Abstract: The invention relates to animatronics on entertainment devices such as greeting cards. A shape memory-alloy wire may be coupled to a PCB housed within a greeting card body. The wire may be anchored to a linkage assembly that is swivably, rotably, pivotably, extendably or otherwise movably coupled to the greeting card body. The PCB may be configured to generate a signal to a driving circuit for supplying an electrical current through the wire, the current having a variable amperage that is modified based on the pulse file. The variable amperage causes a change in the temperature of the wire, which causes the wire, and thus the linkage assembly, to contract and expand. The linkage assembly may be coupled to a display body, which may include an animal shape, characters, popular culture images and the like. Movement of the linkage assembly causes the display body to move in an entertaining manner.

Abstract: The presently disclosed multi-position biased rotating logo components permit an electronic device to display a logo associated with the device in a variety of positions with reference to a device housing while the device is re-positioned in different orientations. This allows the logo to maintain a desired orientation with reference to a support surface or a direction of gravity as the device is re-positioned in the different orientation. Further, the rotating logo is biased to achieve and maintain two or more preselected orientations within the housing that correspond to two or more intended orientations of the device.

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 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 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: 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.

Abstract: A clamping piece structure includes a one-piece clamping piece body (10). The body (10) includes a first folding piece portion (11), a second folding piece portion (12), a third folding piece portion (13), and a connecting piece portion (14). A first bending portion (15) is provided at a central section of an edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the connecting piece portion (14). A second bending portion (16) is provided at the other edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the second folding piece portion (12). A third bending portion (17) is provided at an edge of the second folding piece portion (12) for interconnection with the third folding piece portion (13). An engagement section (141) is provided at an outer edge of the connecting piece portion (14). An opening (121) is formed in a central section of the second folding piece portion (12). The connecting piece portion (14) is insertable through the opening (121).

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: An envelope for one or more gift cards is disclosed.

Abstract: Display device including a unitary, rigid sheet defining a left center panel, a right center panel pivotally connected to the left center panels, a left side panel pivotally connected to the left center panel and a right side panel pivotally connected to the right center panel. Vertically extending separation lines are formed on a rear planar layer without penetrating or cutting a front planar layer so that the panels are able to pivot about vertical axes. Fold lines may be formed opposite the separation lines on the front planar layer to facilitate folding the sheet whereby the fold lines define the vertical axes about which the panels pivot. Folding of the sheet provides a compact configuration which enables the display device to be easily carried.

Abstract: An expandable card form is described that includes a plurality of foldable leafs that are foldable onto one another at fold lines which separate each adjacent pair of foldable leafs. A slot can be cut through the fold line separating one of the adjacent pairs of foldable leafs. The plurality of foldable leafs can be connected to one another linearly and can include adhesive sections so that, when assembled, the foldable leafs form an expandable card. One end leaf can include a projecting panel attached thereto. The projecting panel can be extended through the slot when the card is expanded and can be retracted so as not to be visible when the card is oriented into its closed configuration. The expandable card can include information printed thereon to create a business card, a place setting card, a medical information card, or a gift card.

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: 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: A portable display device has a rectangular center panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, two side hinges and a back, with first and second rectangular side panels respectively hingedly connected to the center panel by the two side hinges thereof. A support foot has a base hingedly connected to the bottom edge of the center panel and foldable to lie adjacent the back of the center panel, and first and second legs hingedly connected to the base and deployable extending rearwardly from the base and configured for releasable interconnection spaced from the base, thereby to maintain the support foot in a configuration extending rearwardly from the center panel and supporting the center and side panels in an upright position.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use by a worker in a workplace environment to visually communicate to coworkers, among other things, the current location or whereabouts of the worker and the worker's expected time of return to an office or other workspace. Cards carried by a spiral member of the apparatus include alphanumeric and/or pictorial information to quickly indicate a location within the workplace. A clock face having manually adjustable hands indicates an expected return time. One embodiment incorporates a triangular geometry geared for support on a desktop. Additional embodiments are configured for positioning over an office partition wall, as well as against an office door panel, window and the like.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily portable, convertible billboard display has three panels rotatably connected to each other in parallel fashion. The billboard display can be used as a vertically standing three panel display or, when two of the panels are connected by a removable connection component, as a three dimensional triangular display. Informational display items can be removably attached to the display panels. In addition, pockets, variously located within each panel, allow for the insertion and display of and full access to multi-page display items, mounted directly on the billboard display.

