CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Â§119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/122,207, filed Dec. 12, 2008, which provisional patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to electroluminescent lighting technology, and methods, systems, and apparatus utilizing the same.

For the purpose of background disclosure, U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,864, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,010, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,954 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. These patents disclose exemplary electroluminescent lighting technology that may be utilized in accordance with aspects and features disclosed herein.

Similarly, for the purpose of background disclosure, U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,064, which discloses a control/driver circuit implementing randomization, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A need exists for improvement in electroluminescent lighting technologies. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of EL technology, the present invention is not limited to use only in EL technology, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a collectible card for use in a collectible card game. The collectible card includes indicia associated with the collectible card game; an EL panel including an EL area associated with a game play attribute; an IC; an input member; a power source; and a random sequence controller.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card has a generally thin profile.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card includes an energy management system.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card includes a second random sequence controller.

In a feature of this aspect, the random sequence controller is configured to randomly illuminate one of a plurality of EL areas of the collectible card.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card game is Bakugan.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card further includes a piece of metal disposed therein.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectable card includes a sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the sensor is a magnetic sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the sensor is a motion sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the sensor is a vibration sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the sensor is an impact sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the sensor is an I/R sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card includes a magnet disposed therein.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card is configured to detect the presence of a collectible figure including at least one magnet.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card is configured to illuminate the EL area when the presence of a collectible figure is detected.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card is configured to randomly illuminate one of a plurality of EL areas when the presence of a collectible figure is detected.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card is configured to illuminate a plurality of EL panels in a predetermined sequence.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card is configured to illuminate a plurality of EL panels in a predetermined sequence when the presence of a collectible figure is detected.

In a feature of this aspect, the collectible card further comprises a membrane switch.

In a feature of this aspect, the membrane switch is generally flat.

In a feature of this aspect, the membrane switch is configured to cause an EL area to be illuminated.

In a feature of this aspect, the EL area that is illuminated is randomly selected from a plurality of EL areas.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a base adapted to receive a collectible card. The base includes a hard connection point adapted to mate with a hard connection point of a collectible card; an IC; an input member; and a random sequence controller.

In a feature of this aspect, the base further includes a power source.

In a feature of this aspect, the power source comprises a battery.

In a feature of this aspect, the power source comprises a AA battery.

In a feature of this aspect, the power source comprises a AAA battery.

In a feature of this aspect, the power source is a plug configured to be inserted into an electrical receptacle.

In a feature of this aspect, the base further comprises a plug configured to be inserted into an electrical receptacle.

In a feature of this aspect, the base further includes a safety switch.

In a feature of this aspect, the base further includes a magnetic activator configured to detect the presence of a magnet.

In a feature of this aspect, the base is configured to hold a plurality of cards therein.

In a feature of this aspect, the base further comprises an EL panel.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a card holder. The card holder includes an IC; and an input member. The card holder is configured to receive and retain a card therein such that a side of the card is visible from an exterior of the card holder.

In a feature of this aspect, the card holder further comprises an input member.

In a feature of this aspect, the card holder further comprises an EL panel.

In a feature of this aspect, the card holder further comprises an input member configured to cause the EL panel to be illuminated.

In a feature of this aspect, the card holder further comprises a hard connection point adapted to mate with a hard connection point of a collectible card.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a playing surface adapted to receive a collectible card. The playing surface includes a hard connection point adapted to mate with a hard connection point of a collectible card; an IC; an input member; a power source; and a random sequence controller.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a universal base. The universal base includes a hard connection point adapted to mate with a hard connection point of a collectible card; an IC; an input member; and a power source. The universal base is configured to separate from a sign including an EL panel and be coupled to a different sign including an EL panel.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of utilizing a universal base. The method includes disconnecting a first sign having an EL panel from a universal base; and inserting a second sign having an EL panel into the universal base.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method. The method includes selling a first sign having an EL panel connected to a universal base; and selling a second sign having an EL panel unconnected to a universal base, the second sign being configured to connect to the universal base.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an EL disk comprising a hard connection point adapted to mate with a hard connection point of a card.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Further, features and aspects disclosed in the patents incorporated herein by reference hereinabove may be utilized in combination with features and aspects disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a back side of a collectible playing card having indicia printed thereon indicating the name of the collectible card game the card is a part of, i.e. â€œBakuganâ€ .

