US20060151947A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20060151947A1
Application number: US11/032,585
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott Fredrickson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-10
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2006-07-13

Abstract

A jigsaw puzzle game system has a number of inter-fitting pieces which combine to create a finished visual effect. None of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable. All pieces have identical top and bottom surfaces and thus could be used on either side. The pieces do not carry a visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Each puzzle is a unique design with a combination of pieces that will fit no other puzzle with similar visual appearance. Each puzzle is assigned a serial number and individual part numbers are assigned to each puzzle piece. A puzzle solution map is included with each puzzle. This map includes the unique serial number of the corresponding puzzle along with a completed visual scheme with each puzzle piece indicated with a part number that corresponds with the assigned number for each puzzle piece. A method is provided for computer-generated replacement of the puzzle solution map or individual puzzle pieces through an Internet website.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to jigsaw puzzle games which involve arranging multiple puzzle pieces to reach a solution and a system and method to provide a solution map and replacements pieces to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Puzzles or games of various shapes and sizes that involve a user arranging and rearranging puzzle pieces to achieve a specified solution are well known in the art. In particular most people are familiar with “jigsaw” puzzles, in which a large number of interlocking pieces can be fitted together to make a recognizable two-dimensional picture or pattern. Such puzzles include, for example, the widely recognized Chinese puzzle known as the tangram that involves combining interlocking and non-interlocking geometric puzzle pieces into a larger shaped puzzle solution either contained within an external frame or tray, or within an edge formation that is composed of individual puzzle pieces commonly called border or edge pieces.

Examples of puzzles with an external frame or tray are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,433,485 and 4,053,159. Examples of puzzles with an edge formation composed of individual border or edge pieces are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,714 and 6,550,769.

These puzzles are usually played by a user as a source of an enjoyable challenge or entertainment. These puzzles also serve to improve the cognitive abilities of many users, especially children, and can therefore be a valuable educational aid or learning tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One advantage of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system is that none of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable. The upper and lower surfaces of all puzzle pieces are finished identically in all respects, including but not limited to smoothness and color, and thus could be used on either side. In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the pieces carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme—all to increase the level of difficulty.

Another advantage of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system is that the user is afforded access to a graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map through a computer-generated medium via an Internet web site.

Another advantage of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system is that each jigsaw puzzle game system may be unique. Each jigsaw puzzle game system is individually designed, manufactured, and signed by an artist. Each jigsaw puzzle game system has a serial number and part numbers assigned to each puzzle piece. The user can reproduce the puzzle solution map by graphic user interface screen display at the Internet web site and obtain replacement puzzle pieces, border pieces or frame tray identified on the screen display by following computer-implemented ordering instructions.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new type of puzzle game system of inter-fitting puzzle pieces, preferably of the nature of a jigsaw puzzle that may be unique in design and visual appearance.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, said pieces being shaped to inter-fit with adjacent puzzle pieces to form an assembled puzzle structure, either within an external frame or bordering on an internal frame or having no frame, said assembled puzzle structure having a finished visual scheme being the outline of the pieces in coherent combination and where the combination of puzzle pieces will fit no other puzzle of similar visual appearance.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces and a frame tray, said pieces being shaped to inter-fit with adjacent pieces and inter-fit with said frame tray to form an assembled puzzle structure, said assembled puzzle structure having a finished visual scheme being the outline of the pieces and frame tray in coherent combination and where the combination of puzzle pieces and frame tray will fit no other puzzle of similar visual appearance.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces wherein each puzzle piece has identical upper and lower surfaces allowing the puzzle piece to be used on either side and where none of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable nor carry any visual marker, all to enhance the difficulty of the puzzle game.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces wherein each puzzle game system is assigned and etched with an identifying serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned part numbers corresponding to the puzzle game system identified by serial number and where each puzzle piece may be etched with its corresponding part number.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces wherein each puzzle game system further comprises a puzzle solution map designated for the puzzle game system and identified by the puzzle game system serial number and a completed visual scheme indicating each puzzle piece by part number.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces wherein each puzzle game system further comprises a method for computer-implemented user access to a graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map with access to replacement puzzle pieces through an Internet web site.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an Internet web site with a graphics user interface screen display for each puzzle solution map for each puzzle game system.

