THREE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE GAME

CASSE-TETE TRIDIMENSIONNEL

English Abstract

A corner element of a puzzle game that constitutes a
three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure
such as a building-like structure. The corner element
comprises first and second backing members bonded to a
flexible lithographic film. A hinge area separates the
first and second backing members, allowing to bring them in
a corner configuration by folding the lithographic film at
the hinge area. The film has an exposed image-bearing
surface constituting a pictorial entity that contributes to
a complete representation of the structure. The corner
element is made from a blank that includes a layer of
backing material laminated to the lithographic film. The
backing material is die-cut at controlled depth to form the
first and second backing members in a spaced apart
relationship, separated by a waste strip. Prior to
assembling the puzzle pieces, the user is required to peel
off the waste strip from the blank in order to form the
hinge area between the first and second backing members.

Claims

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The embodiment of the invention for Which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed, are defined as follows:

1. A corner element of a puzzle that constitutes a
three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure, said
corner element, comprising:
- first and second generally planar backing members;
- a sheet of flexible material bonded to said first
and second backing members in a face-to-face relationship
therewith, said first and second backing members including
respective peripheral edge portions in a spaced apart
relationship defining therebetween a hinge area, whereby
said backing members are capable of acquiring a non-planar
angular relationship by bending movement of said sheet of
flexible material at said hinge area;
- a peripheral edge of said corner element including
at least one joint member capable of interlocking
engagement with a complementary joint member of another
element of the puzzle; and
- said corner element also including an image-bearing
surface that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure.

2. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein the
joint member on the peripheral edge of said corner element
is selected from the group consisting of female joint
member and male joint member.


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3. A corner element as defined in claim 2, wherein the
joint member on the peripheral edge of said corner element
includes either one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
4. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein each
said backing members includes a joint member capable of
interlocking engagement in a plane with a complementary
joint member of another element of the puzzle, whereby
allowing to build up a wall of the structure.
5. A corner element as defined in claim 4, wherein the
joint member on each said backing members is selected from
the group consisting of female joint member and male joint
member.
6. A corner element as defined in claim 5, wherein the
joint member on each said backing members includes either
one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.

7. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein said
first and second backing members are capable of mutual
interlocking engagement upon acquisition of said non-planar
relationship.

8. A corner element as defined in claim 7, wherein said
first and second backing members include complementary


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tenon and mortise joint members at said hinge area, said
tenon and mortise joint members engaging one another when
said first and second backing members acquire said
non-planar relationship.
9. A corner element as defined in claim 1, further
comprising means for locking said first and second backing
members in a non-planar relationship.
10. A corner element as defined in claim 1, further
comprising:
- third and fourth generally planar backing members
bonded in a face-to-face relationship to said sheet of
flexible material, said third and fourth backing members
being hingedly joined to said first and second backing
elements by the intermediary of said sheet of flexible
material, whereby said third and fourth backing members
are capable of acquiring a generally co-planar
relationship when said first and second backing members
are set in a predetermined non-planar angular
relationship.
11. A corner element as defined in claim 10, wherein said
third and fourth backing members are capable of
interlocking engagement upon acquisition of said co-planar
relationship to lock said first and second backing members
in said predetermined non-planar angular relationship.



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12. A corner element as defined in claim 11, wherein said
third and fourth backing members include complementary
joint member; interlocking together when said third and
fourth backing members acquire said co-planar relationship.
13. A corner element as defined in claim 10, wherein
either one of said first and second backing members and
either one of said third and fourth backing members include
complementary tenon and mortise joint members engaging one
another when said third and fourth backing members acquire
said co-planar relationship.
14. A corner element as defined in claim 13, wherein said
sheet of flexible material is a lithographic film.
15. A corner element as defined in claim 13, wherein said
sheet of flexible material is adhesively bonded with to
said backing members.
16. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein said
backing members are made of polymeric foam.
17. A blank of a corner element for use in a puzzle that
constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of
a structure, said blank comprising:
- first and second generally planar backing members;


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- an intermediate member between said first and second
backing members;
- a sheet of flexible material bonded to said first
and second backing members in a face-to-face relationship
therewith, said intermediate member being removable from
said blank to form between said first and second backing
members a hinge area, whereby said first and second backing
members are capable of acquiring a non-planar angular
relationship by bending movement of said sheet of flexible
material at said hinge area;
- a peripheral edge of said blank including at least
one joint member capable of interlocking engagement with a
complementary joint member of another element of the
puzzle; and
- said blank also including an image-bearing surface
that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure.
18. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein the joint
member on the peripheral edge of said blank is selected
from the group consisting of female joint member and male
joint member.