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a front side of the collectible playing card of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates the back side of the card of FIG. 1 with EL panels illustrated by phantom lines.

FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a card with one EL panel.

FIG. 4A illustrates the card of FIG. 1 after an EL area surrounding a â€œBakuganâ€ indicia has been illuminated.

FIG. 4B illustrates the card of FIG. 1 after an EL area corresponding to an upper portion of pictographic text has been illuminated.

FIG. 4C illustrates the card of FIG. 1 after an EL area corresponding to a lower portion of pictographic text has been illuminated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred thin profile of a collectible playing card.

FIG. 6 illustrates an EL card configured to function as a die.

FIG. 7A illustrates a Bakugan figure in a spherical configuration.

FIG. 7B illustrates the figure of FIG. 7A in a popped open configuration.

FIG. 8A illustrates a collectible card which includes a hard connection point.

FIG. 8B illustrates the collectible card of FIG. 8A plugged into a base.

FIGS. 9A-C are cross-sectional views along line 9-9 of FIG. 8B that illustrate the card being inserted into the base having a safety switch such that the hard connection point of the card engages a hard connection point of the base.

FIGS. 10A-C illustrates a base with a card received therein in a horizontal orientation generally parallel to the base.

FIG. 11A illustrates a hard plastic playing surface configured similarly to the base of FIGS. 10A-C, except that the playing surface further includes raised grooves defining a plurality of card slots, each configured to receive and retain a collectible card in an orientation generally parallel to the playing surface.

FIG. 11B illustrates a front side of a collectible card configured to be received within one of the card slots of the playing surface of FIG. 11A.

FIGS. 11C-D illustrates the card of FIG. 11B received and retained within raised grooves of the playing surface of FIG. 11A.

FIGS. 11E-G illustrate alternative hard plastic playing surfaces in accordance with one or more preferred implementations.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrates a flashcard utilizing EL technology in accordance with one or more preferred implementations.

FIGS. 13A-I illustrate an exemplary EL disk in accordance with one or more preferred implementations.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of a trading card in accordance with one or more preferred standalone implementations.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the card of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the card of FIG. 14 received within a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (â€œOrdinary Artisanâ€ ) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being â€œpreferredâ€ is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used hereinâ€”as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such termâ€”differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. Â§112, Â¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase â€œmeans forâ€ or â€œstep forâ€ is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, â€œaâ€ and â€œanâ€ each generally denotes â€œat least one,â€ but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to â€œa picnic basket having an appleâ€ describes â€œa picnic basket having at least one appleâ€ as well as â€œa picnic basket having apples.â€ In contrast, reference to â€œa picnic basket having a single appleâ€ describes â€œa picnic basket having only one apple.â€

When used herein to join a list of items, â€œorâ€ denotes â€œat least one of the items,â€ but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to â€œa picnic basket having cheese or crackersâ€ describes â€œa picnic basket having cheese without crackersâ€ , â€œa picnic basket having crackers without cheeseâ€ , and â€œa picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.â€ Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, â€œandâ€ denotes â€œall of the items of the list.â€ Thus, reference to â€œa picnic basket having cheese and crackersâ€ describes â€œa picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,â€ as well as describes â€œa picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.â€

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

An Aspect Relating to a Self-Contained Collectible Card

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a collectible card uses electroluminescent lighting (hereinafter, â€œELâ€ ). This EL can be used to both facilitate game play and improve aesthetic properties of the card.

