CUSTOMIZED PLAYING CARDS UTILIZED FOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ENHANCING FAITH KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

Disclosed is an assemblage of various playing cards arrived at by designing each card essentially based on symbolism, text, and spiritual images found in the sacred writings of a particular religion, or “Faith.” Each of the playing cards displays wording and/or images corresponding to images and/or names of selected sections of those sacred writings. The titles or names of the sacred writings designate what commonly functions as “denominations” in conventional card games. Specific Faith-oriented artistic images function as “suits.” In the preferred embodiment, the cards correspond to names and images found in the Books of the Christian Bible. The disclosure is also applicable to the concepts and sacred writings of other religions. The playing cards serve to encourage and challenge persons to increase their knowledge of, and gain greater understanding and appreciation of their Faith, in an uplifting and socially interactive manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The field of the present inventive concept relates generally to games associated with decks or packs of playing cards. Packs of playing cards have been used for entertainment by different cultures for centuries. The type of playing cards most familiar to people around the world comprises a deck of fifty-two cards. Each card is identified as having a different “value,” or “denomination,” combined with one of four commonly-used “suits.” The denominations are either sequentially-assigned numbers or artistic images depicting a key character incorporated into the rules of a card game. The suits, as used in most card games, have commonly been deemed “clubs,” “diamonds,” “hearts,” and “spades.” This system of card playing has a long and ancient history.

Occasionally, individuals have attempted to devise new shapes and kinds of playing cards, including different suits and unique denominations for playing different card games. There have also been card games devised wherein there is provided a pack of cards in which each individual card represents more than one value, as indicated on its actual game, or front face. The disclosed inventive concept utilizes decks of playing cards oriented toward units or books of sacred writings. The main objective is to provide a challenge to persons who seek to increase their knowledge of, and gain greater understanding and appreciation of their Religion, or “Faith,” in an uplifting, educational, and socially competitive manner, by means of card games.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. Published Patent Application #2006/0232010 A1; (Oct. 19, 2006); Ginyard et al. A fill in the blank answer game is disclosed comprising sets of different color cards which represent each book of the Holy Bible, with a scripture quotation on each card from the books of Genesis to Revelation, taken from the Old and New Testaments of the King James Version of the Christian Bible. The cards serve as a teaching device for memorization of scripture quotations. Furthermore, as well as aiding religious instruction the fill in the blank answer feature is educational in nature in that it aids in vocabulary development as the players are given hints in the form of synonyms, antonyms, rhyming words, and definitions, as clues to the missing words. Each book of the Bible is represented by a different group of colored cards. Each card has a first and second side. On the first side a scripture verse is displayed with missing key words to be filled in by the player/s. On the second side are the answers separated by commas, for the fill in the blank spaces, along with the name of the book, chapter, and verse it is taken from in the Bible.

U.S. Published Patent Application #2014/0131947 A1 (May 15, 2014) Swartz, C. An educational religious card game and method of playing an educational religious card game with words found in the Bible of people, places, and things, inscribed on the cards. One of these said cards are placed upon a plastic adjustable headband that is worn by a player on his or her forehead. Each player guesses their card by asking yes or no questions. The process and method of playing this religious educational card game serves as a teaching device for biblical knowledge, and biblical vocabulary. A scoring method is based upon each player receiving a certain amount of chips. When a player correctly guesses their card in the allotted time, they may discard one of their chips. The first player to discard all of their chips wins the game.

U.S. Published Patent Application #2008/0099995 A1; (May 1, 2008) Maxwell, D. A religious game where biblical phrases inscribed on cards to be drawn from a deck are guessed by teams based on visible drawings produced by the player drawing the card.

U.S. Published Patent Application #2008/0246217 A1; (Oct. 9, 2008) Meyers et al. This present invention is a four- or more player card game that accentuates the sub-culture of the Christian Church using conventional Bible references, in addition to national Church Surveys and Christian Church Cliches references. It is a two-team game, comprised of three rounds with the objective being to become the team to accumulate the highest number of points by the end of the final round.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,816; (Aug. 27, 1991; Davis et al). An invention directed toward an educational and entertaining game that challenges the players knowledge of the Bible. The game is played by rolling a die and moving a game piece the appropriate number of spaces. Each gameboard space has an instruction thereon, that tells the player what to do. The objective of the game is to acquire a predetermined number of points before your competitors. The difficulty and pace of the game are so designed as to challenge a player into learning all aspects of the Bible while having fun and interaction with other players.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,358; (Oct. 9, 1979; Hancock) A pack of playing cards comprises forty-eight split-value cards, the front face of each of which is divided into two visually distinctive zones by means of a diagonal dividing line. Each of the visually distinctive zones represents a different playing card suit-value combination, the arrangement being such that, through the forty eight split-value cards, there is a first zone representing each of the card values ace through three of each of the four suits clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades, and similarly there is a card with the second visually distinctive zone representing each of the same forty eight card suit-value combinations. There is no coupling of similar card-values on the same card of the forty-eight split-value cards. The pack is completed with four deuce cards, each having two visually distinctive zones, but both of the zones representing the deuce of the same suit. The pack may also include one or more jokers of conventional design to be used as wild cards. There may be also included indicator cards which are selectively displayed to indicate which of the visually distinctive zones, or both, is in play.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,893 (Jun. 28, 2005); Dillhoff. A card game for learning entails competitive play between players. As the game proceeds, the winner of a match must recite out loud the facts of learning printed on the playing cards. The game repetitively exposes the players to facts in a given subject area such as math, history, science, geography, literature, etc. The learning experience may be geared to different age brackets by tailoring the subject facts to different age brackets. Audible and visual cues help players to associate information for memory retention. Different decks for different age brackets and subjects are provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,291; (May 9, 2000) Gary, H. A learning enhancing card game comprises four or more suits of cards, each card having a front side and back side, each suit comprising a predetermined number of first cards having information thereon and a corresponding predetermined number of second cards, each second card having information correlated to information on one of the first cards from the suit, and two or more wild cards, each having a front side and a back side. The card information relates to religious studies, in particular the Christian Bible and each suit is topically related to each other such as peace, love, faith, commandments, evil, happiness, prayer, and hope.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed assemblage of customized playing cards is a unique concept arrived at by creating a plurality of playing cards, card decks, and sub-sets of playing cards. Each of the playing cards is essentially based on symbolism, text, references, and spiritual images derived from the sacred writings of a particular religion, or “Faith,” as that Faith is practiced by certain people around the world.

