Abstract: A card creation system uses software tools on computing devices for coordinating and creating cards that include handwritten text for a recipient. The software is used to an organizer to create invitations to participate in a coordinated group card delivery for a recipient on a designated date for a specified event. The card creation invitations are distributed to invitees who can either accept or decline the invitation. The software can be used to create custom card designs that include handwritten text. The custom card designs are transmitted from the participant computing devices to a server. The card designs are reviewed, printed, and placed in separate envelopes. The printed and enveloped cards are then packaged in a single container. The single container is then sent in the card recipient on a designated delivery date.

Abstract: A security document and a method for producing a security document are described. The security document includes a plurality of spaced spots integrally formed in the security document. The plurality of spaced spots and printed data overlap. The spaced spots are arranged to form an image. The method includes controlling a laser of a laser marking printer to integrally form the plurality of spaced spots in the security document. The plurality of spaced spots and printed data overlap on the security document.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improved gift card carriers. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.

Abstract: A decorated card having at least one leaf, and a cutout formed in the leaf and defined by a cutout outline. The card is characterized by the fact that it has at least two threads extending under tension across the cutout outline, and a plurality of spangles, the spangles being held suspended from each of the threads under tension so as to cover at least part of the area defined by the cutout outline. A manufacturing method is also provided.

Abstract: A message-delivery medium with concealed information functions as a tool to promote personal relationships and connections between a sender and receiver, and comprises a message carrier and removable covering element. The message carrier carries an integrated message, which is known and designed/planned beforehand by the sender, and which contains a multiple of interrelated message elements having relativity and connectivity with each other. The message elements include at least one visible message and at least one concealed message that is hidden, yet known to the sender, such as a key message and/or an answer. The removable covering element is integrated with the surface of the message carrier, and hides the concealed message that is intentionally chosen to be hidden, thus preventing the receiver to see the concealed message. The receiver experiences feelings and/or emotional reactions planned, designed or expected by the sender, before, during and after removing the covering element.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message and playback device delivers a first sound recording upon opening of the greeting card and a second sound recording upon closing of the greeting card. The delivery of each sound recording may be delayed by a timing component within the audio message and playback device. Additionally, the delivery of each sound recording may be played simultaneously or in queue. Sound recordings may also be recorded by a user using a recording component that is in addition to the audio message and playback device. The audio message and playback device may also include an additional trial mode component that allows the user to test a recorded message before purchasing the greeting card and place the greeting card into a use mode that allows the user to permanently record the message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles having die cut portions that form a window or a frame-like structure. Set into the window or frame-like structure is an object, affixed or mounted in transparent material, such that the object is visible from both the front and the rear of the article.

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.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message and playback device delivers a first sound recording upon opening of the greeting card and a second sound recording upon closing of the greeting card. The delivery of each sound recording may be delayed by a timing component within the audio message and playback device. Additionally, the delivery of each sound recording may be played simultaneously or in queue. Sound recordings may also be recorded by a user using a recording component that is in addition to the audio message and playback device. The audio message and playback device may also include an additional trial mode component that allows the user to test a recorded message before purchasing the greeting card and place the greeting card into a use mode that allows the user to permanently record the message.

Abstract: A card holder assembly for holding multiple transaction cards, such as gift cards, to a common backer panel for presentation and sale. Cards mounted on the backer panel may be lifted for scanning by a card reader without necessitating removal of the cards from the assembly.

Abstract: A transaction card holder for holding a transaction card to an elongate structure, such as a flower stem associated with a floral arrangement. The transaction card holder includes a pocket for holding the transaction card and a clip projecting from the holder to engage the elongate structure. A transaction card holder assembly includes a transaction card holder secured to a backer for displaying the holder at a point of sale.

Abstract: A hair extension kit may be packaged in such a way that patterns may be readily printed onto the hair using a standard printer. The hair extension may be removable from the kit to easily accessorize a girl's or doll's hair.

