WO2012050551A1

WO2012050551A1 - Puzzle bands

Info

Publication number: WO2012050551A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/052139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnold E. Bailey Jr.
Original assignee: Bailey Jr Arnold E
Priority date: 2010-10-11
Filing date: 2010-10-11
Publication date: 2012-04-19

Abstract

Puzzle bands 1, 2, 3 are made from stretchable material formed into various pre-selected shapes, each having a central opening 6, and they provide dual functions. First, their dimensions allow them to be worn for adornment of a body part, such as a wrist, ankle, upper arm, finger, toe, or ear. However, their configurations also allow them to become part of an assembled puzzle 4, 4', 4" in their non-stretched state, whether used solely with other puzzle bands 1, 2, 3, or in combination with other types of puzzle pieces 7. Protrusions 5a, indentations 5b, and curvature 5c integral to the configurations of puzzle bands 1 2, 3 assist in their assembly to one another to form an object, pictorial representation, or message. Once one or more puzzle bands 1 2, 3 are assembled together, or used with other types of puzzle pieces 7, adjacent connections in the resulting object, pictorial representation, or message may be fully interlocking, non-interlocking, or a blend thereof.

Description

PUZZLE BANDS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This invention relates to the fields of jigsaw puzzle pieces and decorative wristbands, specifically to puzzle bands that can provide the dual functions of personal adornment and mind-challenging jigsaw puzzle entertainment. Present invention puzzle bands are made from stretchable material that allows their perimeter configuration to be temporarily enlarged, as needed, for placement over a body part. However, when the personal adornment function is complete, the stretchable material employed also allows recovery of the original non-stretched state after each expansion, so that non-stretched puzzle bands can be assembled repeatedly with others also in their non-stretched state, and/or with other types of puzzle pieces, to create various pre-selected shapes and designs. Each present invention puzzle band has a centrally-located opening and dimensions that allow them to be worn in association with a body part, such as but not limited to a wrist, ankle, upper arm, finger, toe, or ear. Also, protrusions, indentations, and curvature integral to the perimeter configuration of present invention puzzle bands assist in forming needed associations with one another, or with other types of puzzle pieces, that result in assembled puzzles.

[002] One option is for assembled puzzles to be constructed only from various shapes and sizes of puzzle bands, with each forming an integral piece of a picture, object, shape, word, message, logo, face, or other design created as a 2-dimensional mosaic or in outline form, including tessellations. In the alternative, one or more present invention puzzle bands can be employed with other types of puzzle pieces to form a wider variety of assembled puzzles, including those noted immediately hereinabove for puzzle bands, but also including box- like, contoured, and another types of raised, and/or 3 -dimensional construction. In addition, when present invention puzzle bands become part of an assembled puzzle having a 3 -dimensional configuration, all or a part of the assembled puzzle may create a puzzle box configured for storage of at least one puzzle band (or other items), and/or the assembled puzzle may include an individual puzzle piece configured to provide cached storage of one or more puzzle bands.

BACKGROUND ART

[003] People are in the habit of wearing one or more wristbands made from colored plastic, silicone, or rubber material that have a message written on them. The messages often relate to health, and display a message, logo, or slogan relating to a disease for which a cure is desired, such as cancer. Others display a school name, the name of an organization, or a simple message such as 'Joy', 'Happiness', and the like. Another type of wristband in common use is stretchable and worn by children and adults alike, but is mostly seen on children. When such wristbands are expanded and worn about the wrist, they are colorful and appear to simply perform a bracelet-like function. However, when they are removed from the wrist and allowed to regain their original shape, their perimeter configurations may resemble the shape of a zoo animal, pet, race car, truck, ship, airplane, princess, dragon, dinosaur, bird, sea creature, musical instrument, cowboy hat, sports equipment, cartoon character, food item, or other item of interest, which was not evident while it performed the wristband function.

