Illuminated substrate with printed indicia

Abstract

A transparent substrate is described, which can be used to provide a trading card or collectible item. The transparent substrate includes printed indicia applied thereto in one or more layers, the printed indicia creating a contrast to at least a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate when one or more light sources are used to illuminate the transparent substrate. The one or more light sources may be coupled to an edge or face of the transparent substrate.

Description

ILLUMINATED SUBSTRATE WITH PRINTED INDICIACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 659,938 filed on June 14, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following generally relates to substrates comprising printed indicia, for example, trading cards and the like and, more particularly, to substrates with printed indicia that are selectively illuminated at least in part by a light source.BACKGROUND

[0003] Trading or collector cards are typically provided using a substrate that is formed using a handheld size piece of light cardboard or stiff paper product. Printed indicia such as a photo, stats, logos, and the like are then printed on at least one, but normally, both sides of the substrate. While the quality of the cardboard substrate and indicia have evolved and improved, trading cards have remained quite similar over time. The indicia may be displayed with holographic images, for example, however, the trading / collector cards typically remain primarily 2D handheld objects with minimal interactive effects.SUMMARY

[0004] To enhance the effects that can be incorporated into a physical trading / collector card, indicia may be printed on a transparent substrate with an auxiliary light source in optical communication with the substrate. In this way, light can be used to create depth and color effects while permitting varied layers and depth features, for example, using layered passes or using processes such as laser engraving, etching, etc.

[0005] In one aspect, there is provided a transparent substrate to provide a trading card or collectible item, comprising printed indicia applied thereto in one or more layers, the printed indicia creating a contrast to at least a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate when one or more light sources are used to illuminate the transparent substrate.

[0006] In certain example embodiments, the one or more light sources is / are coupled to an edge or face of the transparent substrate.

[0007] In certain example embodiments, the substrate is formed as a relatively flat card.

[0008] In certain example embodiments, at least one layer is opaque to permit a portion of light to pass therethrough.

[0009] In certain example embodiments, the opaque layer comprises a color.

[0010] In certain example embodiments, at least one layer is solid to permit light to pass around but not through it.

[0011] In certain example embodiments, a surface of the substrate is etched or engraved to create a groove or indentation.

[0012] In certain example embodiments, the groove or indentation follows or encircles a shape formed in one or more of the layers.

[0013] In certain example embodiments, the groove or indentation comprises its own shape independent of a layer applied to the transparent substrate.

[0014] In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising the transparent substrate as defined above and the light source.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1a is a schematic plan view of a transparent physical substrate coupled to a light source to illuminate one or more features of or applied to the physical substrate.

[0017] FIG. 1 b is a schematic perspective view illustrating the illumination of an edge of the physical substrate shown in FIG. 1a using the light source.

[0018] FIG. 2a is a perspective view showing a transparent substrate supported by a base providing a light source for illuminating the transparent substrate.

[0019] FIG. 2b is a perspective view showing a transparent substrate coupled to a base attachment providing a light source for illuminating the transparent substrate.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates illumination effects applied to the edges of a transparent substrate.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates illumination effects applied to one face of a transparent substrate.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates illumination effects applied to the opposite face of the transparent substrate shown in FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates solid and opaque indicia applied to one face of a transparent substrate.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates solid indicia applied to an opposite face of the transparent substrate shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the faces shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively.

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates multi-layer indicia for one face of a transparent substrate.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates the multi-layer indicia of FIG. 10 from the opposite perspective.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a transparent substrate having an etched or engraved groove for providing a lighted effect.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the groove shown in FIG. 12.

