Miscellaneous Patents (Class 283/117)
  • Patent number: 5743035
    Abstract: A machine producible three dimensional greeting card formed from card stock automatically printed, die cut, gate folded and adhered to mechanically produce a card in a folded configuration which can be unfolded by an end user into three dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the three dimensional greeting card includes four fold lines and five panels, with end panels adhered together, whereby the panels of the card in an unfolded configuration occupy four different planes. Areas of panels may be die cut to extend beyond fold lines into adjacent panels. Print images upon both sides of the panels may correspond to die cut patterns or profiles of peripheral and/or internal cuts. Corresponding front and back images may be printed on opposite sides of the card. The card is folded so that opposite end panels overlap and are adhered back to front whereby the card can be unfolded into a three dimensional configuration by the end user and stood upon edges of the panels for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sterling E. Lani Bradley, Jayne M. Gause, Andrew Onachilla
  • Patent number: 5725252
    Abstract: A promotional booklet having first and second separate compartments. In the first compartment is a plurality of information pages and in the second compartment is a rectangular sheet having a plurality of fold lines forming a plurality of individual panels that can be folded over each other such as a map. At least one panel on the rectangular sheet is attached to one of the second and third panels forming the second separate compartment. When the single rectangular sheet is folded to form a single panel in plan view, the entire promotional booklet forms only a single panel in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Williamson Printing Corporation
    Inventors: Terrance R. Crum, Frederick I. Reinbold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5707081
    Abstract: A symbol guide comprising a sheet and at least one pattern located on said sheet, the at least one pattern including two spaced apart substantially horizontal lines, two spaced apart substantially parallel lines positioned so that the substantially horizontal lines are located between the substantially parallel lines or extensions thereof; two substantially diagonally extending lines which cross each other in the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof; and two substantially semi-circular curves facing each other and located within the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Roberto F. Luna
  • Patent number: 5698297
    Abstract: Improved method of applying guide markings to a writing surface such as posterboard. The guide markings are visually perceptible at a writing distance away from the posterboard, and substantially imperceptible at a viewing distance away from the--writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Second Sight Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara R. Pitts, Mary R. Sarao
  • Patent number: 5693911
    Abstract: A label which is cut and sized to fit on the interior surface of an electrical cover plate, such as a cover plate which is affixed over a light switch or an electrical outlet. The exterior dimensions of the label are formed to be approximately the same size as the flat dimension on the back of the electrical cover plate, such that the label does not extend onto any beveled side portions of the electrical cover plate. Furthermore, the label has formed therein appropriate cut-outs in order to allow the electrical switch or electrical plug to protrude therethrough, as well as holes to allow the electrical cover plate screws to pass therethrough. The label may include an adhesive coating on one side which is adapted to semi-permanently adhere to the back of the electrical cover plate. The opposite side of the label comprises a smooth, calendered surface which is adapted to be easily written upon by a pen or pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: P. Daniel Sydow
  • Patent number: 5687992
    Abstract: A simple foldable greeting card wherein, upon opening, decorative display elements self-generate a 3-D effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Yan Finkelshteyn
  • Patent number: 5667248
    Abstract: Greeting cards in which portions of messages are obscured by one or more detachable covers, so that the messages are revealed when the covers are moved. In a preferred embodiment, the detachable covers are POST-IT brand notes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Lisa Mayer
  • Patent number: 5653470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an object that, in its closed configuration, rather than resembling a sculpture preferably has an essentially book-like form. In most instances the pages may be shaped but the covers of the book are flat and play an integral part in the stability of the alternative configuration adopted by the book in the open configuration. Each of the pages is also self-supporting on the binding in the open configuration, preferably also having sufficient rigidity to bear on its edge all or a substantial part of the weight of the rest of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: David Stephen Bennett
  • Patent number: 5636873
    Abstract: A documentation system that allows adequate control of documentation in addition to an assessment of skills of the professionals involved includes a plurality of notepads, each notepad dedicated to a particular disease process or body system. Each of the notepads has disposed therein a plurality of adhesive-backed labels, each label providing a checklist of assessment steps or an anatomical diagram of a particular body system. The labels are operable to be removed and temporarily placed on the chart of the patient during an acute episode, incident, or accident, or may be permanently placed in the patient's chart to describe adequately the patient's condition. In addition, the anatomy labels are operable to be removed from the notepad and given to the patient to assist the patient in understanding his/her disease process or medical condition. Also included is an optional Charting Reminder Tool form, operable to be placed in the patient's chart for attachment of the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Kristi L. Sonsteby
    Inventor: Kristi L. Sonsteby
  • Patent number: 5632510
    Abstract: An internationally useful kit for advising a waiter of dietary restrictions comprises a plurality of cards and an organizer. Each of the cards is associated with a respective dietary restriction and contains both an internationally recognizable graphic representation of the respective dietary restriction, and translations of the respective dietary restriction into a plurality of languages. Thus, each card identifies a respective dietary restriction both graphically and in a plurality of languages. The organizer releasably receives and maintains the plurality of cards, preferably in such a manner as to enable different sets of the plurality of cards to be used at different times to advise a waiter of the then applicable dietary restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Evart Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Morowitz