[004] In contrast, while the present invention puzzle bands are made from stretchable material, preferably nylon, silicone, and rubber, but not limited thereto, they have a dual function, not just that of personal adornment. Each has a central opening and a dimension that allows it to be worn in association with a body part, such as but not limited to a wrist, ankle, upper arm, finger, toe, or ear. However, the perimeter configuration of the present invention puzzle bands in their non-stretched state also allows them to become part of an assembled puzzle, which can comprise only puzzle bands, or puzzle bands in combination with other types of puzzle pieces. If pieces in an assembled puzzle are not limited to puzzle bands, it is contemplated for the other types of puzzle pieces to be made from material similar to that used for the puzzle bands (nylon, silicone, rubber, and the like), which would allow the incorporation of interesting and unusual raised-contour puzzle shapes into assembled puzzle design, including 3 -dimensional shapes, and assembled puzzles having a box-like or other 3 -dimensional configuration. Thus, embodiments of assembled puzzles constructed according to the present invention might include a storage compartment for one or more puzzle bands constructed from multiple puzzle pieces, or in the alternative a storage compartment housed within one puzzle piece. Protrusions, indentations, and curvature integral to the perimeter configuration of puzzle bands assist in their assembly to one another to form an enlarged object, pictorial representation, or message. Once two or more puzzle bands are assembled together, or at least one puzzle band is placed in combination with other types of puzzle pieces to form an enlarged object, pictorial representation, or message, adjacent connections may be fully interlocking, non-interlocking, or a blend of interlocking and non-interlocking connections.

[005] Present invention puzzle bands are different from well-known stretchable wristbands that appear simply as a colorful and decorative bracelet when worn, and yet when removed from the body display a perimeter configuration that surprisingly provides an easily- recognized object or shape in its entirety. Thus, while the perimeter design incorporated into each such decorative wristband is readily recognizable, that of the present invention puzzle bands often is not, as it is comprises only a portion of a larger object or pictorial representation, and also may have assembly-assisting protrusions, indentations, and/or curvature that further distort it. One exception is when present invention puzzle bands are assembled with others to form a word or message. Then, each would have the perimeter configuration of one or more stylized alphabet letters, or a part of one, although the shape of a letter, such as the letter "O" might require a skewed shape for puzzle assembly, making it unrecognizable as the letter "O" if viewed apart from the intended word or message (see the letter "O" in the accompanying Fig. 5, as an example). Thus, with use of present invention puzzle bands, a secret/hidden message, object, or pictorial representation appears when multiple present invention puzzle bands are placed together in proper orientation to create it, and is not merely conveyed as a result of the isolated viewing of the perimeter outlines of the individual puzzle bands used for its assembly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[006] It is the primary object of this invention to provide stretchable puzzle bands that can be worn in association with a body part and also assembled together in their non- stretched configurations with one or more additional puzzle bands of similar or dissimilar size, or combined with other types of puzzle pieces to form an enlarged object, pictorial representation, or message. It is also an object of this invention to provide puzzle bands that are made from stretchable material such as nylon, silicone, rubber, and other substances with similar stretching capability that allows recurring expansion for repeated movement over one or more body parts, yet recovery of its original shape in a non-stretched state. A further object of this invention is to provide puzzle bands having a central opening sufficiently large to allow comfortable association with a body part. It is also an object of this invention to provide puzzle bands that are made from non-toxic materials, materials unlikely to cause skin irritation, and chemically resistant materials that do not undergo any premature deterioration as a result of contact with skin oils, sunscreen, skin moisturizers, insect repellant, or skin/hand cleaning products. A further object of this invention is to provide puzzle bands that are made from durable construction that permits frequent stretching and hand-manipulation without premature material deterioration or breakage. It is also an object of this invention to provide puzzle bands that when assembled together, or assembled in combination with other types of puzzle pieces, have adjacent connections that are fully interlocking, non- interlocking, or a blend of interlocking and non-interlocking connections.

