Patents Assigned to Hallmark Cards, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20210370707
    Abstract: The technology described herein relates to a design template overlaid on a surrounding series of grid cut lines on the back side of a roll of wrapping paper. Based on juxtaposition within the grid cut lines, the DIY design template cut lines may correspond directly or indirectly to at least a portion of the front side of the wrapping paper decoration. Accordingly, embodiments of the design template may include cut lines for various bow and/or accessory content that, once extracted from the surrounding wrapping paper, may be assembled into a coordinated bow or accessory featuring intentional placement of design content form the front side of the wrapping paper. Additionally, the design template pattern may be repeated along an axis of orientation of the roll of wrapping paper, such that multiple DIY design templates may be repeated across the entire roll wrap bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Gina Beth Hull, Theresa Rose Mitchell, Olivia Turner Butler, Paula Ann Evans
  • Patent number: 10329047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible virtual reality viewer. Aspects of the viewer include a body portion and a viewing portion, each having a plurality of panels abutting fold lines. The viewer may be folded along the fold lines to move from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration when it is not being used. In one aspect, the viewer includes a detachable panel that is removeably coupled to the viewer along a plurality of perforations. Promotional material may be printed on or attached to the detachable panel. In another embodiment, the body portion and the viewing portion are each formed of a unitary construction in which the panels of each portion are die cut from a single piece of material and folded along fold lines to form the body and viewing portions, which are then secured together at one or more locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Pavlu, Jr., Thomas A. Wallen, Scott A. Schimke
  • Patent number: 6074712
    Abstract: A decorative bow is disclosed which comprises at least one sheet of material that is gathered around an insert and fastened together in a gathered configuration with a tie. A bow chip may be attached to the bow. The bow chip provides a stable backing on which information may be printed. The bow chip may include a removable pull-off strip exposing adhesive enabling the end user to affix the bow to a desired object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5778164
    Abstract: A system and method for combining a first digital generated image and one or more prestored digital images. The system include means for selecting one of the prestored digital images for and the steps of selecting an output format for printing the first digital generated image and the selected prestored image, providing the first digital generated image, combining the first digital generated image with the selected prestored digital image such that the generated image is placed in the predetermined location so as to form a merged image in accordance with the requirements of the selected output format, and for printing out the merged image in a desired format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignees: Eastman Kodak Company, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bruce Watkins, Jeffrey Robert Myers, John Randall Fredlund, Joseph Anthony Manico, Anthony Ronald Berardi, Michael Lynn Vandemark
  • Patent number: 5036472
    Abstract: A machine for vending greeting cards or other personalized or customized products includes audio and video presentations of available products and options available to a customer, provisions for payment and apparatus for automatic delivery of products. Base products such as preprinted forms are stored for selective transfer by a robot device to modifying apparatus such as a printer, modified products being delivered to a delivery receptacle, all operations being under computer control and being changeable as desired for adding or substituting new forms of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Buckley, Richard A. Robinson, John H. Hurlburt, Kurt A. Pfahl, Arthur E. Doerflinger
  • Patent number: 5018085
    Abstract: A system is provided for receiving R, G and B data in digital form, such as produced by an artist using a "paint" program on a monitor screen, and converting such data to CMYB data for printing. The system independently determines tone correction values for grey balance control and color values and combines such values to produce a highly accurate reproduction of what is viewed on a screen. Calibration procedures are provided which rapidly converge and which allow quick and accurate adjustment, such as may be required to match a particular monitor and printing inks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4989120
    Abstract: An ornament has a viewing chamber with transparent walls for displaying an ornamental object enhanced by a lamp that rotates with it. The mechanism for rotating the ornamental object is contained within a concealing chamber with opaque walls and includes a pair of brushes providing sliding contact with a pair of slip rings in electrical contact with the lamp. The slip rings rotate with the ornamental object to supply current to the lamp throughout the 360 degrees of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrill M. Davis, Charles J. Flynn, Jerry L. Knipp
  • Patent number: 4900632
    Abstract: A decorative multi-loop device is provided which is formed from at least one blank of foldable sheet material. The blank includes a central section and a plurality of loop-forming segments extending laterally outwardly from the central section. A loop-retaining unit cooperates with the central section and distal end portions of the segments to retain each segment in a loop configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4790893
    Abstract: A process for producing an information carrier containing recorded audio and/or video information wherein a web of a thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of a metal master and pressure is applied to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the metal master. The thermpolastic material is cooled to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermpolastic web which is separated from the metal master. Then a thin film of metal particles is deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web and said metallized thermpolastic web is laminated with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin. The resin is cured and individual information carriers are separated from the web of information carrying laminate. A center hole is placed in the separated individual information carriers, when appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Watkins
