Abstract:
A method of creating a personalized greeting card including providing a paperboard template having a plurality of notches defining hinges and distinctive panels hinged from a central card portion; designing a customized greeting having user defined text and graphics using a computer interface; printing the customized greeting onto the paperboard template; and folding the distinctive panels onto the central card portion enclosing the customized greeting.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    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. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Greeting cards are well known to be presented to individuals at special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother&#39;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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    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. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view depicting a surface of a paperboard template. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic view depicting an opposite surface of the paperboard template in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a portion of a paperboard template in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a portion of a paperboard template in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic view of an alternative configuration of a paperboard template in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a portion of a paperboard template in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a portion of a paperboard template in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic front view of a portion of a paperboard template in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic rear view of the portion of the paperboard template in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic of a customizable greeting card system according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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.” 
         [0026]    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.” 
         [0027]    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. 
       A. Brief Additional Description Relating to the Systems and Methods for Producing a Customizable Greeting Card. 
       [0028]    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&#39;s mailing information including name and address. 
       B. General Features of an Example Customizable Greeting Card According to the Present Disclosure: FIGS.  1 - 6 A 
       [0029]    In  FIG. 1 , a schematic representation depicts a customized greeting card applied to a paperboard template  100 . The paperboard template  100  comprises a first portion  110  and a second portion  120 . The first portion  110  is differentiated from the second portion  120  by a separation border  130 . 
         [0030]    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. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , the paperboard template includes an exterior surface  100   e  located on an opposite surface of an interior surface ( FIG. 1 )  100   a . As depicted, the exterior surface includes a plurality of printable regions configured to receive postage and mailing information when the second portion  120  is detached from the first portion  110  and folded in the enclosed envelope  115 . For example, a first exterior printable region  120   a  and a second exterior printable region  120   b  can be orientated to receive a sender&#39;s return address; and a third exterior printable region  120   c  can be oriented to receive the postage. A fourth exterior printable region  120   d  can be oriented to receive the card recipient&#39;s address. Alternative orientations of the depicted printable regions are possible. 
         [0033]    In referring to  FIGS. 2-3A , the inner perimeter of the first portion  110  is defined by the separation border  130 . In general, the separation border  130  can be visually indicated by a line  130   a . In alternative examples, the line  130   a  can be a series of perforations in the paperboard template  100 . The series of perforations reduces the structural integrity of the paperboard template  100  along the separation border  130 . Thus, a user can more easily separate the first portion  110  from the second portion  120 . 
         [0034]    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 . 
         [0035]    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. 
         [0036]    In general, the boundary of central panel  140  is defined by a central panel outer perimeter  144 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the central panel outer perimeter  144  is defined by a plurality of seams that joins each panel  150 ,  160 ,  170 , and  180  to the central panel  140 . For example, the central panel  140  and the top panel  150  are connected by a top panel seam  152 . The central panel  140  and the first side panel  160  are connected by a first side seam  162 . The central panel  140  and the second side panel  170  are connected by a second side seam  172 . The central panel  140  and the bottom panel  180  are connected by a bottom seam  182 . 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , for the top panel  150 , first side panel  160 , second side panel  170  and bottom panel  180 , the respective width (W1) is directed along the respective base-end  154 ,  164 ,  174 , and  184  of each panel. Similarly, for the top panel  150 , first side panel  160 , second side panel  170  and bottom panel  180 , the respective length-dimension (L1) spans the distance between a respective base-end and the apex of a free-end for that respective panel. 
         [0039]    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  FIGS. 1-6 , the central panel  140  has a quadrilateral shape. However, alternative geometric shapes are possible. 
         [0040]    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  151   a ,  151   b  of the top panel  150  converge to an apex  155   a.    
         [0041]    The top panel  150  is configured to fold around the top seam axis  152   a  at the top panel seam  152 , inwardly towards an interior surface  140   i  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. 
         [0042]    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. 
         [0043]    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 . 
