WO2003061786A1

WO2003061786A1 - Card game

Info

Publication number: WO2003061786A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/041215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Weiland Rubin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-18
Filing date: 2002-12-20
Publication date: 2003-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2004-07-18
Also published as: US20030137107A1; EP1465714A1

Abstract

A card (10) has multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character. Card games includes a card (10) include an upper face (12) including a first area (14), a second area (16), and a third area (18). The first area (14) display a given character (20), the second area (16) display one or more given character attributes (22), and the third area (18) can display one or more hidden attribute features (24). At least one of the attributes features (24) is hidden underneath a concealing surface (26).

Description

CARD GAME

Marc Weiland Rubin

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a card game, and more particularly to a card game having a concealing surface that may be provided for amusement, entertainment and/or collection purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Card games provided for amusement, entertainment, and/or collection purposes are widely known. A wide variety of these games require cards having one or more aspects hidden from the player by a scratch-off portion. When using the card, the player can selectively remove an amount of the scratch-off portion to reveal a hidden surface. Such games typically involve answering a question by removing an amount of the scratch-off portion associated with the selected answer or attempting to win a prize by randomly removing an amount of the scratch-off portion associated with a hidden surface in an attempt to win the prize that might be displayed on the^'

hidden surface. There is a need for cards having a concealing surface wherein the player may assign a character, character attribute, attribute feature and/or other characteristics by manipulating the concealing surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviate problems and shortcomings of conventional game cards. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide cards that permit a player to assign characteristics to a character by manipulating a portion of a concealing surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide cards that have characteristics that are not immediately apparent to the player, wherein the player may manipulate a portion of the concealing surface to assign characteristics to a character before or during the process of playing the game.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with the present invention, exemplary card games are provided. The card games include a card with a face having multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character. The card games further include a concealing surface hiding a surface of at least one of the multiple areas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to the character by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface.

To achieve still further objects and in according with additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention, methods of playing a card game are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a card including a face, multiple areas on the face, and a plurality of characteristics in association with at least one of the multiple areas. The methods further include the step of manipulating a portion of a concealing surface to assign at least one of the characteristics to the character. Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there are shown and described alternate exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different, obvious aspects, objects and embodiments, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects, and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in nature only, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a card game in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a card game in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of a card game in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a card game in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views, FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a card 10 of a card game in accordance with the present invention. The card 10 can have multiple areas associated with the face of each card 10. The cards used throughout the present invention can comprise a thin sheet, such as a composite, laminate, or the like including a wide range of materials that provide the card with sufficient structural integrity. In exemplary embodiments, the card can comprise cardboard, plastic, metal and/or composites or the like.

As depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the card 10 can include an upper face 12 including a first area 14, a second area 16, and a third area 18. The areas may describe the character by representing the type of character, attribute(s), feature(s), and/or other characteristics. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary embodiments wherein the first area 14 displays a given character 20, the second area 16 displays one or more given character attributes 22, and the third area 18 can display one or more hidden attribute features 24. As illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one of the attribute features 24 are hidden underneath a concealing surface 26. For clarity, portions of the concealing surface have been manipulated to reveal hidden surfaces 28 that display the various attribute features 24 (each represented by the letter "F").

While three areas 14, 16, 18 are illustrated with respect to FIG. 1, a single area or any number of multiple areas may be used in accordance with the present invention. In addition, while the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 permits the third area 18 to assign features 24 to the attributes 22, the areas can also be arranged to directly describe the first area 14, each other, or other areas if provided. Moreover, if multiple areas are provided, they may be located in a wide variety of positions relative to one another.

As described with reference to FIG. 1 above, the first area 14 can be provided to display a given character 20 and therefore may communicate the type of character associated with the card 10. The character could be an individual, for example, with any of the embodiments described throughout this application in accordance with the present invention, each character can comprise a verbal character, an illustrated character or a combination of verbal and illustrated characters. A verbal character may simply comprise a written description of the character with one or more descriptive words. An illustrated character may be created from a photograph or drawing representation of one or more naturally occurring persons, places or things, or could be a modified photograph or drawing representation of one or more naturally occurring persons, places or things. In one example, the illustrated character could be a compilation of a variety of parts, naturally existing in a segregated sense, and then later compiled to a fictional illustrated character. In still further examples, the illustrated character could be partially or entirely computer or graphically generated. Exemplary characters can represent one or more non-fictional persons, places or things or could depict one or more partial or entirely fictional persons, places or things. Thus, the character can comprise a group of people or combinations of people, places and things, such as a company, regiment, military unit, or other grouping. Characters may also comprise an object, such as a weapon (e.g., sword), shield, vehicle (e.g., tank), or the like. It will also be appreciated that characters can comprise a grouping of one or more,types of objects. One or more given attributes 22 can be listed in the second area 16 to describe the given character 20 displayed in the first area 14. Depending on the type of character, exemplary attributes in each of the embodiments described throughout this application can include, but are not limited to, speed, strength, height, weight, magic, spells, fighting, dexterity, constitution, health, weapons, wisdom, charisma, armor, defense, attack, damage, experience, special abilities, wealth, languages, mobility, or the like.

