Transitioning Playing Cards and Enclosures

Abstract

A deck of playing cards are provided that utilizes temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks to provide images that can change in different environmental conditions. In various embodiments, a temperature-sensitive ink, such as a thermochromic ink, changes from opaque at a first temperature to at least partially translucent or transparent at a second temperature. In various other exemplary embodiments a photo-sensitive ink, such as a photochromic ink, changes from opaque at a first temperature to at least partially translucent or transparent at a second temperature. The deck of playing cards may also include common and unique designs or indicia and the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks may be used to provide at least a portion of either or both of the common and unique designs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/895,522 filed on Oct. 25, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a method of applying temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks to playing cards and playing card enclosures.

BACKGROUND

Recently, playing cards have grown in popularity. Conventional playing cards are manufactured in a deck of fifty-six cards, with typically four suits consisting of thirteen cards each and four additional non-suited cards. While cards have historically included common elements, such as the use of black and red coloring and heart, diamond, spade and club suits, there can be a wide variation in colors, patterns, and shapes used in traditional playing decks. A market has arisen for playing cards with unique designs, including cards featuring unique production methods such as foiling and embossing. Generally, the visible design printed on the playing cards is fixed and unchanging throughout the life of the playing cards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a method of employing temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks (e.g., thermochromic or photochromic inks) during or after the production of playing cards and playing card enclosures. A noted benefit of applying temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks during the manufacture of the playing cards and enclosures is to bring visual stimulation to the world of playing cards for consumers, including magicians, collectors and gamers. It should be appreciated, however, that other individuals may benefit from the use of playing cards utilizing an embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, while the following embodiments discuss playing cards, playing card decks and playing card enclosures, it should be appreciated that other card sets may utilize an embodiment of the present invention. As such, other types of cards; such as collectible cards for card trading games, baseball cards, or the like, card sets or decks, and card enclosures may utilize an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a playing card that includes a design utilizing temperature-sensitive ink shown in a first state and a second state;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a playing card that includes a design utilizing photo-sensitive ink shown in a first state and a second state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a playing card, according to any exemplary embodiment, transitioning from a first state to a second state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a playing card, according to any exemplary embodiment, transitioning from a first state to a second state;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a playing card that includes a design utilizing a reversible temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a playing card that includes a design utilizing an irreversible temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a method of using a substrate to provide a design on a playing card or playing card enclosure according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a playing card exhibiting a first design when in a first state and a second design when in a second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The use of temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink on a playing card enclosure can help preserve the value of a deck for collectors by allowing collectors to interact with the cards and/or card enclosure without opening the deck of playing cards. This technology can also be used to aid magicians in performing an illusion, entertain the common user with its novelty, and indicate the condition that the cards are stored in, among other things.

The use of temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink with playing cards and playing card enclosures also allows for the incorporation of multiple designs on a card or enclosure. The temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink allows the appearance of the product to change designs according to the ambient temperature or ambient light once, or multiple times depending on the density, layers, and varieties of inks being used during or post manufacture.

Examples of temperature-sensitive inks are inks that visibly change from one state to another when exposed to a change in temperature. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a temperature-sensitive ink changes from a solid color to transparent or vice-versa. As shown in FIG. 1, when the temperature of a card 100 is below a predefined temperature (PT), a first design 110 is visible on a surface of the card 100. When the card 100 is at or above the predefined temperature (PT), a second design 120, which may be a blank or no design, is visible on the surface of the card. It should be appreciated that the predefined temperature (PT) may vary depending on, for example, the type, thickness, amount or quality of the temperature-sensitive ink. It should also be appreciated that the temperature-sensitive ink may be utilized in providing either or both of the first and second designs 110 and 120. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the first design may be provided using traditional inks with a solid layer of a temperature-ink provided on top of the first design such that the temperature-sensitive is transparent below the predefined temperature but entirely or substantially obstructs or covers the first design when the temperature is at or above the predefined temperature such that only a blank second design is visible. Alternatively, the first design may be provided utilizing a temperature-sensitive ink on top of a blank surface such that the temperature-sensitive ink and the first design are visible when the temperature is below the predefined temperature but are at least substantially transparent when the temperature is at or above the predefined temperature.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a temperature-sensitive ink changes from one color to another. In various exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive nature of the ink can be activated by the application of heat or cold from any source. It should be appreciated that any environmental change that affects the temperature of the ink may be used in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example only, some sources of temperature change include human touch, lighting, outdoor weather, electrical devices, ice, fire, or beverages.

