Jigsaw puzzle

Abstract

Provided is a jigsaw puzzle that enables easily fitting together of jigsaw puzzle pieces in a separated state, enables visual recognition of an ultraviolet visualization image showing position information formed on the jigsaw puzzle pieces only when irradiated with ultraviolet light, can prevent fading and deterioration of a pattern image, and further can selectively change the presence or absence of display of the pattern image of the entire jigsaw puzzle piece so as to be used in combination as two types of jigsaw puzzles. 【Solution means】In the jigsaw puzzle 20, on the surface of the jigsaw puzzle piece 25 formed on a plane by fitting the unevenness of a plurality of jigsaw puzzle pieces 25 having unevenness of a required shape on each side, a required pattern image and an ultraviolet visualization image showing the position information of the jigsaw puzzle piece 25 are formed. A transparent overcoat layer is provided on the entire surface of the jigsaw puzzle piece 25 on the surface side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image. The pattern image is formed as an ink image using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined coloring temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a jigsaw puzzle, and more particularly to a jigsaw puzzle that can easily fit together puzzle pieces in a separated state and can selectively change the presence or absence of the display of the pattern image of the entire puzzle piece, and can be used in combination as two types of jigsaw puzzles.

Background Art

[0002] A jigsaw puzzle is formed by cutting a cardboard with a pattern on at least one side vertically and horizontally with unevenness to form a plurality of puzzle pieces, or by cutting a plain cardboard to form a plurality of puzzle pieces and then attaching a pattern. Further, the individual puzzle pieces separated separately are fitted while aligning the unevenness on each side to complete the pattern on the cardboard. And this jigsaw puzzle has a function as a toy for a game that is a puzzle for completing the pattern on the cardboard, and a function as an interior decoration for holding the completed pattern in a holder such as a frame or a panel and decorating the interior.

[0003] As a motif of the jigsaw puzzle, in order to enjoy the jigsaw puzzle game with an original motif, for example, in Patent Document 1, a plain flat plate is cut out in a jigsaw puzzle shape, and a desired motif is freely formed in a state where a large number of these cut-out puzzle pieces are combined so that the original shape is restored. It is disclosed to create an original jigsaw puzzle.

[0004] However, in the work of creating the pattern of the original jigsaw puzzle, when carrying the jigsaw puzzle, even a small impact easily causes the puzzle pieces to scatter from the plate (bottom plate) on which they are placed, and it takes a lot of time and labor to fit them together again. In addition, in the original jigsaw puzzle, an image of an original motif is often used without considering the work at the time of fitting. Therefore, when there are many puzzle pieces such as empty spaces represented by a small number of colors, only the shape of the puzzle pieces can be used as information for fitting, and the fitting work is very difficult. In particular, in the case of a jigsaw puzzle with several hundred pieces or more, if each puzzle piece is separated once, there is a risk that it cannot be assembled and may be left unattended or discarded.

[0005] For this reason, the inventor proposed a jigsaw puzzle that can easily fit together puzzle pieces in a separated state by forming an ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces on the surface of the puzzle pieces together with the pattern image, as disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0006] In addition, the inventor considered that there are cases where an ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces can be visually recognized depending on the position of the light source and the eyes without irradiating ultraviolet rays, which impairs the fun of assembling as a puzzle, and for the jigsaw puzzle after fitting, since position information can be seen in addition to the pattern image, it leads to a decrease in value as an interior decoration. In view of this problem, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 was further improved, and as disclosed in Patent Document 3, a jigsaw puzzle, a manufacturing method thereof, and a retac sheet used for manufacturing the jigsaw puzzle were proposed, in which an ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information formed on the puzzle pieces can be visually recognized only when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a jigsaw puzzle produced by the method for manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle disclosed in Patent Document 3. When this jigsaw puzzle 120 is irradiated with ultraviolet light having an irradiation range of spot S, the position information 153 of each puzzle piece 125 is visualized and appears within the irradiation range. In one embodiment, on the frame portion 126 of the jigsaw puzzle 120, as coordinate information, row information 151 such as A, B, C, D... and column information 152 such as 01, 02, 03, 04... are formed on each puzzle piece 125 as ultraviolet-visualizable images in combination with these row information and column information, such as position information 153 of A01, A02, A03, A04...

[0009] By the way, in the jigsaw puzzle produced by the method for manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle disclosed in Patent Document 3, as a toner image or an ink image, in addition to forming an image in which a required pattern image, an ultraviolet-visualizable image showing the position information of the puzzle pieces, and a transparent overcoat layer that causes specular reflection on the surface to prevent the ultraviolet-visualizable image from being visible due to a gloss difference are superimposed, a jigsaw puzzle in which only the ultraviolet-visualizable image and the overcoat layer are formed on the surface of a plain jigsaw puzzle (white puzzle) is also produced (see paragraphs

[0055] and

[0057] of Patent Document 3).

[0010] That is, on the surface of a plain jigsaw puzzle (white puzzle), an ultraviolet-visualizable image showing the position information of each puzzle piece and a toner image without a pattern image having an overcoat layer on its surface or an ink image are transferred or formed to produce a plain jigsaw puzzle with an ultraviolet-visualizable image showing the position information. Even if each puzzle piece of this plain jigsaw puzzle is separated, by irradiating the puzzle pieces with ultraviolet light, the puzzle pieces can be easily fitted together with reference to the position information.

[0011] However, whether to use a regular jigsaw puzzle with a pattern image or a plain jigsaw puzzle (white puzzle) needs to be selectively chosen at the production stage. Once produced as a regular jigsaw puzzle with a pattern image, it cannot be used as a plain jigsaw puzzle later. Conversely, after being produced as a plain jigsaw puzzle, it is possible to draw a desired pattern on the plain jigsaw puzzle and use it as a regular jigsaw puzzle. However, it cannot be used as a plain jigsaw puzzle again, which is irreversible.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and is a jigsaw puzzle in which puzzle pieces in a separated state can be easily fitted together, and an ultraviolet visualization image showing position information formed on the puzzle pieces can be visually recognized only when irradiated with ultraviolet light, fading and deterioration of the pattern image formed on the puzzle pieces can be prevented, and furthermore, the presence or absence of the display of the pattern image on the entire puzzle pieces can be selectively changed so as to be used in combination as two types of jigsaw puzzles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, a jigsaw puzzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a required pattern image and an ultraviolet visualization image showing position information when each of a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side is fitted together on the surface of the puzzle pieces formed on a plane, and the ultraviolet visualization image can be visually recognized by irradiation with ultraviolet light. The entire surface of the puzzle pieces on the surface side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image is formed as a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature, or an ink image using ink.

[0014] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the pattern image selectively holds either a decolorized state or a colored state over a certain temperature range.

