Methods for forming multi-layered image jigsaw puzzles and related devices

Abstract

Multi-layered image jigsaw puzzles include images on opposing surfaces of an optically clear and transparent structure to allow each image to be clearly viewed from either surface. The images on both surfaces of the puzzle form a complimentary image.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A puzzle comprising:
 a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure, and   a second surface of the optically clear, transparent structure, wherein the first surface comprises a first image disposed thereon, and the second surface comprises a second image disposed thereon, and where the first and second images form a clear, complimentary image viewed through both surfaces and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.   
     
     
         2 . The puzzle as in  claim 1  wherein the puzzle comprises a plurality of interlockable pieces. 
     
     
         3 . The puzzle as in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises one or more image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece and one or more image segments of the second image on a second and opposing surface of the respective piece. 
     
     
         4 . The puzzle as in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises one or more image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece or one or more image segments of the second image on a second and opposing surface of the respective piece. 
     
     
         5 . The puzzle as in  claim 2  wherein one or more of the interlockable pieces of the plurality of interlockable pieces comprises no image segments of the first image on a first surface of a respective piece and no image segments of the second image on a second surface of the respective piece. 
     
     
         6 . The puzzle as in  claim 1  wherein the second surface is parallel to, and opposite, the first surface. 
     
     
         7 . The puzzle as in  claim 1  wherein the first and second surfaces are separated from one another. 
     
     
         8 . The puzzle as in  claim 1  wherein the puzzle comprises a jigsaw puzzle. 
     
     
         9 . A method for forming a puzzle comprising:
 forming a first image or a first image segment on a first surface of an optically clear, transparent structure; and   forming a second image or a second image segment on a second surface of the clear, transparent structure, wherein the first and second images or their respective segments form a complimentary image and at least the first and second surfaces form multiple layers.   
     
     
         10 . The method as in  claim 9  further comprising:
 applying a mirrored version of the first image or first image segment onto a first material; 
 applying the first material with the applied mirrored version of the first image or first image segment onto the first surface of the optically clear and transparent structure such that the first image or first image segment is non-mirrored; 
 applying heat to the first material containing the first image or first image segment or to the first surface of the structure to create a bond between the first material and the structure; 
 applying the second image or the second image segment onto a second material; 
 applying the second material with the applied second image or second image segment onto the second surface of the optically clear and transparent structure; and 
 applying heat to the second material containing the second image or second image segment or to the second surface of the structure to create a second bond between the second material and the structure. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method as in  claim 10  wherein the first material and the second material comprises a specially-coated, heat transfer paper. 
     
     
         12 . The method as in  claim 9  further comprising:
 applying the first image or first image segment directly on the first surface of the structure by directing ultra-violet responsive ink representing the first image or first image segment onto the first surface of structure; and 
 applying a mirrored version of the second image or second image segment directly on the second surface of the structure by directing ultra-violet responsive ink representing the second image or second image segment onto the second surface of the structure. 
 
     
     
         12 . The method as in  claim 9  wherein the structure is composed of an acrylic. 
     
     
         13 . The method as in  claim 9  wherein the puzzle comprises a jigsaw puzzle. 
     
     
         14 . A cube-shaped device comprising:
 a first surface of a first substrate composed of a first optically clear, transparent structure, comprising a first image disposed thereon; and   a second, opposing surface of a second substrate composed of a second optically clear, transparent structure, comprising a second image disposed thereon, and where the first and second images form a clear, complimentary image,   wherein the first and second surfaces and each of the images are separated from one another and form opposing sides of the cube-shaped device.   
     
     
         15 . The cub-shaped wherein the first and second structures comprise jigsaw puzzles.