Patents Assigned to American Greetings Corporation
  • Greeting card with pull string curtain
    Patent number: 8973292
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card which contains a moveable object attached to a motor and a sound module operative to store and playback at least one pre-recorded audio file. The moveable object is contained on an inside panel of the greeting card concealed beneath a curtain. The curtain contains a pull string cord which when pulled, opens the curtain revealing the moveable object while also triggering playback of the pre-recorded audio and triggering activation of the motor module, causing movement of the mobile object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne Shlonsky, Gary Nelson
  • Motorized foam greeting card
    Patent number: 8973291
    Abstract: A greeting card which contains a foam body covered by a front and rear surface material and one or more cavities contained therein for accommodating components of a sound and motor module. The greeting card contains a mobile object, which in a preferred embodiment includes a bundle of individual fiber strands. The bundle of fiber strands are attached to the motor module such that activation of the motor module cause the bundle of fiber strands to separate and spin or twirl. The bundle of fibers strands are attached to the motor through an opening in an upper perimeter surface of the foam body. The bundle of fibers together with the printed front and back surface material combine to resemble a character having a tuft of hair which spins upon activation of the motor module. The greeting card also contains a sound module which plays back audio upon activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Carol Miller, Dave Sapp, Lynne Shlonsky
  • Greeting card with pull activated effects
    Patent number: 8955240
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention contains a sound mechanism which is operative to replay one or more audio clips upon a user pulling a pull device which extends outward from the front of the greeting card. The pull device controls activation of the audio but also serves as a three-dimensional aspect of the scene or picture printed on the front of the greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Loftus, Cheryl Cochran
  • Greeting card display fixture
    Patent number: 8955694
    Abstract: A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and/or the bottom tier, typically the pockets of the bottom rows, can present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter display, positioned along one of the rows, configured to present and highlight cards placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Cathy Belk, Jeffrey Weiss, Thomas H. Johnston, Steven Steven
  • Electronic greeting cards
    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
  • Method and apparatus for marketing greeting cards
    Patent number: 8943719
    Abstract: Greeting cards can be organized into multiple sender profiles. Greeting cards for each profile are displayed in one or more displays. The display can include one or more tiered display panels. Each tiered display panel can include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards in a full-facing or partial facing manner and captions at one or more of the pockets to display the internal content of the greeting cards. The display also can include a display panel identifying the sender profile associated with the apparatus. Each sender profile can be assigned a unique color which is applied to the display panel associated with the respective sender profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Julie Post-Smith, Steve Laserson, Anne Marie Thomas, Margey Lowery, Sharon Schneider, Carly Price, Valeria Cardoso, Christian Schmidt, Mark Jones, Paul Mougey, Travis Lee, John Grimley, Jay Highland, Katie Doran, Lori Mukoyama
  • Ultra narrow flexible retail display for greeting card and non-greeting card merchandise
    Patent number: 8919579
    Abstract: An ultra narrow, tall, flexible fixture that is capable of holding and displaying greeting cards or other non-greeting card related merchandise in a retail environment. The fixture is easily configured to hold both greeting card and non-greeting card merchandise in an array of display configurations supporting different numbers of display units and shelves. Merchandize may be displayed along one length of the fixture or alternately along two opposing sides of the fixture. The fixture also contains two endcap pieces that are capable of supporting an array of unique fixtures such as gift card holders and curved card pockets. The display units contain multiple levels for storing greeting cards. The fixture additionally provides ample storage space at the base of the fixture for excess merchandise and restocking materials. An area of the fixture can also be configured to support signage and lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Weigand, Gary A. Hodge
  • Vertical roll wrap product tray kit
    Patent number: 8915381
    Abstract: A vertical roll wrap tray kit of the present invention includes at least one product tray, a plurality of spacer clips, a plurality of wire dividers and a plurality of push clips. The product tray can be attached to various types of retail display units. The product tray contains two slot walls which are sized to accommodate insertion of the wire dividers. The dividers are used to divide the tray into segments or compartments in which the roll wrap material is stored and displayed in a vertical arrangement. The width of the rows or compartments can be varied based on the diameter of the roll wrap product. Spacer clips are used to hold two adjacent dividers into place. The tray is angled slightly in a backwards direction to avoid accidental removal of the vertical roll wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Emory Brozak, Anthony Santarelli
  • Greeting cards with optical fibers
    Patent number: 8915000
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention includes a three-panel pocket with an internal cavity which contains a fiber optic bundle, various electronic components, fabric layer and a removable panel. A front face of the three-panel pocket contains a substantial opening thereon through which the fabric layer is visible. The fiber optic bundle contains various fiber optic strands. Each of the fiber optic strands is inserted through the fabric layer and is visible through the front face of the greeting card. A contact arm switch controls illumination of the fiber optic strands along with the insertion and removal of the removable panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Cindi Pochatek, Lynne Shlonsky, Erin Dennis
  • Voice amplified foam music greeting card
    Patent number: 8904678
    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: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Erin Dennis, Michelle Parkinson
  • Greeting card with spring loaded slide track audio trigger
    Patent number: 8887417
    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: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald
  • Three dimensional foam greeting cards
    Patent number: 8887419
    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: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa Flesher, Erin Dennis, Seth Larson
  • Pull apart foam motion card
    Patent number: 8887420
    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: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Nelson, Lynne Shlonsky
  • Three dimensional foam greeting cards
    Patent number: 8887418
    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 and/or other special effects. The greeting cards may include various switch mechanisms that may be located and accessed through various locations on the foam greeting card body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Lynne Shlonsky
  • Motion greeting cards
    Patent number: 8857082
    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: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Guo, John Talbot, Anthony Begin, Annie Deckerd
  • Motion greeting cards
    Patent number: 8850726
    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: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Erin Dennis, Lynne Shlonsky, John Talbot, David Mayer
  • Electronic greeting cards and novelties with moveable elements and manual electronic circuit activation
    Patent number: 8813397
    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: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Lauren M. Budzar, Seth Larson, Erin Dennis, Dan Kopsak
  • Character gift bag
    Patent number: D719834
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: David Mayer
  • Combined game coin and package
    Patent number: D720210
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Lynne Shlonsky, Toby Seadler, Erin Dennis
  • Poster snap housing
    Patent number: D724485
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Lynne Shlonsky, Seth Larson