  • Patent number: 5629977
    Abstract: A method and assembly for allowing prepaid telephone calling credit to be provided in conjunction with a greeting card. The greeting card assembly generally comprises a greeting card, an envelope having an inside pocket adapted to receive and hold the greeting card, and a unique visually discernible calling card access identifier. The access identifier designates a prepaid account having a predetermined amount of telephone calling credit against which telephone calls can be charged. In a preferred embodiment, the liner is attached to the envelope and the access identifier is affixed to the liner in the envelope. A section of the liner is removable and surrounds the access identifier to facilitate carrying of the access identifier apart from the envelope. Also in this embodiment, an opaque covering is placed over the access identifier prior to sale of the assembly to prevent misappropriation of the access identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: David Fonseca
  • Patent number: 5622389
    Abstract: A bumper device and method provide a hassle-free system for mounting and replacing bumper stickers. The device includes a clear, trimmable mounting sheet which can receive a bumper sticker and then be attached to the bumper of an automobile. In a preferred embodiment, the device is attached to the bumper using Velcro strips. Once the device is attached to the bumper, it is virtually undetectable to the casual viewer, thus reducing the potential for theft of the sticker and giving the appearance that the sticker is permanently affixed to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph L. Courtney
  • Patent number: 5622384
    Abstract: A foldable card and method of making has multiple panels connected by fold lines which are placed laterally inward from free peripheral edges of end panels such that the card can be die cut in a folded configuration around an entire periphery of the card without entirely eliminating the fold lines. In a preferred method of making the cards, card stock is folded along the fold lines prior to cutting. The fold lines of the card are spaced at intervals to define different widths of adjoining panels so that when folded in a "Z" configuration a free peripheral edge of an end panel overlaps or underlaps a fold line. There may be multiple fold line interconnected panels between end panels. The fold lines may be oriented generally vertically or generally horizontally relative to the face of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Sterling E. L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 5621990
    Abstract: A keepsake holder for baby teeth which provides parents, guardians and others with a convenient way in which to save and display a child's baby teeth. The holder comprises a generally folded card having a top leaf and a bottom leaf. Attached to the inside of the top leaf are preferably graphical representations and dental terminology indicia corresponding to a child's twenty baby teeth. Attached to the bottom leaf is a plurality of date entry lines for entering the dates on the sheet that a child's baby teeth fall out. Also attached to the bottom leaf is a multi-pocketed double ply transparent sheet for separately retaining the child's baby teeth. Advantageously, cross-referencing indicia are disposed adjacent each graphical representation, dental terminology indica, date entry line and pocket to cross-reference each retained baby tooth to its graphical representation, its dental terminology and the date that it fell out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Anastasia Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5618062
    Abstract: A method for making custom printed notes or note pads. One or more sheet assemblies are provided which have first and second sheets and a pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the rear major surface of each of the sheets that contacts and is releasably adhered to the rear major surface of the other sheet only in nonadhesive areas. Indicia is printed on the front major surfaces of the sheets using a conventional copy machine. The sheets can either be cut along predetermined lines to form the custom printed notes, or the sheets of a plurality of such printed sheet assemblies can be separated, stacked to adhere the patterns of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the rear major surfaces of the sheets to the front major surfaces of the sheets with the edges of the sheets in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other, and the stacked sheets can be cut along predetermined lines to form custom printed note pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Mertens, Mark S. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5607186
    Abstract: A survey card apparatus having a front planar member with a plurality of elongated apertures, and a response aperture perpendicular to at least a portion of the plurality of elongated apertures. A middle planar member is secured to the front planar member. The middle planar member has at least one aperture therethrough. A plurality of slide members with indicia responsive to selected questions on the front side and bar code indicia on the back side. The indicia on the front side of the respective slide members is aligned with the response aperture on the front planar member. A rear panel member is secured to the middle planar member. The rear panel member has a bar code indicia aperture in parallel alignment with the response aperture, so that when the indicia is aligned with regard to the response aperture, the response in bar code is aligned with the bar code aperture on the rear planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Michael J. Schroeder, Paul N. Stavropoulos
  • Patent number: 5595008
    Abstract: A greeting card device comprised of a pair of foldable panels and having an inner foldable receptacle capable of retaining water for retention of a living plant. The receptacle contains an inner liner enabling the retention of water. In this way, the greeting card serves not only to present a greeting, but also functions as a plant holder and which may store the very grown plant which is given to the receiver, along with the greeting card. After decay of the living plant, the receptacle can be used for the retention of artificial plant items, such as artificial flowers. In addition, the receptacle can be used for the retention of potpourri, or like dried flowers which have been impregnated or treated with a scent, such as a perfume, scented oil or the like. Thus the greeting card becomes a relatively permanent item, as opposed to one which is disposable and immediately discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: United Pacific Development
