US4497126A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Greeting card with illuminated message and design
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-04-06
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Granted: 1985-02-05
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Expires: 2004-04-06
Abstract
Abstract Greeting card with two folding pages joined by a fold having on one page a raised hollow design containing a battery and a light source and a suitably shaped reflector behind the light source, so that light rays may be reflected onto a reflective message or greeting on the opposite page. A folding light switch is attached to the two opposite pages so that, when the greeting card is opened, the light source is activated and illuminates the reflecting message. The reflective ink used for the message may also contain fluorescent pigment for enhanced visual impression in light containing ultraviolet light.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodrigue Dejean
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:34
CPC Classifications
B; B42; B42D; B42D15/00; B42D15/02; B42D15/022; G; G09; G09F; G09F1/00; G09F1/04; G09F1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A greeting card with illuminated design and reflective message comprising: a folding card having at least a first and a second inside surface joined by at least one fold; at least one raised design having an interior design space and a window attached to said first inside surface; a reflective message attached to said second inside surface; a folding light switch operatively attached to said first and second inside surfaces; at least one electric light source disposed inside said raised interior design space; a reflector for reflecting light from said light source onto said reflective message; an electric battery; wiring for interconnecting said folding light switch, said light source and said battery, said wiring constituting an electrical circuit; said folding light switch operating to activate said light source when said card is opened along said fold.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A greeting card with illuminated design and reflective message comprising: a folding card having at least a first and a second inside surface joined by at least one fold; at least one raised design having an interior design space and a window attached to said first inside surface; a reflective message attached to said second inside surface; a folding light switch operatively attached to said first and second inside surfaces; at least one electric light source disposed inside said raised interior design space; a reflector for reflecting light from said light source onto said reflective message; an electric battery; wiring for interconnecting said folding light switch, said light source and said battery, said wiring constituting an electrical circuit; said folding light switch operating to activate said light source when said card is opened along said fold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
A greeting card according to claim 1 wherein: said raised design further comprises a perimeter strip of a finite width and having first and second substantially parallel edges; said perimeter strip attached along said first edge to said first inside surface and projecting away from said first surface, said second edge of said strip defining said design window, said perimeter strip and said window and said first inside surface defining said interior design space; said interior space containing said electric battery and said light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A greeting card according to claim 2 wherein said reflector is generally planar and has a reflecting surface facing said window and disposed behind said electric light source and reflecting light rays from said light source through said window onto said reflective message.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A greeting card according to claim 3 wherein said reflecting surface is a rippled reflecting surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A greeting card according to claim 3 and further comprising: a lens; said lens disposed anterior to said reflector and operating to direct said light rays onto said reflective message.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A greeting card according to claim 3 wherein said reflector is disposed substantially dia-gonally through said interior space and dividing said space into an anterior space and a posterior space, said anterior space bounded by said reflecting surface, wherein said anterior space further contains said light source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A greeting card according to claim 6 wherein said posterior space contains said battery.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
148 words
A greeting card according to claim 1 wherein said folding light switch further comprises: a long pivot arm having a tab attached by a pivot point to said long pivot arm, said tab further attached to said second inside surface, a first contact point attached to said long pivot arm and spaced apart from said pivot point; a short pivot arm having first and second ends, and a first and second tabs attached to said first and second ends respectively, through first and second pivot points, said second tab attached to said long pivot arm between said first contact point of said long pivot arm and said first tab, said short pivot arm attached to said first inside surface by said first tab, said second contact point coordinated with said first contact point such that said contacts operate to complete said electrical circuit when said card is opened.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A greeting card according to claim 1 wherein said reflective message comprises reflecting ink.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A greeting card according to claim 9 wherein said reflective message further comprises a background, said background contrasting with said reflecting ink.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A greeting card according to claim 9 wherein said reflective message further comprises fluorescent pigment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A greeting card according to claim 1 wherein said electric light source comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A greeting card according to claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a light-emitting diode.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-05 | 1988-08-06 | 1989-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-05 | 1992-08-06 | 1993-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-05 | 1996-08-06 | 1997-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |