Die-cutting system for a jigsaw puzzle

Abstract

A two-dimensional puzzle using a backboard is made by leaving a first side of the backboard uncovered, placing an image on a second side of the backboard. A die is pressed to the first side of the backboard such that the die presses through the backboard and cuts the image to form two or more pieces that, when properly assembled, form the image.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for making a two-dimensional puzzle using a backboard, the method comprising: 
 leaving a first side of the backboard uncovered;    placing an image on a second side of the backboard; and    pressing a die to the first side of the backboard such that the die presses through the backboard and cuts the image to form two or more pieces that, when properly assembled, form the image.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which the backboard comprises cardboard.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  in which placing the image on the second side of the backboard comprises gluing a sheet of material including the image to the second side of the backboard.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  in which a first puzzle piece comprises a projecting portion and a second puzzle piece adjacent to the first puzzle piece comprises a recessed portion.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  in which the projecting portion of the first puzzle piece is cooperative with the recessed portion of the second puzzle piece such that the first and second puzzle pieces interfit and releasably interlock.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  in which placing the image on the second side of the backboard comprises rendering the image directly onto the backboard.  
     
     
         7 . A two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle formed by a process comprising: 
 leaving a first side of the backboard uncovered;    placing the image on a second side of the backboard; and    pressing a die to the first side of the backboard such that the die presses through the backboard and cuts the image to form two or more pieces that, when properly assembled, form the image.    
     
     
         8 . The puzzle of  claim 7  in which the backboard comprises cardboard.  
     
     
         9 . The puzzle of  claim 7  in which placing the image on the second side of the backboard comprises gluing a sheet of material including the image to the second side of the backboard.  
     
     
         10 . The puzzle of  claim 7  in which a first puzzle piece comprises a projecting portion and a second puzzle piece adjacent to the first puzzle piece comprises a recessed portion.  
     
     
         11 . The puzzle of  claim 10  in which the projecting portion of the first puzzle piece is cooperative with the recessed portion of the second puzzle piece such that the first and second puzzle pieces interfit and releasably interlock.  
     
     
         12 . The puzzle of  claim 7  in which placing the image on the second side of the backboard comprises rendering the image directly onto the backboard.