U.S. patent application number 10/699196 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for jigsaw puzzle including scratch and sniff puzzle pieces.
Invention is credited to Hronek, Brian Robert.
Application Number | 20050098948 10/699196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34550882 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hronek, Brian Robert |
May 12, 2005 |
Jigsaw puzzle including scratch and sniff puzzle pieces
Abstract
A jigsaw puzzle including a plurality of puzzle pieces having
substantially planar top and bottom surfaces. The plurality of
puzzle pieces include a body and a notch portion integral therewith
and a plurality of flange portions also integral with the body.
Such flange portions are engageable with corresponding ones of the
plurality of notch portions. Each puzzle piece further includes a
scented layer disposed on the top surface thereof. The scented
layer includes a plurality of cells impregnated with a
predetermined aroma and disposed between the scented layer and the
top surface of the plurality of puzzle pieces. The plurality of
cells release their respective aroma when a user scratches the
scented layer. The plurality of puzzle pieces further include an
indicia providing a visual representation of the plurality of
scented layers respectively.
Inventors: |
Hronek, Brian Robert;
(Greenwood, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ASHKAN NAJAFI, P.A.
6817 SOUTHPOINT PARKWAY
SUITE 2301
JACKSONVILLE
FL
32216
US
|
Family ID: |
34550882 |
Appl. No.: |
10/699196 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/157R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/1088 20130101;
A63F 9/10 20130101; A63F 2250/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/157.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/10 |
Claims
What is claimed as new and what is desired to secure by Letters
Patent of the United States is:
1. A jigsaw puzzle comprising: a plurality of puzzle pieces having
substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, select ones of said
plurality of puzzle pieces have at least one substantially planar
sidewall for forming a portion of a perimeter of said puzzle, said
plurality of puzzle pieces including a body, a plurality of notch
portions integral with said body and extending substantially
inwardly thereof, and a plurality of flange portions integral with
said body and engageable with corresponding ones of said plurality
of notch portions so that said plurality of puzzle pieces can be
removably attached to each other and a scented layer having a top
surface and being disposed on said top surface of said plurality of
puzzle pieces respectively and extending upwardly therefrom, said
scented layer including a plurality of cells impregnated with a
predetermined aroma that is releasable when a user scratches said
scented layer.
2. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said
plurality of scented layer is formed to be substantially
corrugated.
3. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein said scented layer
contacts said at least one substantially planar sidewall.
4. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein select ones of said
plurality of notch portions are spaced from said at least one
substantially planar sidewall.
5. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein select ones of said puzzle
pieces comprises a plurality of flange portions and corresponding
ones of said puzzle pieces comprise a plurality of notch portions
for receiving said plurality of flange portions.
6. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 1, wherein said plurality of puzzle
pieces further comprises an indicia disposed on said top surface
thereof, said indicia providing a visual representation of said
plurality of scented aromas respectively.
7. A jigsaw puzzle comprising: a plurality of puzzle pieces having
substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, select ones of said
plurality of puzzle pieces have at least one substantially planar
sidewall for forming a portion of a perimeter of said puzzle, said
plurality of puzzle pieces including a body, a plurality of notch
portions integral with said body and extending substantially
inwardly thereof, and a plurality of flange portions integral with
said body and engageable with corresponding ones of said plurality
of notch portions so that said plurality of puzzle pieces can be
removably attached to each other, and a scented layer having a top
surface and being disposed on said top surface of said plurality of
puzzle pieces respectively and extending upwardly therefrom, said
scented layer including a plurality of cells impregnated with a
predetermined quantity of aroma that is releasable when a user
scratches said scented layer, said top surface of said scented
layer being formed to be substantially corrugated.
8. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 7, wherein said scented layer
contacts said at least one substantially planar sidewall.
9. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 7, wherein select ones of said
plurality of notch portions are spaced from said at least one
substantially planar sidewall.
10. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 7, wherein select ones of said
puzzle pieces comprises a plurality of flange portions and
corresponding ones of said puzzle pieces comprise a plurality of
notch portions for receiving said plurality of flange portions.
11. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 7, wherein said plurality of puzzle
pieces further comprises an indicia disposed on said top surface
thereof, said indicia providing a visual representation of said
plurality of scented aromas respectively.
12. A jigsaw puzzle comprising: a plurality of puzzle pieces having
substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, select ones of said
plurality of puzzle pieces have at least one substantially planar
sidewall for forming a portion of a perimeter of said puzzle, said
plurality of puzzle pieces including a body, a plurality of notch
portions integral with said body and extending substantially
inwardly thereof, and a plurality of flange portions integral with
said body and engageable with corresponding ones of said plurality
of notch portions so that said plurality of puzzle pieces can be
removably attached to each other, and a scented layer having a top
surface and being disposed on said top surface of said plurality of
puzzle pieces respectively and extending upwardly therefrom, said
scented layer including a plurality of cells impregnated with a
predetermined quantity of aroma that is releasable when a user
scratches said scented layer, said top surface of said scented
layer being formed to be substantially corrugated.
13. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 12, wherein said scented layer
contacts said at least one substantially planar sidewall.
14. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 12, wherein select ones of said
plurality of notch portions are spaced from said at least one
substantially planar sidewall.
15. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 12, wherein select ones of said
puzzle pieces comprises a plurality of flange portions and
corresponding ones of said puzzle pieces comprise a plurality of
notch portions for receiving said plurality of flange portions.
16. The jigsaw puzzle of claim 12, wherein said plurality of puzzle
pieces further comprises an indicia disposed on said top surface
thereof, said indicia providing a visual representation of said
plurality of scented aromas respectively.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Technical Field
[0005] This invention relates to jigsaw puzzles and, more
particularly, to a jigsaw puzzle including scratch and sniff puzzle
pieces.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] A jigsaw puzzle includes a plurality of pieces that can be
assembled to form an image. The plurality of pieces are joined by
means of a plurality of interlocking male and female elements,
which are part of the edges of the different pieces. In most cases,
two adjacent pieces are joined together by a male element that is
part of the edge of the first piece, and a female element, that is
part of the second piece, ensuring that the two pieces remain
interlocked.
[0008] The interlocking feature of jigsaw puzzles enables a user to
assemble the puzzle at a pace that suits his/her desires and still
maintain the portion that has been completed. This feature is
important because many puzzles are complicated and challenging to a
user and take time to assemble.
[0009] The challenge of putting the interlocking pieces together
correctly to form an image is part of the fun of assembling puzzles
and attracts many people to puzzles. The process of assembling
puzzles is both mentally challenging and emotionally gratifying.
However, with practice, the art of assembling puzzles becomes
easier and less challenging over time. As a result, a need exists
for method of modifying a normal puzzle in order to challenge
experienced users and provide new features to the common
puzzle.
[0010] Because the sense of smell is often used by individuals to
identify objects, the addition of scents or aromas to puzzle pieces
could help users learn and decipher the puzzle's complexity or
provide a pleasing scent to a user while working on the puzzle.
Many aromas stimulate the olfactory organs in a manner that people
find pleasing and this would make the process of assembling puzzles
even more enjoyable.
[0011] The concept of using scents on puzzle pieces for helping
children learn is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,224 to Spector.
This patent discloses an educational learning device for children
to use in matching scents to objects such as fruit and vegetables,
but is not a typical puzzle that involves matching interlocking
puzzle pieces.
[0012] Accordingly, a need remains for a jigsaw puzzle including
scratch and sniff puzzle pieces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for a
jigsaw puzzle including scratch and sniff puzzle pieces. These and
other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are
provided by a jigsaw puzzle including a plurality of puzzle pieces
having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces. Select ones of
the plurality of puzzle pieces have at least one substantially
planar sidewall for forming a portion of a perimeter of the puzzle.
The plurality of puzzle pieces include a body and a plurality of
notch portions integral with the body and extend substantially
inwardly thereof. Select ones of the plurality of notch portions
may be spaced from at least one substantially planar sidewall.