In one or more embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a collectible card includes a generally planar card having indicia displayed thereon associated with the collectible card game, and further includes one or more EL areas. This indicia preferably includes alphanumeric characters, images, and/or colors. The card, including the indicia, can be printed or generated using any of a wide variety of techniques and materials, such as, for example, a direct 4 color screen color process, direct digital printing, applied inkjet transparency, lenticular printing, applied fabric or simulated fabric, and/or transparent decorative foil. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a back side of such a collectible playing card 10 having indicia printed thereon indicating the name of the collectible card game the card is a part of, i.e. â€œBakuganâ€ .

Preferably, one or more of the indicia are designed to be used in the collectible card game. FIG. 2 is an illustration of a front side of the collectible playing card 10 of FIG. 1. The indicia printed on the front side of the card 10 includes indicia designed to be used when playing the collectible card game the card is a part of. One or more of the EL areas correspond to portions of the card having a game play attribute. For example, in various preferred embodiments, game play rules provide that various game play attributes increase a player's score or indicate that a player should move a certain distance or to a certain location. More specifically, in one embodiment, a Bakugan card is configured to randomly light either a portion of the card with â€œ50â€ printed thereon, or a portion of the card with â€œ100â€ printed thereon. The card is then utilized by two players to determine who â€œwinsâ€ . If the first player causes the card to randomly illuminate the â€œ50â€ portion and the second player causes the card to randomly illuminate the â€œ100â€ portion, then the second player is characterized as having won.

Although described above with reference to a Bakugan card, it will be appreciated that printed other printed indicia, including printed indicia associated with other collectible card games, such as â€œPokemonâ€ , â€œBen Tenâ€ , â€œChaoticâ€ , or â€œYu-Gi-Ohâ€ .

The EL areas of the collectible card comprise one or more EL panels, which it is believed are generally known in the art, although it is believed that specific aspects and features described herein are not so known. FIG. 3A illustrates the back side of the card 10 of FIG. 1 with EL panels 12 illustrated by phantom lines. FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a card 110 with one EL panel 112.

The collectible card further includes an integrated circuit (hereinafter, â€œICâ€ ), one or more input members, and a power source.

As with the EL panels, it is believed that an IC for use with EL panels is generally known in the art, although it is believed that specific aspects and features described herein are not so known. It will be understood by the Ordinary Artisan that the IC is configured to control illumination of the EL panels. FIG. 4A illustrates the card 10 of FIG. 1 after an EL area surrounding a â€œBakuganâ€ indicia has been illuminated. FIG. 4B illustrates the same card 10 after an EL area corresponding to an upper portion of pictographic text has been illuminated, and FIG. 4C illustrates the same card 10 after an EL area corresponding to a lower portion of pictographic text has been illuminated.

Input members of the collectible card allow a user to engage some functionality of the collectible card, such as, for example, allowing the user to cause the IC to effect illumination of EL panels in a different order. Buttons, switches, and sensors, such as vibration sensors, impact sensors, and magnetic sensors, are several examples of input members. Preferably, the collectible card includes an input member that comprises a membrane switch, and more preferably the membrane switch functions as an â€œOn/Offâ€ button. The card 10 of FIG. 1 includes such a membrane switch 14, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

The collectible card is configured to have a thin profile, as can be seen in FIG. 5. Consequently, the power source must have a thin profile as well. Preferably, the power source comprises a custom rechargeable polymer lithium battery having a thin profile and adapted such that, when fully charged, the battery affords a predetermined amount of activations of one or more EL panels. In embodiments utilizing a rechargeable battery, the collectible card preferably includes an exposed flat chip in electrical communication with the battery and configured to allow the battery to be charged. The battery is charged either from a plug-in 110 VAC power source, or alternatively from another source utilizing other batteries, such as AAA or AA batteries.

In at least one alternative embodiment, rather than utilizing a rechargeable polymer lithium battery, the collectible card utilizes a plurality of lithium flat batteries, such as a 2032 flat lithium battery, or other equivalent off the shelf batteries.