Examples of photo-sensitive inks are inks that visibly change from one state to another when exposed to a change in light conditions. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a photo-sensitive ink changes from a solid color to transparent or vice-versa. As shown in FIG. 2, in a first state, a first design 210 is visible on a surface of a card 200; while a second design 220 is visible on the surface of the card when the card is in a second state. As with the temperature-sensitive embodiments, it should be appreciated that photo-sensitive inks may be utilized in either or both of the first and second designs 210 and 220. For example, the first design 210 may be provided utilizing traditional ink with a layer of photo-sensitive ink covering the first design 210 such that the photo-sensitive ink is at least substantially transparent in the first state but at least substantially obstructs the first design 210, thereby providing a second design 220, in the second state. Likewise, for example, the first design 210 may be provided utilizing a photo-sensitive ink on a blank background 220 such that the photo-sensitive ink and the first design 210 are visible in a first state and are at least substantially transparent, revealing the blank background or second design 220, in the second state.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a photo-sensitive ink changes from one color to another. In various exemplary embodiments, the photo-sensitive nature of the ink can be activated by the application of or removal of light from any source. It should be appreciated that any environmental change that affects the ambient light striking the ink may be used in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example only, some sources of ambient light change include sunlight, shade, indoor lighting, UV radiation, IR radiation and the like. Additionally, it should be appreciated that a photo-reactive change in the photo-sensitive ink may occur after a desired time period of exposure to a light source.

It should be appreciated that the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may change colors (or change from opaque to transparent or vice-versa) at a predefined, or undetermined temperature or level of exposure to light, and may vary in time necessary to shift from one state to another. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, a temperature-sensitive ink may change state at a specific temperature point (e.g., the temperature-sensitive ink is in one state at or above that specific temperature point and is in another state below that specific temperature point). Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, a photo-sensitive ink may change state upon exposure to a specific type of light (e.g., the photo-sensitive ink may saturate and appear more vibrant when exposed to light in one or more wavelengths).

In various other exemplary embodiments, the temperature point or exposure level at which a temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink transitions from one state to another may vary depending on other conditions, such as for example, other environmental conditions. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the temperature at which a temperature-sensitive ink transitions from one state to another may vary, for example, based on the type or thickness of the temperature-sensitive ink, the humidity in the environment around the temperature sensitive ink, or any other condition of the temperature-sensitive ink or its environment. Likewise, in various exemplary embodiment, the exposure level at which a photo-sensitive ink changes from one state to another may vary depending on, for example, the type or thickness of the photo-sensitive ink, level or intensity of the ambient light or any other condition of the photo-sensitive ink or the environment around the photo-sensitive ink.

Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, there may not be a specific transition point between one state of the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink and another state. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, and as shown for example in FIG. 3, a temperature-sensitive ink may transition from one state to another in a gradual transition such that there is a first temperature range at which the temperature-sensitive ink is in the first state, demonstrated at 310; a second temperature range at which the temperature-sensitive ink is in a second state, demonstrated at 320; and a transition region between the first and second temperature ranges wherein the temperature-sensitive ink may be considered to be in either, both or neither of the first and second states, demonstrated at 315. It should also be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 4, the transition region may include multiple states or a gradual transition from the first state to the second state. As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary playing card utilizing temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink has a first state, demonstrated at 410; a second state, demonstrated at 420, and multiple points within a transition region, demonstrated at 412 and 414, during which the card transitions from being closer to the first state 410 to being closer to the second state 420. It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, there may be more than two intermediate steps between the first state and the second state. In various exemplary embodiments, there are an infinite number of steps between the first state and the second state.

Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, for example, a photo-sensitive ink may transition from one state to another in a gradual transition as it is exposed to particular light sources for longer periods of time. For example, a photo-sensitive ink may begin to become more colorful and saturated when exposed to a particular wavelength of light and may change in intensity or manner of saturation as the exposure increases in intensity or duration. Likewise, the photo-sensitive ink may have a first state when not exposed to a particular light source, a second state when saturated in exposure to the particular light source and a transition state between no exposure and saturated exposure.

