Physiognomically based puzzle toy

Claim 1

A puzzle toy comprising: a plurality of layers, each layer having substantially the same generally ovoid peripheral contour; each of said layers consisting of a plurality of elements combinable to fill the entire area within said peripheral contour; the elements of each layer having first and second oppositely facing contrasting surfaces with the elements being reversible to fit in corresponding portions of said area to provide contrast in the appearance of said layer when said area is filled by said combined elements; said elements within a layer being capable of filling said area while forming a contrasting nose, mouth, and eyes of a stylized face, there being a sufficient multiplicity of elements in the region of said nose, mouth, and eyes to allow at least one of the nose, mouth, and eyes to be changed with respect to the position or surface of the elements forming them that is presented to the viewer, to permit variations in facial expression within said filled area; there being a sufficient multiplicity of elements within a given layer to permit the rearrangement and reversal of elements within said layer to form while filling said area, an abstract asymmetrical configuration reminiscent but not directly representative of a stylized face; a predetermined portion of the area filled by a first group of said elements of a first of said layers being of a shape adapted to be filled by a second group of elements of a second of said layers with the individual elements of said second group being of different periphery than the individual elements of said first group to provide additional variety in the range of possible facial expressions and the level of abstraction.