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19. A blank as defined in claim 18, wherein the joint
member on the peripheral edge of said blank includes either
one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
20. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein each said
backing members includes a joint member capable of
interlocking engagement in a plane with a complementary
joint member of another element of the puzzle, whereby
allowing to build up a wall of the structure.
21. A blank as defined in claim 20, wherein the joint
member on each said backing members is selected from the
group consisting of female joint member and male joint
member.
22. A blank as defined in claim 21, wherein the joint
member on each said backing member includes either one of
a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
23. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said first and
second backing members are capable of mutual interlocking
engagement upon acquisition of said non-planar
relationship.
24. A blank as defined in claim 23, wherein said first and
second backing members include complementary tenon and
mortise joint members at said hinge area, said tenon and


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mortise joint members engaging one another when said first
and second backing members acquire said non-planar
relationship.
25. A blank as defined in claim 17, further comprising
means for locking said first and second backing members in
a non-planar relationship.
26. A blank as defined in claim 17, further comprising:
- third and fourth generally planar backing members;
- an intermediate element between said third and
fourth backing members, said sheet of flexible material
being bonded in a face-to-face relationship to said third
and fourth backing members and to said intermediate
element, said intermediate element being removable from
said blank to form a hinge zone between said first and
second backing members and said third and fourth backing
members, whereby allowing said third and fourth backing
members to acquire a generally co-planar relationship by
bending movement of said flexible sheet at said hinge zone
when said first and second backing members are set in a
predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
27. A blank as defined in claim 26, wherein said third
and fourth backing members are capable of interlocking
engagement upon acquisition of said co-planar relationship


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to lock said first and second backing members in said
predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
28. A blank as defined in claim 27, wherein said third
and fourth backing members include complementary joint
members interlocking together when said third and fourth
backing members acquire said co-planar relationship.
29. A blank as defined in claim 26, wherein either one of
said first and second backing members and either one of
said third and fourth backing members include
complementary tenon and mortise joint members engaging
one another when said third and fourth backing members
acquire said co-planar relationship.
30. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is a lithographic film.
31. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is adhesively bonded with to said first
and second backing members and to said intermediate
member.
32. A blank as defined in claim 26, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is adhesively bonded with to said third
and fourth backing members and to said intermediate
element.


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33. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said third and
fourth backing members and said intermediate element are
made of polymeric foam.
34. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said
intermediate member includes a visual queue to assist a
user locating said intermediate member.
35. A puzzle game for assembly into a three-dimensional
structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the
structure, each said wall pieces including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure;
- a corner piece for establishing a union between said
first and second walls, said corner piece including:
a) first and second generally planar backing
members;
b) a sheet of flexible material bonded to said
first and second backing members in a face-to-face
relationship therewith, said first and second backing
members including respective peripheral edge portions in


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a spaced apart relationship defining therebetween a hinge
area, whereby said backing members are capable of acquiring
a corner configuration by bending movement of said sheet of
flexible material at said hinge area;
c) a peripheral edge of said corner piece
including a first joint member capable of interlocking
engagement with a complementary joint member of a wall
piece from said first set in order to unite said corner
piece with said first wall, and a second joint member
capable of interlocking engagement with a complementary
joint member of a wall piece from said second set in order
to unite said corner piece with said second wall; and
d) said corner piece including an image-bearing
surface that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure,
whereby upon assembly of said pieces the image-bearing
surfaces thereof uniting visually to provide image
continuity over said first wall, said second wall and said
corner piece.
36. A puzzle game for assembly into a three-dimensional
structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the


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structure, each said wall pieces including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure;
- a blank of corner piece for use in establishing a
union between said first and second walls, said blank
including:
a) first and second generally planar backing
members;
b) an intermediate member between said first and
second backing members;
c) a sheet of flexible material bonded to said
first and second backing members in a face-to-face
relationship therewith, said intermediate member being
removable from said blank to form between said first and
second backing members a hinge area, whereby said first and
second backing members are capable of acquiring a
non-planar angular relationship by bending movement of said
sheet of flexible material at said hinge area in order to
form said corner piece;
d) a peripheral edge of said blank including a
first joint member capable of interlocking engagement with
a complementary joint member of a wall piece from said
first set in order to unite said corner piece with said
first wall, and a second joint member capable of
interlocking engagement with a complementary joint member


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of a wall piece from said second set in order to unite said
corner piece with said second wall; and
d) said blank including an image-bearing surface
that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure,
whereby upon assembly of said pieces the image-bearing
surfaces thereof uniting visually to provide image
continuity over said first wall, said second wall and said
corner piece.
37. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein said
hinge area includes a pair of hinge lines along which said
sheet of flexible material can alternatively fold when said
first and second backing members are brought to a
non-planar configuration.
38. A corner element as defined in claim 37, further
comprising a visual queue specifying to a user a
predetermined fold line along which said sheet of flexible
material is to be folded when said first and second backing
members are brought to a non-planar configuration.
39. A corner element as defined in claim 38, wherein said
visual queue is a mark on said lithographic film.
40. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein said
first and second backing members define therebetween an