The third area 18 provides hidden features 24 relating to the corresponding given attributes 22. Although not shown, a single hidden surface can be associated with each attribute wherein only a single possible hidden feature can be assigned with each attribute. In these embodiments, the feature is predetermined and later revealed after the player manipulates the corresponding concealing surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, exemplary cards 10 can include a plurality of hidden surfaces 28 associated with each attribute 22. The hidden surfaces 28 are provided with features 24 for describing each of the various attributes 22. In one example, the features 24 are alternative magnitudes for the attributes 22 and can be represented by a number, letter, symbol, or any other mark. In other examples, the features 24 describe the type of attribute 22. For example, if the attribute is a weapon, the feature can further define the type of weapon and/or characteristics of the weapon.

One or more of the areas described above may be covered by a concealing surface to hide an area of the card. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first area 14 and the second area 16 are free of the concealing surface, such that the first area 14 provides a given character 20 and the second area 16 provides one or more given attributes 22 associated with the given character 20. Thus, when purchasing or trading an unused card 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the player will already know the given character 20 and the possible attributes 22 of the character. In contrast, the third area 18 includes a concealing surface 26 that covers and therefore hides at least a surface 28 displaying an attribute feature 24. Accordingly, certain features of the attributes found on one or more of the hidden surfaces 28 in the third area 18 may be assigned by the player prior to or during game play by manipulating the concealing surface to reveal at least a portion of one or more hidden surfaces 28. Since the concealing surface hides at least one attribute feature, the concealing surface 26 provides the card game with an element of unpredictability, wherein the player may guess which hidden surface 28 will display the desired attribute feature and thereafter manipulate the corresponding concealing surface 26 to assign the feature 24 to the given attribute 22.

When using the card 10 of FIG. 1 , a player may trade or purchase cards to obtain a card 10 clearly displaying a given character 20 and character attributes 22 associated with the character. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the given character can be an illustrated warrior wherein the first, second, third and fourth given attributes can comprise armor, strength, magic, and speed respectively. Accordingly, the player will be aware of the general character type (e.g., a warrior) and the possible attributes of the character (e.g., armor, strength, magic, and speed) when trading or purchasing the card.

The player will also be aware that one or more hidden features 24 are associated with each given attribute 22. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, four substantially horizontal rows are vertically offset wherein each row is provided with a single given character attribute 22 on the left side and three possible attribute features 24 on the right side. Before or during the card game, the player may manipulate the concealing surface 26 above at least one selected hidden surface 28 to reveal the corresponding feature 24 associated with the hidden surface, and thereby assign the particular feature 24 to the corresponding attribute 22. In one particular example, the armor attribute can be associated with three possible features 24 describing various strength levels of the armor. In embodiments with more than one hidden surface 28, the player may guess which hidden surface 28 has the most desirable level of armor and thereafter manipulate the concealing surface corresponding to the selected hidden surface. The requirement of the player to select a hidden surface adds an element of unpredictability to the game and can give the player a sense of control by permitting the player to assign defined attributes to the character by guessing which hidden surface 28 contains the most desirable attribute feature 24.

Some games may only require one of the hidden surfaces to be revealed during the course of the game. In other games, the player may be required to select a second feature or may be given a choice whether to keep the first attribute feature or select a second attribute feature. For example, if the player chooses (or is required) to select another armor level, the player may manipulate another concealing surface 26 over another hidden surface 28. For example, the first chosen armor level could be replaced by a second chosen armor level after further manipulation of the corresponding concealing surface 26. Alternatively, the second armor level could be added to the first armor level such that the new armor level is the sum of the first and second armor levels. Accordingly, the card 10 can be used in a game that may give the player an additional choice of whether to continue with the previous attribute feature or to take a chance by selecting an additional hidden feature. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the third area 18 of the card 10 is the only area that is provided with a concealing surface 26 to hide particular features 24 of the given character attributes 22. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more characters, character attributes, attribute features (or other optional character features), may be hidden from the player. Thus, the concealing surface may hide at least one character, character attribute, or attribute feature (or other optional character feature). In other examples, the concealing surface may initially cover all characters, character attributes, and attribute features (and other optional character features).