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 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 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: An image and audio processing system includes a housing, a storage medium, a non-contact audio storage device installed inside the housing for storing audio data in the storage medium by wireless communication technology, and a print device installed inside the housing for printing an image on the storage medium.

Abstract: A greeting card which holds a picture, and made up of three parts. A user folds one part behind the center part and inserts a photograph between the two parts. Adhesive may be applied to secure the photograph or may be applied on two of the three edges between the one part and the center part before the photograph is inserted. A third part can be folded behind or in front of the center part.

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 has a substrate and a sticker removably attached to the substrate.

Abstract: A greeting card is formed to receive interactive computer-based functionality, as a functionality device, in a form such as a computer readable storage medium, for example, a compact disk (CD). Together this card and functionality device make an all-in-one gift and greeting card product, providing an improved gift/greeting card combination that meets multiple unmet needs of the greeting card consumer. The card is formed with a number of panels, one of which contains a means of receiving the functionality device. The functionality device provides functionality that relates to the occasion being commemorated or to the recipient's demographic profile. In one embodiment of the present invention, the greeting card product combines a congratulatory greeting card for expectant parents with a CD insert. The CD contains an interactive software application with a searchable database of names to help the parents choose a name for their baby in a new and fun way.

Abstract: A device for displaying information or advertisements consisting of first and second substantially rectangular webs in superposition and connected by a fold line as well as, at least two adjacent margins by an adhesive tongue to form a pouch for retaining a flat body, and of a third rectangular web connected to one of the first and second webs along a margin thereof by a spine so that it may be folded over the pouch, the third web being connected on its surface with a fourth web consisting of a plurality of sections which may be folded into superposition and be retained between the pouch and the third web.

Abstract: A presentation apparatus for artwork comprising a one-piece, die-cut folder construction of cardboard or other suitable material. The apparatus comprises a back section containing artwork and one or more side panels which suitably fold over the back section. The one or more side panels contain die-cut windows covered with acetate sheets or cels for viewing the artwork on the back section and may also contain artwork or images providing a three-dimensional effect for the images or artwork.

Abstract: A baby's birth announcement which includes two front panels which in a folded position forms a visual composite image of the baby's parents and when unfolded reveals a picture of the baby.

Abstract: A booklet for disseminating advertising and technical information has a number of pages secured in a bundle between front and back covers, the pages being secured to a binding formed between the front and back covers, the pages being individually releasable as a whole from the binding, or being weakened across their height dimension adjacent to the binding, so as to permit a major portion of the page to be separated leaving a stub secured to the binding, the pages being elongated and having on their front and back surfaces cartoon-displaying areas and material of an advertising technical nature, the cartoon-displaying areas being individually separable from the remainder of the page. The front cover, at least, may also include cartoon-displaying and advertising technical material. The bundle of pages may have cartoon-displaying material and advertising technical material arranged as to be presented alternately through the bundle.

Abstract: Display device including a unitary, rigid sheet defining a left center panel, a right center panel pivotally connected to the left center panels, a left side panel pivotally connected to the left center panel and a right side panel pivotally connected to the right center panel. Vertically extending separation lines are formed on a rear planar layer without penetrating or cutting a front planar layer so that the panels are able to pivot about vertical axes. Fold lines may be formed opposite the separation lines on the front planar layer to facilitate folding the sheet whereby the fold lines define the vertical axes about which the panels pivot. Folding of the sheet provides a compact configuration which enables the display device to be easily carried.