Abstract: A postcard having at least one first part and one second part, set alongside one another, where the first part can be folded like a book on said adjacent second part so as to be superimposed on the latter covering it completely, and wherein the first part is provided with portions of area that can be glued on the second part and can be removed by tearing, thus obtaining that the inner surfaces not involved by the glue of the two parts that are glued to one another can be dedicated to the information and/or messages that the sender wishes to transfer to the addressee, with guarantee of confidentiality and evidence of any possible attempts at tampering.

Abstract: A greeting bag is described that is includes a gift bag and a greeting card. The gift bag and greeting card connect together to form the integrated assembly of the greeting bag that has a purposefully coordinated single decorative style. The gift bag and greeting card have individual decors that define alternative aspects of that particular theme of a decorative style. An attachment mechanism can also be included in the greeting bag that further fixes the greeting card to the gift bag. The attachment mechanism can have a third decor as well as a size and dimensions that can include an image or sentiment. A method is described wherein a greeting bag is selected by selecting a gift bag from a set of one or more gift bags that share a common decorative style. A greeting card is selected from a set of one or more greeting cards that share the same common decorative style with the gift bag.

Abstract: Forms containing a removable hang tag are disclosed. An example form includes a substrate including a first line of weakness defining a central area and a perimeter area. The form includes a second line of weakness in the central area to divide the central area into a first side and a second side. The form includes a third line of weakness formed in the perimeter area to define a sleeve area. The form includes a fourth line of weakness formed in the sleeve area to divide the sleeve area into a first sleeve layer and a second sleeve layer.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display board comprising two flexible planar members joined together along an upper edge. The planar members are extendable between a first position for transport and storage where their lower edges are adjacent and a second position where their lower edges are spaced apart and the flexible planar members are curved. The display board can be used to display posters and other printed matter. It is lightweight and very stable even in the presence of strong winds.

Abstract: A greeting card is provided. The greeting card comprises a card having an image viewing window and a sound module attached to the card. The sound module comprises a microphone, a first switch for activating a recording function of the sound module, and a second switch for activating a playback function of the sound module.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card for recording and playing back a personalized message includes a bifurcated card with first and second coextensively shaped sections pivotally coupled to each other. The device further includes a mechanism for recording and playing back a one-time personalized message associated with the greeting card, and a mechanism for adapting the recording and playback mechanism between inoperable and operable modes for allowing a sender to record the one-time personalized message on the recording and playback device and thereafter allowing a recipient to repeatedly play back the one-time personalized message.

Abstract: This description relates to a card construction that may be assembled from a paper material support and at least one bent wire formed into a character outline. The resulting bent wireform may be held to the support with discrete areas of adhesive materials that are positioned to hold the character outline substantially in its mounted form and to (optionally) separate the character outline from the paper material support. The construction may be used as a greeting card, announcement card, artwork, label, or the like.

Abstract: A message card includes: a card body having first and second leaves, the card body being foldable and unfoldable in a manner that the first leaf is movable toward and away from the second leaf between closed and opened positions; a mounting base provided on the second leaf; a supporting mechanism mounted on the mounting base and defining two opposite end openings that are spaced apart from each other by a gap; a circuit unit; a switch mounted on the mounting base, coupled electrically to the circuit unit, and having an actuating member extending into the gap; and a flexible driving lever attached to the first leaf, extending through the end openings, and co-movable with the first leaf relative to the second leaf. The driving lever has a driving segment that is received in the gap to drive movement of the actuating member of the switch.

Abstract: A method for stably and easily exhibiting a flat plate-like article such as a flat exhibited article so as to be easily observed and less turned over and the flat plate-like article stably and simply exhibitable so as to be easily observed and less turned over and manufacturable at low cost. The flat plate-like article comprises two or more flat plate-like members and one or more connection parts.

Abstract: A card forming sheet includes an opaque printing sheet and a transparent film placed over the printing sheet, so that the transparent film can be peeled away from the printing sheet and cannot be re-bonded to the printing sheet. Moreover, the card forming sheet includes a transparent adhesive and a peeling sheet placed over the adhesive layer. The printing sheet is divided into a substantially rectangular address describing part, an information describing part adjacent to one side of the address describing part, and a concealing part adjacent to another side of the address describing part. The card forming sheet is folded along a boundary between the address describing part and the information describing part. The two sides are bonded together so that the printing sheet is placed to the outside, and the card forming sheet is then folded along a boundary between the concealing part and the address describing part and bonded together, removably concealing the information.