Each of the playing cards displays wording corresponding to the names of certain selected sections of scriptural writings of the Faith. The names of these selected sections, as displayed on the playing cards, serve to represent what commonly functions as “denominations” in conventional card games. Further, each of the plurality of playing cards displays certain scriptural symbols, in pictorial and/or textual form, which function, similar to conventional card games, as the “suits” and “denominations” in the Faith-oriented playing cards. In this manner, users engage in Faith “learning concepts.”

In its preferred embodiment, the disclosed assemblage and system of playing cards is based on names, text, designs, artwork, and symbolism that are derived directly from writings in the Christian Bible, King James Version (the “Bible” 2). The disclosed assemblage of playing cards, decks, and sub-sets of cards is referred to as “The Other Playing Cards,” or TOP-C 1. For purposes of illustration and ease of explanation, and not by limitation, the descriptions of the decks 10-13 of playing cards, and sub-sets 14-19, of playing cards in this disclosure will be predominantly based on the New Testament Books 4 and Old Testament Books 5 of the Bible 2.

Further, there is specially-designed scriptural symbolism for two “Wild Cards,” the Rod 42, and the Staff 43, as may be needed for playing any of the games or competition developed and/or associated with the plurality of decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards.

As previously stated, the descriptions, illustrations, and examples presented in this disclosure primarily reference the King James Version of the Christian Bible 2. These predominant references are for ease of explanation of the inventive disclosure and are not intended as a limitation. The disclosures of the utilization of the references, illustrations, and examples herein may be correspondingly applied to, and derived from, other versions of the Christian Bible 2 and from authorized scriptural writings of any religion or Faith, other than Christianity.

The disclosed assemblage of playing cards, TOP-C 1, is an inventive concept, which, in its preferred embodiment, helps educate people on the hierarchy, chronology, and related spiritual concepts evidenced in the New Testament Books 4 and Old Testament Books 5 of the Bible 2. The TOP-C 1 system revolves around incorporating the established Biblical chronology of the New Testament Books 4 (herein, “N.T. Books 4”) and Old Testament Books 5 (herein, “O.T. Books 5”) into a variety of playing cards, which include card decks 10, 11, 12, 13 and sub-sets of playing cards 14-19.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1(A) is illustrative of a First Grouping 8 of playing cards. Depicted in the rightmost column is a chronological listing of the twenty-seven New Testament Books 4 of the Christian Bible 2 which function as “denominations.” For ease of explanation, the designated name of each N.T. Book 4 is also identified as a numbered Item # (101-127), immediately to the left of each specific N.T. Book 4.

FIG. 1(B) illustrates what is termed a Second Grouping 9 of playing cards. Depicted is a chronological listing of the thirty-nine Old Testament Books 5 (O.T. Book 5) of the Christian Bible 2. Further, the name of each O.T. Book 5 is also identified by an “Item #” (201-239) adjacent to each specific O.T. Book 5. Each O.T. Book 5 name serves as the designation of a “denomination” as used in the several playing card decks 10-13 and sub-sets of cards 14-19 set forth in this inventive concept.

FIG. 2 presents a chart comprising the New Testament Deck, KJV of playing cards, consisting of twenty-three four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “N.T. Deck 10.” The names of the twenty-three N.T. Books 4 are presented in four identical vertical columns, functioning as denominations. The word or term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable suit 30-33 which is inherently displayed on each appropriate playing card in the N.T. Deck 10.

FIG. 3 presents a chart comprising the Old Testament Deck—Division I, consisting of a selection of twenty-three four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “O.T. Div. I 11.” The names of the O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book name functioning as a denomination.

FIG. 4 presents a chart comprising the Old Testament Deck—Division II, consisting of a selection of twenty-three four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “O.T. Div. II 12.” The names of a selected number of the O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book name functioning as a denomination.