[0030] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the etched face of FIG. 12 with different illumination sources.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1a illustrates schematically, a system for providing an illuminated substrate having printed indicia or other printed media applied thereto. The system in this example includes a transparent substrate 10 that is coupled to, adjacent to, or otherwise in proximity of or near to a light source 12 such that the light source 12 can emit light and illuminate at least a portion of at least one face or edge of the transparent substrate 10 to create a lighted effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 b, the light source 12 may direct light 14 towards an edge 16 of the transparent substrate 10 to thereby illuminate that edge 16 to create a light effect. The light source 12 may be provided by various suitable light-emitting devices, including, without limitation, a light base including an LED, bulb, lamp, etc., or may be applied using an epaper, LCD, luminescent paint or substrate, etc. That is, any light-emitting object or substance may be applied to any one or more of the faces, edges, or be in optical communication with such faces or edges, to permit light to be directed into the transparent substrate 10 to illuminate a portion thereof.Moreover, it can be appreciated that the light source 12 can either completely or partially (as shown) cover an edge or face or multiple edges / faces. That is, the partial coverage shown in FIG. 1a is merely illustrative. Furthermore, more than one light source 12 may be applied tothe substrate 10 as discussed further herein, to provide multiple sources of illumination from different areas, angles, etc.

[0032] The system shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b can be configured in various ways as discussed by way of example herein to enhance the effects that can be incorporated into a physical trading / collector card. This may be done with indicia printed on the transparent substrate 10 with an auxiliary or integrated or otherwise provided light source 12 in optical communication with the transparent substrate 10 as illustrated. In this way, light can be used to create depth and color effects while permitting varied layers and depth features, for example, using layered passes or using processes such as laser engraving, etching, etc. Examples of such layered and depth effect features are provided below.

[0033] FIGS. 2a and 2b provide examples of suitable structures for coupling a light source 12 to the transparent substrate 10. In FIG. 2a, a light base 20 is provided, which may serve to both support the transparent substrate 10 in an upright position (e.g., for showcasing a trading card or other collectible item) and position the light source 12 against or in proximity to an edge or “entry point” for the light 14 to enter the transparent substrate 10 to cast an illuminated effect on one or more of the edges / surfaces. In FIG. 2b, a similar effect may be provided by a light attachment 120, which may be embodied as a light bar and may be clipped, attached, or adhered to an edge of the transparent substrate 10 (e.g., as illustrated). Here, the light source 12 may be in optical communication through an interface between the attachment 120 and the transparent substrate 10. FIGS. 2a and 2b also illustrate the edges 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d and the opposite faces 22a, 22b, which may be illuminated, at least in part, by the light source 12. It can be appreciated that the combination of printed indicia and directionality of the light source 12 can have a single edge 16 or face 22 be illuminated (wholly or in part) or have multiple edges 16 and faces 22 illuminated.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, illuminated edges 16 and faces 22 are shown by way of example using hatched lines. In FIG. 3, the four edges 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are illuminated, whereas is FIG. 4, a front (or first) face 22a is illuminated. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates the illumination of a rear (or second, opposing, etc.) face 22b. As such, depending on the orientation of the light and the various layers applied to the transparent substrate 10, different effects can be controlled and varied. Moreover, the light source 12 may be configured to include one or more different colors of light 14 to provide colored illumination effects.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, printed indicia 30, 32 may be applied to the transparent substrate 10 in multiple layers and in multiple different configurations. In this example, solid indicia layers 30 may include a number, photo, logo, etc. having a certain color, etc., which is applied using a layer. An opaque layer 32 may also be applied, which permits some, but not all, light to pass therethrough, also referred to herein as a translucent layer 32. In this way, any color or texturized detail may be picked up by the light 14 as it passed through the layer 32, thereby differentiating the effect of the light source 12 on the opaque layer 32 when compared to the solid layer 30 or the remaining portion(s) of the face 22a of the transparent substrate 10. It can be appreciated that the transparent substrate 10 may itself be surface treated to create an integral opaque barrier on its faces 22 or edges 16 without requiring a separate layer. In FIG. 7, the opposing face 22b (e.g., back face) is shown, with additional solid indicia layer(s) 30 applied to that face 22b.