    Inventor: Keith D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5595829
    Abstract: Improved posterboard is formed from a rectangular posterboard having vertical side edges and horizontal top and bottom edges. Guide marking are applied to the posterbboard. The guide markings are visually perceptible at a writing distance away from the posterboard, and substantially imperceptible at a viewing distance length away from the posterboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Barbara R. Pitts, Mary R. Sarao
  • Patent number: 5579117
    Abstract: A method is described for making handleable card having images on front and back surface of the card. The process includes the creation of templates which incorporate a combination of design elements and repetitive textual information stored as computer files. These templates are combined with textual information specific to each card, as well as digital representations of scanned photographs; also stored as computer files. The resulting composite images are printed onto a single sheet material having front and back surface covered with plastic laminate film which has been treated with an adhesive layer on its inside surface. The covered sheet material is passed through laminator for fusing the front and back sheet material to the plastic laminate film and cut into separate card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Emile Arsenault, Evan Leibovitch
  • Patent number: 5562310
    Abstract: A system for correcting information on printed material using a supply of removable printed labels (10) or a supply of removable printable labels (18) with attached implement placement means (14) and method of application is disclosed. The system comprises a placement implement being attached by reusable attachment means (12) threaded through a hole (24) in the label supply and a hole (26) in the placement implement. The tapered end (16) of the implement is used to lift a printed label (20) from the backing sheet (22) and align it over inaccurate information on printed material. Pressing and adhering the label onto the inaccurate information thereby covers and corrects the inaccurate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Carl S. Henry
  • Patent number: 5560653
    Abstract: A dietary dish used for a person who must diet due to disease, such as diabetes, is disclosed. This dietary dish comprises at least one actual size photograph or detailed illustration of the foods to be served, printed on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Yoshio Beppu
  • Patent number: 5551730
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing greeting card having a stained-glass window effect provided by a pattern of cut-outs in a face panel thereof and a panel of translucent material having a corresponding colored pattern rearwardly thereof, the colored pattern allowing the transmission of light therethrough to provide a stained-glass effect. The card may be attached to a window or other light source to enhance the aesthetically pleasing stained-glass window effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Robert Barreca, Karen Hurley
  • Patent number: 5549332
    Abstract: A travel planner including a transparent or translucent Combined Region/Topical Map that allows the user to plan a route directly on the map. The size of the region can range from a city or a portion thereof to a country or continent. Two or more Combined Region/Topical Maps can be overlaid such that the regional information is registered, whereby the user can plan a trip as may be desired to visit more than one type of point of interest (e.g., a castle and an historic village). This travel planner easily enables the traveler to create an itinerary based on personal interests by overlaying Combined Region/Topical Maps depicting desired interest types, each Combined Region/Topical Map depicting specific sites and locations of interest. In addition to such tourist information as the location of castles, museums, or camping locations, such Combined Region/Topical Maps can include such information as the locations of hotels, car rental companies, or pavilions for major events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Nancy L. Judson
  • Patent number: 5542709
    Abstract: Individual stylized articles are provided in the form of collectible cards, or display holders for such cards. The articles may be used as stand alone units to present a single collectible card, and are designed so as to be temporarily attached to each other in configurations of choice, and readily assembled and re-assembled to present different arrangements, such as a group of pictures of a team. The article design is applicable to cards showing players from many different sports, for example football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, etc., and allows the collector to group the cards of his favorite players, as in assembling an "all-star" team, or members of a well known team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Donald P. Evans
  • Patent number: 5524932
    Abstract: A method of making a personalized children's storybook using preprinted books with textually blank areas on various ones of their pages, and adhering transparent stickers with personalized text thereon to the textually blank page areas to create a personalized story line in the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Yaakov Kalisher
  • Patent number: 5522622
    Abstract: A greeting card is disclosed which can be displayed from upright surfaces such as walls, doors, windows, furniture, and the like. The greeting card has an adhesive on an exterior surface of the back panel of the greeting card. A movable cover is positioned over the adhesive. The cover can be moved when it is desired to attach the card to the surface, and the card is pressed against the surface so as to contact the adhesive to the surface. The adhesive will hold the card against the surface where the exterior surface of the front panel can be viewed, and where the interior of the card can also be viewed by prying open the front panel. A method for attaching greeting cards to surfaces is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Betty Segar
  • Patent number: 5520766
    Abstract: A tack label roll for printing is comprised of a continuous release sheet backing web in a roll shape and a plurality of labels stuck thereon at regular intervals. Ink absorption zones are formed on uncovered interval areas of the release sheet backing web between the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Aptex Inc.