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elongated channel forming said hinge area, said elongated
channel having generally parallel side walls.
41. A blank as defined in claim 17, comprising a visual
queue indicating to the user to fold said sheet of
flexible material along a predetermined one of at least
two possible fold lines located in said hinge area, in
order to bring said first and second backing members in a
non-planar configuration.
42. A blank as defined in claim 41, wherein said visual
queue is a mark on said sheet of flexible material.
43. A corner element as defined in claim 1, wherein said
sheet of flexible material constitutes said image bearing
surface.
44. A blank as defined in claim 17, wherein said sheet of
flexible material constitutes said image bearing surface.


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45. A corner element of a puzzle that constitutes a
three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure, said
corner element comprising:
- a first and second generally planar backing members;
- a peripheral edge of said corner element including
at least one joint member capable of interlocking
engagement with a complementary joint member of another
element of the puzzle;
- said corner element also including an image-bearing
surface that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure,
characterized in that it comprises a single sheet of
flexible material bonded to said first and second backing
members in a face-to-face relationship therewith, said
first and second backing members including respective
opposite peripheral edge portions which, when said backing
members are in coplanar position, are located in parallel
planes spaced apart at a distance that is equal or exceeds
the thickness of the backing material, said sheet of
flexible material thereby defining between said edge
portions a hinge area, whereby said backing members are
capable of acquiring a non-planar angular relationship by
bending movement of said sheet of flexible material at said
hinge area;


-35-

46. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein the
joint member on the peripheral edge of said corner element
is selected from the group consisting of female joint
member and male joint member.
47. A corner element as defined in claim 46, wherein the
joint member on the peripheral edge of said corner element
includes either one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
48. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein each
said backing members includes a joint member capable of
interlocking engagement in a plane with a complementary
joint member of another element of the puzzle, whereby
allowing to build up a wall of the structure.
49. A corner element as defined in claim 48, wherein the
joint member on each said backing members is selected from
the group consisting of female joint member and male joint
member.
50. A corner element as defined in claim 49, wherein the
joint member on each said backing members includes either
one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
51. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein said
first and second backing members are capable of mutual


-36-

interlocking engagement upon acquisition of said non-planar
relationship.
52. A corner element as defined in claim 51, wherein said
first and second backing members include complementary
tenon and mortise joint members at said hinge area, said
tenon and mortise joint members engaging one another when
said first and second backing members acquire said
non-planar relationship.
53. A corner element as defined in claim 45, further
comprising means for locking said first and second backing
members in a non-planar relationship.
54. A corner element as defined in claim 45, further
comprising:
- third and fourth generally planar backing members
bonded in a face-to-face relationship to said sheet of
flexible material, said third and fourth backing members
being hingedly joined to said first and second backing
elements by the intermediary of said sheet of flexible
material, whereby said third and fourth backing members are
capable of acquiring a generally co-planar relationship
when said first and second backing members are set in a
predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
55. A corner element as defined in claim 54, wherein said


-37-

third and fourth backing members are capable of
interlocking engagement upon acquisition of said co-planar
relationship to lock said first and second backing members
in said predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
56. A corner element as defined in claim 55, wherein said
third and fourth backing members include complementary
joint members interlocking together when said third and
fourth backing members acquire said co-planar relationship.
57. A corner element as defined in claim 54, wherein
either one of said first and second backing members and
either one of said third and fourth backing members include
complementary tenon and mortise joint members engaging one
another when said third and fourth backing members acquire
said co-planar relationship.
58. A corner element as defined in claim 57, wherein said
sheet of flexible material is a lithographic film.
59. A corner element as defined in claim 57, wherein said
sheet of flexible material is adhesively bonded with to
said backing members.
60. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein said
backing members are made of polymeric foam.