[0015] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ultraviolet visualization image is formed on the surface side of the pattern image.

[0016] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the jigsaw puzzle has a frame portion for positioning a plurality of the puzzle pieces inside, and an ultraviolet visualization image showing coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the puzzle pieces is formed on the surface of the frame portion, and a transparent overcoat layer is formed on the entire surface of the frame portion on the surface side of the ultraviolet visualization image.

[0017] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the overcoat layer further has a transparent resin film for preventing the puzzle pieces from scattering.

[0018] The jigsaw puzzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention is formed by providing a water-soluble layer on the surface of a water-absorbent support, and on the surface of the pattern-forming paper, a non-inverted image of a required pattern that is a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the fading temperature, and a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side. An image forming step of forming an image composed of an ultraviolet visualization image that shows the position information when the puzzle pieces formed on a plane by fitting the unevenness are divided into the respective puzzle pieces and becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays; A retack sheet having a resin layer formed on one surface thereof and a resin layer that becomes a transparent overcoat layer when melted, and heating and pressing the resin layer in a state where the resin layer is overlapped with the image to melt the resin layer, and attaching the resin layer to the image formed on the surface of the pattern-forming paper. A retack sheet attaching step; an image transfer step of dissolving the water-soluble layer with water by including water in the support of the pattern-forming paper, peeling the support, and transferring the image onto the overcoat layer in which the resin layer of the retack sheet is melted; A cleaning step of removing and drying moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image transferred onto the overcoat layer; and the retack sheet having the image transferred onto the overcoat layer is overlapped on the surface of the puzzle piece, and the retack sheet is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle piece. A transfer step of transferring the image together with the overcoat layer to the puzzle piece, and using a puzzle manufacturing process including the above steps, the entire surface of the puzzle piece on the surface side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image is formed as a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the fading temperature.

[0019] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, on the surface of the pattern-forming paper composed of water-soluble paper that dissolves in water, a non-inverted image of a required pattern that is a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the fading temperature, and a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side are fitted together to form a puzzle piece on a plane. An image forming step of forming an image composed of an ultraviolet visualization image that shows the position information when the puzzle piece is divided into each puzzle piece and becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays; a retack sheet having a sticking surface formed on one surface of a resin film and having a resin layer that becomes a transparent overcoat layer by melting formed on the sticking surface. A retack sheet attaching step of heating and pressing the resin layer in a state where the resin layer is overlapped with the image to melt the resin layer and attaching it to the image formed on the surface of the pattern-forming paper; an image transfer step of dissolving the water-soluble paper by including water in the water-soluble paper that constitutes the pattern-forming paper and transferring the image formed on the water-soluble paper onto the overcoat layer; a cleaning step of removing and drying moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image transferred onto the overcoat layer; and a transfer step of overlapping the retack sheet having the image transferred onto the overcoat layer on the surface of the puzzle piece and heating and pressing the retack sheet against the surface of the puzzle piece to transfer the image together with the overcoat layer to the puzzle piece. Using a puzzle manufacturing process, the entire surface of the puzzle piece on the surface side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image fades at a predetermined fading temperature and is formed as a toner image using toner that develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature.

[0020] In the jigsaw puzzle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the water for dissolving the water-soluble paper is microbubble water containing microbubbles.

[0021] The jigsaw puzzle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is an ink image of a required picture image, which is formed on the surface of puzzle pieces formed on a plane by fitting the unevenness of a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side, using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined coloring temperature lower than the fading temperature, and an image forming step of forming an image composed of an ultraviolet visualization image that shows position information when the plurality of puzzle pieces are divided into each puzzle piece and is visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, a retack sheet having a sticking surface formed on one surface of a resin film and having a resin layer formed on the sticking surface that becomes a transparent overcoat layer by melting, a retack sheet temporary fixing step of temporarily fixing the retack sheet on the image formed on the surface of the puzzle pieces, and a fixing step of heating and pressing the retack sheet against the surface of the puzzle pieces in a state where the resin layer of the retack sheet temporarily fixed on the image is superposed on the image formed on the surface of the puzzle pieces to melt the resin layer and fix the overcoat layer formed thereby to the puzzle pieces. Using a puzzle manufacturing process, the entire surface of the puzzle pieces on the surface side of the picture image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the picture image is formed as an ink image using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined coloring temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, since the picture image is formed on the surface of the puzzle pieces as a toner image using toner or an ink image using ink that fades and develops color at a predetermined temperature, the fading or coloring of the picture image is selected by temperature treatment. Therefore, it can be used not only as a normal jigsaw puzzle with the picture image developed and visible, but also as a plain jigsaw puzzle with the picture image faded. Further, according to the present invention, the entire surface of the puzzle pieces on the front side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, that is, by superimposing the overcoat layer on the pattern image formed as a toner image using toner that fades and disappears at a predetermined temperature or an ink image using ink and the ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces, since the overcoat layer suppresses the gloss difference between the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image, it prevents the ultraviolet visualization image from being visible by the irradiation of visible light, and it becomes visible only when irradiated with ultraviolet light. And according to the present invention, by superimposing the overcoat layer on the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image, when the pattern image is in a state of having faded due to heating, the pigment-based ink forming the pattern image stays on the surface of the puzzle piece and adheres in a granular form to generate gloss as described later, and it is possible to prevent the pattern image from being visible together with the ultraviolet visualization image by the irradiation of visible light. Furthermore, since the overcoat layer protects the pattern image and maintains the light resistance and weather resistance of the pattern image over a long period of time, it is possible to prevent the fading and deterioration of the pattern image.

[0023] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, by selectively holding the pattern image in either a state of fading or coloring over a certain temperature range, the fading and coloring do not switch with a slight temperature change. Therefore, for example, during the creation of the jigsaw puzzle in the normal temperature range, the pattern image can remain visible without fading.

[0024] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces is formed on the front surface side above the pattern image, the position information that is visualized and appears when irradiated with ultraviolet light is easier to see. Therefore, the puzzle pieces can be more easily fitted together with reference to this position information.

[0025] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an ultraviolet visualization image showing coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the puzzle pieces is formed on the surface of the frame portion that positions a plurality of puzzle pieces inside. Even when the puzzle pieces are separated separately, by irradiating the puzzle pieces with ultraviolet light, not only the position information by the ultraviolet visualization image formed on the surface of the puzzle pieces but also the coordinate information formed on the frame portion can be referred to, so that the puzzle pieces can be easily fitted together. Further, according to the present invention, since a transparent overcoat layer is formed on the entire surface of the frame portion on the surface side of the ultraviolet visualization image, in order to prevent the ultraviolet visualization image from being visible by irradiation with visible light, it becomes visible only during ultraviolet light irradiation. In addition, since the transparent overcoat layer formed on the entire surface of the puzzle piece does not cause a difference in texture, the unity of the puzzle piece and the frame portion can be ensured.

