Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Wallen
Thomas A. Wallen 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).
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Patent number: 10573203Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick William Kershner, Adam M. Cannon, Ginny Neile Walkington, Michael Wayne Thomas, Emily Byerly Bronson, Mark E. Franzke, Ramon Orestes Olivera, Thomas A. Wallen, Madeline Eleanore Tompkins
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Patent number: 10515568Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Douglas M. Bowen, Robert A. Covey, Thomas A. Wallen, Robert R. Pavlu, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190371211Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventor: Thomas A. Wallen
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Publication number: 20190270540Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: ROBERT R. PAVLU, JR., THOMAS A. WALLEN, SCOTT A. SCHIMKE
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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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Publication number: 20190108774Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Patrick William Kershner, Adam M. Cannon, Ginny Neile Walkington, Michael Wayne Thomas, Emily Byerly Bronson, Mark E. Franzke, Ramon Orestes Olivera, Thomas A. Wallen, Madeline Eleanore Tompkins
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Publication number: 20190035309Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Douglas M. Bowen, Robert A. Covey, Thomas A. Wallen, Robert R. Pavlu, JR.
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Patent number: 10140890Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Patrick William Kershner, Adam M. Cannon, Ginny Neile Walkington, Michael Wayne Thomas, Emily Byerly Bronson, Mark E. Franzke, Ramon Orestes Olivera, Thomas A. Wallen, Madeline Eleanore Tompkins
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Patent number: 10089904Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Douglas M. Bowen, Robert A. Covey, Thomas A. Wallen, Robert R. Pavlu
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Publication number: 20180190156Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: DOUGLAS M. BOWEN, ROBERT A. COVEY, THOMAS A. WALLEN, ROBERT R. PAVLU, JR.
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Patent number: 9864202Abstract: 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 portion in which a detachable panel 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 viewer is of a unitary construction in which the panels of the body portion and the panels of the viewing portion are die cut from a single piece of material and folded along fold lines to form the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventor: Thomas A. Wallen
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Publication number: 20180002059Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: ROBERT R. PAVLU, JR., THOMAS A. WALLEN, SCOTT A. SCHIMKE
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Publication number: 20180003992Abstract: 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 portion in which a detachable panel 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 viewer is of a unitary construction in which the panels of the body portion and the panels of the viewing portion are die cut from a single piece of material and folded along fold lines to form the viewer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2016Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventor: THOMAS A. WALLEN
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Patent number: 9830836Abstract: A greeting card having mechanically actuated moving portions is provided. The greeting card may include a panel having one or more folds, one or more flexible drive shafts coupled to the panel and having a flipping or moving portion, and a decorative portion coupled to at least one of the panel and the flipping or moving portion. Each flexible drive shaft may be coupled to the panel such that a portion is positioned on a first side of the fold and a portion is positioned on a second side of the fold. When the greeting card is opened, a moment arm is created in the flexible drive shaft which causes the flipping or moving portion to move from a first position to a second position. The decorative portion may move in response to the flipping or moving portion moving from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Douglas M. Bowen, Robert A. Covey, Thomas A. Wallen, Robert R. Pavlu, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150279241Abstract: A gift card presenter for holding a gift card within a greeting card is provided. The presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, and a coupling element for coupling the body to the greeting card. In one embodiment, the presenter may comprise a paper mechanic coupled to first and second interior faces of the greeting card, the paper mechanic configured to hold the greeting card and display it when the greeting card is opened. In another embodiment, the presenter comprises a body for holding the gift card, the body having a first half and a second half that each include interior and exterior faces. The presenter may be opened to display or partially display the greeting card. The presenter may be coupled to the inside and/or the outside of the greeting card, to provide a pleasing presentation of the gift card given with the greeting card.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: PATRICK WILLIAM KERSHNER, ADAM M. CANNON, GINNY NEILE WALKINGTON, MICHAEL WAYNE THOMAS, EMILY NELL BRONSON, MARK E. FRANZKE, RAMON ORESTES OLIVERA, THOMAS A. WALLEN, MADELINE ELEANORE TOMPKINS
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Patent number: 7975411Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick W. Kershner, Christine E. Gehring-Scheff, Victoria L. Watts, Thomas A. Wallen
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Patent number: 7827710Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick W. Kershner, Christine E. Gehring-Scheff, Victoria L. Watts, Thomas A. Wallen
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Publication number: 20100251582Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick W. Kershner, Christine E. Gehring-Scheff, Victoria L. Watts, Thomas A. Wallen
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Publication number: 20070138248Abstract: Gift packaging is provided that employs lines of weakness in order to facilitate the creation of an opening for accessing items held within the packaging. In certain embodiments, the gift packaging, as containment structure, has a first opening through which gift items may be inserted into the packaging, and a second opening generated by separation of adjacent sections of material along one or more lines of weakness for access to the items. This material separation may be facilitated by use of a separation member defined by the one or more lines of weakness.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: June 21, 2007Applicant: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Thomas Wallen, Nancy Cox, Susan Klopfenstein, Betty David, Nicholas Heng, Robert Pavlu
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Patent number: D532452Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas L. Heng, Patrick W. Kershner, Kevin W. Swanson, Thomas A. Wallen