RELATED APPLICATIONS
There are no applications related to this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The disclosure and related inventions pertain generally to greeting cards and novelties, including greeting cards and novelties with moving parts and electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Greeting cards are widely used for celebratory occasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and for other social expression purposes. Traditional text information is generally found on paper greeting cards. Sound generating devices have been incorporated into traditional paper greeting cards to increase entertainment value and emotional impact. In some forms, a talking or musical greeting card looks just like a conventional greeting card, except that it includes a hidden sound module. Opening the greeting card will automatically turn on or close a switch so that the sound module will play the pre-stored music or dialog and closing the greeting card will automatically open the switch and stop the play of the music or dialog.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed are electronic greeting cards, such as greeting cards with sound or light or vibration generating circuits which are activated by manipulation of one or more movable components or members of the greeting card construction. In one representative embodiment, a sound generating greeting card has a multiple panel construction and assembly, a sound-producing electronic circuit module enclosed within the panels, a pull tab sound activation mechanism which is movable relative to the panels and operatively connected to the sound-producing electronic circuit to turn it on and off, and a front panel having a representative graphics, e.g., a face or head, animal, with two slots coordinated with the graphics, such as for example one slot at the mouth level and one slot at the chin level. A pull tab mechanism is mounted on the back of the front panel and through two slots located in the front panel and the bottom edge of the pull tab mechanism is even with the bottom edge of the front panel when in a retracted or neutral position. The sound module in the card is activated by manually pulling on the pull tab which is operatively connected within the card to activate a switch to the sound module to generate a pre-recorded digital sound that is coordinated with or appropriate for the design, shape, configuration or graphics of the card and the pull tab construction, such as the chin and/or mouth of a face. In a particular embodiment, when the pull tab mechanism is pulled or translated, the movement of the tab at the mouth-level on the front panel provides the effect that the mouth of the figure pictured on the front panel is moving.
The disclosure and related inventions are described with reference to certain representative embodiments, as depicted by the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative of one or more ways in which the concepts of the invention can be embodied and practiced. The inventions are not limited to the particular constructs or configurations of the described embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views of a representative embodiment of an electronic greeting card with a moveable element and manual electronic circuit activation;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a die cut of the greeting card of FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an interior side of a panel of the greeting card of FIGS. 1 and 2 and an electronic circuit and a moveable member operatively connected to the electronic circuit;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a die cut of a moveable member of a greeting card of the disclosure in the form of a pull tab;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of a portion of an electronic circuit and a moveable member of a greeting card of the disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic greeting card having and electronic circuit and at least one moveable member which is operatively connected to the electronic circuit;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of a switch mechanism of an electronic circuit of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views of electronic circuits and moveable members of a greeting card of the present disclosure, and
FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a gift bag or shopping bag with an electronic circuit and a moveable member which is operatively connected to the electronic circuit.
FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of an alternate embodiment of the greeting card of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the greeting card of FIG. 15 with an opened cover.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the inside of the greeting card of FIG. 15, with extended pull-tab.
FIG. 18 is a side view of the greeting card of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the greeting card of FIG. 17, with released pull-tab.
FIG. 20 is a side view of the greeting card of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a perspective tear away view of the electronics module with slide switches in a first position.
FIG. 22 is a perspective tear away view of the electronics module with slide switches in a second position.