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment of a card 110 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein an upper face 112 includes a first area 114, a second area 116 and a third area 118. Each of the areas are provided with a concealing surface 126. Accordingly, the unpredictability is maximized by concealing all of the characteristics of the character. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the characters, character attributes, and/or attribute features (and/or other optional character features) can be initially revealed to provide a clue as to the potential strength and/or value of the card.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the first area 114 includes one or more hidden characters 120 that can be displayed by a corresponding one or more hidden surfaces 130. For clarity, a portion of the concealing surface 126 has been manipulated to reveal a hidden surface 130 that displays an exemplary character 120 (represented by the letter "C"). The hidden characters 120 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 can comprise any of the characters 20 described in relation to FIG. 1 above. Moreover, while three hidden surfaces 130 are illustrated in FIG. 2, any number of hidden surfaces can be provided to increase the potential pool of characters and/or extend the life of the game card through multiple uses. In one example, a single hidden surface can be provided with a single hidden character such that the character is predetermined and later revealed after the player manipulates the corresponding concealing surface.

In some games, only one hidden surface 130 is revealed to assign the particular character. In one example of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the first, second and third hidden surfaces 130 could include, respectively, a warrior, a magician, and a dragon that are covered by a concealing surface 126. The player may then select a hidden surface 130 and then reveal the hidden character 120 by manipulating the concealing surface 126 associated with selected hidden surface.

In other games, each hidden surface 130 includes a portion of the character, wherein the character is not fully developed until a plurality or all of the concealing surfaces 126 associated with the hidden surfaces 130 of the first area 1 14 are revealed. In still further embodiments, the character can grow as the game progresses or after a period of use. For example, the concealing surface 126 of the first hidden surface 130 may be initially manipulated to reveal a young dragon with limited powers. As the game progresses or as the card is used, the concealing surface of the second hidden surface could be manipulated to reveal an adolescent dragon having additional powers. A fully developed card could result from manipulating the final concealing surface to expose a powerful adult dragon. In additional embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the character could evolve as the game progresses. For example, the dragon could progress from a prehistoric dragon with limited powers to a futuristic dragon with enhanced powers or can transform from one character type to another. The second area 116 can include one or more hidden attributes 122 of the character 120, such as any of the attributes 22 described in relation to FIG. 1 above. As illustrated in FIG. 2, at least one of the character attributes 122 are hidden underneath a concealing surface 126. For clarity, a portion of the concealing surface 126 has been manipulated to reveal a hidden surface 132 that displays one of the various character attributes 122 (represented by the letter "A"). In one exemplary embodiment, a single hidden attribute is provided per row such that the attribute is predetermined and later revealed after the player manipulates the corresponding concealing surface. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second area 1 16 includes a plurality of hidden character attributes 122 per row, thereby permitting the user to select a hidden surface and thereby assign an attribute to the character by manipulating the corresponding concealing surface 126. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 depicts one exemplary card 110 wherein the second area 116 includes four horizontal, vertically spaced, rows of attributes including three potential attributes per row. The increased number of attributes can extend the life of the card by providing additional opportunities for the player to manipulate the concealing surfaces 126 associated with non-selected hidden surfaces 132. In other embodiments, a player could select a single hidden surface per row to provide an element of chance as to the specific attribute that will be assigned to the character. For example, the first row of attributes could include various types of weapons (e.g., knife, sword, battle axe) wherein the ultimate type of weapon is left to chance, depending on the selection of the player. In other examples, multiple selections can be made such that the attributes can be upgraded or evolve over time or during the process of playing the card game. For example, a particular type of weapon could be upgraded from a common sword, to a tempered sword and then to an enchanted sword. In addition, the third area 118 includes one or more hidden attribute features 124 associated with each attribute. For clarity, a portion of a concealing surface 126 has been manipulated to reveal a hidden surface 134 that displays an exemplary attribute feature 124 (represented by the letter "F"). The hidden attribute features 124 can be any of the hidden attribute features 24 described with respect to FIG. 1 above. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, a third area 118 includes a plurality of hidden surfaces 134 for displaying a plurality of attribute features 124. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the third area 118 includes a plurality of hidden attribute features 124 per row. In the illustrated example, three attribute features are provided in each of four horizontal rows that are vertically spaced from one another. Each of the four rows of attribute features can be aligned with a corresponding row of character attributes to provide four distinct groupings of character attributes with its corresponding attribute features. The number of rows illustrated is exemplary in nature. In alternative embodiments, a single row or any plurality of rows can be provided.

