Patents Assigned to Hallmark Cards, Inc.
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Publication number: 20210370707Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Gina Beth Hull, Theresa Rose Mitchell, Olivia Turner Butler, Paula Ann Evans
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Patent number: 10329047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Pavlu, Jr., Thomas A. Wallen, Scott A. Schimke
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Patent number: 6074712Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: James R. Ramirez
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Patent number: 5778164Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignees: 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
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Patent number: 5036472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 1988Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Buckley, Richard A. Robinson, John H. Hurlburt, Kurt A. Pfahl, Arthur E. Doerflinger
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Patent number: 5018085Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 1988Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: Jack E. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 4989120Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 1990Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Terrill M. Davis, Charles J. Flynn, Jerry L. Knipp
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Patent number: 4900632Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 1989Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: Paul F. McGrath
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Patent number: 4790893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 1986Date of Patent: December 13, 1988Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: John B. Watkins
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Patent number: 4693541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 1985Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Jerry L. Knipp, Charles J. Flynn
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Patent number: 4682079Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 1984Date of Patent: July 21, 1987Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Charles J. Flynn, John L. Vertreese
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Patent number: 4659446Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 1985Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Donald A. Shafer, Ronald Walker, Clarence Yeo
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Patent number: 4647354Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 1985Date of Patent: March 3, 1987Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Walker, Donald A. Shafer, Clarence Yeo
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Patent number: 4601924Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 1984Date of Patent: July 22, 1986Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Birkes, Donna L. Hill, Kurt Pfahl
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Patent number: 4567834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 1983Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: Larry V. Pyka
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Patent number: 4564165Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 1983Date of Patent: January 14, 1986Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Edward L. Grant, Earl E. Stops, Edward Saltz
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Patent number: 4558980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 1983Date of Patent: December 17, 1985Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: James R. Sturdivan
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Patent number: 4544218Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 1983Date of Patent: October 1, 1985Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Jerry L. Knipp, Charles J. Flynn
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Patent number: RE34717Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 1991Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Hallmark Cards Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Sanders, Charles J. Flynn, John L. Vertreese
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Patent number: D357155Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Inc.Inventor: Michael B. Staley