Patents by Inventor Mary McClain

Mary McClain 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: 20210217070
    Abstract: A greeting card finder app tool which receives user input regarding an occasion and a greeting card recipient and also receives answers to one or more posed questions and returns to the user a list of appropriate or suitable greeting cards. Once a greeting card from the list is selected by the user, the app will provide the user with the location of where to find the selected card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Fraser, Adam Margolin, Mary McClain, Chadrick Anderson
  • Patent number: 9849712
    Abstract: Interactive greeting card and gift card holders with a hinged mechanism which provide fun user interaction and triggers audio playback. Each greeting card and gift card holder includes portion thereof which hinges or pivots about an axis. When the greeting card or gift card holder is hinged, or pivoted about the hinge, one or more special effects are triggered. Special effects may include audio, emergence or ejection of a gift card holder (w/gift card) or gift card, the appearance of a thought or word bubble, or any other special effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Mary McClain
  • Publication number: 20170334231
    Abstract: Interactive greeting card and gift card holders with a hinged mechanism which provide fun user interaction and triggers audio playback. Each greeting card and gift card holder includes portion thereof which hinges or pivots about an axis. When the greeting card or gift card holder is hinged, or pivoted about the hinge, one or more special effects are triggered. Special effects may include audio, emergence or ejection of a gift card holder (w/gift card) or gift card, the appearance of a thought or word bubble, or any other special effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mary McClain, Jason Dove, Sean Higgins
  • Patent number: 9186927
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Mary McClain, Brent Cottrell, Melissa Cornet, Dave McPeek, Brian Cleary, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • 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: 8726547
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Mary McClain, Brent Cottrell, Melissa Cornet, Dave McPeek, Brian Cleary, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8601726
    Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Lauren M. Budzar, Eva Jin, Mary McClain
  • Patent number: 8567101
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130000165
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • Publication number: 20120304509
    Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: David Mayer, Lauren M. Budzar, Eva Jin, Mary McClain
  • Patent number: 8312652
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The greeting card contains a slide trigger that activates the pre-recorded sound clip upon opening the greeting card. A second push-button trigger controls playback of the pre-recorded music clip while simultaneously recording the user singing along to the pre-recorded music. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • 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: 20110283572
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The greeting card contains a slide trigger that activates the pre-recorded sound clip upon opening the greeting card. A second push-button trigger controls playback of the pre-recorded music clip while simultaneously recording the user singing along to the pre-recorded music. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • Patent number: D641779
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Mary McClain, Carol Miller, David Mayer, Terry Hughes
  • Patent number: D642612
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Mary McClain, Carol Miller, David Mayer, Terry Hughes
  • Patent number: D642613
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Mary McClain, Carol Miller, David Mayer, Terry Hughes
  • Patent number: D643061
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Mary McClain, Carol Miller, David Mayer, Terry Hughes
  • Patent number: D664194
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Kemelhar, Mike Gali, Carol Miller, Terry Hughes, Gary Nelson, Mary McClain