. This image may be adhered to the underside of the puzzle pieces 2, or printed directly onto the underside of the puzzle pieces 2, or printed onto the uppermost surface of the puzzle pieces 2, or even a combination of printing on the underside and the uppermost surface of the puzzle pieces 2. The further image may also be adhered to the uppermost surface or the underside of the puzzle pieces 2, with adhesives or otherwise, where the image is of paper or cardstock material. Alternatively the further image may be part of a laminate layer or a layer of thin plastic that is secured to the puzzle pieces 2.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the puzzle pieces 2 of figure 1 interconnected with the light emitting puzzle piece 3, and with two further puzzle pieces 2. The light emitting puzzle piece 3 directs light from the LEDs 5 into the puzzle pieces 2. The user presses the switch 7 to switch on the LEDs 5 and the light reactive portions 4 appear to light up. The user can either wait until they have completed the jigsaw puzzle 1 to have the reward of lighting up the image 8, or they may like to illuminate the image 8 during the construction process.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the user pressing the button 7, and an image 8 being lit by the light emitted from the LEDs 5. The puzzle pieces 2 may also appear to illuminate with the passage of light through these puzzle pieces 2, and the joins where the puzzle pieces 2 interconnect may also be illuminated so that these -9 -interconnections also appear to glow. However, the light reactive portions 4, due to the fact that they change the pathway of more light than the edges of the puzzle pieces 2, appear to glow or illuminate to a greater extent.

[0046] The light emitting puzzle piece 3 may be configured to change the colour of the emitted light, such as where an RGB LED is used. These LEDs 5 may be configured to cycle through a series of colours, flash, pulse, brighten or dim, or alternative lighting effects that are well-known with LEDs when used for Christmas trees and other ornaments. The user may also be able to change the colour or lighting effect emitted from the LEDs 5 through pressing a button.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the puzzle pieces 2 may comprise light reactive portions 4 that are formed from light reactive inks. Where the light reactive inks comprise ultraviolet inks, printed onto the surface of the puzzle pieces 2, or comprising a layer that is adhered to the surface, an ultraviolet LED 5 operates as a black light and illuminates the light reactive portions 4 that make up the image 8. In this embodiment, the puzzle pieces 2 can be made from cardstock, wood, or other materials that are not transparent or translucent. The jigsaw puzzle 1 may comprise a number of different materials, and may comprise a combination of transparent, translucent and opaque portions.

[0048] The jigsaw puzzle 1 may comprise a frame or base into which the pieces can be positioned, not shown. The jigsaw puzzle 1 may also comprise a framework to allow the jigsaw puzzle 1 to be held together and displayed. The light emitting puzzle piece may also incorporate sound emitting means, to play various sounds or music when the switch 7 is activated. All the visual and/or audible feedback being configured to reward the user during or after completion of the jigsaw puzzle 1.

-10 - [0049] The jigsaw puzzle 1, comprises at least one light source located at an edge of the puzzle pieces 2 and positioned such that, when illuminated, it passes light into the puzzle pieces 2. The puzzle pieces 2 include at least one feature or light reactive portion 4 which passes from a surface into the puzzle pieces 2 such as to cause a change of direction of the light at the location of the feature or light reactive portion 4 such that when the light source is illuminated, the visibility of the feature or light reactive portion 4 is increased at the surface of the puzzle pieces 2. The puzzle pieces 2 may be optically transparent so as to allow light to pass through.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of jigsaw puzzle 1, where the image displayed through the light reactive portions 4 appears to animate. The puzzle pieces 2 may comprise a dual layer arrangement, or two or more layers, one on top of another. Each of these layers may incorporate a different light reactive portion 4. The light emitting puzzle piece 3 may incorporate corresponding LEDs 5 that are aligned with these different layers, such that, in use, each one of the LEDs emits light through a different layer. The light emitting puzzle piece 3 is configured to control the sequence that the LEDs 5 are illuminated. This may be alternately, or in a different pattern. The light reactive portions 4 are therefore illuminated in the same sequence, making the image that can be seen when viewing the jigsaw puzzle 1 change. The image may appear to animate, flash, expand and other effects.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the jigsaw puzzle 1 may comprise a light emitting puzzle piece 3, and a plurality of further puzzle pieces 2, whereby the puzzle pieces incorporate light diffusing means, in whole or in part. This light diffusing means receives the light from the light emitting piece 3 and diffuses said light to distribute throughout the puzzle piece 2, or throughout the light diffusing means where this is a portion of the puzzle piece 2. The effect is to soften or spread the light throughout the light diffusing portion or throughout the puzzle piece 2 where the entire piece comprises light diffusing means. This light diffusing means may comprise a translucent material, such as a translucent polymer material, or it may comprise a filter applied to the puzzle piece 2. Alternatively, the puzzle piece 2 may be engraved in such a way as to create a light diffusing means within the puzzle piece 2.

[0052] In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

[0053] All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0054] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0055] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any -12 -accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jigsaw puzzle comprising: at least two puzzle pieces adapted to connect with one another; at least one light-emitting puzzle piece adapted to connect with one or more of said puzzle pieces; wherein: one or more of the puzzle pieces comprises a light reactive portion, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, highlighting the light reactive portions.
2. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting puzzle piece incorporates at least one LED operatively connected to power and operatively connected to a switching means.
3. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 2, wherein the power comprises a battery.
4. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 2, wherein the power comprises a solar cell.
5. A jigsaw panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means comprises a push button.
6. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching means comprises a light-dependent resistor.
7. A jigsaw puzzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light reactive portion comprises engraved portions.
8. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the light reactive portion comprises light reactive ink.
9. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 2 to 8, wherein the LED comprises an ultraviolet LED.
10. A jigsaw puzzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the puzzle pieces comprise a transparent material.
11. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the puzzle pieces comprise a transluscent material.
12. A jigsaw puzzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the puzzle pieces comprise a plastics material.
13. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 12, wherein the plastics material comprises acrylic.
14. A jigsaw puzzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the puzzle pieces display an image.
15. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 14, wherein the image comprises a printed image.
16. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the light reactive portion also displays an image.
17. A jigsaw puzzle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the puzzle pieces incorporate at least two light reactive portions, and the light emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light into said light reactive portions in a sequence.
18. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 17, wherein the puzzle piece comprises two layers, with a first light reactive portion in a first layer, and a second light reactive portion in a second layer.
19. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the light emitting puzzle piece comprises at least two offset LEDs.
20. A jigsaw puzzle according to claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein the sequence is configured to display an animated image in the light reactive portions.
21. A jigsaw puzzle comprising: at least two puzzle pieces adapted to connect with one another; at least one light-emitting puzzle piece adapted to connect with one or more of said puzzle pieces; wherein: one or more of the puzzle pieces comprises a light diffusing means, such that, in use, the light-emitting puzzle piece is configured to emit light through one or more of the puzzle pieces, diffusing the light through the light diffusing 20 means.
22. A jigsaw puzzle according to claim 21, wherein the light diffusing means comprises a translucent material.
23. A jigsaw puzzle as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.