[007] The present invention, when properly made and used, provides puzzle bands made from stretchable material that have a dual function. The stretchable materials used are preferably nylon, silicone, or rubber, but are not limited thereto. Each present invention puzzle band has a central opening and sufficient dimension that allows it to be worn comfortably in association with a body part, such as a wrist, ankle, upper arm, finger, toe, or ear. However, the perimeter configuration of each present invention puzzle band also allows it to become part of an assembled puzzle in its non-stretched state, with an assembled puzzle comprising only puzzle bands, or one or more puzzle bands in combination with other types of puzzle pieces. If pieces in an assembled puzzle are not limited to puzzle bands, it is contemplated that the other types of puzzle pieces would be made of material similar to that used for the puzzle bands (nylon, silicone, rubber, and the like), which would allow interesting and unusual raised-contour puzzle shapes, including 3-dimensional shapes and assembled puzzles having a 3-dimensional configuration. As one example of a 3- dimensional configuration, assembled puzzles could provide a storage container for one or more puzzle bands that could otherwise be an integral part of the assembled puzzle. In addition, one or more contoured puzzle pieces used in an assembled puzzle with puzzle bands, may contain a cavity or compartment configured for temporary storage of at least one puzzle band. Protrusions, indentations, and curvature integral to the perimeter configuration of puzzle bands assist in their assembly to one another (or to one or more other puzzle pieces of a different type) to form an enlarged object, pictorial representation, or message, wherein connections between adjacently positioned pieces or puzzle bands can be fully interlocking, non-interlocking, or a blend of interlocking and non-interlocking connections.

[008] The description herein provides preferred embodiments of the present invention but should not be construed as limiting its scope. For example, variations in the number of puzzle bands used to make an assembled puzzle; the size of the puzzle bands forming each assembled puzzle, as long as each puzzle band employed can be used in association with a body part for adornment; the number of other types of puzzle pieces employed with one or more puzzle bands to make an assembled puzzle, if any; the thickness dimension of the material forming the puzzle bands perimeter; the variety of colors used in making the puzzle bands; whether multiple colors are used in the same puzzle band; the expanded size of each puzzle band; and the type of assembly-facilitating connection used for band-to-band association, as well as association of puzzle bands to other types of puzzle pieces; other than those shown and described herein, may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[009] Fig. 1 is a top view of a first preferred embodiment of assembled puzzle formed by three present invention puzzle bands that together form a heart shape, with two of the puzzle bands having similar size, each of which can be used as a band for a wrist, arm, or ankle, and one smaller centrally-located puzzle band which can be used as a ring for a finger or toe, and/or associated with a mount for ear adornment.

[010] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1.

[011] Fig. 3 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[012] Fig. 4 is a top view of a second preferred embodiment of assembled puzzle formed by four present invention puzzle bands of similar size that together form a word or message, each of which can be used as a band for adornment of a wrist, arm, or ankle.

[013] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4.

[014] Fig. 6 is a top view of a third preferred embodiment of assembled puzzle formed by one present invention puzzle bands and ten other puzzle pieces which together form an object, the ten puzzle pieces forming a flower and stem, and the puzzle band forming a leaf connected to the stem, with the puzzle band (depending on its size) being used as a band for adornment of a wrist, arm, or ankle, or if smaller, used as a ring for adornment of a finger, ear, or toe.

[015] Fig. 7 is a side view of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6.

[016] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[017] This invention comprises preferred embodiments of puzzle band members (1,