Further, in various ones of these exemplary embodiments, a temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may have the appearance of a combined color or appearance of the first and second states when in the transition state or region. For example, an exemplary embodiment of a card may utilize temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks such that at least a portion of the card is blue in a first state, red in a second state, and various shades of purple in a transition state. In various others of these exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may have a varying level of transparency in the transition region. It should further be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may exhibit a transition across the entire range of temperatures or exposure levels such that at each extreme, the temperature-sensitive photo-sensitive ink predominantly exhibits a first or second state and there is a continual transition between the states from one extreme to the other.

It should also be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 5, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks that may be used in the production of these playing cards according to various exemplary embodiments may include inks referred to as “reversible inks” that shift from one state 510 to another 520, and then freely revert back to the inks original state; or, as shown in FIG. 6, ink referred to as “irreversible ink” that shifts from a first state 610 to another state 620 and then remains in that state permanently.

A standard set of playing cards, or a deck, consists of fifty-six playing cards. Each card typically features two faces; one face, which is uniform throughout the deck, usually referred to as the back design, and a second face with a unique design, usually referred to as the face design. In the above-outlined and other exemplary embodiments, the first and second designs may be provided as either or both of the back design or face design. Each playing card in a standard set usually features one of two colors; the most commonly used colors are red and black, although other colors can be used. Typically, each deck contains an equal number of red and black cards. A standard playing card set is also typically divided into four suits consisting of 13 cards each. Typical suits used include diamonds, spades, hearts, and clubs, although there can be others or even more or less than four suits. Some examples include extra suits including stars, squares, and circles. Each suit also typically features ten numbered cards (e.g., 1 through 10, with the “1” often referred to as an “ace”) as well as three “face” cards (e.g., a Jack, Queen, and King). Some sets may also include four “non-suited” cards including two “joker” cards and two extra cards that come from the production process which can be used for advertisement or illusion. A standard set of playing cards typically comes in an individual enclosure such as a sleeve or box that may or may not be wrapped in plastic, and stored or transported in a larger box or similar enclosure, often referred to as a “brick box” that houses multiple decks, usually 12, for display or storage. Likewise, other groupings of decks are possible, for example, two individually enclosed decks of cards may be packaged together in a larger enclosure.

However, it should be appreciated that other enclosures may also be used. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, a deck of cards is enclosed with an external wrap which may be comprised of, for example, a paper wrapping, a fabric wrapping, a wooden box or any other suitable material that can be wrapped around the deck of cards or used to make an enclosure. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the external wrap is secured with, for example, a string, rope or cord. In various exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink is used to create one or more images on one or more external wraps or enclosures.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a playing card deck can be the standard set consisting of fifty-two playing cards used in poker, bridge, and other card games. According to various other exemplary embodiments, playing card decks may be tailored to other games that require more or fewer cards (as well as different denominations or designs), such as euchre, spades, or other games. It should be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, the playing cards may also be used in other games, such as board games, that rely upon cards (which may be particularly designed or formatted for use with such games). In various exemplary embodiments, playing card enclosures include, but are not limited to, enclosures that immediately enclose the playing cards themselves, such as playing card brick boxes, tuck boxes and wrappings; as well as enclosures that contact the playing cards themselves, such as playing card tuck boxes, as well as enclosures that contain one or more of the playing card decks, such as display cases, wrappings or collector boxes.

The use of temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink can be applied using any hand process or any machine processes during manufacture or after. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, a screen printing method may be utilized to place the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink on one or more surfaces of the playing cards. In various other exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may be hand painted onto the playing cards. In yet other exemplary embodiments, a machine printing process, such as, for example, an ink jet printer, a laser printer, an offset printer, or the like may be utilized to place the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink on the playing cards. In still other exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may be placed on a carrier that is then used to apply the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink to the playing cards through any suitable process such as, for example, sublimation printing, or thin film deposition.