FIG. 23 is a perspective tear away view of the electronics module with slide switches in a third position.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
The disclosure and related inventions relate to greeting cards (“cards”), and in particular to sound generating greeting cards in which the front of the card or any other panel of the card has graphics or a picture of a face or head of a person, character, animal, object or other image or character, which is coordinated with a moveable or slidable member or piece which can be moved by manipulation relative to the panel of the card, and which is operatively connected to an electronic circuit within the greeting card to turn the electronic circuit on and off. In a representative embodiment, the front page or any page or panel of the card may depict the face of a person, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A recipient/user's manual input is used to control movement of a moveable member of the card, which may be in the form of a tab or “pull tab” 102 which is constructed integral with the page or panel of the greeting card 100. Pulling on the pull tab, generally in the plane of the page or panel, activates an audio greeting from a sound-generating device or sound module which is contained within or otherwise attached to the card, as further described. As shown in FIG. 2, when the pull tab 102 is pulled or translated to an extended position, a sound is generated by a sound module to which the pull tab 102 is connected. The pre-recorded digital sound content of the sound module can be coordinated with or appropriate for the design, theme or occasion relating to the graphic or figure depicted on the front cover of the greeting card 100, and to the design, construction, location and orientation of the pull tab 102, such as for example in the form of a chin or portion of a chin and lower lip in combination with the depiction of a face, whereby motion of the pull tab 102 simulates movement of the mouth while the corresponding sound is playing.
In a representative embodiment, the greeting card 100 can be constructed from suitable paper or cardstock, and can be executed in any particular size, shape or configuration. In a particular embodiment, depicted in FIG. 3, the sound generating greeting card can be made with three main panels, A, B, and C, connected respectively along fold lines 104 and 106. The front side of panel A contains a graphic, such as a picture or depiction of a character or figure head. Two horizontal slots are formed in the panel A, one at the mouth 108 and one at chin level 110. All panels have relatively squared bottoms and the side and top members are shaped to the contours of the head depicted on the cover of panel A. A sound module and pull tab assembly are attached to the back side of panel A. The entire sound module is concealed by panel B which is folded about fold line 104 to overlie and become secured to panel A, for example by adhesive at a perimeter. There are also two notched tabs 112a, 112b that extend from the top of panel A and help secure panel A to panel B. The pull tab 102 is integrated with the sound module and is inserted between the two slots 108, 110 in panel A so that the bottom of the pull tab exits though the bottom slot 110 located at chin level. Pulling the pull tab 102 activates the sound module to generate sound, such as for example by completion of a circuit by movement of a flap in the pull tab assembly. The sound generated by the speaker of the sound module is easily audible. The pre-recorded digital sound content can be of any type, and be coordinated with a design or theme or occasion relating to the figure whose head is depicted on the front of panel A. Panel C may contain text sentiment on both the front and/or back side.
The sound module may be, for example, a battery operated device of the types commercially available which include circuitry including an audio signal generating integrated circuit chip, a digital memory storage device for storing pre-loaded digital audio data, a sound producing device in the form of a speaker, a battery power source, and a switch for opening and closing electrical contact with the battery connection to the circuitry. A representative sound module is pictured in FIG. 4. It contains a circuit board 116, a battery source 134, digital memory storage device 136, switch 120, slide tongue mechanism 118, and speaker or sound generating device 122. The entire sound module is secured to the inside surface of panel A by a conventional adhesive or other securing means. Although a particular placement of the sound module and sound activating device 114 is shown in this disclosure, it is understood that changes in placement, type and configuration of the sound module all within the scope of the disclosure and related inventions.
In a representative embodiment, a single slide tongue mechanism 118 operates the switch 120 on a sound emitting device 122 and thereby activates the sound emitting device 122 causing sounds to be generated. The tongue mechanism 118 may be made from coated paper stock, paper board, cardboard, plastic or the like, and may be connected to the switch 120 and the pull tab 102 by adhesives, glue, or the like. The tongue mechanism 118 is connected at one end to the switch 120 for the sound emitting device 122 and at the other end to an actuating device 124 which is part of the pull tab 102 assembly. Actuation of the sound module is accomplished by the closing of a power circuit control switch 120 (by movement of the slide tongue mechanism 118) which energizes the circuit 116 from the battery power source 134 to cause the sound generating circuitry (including the memory storage device 136) to send sound generating signals to a speaker in the card.