It is a further object of this invention that any embodiment of the inventive puzzle game system may be produced and offered to users as one-of-a-kind without duplication.

It is a further object of this invention that the plurality of puzzle pieces and frame tray for any embodiment of the inventive puzzle game system may be fabricated from a variety of materials including but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or any metal, metal alloy or non-metallic material and that said pieces and frame tray may be fabricated by a variety of precision cutting and machining techniques including but not limited to lasers with cutting tolerances within one 10,000^thof an inch to enhance difficulty of assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a non-interlocking puzzle game system bordered with an external frame tray.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the non-interlocking puzzle game system depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of an interlocking puzzle game system bordered with an external frame tray.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the interlocking puzzle game system depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a non-interlocking puzzle game system bordered with an internal arrangement of puzzle pieces.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an interlocking puzzle game system bordered with an internal arrangement of puzzle pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a partial plan view of an example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 with a plurality ofnon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 bordered by anexternal frame tray3. Thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 are configured to inter-fit withadjacent puzzle pieces2 and to inter-fit with theframe tray3, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of thepuzzle pieces2 within theframe tray3. Thepuzzle pieces2 are placed within theexternal frame3 to achieve an assembled visual effect unique to this combination ofpuzzle pieces2 andframe tray3. This example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 is given a serial number5, shown inFIG. 1 onframe tray3, and eachpuzzle piece2 andframe tray3 is given apart number4.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the non-interlocking jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIG. 1 showing theexternal frame tray3 and thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 in place within theexternal frame tray3. Also indicated inFIG. 2 is an upper surface6, alower surface7, and aside surface9 for thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2, as well as an exterior side surface8, an interior surface10, anupper surface11, a bottom surface12 and an inner bottom surface12a for theexternal frame tray3. As can be seen, thelower surfaces7 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 are in contact with the inner bottom surface12aof theexternal frame tray3. The interior surface10 of theexternal frame tray3 is configured to inter-fit with adjacentnon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 so that theframe tray3 contributes to the level of difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. Theside surfaces9 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 adjacent to theframe tray3 are in contact with the interior surface10 of theexternal frame tray3.

WhileFIG. 1 depicts the serial number5 on theupper surface11 of theexternal frame tray3, and thepart numbers4 on the upper surface6 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2, the serial number5 can be placed on any of theother surfaces8,10,11,12 and12aof theexternal frame tray3, and thepart numbers4 can be placed on thelower surface7 orside surface9 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2.

FIG. 1, if presented as a complete plan view of this example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1, would serve as a puzzle solution map which would be provided as part of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1, either in hard document form or by computer-assisted user access to an Internet web site or in both ways. While serial number5 andpart numbers4 would be shown on the puzzle solution map for identification, either or both of these numbers need not be physically placed on either the external frame tray3 or thepuzzle pieces2, since thetray3 andpieces2 can be identified by the unique visual effect of this particular inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. If either or both ofnumbers5 and4 are physically placed on the external frame tray3 or thepieces2, then they may be placed on a side surface8 or10 or a bottom surface12 or an inner bottom surface12aof theexternal frame tray3, or on aside surface9 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2. In this way, thenumbers5 and4 would not detract from the unique visual effect nor detract from the difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. It is also intended that the upper andlower surfaces6 and7 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where theindividual puzzle pieces2 fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Likewise it is intended that the upper andlower surfaces6 and7 be identical in finish. It is intended for purposes of this invention and all embodiments that finish as defined herein shall comprise surface smoothness, color, and all aspects of visual appearance.

If numbers are physically placed on the external frame tray3 or thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2, or both, then the corresponding numbers would be permanently affixed to the desired surface by a method appropriate to the material upon which the number is being affixed. For example, etching or engraving by machine or laser technique could be used on a metallic material.