In various exemplary embodiments, and as shown for example in FIG. 7, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink 700 may be applied to a substrate 710 that is utilized in the formation of one or more playing cards and/or one or more enclosures for playing cards. The substrate 710 may, in turn, be used to transfer the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink to the material 720 used to manufacture the playing card or card enclosure.

It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the ink may be transferred with or without the substrate. For example, the substrate may be an adhesive layer, such as a sticker or label, which is permanently applied to the material used to manufacture the playing card or playing card enclosure. Likewise, the substrate may be used in an intermediate process that transfers the ink to material, such as for example a sublimation process.

In various ones of these exemplary embodiments the substrates to which the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may be applied can include any paper-type material, cloth-type material, or composition for the playing card base, or playing card enclosure. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the substrates may include all materials that temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink can be applied to such as, for example, wood, paper, cardboard, cardstock, cork, metal, glass, fabric, plastic, rubber, animal skin, or stone. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the substrate may be laminated or covered with another material, such as for example, a thin layer of plastic, that helps protect the surface of the substrate from damage. In various other exemplary embodiments, the substrate may remain unlaminated after the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink is applied.

Likewise, it should be appreciated that the substrate may be attached to another material utilized to create the one or more playing cards or the playing card enclosures. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to create a playing card out of a material that cannot be imprinted with a temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may be applied to a substrate that is then applied to the desired material through any suitable method such as, for example, thin film deposition.

Additionally, the substrate may be applied to an otherwise complete playing card, deck or enclosure. For example, in various exemplary embodiments the substrate is a sticker, decal, or applique that is attached to a playing card, deck or enclosure. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may be utilized to provide at least one image or a portion of an image onto a substrate that is then attached, e.g. glued, applied, laminated or otherwise secured, to a playing card, deck or enclosure. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the playing card, deck or enclosure may also utilize temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink as discussed in relation to any other exemplary embodiment.

In various exemplary embodiments it is desirable to provide a plurality of cards, wherein each card includes distinct indicia printed thereon, in which one or more images is printed upon the card using temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink such that the image printed upon the card changes in appearance according to ambient temperature or ambient light conditions.

In various exemplary embodiments a temporary change in the environment of or around a playing card, playing card deck or a playing card enclosure results in a change of appearance in the playing card, playing card deck or the playing card enclosure such as where the ink printed upon the card changes color or transparency in response to ambient conditions.

In various exemplary embodiments a permanent change in appearance occurs when the ink printed upon a playing card, playing card decker playing card enclosure changes color in response to ambient conditions of or around the playing card, playing card deck or playing card enclosure.

In various exemplary embodiments a change in appearance occurs to a playing card, playing card deck or playing card enclosure whereby two or more different images are printed upon the playing card, playing card deck or playing card enclosure, and the ink composing each printed design changes color or transparency in response to changes in the ambient conditions of or around the playing card, playing card deck or playing card enclosure, resulting in a change in the images displayed upon the card.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, various design subparts for a first design 805 and a second design 805′ are printed on a card 800. As shown, in a first state, the design subparts that make up the first design 805 are visible such that an image 810 on the card 800 has an appearance of the first design 805. Meanwhile, in a second state, the design subparts that make up the second design 805′ are visible such that an image 810′ on the card 800 has an appearance of the second design 805′. It should be appreciated that a design subpart may be a portion of ink that is visible or a portion of ink that is transparent such that the overall desired image is presented. For example, the white design subparts of the second design 805′ may be provided via temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink that has transitioned from transparent in the first state to opaque in the second state. Alternatively, the white design subparts of the second design 805′ may be provided via temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink that has transitioned from opaque in the first state to transparent in the second state to reveal a blank background underneath the image. It should be appreciated that the first and second images may be provided according to any of the above-outlined or other exemplary embodiments.

In various exemplary embodiments a set of playing cards is provided with a first and second image provided thereon wherein the second image is the inverse of the first image.

In various exemplary embodiments an enclosure for a set of playing cards is provided with a first and second image provided thereon wherein the second image is the inverse of the first image.

It should be appreciated that in any one or more of the above-outlined or other exemplary embodiments, temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks may be used in conjunction to provide one or more images on a playing card, playing card deck or playing card enclosure. It should also be appreciated that an ink used according to any one or more of the above-outlined or other exemplary embodiments may be both temperature-sensitive and photo-sensitive.