FIG. 5 illustrates a representative profile or die cut of a type of pull tab 102 which can be employed. It has a shaped bottom section that includes two side tabs, E and F, which are folded back along two fold lines 140, 142 to create a substantially rectangular shaped main panel D. The upper section of the panel D includes a substantially square shaped section containing two eyelets 144a, 144b, and two angled slits 146a, 146b, extending from the eyelets 144a, 144b, to the edge of the paperboard for the insertion of a rubber band. The upper half also includes a slot 148 located in the center of the main panel D of the pull tab 102.
As shown in FIG. 4, The pull tab 102 is connected to the greeting card 100 via at least one rubber band 128 and a paperboard anchor 126. The anchor 126 contains two eyelets 132a, 132b and two angled slits 130a, 130b corresponding to the eyelets and 144a, 144b slits 146a, 146b located on the pull tab 102. The pull tab 102 is inserted under the anchor 126 and the rubber band 128 is inserted first into the anchor slits 130a, 130b, and then into the slits 146a, 146b in the pull tab 102 so that the pull tab 102 is connected via the rubber band 128 to the anchor 126 and sits atop the sound module. The actuating tab 124 that is attached to the tongue mechanism 118 is inserted into the slot 148 in the pull tab 102 by extending the pull tab 102 to reach the actuating tab 124 and attaching the actuating tab 124 to the pull tab 102 by an adhesive. As the pull tab 102 is extended, it is also inserted into the mouth 108 and chin slots 110 in panel A until the bottom edge of the pull tab 102 reaches the bottom edge of the greeting card 100. The front surface of the pull tab 102 can be printed or decorated to correspond to its position in relation to the graphics or figure presented on the front of panel A.
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the pull-tab mechanism and sound module. In this position the slide tongue mechanism 118 is in place between the switch 120 and circuit board 116. FIG. 7 shows the same cross-sectional view of the pull tab mechanism and sound module but with the pull tab 102 in a depressed position. When the recipient/user pulls the pull tab 102, the slide tongue mechanism 118 is pulled downward such that the switch 120 is put into contact with the circuit board 116, thereby closing the switch 120 and activating the sound emitting device 122. Conversely, as referred to in FIG. 6, when the recipient/user releases the pull tab 102, the slide tongue mechanism 118 moves back into position between the circuit board 116 and the switch 120 thereby re-opening the switch so that the sound emitting device 122 will cease to generate sound.
In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, a slide switch 150 is used in combination with a spring activated switch 152. Both switches 150, 152 must be closed for the sound emitting device 154 to be triggered. In this embodiment the circuit 156, digital memory storage device 158, speaker 154, battery power source 160, spring activated switch 152, and pull tab mechanism 162 are attached to the inside face of panel H. The slide switch 150 is placed between the fold line 164 between panels H and I. The inside of panel G is folded over the inside of panel H and the two panels G and H are attached by adhesive to the perimeter of the greeting card 200. A picture and/or text sentiment may appear on the outer face of panel G which is now the inner panel of the opened greeting card 200. The pull tab mechanism 162 located on the inside of panel H is inserted into the slot 170 located at the bottom of panel G and the edge of the pull tab 162 runs parallel to the bottom edge of panel G.
The slide tongue mechanism 150 is connected at one end to the switch 172 located on the inside of panel H and the other end is positioned and connected to the greeting card at the fold line 164 between panel H and panel I. Panel I engages panel H and the switch 172 in an open position whereby when the panel I is moved away from panel H to open the card, the switch 172 will close. A spring loaded switch mechanism 152 also exists and is located on the inside of panel H. A string or wire 174 is attached at one end to the spring activated switch (not shown) located inside the spring loaded switch mechanism 152 and at the other end attached to a tab 176 or other retaining structure in the pull tab mechanism 162. The recipient/user opens the greeting card 200, using the slide tongue mechanism 150 to close the circuit, and pull down on the pull tab 162 to engage the spring loaded switch mechanism 152 to close the spring activated switch (not shown) in order to activate the sound emitting device 154. Either closing the card or releasing the pull tab 162 will open one of the switches and discontinue the sound. This embodiment can also be used with a sound emitting device 154 which can play two or more sound tracks, which one sound track is started by the switch closing operation of the movement of panel I, and another sound track is started by the switch closing operation of the pull tab 162. Alternatively, the same sound track of the sound emitting device 154 can be controlled, e.g., on/off, fast/slow, forward/reverse by the two separate switch mechanisms.