FIG. 5 presents a chart comprising the “Junior Deck” 13 “sub-set” of cards, which consists of seven four-card sets of playing cards. The names of seven Books from both the New Testament and Old Testament are selected. The N.T. Books 4 and O.T. Books 5, as selected, are presented in four identical vertical columns, the N.T. Book 4 and O.T. Book 5 names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 6 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept New Testament, Division I sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the N.T. Books 4. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC N.T., Div. I 14 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen N.T. Books 4 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 7 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept New Testament, Division II sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the N.T. Books 4. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC N.T., Div. II 15 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen N.T. Books 4 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 8 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept Old Testament, Division I sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the O.T. Books 5. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC O.T., Div. I 16 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 9 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept Old Testament, Division II sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the O.T. Books 5. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC O.T., Div. II 17 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 10 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept Old Testament, Division III sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the O.T. Books 5. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC O.T., Div. III 18 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 11 presents a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept Old Testament, Division IV sub-set of playing cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards derived from the O.T. Books 5. This sub-set is referred to, collectively, as the “GOC O.T., Div. IV 19 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations.

FIG. 12 shows a charting of the correlation of the designated suits that are used in the various decks 10-19 of cards, wherein each suit is correlated to a specific Biblical concept in either the New Testament Books 4 or the Old Testament Books 5. Further shown is a presentation of the relationship of each of two jokers, or “wild” cards, to a specific Biblical concept. The wild cards are designated as the Rod 42 and the Staff 43.

In FIG. 13, there are illustrated the various images and symbols which function as suits, and associated with the N.T. Books 4 and O.T. Books 5, which may be printed on the front “faces” of card decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards.

In FIG. 14, there are illustrated the various images which function as suits in categories associated with the N.T. Books 4 and O.T. Books 5, which may be printed on the front “faces” of card decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards.

FIG. 15 displays, on the first two cards, views of the front surfaces of “jokers,” being the Rod 42 and the Staff 43. The second two cards display the back surfaces 44 of all playing cards utilized in the N.T. decks and the back surfaces 45 of all playing cards utilized in the O.T. decks.

FIG. 16 displays examples of the front surface, or face, of three playing cards pertinent to the inventive concept, showing the denomination and suit of each card. The three cards shown represent a playing card in the N.T. Deck 10, a playing card in the O.T. Deck 11, and a third playing card from the Junior Deck 13.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling sixteen (16) figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments of the playing cards. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

One object of the assemblage of cards, decks of cards, and sub-sets of playing card, TOP-C 1, is to present a system that will enhance the development of card games which can provide hours of fun involved with scriptural education, spiritual enjoyment, and family entertainment. Another object of this disclosure is to establish its foundation on a newly-designed collection of playing cards that engage and educate persons interested in the Christian community and other religious communities.

A further object is to open-up a fresh market share in spiritually-oriented pursuits that can broaden the base of Christian businesses to monumental proportions.

An additional object of the inventive concept TOP-C 1 is to provide a source of fun, uplifting thoughts, and to encourage open conversations on various topics, particularly since the vast majority of people love to play card games.

In the preferred embodiment, every card has printed on its inner, or front surface, (i) the full or abbreviated name of a specific New Testament Book 4 or Old Testament Book 5 Book from the Bible 2, the Book 4, 5 representing a “denomination,” (ii) an image or symbol of a particular Biblical concept, the image functioning as a “suit” 30-43, and (iii) an Arabic numeral representing the inherent value of the playing card.

In different embodiments, the various decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards may each be used for the playing of a multiplicity of individual derivative card games. Each of the individual derivative card games is based on rules similar to commonly-known card games that are played by various cultures, peoples, and countries around the world. These popular, commonly-known card games include, but are not limited to, Bridge, Bid Whist, Pitty-Pat, Pluck, Gin Rummy, Concentration, Go Fish, Speed, Pinochle, Poker, Dirty Hearts, Tonk, Crazy 8, War, Spades, and Solitary.

An important objective of the disclosure is to enable users to devise “learning concepts” which enhance a more thorough concept of the innermost teachings of the Faith to which the TOP-C playing cards are applicable. This is done, to a degree, by utilizing card games, challenges and playing guidelines to be set forth, which games and playing guidelines are beyond the scope of the disclosures herein.

A similar assemblage of Faith-based playing card decks and sub-sets of cards may also be based on the writings in sacred books of other religions, including Islam and Judaism. Initial research indicates that the concepts used in all TOP-C 1 playing cards have commonality with symbols and information located in other religious study books, such as The Koran, [Quran], and The Torah, (etc.). The TOP-C 1 playing cards will cover a wide range of interests and employ a broad spectrum of people in different cultures; those that just want to have fun with cards and those that want to increase their knowledge of these Faith-based sacred books.

In the preferred embodiment, the inventive concept, overall, the TOP-C 1 cards will be made from card stock that is sealed with a plastic-coated over-spray, or other manufacturable, specialty card materials may be used. The texture of each card should be slightly “grainy” in order to assist in ease of gripping. The dimensions of each card, in the preferred embodiment, will be 3½ inches tall by 2½ inches wide. All four corners of every card will be slightly rounded to assist in the manipulation of the playing cards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

As a general summation of the inventive concept herein, the groupings, decks 10-13, and sub-decks 14-19 of cards are designed and organized based on the use of playing cards designated with insignia, symbols, and other markings reflecting on a particular religion, of “Faith.” In the preferred embodiment, the various New Testament Books 4 and Old Testament Books 5 of the Christian Bible 2 are utilized. Information, text, and imagery derived from selected sections, books, or chapters of a particular religion form the foundation for an assemblage of playing cards with a degree of commonality.