FIG. 3 shows a partial plan view of another example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 with a plurality of interlockingpuzzle pieces13 bordered by anexternal frame tray3. The interlockingpuzzle pieces13 are configured to inter-fit withadjacent puzzle pieces13 and to inter-fit with theframe tray3, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of thepuzzle pieces13 within theframe tray3. Thepuzzle pieces13 are placed within theexternal frame tray3 to achieve an assembled visual effect unique to this combination ofpuzzle pieces13 andframe tray3. As inFIG. 1, this example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 is given a serial number5, not shown inFIG. 3, and eachpuzzle piece13 is given apart number4. Theframe tray3 may also be given apart number4.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the interlocking jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIG. 3 showing theexternal frame tray3 and theinterlocking puzzle pieces13 in place within theexternal frame tray3. Also indicated inFIG. 4 is anupper surface14, alower surface15, and a side surface16 for theinterlocking puzzle pieces13, as well as an exterior side surface8, an interior surface10, anupper surface11, a bottom surface12, and an inner bottom surface12afor theexternal frame tray3. As can be seen, thelower surfaces15 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 are in contact with the inner bottom surface12aof theexternal frame tray3. The interior surface10 of theexternal frame tray3 is configured to inter-fit with adjacentinterlocking puzzle pieces13 so that theframe tray3 contributes to the level of difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. The side surfaces16 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 adjacent to theframe tray3 are in contact with the interior surface10 of theexternal frame tray3.

WhileFIG. 3 depicts thepart numbers4 on theupper surface14 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13, thepart numbers4 can be placed on thelower surface15 or side surface16 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13. Likewise, the serial number5 can be placed on any of thesurfaces8,10,11,12 and12aof theexternal frame tray3.

FIG. 3, if presented as a complete plan view of this example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1, would serve as a puzzle solution map which would be provided as part of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1, either in hard document form or by computer-assisted user access to an Internet web site or in both ways. While serial number5 andpart numbers4 would be shown on the puzzle solution map for identification, either or both of these numbers need not be physically placed on either theexternal frame tray3 or thepuzzle pieces13, since theframe tray3 andpuzzle pieces13 can be identified by the unique visual effect of this particular inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. If either or both ofnumbers5 and4 are physically placed on theexternal frame tray3 or thepuzzle pieces13, then they may be placed on a side surface8 or10 or a bottom surface12 or an inner bottom surface12aof theexternal frame tray3, or on a side surface16 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13. In this way, thenumbers5 and4 would not detract from the unique visual effect nor detract from the difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. It is also intended that the upper and

lower surfaces

14 and15 of thepuzzle pieces13 carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where theindividual puzzle pieces13 fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Likewise it is intended that the upper and

lower surfaces

14 and15 be identical in finish.

Just as described above for the example inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIG. 1, if numbers are physically placed on theexternal frame tray3 or the interlockingpuzzle pieces13, then the corresponding numbers would be permanently affixed to the desired surface by a method appropriate to the material upon which the number is being affixed. For example, etching or engraving by machine or laser technique could be used on a metallic material.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 with a plurality ofnon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 bordered by an internal arrangement ofborder pieces17. Thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 are configured to inter-fit withadjacent puzzle pieces2 and to inter-fit with theborder pieces17, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of thepuzzle pieces2 and theborder pieces17. Thepuzzle pieces2 are placed within and around theborder pieces17 to achieve an assembled visual effect unique to this combination ofpuzzle pieces2 andborder pieces17. This example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 is likewise given a serial number5, not shown inFIG. 5, and eachpuzzle piece2 andborder piece17 is given apart number4.

As similarly indicated inFIG. 2, thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 and theborder pieces17 shown inFIG. 5 have an upper surface6, alower surface7, and aside surface9. WhileFIG. 5 depicts thepart numbers4 on the upper surface6 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2, thepart numbers4 can be placed on thelower surface7 orside surface9 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 and theborder pieces17.

FIG. 5 would serve as a puzzle solution map which would be provided as part of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIG. 5, either in hard document form or by computer-assisted user access to an Internet web site or in both ways. While serial number5 andpart numbers4 would be shown on the puzzle solution map for identification, either or both of these numbers need not be physically placed on thepuzzle pieces2 or theborder pieces17, since the

pieces

2 and17 can be identified by the unique visual effect of this particular inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. If either or both ofnumbers5 and4 are physically placed on thepuzzle pieces2 or theborder pieces17, then they may be placed on aside surface9 of thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 or theborder pieces17. In this way, thenumbers5 and4 would not detract from the unique visual effect nor detract from the difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. It is also intended that the upper andlower surfaces6 and7 of thepieces2 and theborder pieces17 carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Likewise it is intended that the upper andlower surfaces6 and7 be identical in finish.