  • Patent number: 4693541
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed which permits an electrically illuminated ornament or the like to be readily connected to a string of conventional light sockets. A first connection is provided which preferably is in the form of a conventional socket for receiving a lamp which is inserted in a grommet carried by an ornament. At the opposite end, contacts are mounted in a support member of insulating material to form a plug assembly arrangd to fit within a conventional socket. The construction is such as to accommodate various types and dimensions of sockets. A coupling element attaches the connector to the ornament and acts as both a retention device and as a heat sink for the miniature light, the coupling element having particular utility in an edge-lit ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Jerry L. Knipp, Charles J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 4682079
    Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes a motor, music module or other electrical loads and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Charles J. Flynn, John L. Vertreese
  • Patent number: 4659446
    Abstract: For electroplating of printing cylinders or the like, cup-like shields of non-conductive acid-resistant material are secured at opposite ends of the cylinder for rotation with the cylinder, the shields extending radially outwardly and having a configuration such as to obtain a field distribution by which the metal deposited on the surface of the cylinder is of substantially uniform thickness and density throughout the length of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Shafer, Ronald Walker, Clarence Yeo
  • Patent number: 4647354
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices for protecting the ends of printing cylinder shafts or the like during electroplating operations, and more particularly, to devices which provide a reliable sealed enclosure operating to protect the shafts and which are readily assembled on the shafts and disassembled therefrom. The devices accommodate shafts of various lengths. They are relatively simple in construction, are readily and economically manufactured, and are easily maintained. Costs of labor and material are reduced to reduce operating costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Walker, Donald A. Shafer, Clarence Yeo
  • Patent number: 4601924
    Abstract: A tree ornament is disclosed in which a plurality of images are produced by two-dimensional image formations or three-dimensional objects, with a plurality of lights being energized in timed relation to selectively present the images to view through a window, and with reflecting and transmitting surfaces being used to allow energization of the lights to replace one image with another and/or to superimpose images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Birkes, Donna L. Hill, Kurt Pfahl
  • Patent number: 4567834
    Abstract: A tilted shelf assembly is disclosed in which a shelf is in the form of a member of sheet material having bends including a 90 degree bend defining a junction between rearward and forward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is inserted between fingers of two brackets which have shaft portions engaged in openings in the side walls of a display fixture. A 180 degree bend is provided at the upper edge of the forward wall portion of the shelf, lockingly engaged between fingers of a forward pair of brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry V. Pyka
  • Patent number: 4564165
    Abstract: A device is provided for attaching a depending unit (e.g., a poster) to a ceiling wherein the latter includes a support having an exposed flange. The depending unit has a thin upper peripheral segment with means for adjustment from a first mode to a second mode. The device has an elongated member provided with an elongated interior cavity accessible through an elongated narrow opening formed in the exposed surface thereof. The opening is sized to permit the unit upper peripheral segment to pass therethrough only when the means is in the first mode. When the unit upper peripheral segment is disposed within the cavity of the elongated member, the means assumes a second mode whereby the elongated member and said unit are retained in attached relation. The device is provided with an element which engages a concealed surface portion of the elongated member and coacts with the exposed flange of the ceiling support and secures the elongated member thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Grant, Earl E. Stops, Edward Saltz
  • Patent number: 4558980
    Abstract: The multi-leaved tablet of this invention consists of leaves with corresponding surface portions adhesively interconnected and with corresponding surface portions free to fold relative to adjacent leaves. The leaves are of predetermined configuration and are die cut from a plurality of panels arranged so that they overlap. An area of adhesive interconnects portions of the surfaces of adjoining panels. This area has a rectilinear peripheral segment, and each die-cut leaf includes at least a portion of the rectilinear peripheral segment of the adhesive area. The rectilinear peripheral segment of the adhesive area is coincident with the folding axes of the leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Sturdivan
  • Patent number: 4544218
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed which permits an electrically illuminated ornament or the like to be readily connected to a string of conventional light sockets. A first connection is provided which preferably is in the form of a conventional socket for receiving a lamp which is inserted in a grommet carried by an ornament. At the opposite end, contacts are mounted in a support member of insulating material to form a plug assembly arranged to fit within a conventional socket. The construction is such as to accommodate various types and dimensions of sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Jerry L. Knipp, Charles J. Flynn
  • Patent number: RE34717
    Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes 9 .Iadd.an electromechanical device, .Iaddend.music module or .[.other electrical loads.]. .Iadd.combinations of such devices .Iaddend. and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit .Iadd.optionally .Iaddend.includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Charles J. Flynn, John L. Vertreese
  • Patent number: D357155
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Staley