It will be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that EL generally uses more power than otherwise comparable lighting technologies. Preferably, an energy management system serves to prolong battery life by mitigating power drain. For example, in a preferred energy management system the IC is configured such that EL panels cannot be activated more than once every thirty seconds and is further configured such that the collectible card will shut itself â€œOffâ€ if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since a last user input.

Preferably, the collectible card further includes a random sequence controller. The random sequence controller is preferably integrated into the IC, but in some alternative embodiments is separate from the IC. The random sequence controller functions together with the IC to randomly select one of a plurality of EL panels for illumination. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 6, a collectible card 210 could function as a die by utilizing a random sequence controller to randomly illuminate a single panel out of six possible panels where each panel corresponds to a numeral between one and six. In a preferred embodiment, a single collectible card includes two or more random sequence controllers and/or an IC is configured to randomly illuminate two or more EL panels, and/or two or more portions of the same IC panel, using a random sequence controller.

More specific preferred embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention will now be described. In these embodiments, EL is utilized to enhance game play of a collectible card game known as Bakugan, which is sold by Spin Master Ltd. of Toronto, ON, Canada.

Bakugan involves the use of collectible figures configured to be secured in a spherical configuration by magnets. FIG. 7A illustrates such a figure 330 in a spherical configuration. Once in this spherical configuration, a collectible figure is rolled, or â€œshotâ€ , over a Bakugan collectible card having a piece of metal, and preferably sheet metal, disposed therein. The collectible figure is adapted to â€œpop openâ€ , i.e. transition to a non-spherical configuration. FIG. 7B illustrates the figure 330 of FIG. 7A in a popped open configuration. More specifically, the collectible figure preferably includes two magnets and one or more springs. The collectible figure is configured such that magnetic attraction between the two magnets can be utilized to maintain the figure in the spherical configuration such that the springs are locked. When the figure, in the spherical configuration, rolls over the card having the piece of metal disposed therein, a magnetic connection is made between the magnets of the figure and the metal. Upon making this connection, the magnetic connection between the two magnets of the figure weakens, allowing the springs of the figure to pop the figure open.

In this preferred embodiment, a collectible card as described above further includes a piece of metal disposed therein for engagement with a collectible figure. Additionally, the collectible card includes a sensor adapted to detect when a collectible figure pops open after being attracted to the metal disposed within the collectible card. This sensor is preferably a vibration or impact sensor, motion sensor, I/R sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

It will be understood that a collectible figure that pops open on top of the collectible card causes a minute vibration throughout the collectible card. Preferably, this vibration is detected by a vibration or impact sensor.

Alternatively, rather than including a vibration or impact sensor, the collectible card includes a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field of a predetermined strength. Preferably, the magnetic sensor is configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field having a strength generally equal to that of a collectible figure. One example of a magnetic sensor is described in more detail hereinbelow.

In at least one embodiment, rather than including a piece of sheet metal and a magnetic sensor, the collectible card includes a thin magnet configured to attract the collectible figure, preferably by having a polarity opposite a polarity of one of the magnets of the collectible figure. Preferably, a portion of the figure configured to be a base when the figure is in its spherical configuration and a portion of the figure configured to be a base when the figure is in its popped open configuration are oppositely polarized such that they will be attracted to one another.

In at least some embodiments, the collectible card is configured to establish a magnetic connection with the collectible figure capable of triggering a communication to the IC. Preferably, this communication is accomplished through the use of a magnetic sensor which includes a small filament of magnetic material. The sensor is configured such that when the filament is attracted in any direction (as a result of a magnetic field), then the filament completes a circuit or connection, thus indicating the presence of the magnetic field. It will be understood that such a magnetic sensor can be utilized both in embodiments having metal disposed within a card, and in embodiments having a magnet disposed within a card.