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61. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein said
hinge area includes a pair of hinge lines along which said
sheet of flexible material can alternatively fold when said
first and second backing members are brought to a
non-planar configuration.
62. A corner element as defined in claim 61, further
comprising a visual queue specifying to a user a
predetermined fold line along which said sheet of flexible
material is to be folded when said first and second backing
members are brought to a non-planar configuration.
63. A corner element as defined in claim 62, wherein said
visual queue is a mark on said lithographic film.
64. A corner element as defined in claim 45, wherein said
first and second backing members define therebetween an
elongated channel forming said hinge area, said elongated
channel having generally parallel side walls.
65. A blank of a corner element for use in a puzzle that
constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of
a structure, said blank comprising:
- first and second generally planar backing members;
- an intermediate member between said first and second
backing members;
- a sheet of flexible material bonded to said first


-39-
and second backing members in a face-to-face relationship
therewith, said intermediate member being removable from
said blank to form between said first and second backing
members a hinge area, whereby said first and second backing
members are capable of acquiring a non-planar angular
relationship by bending movement of said sheet of flexible
material at said hinge area;
- a peripheral edge of said blank including at least
one joint member capable of interlocking engagement with a
complementary joint member of another element of the
puzzle; and
- said blank also including an image-bearing surface
that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure.
66. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein the joint
member on the peripheral edge of said blank is selected
from the group consisting of female joint member and male
joint member.
67. A blank as defined in claim 66, wherein the joint
member on the peripheral edge of said blank includes either
one of a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
68. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein each said
backing members includes a joint member capable of
interlocking engagement in a plane with a complementary


-40-
joint member of another element of the puzzle, whereby
allowing to build up a wall of the structure.
69. A blank as defined in claim 68, wherein the joint
member on each said backing members is selected from the
group consisting of female joint member and male joint
member.
70. A blank as defined in claim 69, wherein the joint
member on each said backing members includes either one of
a flaring tenon and tapered mortise.
71. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein said first and
second backing members are capable of mutual interlocking
engagement upon acquisition of said non-planar
relationship.
72. A blank as defined in claim 67, wherein said first and
second backing members include complementary tenon and
mortise joint members at said hinge area, said tenon and
mortise joint members engaging one another when said first
and second backing members acquire said non-planar
relationship.
73. A blank as defined in claim 65, further comprising
means for locking said first and second backing members in
a non-planar relationship.


-41-
74. A blank as defined in claim 65, further comprising:
- third and fourth generally planar backing members;
- an intermediate element between said third and
fourth backing members, said sheet of flexible material
being bonded in a face-to-face relationship to said third
and fourth backing members and to said intermediate
element, said intermediate element being removable from
said blank to form a hinge zone between said first and
second backing members and said third and fourth backing
members, whereby allowing said third and fourth backing
members to acquire a generally co-planar relationship by
bending movement of said flexible sheet at said hinge zone
when said first and second backing members are set in a
predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
75. A blank as defined in claim 74, wherein said third and
fourth backing members are capable of interlocking
engagement upon acquisition of said co-planar relationship
to lock said first and second backing members in said
predetermined non-planar angular relationship.
76. A blank as defined in claim 75, wherein said third and
fourth backing members include complementary joint members
interlocking together when said third and fourth backing
members acquire said co-planar relationship.
77. A blank as defined in claim 74, wherein either one of


-42-
said first and second backing members and either one of
said third and fourth backing members include complementary
tenon and mortise joint members engaging one another when
said third and fourth backing members acquire said
co-planar relationship.
78. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is a lithographic film.
79. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is adhesively bonded with to said first
and second backing members and to said intermediate member.
80. A blank as defined in claim 78, wherein said sheet of
flexible material is adhesively bonded with to said third
and fourth backing members and to said intermediate
element.
81. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein said third and
fourth backing members and said intermediate element are
made of polymeric foam.
82. A blank as defined in claim 65, wherein said
intermediate member includes a visual queue to assist a
user locating said intermediate member.
83. A puzzle game for assembly into a three-dimensional


-43-
structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the
structure, each said wall pieces including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure;
and
- corner pieces, according to anyone of claims 45 to
64, for establishing a union between said first and second
walls.
84. A puzzle game for assembly into a three-dimensional
structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the
structure, each said wall pieces including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure;
and


-44-
- blanks of corner piece, according to anyone of
claims 65 to 82, for use in establishing a union between
said first and second walls.

Description

r
2~ 2~~~ 3
- 1 -
~T~ THRF'sE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE GAME
The present invention relates to amusement devices,
more particularly i~o a puzzle game consisting of a
multitude of irregularly shaped pieces that are fitted
together to form a three-dimensional pictorial
representation of a structure such as a building-like
structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A puzzle game is a well-known amusement device that
tests the in~~enuity and patience of the player. With
commonplace ~~uzzle games, the player is required to
correctly fit together a collection of small planar pieces.
Each piece has an image-bearing surface constituting an
individual pictorial entity. When the various pieces of
the puzzle are correctly combined, the pictorial entities
visually unite to form a large complete image. These types
of puzzle games have a bi-dimensional character because all
the pieces arE~ interlocked in a co-planar relationship and
the resulting assemblage is flat.
To incre<~se the satisfaction and pleasure derived from
a puzzle game, toy manufacturers have developed in the past
recent years puzzle games providing a three-
,:,<