By designing customized playing cards on this foundation, specific game rules and competition guidelines can be composed and evolved which enable a method and system of gaining knowledge and familiarity with a Faith. Each suit displayed in the playing cards is represented by a Faith-oriented artistic image derived from the sacred writings. Each deck consists of a plurality of four-card sets, all four cards in the set bearing the indicia of a particular denomination. Further, each card of a four-card set bears the image of a separate one of four different suits associated with that deck.

In the preferred embodiment, a suit 30-43 is one of the four categories into which all the cards of a particular deck 10-13 or sub-set 14-19 are divided. Within each denomination (a denomination being a named title of one of the listed N.T. Books 4 or O.T. Books 5) there are designated four suits, the image of each suit 30-43 representing and designating certain Biblical concepts. Several prospective and exemplary images of suits are shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 herein.

The assemblage of cards disclosed serves the purpose of enhancing and challenging a user's knowledge of their Faith. Each card game or challenge competition that may be derived is played with a specific deck 10-13 or sub-set 14-19 of cards, formed from the general assemblage of playing cards. In some instances, a deck 10-13 of cards may contain one or more four-card sets of playing cards that are duplicated or also included within one or more of the other decks 10-13 or sub-sets 14-19 of cards.

The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1(A) from which one can ascertain the basic intent, organization, and design of the system of card games. FIG. 1(A) displays a First Grouping 8, depicting the actual chronological listing of the names (Item #'s 101-127) of the twenty-seven New Testament Books 4 of the Christian Bible 2. For the sake of convenience, the designated name of each N.T. Book 4 is also coded as an “Item #” (101-127) adjacent to each specific N.T. Book 4.

Although each Item # (101-127) may not systematically appear as a standalone item in this disclosure, FIG. 1A presents a convenient reference for the use of denominations utilized within the card decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of cards. The name of each N.T. Book 4 serves as the designation of a “denomination” as used in the playing card decks 10, 11, 12, 13 and improvised sub-sets 14-19 of cards that will be disclosed.

Under the “Item #” column of FIG. 1(A), there appears a sequential listing of arbitrary numbers corresponding to the N.T. Book 4 immediately adjacent and to the right. The “Item #” (101-127) of each denomination will not necessarily appear in every relevant figure or chart in this disclosure, however, as a convenience, a range of these Item #'s (e.g., 105-123) will occasionally be depicted accompanying certain drawing figures or verbal descriptive segments of the disclosure.

Similarly, FIG. 1(B) provides an overall view of the basic intent, organization, and design of the system of card games, relative to the Old Testament of the Bible 2. FIG. 1(B) displays a Second Grouping 9, depicting the actual chronological listing of the thirty-nine Old Testament Books 5. Further, the name of each O.T. Book 5 is also depicted as an “Item #” (201-239) adjacent to each specific O.T. Book 5 name. Each O.T. Book 5 name serves as the designation of a “denomination” as used in the several playing cards decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of cards.

Under the “Item #” column of FIG. 1(B), appears a sequential listing of arbitrary numbers corresponding to the O.T. Book 5 immediately adjacent and to the right. The “Item #” (201-239) of each denomination will not necessarily appear in every relevant figure or chart in this disclosure, however, as a convenience, a range of these Item #′s (e.g., 205-223) will occasionally be depicted accompanying certain drawing figures or verbal descriptive segments of the disclosure

As further introductory explanation of the general workings of the disclosed system, attention is directed to the layout of the components of a deck of playing cards in FIG. 2. Illustrated is a chart of playing cards of the New Testament (N.T.) Deck 10, comprising twenty-three four-card sets.

In FIG. 2, the names of twenty-three of the twenty-seven N.T. Books 4 are arranged in four identical vertical columns, in descending, sequential order. Thus, there is formed a New Testament Deck 10, or N.T. Deck 10. Above each of the four columns is set out a word-term, either Doves 30, Crosses 31, Bread 32, or Fish 33 each word-term representing the designation of a suit. The four word-terms 30, 31, 32, 33 function as “suits” in the manner commonly utilized in conventional card games and further, as particularly applicable to the N.T. Deck 10. As stated above, the names of the denominations are specifically set out as the names of the selected twenty-three N.T. Books 4, Item #'s 105 (Acts) through 127 (Revelation), which conform to the First Grouping 8 of FIG. 1(A).

The N.T. Deck 10 of FIG. 2 utilizes combinations of denominations and suits specifically functional within the N.T. Deck 10 of cards and also within other playing card decks 11-13 and all sub-sets 14-19 of cards utilizing any of the playing cards from the N.T. Deck 10. The aforementioned suits, Doves 30, Crosses 31, Bread 32, and Fish 33, are derived from writings, images and concepts in N.T. Books 4 of the Bible 2 and the pictorial representations of these suits, 30, 31, 32, and 33 can be seen clearly illustrated in FIG. 13 herein.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 2 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, depending on the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the N.T. Deck 10.

FIG. 3 presents a chart comprising the “Old Testament Deck—Division I, consisting of a selection of twenty-three four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “O.T. Div. I deck 11.” The names of O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, each Book name (Item #s 201-223) functioning as a denomination. The word or term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable suit, Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37. These suits, 34, 35, 36, and 37 are inherently displayed on each playing card appearing in the specific column(s) in the O.T. Div. I deck 11.

The aforementioned suits Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37, derived from writings in O.T. Books 5, can be seen pictorially illustrated in FIG. 13 herein. The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 3 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, depending on the rules of a specific card game to be played utilizing the O.T. Div. I deck 11. FIG. 3, in its entirety, displays a card deck consisting of a ninety-two different playing cards.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 3 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, depending on the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the O.T. Div I deck 11.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a deck of playing cards comprising twenty-three four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “Old Testament—Division II deck” or “O.T. Div II” deck 12. The names of a selected twenty-three O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, whereby name represents an O.T. Book 5 name (e.g., Esther, Item #217, through Malachi, Item #239). The names of twenty-three selected O.T. Books 5 are displayed in four identical vertical columns, in descending order.

Above each of the four columns In FIG. 4 is set out a word-term, Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37. Each word-term represents the designation of a suit. The four word-terms Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37 function as “suits,” in the manner commonly applicable in conventional card games and further, as applicable to the O.T. Div. II deck 12 of playing cards.

As stated earlier, the twenty-three names (Esther 217-Malachi 239) of sequential O.T. Books 5 function as “denominations,” within the O.T. Div. II deck 12 of cards, and also within any sub-set 14-19 or deck 10-13 of cards utilizing any of the playing cards from the O.T. Div. II deck 12 of cards. The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 4 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, corresponding to the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the O.T. Div. II deck 12.

FIG. 5 shows a chart comprising the “Junior Deck” 13, which consists of seven four-card sets of playing cards. The names of seven Bible 2 Books are selected, ranging from Psalms, Item #219, Proverbs, Item #210; Matthew, Item #101, Mark, Item #102, Luke, Item #103, John, Item #104, through Acts, Item #105, and are presented in four identical vertical columns. The N.T. Book 4 or O.T. Book 5 names function as denominations. The word or term immediately above each column is the individual name of the applicable suits, Lamp 38, Water 39, Lamb 40, and Fruit of the Spirit 41 designated to correspond to each denomination in the respective column. The suit names 38-41 are integrally displayed on each playing card shown in the column immediately below that suit name in the Junior Deck 13.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 5 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the Junior Deck 13. The suits, Lamp 38, Water 39, Lamb 40, and Fruit of the Spirit 41 function as suits in the same manner commonly applicable in conventional card games and further, as applicable to the Junior Deck 13.

FIG. 5 also sets forth two additional “trump” cards, performing in the capacity as “Jokers.” The first of these is the “Rod 42,” which designates the “Superior Trump Card,” wherever it is allowed to be used as a component of any of the decks 10-13 or sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards. The second trump card is designated as the “Staff,” 43, which designates the “Inferior Trump Card,” wherever it is included in any of the decks 10-13 or sub-sets 14-19 of cards.

The appropriate design and valuation of the two jokers in FIG. 5 are displayed on two specially-designed playing cards, referred to as the Rod 42 and the Staff 43, respectively. The playing cards displayed in the Junior Deck 13 also maintain their suit and denomination characteristics within all decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards disclosed in the inventive concept. The aforementioned suits Lamp 38, Water 39, Lamb 40, and Fruit of the Spirit 41 and the Jokers 42, 43 are definitively illustrated in FIG. 13, herein.

FIG. 6 presents a chart comprising the “Grasp of Concept New Testament, Div I.” sub-set of cards, which consists of a selection of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as “GOC N.T. Div I” 14 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen N.T. Books 4 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations. The word or term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable suit of each card in the column, and is integrally displayed on each playing card in the GOC N.T. Div I 14 sub-set.

In FIG. 6 there is a sequential listing of thirteen N.T. Books 4 which serves as denominations, set out chronologically as written in the New Testament of the Christian Bible 2. The specific N.T. Books 4 (denominations) are shown to be Acts, Item #105, through Titus, Item #117.

Further, FIG. 6 illustrates four distinctive suits, Doves 30, Crosses 31, Bread 32, and Fish 33, which are charted horizontally, and are integrally included within each of the thirteen denominations, Item #105 through Item #117. This GOC N.T. Div I 14 sub-set of cards, in its entirety, represents fifty-two playing cards which may be utilized for card games. The playing cards displayed in GOC N.T. Div I 14 sub-set also maintain their suit and denomination characteristics within all decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 disclosed in the inventive concept.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 6 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC N.T. Div. I 14 sub-set of cards. The aforementioned suits, Doves 30, Crosses 31, Bread 32, and Fish 33, can be seen more definitively illustrated in FIG. 13 herein.

FIG. 7 is a chart comprising the Grasp of Concept New Testament Div. II sub-set 15 of cards, which consists of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as the “GOC N.T. Div. II 15 sub-set.” Selected names of thirteen N.T. Books 4 are presented in four identical vertical columns, the names functioning as denominations. The word or term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable suit of each card in the column, and is inherently displayed on each playing card in the N.T. Div. II 15.

FIG. 7 shows thirteen N.T. Books 4 which serve as a listing of denominations set out vertically and chronologically as written in the New Testament of the Christian Bible 2. The denominations are shown to be 1 Timothy, Item #115, through Revelations, Item #127, conforming to the sequential listings in FIG. 1A.

Further, FIG. 7 illustrates four distinguishing suits, Doves 30, Crosses 31, Bread 32, and Fish 33, which are charted horizontally, and are integrally included on each playing card of the thirteen denominations, Item #115 through Item #127, shown. This GOC N.T. Div II 15 sub-set of cards, in its entirety, represents fifty-two playing cards which may be utilized for card games related to the Grasp of Concept, N.T., Division II.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 7 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC N.T. Div II 15 sub-set of cards. The playing cards displayed in the N.T. Div II 15 sub-set also maintain their suit and denomination characteristics wherever they may be utilized in combination with other playing cards in this inventive concept.

FIG. 8 is a chart comprising a sub-set of playing cards comprising the “Grasp of Concept Old Testament Division I, consisting of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards. This sub-set of playing cards is collectively designated as “GOC O.T. Div. I 16 sub-set. The selected sequential names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are shown in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book name (Item #'s 201-213) functioning as a denomination.

As illustrated, in FIG. 8, the denominations range from Genesis, Item #201 to 1 Chronicles, Item #213. The term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable “suit:” Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37. Each of these particular suits 34-37 is integrally displayed on those playing cards shown in the column directly underlying the suit name in the GOC O.T. Div. I 16 sub-set of playing cards.

The aforementioned suits, Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37, which are derived from writings and symbolism of O.T. Books 5, can be seen more definitively illustrated as they appear on the playing cards, in FIG. 13 herein.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 8 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC O.T. Div. I 16 sub-set of cards.

Thus, FIG. 8, in its entirety, represents a sub-set of fifty-two playing cards utilized for card games or challenges originating under rules and playing guidelines set forth which are compatible with the “Grasp of Concept, O.T., Division I” learning concepts.

FIG. 9 is a chart comprising a sub-set of playing cards comprising the “Grasp of Concept Old Testament Division II,” consisting of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards. This sub-set of playing cards is collectively designated as “GOC O.T. Div. II 17 sub-set. The selected sequential names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are shown in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book 5 name. These names are sequentially arranged from 2 Kings, item #212 through Jeremiah, item #224, and further, these names function as denominations.

The term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable “suit:” Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37. Each of these particular suits, 34-37 is integrally displayed on those playing cards shown in the column directly underlying the suit name in the GOC O.T. Div. II 17 sub-set of playing cards.

The aforementioned suits, Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37, which are derived from writings and symbolism of O.T. Books 5, can be seen more definitively illustrated as they appear on the playing cards, in FIG. 13 herein.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 9 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC O.T. Div II 17 sub-set of cards.

In its entirety, FIG. 9 represents a sub-set of fifty-two playing cards utilized for card games or challenges originating under rules and playing guidelines set forth which are compatible with the “Grasp of Concept, O.T., Division II learning concepts.

FIG. 10 is a chart comprising a sub-set 18 consisting of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards, collectively referred to as “Grasp of Concept O.T. Division III,” or referred to herein as GOC O.T. Div. III 18 sub-set. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are presented in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book name 5 functioning as a denomination. Selected names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are shown in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book 5 name (item #'s 215-227) functioning as a denomination. As illustrated, the denominations range from Ezra, item #215, to Daniel, item #227.

The terms immediately above each of the columns are the names of four applicable suits 34-37 which are displayed on the appropriate playing cards listed in each respective vertical column of the GOC O.T. Div. III sub-set 18. The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 10 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC O.T. Div III 18 sub-set of cards.

In FIG. 10, the aforementioned suits, which are Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37 are derived from O.T. Books 5, and can be seen more definitively illustrated as they appear on the playing cards, in FIG. 13 herein. FIG. 10, in its entirety, represents a sub-set 18 of fifty-two playing cards utilized for card games or challenges originating under rules and playing guidelines set forth corresponding to “Grasp of Concept, O.T., Division III” learning concepts.

FIG. 11 is a chart comprising a sub-set of playing cards comprising the “Grasp of Concept Old Testament Division IV,” consisting of thirteen four-card sets of playing cards. This sub-set of playing cards is collectively designated as “GOC O.T. Div. IV 19” sub-set. The selected sequential names of thirteen O.T. Books 5 are shown in four identical vertical columns, each O.T. Book name (Item #'s 227-239) functioning as a denomination.

As illustrated, the denominations range from Daniel, item #227 to Malachi, item #239. The term immediately above each column is the name of the applicable “suit:” Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37. Each of these particular suits, 34-37 is integrally displayed on those playing cards shown in the column directly underlying the suit name in the GOC O.T. Div. IV 19 sub-set of playing cards.

The aforementioned suits, Tree of Life 34, Pillar of Fire 35, Cloud of Smoke 36, and Sheep 37, which are derived from writings and symbolism of O.T. Books 5, can be seen more definitively illustrated as they appear on the playing cards, in FIG. 13 herein.

The “Value” designation in the leftmost column of FIG. 11 may be used in determining the scoring value of a particular playing card, commensurate with the rules of specific card games to be played utilizing the GOC O.T. Div. I 19 sub-set of cards.

FIG. 11, in its entirety, represents a sub-set of fifty-two playing cards utilized for card games or challenges originating under rules and playing guidelines set forth which are compatible with the “Grasp of Concept, O.T., Division IV” learning concepts.

In FIG. 12, there is illustrated a charting of the sequential order of the designated suits that are used in the various decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of cards. Each suit is correlated to a certain belief, concept, or ideology associated with the Bible 2, in either the New Testament Books 4 or the Old Testament Books 5. Further shown is a presentation of the relationship of each of two jokers, the Rod 42 and the Staff 43 to a specific Biblical concept.