Regardless of the methodology utilized to detect that a collectible figure has popped open on the collectible card, such opening, or popping, is communicated to the IC. Because Bakugan is a two player game, the IC is preferably configured to process a first such detected popping without taking any action. Upon a detected second, subsequent popping, the IC effects illumination of one or more EL panels. Preferably, a random sequence controller is utilized to randomly illuminate one or more EL panels. In at least one embodiment, EL panels illuminate randomly for a predetermined amount of time until the collectible card appears to â€œsettleâ€ on a single EL panel which remains lit. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the collectible card is configured to illuminate EL panels in one of a plurality of predetermined sequences.

In a preferred embodiment, the collectible card is configured such that areas of the card indicating a score or a power number used in game play, such as a power number that is added to a player's power range, are randomly illuminated. In Bakugan, a power number can range from 50-750. In game play, a card's power number is added to a power number given to an individual Bakugan character. For example, a first playing rolls a collectible figure in its spherical configuration representing a character over a Bakugan card. The figure pops open, displaying a color and number disposed thereon. The number displayed on the figure is the character's power number, and the color displayed on the figure corresponds to a color of a power number displayed on the card. The power number on the card associated with that number is added to the power number of the character to determine a total power number. A second player repeats the process with his own collectible figure, and whichever player produces a higher total power number â€œwinsâ€ . Preferably, upon detecting the popping open of the second player's figure, the card illuminates one of the power numbers displayed on the card. In game play, that power number is then varied from its traditional value, such as, for example, doubling or tripling in value. More preferably, another set of randomly illuminating EL areas indicate whether the power number is multiplied by one, two, or three.

After completion of a round of play, i.e. after a predetermined number of poppings, a user engages an input member to reset the collectible card for another round of play.

An Aspect Relating to a Collectible Card with a Base

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a collectible card uses EL for illumination when connected to a base.

More specifically, a collectible card comprises an EL panel having a hard connection point at a bottom of the collectible card. The hard connection point is similar to a connection point found at a PCB socket of a computer motherboard. FIG. 8A illustrates a collectible card 410 having such a hard connection point 442. This hard connection point of the collectible card is configured to be plugged into a hard connection point of a base. The base includes an IC, and further preferably includes a power source, one or more input members, and one or more sensors. The power source of the collectible card could be a battery disposed therein, or alternatively the base could include a plug configured to be inserted into an electrical outlet.

FIG. 8B illustrates the collectible card 410 of FIG. 8A plugged into a base 450. It will be appreciated that the collectible card and base in this embodiment are together similar to the collectible card described hereinabove, and the collectible card of the present embodiment will thus only be described with reference to differences in comparison to the collectible card described hereinabove.

It will be understood that power is supplied to the collectible card at the hard connection point, and it will further be understood that this hard connection point thus represents a possible danger to a user. For example, if a child were to engage the portion of the base configured to supply power to the collectible card with a metal object, the child could be shocked. The base preferably includes one or more safety features configured to make the base safe for use and U/L or ETL approved.

In at least one embodiment, the base includes a safety switch disposed on an interior of the base such that it is activated when a collectible card is inserted into the base. When the collectible card is inserted, the switch is depressed until it makes contact with a circuit, thereby effecting powering of the EL panel of the collectible card. FIGS. 9A-C are cross-sectional views along line 9-9 of FIG. 8B that illustrate the card 410 being inserted into the base 450 having a safety switch 454 such that the hard connection point 442 of the card engages a hard connection point 452 of the base 450.

Alternatively, or additionally, the collectible card includes a small flat magnet and the base includes a small magnetic activator configured to detect the presence of the small flat magnet such that when the collectible card is inserted into the base, power is provided to the EL panel.

The input members of the base preferably comprise one or more external buttons for controlling animated effects of the EL panel, such as a fading effect, a first sequence of the panel, or a second, reverse sequence of the panel. Preferably, there is only one button, and the button is configured to toggle between eight different sequences. In at least one preferred embodiment, the buttons are used to reprogram a display of the EL panel.

In a preferred embodiment, a base 550 is configured to function as a cardholder and receive and retain a plurality of cards. FIG. 10A illustrates such a base 550 with a card 510 received therein in horizontal orientation generally parallel to the base 550. The base 550 is either configured to retain a single card, or alternatively configured to retain a plurality of cards. It will be understood that in embodiments in which a plurality of cards can be received and retained within the base 550, only a top card of the plurality of cards is visible.

The base 550 preferably includes an input member 551, as can be seen in FIG. 10A. Preferably, the input member 551 is engaged to illuminate EL panels of the base 550 (as can be seen in FIG. 10B) and/or card 510 (as can be seen in FIG. 10C).

An Aspect Related to a Playing Surface

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a playing surface is adapted to illuminate collectible cards.

FIG. 11A illustrates a hard plastic playing surface 650 configured similarly to the base described hereinabove, except that the playing surface 650 further includes raised grooves 652 defining a plurality of card slots 653, each configured to receive and retain a collectible card 610 in an orientation generally parallel to the playing surface 650. FIG. 11B illustrates a front side of a collectible card 610 configured to be received within one of the card slots 653. The card 610 includes an indent 612 configured to accommodate the shape of the raised grooves 652 to provide an indication as to the proper orientation of the card 610 when it is inserted into one of the slots 653. Each of the slots 653 includes a hard connection point 654 adapted to mate with a hard connection point (not shown) disposed on a back side of the card 610. The card 610 includes one or more EL areas that can be illuminated when the hard connection points are mated as described hereinabove in relation to a base. FIG. 11C illustrates the card 610 received and retained within raised grooves 652 of the playing surface 650. FIG. 11D illustrates the same card 610 with an EL area corresponding to numeric text of a â€œ1â€ illuminated.

Although the raised grooves 652 illustrated in FIG. 11A are configured such that the plurality of card slots 653 are oriented in different directions, in other embodiments raised grooves 682 of a playing surface 680 might be configured such that card slots 683 are all oriented in the same direction, as can be seen in FIG. 11E.

Further, although the playing surface 650 of FIG. 11A is illustrated as blank, in preferred embodiments a playing surface 690 includes indicia printed thereon, as illustrated in FIG. 11F. Further, playing surface 690 preferably includes one or more EL panels, each of which can be illuminated, as can be seen in FIG. 11G.

Additionally, although playing surfaces having a generally circular shape have been illustrated, it will be understood that playing surfaces may take any of a wide variety of shapes.

An Aspect Relating to Custom Control Electronics

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, custom control electronics are utilized to create a collectible card utilizing EL that has a thin profile.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, an EL driver board, a super slim mini-transformer, and a ultra-slim inductor fitting adapted to fit existing driver ICs are custom made. The EL driver board is preferably between 2 and 2.5 mm thick.

An Aspect Relating to Signage

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, signage utilizes EL for illumination when connected to a base.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, signage comprising an EL panel is configured to plug into a base. It will be appreciated that this embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above with reference to utilization of a base in combination with a collectible card.

It will be appreciated that EL signage designed with a fixed non-removable base will, over time, no longer be needed or desired. At this time, the signage is disposed of together with the base. However, a re-usable universal base is believed to be advantageous in that a user with such a base need only purchase signage comprising a new EL panel to insert into the re-usable universal base. Preferably, the base includes a universal IC adapted to accommodate EL panels having various types of graphics.

An Aspect Relating to Back to Back EL Panels

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, two EL panels are disposed back to back. To effectuate this, a printing technique is employed wherein a special layer of dialectric is applied between layers of the panels so that electric current at one panel does not interfere with electric current at the other panel.

An Aspect Relating to Hidden Messages

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an EL panel configured to be plugged in to a base is used to display a hidden message. More specifically, a message or shape is integrated into a graphic or image, but when the image is lit by EL, the message or shape is not necessarily lit or visible. Instead, the message or shape can be separately lit such that it is revealed and visible. The hidden message is preferably displayed when the card is inserted into a base and the hidden message is illuminated.

An Aspect Relating to a Programmable Display

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an EL panel is configured such that the EL panel includes printing thereon such that when inserted into a base, certain portions of the EL panel are capable of being programmed to display a word or number inputted by a user, such as, for example, a price or percentage, or a number for game play.

An Aspect Relating to a Clock

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an EL panel is configured to act as a functional clock. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, an EL panel is configured to display an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand indicating a time when inserted into a base. Preferably, one or more buttons disposed on the base are configured to set the time, and are further configured to set an alarm time, activate an alarm, deactivate an alarm, snooze an alarm, and turn off an alarm. Further, the â€œclockâ€ is preferably configured to function as a stopwatch.

An Aspect Relating to Board Games

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a game piece uses EL for illumination facilitating gameplay.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, EL is utilized to enhance a board game, such as, for example, the game of â€œCandylandâ€ , which game is believed to be well known in the art. In this embodiment, Candyland is modified to include a card having a plurality of colors illustrated thereon, each of the plurality of colors corresponding to a color of a square that determines player movement. The card is configured using EL to randomly illuminate one of the plurality of colors when activated. During game play, a player activates the card and a color of the plurality of colors is randomly illuminated. The player then moves to that colored square pursuant to standard game play rules.

In another preferred embodiment, EL is utilized to enhance game play of a collectible card game, such as, for example, Bakugan. To this end, one or more EL panels are applied to the surface of a playing grid utilized to play the collectible card game. The EL panel is configured to randomly illuminate an area of the playing grid indicating a score or a power number that is used in game play, and more specifically, that is added to a player's power range. It will be appreciated that the slim profile of an EL panel allows it to be applied to the playing surface in this manner. Preferably, the EL panel is illuminated after engaging a button or membrane switch. Alternatively, the EL panel is illuminated after triggering of a motion sensor.

An Aspect Relating to Website Promotion

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, EL is used to display a website.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a collectible card is configured to illuminate a hidden phrase or slogan associated with a promotion program driving business back to a website. Preferably, a hidden website address is illuminated as well.

An Aspect Relating to Flashcards

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a flashcard uses EL for illumination facilitating interaction with the flashcard.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a math flash card 710 includes a problem displayed on a front of the card, such as, for example, â€œ2Ã—2â€ , as illustrated in FIG. 12A. When a button is engaged, an answer is illuminated on the card using EL. Thus, continuing the example, it will be appreciated that â€œ4â€ would be illuminated as the product of â€œ2Ã—2â€ , as can be seen in FIG. 12B.

In another preferred embodiment, a vocabulary flash card includes an image displaying a plurality of distinct things and a word corresponding to one of the plurality of distinct things, such as, for example, an image displaying a barn yard having a chicken, a horse, a pig, and a cow together with the word â€œPIGâ€ . In use, a user views the flash card and attempts to determine which of the distinct things corresponds to the word. Continuing the example, a child views the flash card and selects either the horse, pig, cow, or chicken as the thing corresponding to the word â€œPIGâ€ . After making such a determination, the user engages a button which illuminates, using EL, the thing corresponding to the word. Once more continuing the example, when a button on the card is engaged, the pig in the image is illuminated.

In a another embodiment, rather than always displaying the same word, a plurality of words can be stored at a computer readable medium of the card and configured to be displayed using EL. In use, the plurality of words is cycled through such that when a button is engaged, a thing corresponding to a currently displayed word is illuminated using EL. Returning to the above example, after a button is engaged to illuminate a pig in the displayed image, the word â€œCOWâ€ is displayed and the child attempts to determine which of the distinct things in the image corresponds to the word â€œCOWâ€ .

An Aspect Relating to a Map

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a map uses EL for illumination facilitating interaction with the map.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a map is presented with a plurality of sections or areas. A user engages a button to illuminate, using EL, a random one of these sections or areas. The user attempts to determine a name associated with the randomly illuminated section or area, and then engages the button again to illuminate the name associated with the randomly illuminated section or area.

For example, a student is presented with a map of the United States having fifty states displayed thereon. The student engages a button to illuminate, using EL, a random one of the fifty states, such as, for example, North Carolina. The student then attempts to determine a name of the illuminated state. After this determination, the student engages the button again to illuminate the name of the illuminated state.