2~ 224 3
- 2 -
dimensional pictorial representation of a building-like
structure. Such puzzle games include wall pieces that are
interlocked in a planar configuration through dovetail
joints to forrr~ the walls of the building. The walls are
joined to one anothe~_~ at the corners of the building by
straight tenor and mortise joints that allow the wall
pieces on either sidca of a corner to be united at right
angle. The building walls are erected and stand on a
horizontal bare that is assembled from a plurality of
interlocked base pieces.
The pieces of three-dimensional puzzle games are
usually manufz~ctured from polymeric foam backing having
the density arid thickness dimension required for bearing
the weight of the building-like structure. The foam
backing is laminated with lithographic film providing each
puzzle piece with an image-bearing surface.
A critical element of a three-dimensional puzzle game
is the ability of the: planar pieces to unite at in a non-
planar configuration to form corners. Prior art designs
rely on the frictional engagement between a straight tenor
and a conforming mortise to interlock the pieces into a
corner configuration and prevent unwanted separation that
may cause the erected puzzle structure to collapse. When
the puzzle pieces are fresh the dimensional tolerances are
close to nominal values which makes possible to attain a




21 2~2~ 3
- 3 -
comparatively tight fit at the corner joints. Accordingly,
the level of frictional engagement tenon/mortise is high
enough to pr~went unintended corner joints separation.
However, over time, the fit tenon/mortise may loosen as a
result of successive assembly/disassembly of the puzzle
parts, or ch;~nges a.n the polymeric foam due to aging.
Consequently, the puzzle structure is no longer
structurally sound and may partially or totally collapse
when subjected to a small accidental impact.
OBJECTS AND S'.~ATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is a new corner
element for u;~e in a three-dimensional puzzle game.
Another object of the invention is an improved puzzle
game utilizin~3 the a:Eorementioned corner element.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the
invention provides a corner (for the purpose of this
specification "corner" means the region of the angle formed
between two non co-planar surfaces that may be at right
angle or at any other non-planar angular relationship)
element of a puzzle that constitutes a three-dimensional
pictorial representation of a structure (for the purpose of
this specification ";structure" is intended to encompass a




21 2424 3
- 4 -
constructed edifice, the immediate surroundings of same
such as the garden, fences and monuments, among others) as
well as any other type of structures such as famous
monuments, pyramids, train stations, etc., said corner
element comprusing:
- first and second generally planar backing members;
- a sheet of flexible material bonded to said first
and second ba~~king members in a face-to-face relationship
therewith, said first. and second backing members including
respective peripheral edge portions in a spaced apart
relationship defining therebetween a hinge area, whereby
said backing members are capable of acquiring a non-planar
angular relationship by bending movement of said sheet of
flexible material at said hinge area;
- a peripheral edge of said corner element including
at least on.e joint member capable of interlocking
engagement with a complementary joint member of another
element of thE~ puzzle; and
- said corner element also including an image-bearing
surface that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the building
structure.
Most preferably, the peripheral edges of the corner
element are provided with one or more joint members capable
of interlocking engagement with complementary joint members




21 2424 3
- 5 -
of the wall pieces of the puzzle in order to unite the
corner element to the planar walls of the structure. The
joint members have a male/female configuration.
It will he apparent that this corner construction is
significantly more ;stable and resistant than prior art
designs. Unlike the approach which relies solely on the
frictional engagement between straight tenon/mortise joints
to create a structural union between the walls of the
building-like structure, a hinge joint provides a
continuous sheet of flexible material over the corner area
of the puzzle. Hence, such joint is unlikely to suffer
from unintended separation in use.
It is preferred to provide the corner element with an
agency for p~~sitively maintaining the first and second
backing members in the corner configuration and preventing
them to fold back to the planar arrangement. In one
embodiment, the agency is constituted by an additional pair
of backing members bonded to the sheet of flexible material
and capable ~~f mutual interlocking engagement in a co-
planar relationship when the first and second backing
members assume the corner arrangement. Once interlocked,
the additional pair of backing members preclude the first
and second backing members from acquiring their original
planar relati~~nship.




21 242 3
- 6 -
As embodied and broadly described herein, the
invention provides a blank (for the purpose of this
specification "blank" means a semifinished product that the
user must alter in order to provide a functional corner
element) of ~~ corner element for use in a puzzle that
constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of
a structure, ;paid blank comprising:
- first and second generally planar backing members;
- an intermediate member between said first and second
backing members;
- a sheet of flexible material bonded to said first
and second ba~~king members in a face-to-face relationship
therewith, said intermediate member being removable from
said blank to form between said first and second backing
members a hinge area, whereby said first and second backing
members are capable of acquiring a non-planar angular
relationship by bending movement of said sheet of flexible
material at said hinge area;
- a peripheral edge of said blank including at least
one joint memx~er capable of interlocking engagement with a
complementary joint member of another element of the
puzzle; and
- said blank also including an image-bearing surface
that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing t;o a complete representation of the structure.