[0026] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since a transparent resin film is further provided on the surface of the overcoat layer, a transparent resin film is attached to the surfaces of a plurality of puzzle pieces, so that it is possible to prevent each puzzle piece of the completed jigsaw puzzle from coming apart and scattering.

[0027] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the case of forming a pattern image as a toner image using toner, the same effects as those of the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.

[0028] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the pattern forming paper as a water-soluble paper that dissolves in water, there is no adhesive water-soluble layer like the pattern forming paper provided with a water-soluble layer on the surface of the support. When forming a pattern image as a toner image using toner using a laser printer or MFP, the paper feeding and conveying property is good, and the pattern image can be formed on both sides.

[0029] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by using microbubble water containing microbubbles as the water for dissolving the water-soluble paper, the permeability of water to the water-soluble paper is increased, so that the water-soluble paper can be efficiently dissolved.

[0030] According to the jigsaw puzzle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when forming a pattern image as an ink image using ink, the same effects as those of the jigsaw puzzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the jigsaw puzzle according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, components denoted by the same reference numerals in different drawings are assumed to be the same, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0033] First, the principle of the means for solving the problems in the present invention will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the color disappearance and reappearance of the meta ink used in the jigsaw puzzle of the present invention and temperature changes.

[0034] First, the principle of the meta ink used to form the picture image of the jigsaw puzzle of the present invention will be described. Inks that disappear in color when heated and return to their original color when cooled are used for writing purposes such as ballpoint pens and marker pens. Such inks whose color changes with temperature changes are called "meta inks" (also called "meta inks").

[0035] This meta ink is a type of temperature - indicating pigment formed by uniformly mixing a leuco dye (color former), a developer (color - developing component), and a temperature - adjusting agent for temperature change, and encapsulating them in microcapsules. The leuco dye is a component that determines the color, but it does not develop color alone and has the property of developing color by chemically binding to a developer. Then, by adding a temperature - adjusting agent for temperature change to the leuco dye and the developer and changing the type of the temperature - adjusting agent for temperature change, the temperature at which the ink changes color (develops or disappears) can be arbitrarily set within a certain range.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 25(A), the original thermochromic ink at the initial stage of development had a very sensitive sensitivity to the discoloration temperature, that is, the difference between the color development temperature and the discoloration temperature was small, and the color development and discoloration switched instantaneously near a specific temperature (referred to as "non-memory type"). Therefore, while it was used for the purpose of indicating the appropriate temperature as a temperature indicator for foods and beverages, it was not suitable for writing purposes because it could not keep the colored state or the discolored state constant in the normal temperature range.

[0037] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 25(B), a thermochromic ink has also been developed in which the difference between the color development temperature and the discoloration temperature is large and either the colored state or the discolored state can be selectively maintained over a certain temperature range (referred to as "memory type"). Therefore, by improving the temperature-changing temperature regulator and further increasing the difference between the color development temperature and the discoloration temperature of this memory type, a thermochromic ink suitable for writing purposes has been developed. This improved memory type thermochromic ink changes color at any temperature within the range of -20°C to +60°C and can reversibly repeat color development and discoloration any number of times. Also, as described above, this memory type thermochromic ink is one in which a leuco dye, a developer, and a temperature-changing temperature regulator are microencapsulated, and as a pigment-based ink, it is particularly suitable for output by a piezo-type inkjet printer.

[0038] Also, for the purpose of effective utilization of resources and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, a printable toner (erasable toner) that can be erased by heat treatment and applies this memory type thermochromic ink has been developed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-232739). An MFP that can use this erasable toner has actually been sold. Characters and images can be printed on copy paper with the erasable toner, and the printed paper can be erased using a dedicated erasing device. The erased paper can be repeatedly used for printing with the MFP, and one copy paper can be reused about 5 to 10 times. The picture image of the jigsaw puzzle according to the present invention is formed using such erasable toner or the above-described memory-type metamorphic ink.

[0039] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, as a first embodiment, a method for creating a jigsaw puzzle according to the present invention using a toner image will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a pattern-forming paper used in the method for manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle according to the present embodiment. The pattern-forming paper 1 has a water-soluble layer 3 provided on the surface of a support 2. The support 2 is made of a material with good water absorption, such as paper, synthetic paper, or a water-soluble film such as polyvinyl alcohol, and the water-soluble layer 3 can be made of a material that dissolves by adding water, such as a water-soluble substance such as polyvinyl alcohol, starch, or dextrin.

[0040] Next, a method for forming an image on the pattern-forming paper 1 and attaching it to the surface of a plain jigsaw puzzle board, which is the object to be attached, will be described. In the present embodiment, an image 4a in which a required picture image and an ultraviolet visualizable image are superimposed is formed on the pattern-forming paper 1, and a layer or an overcoat layer that becomes an overcoat layer is provided on a retack sheet described later, and the layer or the overcoat layer formed on this retack sheet is attached to the image 4a.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a non-inverted image of a pattern is formed on the pattern-forming paper of FIG. 1 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an image 4a in which a required picture image and an ultraviolet visualizable image indicating the position information of puzzle pieces are superimposed is formed on the pattern-forming paper 1 provided with the water-soluble layer 3 on the surface of the support 2.

[0042] First, as an image forming step, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, an image 4a, which is a toner image using toner, is formed on the pattern-forming paper 1 using a laser printer or an MFP based on image data created by a personal computer (PC) (not shown). In this case, there is no need to invert the pattern formed on the pattern-forming paper 1, and a non-inverted image that is a positive image is formed. Hereinafter, in the image forming process, the process of forming this non-inverted image of the pattern is referred to as the first process.

[0043] Here, in the present embodiment, the image 4a is composed of an image in which a required pattern image and an ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces are superimposed. The pattern image is formed as a toner image (erasable toner) using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than this predetermined fading temperature, and fading or developing can be selectively switched by temperature treatment. The ultraviolet visualization image can be seen because it emits weak fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet rays or near-ultraviolet rays, but it cannot be seen under normal sunlight or electric lights. When irradiated with ultraviolet light, black light, etc., it emits light and an image appears, and it can be visually recognized. Hereinafter, in the image forming process, the process of forming this ultraviolet visualization image is referred to as the second process.

[0044] In order to form the image 4a in which the required pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image are superimposed, for example, an image forming apparatus having a transparent toner image forming means for superimposing a transparent toner image on a color toner image corresponding to the color toner image (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-82508) is used. As the transparent toner, a UV toner that cannot be seen by visible light but emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light is used, and the ultraviolet visualization image can be superimposed and produced. The UV toner reacts to ultraviolet light and is also called an invisible toner, and cannot be seen under normal sunlight. And the image formed by the UV toner is an image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces, as will be described later. Position information data assigned to each puzzle piece is created based on the arrangement data of each puzzle piece of the jigsaw puzzle to be used in advance, and this is taken into an information processing apparatus such as a PC and printed together with the data of the pattern image.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a non-inverted image of a pattern is formed on the pattern forming paper of FIG. 1 in the present embodiment.

[0046] In a modified example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, instead of the pattern forming paper 1 provided with the water-soluble layer 3 on the surface of the support 2 shown in FIG. 2, a water-soluble paper 60 that dissolves in water is used, and on this water-soluble paper 60, an image 4a which is a toner image in which a required pattern image and an ultraviolet visualizable image showing the position information of the puzzle pieces are superimposed is formed.

[0047] The water-soluble paper 60 is manufactured using pure plant-based wood pulp, and when immersed in normal temperature water, cold water, warm water, seawater, etc., the fibers of the paper disperse and it dissolves and disappears. It is used for various purposes such as preventing leakage of confidential documents, sowing with plant seeds, paper snow blowing, and medical sampling. Also, since the water-soluble paper 60 does not have a water-soluble layer 3 with adhesiveness like the pattern forming paper 1 provided with the water-soluble layer 3 on the surface of the support 2, when forming the image 4a using a laser printer or MFP, manual insertion processing is not required, the paper feeding and conveying property is good, and there is an advantage that the image 4a can be formed on both sides.

[0048] In the present embodiment, a layer that becomes an overcoat layer or an overcoat layer is provided on the retack sheet side shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] There are two types of retack sheets used in the present embodiment, a retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer and a retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer, and either one can be used. The retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is formed by forming an adhesive surface made of a re-releasable adhesive 6 on one surface of a transparent resin film 5, and applying a powder resin layer 4c made of a copolymer polyamide powder resin on this adhesive surface. As the resin film 5, as will be described later, it is preferable to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rich in thermoplasticity. In order to facilitate handling, as shown in Fig. 5, a release paper 8 may be provided on the exposed surface of the powder resin layer 4c of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, and the periphery may be fixed with a temporary fixing tape 9.

[0050] Next, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, as a retack sheet pasting step, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is overlapped on the image 4a formed on the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60.

[0051] When using the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, the release paper 8 is peeled off from the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, and as a retack sheet pasting step, as shown in Fig. 7, the powder resin layer 4c side of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is overlapped on the image 4a on the pattern forming paper 1. In this state, the powder resin layer 4c is heated and pressure-bonded to be melted, and the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is pasted on the image 4a on the pattern forming paper 1. The powder resin layer 4c made of a copolymer polyamide powder resin is changed into a transparent resin layer 4c' which is an overcoat layer by heating and melting.

[0052] Then, in the state shown in Fig. 7, as an image transfer step, water is applied to the support 2 of the pattern forming paper 1 using a spray or the like. As a result, the water applied to the surface of the water-absorbent support 2 penetrates into the support 2 and reaches the water-soluble layer 3, while spreading from the surface to the side surface of the support 2 and also penetrating into the water-soluble layer 3 from the side surface side.

[0053] Since the water-soluble layer 3 is composed of a water-soluble substance which is a material that dissolves by adding moisture, it is dissolved by the penetrated water. For this reason, the support 2 is peeled off from the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, and at this time, the image 4a formed on the water-soluble layer 3 is transferred to the transparent resin layer 4c' which has become an overcoat layer by heating and melting the powder resin layer 4c of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer.

[0054] Similarly, in the modified example of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the state shown in FIG. 8, as an image transfer step, water is included in the water-soluble paper 60 using a spray or the like. Thereby, the water applied to the surface of the water-soluble paper 60 penetrates the entire water-soluble paper 60.

[0055] As described above, the water-soluble paper 60 is paper that dissolves in water and is dissolved by the penetrated water. Therefore, the image 4a formed on the water-soluble paper 60 is transferred to the transparent resin layer 4c' which has become an overcoat layer by heating and melting the powder resin layer 4c of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, not only when the image 4a is formed on one side of the water-soluble paper 60, but also as shown in FIG. 9, when the image 4a is formed on both sides of the water-soluble paper 60 and the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is attached to both sides, by immersing the water-soluble paper 60 in a container filled with water 61, it is possible to facilitate the penetration of the water 61 into the water-soluble paper 60 and promote the dissolution of the water-soluble paper 60.

[0057] Furthermore, by using the water 61 for dissolving the water-soluble paper 60 as microbubble water containing microbubbles, the decomposition rate of the water-soluble paper 60 increases, so that the water-soluble paper 60 can be efficiently dissolved. Here, the microbubble water is water containing microbubbles with a diameter of 1 μm to 100 μm, and effects such as cleaning and water purification have been confirmed.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a non-inverted image of a pattern formed on the pattern-forming paper of FIG. 2 or the water-soluble paper of FIG. 3 is transferred to a retack sheet. FIG. 10(A) is a cross-sectional view thereof, FIG. 10(B) is a plan view of FIG. 10(A) viewed from the side opposite to the powder resin layer 4c side of the retack sheet, and FIG. 10(C) shows a state in which the pattern image transferred to the retack sheet with a powder resin layer in the plan view of FIG. 10(B) has been decolorized by heating. Through the image transfer process, a retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer onto which an image 4a has been transferred can be obtained on the transparent resin layer 4c', which is the overcoat layer. After the image transfer process, if necessary, a cleaning process follows to remove and dry the moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image 4a transferred to the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer.

[0059] Next, a puzzle board, which is the object to which the image 4a transferred to the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is to be adhered, is prepared. As the puzzle board, a plain board is die-cut to form a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side, and a jigsaw puzzle formed by fitting the unevenness of each puzzle piece into a flat shape is used.

[0060] As a method for manufacturing this jigsaw puzzle, first, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 11, two pieces of corrugated paper 22 with white paper 21 adhered to one side are provided with a hot melt adhesive 23 only on the surrounding portion that becomes the frame portion 26, and a jigsaw puzzle material 24 is produced by adhering them so that the white paper 21 side is on the outside. Here, the corrugated paper 22 with the upper white paper 21 adhered corresponds to the plain board of the present embodiment. And as the board, regardless of the corrugated paper 22, in addition to other papers, a cork material or a wooden board may be used, and it is not essential to provide the white paper 21. Note that in the present invention, "plain" means a state without a pattern on the surface, and those with a texture pattern such as Japanese paper or cork are also included in the plain ones.