[0036] FIGS. 8 and 9 provide perspective views of the transparent substrate 10 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to illustrate how the opposing sides 22a, 22b can coexist to provide multiple sides to a trading or collectible card. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , an opaque layer 132b may be applied to face 22b to permit the face and details in the solid layer 30a applied to on top thereof to not interfere (or be interfered with) any effects applied to the other face 22a. Similarly, the number “14” may be applied in a layer between the opaque layer 132b and the face 22b of the transparent substrate 10 to provide a depth effect when seen from the other side. The character (soccer player) shown in multiple layers 30a, 32a on the face 22a may include layering of solid and opaque portions to provide color and depth effects for that portion of the transparent substrate 10. FIG. 11 illustrates the same layering as FIG. 10 from the opposite perspective.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an etching or engraving process may also be applied to a face 22 of the substrate 10 to create a further light effect on certain details. Such process(es) may be applied to create a groove 40 or other depth-providing contour in the surface 22 of the transparent substrate 10. The groove 40 is shown in an enlarged and cross-sectional view in the inset feature of FIG. 13. The indicia 30, 32 in this example may be adjacent to or even “bordered” by the groove 40 to outline and highlight that indicia 30, 32. The groove 40 may be used to provide an additional feature, such as an etched or engraved signature.

[0038] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the face 22 shown in FIG. 12 when coupled to a light base 20 or light attachment 120, illustrating the optical interface that may be used to directlight into the transparent substrate 10 to pick up the colors, depths, or other details applied using the layers 30, 32 shown by way of example herein.

[0039] It can be appreciated that the transparent substrate 10 and printed indicia layers 30, 32, when applied in layers, along with any surface detailing such as creating grooves 40 enable a base substrate to be customized in an assembly line or other manufacturing process to produce “sets” of individual collectibles (e.g., a trading card set) as well as customized and unique “one of a kind” collectibles such as personalized playing cards for players and teams. The transparent substrate 10 may be produced and provided separately from the light source 12 to permit swapping of different collectibles using the same light source 12 and, for example light stand 20 or attachment 120. Moreover, any suitable light source 12 may be coupled to the transparent substrate 10 and that light source 12 being obtained separately or being provided in a kit or system in combination with the transparent substrate 10 or a set including a plurality of transparent media 10. In general, the collectable or trading card may be produced by a method including providing a transparent substrate 10 and applying printed indicia to the transparent substrate 10 (e.g., as shown in the examples above) in one or more layers, the printed indicia creating a contrast to at least a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate when one or more light sources are used to illuminate the transparent substrate.

[0040] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be used without departing from the principles expressed herein. For instance, components and modules can be added, deleted, modified, or arranged with differing connections without departing from these principles.

[0042] Although the above principles have been described with reference to certain specific examples, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art as having regard to the appended claims in view of the specification as a whole.

Claims

Claims:1 . A transparent substrate to provide a trading card or collectible item, comprising printed indicia applied thereto in one or more layers, the printed indicia creating a contrast to at least a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate when one or more light sources are used to illuminate the transparent substrate.

2. The transparent substrate of claim 1 , wherein the one or more light sources is / are coupled to an edge or face of the transparent substrate.

3. The transparent substrate of claim 1 , formed as a relatively flat card.

4. The transparent substrate of claim 1 , wherein at least one layer is opaque to permit a portion of light to pass therethrough.

5. The transparent substrate of claim 4, wherein the opaque layer comprises a color.

6. The transparent substrate of claim 1 , wherein at least one layer is solid to permit light to pass around but not through it.

7. The transparent substrate of claim 1 , wherein a surface of the substrate is etched or engraved to create a groove or indentation.

8. The transparent substrate of claim 7, wherein the groove or indentation follows or encircles a shape formed in one or more of the layers.

9. The transparent substrate of claim 7, wherein the groove or indentation comprises its own shape independent of a layer applied to the transparent substrate.

10. A system comprising the transparent substrate of any one of claims 1 to 9 and the light source.

11. A method of producing a trading card or collectible item, comprising: providing a transparent substrate; andapplying printed indicia to the transparent substrate in one or more layers, the printed indicia creating a contrast to at least a portion of a surface of the transparent substrate when one or more light sources are used to illuminate the transparent substrate.

12. The method of claim 11 , comprising coupling the one or more light sources to an edge or face of the transparent substrate.

13. The method of claim 11 , comprising forming the transparent substrate as a relatively flat card.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one layer is opaque to permit a portion of light to pass therethrough.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the opaque layer comprises a color.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein at least one layer is solid to permit light to pass around but not through it.

17. The method of claim 11 , comprising etching or engraving a surface of the substrate to create a groove or indentation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the groove or indentation follows or encircles a shape formed in one or more of the layers.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the groove or indentation comprises its own shape independent of a layer applied to the transparent substrate.

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