    Inventor: Shinichi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 5516033
    Abstract: A multi-leaved social expression card with an integral envelope has first and second leaves joined together along a first score line and foldable into overlying relationship with each other to form a social expression card. The first and second leaves can have social expression thereon identifying the sending situation for the card. A third leaf is joined to the second leaf along a second score line, and is foldable into overlying adjacent relationship with the first leaf such that the third leaf substantially covers and protects the outer surface of the first leaf. A flap is joined to the third leaf along a third score line. The flap is foldable into overlying adjacent relationship with the second leaf when the first, second and third leaves are folded together. The flap includes an adhesive structure which adhesively secures the flap to the second leaf to form an envelope. The flap also includes an additional social expression identifying the sending situation for the social expression card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Bernetich
  • Patent number: 5516152
    Abstract: An alphanumeric quick symbol guide is provided comprising a sheet and an array for forming on the sheet any letter of an alphabet, any number and any sign symbol for display purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Roberto F. Luna
  • Patent number: 5507525
    Abstract: A label for a blood bag comprising a microporous plastic film including a matrix of interconnected pores for allowing gas to flow into and out of the blood bag through a labeled area. The pores allow ink to be absorbed at least on an outer surface of the label allowing the label to be printed and/or written on. The labels of the present invention have breathability with respect to gas that is similar to paper. However, the label is more durable than a paper label in that it can tolerate moisture, abrasion, temperature extremes, dimensional changes, and the like. Accordingly, the labels do not crack or wrinkle as easily as paper labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Leuenberger
  • Patent number: 5504677
    Abstract: A system and method of collecting payments uses an automated system to generate a draft, payable to the creditor and drawn on the payor's checking account, pursuant to the payor's authorization. The draft is then executed by the debt collector as authorized signatory for the payor, and deposited into the payee's account to complete payment. The automated system has a simple input screen which receives the necessary information for generation of the draft, which may be read to the system operator over the telephone by the authorizing payor. The system verifies the bank and account information by comparing the input information to records in a database associated with the system. Optionally, the system may also generate an inquiry to the bank to determine the availability of funds in the payor's account. When verification is complete, the system generates a paper bank draft payable to the payor, using MICR ink so that the draft can be processed in the banking system like an ordinary check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Robert E. Pollin
  • Patent number: 5496071
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to an identity format provided in each article for enabling search and classification. In a mass distributable print media containing at least one page and a plurality of articles on the page, each article including a title and related text, an improvement includes a range of elements including but not limited to a relative subject matter index number, complete date of publication and publisher name for the print media arranged closely adjacent each article. All or some of these elements may be supplemented by machine readable code such as a bar code. Publishers of newspapers, magazines and the like have not heretofore provided these elements on every article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Margaret A. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5489096
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the appeal of a sporting event at which wagering is allowed utilizes a dual-function ticket having two parts to produce a collectible souvenir having true rarity. A first ticket part records details of a placed bet, and is arranged to be cashed in to collect on a winning bet, while the second ticket part identifies the sports event and the participant on which the bet was placed, thereby serving as a souvenir having potential value as a collectible. Rarity of the souvenir ticket part is assured in that it can be obtained only through placing a bet, and the integrity of a collectibles aftermarket in the souvenir ticket parts is maintained by providing authentication means on the ticket to foil counterfeiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Double Win, Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles M. Aron
  • Patent number: 5478120
    Abstract: A publication designed to receive a photograph of a subject, such as a child, so that the subject in the photograph forms a part of the illustrations on the pages of the publication. The publication is designed to allow the subject to be identified with a particular organization of an association. For example, the publication may be designed to allow the subject to be identified as a player of a particular team within a football, basketball, baseball, or other sports league. The invention also relates to a publication produced using a computer to manipulate image data stored on a CD-ROM or the like so that the image data generic to each organization within an association can be easily enhanced and customized to depict one or more particular organizations within the association, such as one or more particular football teams within a football league.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Deborah B. D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 5476336