[0014] The plurality of puzzle pieces further include a plurality
of flange portions integral with the body and engageable with
corresponding ones of the plurality of notch portions so that the
plurality of puzzle pieces can be removably attached to each other.
Select ones of the puzzle pieces may include a plurality of flange
portions and corresponding ones of the puzzle pieces may include a
plurality of notch portions for receiving the plurality of flange
portions.
[0015] The plurality of puzzle pieces further include a scented
layer having a top surface formed to be substantially corrugated
and being disposed on the top surface of the plurality of puzzle
pieces respectively, and extending upwardly therefrom. The scented
layer contacts at least one substantially planar sidewall.
[0016] The scented layer further includes a plurality of cells
impregnated with a plurality of predetermined aromas, respectively,
which are releasable when a user scratches the scented layer. The
plurality of puzzle pieces may further include an indicia providing
a visual representation of the plurality of scented aromas
respectively disposed on the top surface thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0017] The novel features believed to be characteristic of this
invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and
method of operation, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of puzzle
pieces, in accordance with the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a puzzle piece shown in
FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather,
this embodiment is provided so that this application will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0021] The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in
FIGS. 1-2 by the reference numeral 10 and is intended to provide a
jigsaw puzzle including scratch and sniff puzzle pieces. It should
be understood that the jigsaw puzzle 10 may be used to depict many
different images and may contain a variety of aromas.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the jigsaw puzzle 10 includes a
plurality of puzzle pieces 20 having substantially planar top 21
and bottom 22 surfaces, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2. Select
ones of the plurality of puzzle pieces 20 have at least one
substantially planar sidewall 23 for forming a portion of a
perimeter of the jigsaw puzzle 10. The plurality of puzzle pieces
20 include a body 24 and a plurality of notch portions 25 integral
with the body 24 and extending substantially inwardly thereof.
Select ones of the plurality of notch portions 25 are spaced from
at least one substantially planar sidewall 23.
[0023] The plurality of puzzle pieces 20 further include a
plurality of flange portions 30 integral with the body 24 and
engageable with corresponding ones of the plurality of notch
portions 25 so that the plurality of puzzle pieces 20 can be
removably attached to each other. Select ones of the puzzle pieces
20 include a plurality of flange portions 30 and corresponding ones
of the puzzle pieces 20 include a plurality of notch portions 25
for receiving the plurality of flange portions 30. The jigsaw
puzzle 10 may be formed in many different shapes and sizes
including many different images or scenes.
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of puzzle pieces 20
further include a scented layer 40 having a top surface 41 formed
to be substantially corrugated and being disposed on the top
surface 21 of the plurality of puzzle pieces 20 and extending
upwardly therefrom. The scented layer 40 contacts at least one
substantially planar sidewall 23.
[0025] The scented layer 40 further includes a plurality of cells
50 impregnated with a plurality of predetermined aromas 42,
respective, which are releasable when a user scratches the scented
layer 40. The plurality of scented aromas 42 include a broad
spectrum of aromas that simulate odors or scents well known in the
art. The plurality of scented aromas 42 are releasable when a user
selectively scratches the scented layer 40. Because of the high
density of the plurality of scented aromas 42, the scented layer 40
may be scratched many times and still produce the desired scent
with each scratching.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, the plurality of puzzle pieces 20
further include an indicia 60 providing a visual representation of
the plurality of scented aromas 42 respectively and disposed on the
top surface 41 thereof. The indicia 60 may depict a variety of
different images or may depict a single image when the plurality of
puzzle pieces 20 are removably attached to each other.
[0027] The jigsaw puzzle 10 may be formed featuring a plurality of
indicia 60 and scents or it may be formed with a single indicia 60
and scent. The jigsaw puzzle 10 would provide a unique alternative
to a standard puzzle and would also be an ideal conversation piece.
The jigsaw puzzle 10 would make a great gift for individuals who
enjoy puzzles and would have special appeal to people who enjoy
scented items.
[0028] While the invention has been described with respect to a
certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many
modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended,
therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0029] In particular, with respect to the above description, it is
to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the
parts of the present invention may include variations in size,
materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. The
assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.
* * * * *