21 242 3
Most pr~~ferabl~y, the blank is manufactured by
laminating a aheet of backing material, such as polymeric
foam to a layer of lithographic film providing the image-
bearing surface of the corner element. The backing
material is d:ie-cut at controlled depth to form the first
and second bac~.king members in a spaced apart relationship,
with a waste strip th~erebetween. The die-cutting operation
is performed without affecting the integrity of the
lithographic film. F~rior to assembling the puzzle pieces,
the user is required to peel off the waste strip in order
to form the hinge area between the first and second backing
members, so the corner element can be folded.
As embodied a.nd broadly described herein, the
invention als~~ provides a puzzle game for assembly into a
three-dimensional structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second sei~ of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the
structure, each said wall pieces including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing t,o a complete representation of the structure;
~~s




21 242' 3
_8_
- a corner piece for establishing a union between said
first and second walls, said corner piece including:
a) first .and second generally planar backing
members;
b ) ~~ sheet of flexible material bonded to said
first and sE~cond backing members in a face-to-face
relationship therewith, said first and second backing
members including rea~pective peripheral edge portions in a
spaced apart relationship defining therebetween a hinge
area, whereby said backing members are capable of acquiring
a corner configuration by bending movement of said sheet of
flexible material at said hinge area;
c) a per:epheral edge of said corner piece
including a first joint member capable of interlocking
engagement with a complementary joint member of a wall
piece from said first set in order to unite said corner
piece with said first wall, and a second joint member
capable of interloclcing engagement with a complementary
joint member of a wall piece from said second set in order
to unite said corner piece with said second wall; and
d) said corner piece including an image-bearing
surface that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing t,o a complete representation of the structure,
whereby upon assembly of said pieces the image-bearing
surfaces thereof Uniting visually to provide image
continuity over said first wall, said second wall and said
corner piece.
,'-.:




21 2424 3
_ g -
As embodied and broadly described herein, the
invention also provides a puzzle game for assembly into a
three-dimensional structure including:
- a first set of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a ~~lane to form a first wall of the
structure;
- a second set: of planar wall pieces capable of
interlocking in a plane to form a second wall of the
structure, each said wall piece including an image-bearing
surface constituting an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the structure;
- a blank of corner piece for use in establishing a
union between said first and second walls, said blank
including:
a) first and second generally planar backing
members;
b) an intexvmediate member between said first and
second backing members ;
c) a sheet of flexible material bonded to said
first and second backing members in a face-to-face
relationship therewith, said intermediate member being
removable from said blank to form between said first and
second backin<~ members a hinge




-10- X124243
area, whereby said first and second backing members are
capable of acquiring a non-planar angular relationship by
bending movement of said sheet of flexible material at
said hinge area in order to form said corner piece;
d) a peripheral edge of said blank including a
first joint member capable of interlocking engagement with
a complementary joint member of a wall piece from said
first set in order to unite said corner piece with said
first wall, and a second joint member capable of
interlocking engagement with a complementary joint member
of a wall piece from, said second set in order to unite
said corner piece with said second wall; and
d) said blank including an image-bearing surface
that constitutes an individual pictorial entity
contributing to a complete representation of the building-
like structure:, wherE~by upon assembly of said pieces the
image-bearing surfaces thereof uniting visually to provide
image continuity over said first wall, said second wall
and said cornea piece:.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a puzzle game in
accordance with the invention shown in the partially
assembled condition;




21 2424 3
- 11 -
- Figure 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of a
corner element in a planar condition of the three-
dimensional puzzle game shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the corner
element shown in Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines
4 - 4 in Figux-e 3 ;
- Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the corner element
of Figures 1 to 4, shown in the folded condition, i.e.
forming an angle;
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines
4 - 4, the coz:ner element being in folded condition; and
- Figure 7 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of
the corner element in accordance with a variant.
DESCRIPTION 01? PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides a corner element for
use in a puzzle game that is a three-dimensional pictorial
representation of a structure such as a three-dimensional
building-like structure or any other structures. An exam-
ple of such puzzle game is shown in Figure 1. When fully




- 12 - 2~ 2424 3
assembled the puzzle game presents the three-dimensional
image of a house.
The puzzle game 10 includes two main parts, namely a
constructed edifice 1.2 (shown in the partially assembled
condition) and a horizontal base 14 supporting the
edifice. The base 14 is made up of a plurality of base
pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, etc., capable of interlocking in a
plane. In a most preferred embodiment, the interlocking
engagement is ~~chieved by fitting the base pieces together
by dovetail-type joints that feature a flaring tenon
fitting into a conforming mortise. Similarly, the edifice
construction 1.2 is made from a plurality of wall pieces
12a, 12b, 12c,, etc., fitted together with dovetail-type
joints to form walls.
The present invention provides a corner element 16
suitable as a transition piece between adjacent vertical
walls of the edifice construction 12. With reference to
Figures 2 to 6, the corner element 16 includes a plurality
of panels than assume a non-planar angular relationship
and interlocl~ with wall pieces forming adjacent
perpendicular walls of the edifice construction 12. More
particularly, the corner element 16 comprises a set of
discrete backing members 18, 20, 22 and 24 in the form of
planar blocks of relatively rigid polymeric foam-like
material that is approximately a quarter of an inch thick.




-13- 2124243
The polymeric foam should possess a sufficient rigidity
and density in order to adequately bear the weight of the
constructed edifice 12. The backing members 18, 20, 22
and 24 are bonded in a face-to-face relationship to a
lithographic film 26 constituting an image-bearing surface
of the corner element 16. The image bearing surface is a
pictorial entity that. cooperates visually with the image
bearing surfaces of adjoining puzzle pieces to construct
the image of the external surface of the house 12 or any
other buildings-like structure represented by the puzzle
game. In the example shown, the lithographic film bears
the image of a brick wall.
As discussed in greater detail later, the
lithographic film 26 also provides a hinge function by
locally bendin~~ when i~he backing members 18, 20, 22 and 24
move angularly one rE~lative to the other. In selecting
the material Eor use: as the lithographic film 26, the
flexibility characteristics of such material become an
important factor so that the lithographic film 26 can
adequately perform the function of a hinge without
prematurely cracking or tearing.
The periplheral edge portions 28 and 30 of the backing
elements 18 and 20 <~re in a spaced apart relationship
defining therelbetween a linear hinge area. The hinge area
enables the backing elements 18 and 20 to pivot about an