[0061] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11, this jigsaw puzzle material 24 is placed on the upper surface of the cutting table 31 in a state where the predetermined position is aligned, and the cutting table 31 is moved up and down in the direction of arrow 33 toward the blade table 32 for cutting the upper puzzle pieces, so that only the upper white paper 21 and the corrugated paper 22 are die-cut into a predetermined shape and divided into puzzle pieces 25 and a frame portion 26.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a plain jigsaw puzzle manufactured in this way. FIG. 12(A) shows a plan view, and FIG. 12(B) shows a partial cross-sectional view. The jigsaw puzzle 20 has a plain cardboard sheet die-cut and divided into a plurality of puzzle pieces 25. Each individual puzzle piece 25 has irregularities of a required shape on each side, and the puzzle pieces 25 can be formed on a plane by fitting these irregularities together even after being separated. Also, the peripheral part is adhered to the lower cardboard sheet 22 to form a frame part 26. The lower cardboard sheet 22 functions as a bottom plate 28 and, together with the frame part 26, serves as a work plate or holder when combining the separated puzzle pieces. Also, cut groove recesses 27 generated by die-cutting are formed between the individual puzzle pieces 25 and between the puzzle pieces 25 and the frame part 26.

[0063] Next, a transfer process of transferring the image 4a transferred onto the transparent resin layer 4c', which is an overcoat layer of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, onto the cardboard of the jigsaw puzzle 20 will be described. First, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is overlapped on the jigsaw puzzle 20 while aligning it so that the image 4a side of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer faces the surface side of the puzzle pieces 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where the jigsaw puzzle 20 and the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer are overlapped. In this state, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is planar, and the image 4a remains held on the retack sheet 7' side.

[0064] In this state, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle pieces 25. As a method of heat pressing, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a wet cloth 41 is placed on a retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, and heat and pressure are applied to the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer from above using an iron 40. Note that instead of the wet cloth 41, a soft silicone rubber foam sheet or the like may be used. When heat pressing using the wet cloth 41, in order to prevent the jigsaw puzzle 20 from getting wet due to water vapor generated by the change in the moisture contained in the wet cloth 41, with the jigsaw puzzle 20 inserted into a bag made of, for example, a plastic film made of polypropylene (not shown), the wet cloth 41 is placed on it from above, and heat pressing may be performed on the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer.

[0065] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cut groove recess 27 of the puzzle piece 25 and the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer when the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is heat pressed against the surface of the puzzle piece 25 in the fixing step. By applying heat and pressure to the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, the retack sheet 7' with a highly thermoplastic powder resin layer thermally expands, and due to the stress of thermal expansion, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer tries to enter the inner part of the cut groove recess 27 of the puzzle piece 25, and becomes a wrinkled state along the pattern of the cut groove recess 27.

[0066] On the other hand, since the image 4a held on the retack sheet 7' side is heated and pressed against the puzzle piece 25, the image 4a is remelted (re-fixed) on the surface of the puzzle piece 25, and transfer is performed due to the difference in the melting adhesion force of the image 4a from the retack sheet 7' to the jigsaw puzzle 20. At that time, since the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer tries to enter the inner part of the cut groove recess 27 of the puzzle piece 25, the image 4a of the cut groove recess 27 portion held on the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is also well re-fixed to the entrance portion of the cut groove recess 27 of the puzzle piece 25, that is, the corner portion of the outer peripheral edge of the puzzle piece 25.

[0067] Thus, the resin film 5 of the retack sheet 7' with a thermoplastic-rich powder resin layer is a material that expands by heat and is made of a material that does not melt depending on the re-fixing temperature of the image 4a, so that the image 4a can be transferred up to the cut groove recess 27. As such a material, for example, polyvinyl chloride is suitable. In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 15, among the image 4a transferred to the transparent resin layer 4c' which is the overcoat layer of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, the image 4a of the portion that does not contact the puzzle piece 25 at the cut groove recess 27 portion will not be transferred to the puzzle piece 25 and will remain on the retack sheet 7' side with a powder resin layer.

[0068] In the above embodiment, in order to heat-press the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, heating and pressing were performed using an iron 40. However, it is not limited to the iron 40. For example, the jigsaw puzzle 20 with the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer stacked thereon may be sandwiched between a pair of clamping bodies and heated and pressed by applying a certain pressure. As this clamping body, it may be composed of a soft silicone rubber foam, and a heating element may be provided on at least one of the clamping bodies. Also, a pair of rollers may be used as the clamping body. In addition, even if the pattern image is in a colored state when the image 4a is heated and pressed against the puzzle piece 25, as shown in FIG. 10(C), when the temperature rises above a predetermined decoloring temperature by heating, the pattern image will temporarily disappear. However, by cooling the jigsaw puzzle to a temperature below the predetermined coloring temperature after the fixing process, the pattern image will return to the colored state again.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the state of the jigsaw puzzle in which the pattern image is in a colored state after the fixing process, and a jigsaw puzzle 20 with a transparent retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer attached to the surface of the jigsaw puzzle 20 forming a positive image pattern can be obtained. The jigsaw puzzle 20 obtained as described above can be used as an interior decoration item for a room. Since the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is attached to the surfaces of the plurality of puzzle pieces 25 and the frame portion 26, each puzzle piece 25 will not scatter and fly apart. Also, when the jigsaw puzzle 20 obtained as described above is used as a game puzzle, each puzzle piece 25 can be separated apart by peeling off the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer. In this embodiment, the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer functions as a transparent resin film for preventing the puzzle pieces from scattering.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a view showing a state when peeling the retack sheet from the jigsaw puzzle of this embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when peeling the retack sheet from the puzzle piece of this embodiment. On the surface of the puzzle piece 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20, together with the transparent resin layer 4c' which is an overcoat layer, a transferred and re-fixed image 4a is formed, and each puzzle piece 25 is in a state where it can be separated apart by a cut groove. On the other hand, on the side of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, a part of the image 4a that was not transferred to the surface of the puzzle piece 25 and a part of the transparent resin layer 4c' remain. A part of this remaining image 4a and a part of the transparent resin layer 4c' form a pattern along the cut groove portion of each puzzle piece 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20, that is, the cut groove portion formed by fitting the unevenness of each puzzle piece.

[0071] In this way, when peeling the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer from the jigsaw puzzle 20, a part of the image 4a and a part of the transparent resin layer 4c' will be taken away to the side of the retack sheet composed of the resin film 5 and the re-peelable adhesive 6 in the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer. However, since the part of the image 4a and the part of the transparent resin layer 4c' that are taken away are the image 4a and the transparent resin layer 4c' along the cut groove portion, the influence is small. And since the image 4a is well re-fixed up to the corner portions of the outer periphery of the surface of each puzzle piece 25, it is possible to reproduce a good pattern even when the unevenness of the puzzle piece 25 is fitted again to reproduce the pattern.