One embodiment of the spring loaded switch mechanism 152 is depicted in FIG. 9. The mechanism contains a housing 190, a spring 194, a sliding block 196, a switch or sensor 198, actuator/string end 202, and sensor probe or trip arm 204. In operation, when the pull tab is pulled upon, the actuator/string 202 attached thereto draws the sliding block 196 downward or otherwise away from the mounting point of spring 194, to the position shown in phantom where the sliding block 196 contacts the sensor or trip arm 204 which activates the sound generating circuit as contained in housing 190. Another embodiment of the spring loaded switch mechanism 152 is depicted in FIG. 10. This mechanism also has a housing 190, a spring 192, sliding block 196, sensor 198, string end 202, and sensor probe 204. When the chin of the card is pulled down, the actuator/string 202 is pulled down as well. The tension spring 194 becomes elongated or the compression spring 192 is compressed. The sliding block 196 moves down together with the string 202 when the pull tab 162 is pulled, to the position shown in phantom where the sliding block 196 contacts the sensor probe/trip arm 204, and the sensor 198 sends a signal to or otherwise activates the sound emitting device 154 (contained within housing 190) to make sound. When the pull tab 162 is released, the string 202 and sliding block 196 will move upward and the spring 194, 192 will be return to its normal position.
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic circuit, generally of the type described in connection with FIG. 4 or 8, which is switched on or off by movement of a pull tab 102 relative to a panel of a greeting card or novelty item. In FIG. 11, the pull tab 102 is connected to a spring assembly/switch mechanism 1100. The top section of the pull tab 102 is directly connected to the spring assembly 1100 which is in turn connected to the bottom end of a slide tongue 1101. When a user/recipient pulls the pull tab 102 in a downward direction, the spring assembly/switch mechanism 1100 pulls the slide tongue 1101 in a downward direction until the switch is closed and the sound module (or other electronic circuit) is activated. When the user/recipient lets go of the pull tab, the pull tab, and slide tongue mechanism spring back into place, re-opening the switch and deactivating the electronic circuit or sound module. The sound module is only activated for as long as the user/recipient keeps the pull tab in a depressed state.
FIG. 12 illustrates a spring activated switch 152 for activating an electronic circuit generally of the type described in connection with FIG. 4 or 8, as shown in cross section in FIGS. 9 and 10, which is connected to the pull tab 102 via a connector 1021 that in this embodiment is a strip of paperboard. This configuration is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 except that the string is replaced with a strip of paperboard connecting the pull tab 102 to an attachment mechanism connected of the spring activated switch 152. The attachment mechanism extends downward from the bottom of the spring activated switch housing and contains a horizontal opening thereon for insertion of the connector 1021. As shown, the connector is a strip of paperboard that is inserted into the opening in the attachment mechanism and attached at both free ends to the pull tab 102. The connector may be attached to the pull tab mechanism using glue, tape, or any other suitable attachment device. When a user/recipient pulls on the pull tab 102, the attachment mechanism is pulled in a downward direction via the connector, thus activating the spring activated switch mechanism to energize the electronic circuit.
FIGS. 13 and 14 depict an alternate embodiment of the disclosure wherein a pull tab 180 and sound mechanism 184 are attached to a novelty or article other than a greeting card, such as for example, a gift bag 300, and more particularly to a side panel of a gift bag. FIG. 11 shows a side of the gift bag 300, with a front panel J, back panel K, two side panels L, M, and a bottom panel (not shown). Incorporated into panel J of the gift bag 300 is a pull tab 180 that is exposed through a slot 182 in panel J. The configuration and operation of the pull tab 180 in combination with one or more of the described sound generating devices can be the same as or substantially similar to that previously described. FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment wherein a concealed sound mechanism 184 which is attached to the pull tab 180, also on a panel such as panel J of the gift bag 300, and which is concealed by a flap or cover J1 which can be in the form of a vertically hinged or folded flap, or top or bottom hinge, or removable cover or any other form of protection or concealment. As in the representative embodiment, discussed above, when the consumer extends the pull tab 180, the switch closes and sound is emitted through the sound emitting device and when the consumer releases the pull tab 180, the switch re-opens and the sound ceases to play.
An alternate embodiment of the greeting card of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 15 through 23. This embodiment includes a multi-panel greeting card structure with a pull-tab mechanism which moves between at least two positions wherein the audio playback depends on the position of the pull-tab. A slide switch controls activation of at least two audio files via the pull-tab. The pull-tab also effectuates movement of a three-dimensional die cut pop-up structure from a first, flat position to a second, standing or upright position.
As shown in the figures, the greeting card 400 contains multiple panels preferably made of paperboard but may also be made from cardboard, plastic, or any other suitable material. The panels include at least a front cover 401A, and a back cover 401B having at least two panels which are attached or connected to one another along each outer edge, forming a cavity therebetween. An electronics module 405, a slide switch trigger plate 406A, and a positioning plate 406B are contained and concealed within this cavity. The greeting card 400 also includes a die cut pop-up structure 402 which is positioned between the front 401A and back 401B cover of the greeting card 400 and which is connected to a pull-tab mechanism 403. Movement of the pull-tab mechanism 403 effects playback of at least two audio files and movement of the pop-up structure 402. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the die cut pop-up structure 402 contains various panels having various fold lines which are interconnected to effectuate movement of the pop-up structure 402. As in this example, the die cut pop-up structure 402 may be shaped as a cow but in other embodiments, the die cut pop-up structure 402 may be shaped to resemble a dog, a cat, a person or any other conceivable shape. The panels of the pop-up structure 402 form a body and a head of the cow with a portion of the cow's tongue visible to a user, either on or through the front cover 401A or on an inside panel 401B upon opening the greeting card 400. The tongue panel serves as the pull-tab mechanism 403 which initiates playback of the audio files. The tongue panel 403 also serves to move the pop-up structure 402 from a first position, where it is generally folded in a flat or horizontal arrangement between the front 401A and back 401B greeting card panels, as shown in FIG. 16, and a second position, where the pop-up structure 402 is in a standing, upright position, as shown in FIG. 17. A user can effectuate movement of the pop-up structure by holding the pull-tab mechanism 403 between a thumb and index finger and pulling the pull-tab mechanism 403 in a downward direction. The pop-up structure 402 may also contain other embellishments, such as the moving eyes 404, as shown in FIGS. 15, 17 and 19, or any other added flat or three-dimensional element. The front panel 401A of the greeting card 400 may be shorter in length than the back panel 401B, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 19, so that the pop-up structure 402 can be seen from the front of the closed greeting card and while on display in a greeting card display fixture.
An electronics module 405 is contained and concealed between two greeting card panels. The electronics module 405 may include, but is not limited to: a circuit board, an integrated circuit chip, a memory storage device with at least two pre-recorded audio files contained thereon, a speaker 408, a power source such as one or more batteries 409, and any other component which facilitates the upload, storage and playback of audio files or any other special effect such as lighting or moving components. As shown in FIGS. 21 through 23, a PVC panel 410 is attached at one end to the pull-tab mechanism 403. It also interacts with the slide switch trigger plate 406A, the positioning plate 406B and a spring mechanism 407. When the pull-tab mechanism 403 is pulled in a downward direction, moving the PVC panel 410, the slide switch trigger plate 406A initiates playback of a first audio file. When the pull-tab mechanism 403 is released, the spring mechanism 407 pulls the PVC panel 410 back, causing the slide switch trigger plate 406A to initiate playback of a second audio file. Releasing the pull-tab mechanism 403 also causes the positioning plate 406B to interrupt the movement of the PVC panel 410, thereby allowing the pop-up structure 402 to remain in a standing or upright position, at an approximate 45-degree angle. FIGS. 21 through 23 show how movement of the pull-tab mechanism 403 effects movement of the PVC plate 410, the slide switch trigger plate 406A and the positioning plate 406B. For example, FIG. 21 shows a first position, wherein the greeting card 400 is closed and the pop-up structure 402 is in a flat, folded position, as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 22 shows how the arrangement of the slide switch trigger plate 406A, positioning plate 406B and spring mechanism 407 are altered when the pull-tab mechanism 403 is pulled in a downward direction. Depressing the pull-tab mechanism also causes the pop-up structure 402 to move to a standing or upright position, as shown in FIG. 17. Playback of the first audio file is also initiated at this stage. FIG. 23 shows the position of the slide switch trigger plate 406A, positioning plate 406B and spring mechanism 407 when the pull-tab mechanism 403 is released. The pop-up structure 402 remains in a standing position and playback of the second audio file is initiated.
The at least two pre-recorded audio files stored on the memory device of the electronics module 405 preferably contain different audio clips. The audio clips may be verbal or spoken words, singing, music, onomatopoeia, or any other audible sound. The use of a USB port, SD card slot or any other mechanism for accommodating an external memory device for uploading audio files to memory within the electronics module and the addition of a microphone and additional switches which initiate a user recording session have been contemplated and are considered to be within the scope of this invention.
In practice, the greeting card 400 of the present invention comes in flat folded arrangement wherein the pop-up structure 402 is located between the front 401A and back 401B greeting card panels, as shown in FIG. 15. Opening the greeting card 400 by pivoting the front greeting card panel 401A to the left along a fold line, reveals the pop-up structure 402, which is initially in a first position wherein the various interconnected panels are folded such that the pop-up structure 402 is in a flat or folded position, as shown in FIG. 16. Pulling downward on the pull-tab mechanism 403, which in the example shown is the die cut panel representing the cow's tongue, moves the pop-up structure 402 from the first position to a second position which is an open or upright position (the cow is standing), shown in FIG. 17. The slide switch trigger plate 406A also triggers playback of a first audio file, which in this example, asks the user to “let go of my tongue please”. This verbal audio is also modified to sound like the voice (cow) is speaking while someone is holding his/her tongue. When the user lets go of the “tongue” or pull-tab mechanism 403, the spring mechanism 407 retracts, pulling back on the PVC panel 410. Playback of the second audio file is initiated at this time. The second audio file is preferably related to, corresponds to, or is complementary to the first audio file. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures and described herein, the second audio file contains a verbal clip thanking the user for releasing its tongue and singing “Happy Birthday” to the user or card recipient. Once the second audio file has been played in its entirety, the audio ceases. The pop-up structure 402 remains in a standing position as the positioning plate 406B restricts movement of the PVC panel 410. The user may manually push the pop-up structure 402 down or close the greeting card 400.
While the embodiment of the greeting card shown in FIGS. 15-23 is described as having a single slide switch which controls playback of at least two audio files, the card may contain two separate slide switches which each control playback of one of the at least two audio files. Any number and/or type of switches may be used to trigger any number of audio files. Also, while the greeting card is shown and described as having a positioning plate which enables the pop-up structure to remain in a standing position when the pull-tab has been released, another version of the greeting card may omit the positioning plate so that when the pull-tab is released, the pop-up structure goes from the second position back to the first position. Additionally, while the examples shown in the figures and described herein refer to a cow with specific verbal audio clips, the pop-up mechanism may be, as mentioned above, any type of animal, person, character, etc. and the audio clips may contain any verbal message, songs, music, or other audible sounds.
The disclosure further includes any type of electronic circuit which is battery powered and configured to produce sound, light, motion or vibration and coupled or connected to a switching mechanism which is operable by manipulation of a moveable component of a greeting card or novelty as described with reference to the exemplary embodiments.
Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses of the present invention are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations of the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein.
Patent Grant
8813397