2, 3) that provide the dual functions of personal adornment and mind-challenging jigsaw puzzle entertainment. They are made from stretchable material that allows their perimeter configuration to be temporarily enlarged, as needed, for placement over a body part (not shown). However, when the personal adornment function is complete, the stretchable material employed also allows repeat recovery of its original non-stretched state after each expansion, so that non-stretched puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) can be assembled with others also in a non-stretched state, and/or with other types of puzzle pieces 7, to create various preselected shapes and designs. Present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) are different from well-known stretchable bracelets that when removed from the body have a perimeter outline instantly providing an easily-recognized object or shape in its entirety. Quite the reverse, present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) only display a perimeter configuration that represents a portion of a larger object or pictorial representation, and is often not readily recognizable as any identifiable shape, even when made in the form of an alphabet letter that becomes part of a word or message, since assembly-assisting protrusions 5a, indentations 5b, and/or non-interlocking curvature 5c can sufficiently stylize and/or skew its perimeter outline to prevent easy identification as a specific letter configuration when viewed alone. Thus, puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) only convey a secret/hidden message, object, or pictorial representation when multiple puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) are placed together in proper orientation to create it, and the isolated viewing of the perimeter outline of one puzzle band member (1, 2, or 3) provides little more than conjecture about the secret/hidden message, object, or pictorial representation that will be ultimately revealed after puzzle assembly is complete.

[018] Present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) each have a central opening and dimensions that allow them to be worn comfortably in association with a body part, such as but not limited to a wrist, ankle, upper arm, finger, toe, or ear. When worn in association with an ear, although not shown in the accompanying illustrations, puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) may be associated with a mount providing clipped or pierced attachment to the ear. Also, assembled puzzles (4, 4') can be constructed only from puzzle band members 1, 2, 3 (a minimum of two), having various shapes and sizes (uniform or different) that are each configured as an integral piece of a picture, object, shape, word, message, logo, face, or any other design created from a 2-dimensional mosaic or in outline form. In the alternative, one or more present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) can be employed with other types of puzzle pieces 7 to form an assembled puzzle 4" via one or more of the following types of construction: outline, solid (with no gaps or overlaps between puzzle pieces), tessellation (such as solid construction comprised of similarly shaped members), box-like, contoured 8, or other type of raised or 3-dimensional construction. Protrusions 5a, indentations 5b, and other complex or simple curvature 5c integral to the perimeter configuration of present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) assist in their assembly to one another, or to other types of puzzle pieces 7. Furthermore, when one or more puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) are assembled together, or are used in combination with other types of puzzle pieces 7, adjacent connections in the resulting object, pictorial representation, message, or the like, may be fully interlocking (so that when one piece is moved its connection to another piece is preserved), non-interlocking (where no complementary tabs or receiving blanks are present, but instead complex and/or simple curves 5c are used for puzzle piece alignment), partially interlocking (perhaps one tab or receiving blank situated adjacent to elongated curvature), or a combination thereof (wherein one perimeter portion of a puzzle band member 1, 2, 3 is interlocking and other connections for the same puzzle band member 1, 2, 3 are non- interlocking or partially interlocking). In addition, when present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) are employed with other types of puzzle pieces 7 to create an assembled puzzle 4" with 3-dimensional configuration, the entire assembled puzzle (4" or other) may be formed as a puzzle box for storage of one or more puzzle band members (1, 2, 3), or an individual puzzle piece therein may provide cached storage of one or more puzzle band members (1, 2, 3). While Figs. 1-8 show the most preferred embodiments of assembled puzzles (4, 4', 4") made at least in part from present invention puzzle band members (1, 2, 3), it is to be understood that many variations are possible and also considered to be a part of the invention disclosed herein, even though such variations are not specifically mentioned or shown. As a result, a reader should determine the scope of the present invention by the appended claims.

[019] Figs. 1-3 disclose features of a first preferred embodiment of an assembled puzzle 4 constructed solely from present invention puzzle band members 1, 2, 3. Fig. 1 is a top view of assembled puzzle 4 having three individual puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) that together form a pictorial representation having a heart-shaped outer perimeter. Puzzle band members 1 and 2 are similar in size, and each has a central opening 6 that allows it to be used as decorative band for a wrist, arm, or ankle. When they are placed together in their non- stretched state, puzzle band members 1 and 2 form the entire heart-shaped perimeter for assembled puzzle 4, and smaller puzzle band member 3 is centrally located between puzzle band members 1 and 2, providing none of the heart-shaped perimeter of assembled puzzle 4. The positioning of smaller puzzle band member 3 permits some contact between puzzle band members 1 and 2 above and below smaller puzzle band member 3. However, it should be remembered that Fig. 1 is provided only as an example of present invention use, and smaller puzzle band member 3 may be larger or smaller relative to puzzle band members 1 and 2 than is shown in Fig. 1 , or it may be in a different position relative to puzzle band members 1 and 2 than is shown.

