Patents by Inventor John Tomczyk

John Tomczyk 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: 20120140333
    Abstract: A lens sheet having one or more lens arrays positioned in selected discrete areas. Each lens array includes a plurality of lenses, each having a width, a height, and a lens peak. The lens array is set below the planar surface of the lens sheet, such that lens array does not extend above the lens sheet. Furthermore, the lens array is completely bordered by or contained within planar portions of the lens sheet. One or more dimensional images are printed below each of the lens arrays, and/or one or more static images can be printed on the planar portions of the lens sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: John Tomczyk, Jonathan Van Loon, David E. Corey
  • Publication number: 20120062917
    Abstract: Mass customization of articles with a customized composite or dimensional image created from one or more custom images, such as photographs, text, and the like. The customized composite image is automatically generated by interlacing, or otherwise combining, the one or more custom or personalized images, and is automatically placed or imposed in a digital template to form a print ready file. The print file is then digitally printed on a substrate and a lens is married thereto such that the composite image is viewable through the lens. Alternatively, the print ready file, or at least the customized composite image, is printed directly on the back of a lens such that the composite image is viewable through the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel S. Hirsch, David M. Gilbert, John Tomczyk, Anthony L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8068283
    Abstract: A lenticulated sheet including a polymeric backing sheet, an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and an adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side. Air is removed from between the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side, and the adhesive layer is adapted to join the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 8056929
    Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet defined by a surface is described. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern includes a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. The series of visual elements is generated from an electronically saved file of vector based graphics. A light steering optical layer overlaying the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprising a plurality of optical features which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the series of visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Lynn Hoffman, Michael Alan Challeen, John Tomczyk, Alain Yves Abdelkader
  • Publication number: 20110261464
    Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony L. Hoffman, John Tomczyk, Lee A. Timmerman, Lane H. Gravley, Chad M. Ratcliff
  • Publication number: 20110228402
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lenticular display article, such as a container, and a method of making the article. The article includes a lenticular sidewall, which defines a cavity having a top end, and a bottom end, the sidewall having a seam; and an optional base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall. The method of making the article can includes forming a frustoconical sidewall having a seam joining the opposite ends and optionally affixing a base to the bottom end of a lenticular sidewall. Alternatively, the bottom end of the sidewall may be sealed to itself to form a baseless tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Duncan A. McCannel, John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20110223362
    Abstract: A printed metalized in mold label (IML) or insert for use in manufacturing injection molded or blow molded drinkware or containers. The labels generally include a metalized film assembly that comprises a base substrate and a metalized layer applied thereon. One or more image or graphic layers are then either printed directly onto the metalized film assembly or laminated thereto. Protective substrates, films, or coatings are applied to the assembly to protect by sandwiching the one or more ink or printed layers between the protective layer and the metalized layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan Van Loon, John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 8009359
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lenticular display article, such as a container, and a method of making the article. The article includes a lenticular sidewall, which defines a cavity having a top end, and a bottom end, the sidewall having a seam; and an optional base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall. The method of making the article can includes forming a frustoconical sidewall having a seam joining the opposite ends and optionally affixing a base to the bottom end of a lenticular sidewall. Alternatively, the bottom end of the sidewall may be sealed to itself to form a baseless tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan A. McCannel, John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20110132783
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for transaction cards or other articles. The assembly includes a carrier having a front panel and a rear panel, and a transaction card or other article retained within the carrier. At least one panel of the carrier comprises a lens sheet assembly including a lens sheet, and an optional image layer. The carrier with lens sheet assembly provides enhanced security features, increased durability, and eye-catching features compared to traditional carrier or packaging assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: David L. Williams, John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20110084148
    Abstract: A plastic card, such as a credit card or gift card, manufactured from recycled polyethylene or recycled polypropylene, and methods of manufacturing the same. The plastic card is made from an unfilled or filled recycled polymeric material, such as a blend of virgin and recycled polyethylene or polypropylene, that can be readily printed, embossed, thermally imaged, surface printed with a variety of inks and printing methodologies, laminated, and/or polished, such that the card will perform acceptably in a retail point of sale machine readable activation system. The plastic card performs similarly to a traditional PVC card in retail point of sale systems or environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Roger H. Ricketts, John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 7784686
    Abstract: A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted C. Halbur, Shawn P. Boyd, Timothy Schumann, Erin M. Borkowski, John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20100134895
    Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony L. Hoffman, John Tomczyk, Lee A. Timmerman, Lane H. Gravley, Chad M. Ratcliff
  • Publication number: 20090251787
    Abstract: A lenticulated sheet including a polymeric backing sheet, an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and an adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side. Air is removed from between the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side, and the adhesive layer is adapted to join the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20090184168
    Abstract: A recyclable plastic card and method of manufacturing the same. The plastic card is made from an unfilled or filled polymeric material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene material, that can be readily printed, embossed, thermally imaged, surface printed with a variety of inks and printing methodologies, laminated, and/or polished, such that the card will perform acceptably in a retail point of sale machine readable activation system. The plastic card performs similarly to a PVC card in retail point of sale systems or environments, and meets ISO requirements for thickness and dimensional stability regarding heat and humidity exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Roger Ricketts, John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20090166433
    Abstract: A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Ted C. HALBUR, Shawn P. BOYD, Timothy SCHUMANN, Erin M. BORKOWSKI, John TOMCZYK
  • Patent number: 7545565
    Abstract: A process for making a lenticular card including: providing an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and a moisture cure adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side, and the moisture cure adhesive layer being applied with a screen press through a screen; and combining the imaged transparent sheet on the adhesive layer side of the transparent sheet with a backing sheet by nipping the paired sheets with a nip roller. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 7545566
    Abstract: A lenticulated sheet including a polymeric backing sheet, an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and an adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side. Air is removed from between the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side, and the adhesive layer is adapted to join the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 7545567
    Abstract: A lenticulated article including a backing sheet, an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and an adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side. The second lenticulated side of the transparent sheet has a lenticulated region having a pitch from about 70 to about 100 lenticules per inch, and a ratio of the transparent sheet thickness to the backing sheet thickness is from about 0.25 to about 8.75. The total thickness of the lenticulated article is from about 10 to about 40 mils. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tomczyk
  • Publication number: 20090011192
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system for a protecting an optical lens material during formation of a dimensional image article. A heat compression laminator including a cushioning assembly provides an insulating barrier between the lower compression assembly of the heat compression laminator and the individual lenses of an optical lens material, such as the lenticules on a lenticular lens material. The cushioning web protects the optical lens material so as to prevent significant deformation during the application of heat and pressure in a laminating step. Use of the cushioning web can be especially advantageous during formation of clear, transparent, or semi-transparent dimensional image articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: John Tomczyk, David L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080123195
    Abstract: A lenticulated sheet including a polymeric backing sheet, an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and an adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side. Air is removed from between the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side, and the adhesive layer is adapted to join the backing layer and the lenticular layer second side. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: John Tomczyk