Just as described above for the example inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3, if numbers are physically placed on thenon-interlocking puzzle pieces2 and theborder pieces17, then the corresponding numbers would be permanently affixed to the desired surface by a method appropriate to the material upon which the number is being affixed. For example, etching or engraving could be used on a metallic material.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 with a plurality of interlockingpuzzle pieces13 bordered by an internal arrangement ofborder pieces18 around aspace19. The interlockingpuzzle pieces13 are configured to inter-fit withadjacent puzzle pieces13 and inter-fit withborder pieces18, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of thepuzzle pieces13 andborder pieces18. The interlockingpuzzle pieces13 are placed around theborder pieces18 to achieve an assembled visual effect unique to this combination ofpuzzle pieces13 andborder pieces18. This example of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 is likewise given a serial number5, not shown inFIG. 6, and eachpuzzle piece13 andborder piece18 is given apart number4.

As similarly indicated inFIG. 4, the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18 shown inFIG. 6 have anupper surface14, alower surface15, and a side surface16. WhileFIG. 6 depicts thepart numbers4 on theupper surface14 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18, thepart numbers4 can be placed on thelower surface15 or side surface16 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18.

FIG. 6 would serve as a puzzle solution map which would be provided as part of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIG. 6, either in hard document form or by computer-assisted user access to an Internet web site or in both ways. While serial number5 andpart numbers4 would be shown on the puzzle solution map for identification, either or both of these numbers need not be physically placed on thepuzzle pieces13 or theborder pieces18, since the

pieces

13 and18 can be identified by the unique visual effect of this particular inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. If either or both ofnumbers5 and4 are physically placed on thepuzzle pieces13 or theborder pieces18, then they may be placed on a side surface16 of the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18. In this way, thenumbers5 and4 would not detract from the unique visual effect nor detract from the difficulty of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1. It is also intended that the upper and

lower surfaces

14 and15 of thepuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18 carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual puzzle pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Likewise it is intended that the upper and

lower surfaces

14 and15 be identical in finish.

Just as described above for the example inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIGS. 1, 3 and5, if numbers are physically placed on the interlockingpuzzle pieces13 and theborder pieces18, then the corresponding numbers would be permanently affixed to the desired surface by a method appropriate to the material upon which the number is being affixed. For example, etching or engraving by machine or laser technique could be used on a metallic material.

To enhance the value and collectability of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system, any embodiment with a unique assembled effect may be manufactured as one-of-a-kind without duplication. Likewise, the puzzle pieces, border pieces or frame tray for any embodiment may be manufactured from a durable, non-oxidizing metal or metal alloy such as stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum using cutting techniques such as a laser to achieve precision inter-fit between adjacent puzzle pieces, border pieces and frame trays.

In any embodiment of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system, the user would be provided with a puzzle solution map identified by the unique serial number and illustrative of the assembled visual scheme for the jigsaw puzzle game system with a part number and location for each puzzle piece within the assembled puzzle structure. The puzzle solution map could be provided as a hard document on a material such as paper or cardboard and also as a computer generated graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map on an internet website available to the user as part of the inventive puzzle game system. The inventive puzzle game system website would also include ordering instructions for replacement of puzzle pieces, border pieces and frame trays.

The examples of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 depicted inFIGS. 1 through 6 are illustrative only and it is not intended that the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 be limited to any of those depictions nor that the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system1 be limited to non-interlocking or interlocking puzzle pieces or to any border arrangement or frame tray. Likewise, it is not intended that puzzle pieces, border pieces or frame trays be limited to any specific material, or that said puzzle pieces, border pieces or frame trays all be of the same material.

The present invention also provides a method which allows the user to replace the puzzle solution map to the jigsaw puzzle game system and replace puzzle pieces. According to this method, the user is provided access to an Internet website. At the website, the user can access a computer generated graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map identified by the unique serial number and illustrative of the assembled visual scheme for the jigsaw puzzle game system with a part number and location for each puzzle piece within the assembled puzzle structure which may further comprise a frame tray, border pieces or both. The user can then reproduce the puzzle solution map and obtain replacement puzzle pieces, border pieces or frame tray identified on the screen display by following computer-implemented ordering instructions.

