Patents by Inventor Melissa Flesher

Melissa Flesher 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).

  • Patent number: 9545811
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card with a multi-panel insert which can be unfurled over a portion of the greeting card. In one embodiment, there is a photo or drawing of a character or animal printed on the front cover. A tab is located to the left of and behind the photo or drawing. When a user grasps and moves the tab, a multi-panel paper construct unfurls around the photo or drawing and appears as a wig atop the head of the character or animal depicted in the photo or drawing. Audio replay may also triggered by moving the tab from its original position. In another embodiment, the panels of the multi-panel paper construct are each shaped like a different item or object which is complementary to the theme of the greeting card. Unfolding the multi-panel construct along an outside edge of the greeting card may initiate audio playback and may also activate a motor module which causes movement to at least one mobile object contained on the greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: John Talbot, Sean Higgins, Melissa Flesher, Erin Dennis
  • Patent number: 9382042
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Dan Liuzzi, Sean Higgins, Lynne Shlonsky
  • Publication number: 20160159135
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card with a multi-panel insert which can be unfurled over a portion of the greeting card. In one embodiment, there is a photo or drawing of a character or animal printed on the front cover. A tab is located to the left of and behind the photo or drawing. When a user grasps and moves the tab, a multi-panel paper construct unfurls around the photo or drawing and appears as a wig atop the head of the character or animal depicted in the photo or drawing. Audio replay may also triggered by moving the tab from its original position. In another embodiment, the panels of the multi-panel paper construct are each shaped like a different item or object which is complementary to the theme of the greeting card. Unfolding the multi-panel construct along an outside edge of the greeting card may initiate audio playback and may also activate a motor module which causes movement to at least one mobile object contained on the greeting card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: John Talbot, Sean Higgins, Melissa Flesher, Erin Dennis
  • Publication number: 20160144272
    Abstract: An integral greeting card and game featuring a plastic moulded maze with a ball contained therein. A press button controls activation of audio wherein the user races against the clock to move the ball to the end or center of the maze before the audio clip ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventor: Melissa Flesher
  • Patent number: 9248688
    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: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Jia Jing Li
  • Patent number: 9216608
    Abstract: A greeting card having a jointed or articulated character attached to a surface thereof, the articulated character being movable by user interaction with the greeting card. The articulated character contains various segments which are attached together at various pivot or hinge points making the character capable of bending and moving various aspects of the character body in various ways or directions which simulate the character dancing to audio playing in the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Nelson, Melissa Flesher
  • Publication number: 20150336714
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Dan Liuzzi, Sean Higgins, Lynne Shlonsky
  • Patent number: 9186928
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Dan Liuzzi, Sean Higgins
  • Patent number: 9186927
    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: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Mary McClain, Brent Cottrell, Melissa Cornet, Dave McPeek, Brian Cleary, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 9156301
    Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Melissa Flesher
  • Publication number: 20150135564
    Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Melissa Flesher
  • Patent number: 9027269
    Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Lauren Budzar, John Talbot, Lynne Shlonsky, Melissa Flesher
  • Publication number: 20150000167
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Dan Liuzzi, Sean Higgens
  • Publication number: 20140366410
    Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Lauren Budzar, John Talbot, Lynne Shlonsky, Melissa Flesher
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140208622
    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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald
  • Patent number: 8763285
    Abstract: The interactive greeting card of the present disclosure and related inventions combines a traditional paper card with one or more special effects that are initiated by interaction between a user and the greeting card. One or more touch sensors are used to initiate effects including, but not limited to sound, light, movement or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Lauren Budzar, Gary Nelson, Melissa Sapp, Melissa Flesher
  • Patent number: 8726547
    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: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Mary McClain, Brent Cottrell, Melissa Cornet, Dave McPeek, Brian Cleary, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: D766364
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Nelson, Melissa Flesher