Puzzle machine and method of operating same
First Claim
1. An apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle, comprising:
- an image capturing mechanism that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background;
a printer;
a supply of flexible sheets having a printable surface;
a computer linked to the image capturing mechanism and printer, and programmed to print an image on a flexible sheet;
a supply of foam sheets thicker and more rigid than the flexible sheets;
a pressure responsive adhesive material; and
a press having a platen that carries a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, the press when activated using pressure to laminate the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and the foam sheet together and to set the adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces which further comprises an external housing to cover the printer and press, the housing having an exit and a puzzle conveyor which can convey a customized jigsaw puzzle from inside the housing to the outside.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheets, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces.
30 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle, comprising:
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an image capturing mechanism that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background; a printer; a supply of flexible sheets having a printable surface; a computer linked to the image capturing mechanism and printer, and programmed to print an image on a flexible sheet; a supply of foam sheets thicker and more rigid than the flexible sheets; a pressure responsive adhesive material; and a press having a platen that carries a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, the press when activated using pressure to laminate the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and the foam sheet together and to set the adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces which further comprises an external housing to cover the printer and press, the housing having an exit and a puzzle conveyor which can convey a customized jigsaw puzzle from inside the housing to the outside. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification