Patent Application
20170253068
The present invention relates to greeting cards in general and in particular to a greeting card with an integrated envelope which may be customized using software.
Greeting cards are well known to be presented to individuals at special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day and the like. While such cards are generally well received, they nonetheless are printed for the masses in vast quantities and convey generic messages. Such cards are devoid of any personal touches such as personal greetings or photos. Additionally, it is known to provide form paperboard templates which may be folded onto themselves for providing an envelope for a mailing.
While suitable for their intended purposes, the prior art fails to provide for a greeting card which may be customizable for specific individuals at a home environment and which contains an integrated envelope enabling the greeting card to be presented to the recipient.
Accordingly, there is a need for a customizable greeting card which enables a provider to personalize the greeting card at their residence on their personal computer and which may be sealed in a mailable envelope to be presented to a recipient.
The above objective is accomplished according to the invention by providing a customizable greeting card. A paperboard structure is configured to be a customized greeting card displaying a customized message having a paperboard template sized for being received into a printer associated with a computing device.
In one aspect of the disclosure, a paperboard structure is configured to be a customized greeting card displaying a customized message. The paperboard structure comprises a paperboard template comprising a first portion oriented to encompass a second portion, and the first portion is configured to detach from the second portion. The second portion comprises a top panel including a top panel base-end and a top panel free-end including a securing member. The second portion comprises a bottom panel including a bottom panel free-end and a bottom panel base-end defining a securing member aperture sized to receive the securing member. The second portion further comprises a first side panel including a first side panel free-end and a first side panel base-end; and a second side panel including a second side panel free-end and a second side panel base-end. The second portion also comprises a central panel that includes a top seam, a bottom seam, a first side seam, and a second side seam. The top panel base-end is connected to the central panel at the top seam; the bottom panel base-end is connected to the central panel at the bottom seam; the first side panel base-end is connected to the central panel at the first side seam; and the second side panel base-end is connected to the central panel at the second side seam.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a system for creating a personalized greeting card includes: a computing device, a printing device, and a paperboard template. The computing device includes: a memory, a user interface, a display device, and a processor. The processor is in electronic communication with the memory, the user interface and the display device. The processor is configured to execute instructions to perform actions including: provide a customized display on the display device resembling the configuration of a paperboard template; receive input from the user interface; provide received input to the display device, and print the received input onto the paperboard template.
An additional aspect of the disclosure is a method of creating a personalized greeting card. The method comprises providing a paperboard template comprising a top panel, bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, each panel being connected to a central panel along a seam. The method comprises receiving printing data including text data and graphic data using a computing device comprising a user interface. The method further comprises displaying the received printing data from the user interface. The method also comprises outputting the received the printing data onto the paperboard template.
The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from reading the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is it to be construed to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C . . . sctn. 112, 6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.
The invention consists of the utilization of computer instructions in combination with a paperboard template which enables customizable greeting card to be produced. The greeting card can be produced in a manner which allows for the card to be folded into a self contained envelope. One surface of the paperboard template can be configured to display the customized greeting. A second surface can be customized to receive mailing postage and/or a recipient's mailing information including name and address.
In
In the depicted example, the first portion 110 is the outer region of the paperboard template 100. In general, the paperboard template 100 can be comprised of a foldable material. The foldable material can be sized and received for use by a printer. In many instances, the foldable material may be a form of paper but alternatives are possible.
In the depicted example, the outer perimeter 112 of the first section 110 is consistent with the dimensions of standard sheets of paper. By “standard sheet” what is meant is paper that is available for use in a printer. For example, a sheet of paper with the following dimensions: 8.5 inches×11 inches (letter), 8.5 inches×14 inches (legal), 11 inches×17 inches, A0, A1, A2, A3 and A4 are representative standards. However, alternatives are possible.
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The second portion 120 comprises a plurality of panels: a central panel 140, a top panel 150, a first side panel 160, a second side panel 170, and a bottom panel 180. The top panel 150, the first side panel 160, the second side panel 170 and a bottom panel 180 are each connected to a respective side of the central panel 140.
The central panel 140 is oriented approximately in the center of the second portion 120. As depicted, the central panel 140 also is oriented approximately in the center of the first portion 110. The central panel 140 includes a center printable area 142 configured to receive data in the form of text or images.
In general, the boundary of central panel 140 is defined by a central panel outer perimeter 144. Referring to
In general, each panel includes a length-dimension (L1) and width-dimension (W1). Further, the length-dimension is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the width-dimension. Accordingly, in general, the length-dimension (L1) and width-dimension (W1) can be used to derive an area-dimension for each panel.
As depicted in
In general, the orientation of the central panel 140 relative to one of the perimeter panels (150, 160, 170, and 180) indicates that the base-end width-dimension (W1) of a respective panel can also be the length-dimension (L2) of the central panel. Similarly, the width-dimension (W1) of a respective base end can be the width-dimension (W2) of the central panel. Accordingly, in general, the length-dimension (L2) and width-dimension (W2) can be used to derive an area-dimension for the central panel 140. As depicted in
The top panel comprises the top panel base-end 154, a top panel free-end 155, a top panel printable region 156, and a securing member 158. The top panel base-end 154 is a region of the top panel that connects the top panel 150 to the central panel 140 at the top panel seam 152. In the depicted example, sides 151a, 151b of the top panel 150 converge to an apex 155a.
The top panel 150 is configured to fold around the top seam axis 152a at the top panel seam 152, inwardly towards an interior surface 140i of the central panel 140. As depicted, the top panel base-end 154 and top panel seam 152 are a straight line. In alternative examples, the seams (152, 162, 172, and 182) may comprise multiple lines or a curve, spanning the width-dimension of the respective panel.
The top panel 150 includes the top panel printable region 156. In general, the printable region is a region that is capable of receiving any text or graphic message from a printer. Each panel can have a printable region. In addition, the printable region on each panel can include an area dimension. In one example, the area dimension is determined by a length-dimension (L3) and width-dimension (W3) of the printable region 142. In another embodiment, the printable region 142, 156, 166, 176, and 186 can be a circular printable region including a radius dimension.
As depicted, the top panel includes a top panel free-end 155. When the first portion 110 is separated from the second portion 120; the top panel free-end 155 is not connected and extends radial away from the top panel base-end 154. By “extend radially,” it is meant the free-end 155 is oriented in a direction extending away from the base end of a respective panel. When a user attempts to convert the second portion 120 into a fully enclosed envelope 115, the top panel free-end 155 rotates inward toward the central panel 140.
The top panel free-end 155 comprises a securing member 158 including a shaft 158a and a notch 158b. The shaft 158a extends radially to a notch apex 158c of the top panel free-end 155. The notch 158b is connected at a distal end of the shaft 158a. As depicted, the notch 158b includes a notch base 158d having a width-dimension. The sides of the notch 158b converge to the notch apex 158c. As depicted, the structure of the notch 158b resembles a triangle. Alternative configurations of the securing member 158 are possible.
The first side panel 160 is located on a side of the central panel 140. The first side panel 160 is connected to the central panel 140 at the first side seam 162. The first side seam 162 is configured to fold around a first side seam axis 162a, inwardly towards an interior surface 140i of the central panel 140. In the depicted example, sides 161a, 161b of the first side panel 160 converge to an apex 165a and the first side panel free-end 165. For example, the first side panel 160 includes a printable region 166. Alternative embodiments are possible.
The second side panel 180 is located on a side of the central panel 140. The second side panel 170 is connected to the central panel 140 at the second side seam 172. The second side seam 172 is configured to fold around a second side seam axis 172a, inwardly towards an interior surface 140i of the central panel 140. In the depicted example, sides 171a, 171b of the second side panel 170 converge to an apex 175a at the second side panel free-end 175. For example, the second side panel 170 includes a printable region 176. Alternative embodiments are possible.
Bottom panel 180 is located on an opposite side of the central panel 140, relative to the top panel 150. The bottom seam 182 is configured to fold around a bottom side axis 182a, inwardly towards an interior surface 140i of the central panel 140. Sides 181a, 181b of the second side panel 170 converge to an apex 185a at the bottom panel free-end 185. In another alternative example, the bottom panel 180 includes a printable region 186. Alternative embodiments are possible.
The bottom panel 180 defines a first securing member aperture 188. The first securing member aperture 188 is configured to receive the securing member 158. As depicted, the first securing member aperture 188 is a slit having a width-dimension. Alternative shapes of the first securing member aperture 188 are possible.