         [0044]    The top panel free-end  155  comprises a securing member  158  including a shaft  158   a  and a notch  158   b . The shaft  158   a  extends radially to a notch apex  158   c  of the top panel free-end  155 . The notch  158   b  is connected at a distal end of the shaft  158   a . As depicted, the notch  158   b  includes a notch base  158   d  having a width-dimension. The sides of the notch  158   b  converge to the notch apex  158   c . As depicted, the structure of the notch  158   b  resembles a triangle. Alternative configurations of the securing member  158  are possible. 
         [0045]    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  162   a , inwardly towards an interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . In the depicted example, sides  161   a ,  161   b  of the first side panel  160  converge to an apex  165   a  and the first side panel free-end  165 . For example, the first side panel  160  includes a printable region  166 . Alternative embodiments are possible. 
         [0046]    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  172   a , inwardly towards an interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . In the depicted example, sides  171   a ,  171   b  of the second side panel  170  converge to an apex  175   a  at the second side panel free-end  175 . For example, the second side panel  170  includes a printable region  176 . Alternative embodiments are possible. 
         [0047]    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  182   a , inwardly towards an interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . Sides  181   a ,  181   b  of the second side panel  170  converge to an apex  185   a  at the bottom panel free-end  185 . In another alternative example, the bottom panel  180  includes a printable region  186 . Alternative embodiments are possible. 
         [0048]    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. 
         [0049]    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  158   a  of the first securing member  158  has a width-dimension, oriented in the same direction as the notch base  158   d . 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  158   d  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  158   d  is at least 0.5. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in general, the first side panel free-end  165  is adjacent to the second side panel free-end, when the first side panel  160  and the second side panel  170  are folded inward. The first side panel  160  has been folded inward around the first side seam axis  162   a  at the first side seam  162  towards the interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . Similarly, the second side panel  170  has been folded inward around the second side seam axis  172   a  at the second side seam  172  towards the interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , the first side panel  160  and the second side panel  170  overlap when the panels are folded towards the central panel  140 . The first side panel  160  and the second side panel  170  can be secured when a second securing member  170   c  located at the second side panel free-end  175  passes through a second securing aperture  160   c  defined by the first side panel  160 . Alternative examples are possible where the location of the second securing member  170   c  is located on the first side panel  160  and the second securing aperture  160   c  is located on the second side panel  170 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the bottom panel  180  is folded inwardly towards the interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . The bottom panel  180  overlaps the first side panel  160  and the second side panel  170 . Subsequently, the top panel  150  is folded inwardly towards the interior surface  140   i  of the central panel  140 . To secure the second portion  120 , the notch  158   b  of the securing member  158  passes through the first securing member aperture  188 . 
         [0053]    Depicting in  FIGS. 6-6A , once all of the panels are secured, the second portion  120  has been converted into a fully enclosed envelope  115 . The enclosed envelope is a normal quadrilateral. By “normal quadrilateral” what is meant is that each of the internal angles measure approximately 90 degrees. Accordingly, the printable regions  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , and  120   d  are exposed and allow a user to print or write the mailing information. 
         [0054]    General System and Method of Providing an Example Customizable Greeting Card According to the Present Disclosure:  FIG. 7 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a system  200  for the creation of customizable greeting cards is depicted. The system comprises a computing device  210 , a printing device  220 , and a paperboard template  100 . The resulting product from operating the system is the customized card  230 . 
         [0056]    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 . 
         [0057]    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. 
         [0058]    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 . 
         [0059]    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 . 
         [0060]    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. 
         [0061]    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. 
         [0062]    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  FIG. 1 . The display device  218  can be any device that provides a visual display to the user, thus allowing the user to view the user input updates through the template customization application  215 . In this manner, the end user is able to visualize a final greeting card as it is being created. In applying the template customization application  215 , a user can sequentially customize a printable region for each panel. 
         [0063]    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. 
         [0064]    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  FIG. 7 , an end user will generally use the template customization application  215 . Depending on a customization preference, the user can identify any text or graphics that will be incorporated into the greeting card (second portion  120 ). The text and graphics can be manipulated and entered using the user interface  216 . As discussed, earlier the text can be entered in to the printable region of a respective panel. 
         [0065]    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. 
         [0066]    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. 
         [0067]    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 . 
         [0068]    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. 
         [0069]    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.