While this invention has been described as having multiple designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, each having an upper surface and a lower surface, configured to inter-fit with adjacent puzzle pieces, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of the puzzle pieces.

2. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 1 where the upper surface of each puzzle piece is finished identically to the lower surface of that same puzzle piece.

3. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 1 in which none of the puzzle pieces are identical in configuration to any of the other puzzle pieces and neither the upper surface nor the lower surface of any puzzle piece carries any visual marker which would assist a puzzle user in completing the assemble puzzle structure.

4. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 2 in which none of the puzzle pieces are identical in configuration to any of the other puzzle pieces and neither the upper surface nor the lower surface of any puzzle piece carries any visual marker which would assist a puzzle user in completing the assemble puzzle structure.

5. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 1 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

6. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 2 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

7. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 3 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

8. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 4 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

9. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 5 further comprising a puzzle solution map identified by the unique serial number and illustrative of the assembled visual scheme for the jigsaw puzzle game system with a part number and location for each puzzle piece within the assembled puzzle structure.

10. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 9 wherein the puzzle solution map further comprises an internet website with a computer-implemented graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map with puzzle piece part numbers.

11. A jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, a frame tray, said puzzle pieces each having an upper surface and a lower surface, configured to inter-fit with adjacent puzzle pieces and to inter-fit with said frame tray, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of the puzzle pieces and the frame tray.

12. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 11 where the upper surface of each puzzle piece is finished identically to the lower surface of that same puzzle piece.

13. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 11 in which none of the puzzle pieces are identical in configuration to any of the other puzzle pieces and neither the upper surface nor the lower surface of any puzzle piece carries any visual marker which would assist a puzzle user in completing the assemble puzzle structure.

14. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 12 in which none of the puzzle pieces are identical in configuration to any of the other puzzle pieces and neither the upper surface nor the lower surface of any puzzle piece carries any visual marker which would assist a puzzle user in completing the assemble puzzle structure.

15. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 11 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

16. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 12 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

17. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 13 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

18. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 14 wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number.

19. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 15 further comprising a puzzle solution map identified by the unique serial number and illustrative of the assembled visual scheme for the jigsaw puzzle game system with a part number and location for each puzzle piece within the assembled puzzle structure.

20. A jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 19 wherein the puzzle solution map further comprises an internet website with a computer-implemented graphic user interface screen display of a puzzle solution map with puzzle piece part numbers.

21. A computer-implemented method for providing a puzzle solution map and replacement pieces for a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces, each having an upper surface and a lower surface, configured to inter-fit with adjacent puzzle pieces, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of the puzzle pieces, where the upper surface of each puzzle piece is finished identically to the lower surface of that same puzzle piece, in which none of the puzzle pieces are identical in configuration to any of the other puzzle pieces and neither the upper surface nor the lower surface of any puzzle piece carries any visual marker which would assist a puzzle user in completing the assemble puzzle structure and wherein the assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme is unique and said jigsaw puzzle game system is assigned a unique serial number and each puzzle piece is assigned a discrete part number; comprising the steps of:

providing to a user access to an Internet website;

providing to the user a computer generated graphic user interface screen display on said website of a puzzle solution map identified by the unique serial number and illustrative of the assembled visual scheme for the jigsaw puzzle game system with a part number and location for each puzzle piece within the assembled puzzle structure

providing replacement puzzle piece computer-implemented ordering instructions to the user for ordering replacement puzzle pieces once identified on the screen display.

22. A computer-implemented method as described inclaim 21 for providing a puzzle solution map and replacement pieces for a jigsaw puzzle game system as described inclaim 21 wherein said described jigsaw puzzle game system further comprises a frame tray, and the puzzle pieces are configured to inter-fit with adjacent puzzle pieces and to inter-fit with said frame tray, to together form an assembled puzzle structure having an assembled visual scheme being a coherent combination of the configurations of the puzzle pieces and the frame tray.