Patent ID: 8074988

Claim:
A puzzle kit for assembly into a three dimensional representation of a geographic region, comprising: a) a plurality of first pieces configured for assembly to form a generally planar first layer; b) a plurality of second pieces configured for assembly to form a generally planar second layer on top of the first layer in a parallel relationship thereto; and c) a plurality of structure pieces, each of the structure pieces configured to be mounted on at least one of the first and second layers, each of the structure pieces representing a three dimensional structure of the geographic region, wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of retaining elements, and the structure pieces are mountable on the second layer by the retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements comprise voids or depressions, the voids or depressions sized and shaped to retain the structure pieces generally in friction fit engagement, wherein each of the retaining elements is sized and shaped in correspondence with a respective one of the structure pieces to allow matching of the retaining elements and the structure pieces, wherein the retaining elements comprise voids extending between top and bottom surfaces of the second layer so that the structure pieces can engage the first layer, and wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of image elements arranged in alignment with the voids of the second layer so that the image elements are visible through the voids.