It should be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of a design provided on a playing card or a playing card enclosure is provided in conventional inks that do not change appearance based on environmental changes. It should also be appreciated, however, that the incorporation of temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink with conventional ink may change the appearance of the convention ink in response to changes to the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, a first design may be provided in a conventional ink with a second design provided on top of the first image in a temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, different portions of the first image may be visible through or around the second image when exposed to different environmental conditions. For example, in various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may transition from opaque at a first temperature or light exposure condition to transparent at a second temperature or light exposure condition such that at least a portion of the first image is obscured at the first temperature or light exposure condition and is visible at the second temperature or light exposure condition.

In various exemplary embodiments, an enclosure or packaging for one or more playing cards, including card boxes, wrappings and card sleeves, is printed partially or wholly in temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink.

In various exemplary embodiments, a set of playing cards is provided wherein each card includes a front face imprinted with a standard design found upon each of the cards of the set, and a second face upon which an image is printed utilizing, at least in part, one or more temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks. In various exemplary embodiments, the standard design may be composed of either one or more temperature-sensitive inks, one or more photo-sensitive inks, one or more conventional inks or any combination of temperature-sensitive, photo-sensitive and conventional inks.

In various exemplary embodiments, a set of playing cards is provided wherein each card includes a front face imprinted with a standard design found upon each of the cards of the set, and a second face upon which a first image and the second image are printed with one or more temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks.

It should be appreciated that multiple temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks may be used in any of the above-outlined exemplary embodiments such that the exemplary playing cards, playing card decks or playing card enclosures exhibit multiple transitions at one or more temperature or light exposure points or conditions. Likewise, one or more temperature-sensitive inks and one or more photo-sensitive inks may be used in conjunction to provide designs that exhibit multiple transitions when subjected to multiple different environmental conditions (such as, for example, a first transition when exposed to a change in temperature and a second transition when exposed to a change in light conditions; two or more transitions when exposed to different temperature conditions; two or more transitions when exposed to changes in light conditions; or any combination of one or more transitions affected by temperature and one or more transitions affected by light conditions).

For example, in various exemplary embodiments, multiple temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks may be utilized to imprint a design on one or more playing cards or playing card enclosures such that an image of multiple colors changes at the same transition point. In various other exemplary embodiments, multiple temperature-sensitive inks may be utilized that transition at different temperature points such that one or more images, comprised of portions of multiple sub-images, are visible at multiple temperature points. In various other exemplary embodiments, multiple photo-sensitive inks may be utilized that transition at different light exposure conditions, such as for example at different wavelengths or at different lengths of time of exposure, such that one or more images, comprised of portions of multiple sub-images, are visible at multiple exposure conditions.

For example, in various exemplary embodiments, multiple temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive inks may be utilized to provide multiple sub-images on a playing card or playing card enclosure such that a composite or combined image appears to move, morph or otherwise change as the playing card or playing card enclosure is exposed to a change in temperature or light exposure. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of a playing card or playing card enclosure comprising multiple sub-images utilizing different photo-sensitive inks, a composite image may appear to move, morph or change when continually exposed to a new light condition as one or more of the multiple sub-images change state as a result of the continued exposure. Likewise, in an exemplary embodiment of a playing card or playing card enclosure comprising multiple sub-images utilizing different temperature-sensitive inks, a composite image may appear to move, morph or change as the temperature of the playing card or playing card enclosure rises or falls when exposed to a change in temperature conditions in the environment around the playing card or playing card enclosure resulting in one or more of the multiple sub-images changing state throughout the temperature change.

It should also be appreciated that in any of the above-outlined embodiments, a transition that occurs at a particular temperature point may not occur instantaneously. As such, in various exemplary embodiments, transitions that occur at one or more temperatures or light conditions may require that the playing cards, playing card enclosures, temperature-sensitive ink, photo-sensitive ink or environment be held at or above (or at or below for a falling point transition) the one or more temperatures or light conditions for a first time period. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, if a temperature-sensitive ink is utilized that transitions from a first state (such as, for example, opaque) below a first temperature to a second state (such as, for example, transparent) at or above the first temperature, the playing card, playing card enclosure or the temperature-sensitive ink itself may need to be at or above the first temperature for a first time period before the temperature-sensitive ink changes to the second state (by, for example, becoming transparent).

Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, if a photo-sensitive ink is utilized that transitions from a first state (such as, for example, opaque) when not exposed to light of a particular wavelength or intensity but changes to a second state (such as, for example, transparent) or, vice versa, the playing card, playing card enclosure or photo-sensitive ink may need to be exposed to the light of the particular wavelength or intensity for a first period of time before the photo-sensitive ink changes to the second state (by, for example, becoming transparent or opaque).

It should be appreciated that photo-sensitive inks will include any inks that changes from a first state to a second state when exposed to changes in light conditions. As such, photo-sensitive inks include inks that fluoresce at different wavelengths, inks that experience a reversible or irreversible transition to or from being transparent or opaque, inks that change color when exposed to differing light conditions, and any other ink that experiences a visible change in appearance when exposed to different lighting conditions.

Likewise, the transition may be gradual over a given time period such that a temperature-sensitive or photo-sensitive ink may transition from one color to another or from opaque to transparent over a time period when brought to a particular temperature or exposed to a particular light condition. In various exemplary embodiments, the transition from a first state to a second state will become more predominant (e.g., closer to the second state) the longer that the playing card, playing card enclosure, temperature-sensitive ink or photo-sensitive ink is held at a desired transition temperature or exposed to a desired light condition.

It should be appreciated that any of the above-outlined exemplary embodiments may be used in connection with any one or more of the other above-outlined exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A deck of playing cards comprising a plurality of individual playing cards wherein each of the individual playing cards comprises:

a first planar surface;

a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface;

a common design provided on the first planar surface; and

a unique design provided on the second planar surface;

wherein at least one of the common design and the unique design comprises a first subdesign containing ink chosen from the group consisting of temperature-sensitive and photo-sensitive inks.

2. The deck of playing cards of claim 1, wherein each of the individual playing cards further comprises a second subdesign containing conventional ink.

3. The deck of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the unique design of each of the individual playing cards comprises a common first subdesign and a unique second subdesign wherein at least one of the first and second subdesigns is comprised of thermo-sensitive ink.

4. The deck of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the unique design of each of the individual playing cards comprises a common first subdesign and a unique second subdesign wherein at least one of the first and second subdesigns is comprised of photo-sensitive ink.

5. The deck of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the first subdesign comprises photochromic ink.

6. The deck of playing cards of claim 5, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a first pericyclic reaction when exposed to a first light condition.

7. The deck of playing cards of claim 6, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a second pericyclic reaction when exposed to a second light condition.

8. The deck of playing cards of claim 5, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a first cis-trans isomeric reaction when exposed to a first light condition.

9. The deck of playing cards of claim 8, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a second cis-trans isomeric reaction when exposed to a second light condition.

10. The deck of playing cards of claim 5, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a first intramolecular reaction when exposed to a first light condition.

11. The deck of playing cards of claim 10, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a second intramolecular reaction when exposed to a second light condition.

12. The deck of playing cards of claim 5, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a dissociative reaction when exposed to a first light condition.

13. The deck of playing cards of claim 12, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a recombination reaction when exposed to a second light condition.

14. The deck of playing cards of claim 5, wherein the photochromic ink experiences a reduction reaction when exposed to a first light condition.

15. The deck of playing cards of claim 14, wherein the photochromic ink experiences an oxidation reaction when exposed to a second light condition.

16. The deck of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the first subdesign comprises thermochromic ink.

17. The deck of playing cards of claim 16, wherein the thermochromic ink is opaque above a first temperature point and at least partially translucent below the first temperature point.

18. The deck of playing cards of claim 16, wherein the thermochromic ink is at least partially translucent above a first temperature point and opaque below the first temperature point.

19. The deck of playing cards of claim 16, wherein the thermochromic ink changes color when the ambient temperature around the deck of playing cards changes from below a first temperature point to above the first temperature point.

20. The deck of playing cards of claim 16, wherein the thermochromic ink changes color when the ambient temperature around the deck of playing cards changes from above a first temperature point to below the first temperature point.