[020] Looking now to Fig. 2, smaller puzzle band member 3 is shown to fit within a cut-out area (formed by multiple indentations 5b) situated between the otherwise adjoining surfaces of puzzle band members 1 and 2. When use of smaller puzzle band member 3 as an article of body adornment is desired, although not shown in the accompanying illustrations, it may be removed from the heart-shaped configuration formed by puzzle band members 1 and

2 and placed over a finger or toe as a ring, or associated with a mount and used for ear adornment. In contrast to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 is an exploded view of assembled puzzle 4, while Fig.

3 is a side view thereof with the centrally located broken lines 5a and 5b therein indicating the positioning of the same indentations 5b and protrusions 5a shown in Fig. 2. It is important that puzzle band members 1 and 2, and also smaller puzzle band member 3, be made from stretchable material that returns to its original shape after any expansion required for body adornment, so that its entertainment use as a part of assembled puzzle 4 is not compromised. Although Figs. 1-3 show three puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) being employed to form assembled puzzle 4, the number used is not critical, and in Figs. 4 and 5 one will see four puzzle band members la, lb, lc, and Id (each of comparable size) together creating an assembled puzzle 4' in the form of a word or message. Since Figs. 1-3 are provided only as one example of an assembled puzzle 4 that can be made as a result of puzzle band member 1, 2, 3 use, the thickness dimension of the material forming the puzzle band members 1, 2, 3 shown therein should not be considered as limiting. Color can be used to enhance puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) in a variety of ways. However, color is also not considered as a limiting feature of the present invention, and when benefiting an assembled puzzle (4, 4', 4"), more than one color can be incorporated into each puzzle band member (1, 2, 3) where it is needed. It is important that a stretchable material, or materials, be used for manufacture of puzzle band members (1, 2, 3), and for it to be non-toxic, unlikely to cause skin irritation, and chemically resistant to skin oils, sunscreen, skin moisturizers, insect repellant, and skin/hand cleaning products. Although silicone is a preferred material for puzzle band members (1, 2, 3), nylon and rubber may also be used, as well as any other material that regains its original non-stretched shape after each expansion, and also has the non-toxic, non-irritating, and chemical resistance properties noted above. Also, the expanded size of each puzzle band member (1, 2, 3) is not critical as long as it is capable of extending over an intended body part and regaining its original non-stretched shape after each expansion. Although the puzzle band members (1, 2, 3) shown in Fig. 1 demonstrate an interlocking type of connection therebetween in their non-stretched states, via the use of protrusions 5a and indentations 5b, smaller puzzle band member 3 could instead have an alternate perimeter configuration with complex or simple curvature 5c (see Fig. 5), or a combination of protrusions 5a, indentations 5b, and/or complex or simple curvature 5c, wherein connections between puzzle band members 1, 2, 3 could alternatively be non- interlocking or a combination of interlocking and non-interlocking.

[021] Figs. 4-5 disclose features of a second preferred embodiment of an assembled puzzle 4' formed solely by using four present invention puzzle band members (la, lb, lc, Id). Fig. 4 is a top view of assembled puzzle 4' with puzzle band members (la, lb, lc, Id) all appearing to be similar in size and in an assembled state, which together form the word or message "Love". Each puzzle band member (la, lb, lc, Id) has a central opening 6 that allows it to be worn as a band around a wrist, arm, or ankle (not shown), or if smaller, could become decoratively associated with a finger, toe, or ear. In contrast, Fig. 5 is an exploded view of assembled puzzle 4', with the numbers 5a, 5b, and 5c respectively used to indicate the protrusions 5a, indentations 5b, and simple curvature 5c assisting the construction of the word (or message) "Love" from puzzle band members la, lb, lc, Id. The configuration of the protrusions 5a and indentations 5b provide more of an interlocking connection between adjacent puzzle band members la and lb, as well as between adjacent puzzle band members lb and lc, than is provided by the more non-interlocking connection achieved by aligning the simple curvature 5c between adjacent puzzle band members lc and Id. For contrast, see the tab-like or button-like interlocking protrusions 5a shown in Fig. 8.