    Abstract: An electronic organizer assembly for attaches removably to a host book wherein said host book has a spine, a plurality of leaves or pages, and a plurality of ring members arranged along said spine for loosely retaining the leaves. The electronic organizer assembly has a body portion and a removable insert for removably attaching to the ring members of said host book. The insert has a flange for removably engaging the ring members, and an elongated slide engaging member, e.g., a rod, that extends along the flange. The electronic organizer body has a work panel on a front face; and first and second slotted channels formed at longitudinal side edges of the rectangular body. The channels are profiled to match the slide engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Cullman Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Osiecki, David A. Furth, Brad D. Hall
  • Patent number: 5454600
    Abstract: A personal identification label includes a child-friendly image, scene or illustration on an iron-on label. The image depicts scenes, such as a rabbit in a field, dinosaurs walking through the woods, a horse jumping over a wall, or a dalmatian in front of a fire truck, for example. In any of the scenes depicted on the label, a fingerprint receiving space is left blank on the label and is contained entirely within the depicted scene or image. This special fingerprint receiving area is designed to include a fingerprint of a child. Once the fingerprint of the child is placed in the specific fingerprint receiving area in the scene, image or illustration depicted on the label, the lines of the fingerprint form an image which visually blends into the overall scene, illustration, or image for example, printed on the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Linda A. Floyd
  • Patent number: 5445420
    Abstract: A combination ice scraper-sponge novelty device has a flat, acrylic base with a transparent top surface displaying a footprint configuration embedded therein. A theme message is imprinted within the footprint configuration relating to pacifying foot stomping on the floorboard of an automobile. A sponge with side edges having the same shape as the footprint configuration displayed on the base, is releaseably attached to the base so that the sponge generally overlies the footprint configuration of the base. Some base side edges may be formed into portions of the footprint configuration. The novelty device may function as an ice scraper or a key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventors: Arley G. Lairmore, Lisa M. Lairmore
  • Patent number: 5437478
    Abstract: A greeting card with a receipt for recording a monetary gift. The greeting card preferably includes a detachable receipt for collecting similar receipts for various information retrieval purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Alfred L. Gaines
  • Patent number: 5435603
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing greeting card having a stained-glass window effect provided by a pattern of cut-outs in a face panel thereof and a panel of translucent material having a corresponding colored pattern rearwardly thereof, the colored pattern allowing the transmission of light therethrough to provide a stained-glass effect. The card may be attached to a window or other light source to enhance the aesthetically pleasing stained-glass window effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Robert Barreca, Karen Hurley
  • Patent number: 5435085
    Abstract: A greeting card device comprised of a pair of foldable panels and having an inner foldable receptacle capable of retaining water for retention of a living plant. In this way, the greeting card serves not only to present a greeting, but also functions as a plant holder and which may store the very grown plant which is given to the receiver, along with the greeting card. Thus, the greeting card becomes a relatively permanent item, as opposed to one which is disposable and immediately discarded. The receptacle contains an inner liner enabling the retention of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: United Pacific Development Corporation
    Inventor: Keith D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5435602
    Abstract: A lottery ticket is produced by first photographing by a user a plurality of images, printing the photographed images onto a carrier, providing on the carrier a plurality of numbers corresponding to the images so that when the player crosses out several images he identifies several numbers to play in a lottery, and arranging on the ticket symbols which identify the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: David Fastovsky
  • Patent number: 5421583
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a new form of print media product which provides enhanced realism through a three-dimensional effect. It includes a master sheet or card having a background picture, along with a picture of a person or an object printed or disposed on a substrate and which substrate is directly adhered to the surface of the card to provide a substantially continuous profile edge around the picture and which edge preferably is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the background picture. This arrangement enables a shadow to exist along this profile edge and to give an enhanced three-dimensional effect. In the case of a trading card, the reverse side preferably has detailed biographical information and detailed life sports statistics. In alternative embodiments, the profile item formed by the picture and its substrate can be removable from another object such as a magazine cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Laservision Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Gluck
  • Patent number: 5422155