[0072] And the image 4a, which is an image obtained by superimposing an ultraviolet visualizable image showing the required pattern image and the position information of the puzzle piece, has, thereon, a transparent resin layer 4c' which is a further transparent overcoat layer. For this reason, under visible light, the ultraviolet visualizable image cannot be seen with the naked eye, but when the jigsaw puzzle 20 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the position information of the puzzle piece 25 formed as the ultraviolet visualizable image can be seen. Furthermore, this transparent resin layer 4c' which is a transparent overcoat layer overlaps with the required pattern image and protects a toner (erasable toner) which can be erased by a heat treatment used for the image 4a forming this pattern image, maintaining the light resistance and weather resistance of the pattern image over a long period and preventing the fading and deterioration of the pattern image.

[0073] Next, the case of using the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer will be described. First, the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer is produced by a process of forming an adhering surface consisting of a re-peelable adhesive 6 on one surface of a transparent resin film 5, a process of applying a powder resin layer 4c consisting of a copolymer polyamide powder resin on the adhering surface, a process of providing a release paper 8 on the powder resin layer 4c, and a process of heat-pressing the powder resin layer 4c while being sandwiched between the resin film 5 and the release paper 8 to melt the powder resin layer 4c to obtain the transparent resin layer 4c'. The retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer may be fixed with a temporary fixing tape 9 around it as shown in Fig. 6 in order to facilitate handling. The transparent resin layer 4c' of the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer functions as an overcoat layer.

[0074] Peel the release paper 8 from the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer thus produced, and as a retack sheet pasting step, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, superpose the transparent resin layer 4c' side of the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer on the image 4a on the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60. In this state, heat and press the transparent resin layer 4c' to paste the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer on the image 4a on the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60.

[0075] Thereafter, in the same manner as when using the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, the water-soluble layer 3 is dissolved in water by making the support 2 contain water to peel the support 2, or the water-soluble paper 60 is dissolved in water by making the water-soluble paper 60 contain water, and an image transfer step of transferring the image 4a onto the transparent resin layer 4c' which is the overcoat layer of the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer, a cleaning step of removing and drying the moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image 4a transferred onto the transparent resin layer 4c', and further, a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side are fitted together and the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer having the image 4a transferred onto the transparent resin layer 4c' which is the overcoat layer is superposed on the surface of the puzzle pieces formed on a plane, and the retack sheet 7" with a transparent resin layer is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle pieces, and through a transfer step of transferring the image 4a to the puzzle pieces together with the overcoat layer, a jigsaw puzzle is obtained.

[0076] FIG. 19 is a view when ultraviolet light is irradiated on the jigsaw puzzle of the present invention. The irradiation range of the ultraviolet light is set as the spot S. Then, on the puzzle pieces 25 irradiated with ultraviolet light, the position information 53 of each puzzle piece 25 is visualized and appears, so it can be seen. Although various types of position information 53 can be used for each puzzle piece 25, in this embodiment, row information 51 such as A, B, C, D... and column information 52 such as 01, 02, 03, 04... are formed as an ultraviolet-visualizable image on the frame portion 26 of the jigsaw puzzle 20 as coordinate information, and combinations of this row information and column information, such as A01, A02, A03, A04..., are used as the position information 53 for each puzzle piece 25.

[0077] So far, it is the same as the prior art jigsaw puzzle shown in FIG. 24, but in the jigsaw puzzle of the present invention, the decolorization or coloring of the pattern image can be further selected and switched by temperature treatment. As shown in FIG. 19, in the pattern image, the portions indicated by the broken lines are not actually visible in the decolorized state. To heat-treat a pattern image in the colored state to make it decolorized, for example, a dryer or the like can be used in addition to the above-mentioned iron. To cool-treat a pattern image in the decolorized state to make it colored, for example, the jigsaw puzzle can be placed in a refrigerator or freezer for a while.

[0078] Therefore, regardless of whether the pattern image is in the decolorized or colored state, even if the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer or the retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer is peeled off from the jigsaw puzzle 20 and each puzzle piece 25 is separated separately, by irradiating the puzzle piece 25 with ultraviolet light, the puzzle pieces 25 can be easily fitted together with reference to the position information based on the ultraviolet-visualizable image formed on the surface of the puzzle pieces and the coordinate information formed on the frame portion.

[0079] Note that the ultraviolet-visualizable image indicating the position information formed on the puzzle piece 25 is preferably formed on a higher surface than the pattern image in order to be easily visible when irradiated with ultraviolet light even if the pattern image is visible in the colored state. Therefore, when forming a toner image using a laser printer or an MFP, it is desirable to arrange the image indicating the position information by UV toner on the upper surface of the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60 above the pattern image, and to determine the positional relationship of each toner with respect to the transfer belt in consideration of the order in which the erasable toner and the UV toner are transferred to the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60. In some cases, the image forming process may be performed twice, forming a pattern image with erasable toner on the upper surface of the pattern forming paper 1 or the water-soluble paper 60, and further forming an image indicating the position information by UV toner thereon.

[0080] And not only when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, but also when the puzzle pieces are separated even when the pattern image is not visible in the erased state, by irradiating the puzzle piece 25 with ultraviolet light, the puzzle piece 25 can be easily fitted together with reference to the position information. Also, in the above-described image forming step, since the first step of forming a non-inverted image (pattern image) of the pattern precedes the second step of forming an ultraviolet-visualizable image, even when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, the ultraviolet-visualizable image indicating the position information is formed above the pattern image, so that the position information that is visualized and appears when irradiated with ultraviolet light is easier to see. However, if the second step precedes the first step, the pattern image is formed above the image indicating the position information by UV toner, and even when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, by irradiating the puzzle piece 25 with ultraviolet light, although the visibility is poor because the ultraviolet-visualizable image comes under the pattern, the position information can be seen, so that it is possible to fit together much more easily than a conventional jigsaw puzzle.

[0081] The retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer or the retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer of the present invention can be used not only for manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle but also for other applications when forming a transparent resin layer on the surface of a pattern. Note that the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer or the retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer can be reused (recycled) as a retack sheet composed of a resin film 5 and a re-peelable adhesive 6 after the transparent resin layer 4c', which is an overcoat layer, is transferred and peeled off. Additionally, by applying the powder resin layer 4c to the re-peelable adhesive 6, it can be reused as the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, or as the retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer by heat-pressing the powder resin layer 4c to form the transparent resin layer 4c'.

[0082] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image were both formed as toner images formed by a laser printer or an MFP. However, the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image may be ink images formed by an inkjet printer. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a jigsaw puzzle according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view when an image 4a' formed as an ink image by an inkjet printer is used. First, as an image forming step, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, based on image data created by a PC (not shown), an ink image 4a' is directly formed on the puzzle piece 25 using an inkjet printer.