Abstract: A scent strip is applied to envelopes and bags as well as greeting cards sold in stores and includes a plastic foam elastomeric substrate containing micro-encapsulated scented material. A marketing activation tab is affixed to a protective release liner to aid in manually peeling the liner off of the greeting card while at the same time preventing the greeting card from being inserted into an envelope used to send the greeting card, unless the protective security release liner is separated from the greeting card, enabling subsequent scent release by a recipient of the card. Also, the protective security release liner has a small window therein, enabling a prospective product purchaser to scratch the scent strip and sniff a small amount of sampled scented material passing through the small window from the scent material containing substrate, and yet preventing undesirable release of substantial scent material within a store selling the product.

Abstract: A greeting card which can be manipulated to more prominently display an image contained thereon is provided. The greeting card has a plurality of panels with a first panel containing an image and a second panel having a removable perforated section. Removing the perforated section creates a hole in the second panel and the first panel can be folded along a fold edge so that at least a portion of the image is visible through the hole in the second panel with a front face of the second panel acting to frame the image. The card may further contain a third panel which may have an easel projection for supporting the card is a display position on a flat surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing portable photographic images are described. The present invention includes a small, portable electronic display unit that may be placed within a wallet or purse. The display unit may include an input port for downloading digital images from a computer or digital camera. The display unit may also include one or more buttons to provide a user with the ability to select an image for display from a given set of digital images that have been stored in memory. The display unit may be preloaded with one or more digital images, or it may be configured to be loaded by a user. The digital images may, for example, include still digital photographs or short video clips that have been captured from a digital camera.

Abstract: A message card includes: a card body having first and second leaves, the card body being foldable and unfoldable in a manner that the first leaf is movable toward and away from the second leaf between closed and opened positions; a mounting base provided on the second leaf; a supporting mechanism mounted on the mounting base and defining two opposite end openings that are spaced apart from each other by a gap; a circuit unit; a switch mounted on the mounting base, coupled electrically to the circuit unit, and having an actuating member extending into the gap; and a flexible driving lever attached to the first leaf, extending through the end openings, and co-movable with the first leaf relative to the second leaf. The driving lever has a driving segment that is received in the gap to drive movement of the actuating member of the switch.

Abstract: Provided is a decorative card including a two-sheet folding paper including a first attaching device formed on the outer surface of one sheet thereof; and a colorful decoration formed of molded PVC, the decoration including a second attaching device for releasably attaching to the first attaching device. In one embodiment, the first attaching device is a metal member and the second attaching device is a magnet. In another embodiment, the first attaching device includes two parallel slits and the second attaching device is a paper clip adapted to insert through the slits to secure the decoration onto the folding paper. In a further embodiment, the first attaching device is a curved slit having two end openings, and the second attaching device is a chain adapted to loop through the openings by passing the slit so as to hang the decoration on the folding paper.

Abstract: A promotional sheet assembly assembleable from components of a single material web processed in a multi-station press is provided. The assembly includes opposing surfaces bearing printed information and/or indicia thereon, and a consumer premium delimited by one or more of visible, revealable, and/or machine readable information.

Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.

Abstract: A structure with variable geometric pattern and appearance which comprises: a first element having a first aperture whose outline defines a preset geometric or fancy figure; a flap or patch of fabric or cloth applied on the rear surface of said first element; a second element associated with the rear surface of said first element on the back of said fabric so that the said fabric will result interposed between the first and second elements, the same fabric being able to partly project from the surface defined by said first element or said second element, the surface of the latter being provided, likewise the surface of the first element, with one or more apertures; the said one or more apertures defining one or more writings and/or figures intended to result inside the area delimited by said first aperture and visible against the light through the cloth.

Abstract: A craft kit for making pop-up cards having a plurality of pop-up construction elements of different configurations, each configuration of construction element being provided in plurality, each configuration comprising a sheet-like member with predefined fold lines and selective areas coated with adhesive for joining to a card and to a pop-up element to create motion in the pop-up element when a card is opened. Such a kit may contain multiple ones of multiple construction elements, with or without blank cards, or may simply include multiple construction elements, all of the same design, typically for use as replacements for those used from a larger kit, or of a special or new design not normally included in original kits. Various construction elements and their uses are disclosed.

Abstract: The device includes a body with monolithically and pivotally conjoined first and second sections. The second section includes front and rear portions. The front and rear portions include a finger protruding orthogonally thereof. The fingers interlock to maintain the body at a unitary position. Such front and rear portions define a cavity. The front portion has a notch formed therein. The notch penetrates through the front portion and is in fluid communication with the cavity. The rear portion has a slot formed therein which is aligned with the notch and situated rearward of the cavity. A mechanism is included for playing a song when the first and second sections are articulated to an open position. A mechanism is included for illuminating a selected portion of the cavity while the song playing mechanism is activated. The illuminating mechanism lights up the lyrics of the song as the song is played.

Abstract: Special effects containers that include a special effects substance are provided in, for example, greeting cards, gift bags, photo albums, postcards. This substance may comprise particles (e.g., a glitter or confetti) and a liquid (e.g., water) such that when the special effects container is shaken, a visual effect is produced. One type of visual effect produced is similar to that of a snow globe. For example, pieces of a polymer confetti, each having the shape of a snowflake, may be included in a special effects container with a liquid. Such confetti may have a negative buoyancy with respect to the liquid such that after the special effects container is shaken, the pieces of confetti sink. The rate of descent/ascent of the container particles can be configured by changing the specific weight of the liquid or particles.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a greeting card having a holder element on the front surface of the greeting card. The holder element is capable of retaining a prepaid gift card or the like. One such embodiment provides the gift-giver with an opportunity to retain the prepaid gift card to the greeting card without reducing the area on the inner surface for writing a personal message to the recipient.

Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.

Abstract: A container for small sized objects such as candies, chocolates, cosmetics, fragrances and small gifts which comprises: a first element (1) having a first and a second apertures (2) symmetrically disposed with respect to a hinge axis (140) and whose outline defines a geometric or fancy figure; a flap or patch of fabric or cloth (3) applied on the rear surface (10) of said first element (1); a second element (4) associated with the rear surface of said first element (1) on the back of said fabric (3) so that the said fabric will result interposed between the first (1) and second (4) elements, the same fabric being able to partly project from the surface defined by said first element (1) or said second element (4), the surface of the latter being provided, likewise the surface of the first element (1), with a third and a fourth apertures (40), disposed in correspondence to said first and second apertures (2), as to coincide with each other when the container (S) is in closed condition, that is, folded over abou

Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.

Abstract: A wax greeting card or waxen gift book-covers has a pair of matching panels, one a front and the other a back panel substantially of wax. Each panel has inner and outer faces framed by a perimeter of spaced upper and lower edges as well as a spaced spine and fore edge. Such wax greeting card or gift book-covers further includes a flexible hinge extending across the spine edges of the front and back panels, which flexible hinge is and anchored in each panel by being cemented or embedded in the wax thereof. The flexible hinge allows relative movement between the front and back panels that ranges from a shut closed position to various spread open positions.

Abstract: A postal mailer which comprises a postcard having in the front left top section a detachable calling card and having in the back surface left top, left bottom, right bottom and central sections map indicia designating the general area and specific location of the return address indicia on the postcard.

Abstract: A greeting card has a substrate and a sticker removably attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides visual effects in, for example, greeting cards, gift bags, photo albums, postcards. Visual effects are realized through special effects containers that include a special effects substance. This substance may comprise particles (e.g., a glitter or confetti) and a liquid (e.g., water) such that when the special effects container is shaken a visual effect is produced. One type of visual effect produced by the present invention is similar to the effect produced by a snow globe. For example, pieces of a polymer confetti, each having the shape of a snowflake, may be included in a special effects container that also houses a liquid. These pieces of confetti may have a negative buoyancy with respect to the liquid such that after the special effects container is shaken, the pieces of confetti sink. The rate of descent/ascent of the container particles can be configured by changing the specific weight of either the liquid or the container particles.

Abstract: A greeting card including a front panel having a visible first greeting and an inside panel having a visible second greeting that is aligned with said first greeting in such a way as to allow selected identical characters of said second greeting to be viewed through multiple cutout windows in said front panel and complete said first greeting.

Abstract: A display for collectibles includes a first portion or wall and second portion or wall. The first and second walls are joined at one end thereof and together provide a self-supporting structure. Each of the first wall and second wall has a display surface. The display surface is puncturable for mounting one or more display pins in a variety of positions and patterns. The display surface is also suitable for display of photographs, labels, stickers and the like, or any combinations thereof.

Abstract: A combination greeting card carrier and scanable card is provided which permits the scanable card to be pivoted between an initial position where the scanable card is displayed and has a scanable area thereon extending from the perimeter of the card in a first position and a second position where the scanable card is concealed. A hinge member pivotally connects the scanable card to the greeting card carrier. The greeting card carrier may include a recess in a front panel thereof to permit the scanable card to lay flat in its initial presentation. The greeting card carrier may include indicia conveying a preprinted desired sentiment which corresponds to the goods or services made available to the recipient when using the scanable card.

Abstract: A greeting card including an ornament/charm, and a jewelry fashion accessory either packaged together or purchased separately from a single merchandising fixture is provided. This novel card system allows the sender to provide a convenient object for the recipient to display on a fashion accessory, thus providing for the long term remembrance of the sender and also stimulate sales of greeting cards so that ornaments/charms can be collected to adhere to the fashion accessory received with the first card. The card provides all the functions of a conventional greeting card, such as delivering an appropriate message form the sender to the recipient. However upon receipt of the card, the ornament/charm may be fashionably displayed, and the card therefore provides an impression which endures much longer than if the card were simply stored away.

Abstract: An informational card is disclosed incorporating a plurality of separable, functional articles that are removable from such card and capable of being applied to a separate article or articles, either independently of, or in conjunction with each other. The removable articles, such as a patch, embroidered emblem, heat transfer or the like, may be removed from the card and adhesively or heat applied to a separate article, with indicia that bears some relation to the information conveyed on the card. One of the removable articles has a cutout to accommodate the placement of a first removable article during the conjunctive application of a series of removable articles to an article separate and distinct from the informational card.

Abstract: A method for producing personalized greeting cards includes receiving a plurality of greeting card orders from users and separating the ordered greeting cards into batches. The ordered greeting cards are produced in batches and a batch-separation symbol is printed on at least one greeting card in each batch. The greeting cards produced are separated into batches using the batch-separation symbols.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated shopping list and coupon folder, formed from a single shopping list sheet. Major food and non-food category listings are provided on the shopping list sheet, as well as blank lines for listing individual items, sizes, brands, and the like. Coupon reminders are also located proximate to each blank line. A bottom tacky strip is located across the bottom edge of the shopping list sheet, and two side tacky strips are located at opposing side edges of shopping list sheet. To convert the shopping list sheet into an integrated shopping list and coupon folder, the completed shopping list sheet is peeled from a pad of such sheets and folded along a central fold line, such that the bottom tacky strip seals against itself and the side tacky strips seal against each other. The integrated shopping list and coupon folder is thus formed.

Abstract: In order to create interest in advertising pieces in a consumer, a pop-up advertising piece includes a booklet-shaped advertiser movable from a closed position to an open position. An anchoring strip is in vertical confronting relation to a normally inwardly facing surface of one of the cover portions and has top and bottom edges secured to the normally inwardly facing surface in general proximity to top and bottom edges thereof. An internal substrate has one vertical edge secured to the one of the cover portions opposite the anchoring strip and the other vertical edge is secured to the anchoring strip. A first fold line is provided on the internal substrate in spaced relation to a generally vertical fold line of the booklet-shaped advertiser when it is in the closed position. The internal substrate also has a second fold line on the side of the anchoring strip opposite the first fold line.