In general, securing the top panel 150 to the bottom panel 180 comprises engaging the top panel 150 to the bottom panel by using a first securing member 158 to pass through an aperture 188 (slit), defined by the bottom panel 158. For example, the shaft 158a of the first securing member 158 has a width-dimension, oriented in the same direction as the notch base 158d. A ratio of the width-dimension of shaft 158 to the width-dimension of the first securing aperture 188 is at least 0.5. In a further aspect of the example, the notch base 158d can be wider than the first securing member aperture 188 to help secure the first securing member 158, such that the first securing member 158 does not freely disengage the bottom panel 180 by passing back through the securing aperture 188. In another aspect of the example, the ratio of the width-dimension of the first securing member aperture 188 to the width-dimension of the notch base 158d is at least 0.5.
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General System and Method of Providing an Example Customizable Greeting Card According to the Present Disclosure:
Referring to
The computing device 210 includes: at least one processor 212, a memory 214, a user interface 216, and a display device 218. In alternative examples, the physical embodiment of the computing device 210 can optionally be a portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, an electronic organizer, or a cellular phone. The computing device 210 may be configured as a computer that is capable of communicating over a communication network 119.
As depicted, a single memory 214 is shown for the computing device 210. Alternatives are possible where a wide variety of types and combinations of memory may be employed, such as computer-readable storage media examples of which include random access memory (RAM), hard disk memory, video memory, removable medium memory, and other types of computer-readable media.
The processor 212 may perform operations using electronically-executable instructions. For example, the processor 212 includes an operating system 213 that implements a template customization application 215. The template customization application 115 may implement a variety of functions callable to perform a variety of graphics processing functions. The template customization application 215 may be configured to render and manipulate various textual objects and graphical objects for printing on the paperboard template 100.
A printer module 217 facilitates communication between the computing device 210 and a corresponding printing device 220 and may operate to format user defined data related to a print job in a language and/or format understandable by the printing device 220.
For the purposes of example, the template customization application 215 performs tasks related to input from a user interface 216 on a display device 218 such as a monitor. In order to output the textual and graphic data received from the user interface 216, the template customization application 215 may be configured to interact with a variety of features provided via the operating system 213. A variety of other examples are also contemplated.
The computing device 210 is in communication with a printing device 220. The communication path 219 is optionally a communications cable, as described above, or it is a modem connection, or a wireless communications link, such as an infrared connection or a radio connection. Alternatively, the communication path 219 operates via a network, such as a local area network, a wide area network, or other communications link.
In general, the user defined data received from the user interface 216 and displayed on the display device 218 utilizes a screen layout that resembles the paperboard template 100 of
For example, when photographs are selected they may be sized by the end user or automatically sized to fit a selected printable region of the card thereby retaining the full image for the customer. Typically, a ratio of a central panel area dimension to another panel area dimension is at least 5.0. In an alternative example, the ratio of a central panel area dimension to another panel area dimension is at least 8.0. In an alternative example, the ratio of a central area dimension to another panel area dimension is at least 10.0.
The operations described may be carried out or performed in any suitable order to achieve the desired results. Additionally, in certain applications, at least a portion of the operations may be carried out in together (i.e. at the same time). Referring to
For example, an end user will be provided the normal text editing options such as type of font, size of font, italics, underline, bold, color, highlights, and the like. Alternative methods of incorporating the text onto the card may also be incorporated. In some examples, a text block may be positioned onto the screen directing the end user to the location of the text and the sizing of the text.
Similarly, graphics can be added to a respective printable region to generate a customized panel. The graphics can be stored in the memory 214 or be accessed and downloaded for integration from an outside source such as an auxiliary memory drive or the internet. The picture may be automatically sized to fit into the desired panel.
By providing flexibility in methods of data input, the end user can customize the card as desired. Furthermore, by enabling each distinct panel to be a separate zone for receiving customized information each card can be manipulated such that only the base panel is utilized, or any alternative combination such as base and just the top panel, or base and first side panel, etc. Numerous permutations of configurations are possible. Once the desired card is produced, the layout is transmitted to the printing device 220.
Once the image is printed on the paperboard template 100, the first portion 110 is separated from the second portion 120, leaving the greeting card 230 (second portion) with its respective panels to be folded onto itself establishing a self-contained envelope. In alternative examples, an opposite surface of the template can be printed to receive recipient mailing information and/or postage information.
While the invention is described as incorporating a computer system for designing a customized greeting card, the paperboard template could be utilized by itself and a handwritten message could be provided and pictures attached to the respective panels.