[0083] In the jigsaw puzzle 20, cut groove recesses 27 formed by die-cutting are formed between individual puzzle pieces 25 and between the puzzle pieces 25 and the frame portion 26, and the surface of the puzzle piece 25 is not formed on a plane. However, by using an inkjet printer (garment printer) that can directly print on fabrics such as clothing, the ink image 4a' can be formed on the surface of the puzzle piece 25. Also, as the ink for the inkjet printer for forming the ultraviolet visualization image, for example, ultraviolet curable UV curable ink can be used. UV curable ink is an ink that instantly cures and adheres when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and has the characteristic of a short time until adhesion.

[0084] Next, a retack sheet temporary fixing step of temporarily fixing a retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer on an image 4a' formed on the surface of the puzzle piece 25 will be described. First, while aligning the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer on the jigsaw puzzle 20 so that the powder resin layer 4c side of the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer comes on the image 4a' formed on the surface side of the puzzle piece 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20, the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is overlapped and the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is temporarily fixed on the image 4a'. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is overlapped and temporarily fixed on the jigsaw puzzle 20. In this state, the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is planar.

[0085] Next, in this state, a fixing step of fixing the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer to the puzzle piece 25 will be described. In a state where the jigsaw puzzle 20 and the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer are overlapped, the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle piece 25 to melt the powder resin layer 4c and fix it to the puzzle piece 25. As a method of heating and pressing, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a method of applying a wet cloth 41 on the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer and applying heat and pressure to the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer from above using an iron 40 can be used. Instead of the wet cloth 41, a soft silicone rubber foam sheet or the like may be used. Also, when heating and pressing using the wet cloth 41, in order to prevent the jigsaw puzzle 20 from getting wet by water vapor in which the moisture contained in the wet cloth 41 changes, with the jigsaw puzzle 20 inserted into a bag made of, for example, a plastic film made of polypropylene (not shown), the wet cloth 41 may be applied from above and the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer may be heated and pressed.

[0086] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cut groove recess of the puzzle piece and the retack sheet when the retack sheet is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle piece in the fixing step. By applying heat and pressure to the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, the retack sheet 7' with a thermoplastic-rich powder resin layer thermally expands, and due to the stress of the thermal expansion, the retack sheet 7' tries to enter the inner part of the cut groove recess 27 of the puzzle piece 25 and becomes wrinkled along the pattern of the cut groove recess 27.

[0087] On the other hand, since the powder resin layer 4c of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer is heated and pressed against the puzzle piece 25, it is changed into a transparent resin layer 4c' to become an overcoat layer and is fused (fixed) to the surface of the puzzle piece 25.

[0088] In this way, the resin film 5 of the retack sheet 7' with a thermoplastic-rich powder resin layer is a material that expands by heat, and depending on the fixing temperature of the transparent resin layer 4c' which is an overcoat layer formed by changing the powder resin layer 4c, it is made of a material that does not melt. As such a material, for example, polyvinyl chloride is suitable. In addition, in the retack sheet temporary fixing step, instead of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer temporarily fixed on the image 4a' formed on the surface of the puzzle piece 25, a retack sheet 7'' with a transparent resin layer may be used.

[0089] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the retack sheet is peeled off from the puzzle piece of the present embodiment. On the surface of the puzzle piece 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20, together with the transparent resin layer 4c' which is an overcoat layer, a transferred and re-fixed image 4a' is formed, and each puzzle piece 25 is in a state where it can be separated individually by the cut grooves. On the other hand, on the side of the retack sheet 7' with a powder resin layer, a part of the transparent resin layer 4c' which has become an overcoat layer by heating and melting the powder resin layer 4c remains. A part of this remaining transparent resin layer 4c' forms a pattern along the cut groove part of each puzzle piece 25 of the jigsaw puzzle 20, that is, the cut groove part formed by fitting the unevenness of each puzzle piece.

[0090] Thus, when the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer is peeled off from the jigsaw puzzle 20, a part of the transparent resin layer 4c' is taken away to the retack sheet side composed of the resin film 5 and the re-releasable adhesive 6 in the retack sheet 7' with the powder resin layer. However, since the part of the transparent resin layer 4c' that is taken away is the transparent resin layer 4c' along the cut groove portion, there is no influence.

[0091] In the case of this embodiment, by using a transparent UV ink containing a fluorescent agent for forming an ultraviolet visualization image, the nozzle arrangement relationship of each ink head of an inkjet printer is determined so that each ink is fixed and printed in the order of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image on the surface of the plain jigsaw puzzle (white puzzle) 20 shown in FIG. 12. In addition, also in this embodiment, not only when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, but even when the puzzle pieces are separated from each other when not visible in the decolored state, by irradiating the puzzle piece 25 with ultraviolet light, the puzzle piece 25 can be easily fitted together with reference to the position information. Further, in the image forming step, since the step of forming the pattern image precedes the step of forming the ultraviolet visualization image, even when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, the ultraviolet visualization image indicating the position information is formed on the upper surface than the pattern image. Therefore, the position information visualized and appearing when irradiated with ultraviolet light becomes easier to see. However, if the step of forming the ultraviolet visualization image precedes the step of forming the pattern image, the pattern image is formed on the upper surface than the image indicating the position information by the UV curable ink, and even when the pattern image is visible in the colored state, by irradiating the puzzle piece 25 with ultraviolet light, although the visibility is poor because the ultraviolet visualization image comes under the pattern, the position information can be seen. Therefore, it becomes possible to fit together much more easily than a conventional jigsaw puzzle.

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. For example, as a modification of the second embodiment, an ultraviolet-visualizable image indicating the position information of the puzzle pieces may be printed on the surface of a commercially available jigsaw puzzle having a printed image, and an overcoat layer may be formed. In the first and second embodiments, a transparent toner or ink containing a fluorescent agent is used for the ultraviolet-visualizable image. However, as another material, a transparent toner or ink containing a phosphorescent agent that emits light even in the dark or when irradiated with ultraviolet light may be used.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0093] 1…Pattern-formed paper 2…Support 3…Water-soluble layer 4a, 4a’…Images 4c…Powder resin layer 4c’…Transparent resin layer 5…Resin film 6…Removable adhesive 7’…Retac sheet with powder resin layer 7”…Retac sheet with transparent resin layer 8…Release paper 9…Temporary fixing tape 20…Jigsaw puzzle 21…White paper 22…Corrugated paper 23…Hot melt adhesive 24…Jigsaw puzzle material 25…Puzzle piece 26…Frame part 27…Cut groove recess 28…Bottom plate 31…Cutting table 32…Blade table 33…Arrow 40…Iron 41…Cloth 51…Market information 52…Column information 53…Position information 60…Water-soluble paper 61…Water 100…White paper 101…Pattern toner image 102…UV toner image 103…Overcoat layer 110…Retack sheet 120…Jigsaw puzzle 125…Puzzle piece 130…Toner image

Claims

1. A jigsaw puzzle formed by fitting the unevenness of a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side on the surface of the puzzle pieces formed on a plane, with a required picture image and an ultraviolet visualization image showing position information when divided into each of the puzzle pieces, which becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, wherein the entire surface of the puzzle pieces on the surface side of the picture image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the picture image is formed as a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature. The jigsaw puzzle is characterized by this.