The features can be designed to assign a variety of characteristics to the attributes. In one example, the attribute features could comprise a magnitude of the corresponding selected attribute. For example, if a tempered sword was selected in the first row, the player could manipulate the concealing surface 126 covering a selected hidden surface 134 to reveal the strength level of the sword. The game can also be designed such that only one hidden surface is revealed per row, wherein the level of the sword would be fixed. In other examples, another concealing surface could be manipulated to reveal a second level that would replace the first level. In still further embodiments, the new strength level of the sword could be the sum of the first and second strength levels. When using the exemplary card 110 illustrated in FIG. 2, a player may trade or purchase the card 110 without knowing any characteristics of the character. When playing or prior to playing, one of the three hidden surfaces 130 of the first area 114 can be manipulated by the player to reveal a character 120 hidden underneath, thereby at least partially defining the character for a game segment or for the duration of the game. The player may then manipulate a concealing surface 126 over a selected one of the hidden surfaces 132 in the one or more rows of attributes to assign one or more character attributes 122 to the character 120. Next, the player may manipulate the concealing surface 126 above a selected one of the hidden surfaces 134 associated with at least one of the revealed character attributes to assign an attribute feature 124 to the revealed character attribute 122.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another exemplary card 210 similar to the card 10 described with respect to FIG. 1 above and can be considered identical to the card 10 unless otherwise noted. Indeed the card 210 includes an upper face 12 including a first area 14 displaying one or more given characters 20, a second area 16 displaying one or more given character attributes 22 and a third area 18 that can display one or more hidden attribute features 24 in response to player manipulation of a corresponding one or more concealing surfaces 26. In addition, the card 210 is provided with a fourth area 240 including a life force device 242. The life force device 242 could take the form of a life force regenerator, wherein additional life points are added to the total life as a reward for achieving a goal. The additional life points can help compensate for any injuries or other life-draining events occurring during the course of the card game. In another example the life force device 242 could simply be a life force indicator wherein the actual life remaining is indicated after manipulating the concealing surface 26 associated with the hidden life force 244. For clarity, portions of the concealing surface 26 has been manipulated to reveal the life force 244 displayed by a hidden surface 246. The life force device 242 can also be incorporated in the embodiments described with regard to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, or any other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary card 310 similar to the card 10 described with respect to FIG. 1 above and can be considered identical to the card 10 unless otherwise noted. Card 310 includes an upper face 12 with a first area 14 displaying a given character 20, a second area 16 displaying a given character attribute 22 and a third area 18 that can display one or more hidden attribute features 24 in response to player manipulation of a corresponding one or more concealing surfaces 26. In addition, the card 310 is provided with a fourth area 340 including a character attribute 342 capable of at least partial rehabilitation. The character attribute 342 can take the form of a life force where the life force may be at least partially rehabilitated. In another example, the character attribute 342 may comprise a sword or weapon that can also be at least partially rehabilitated. In other embodiments, one or more characteristics can be provided in any of the embodiments described throughout this application that are capable of at least partial rehabilitation. For example, any of the embodiments relating to FIGS. 1-3, or otherwise, may be provided with a rehabilitation aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment where the character attribute 342 comprises a shield that is capable of at least partial rehabilitation at the end of a game and/or game segment. A new card will have a full shield indicated at shield position Si. After a shield-damaging game event, the player can move down an appropriate number of shield positions (e.g. S₂-S ) along arrows 348 depending on the actual shield damage. For example, after the character 20 receives four sufficiently damaging blows, the player will move along the arrows 348 from shield position Si to shield position S₅ while manipulating the concealing surface 26 to reveal at least a portion of the hidden surface 346 that displays the corresponding rehabilitation features 344. At the end of the game or game segment, the rehabilitation feature of the last shield position will determine the extent of the character attribute rehabilitation. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if the game or game segment ends at shield position S₅, the regeneration feature 344 (i.e., "+2") will direct the player to rehabilitate the shield character attribute by two shield positions. Thus, the. player will move two positions along rehabilitation arrows 350 to position S₃. Any new game or new game segment will thus begin at the S shield position.