    Abstract: A laminated composite noteboard using smoothly finished, glossy surface plastic material for the surface laminate(s), provides an efficient and convenient writing or marking surface for writing or marking implements such as erasable felt tip pens and the like. The noteboard may include a core of a variety of materials, such as fiberboard, chipboard, or hard or soft wood plywood, and may use a variety of surface laminate sheets to provide the required smooth finish. The edges may be finished in a variety of ways, from the rounding or relieving of corners to eliminate sharp corners and edges, to sealing and/or installing decorative trim to preclude moisture absorption and warpage. The opposite or non-writing side of the noteboard is also preferably sealed, but may be sealed by using a second glossy finish overlay to provide two opposite writing surfaces, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel D. Spence, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5421620
    Abstract: A C-fold mailer having a return envelope, booklet insert or both is disclosed. The mailer is formed from a relatively large web sheet having two transverse fold lines that separate the sheet into three rectangular sections. Discrete strips of heat seal glue or other adhesive are applied along sections of the edges of one side of the web. In addition, the web is printed with mailing and promotional information and lines of weakness, e.g., perforations, are selectively scored across the web. Furthermore, inserts such as a booklet and return envelop may be included in the mailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean N. Sauerwine
  • Patent number: 5417457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indexing and organizing system for audio/video tapes and compact/video discs. The system providing self adhesive labels and flags comprising sheets of thin semi-rigid flexible material. Each label having an adhesive applied to a back portion thereof. Each label has three panels to embrace a front portion, side portion and back portion of a storage case for a video/audio tape or video/compact disc whereby when a self adhesive label is attached to a storage case, the label can be seen on three sides of the storage case identifying the alphabetic location and/or category of the media stored in the storage case. Each flag has a rectangular main body and has a protruding label portion. The flag has an adhesive applied to a back side of the rectangular main body thereof leaving the protruding label portion adhesive free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: William S. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 5407234
    Abstract: An index divider is reinforced using a polyester film having a bonding coating on one side thereof for bonding the polyester film to the index divider, and a toner-receptive polymer coating on the other side thereof. The toner-receptive coating may be N-Butyl Methacrylate polymer. Other polymers may be used, which have microscopic penetration points to bond with xerographic toner, and which maintain their integrity at the high temperatures and pressures used to bond the polyester film to the index dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Rettker, William E. Peterson, Philip B. Chandler, John H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5397156
    Abstract: A kit enhances the marketability of personalized books, such as paperback romance novels. The kit includes a simulated book constructed of a book cover and foam core adhesively secured to it, and a questionnaire for insertion of personalized information. The questionnaire and a reply addressed envelope are provided between the cover and the foam core, and the simulated book is shrink wrapped in transparent plastic. The questionnaire is on difficult to accurately photocopy paper, such as colored paper and/or ink with a distinctive watermark or printed background design, and/or a serial number (e.g. in bar code format). Instructions on what to do with the questionnaire are provided on the rear face of the simulated book cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Thomas M. Schach, Lynn M. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5393100
    Abstract: A support carries a pad of medicine schedules and a pad of medicine display cards. Each medicine schedule has a place for a medication sticker with a picture of the tablet or other medication involved, and space for instructions concerning that medication. Each display card carries multiple stickers of a single medication. An individual sticker can be lifted from the card and placed on the medicine schedule. A physician writes instructions concerning the medicine. The patient is provided with the medicine schedule and thus has a graphic indication of which medicine must be taken and the instructions concerning that medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: PharmaDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Coe
  • Patent number: 5383685
    Abstract: To facilitate preparation and processing of checks, this invention discloses a specially designed two-section gummed label to be attached on a bill and to be transferred onto a check. On said gummed label is pre-printed billing and paying readable and scannable information for payment in full or in part. A process utilizing said gummed labels for efficient, postage-saving, labor-saving, and envelope-saving consolidated mass billing and check collection is accomplished by an operating firm collecting periodically billing data from billing firms, printing each of all bills with attached said gummed label, and mailing all bills to each household in one envelope. Each consumer sends appropriately prepared checks in one envelope to said operating firm who speedily and electro-mechanically processes all checks to the credit of respective billing firms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Ling H. Lee
  • Patent number: D390599
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: U S West, Inc.
    Inventor: Pamela M. Hansen