Patents by Inventor Kimberly Bikowski

Kimberly Bikowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20170189774
    Abstract: A net assembly includes a base having hub and at least three extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the base hub to form a polygon. At least one flexible support pole is removably coupled to each of the extension arms of the base, and a net is configured to receive each of the flexible support poles. The net comprises a plurality of panels which define a polygonal cross-section. The net bends each of the flexible support poles such that the each of the poles is in a flexed state and wherein in the flexed state, each of the flexible support poles is adapted to exert an outward force onto the net, thereby exposing each of the plurality of panels of the net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Lucas Ferrari, Paul Paesang, Peter Tabeling, Kimberly Bikowski
  • Patent number: 8950093
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Melinda Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Publication number: 20140137445
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Melinda Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Patent number: 8448361
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8374878
    Abstract: Audio or sound envelopes contain or are combined with a sound module for generating and playing prerecorded sound tracks upon the opening of the envelope or removal of its contents. Operation of the sound module may be activated by the opening of the envelope flap, or by removal of the envelope contents. The flap is configured with a removable strip which protects the sound module from damage before and after opening. The sound module can be replayed by repeated operation of the flap. Alternate embodiments of the audio envelopes have other structural or operational features which work in concert with the sound module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Carol Miller, Mary McClain, David Mayer, Sharon Bogdanski, Kimberly Bikowski, Theresa Muri, Julie Vojtko
  • Patent number: 8322058
    Abstract: A telescoping greeting card having a plurality of pockets and/or panels that are connected in sequence and configured to slidably telescope between a closed position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are contained within a main panel and an open position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are extended in a longitudinal array. The greeting card additionally contains a switch and a sound module with at least one pre-recorded audio file that may be played back upon removal of one of the panels or pockets of the greeting card, which triggers the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, David Sapp, Tiger Qiao, Catherine Liu, Coco Zhang, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8312651
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Mindy Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Publication number: 20120266503
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8230624
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8176663
    Abstract: Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, Tiger Qiao, Erik Flesher, Emily Gross, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogal, Katalina Speck, Sharon Bogdanski, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski
  • Publication number: 20110146117
    Abstract: A telescoping greeting card having a plurality of pockets and/or panels that arc connected in sequence and configured to slidably telescope between a closed position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are contained within a main panel and an open position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are extended in a longitudinal array. The greeting card additionally contains a switch and a sound module with at least one pre-recorded audio file that may be played back upon removal of one of the panels or pockets of the greeting card, which triggers the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: David Mayer, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, David Sapp, Tiger Qiao, Catherine Liu, Coco Zhang, Jerry Guo
  • Publication number: 20110078931
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Publication number: 20100287800
    Abstract: A sound-producing greeting card that can play two or more separate and distinct digital audio clips. The greeting card has a gatefold design and includes dual slide activators that trigger the two separate and distinct audio clips. In one embodiment both digital audio clips are pre-recorded digital audio clips that may be music, sound or a verbal messages. In other embodiments, one digital audio clip is pre-recorded and the other can be a personalized consumer recorded message. The greeting card has a push button that activates recording of the personalized message. The greeting cards may additionally contain a mechanism that permanently changes the card from preview mode, wherein a consumer can record a personal message that will automatically be played back and erased, to a permanent mode wherein the consumer recorded message is saved and replayed each time one of the panels of the greeting card is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Erik Flesher, Emily Gross, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogal, Katalina Speck, Sharon Bogdanski, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski
  • Patent number: 7802386
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Mindy Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Publication number: 20100223824
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Mindy Leeders, Catherine Gruntman
  • Publication number: 20100199530
    Abstract: Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Dave Sapp, Tiger Qiao, Erik Flesher, Emily Gross, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogal, Katalina Speck, Sharon Bogdanski, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski
  • Publication number: 20090314668
    Abstract: Audio or sound envelopes contain or are combined with a sound module for generating and playing prerecorded sound tracks upon the opening of the envelope or removal of its contents. Operation of the sound module may be activated by the opening of the envelope flap, or by removal of the envelope contents. The flap is configured with a removable strip which protects the sound module from damage before and after opening. The sound module can be replayed by repeated operation of the flap. Alternate embodiments of the audio envelopes have other structural or operational features which work in concert with the sound module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Carol Miller, Mary McClain, David Mayer, Sharon Bogdanski, Kimberly Bikowski, Theresa Muri, Julie Vojtko
  • Publication number: 20080289230
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Josef A. Mandelbaum, Rajiv Jain, Allison Marsh, Kimberly Bikowski, Cathy Tasse, David Mayer, Eliza DeVogel, Katalina Speck, Mary McClain, Sharon Bogdanski, Mindy Leeders, Catherine Gruntman