2. The jigsaw puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the picture image selectively holds either a faded or developed state over a certain temperature range.

3. The jigsaw puzzle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet visualization image is formed on the surface side of the picture image.

4. The jigsaw puzzle has a frame portion for positioning a plurality of the puzzle pieces inside, and an ultraviolet visualization image showing coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the puzzle pieces is formed on the surface of the frame portion, and a transparent overcoat layer is formed on the entire surface of the frame portion on the surface side of the ultraviolet visualization image. The jigsaw puzzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized by this.

5. The jigsaw puzzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further having a transparent resin film for preventing the puzzle pieces from scattering on the surface of the overcoat layer.

6. A jigsaw puzzle formed by fitting the unevenness of a plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side on the surface of the puzzle pieces formed on a plane, with a required picture image and an ultraviolet visualization image showing position information when divided into each of the puzzle pieces, which becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, wherein the entire surface of the puzzle pieces on the surface side of the picture image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the picture image is formed as an ink image using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature. The jigsaw puzzle is characterized by this.

7. The jigsaw puzzle according to claim 6, characterized in that the pattern image selectively maintains either a decolorized state or a colored state over a certain temperature range.

8. The jigsaw puzzle according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the ultraviolet visualization image is formed on the surface side of the pattern image.

9. The jigsaw puzzle has a frame portion for positioning a plurality of the puzzle pieces inside, on the surface of the frame portion, an ultraviolet visualization image showing coordinate information corresponding to the position information of the puzzle pieces is formed, The jigsaw puzzle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a transparent overcoat layer is formed on the entire surface of the frame portion on the surface side of the ultraviolet visualization image.

10. The jigsaw puzzle according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a transparent resin film for preventing scattering of the puzzle pieces on the surface of the overcoat layer.

11. An image forming step of forming an image which is a non-inverted image of a required pattern, which is a toner image using a toner that decolorizes at a predetermined decolorization temperature and colors at a predetermined coloring temperature lower than the decolorization temperature, on the surface of a pattern forming paper provided with a water-soluble layer on the surface of a water-absorbent support, and an ultraviolet visualization image that shows the position information when the puzzle pieces formed on a plane by fitting the concavities and convexities of a plurality of puzzle pieces having required shapes on each side are divided into the respective puzzle pieces and becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays; A retack sheet pasting step of pasting a retack sheet, which has a resin layer formed on one surface thereof to form an adhesive surface and becomes a transparent overcoat layer by melting, on the resin layer in a state where the resin layer is superposed on the image, heating and pressing to melt the resin layer, and pasting it on the image formed on the surface of the pattern forming paper; An image transfer step of dissolving the water-soluble layer with water by including water in the support of the pattern forming paper to peel off the support, and transferring the image onto the overcoat layer where the resin layer of the retack sheet has melted; A cleaning step of removing and drying moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image transferred onto the overcoat layer; A puzzle manufacturing process is used, which includes a transfer step of overlapping the retack sheet with the image transferred onto the overcoat layer on the surface of the puzzle piece, and heating and pressing the retack sheet against the surface of the puzzle piece to transfer the image to the puzzle piece together with the overcoat layer. The jigsaw puzzle is characterized in that the entire surface of the puzzle piece on the front side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image is formed as a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature.

12. On the surface of a pattern forming paper configured as a water-soluble paper that dissolves in water, a non-inverted image of a required pattern that is a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops at a predetermined developing temperature lower than the fading temperature, and an image forming step of forming an image composed of an ultraviolet visualization image that shows position information when the puzzle pieces formed by fitting the unevenness of the plurality of puzzle pieces having unevenness of a required shape on each side are divided into the respective puzzle pieces and becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. A retack sheet having an adhesive surface formed on one surface of a resin film and having a resin layer that becomes a transparent overcoat layer by melting formed on the adhesive surface is heat-pressed with the resin layer overlapped with the image to melt the resin layer, and at the same time, a retack sheet attaching step of attaching it to the image formed on the surface of the pattern forming paper. An image transfer step of dissolving the water-soluble paper constituting the pattern forming paper by containing water in the water-soluble paper and transferring the image formed on the water-soluble paper onto the overcoat layer. A cleaning step of removing and drying moisture and water-soluble substances remaining on the surface of the image transferred onto the overcoat layer. A puzzle manufacturing process is used, which includes a transfer step of overlapping the retack sheet with the image transferred onto the overcoat layer on the surface of the puzzle piece, and heating and pressing the retack sheet against the surface of the puzzle piece to transfer the image to the puzzle piece together with the overcoat layer. The entire surface of the puzzle piece on the front side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image is formed as a toner image using toner that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined color development temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature. A jigsaw puzzle characterized by that.

13. The jigsaw puzzle according to claim 12, characterized in that the water for dissolving the water-soluble paper is microbubble water containing microbubbles.

14. An image forming step of forming a required pattern image, which is an ink image using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined color development temperature lower than the fading temperature, on the surface of the puzzle piece formed by fitting the irregularities of a plurality of puzzle pieces having irregularities of a required shape on each side on a plane, and an ultraviolet visualization image that shows position information when the plurality of puzzle pieces are divided into each puzzle piece and becomes visible by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. A retack sheet forming a sticking surface on one surface of a resin film and forming a resin layer that becomes a transparent overcoat layer by melting on the sticking surface is temporarily fixed on the image formed on the surface of the puzzle piece. A retack sheet temporary fixing step. In a state where the resin layer of the retack sheet temporarily fixed on the image is superposed on the image formed on the surface of the puzzle piece, the retack sheet is heated and pressed against the surface of the puzzle piece to melt the resin layer. A fixing step of fixing the overcoat layer formed on the puzzle piece, and a puzzle manufacturing process is used. The entire surface of the puzzle piece on the front side of the pattern image and the ultraviolet visualization image has a transparent overcoat layer, and the pattern image is formed as an ink image using ink that fades at a predetermined fading temperature and develops color at a predetermined color development temperature lower than the predetermined fading temperature. A jigsaw puzzle characterized by that.

Images