-14- 2124243
axis 32(shown with dashed lines) as a result of a folding
movement of tree lithographic film 26 at the hinge area,
in order to a~aume a corner configuration. The contours
of the peripheral edge portions 28 and 30 define a series
of complementary straight tenon and mortise joint members
32 and 34. When the backing members 18 and 20 gradually
pivot about hinge line 32, the tenon and mortise joint
members 30 and 32 progressively interpenetrate one another
until full engagement: which is achieved when the backing
members 18 and 20 are orthogonal.
The backing elements 22 and 24 have a special
function. They serve the purpose of locking the corner
element 16 in the folded condition and preclude the main
backing elements 18 and 20 from acquiring their original
planar relationship. The backing elements 22 and 24 are
vertically sp~~ced from backing elements 18 and 20 to
provide sufficient clearance allowing the backing elements
22 and 24 to pivot about a horizontal hinge line 36 by
folding movement of the lithographic film 26. Peripheral
edge interlocking between the main backing members 18 and
20, and the ba~~king members 22 and 24 is achieved by a set
of straight t~~non and mortise joint members 38 and 40,
similar to joint members 32 and 34.




~~~4~43
- 15 -
The backing members 22 and 24 are capable of
interlocking engagement in a co-planar relationship by
virtue of a flared tenon 42 and a conforming mortise 44.
The procEass for assembling the corner element 16
consists of pivoting the main backing members 18 and 20
about hinge line 32 in order to bring the mating edges of
the backing elements 22 and 24 in adjacency. The flared
tenon 42 is then inserted in the tapered mortise 44. When
the interlocking engagement is completed, the backing
members 22 and 24 are in a co-planar engagement. At this
stage, the backing members are orthogonal to one another
with the tenon and mortise joint members 32 and 43 fully
engaged. Similarly, the backing members 22 and 24 lay at
right angle to main backing members 18 and 20 and the
tenon and mortise joint members 38 and 40 are interlocked.
To enable the corner element 16 to mate with the wall
pieces of the construction edifice 12, the periphery of
the backing members 18 and 20 are provided with the
appropriate number of male and/or female joint members 46.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
exact number o~f joint. members 46 for fitting wall pieces
to the corner element, 16, their precise location as well
as their gender (tenon or mortise) is dictated by the
specific application.




21 2424 3
- 16 -
In use, the corner element 16 is placed in the upright
position with the backing members 22 and 24 forming the
base. Wall pieces a:re then connected to the periphery of
the backing members 1.3 and 20 to build up two perpendicular
walls. The images printed or otherwise impressed on the
lithographic films c>f the corner element 16 and on the
various wall pieces a:re related in such a way as to provide
image continuity over the wall surface. Hence, an observer
will perceivE~ a continuous image, a brick wall for
instance, by looking at the exposed surface of the
construction Edifice 12.
The method for manufacturing the puzzle game in
accordance with the invention consists of designing the
laminated film. 26 to provide a bi-dimensional image of the
outer surface of the structure. The lithographic film is
then adhesive:Ly bonded to a sheet of foam backing. The
resulting lamination is die-cut to form in a single
operation all the pieces of the puzzle game. The die-
cutting of the corn.=r elements 16 involves the step of
making cuttin!~ lines in the backing material to form the
internal peripheral edges of the backing members 18, 20, 22
and 24, contoured to provide the straight tenon and mortise
joint members 32/34 and 38/40. This cutting operation is
performed at a controlled depth in order to completely
sever the baclting material without, however affecting the
integrity of the lithographic film 26 within




21 2424 3
- 17 -
the boundaries of the corner element 16. The resulting
corner element 16 is only a semifinished piece because the
crossing striX~s of backing material (not shown in the
drawings) between the: backing members 18, 20, 22 and 24
(extending along the hinge lines 32 and 36) preclude any
hinge function.. To render the corner element 16 fully
functional, those strips must be peeled-off from the
lithographic film 26 to provide the necessary clearance
along the hinge lines. In order to allow the removal of
those waste strips, the adhesive used to bond the backing
material and the lithographic film should have the
appropriate release properties. It should be pointed out
that after thsa removal of the waste strip the adhesive
remaining on the lithographic film can to some degree bond
with the peripheral edge of the backing member that
occupies the place of the waste strip when the corner
element 16 is folded. This feature is best shown in
Figure 6. The peripheral edge 50 of the backing member 18
engages the portion 52 of the lithographic film that
previously was bonded to the waste strip. The adhesive
bond between the peripheral edge 50 and the lithographic
film portion 5.2, albeait weak, contributes to retain the
backing members 18 and 20 in the corner configuration.
To facilitate the identification of the waste strips
that the user reeds to remove from the semifinished corner
element, they rnay be g~rovided with a visual queue, such as




_ i8 _ 21 2424 3
a contrasting colour applied uniformly or as a pattern, or
indicia in the form of combination of letters forming an
intelligible message of the type "PEEL HERE", for
instance. The visual queue is applied by printing, silk
screening or any other appropriate process.
A variant of the corner element 16 is shown in Figure
7. The difference with the previous embodiment resides in
the absence of interlocking engagement between the backing
members. The vertical hinge line 46 and the horizontal
hinge line (not shown in the drawings) are provided by
forming between the backing members parallel walled
channels 48 having a width A that is equal or exceeds the
thickness of the backing material. It should be noted the
backing member: can be: brought to the corner configuration
by bending the lithographic film along either one of two
possible fold lines A and B shown in the drawings. In
order to specify which fold line the user should make in
order to properly assemble the corner element, a visual
queue 54 is printed on the lithographic film in the hinge
area 46. Such visual queue is in the form of arrows
pointing toward the correct fold line (line B in the
example shown).. The visual queue 54 is normally hidden by
the waste strip and becomes visible only when the latter
is removed from the lithographic film 26.




-19- 2124243
This variant is manufactured as described earlier in
connection with the corner element 16 except that the
pattern for cutting the inner peripheral edges of the
backing members is changed.
In a further variant (not shown in the drawings) the
backing members 22 and 24 provided for retaining the main
backing members 18 and 20 in the folded condition, may be
dispensed with. In this embodiment, the interlocking
engagement with adjoining wall pieces maintains the corner
element in the folded condition.
In a yet <~nother variant (not shown in the drawings)
the corner element i.s designed to form a multi-corner
structure when assembled. For example a two-corner unit
is provided by laminating the lithographic film with three
backing members in a spaced apart relationship forming
therebetween two hinge areas. This embodiment is
particularly suitable for elevated tower structures in the
puzzle game. A complete section of the tower structure,
which is say aquare in cross-section, thus having four
walls joined at right angles could be made from a single
piece having five (5) horizontally aligned backing members
forming between them four vertical hinges that materialize
the corners of the tower section. The three intermediate
backing members have a width corresponding to the




-2~- 2124243
transverse dimension of a tower wall. The backing members
forming the ends of the tower section are designed to
interlock by mE:ans of a male/female joint members in order
to close the ends of tower section. The tower of the
puzzle game is erected by stacking several assembled tower
sections one on top of the other. The stacked sections
interlock by complementary male/female joints.
The corner piece in accordance with the invention can
be modified and refined to suit specific applications,
without depariting from the spirit of the invention.
Therefore, the above description of invention should not
be interpreted in any limiting matter. The scope of the
invention is defined in the appended claims and their
equivalents.

Representative Drawing