FIG. 13 shows the “Doves” 30 artistic image, which is a suit designator printed on the front, or face, of the New Testament (N.T.) deck 10 and also sub-sets 14 or 15 of cards. Similarly, the “Crosses” 31 image, “Bread” 32 and “Fish” 33 artistic images are also suit designators utilized in N.T. deck 10, and sub-sets 14 or 15 of playing cards.

Continuing with FIG. 13, the “Tree of Life” 34 image, is a suit designator printed on the front, or face, of Old Testament (O.T.) decks 11 or 12 and also sub-sets 16, 17, 18, or 19 of cards. Similarly, the “Pillar of Fire” 35 image is a suit designator printed on the front, or face, of Old Testament (O.T.) decks 11 or 12 and also sub-sets 16, 17, 18, or 19 of cards.

In viewing FIG. 14 there is shown the “Cloud of Smoke” 36 and “Sheep” 37 images, which are also suit designators utilized in O.T. decks 11 or 12 and O.T. sub-sets 16, 17, 18, or 19 of playing cards.

Further illustrated in FIG. 14, are the “Lamp” 38 image, “Water” 39 image, “Lambs” 40, and “Fruit of the Spirit” 41 images, which are suit designators utilized only in the Junior Deck 13 of playing cards.

FIG. 15 displays four different images. First, is shown a stylized rendering of the “Rod” 42 image, to be printed on the face of the “Superior Trump Card.” Similarly, a rendering of the “Staff” 43 image is shown, which is printed on the face of the “Inferior Trump Card.” Further, FIG. 15 illustrates (a) the design of the back surface 44 utilized on all card decks 10-13 which contain New Testament denominations and (b) the back surface 45 image utilized on all card decks 10-13 and subsets 16-19 of playing cards which contain Old Testament denominations.

As mentioned earlier, each of the cards in a specific deck 10-13 or sub-set 14-19 of cards has printed on its inner surface, or “face,” the proper sequentially listed name or title of text from one of the sacred writings of the Faith. In the preferred embodiment, this name will be the name of a N.T. Book 4 or an O.T. Book 5. The title of the N. T. Book 4 or O.T. Book 5 serves as the “denomination” of that particular card. Further, on the face of the playing card will be printed an artistic image corresponding to a “suit,” and lastly, an Arabic numeral representing the inherent value of the playing card.

FIG. 16 displays examples of the front surface, or face, of three playing cards pertinent to the inventive concept. The leftmost playing card is a prospective rendering of the face of a playing card in the N.T. Deck 10, further indicating the denomination as the N.T. Book of Acts 105 and indicating the suit of the playing card as Crosses 31, and showing a card numerical value of 1.

The center playing card in FIG. 16 is a prospective rendering of the face of a playing card within the O.T. Division I Deck 11, further indicating the denomination as the O.T. Book of Genesis 201 and showing the suit of the playing card as the Tree of Life 34, and a card numerical value of 1.

The face of the third playing card in FIG. 16 is a prospective rendering of a playing card in the Junior Deck 13, further displaying the denomination to be the Book of Psalms 219, the suit of the playing card as the Fruit of The Spirit 41, and showing a card numerical value of 6. The playing cards displayed in FIG. 16 are for purposes of illustration only, and by no means serve as limitations or restrictions on the manner in which denominations, suits, or numerical values of specific cards may be enumerated.

To facilitate effective use of the playing card decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19 of playing cards, rules and strategies may be devised such that users of the playing cards in this inventive concept may apply, enhance, or challenge their knowledge of the Bible 2, or other sacred writing. Users are thus engaged in participating in new “learning concepts,” by practicing card games and “challenge” competitions having certain rules and strategies that may be designed to accompany the playing card decks 10-13 and sub-sets 14-19. Users participate in learning experiences by gathering, arraying, and/or dispensing individual playing cards while using one of the card decks 10-13 or sub-sets 14-19 in a skillful, Faith-cognizant manner.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. An assemblage of playing cards having various suits and denominations, the assemblage utilized as a method and system to enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of a particular religion (the “Faith”), the playing cards designed and created based on information, text, and imagery derived from selected sections, books, or chapters of an authorized publication of the sacred writings of the Faith, wherein;

(a) each playing card has printed on its outer, or back, surface (i) an ornamental design, and (ii) an indication of a specific section, book, or chapter of the sacred writings with which the playing card is derived; and

(b) each playing card has printed on its inner, or front surface, (i) the name of a selected section, book, or chapter of the sacred writings, said name functioning as a denomination; (ii) a Faith-oriented artistic image which represents and designates the suit to which the playing card belongs; and (iii) an Arabic numeral representing a scoring value of the playing card.

2. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein (a) the cards are arranged into a plurality of card decks; (b) each deck consists of a plurality of four-card sets wherein each set bears the indicia of a particular denomination; and (c) each card of a four-card set bears the image of a separate one of four different suits.

3. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein (a) the playing cards are arranged into a plurality of sub-sets of cards; (b) each sub-set consists of a plurality of four-card sets wherein each set bears the indicia of a particular denomination; and (c) each card of a four-card set bears the image of a separate one of four different suits.

4. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the scoring value of each playing card is determined by the chronological order of listing of the denomination within a selected section, book, or chapter of the sacred writings.

5. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the scoring value of each playing card is determined by one or more specific sets of rules, wherein each set of rules is applied to card games or competitive events intended for users of the playing cards.

6. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the sacred writings are those of the Christian Bible.

7. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the sacred writings are those of the King James Version of the Christian Bible.

8. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 1, wherein the sacred writings are those of the Jewish Religion.

9. An assemblage of playing cards having various denominations and suits, the assemblage utilized as a method and system to enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Christian religion (the “Faith”), the playing cards designed and created based on information, text, and imagery derived from selected sections of an authorized publication of the Christian Bible, wherein;

(a) the selected sections are (i) a First Grouping comprising the twenty-seven Books of the New Testament and (ii) a Second Grouping comprising the thirty-nine Books of the Old Testament, both the First Grouping and Second Grouping thereby providing a source of inspiration for names, images, suits, and denominations for forming decks of playing cards and sub-sets of playing cards;

(b) each playing card has printed on its outer, or back, surface (i) a distinct ornamental design, and (ii) an indication whether the playing card is associated with either the New Testament, or the Old Testament; and

(c) each playing card has printed on its inner, or front surface, (i) the name of a Book of the New Testament or the name of a Book of the Old Testament, the name of the Book functioning as a denomination; (ii) a Faith-oriented artistic image which represents and designates a suit to which the playing card belongs; and (iii) an Arabic numeral representing a scoring value of the playing card.

10. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 9, wherein (a) there are four suits integral to each distinct deck of playing cards and (b) four suits integral to any sub-set of playing cards.

11. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 9, wherein a numerical value is assigned to each playing card, said numerical value determining a scoring value in accordance with a specific set of rules by which a variety of card games may be engaged in by users of the playing cards.

12. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 9, wherein the selected sections of the Christian Bible are those written in the King James Version (KJV) of the Christian Bible.

13. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 9, comprising four decks of playing cards, further comprising:

(a) a first deck consisting of 23 denominations derived from the names of the first twenty-three Books of the New Testament;

(b) a second deck consisting of 23 denominations derived from the names of the first twenty-three books of the Old Testament;

(c) a third deck consisting of 23 denominations derived from the names of the seventeenth Book of the Old Testament (Esther) sequentially through the last Book of the Old Testament (“Malachi”); and

(d) a fourth deck consisting of 7 denominations derived from the names of the nineteenth and twentieth Books of the Old Testament (“Psalms,” “Proverbs”) and sequentially, the names of the first five Books of the New Testament; and

(e) all decks having a plurality of suits derived and designed from information, text, and imagery of the New Testament and of the Old Testament.

14. The assemblage of playing cards of claim 9, comprising six sub-sets of playing cards, further comprising:

(a) first sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from the names of the fifth Book of the New Testament (“Acts”) sequentially through the seventeenth Book of the New Testament (“Titus”);

(b) a second sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from the names of the fifteenth Book of the New Testament (“1 Timothy”) sequentially through the twenty-seventh Book of the New Testament (“Revelations”);

(c) a third sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from the names of the first Book of the Old Testament (“Genesis”) sequentially through the thirteenth Book of the Old Testament (“1 Chronicles”);

(d) a fourth sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from names of the twelfth Book of the Old Testament (“2 Kings”) sequentially through the twenty-fourth Book of the Old Testament (“Jeremiah”);

(e) a fifth sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from names of the fifteenth Book of the Old Testament (“Ezra”) sequentially through the twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament (“Daniel”); and

(f) a sixth sub-set of 13 denominations, derived from names of the twenty-seventh Book of the Old Testament (“Daniel”) sequentially through the thirty-ninth Book of the Old Testament (“Malachi”).

15. A method and system of enhancing a person's knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of a particular religion (the “Faith”) the method comprising the steps of:

(a) gathering information, text, symbols, and imagery associated with selected sections, books, and/or chapters of an authorized publication of the sacred writings of the Faith;

(b) preparing at least two written, ordered groupings, each grouping comprising a chronological, intra-related listing of names and titles of related sections, books, or chapters of the sacred writings, the listings within each grouping further having a degree of commonality;

(c) preparing the initial production of a plurality of playing cards, the playing cards specifically designed and fabricated, for the printing thereon, information, text, and imagery derived from the sections, books, or chapters of the sacred writings;

(d) organizing the aforesaid groupings into specific titled categories, the title of each category serving in the capacity of a denomination for use with the plurality of playing cards;

(e) printing on the inner, or front, surface of each playing card, (i) one of the titles of the categories of groupings, the title thereby functioning as a denomination; (ii) a Faith-oriented artistic image functioning as a suit designator to which the playing card belongs; and (iii) an Arabic numeral representing a scoring value of the playing card;

(f) organizing the aforesaid playing cards into decks of playing cards;

(g) formulating a plurality of specific sets of rules and guidelines to be applied in the playing of card games and competitive events by users of the decks of playing cards; and

(h) arranging Faith-oriented or social settings for users to engage in playing the card games or events as set forth in (g), above.

16. The method and system of claim 15, wherein (a) there are four suits integral to each distinct deck of playing cards.

17. The method and system of claim 15, wherein the sacred writings are those of the Christian Bible.

18. The method and system of claim 15, wherein the sacred writings are those of the King James Version of the Christian Bible.

19. The method and system of claim 15, wherein the sacred writings are those of the Religion of Judaism.