The concealing surface described in each of the embodiments of the present invention may be manipulated in a variety of ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the concealing surface may take the form of a scratch-off or rub-off portion. The concealing surface, for instance, may be formed as a layer of a rubber/graphite mixture known in the art that may be manipulated by rubbing or scratching.

Other concealing surfaces may also be used that conceal the hidden surface until manipulated by the player. A mechanical shutter or perforated window may be used to lift, fold or slide the concealing surface to reveal the hidden surface underneath. In another example, a layer of material could reveal the hidden area in response to a chemical reaction that might be triggered by a source of heat or light or application of water, liquid or other chemical. The chemical reaction may cause the concealing surface to deteriorate to reveal the hidden surface thereunder. In other embodiments, the concealing surface remains in place but, after manipulation, becomes translucent or transparent to reveal the corresponding hidden surface. In still further embodiments, the concealing surface may be formed as part of the hidden surface such that manipulation of the concealing surface will reveal the characteristics of the hidden surface. In one particular example of the present invention, body heat transferred by touching the concealing surface could provide adequate manipulation and/or frictional heat caused by rubbing could generate sufficient heat to manipulate the concealing surface to reveal the corresponding hidden surface. For example, the heat could cause the concealing surface to deteriorate or could cause the concealing surface to become transparent or translucent. In still further embodiments, the concealing surface could change color or otherwise change appearance in response to heat to reveal the hidden surface.

In still further embodiments, the concealing surface can comprise a layer of photosensitive material or other light sensitive material that may be manipulated by exposure to certain types of light, thereby revealing the hidden surface. For example, a number written in or on the concealing surface with a fluorescent material could be manipulated by exposing the fluorescent material to a black light, using ultraviolet light or infrared radiation, to cause the otherwise invisible fluorescent material to emit visible light to reveal the hidden surface characteristics. In still further examples, the concealing surface could comprise a color embedded picture that may be read with a lens that enhances selected colors to reveal the hidden characteristics.

In accordance with the present invention, role playing cards are provided that have a concealing surface wherein some, or all, of the characteristics of a character are not immediately apparent. Once the player reveals the characteristics, the player may use the card with the revealed characteristics for a plurality of purposes. Such purposes include, but are not limited to, trading the cards with other cardholders, competing with other cardholders based on character features, and combining cards to increase the amount of character features associated with each characteristic. For example, exemplary card games in accordance with the present invention may use multiple cards to augment the number of character features associated with one or more characters. For instance, a first card may provide for multiple areas associated with a depiction of a character and attributes of the character while a second card may provide the attribute features for associating with the character attributes of the first card. Thus, a player may combine these cards to create one or more characters with characteristics more numerous than provided by a single card.

The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. For example, cards in accordance with the present invention may be used by themselves, as a stand alone game, or in connection with a board game, a role- playing game or a battle game where the characteristics of the cards provide a desirable variability. Accordingly, while some of the alternative embodiments of the card game and methods of playing a card game have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations that have been discussed herein, and others that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A card game comprising:

a) a card including a face with multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character; and

b) a concealing surface hiding a surface of at least one of the multiple areas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to the character by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface.

2. The card game of claim 1, wherein at least one of the multiple areas comprises multiple hidden surfaces.

3. The card game of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include a depiction of the character.

4. The card game of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include an attribute of the character.

5. The card game of claim 4, wherein the characteristics further include a feature of the attribute.

6. The card game of claim 1 , wherein the characteristics include a life force of the character.

7. The card game of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include a rehabilitation feature.

8. The card game of claim 1, wherein the concealing surface can be manipulated by removing a portion of the concealing surface.

9. The card game of claim 1, wherein the concealing surface can be manipulated by scratching off a portion of the concealing surface.

10. A method of playing a card game comprising the steps of:

a) providing a card including:

i) a face, ii) multiple areas on the face, and iii) a plurality of characteristics in association with at least one of the multiple areas; and b) manipulating a portion of a concealing surface to assign at least one of the characteristics to the character.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the multiple areas comprises multiple hidden surfaces.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics include a depiction of the character.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics include an attribute of the character.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the characteristics further include a feature of the attribute.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics include a life force of the character.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics include a rehabilitation feature.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of manipulating the concealing surface includes removing a portion of the concealing surface.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of manipulating the concealing surface includes scratching off a portion of the concealing surface.