[022] Figs. 6-8 disclose features of a third preferred embodiment of an assembled puzzle 4" made from one present invention puzzle band 1 and multiple solid puzzle pieces 7 having shapes resembling the parts of a flower and its stem. Fig. 6 is a top view of assembled puzzle 4" showing one puzzle band member 1 and ten solid puzzle pieces 7, which together form the pictorial representation of a flower with one leaf on an attached stem, wherein puzzle band member 1 provides the leaf structure, which could be large in size for use as a wrist, arm, or ankle band, or in the alternative the puzzle band member 1 providing the leaf structure could be smaller and instead used as a ring for decorative association with a finger, ear, or toe. In contrast, Fig. 7 is a side view of assembled puzzle 4", while Fig. 8 is an exploded view thereof showing how the solid puzzle pieces 7 forming the stem and petals of the flower shape can be separated, as well as how puzzle band member 1 that forms a leaf shape can be removed from an indentation 5b in the solid puzzle piece 7 forming a flower stem. While the puzzle band member 1 forming a leaf shape, and having a central opening 6, is made from stretchable material that regains its original non- stretched shape after each extension and allows it to move comfortably over a body part for personal adornment, solid puzzle pieces 7 do not need to be made from stretchable material, although they can. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, solid puzzle pieces 7 may have various raised contours 8, although such structure is not critical. Furthermore, although not shown, solid puzzle pieces 7 may have added texture or color, and each flower petal could be made from multiple interlocking or non- interlocking solid puzzle pieces 7, instead of just the single solid puzzle piece shown. The most preferred material for puzzle band member 1 is silicone, although other stretchable materials can also be employed, as long as they can regain their original non-stretched state again after any expansion. Also, the material from which solid puzzle pieces 7 are made can be the same of different from that used for puzzle band member 1 also incorporated into assembled puzzle 4". Furthermore, although only one puzzle band member 1 is shown in Fig. 8 associated with solid puzzle pieces 7, the number of puzzle band members 1 used to make an assembled puzzle 4" is not critical and can be greater than one. In addition, although not shown, the solid puzzle pieces 7 forming flower petals may be placed into a vertically-extending orientation to become a puzzle box, or other type of 3-dimensional configuration, that can be used for the storage of puzzle band members 1 and/or other items.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[023] Since the present invention puzzle bands can be worn in association with a body part, they are applicable to the field of jewelry and other personal adornment devices. However, present invention puzzle bands also have a second function of providing mind- challenging jigsaw puzzle entertainment, wherein one or more of them are creatively joined into an assembled puzzle that when completed reveals a previously secret/concealed object, pictorial representation, or message. As a result, the present invention puzzle bands are also applicable to toys, games, and other amusement devices. As an alternative to assembly of present invention puzzle bands together, one or more puzzle bands may be joined with other types of puzzle pieces into an assembled puzzle which may have a raised-contour, puzzle box configuration, or other 3 -dimensional configuration that may (or may not) include an individual puzzle piece providing cached storage for one or more puzzle bands. Once one or more present invention puzzle bands are assembled together, or assembled with other types of puzzle pieces, adjacent connections in the resulting object, pictorial representation, or message may be fully interlocking, non-interlocking, or a blend of interlocking and non- interlocking connections. Puzzle bands are made from stretchable material that is non-toxic, unlikely to cause irritation during extended contact with skin, and chemically resistant to preparations routinely used on the skin, such as but not limited to sunscreen, lotions, insect repellant, and hand-cleansers.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A puzzle band providing its user with a combination of personal adornment and mind-challenging jigsaw puzzle entertainment, said puzzle band characterized by:

a band formed into a closed loop and having a central opening, said band also made from stretchable material that is expandable from a smaller non-stretched state into a plurality of larger stretched configurations, said band further having a pre-selected perimeter configuration when its stretchable material is in a non-stretched state, said stretchable material of said band also having a capability for returning to said pre-selected perimeter configuration after expansion, said pre-selected perimeter configuration also having at least one assembly-assisting feature therein selected from a group consisting of protrusions, indentations, and non-interlocking curvature, which allows incorporation of said band into an assembled puzzle, wherein when said band is in said non-stretched state said at least one assembly-assisting feature may be employed to orient and position said band so that it becomes a part of an assembled jigsaw puzzle and during such orientation and positioning provide its user with mind-challenging entertainment, and further wherein after any such jigsaw puzzle use said band may be removed from the assembled jigsaw puzzle and worn in association with a body part for personal adornment.

2. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by at least one of said stretched configurations having adequate size for movement over a hand for adornment of a wrist.

3. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by at least one of stretched configurations having adequate size for movement onto a toe for its adornment.

4. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by at least one of stretched configurations having adequate size for movement over a hand and elbow and onto an upper arm for its adornment.

5. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by at least one of stretched configurations having adequate size for movement over a foot for adornment of an ankle.

6. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by at least one of stretched configurations having adequate size for movement onto a finger for its adornment.

7. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by said band in said non-stretched state having a size appropriate for association with an ear for its adornment.

8. The puzzle band of claim 1 further characterized by said pre- selected perimeter configuration of said band in said non-stretched state having a shape appropriate for incorporation into an assembled puzzle with at least one jigsaw puzzle piece having a configuration unlike that of said band.

9. The puzzle band of claim 8 further characterized by incorporation of said band into an assembled puzzle wherein said band becomes at least partially hidden from view.

10. The puzzle band of claim 1 wherein said stretchable material is rubber.

11. The puzzle band of claim 1 wherein said stretchable material is silicone.

12. The puzzle band of claim 1 wherein said stretchable material is nylon.

13. The puzzle band of claim 1 wherein an assembled puzzle that includes at least one of said bands is further characterized by a shape selected from a group consisting of objects, pictorial representations, and messages.

14. The puzzle band of claim 1 wherein decorative enhancement of said band is further characterized by at least two colors.

15. A method of providing body adornment and mind-challenging jigsaw puzzle entertainment, said method characterized by the steps of:

providing at least one stretchable band according to claim 1 that is formed into a closed loop and has a central opening, at least one puzzle piece having a perimeter with a complementary assembly-assisting feature configured for adjoining said at least one assembly-assisting feature of said band, and a person desiring body adornment;

temporarily moving said at least one stretchable band, while in said non-stretched state, into contact with said at least one puzzle piece so as to form an assembled puzzle configuration, and wherein alignment of said assembly-assisting feature of said at least one stretchable band is achieved with said complementary assembly-assisting feature of said puzzle piece;

removing said at least one stretchable band from said assembled puzzle configuration; expanding said at least one stretchable band from said smaller non-stretched state into one of said larger stretched states, wherein said central opening in said at least one stretchable band becomes sufficiently large to allow donning of said stretchable band by said person desiring body adornment; and

repeating said steps of temporarily moving, removing, and expanding multiple times according to need.

16. The method of claim 15 further characterized by said step of expanding being performed before said step of removing.

17. The method of claim 15 further characterized by said stretchable band being made from silicone.

18. The method of claim 15 further characterized by said assembled puzzle having a shape selected from a group consisting of objects, pictorial representations, and messages.

19. The method of claim 15 further characterized by said stretchable band having color enhancement.

20. The method of claim 15 further characterized by a step of using said at least one puzzle piece in said assembled puzzle to at least partially conceal said stretchable band from view.