Patents by Inventor Tiger Qiao

Tiger Qiao 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: 9597916
    Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions are directed to various types of motorized gift card holders. Each gift card holder embodiment creates added entertainment value to the act of presenting a recipient with a gift card. In some embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a greeting card having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. In other embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a box having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. Audio playback accompanies the motor movement of the gift card or gift card sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Begin, David Mayer, Terry Hughes, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, John Talbot, Donald Zhang
  • Patent number: 9189977
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, David Sapp, Allison Marsh, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150197117
    Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions are directed to various types of motorized gift card holders. Each gift card holder embodiment creates added entertainment value to the act of presenting a recipient with a gift card. In some embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a greeting card having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. In other embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a box having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. Audio playback accompanies the motor movement of the gift card or gift card sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony Begin, David Mayer, Terry Hughes, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, John Talbot, Lynne Shlonsky, Katalina Speck, Sarah Mason, Allison Marsh, Donald Zhang
  • Patent number: 9056517
    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. Manually pushing the pop up element back into the cavity ends playback of the audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Tiger Qiao, Johnathan Talbot, Theresa Muri, David Mayer, Jerry Guo, Annie Deckerd, Gary Nelson
  • Patent number: 9009998
    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: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8763286
    Abstract: An interactive sound generating greeting card having two separate and distinct components, one being an outer greeting card which serves as a pocket or cavity with a slot located thereon providing access to the pocket or cavity and the other being an inner greeting card which is sized to partially fit into the cavity in the outer greeting card. A sound module is contained and concealed within the outer greeting card cavity, including a switch mechanism. The inner greeting card and switch mechanism work in combination to control the playback of a digital audio file stored on the sound module such that when the inner greeting card is contained within the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is deactivated and when the inner greeting card is removed from the cavity of the outer greeting card, playback of the digital audio file is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao, Jonathan Talbot, David Mayer, Allison Marsh
  • 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: 8584385
    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: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Catherine Tasse, Sarah C. Eklund, Allison Marsh, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao
  • Patent number: 8567101
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • Patent number: 8549776
    Abstract: The interactive flap sensor activated greeting card of the present invention contains an audio module and a series of “window flaps” across the inside of the greeting card. When the greeting card is opened, a short audio prompt instructs the user to open a series of flaps inside the card to hear further audio messages or sound clips that correlate with the art work inside the card. When each flap is opened, a different audio file is played. The sound module is programmed to react to the card opening and then to trigger additional individual sounds each time one of the flaps of the card is opened. In another embodiment, the greeting card contains a series of flaps wherein opening one flap reveals another flap, and so on. Once the last flap is opened, a short audio recording is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, David Sapp, Beth Laverdiere, Jonathan Talbot
  • Publication number: 20130232828
    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. Manually pushing the pop up element back into the cavity ends playback of the audio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Tiger QIAO, Johnathan Talbot, Theresa Muri, David Mayer, Jerry Guo, Annie Deckerd, Gary Nelson
  • Patent number: 8490305
    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: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8448361
    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: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8448360
    Abstract: The interactive flap sensor activated greeting card of the present invention contains an audio module and a series of “window flaps” across the inside of the greeting card. When the greeting card is opened, a short audio prompt instructs the user to open a series of flaps inside the card to hear further audio messages or sound clips that correlate with the art work inside the card. When each flap is opened, a different audio file is played. The sound module is programmed to react to the card opening and then to trigger additional individual sounds each time one of the flaps of the card is opened. In another embodiment, the greeting card contains a series of flaps wherein opening one flap reveals another flap, and so on. Once the last flap is opened, a short audio recording is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, David Sapp, Beth Laverdiere, Johnathan Talbot
  • Patent number: 8438763
    Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasia Taylor, Allison Marsh, Johnathan Talbot, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo, Eva Jin, David Sapp, Seth Larson
  • Publication number: 20130097898
    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. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: David Mayer, Terry Hughes, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, John Talbot
  • Publication number: 20130025174
    Abstract: Low profile electronic display greeting cards combine a traditional paper greeting card and other product constructions with a very low profile multimedia player device which includes a low profile display screen for displaying images and/or video and emitting sound. The low profile and minimalist construction of the greeting card provide the ability to display the cards at mass retail in traditional card pockets, mail or transport the greeting card in a traditional sized greeting card envelope, and provide, at lower cost to the consumer, a disposable electronic greeting card. A multi-panel greeting card body contains and conceals components of the multimedia device, which may include a display screen, a speaker, a circuit board, a microprocessor, a controller, a memory storage device and related circuitry. The greeting card may contain pre-loaded content such as digital audio, video and/or photographs or still images or it may be operative to receive such digital files from an external memory source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Publication number: 20130000165
    Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: David Mayer, Mary McClain, Allison Marsh, Eva Jin, Tiger Qiao
  • Publication number: 20120317850
    Abstract: The interactive flap sensor activated greeting card of the present invention contains an audio module and a series of “window flaps” across the inside of the greeting card. When the greeting card is opened, a short audio prompt instructs the user to open a series of flaps inside the card to hear further audio messages or sound clips that correlate with the art work inside the card. When each flap is opened, a different audio file is played. The sound module is programmed to react to the card opening and then to trigger additional individual sounds each time one of the flaps of the card is opened. In another embodiment, the greeting card contains a series of flaps wherein opening one flap reveals another flap, and so on. Once the last flap is opened, a short audio recording is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jerry GUO, Tiger Qiao, David Sapp, Beth Laverdiere, Johnathan Talbot