In alternative embodiments, a map displays a highway system or geographical features and illuminates, using EL, certainly highway paths, mountain ranges, or land marks, such as, for example, Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon.

An Aspect Relating to a Math Table

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a math table uses EL for illumination facilitating interaction with the math table.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a math table is presented to a user as a grid having rows and columns, such as, for example, a multiplication table having numbers one through twelve listed on axes corresponding to the rows and columns. A user engages a button associated with a particular cell located in a particular row and column, such as, for example, a button associated with a cell â€œ7Ã—4â€ located in row seven and column four. When the particular button is engaged, an answer value corresponding to that cell is displayed. Continuing the example of the multiplication table, when the button associated with the cell â€œ7Ã—4â€ is engaged, the number â€œ4â€ is displayed using EL.

In an alternative embodiment, a similar math table is presented, but rather than a user selecting a particular cell, a particular cell is randomly illuminated, such as, for example, a cell â€œ12Ã—12â€ . The user then determines an answer corresponding to that cell, and engages a button to display the correct answer corresponding to that cell, which, for the cell â€œ12Ã—12â€ , would be â€œ144â€ .

An Aspect Relating to a Calendar

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a calendar uses EL for illumination facilitating interaction with the calendar.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of the invention, a calendar includes areas associated with days of a month, each area having a number corresponding to the day of the month that it is associated with displayed therein. The calendar is configured such that on a particular day, the area associated with that day is illuminated using EL.

In alternative embodiments, a calendar is further configured to illuminate, using EL, areas associated with days of the month corresponding to holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Preferably, the days for which illumination is provided are user configurable.

An Aspect Relating to a Replaceable EL Disk

Another aspect of the invention relates to a replaceable EL disk that may be traded like a trading card. This EL disk is a self contained system, wherein the EL disk is slipped into a unit which houses the batteries and the controller. Only one side of the EL can be illuminated, unlike the EL trading card, where one or both sides can be illuminated, as desired. FIGS. 13A-I illustrate an exemplary such EL disk 2010.

The EL disk 2010 includes a front cover plate 2012, an EL panel 2014, a pivot panel 2016, a core 2020, contacts 2022, a rear cover plate 2024, a battery panel 2026, and a slide 2028. The EL disk 2010 is configured to receive batteries 2030 therein.

The EL panel 2014 is secured to the pivot panel 2016, which itself is pivotally secured to the core 2020. The slide 2028 is secured to the pivot panel 2016 such that, by engaging the slide 2028, a user can transition the pivot panel 2016 out about a pivot point between an internal configuration, as can be seen in FIGS. 12B-C, and an external configuration, as can be seen in FIGS. 12H-I. The front cover plate 2012 is secured to the core 2020 such that it is disposed in covering relation to the pivot panel 2016 when the pivot panel 2016 is in its internal configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, an EL disk includes a hard connection point embedded therein for connection to a mating hard connection point of a card.

A Preferred Implementation

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of a trading card in accordance with a preferred standalone implementation. FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the card, and FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the card received within a base.

The trading card is a double-sided EL card in the standard trading card size of 89 mm wideÃ—64 mm high. Preferably, a programmed lighting animation sequence is available for one or both sides, as desired, and an appropriate battery configuration is created therefore.

At least two different types of internal transformers are available for such a standalone card. A first preferred transformer is a Standard transformer that is approximately 5 mm in height, while a second preferred transformer is a flat block transformer that is approximately 2.5 mm in height.

Preferably, each type of transformer is powered by one or more replaceable flat batteries, such as, for example a 2032 flat lithium battery, or other similar battery. Preferably, such batteries are removable through a side of the lighted card with a slide out fixture.

Preferably, activation of a programmed light series is effected via activation of an impact sensor or motion sensor, and the card includes a slide switch power override. Preferably, a pre-purchase pull tab is utilized to preserve battery life until the trading card is sold.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.