Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for displaying a card via a decorative figurine, or similar device, equipped with one or more card retention mechanisms. In one aspect of the invention, the retention mechanisms are arranged in a V shape to allow a card placed therein to be retained in a partially open state. In another aspect of the invention, upper projections may be included to provide further stability to the retained card. In some embodiment, the apparatus is in the form of a quadruped, the retention mechanisms are integral to or coupled to the quadruped&#39;s legs, and the upper projections are in the form of the quadruped&#39;s arms. In another aspect of the present invention, a tent-style card is held between upper and lower retention mechanisms. In another aspect of the invention, the card is permanently adhered to the figurine.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. design patent application entitled “Card Cuddler”, having Ser. No. 29/226,730, filed Jun. 16, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for displaying a card. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for displaying a card, such as a greeting card, seating card, and the like, via a decorative figurine, or similar device, equipped with one or more card retention mechanisms.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Apparatus for displaying a plurality of greeting cards are known in the art. One such device for displaying greeting cards and the like comprises a flat, relatively thin display member which is secured to a flat mounting surface of a selected support, such as a wall, door or mirror. The greeting cards are inserted into slots in the member, the inserted portion of a card being captured in a narrow space that is provided between the display member and the mounting surface. Special securing means on the member serve as spacers to maintain the narrow capture space and hold the displayed portion of each card in an upright position to be viewed.  
         [0006]     Another apparatus for displaying a plurality of greeting cards includes a housing having a channel designed to rest on a support surface. The housing has a plurality of display arm assemblies which may be selectively coupled to the housing and pivot sideways with respect to the housing for the purpose of paging through the greeting cards. The display arms are telescopic thereby allowing them to adjust to various sizes of cards. There is a lighted section at the top of the housing for ornamental purposes, and the housings are designed as a stand-alone version, one that can encompass a circular member such as a Christmas tree, or one designed to be coupled to a flat or corner wall surface.  
         [0007]     Also known are apparatus for displaying a single greeting card. One such apparatus is in the form of a blank and the stand formed therefrom for holding and supporting cards. The stand can display creased greeting cards either horizontally or vertically. The blank includes a triangular-shaped base section having in its first adaptation, a pair of diverging side panels and diverging foldable joints, and in its second adaptation, a pair of opposed side panels and parallel foldable joints. Adhesive means are further provided for attaching and placing the blank/stand in the desired position and location.  
         [0008]     Another known device for supporting a folded greeting card in an open position includes a linear base member having an abutment means at each end thereof. Each abutment means includes a slot therein for holding each side of a greeting card. In another embodiment of this same device, the abutment means are eliminated and slots are formed directly in the base member.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for displaying a card is provided. This apparatus includes a figurine and at least two retention mechanisms internal to or coupled to the figurine, the at least two retention mechanisms configured to accept at least a portion of a bottommost surface of a card; and the at least two retention mechanisms arranged in a V shape.  
         [0010]     In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for displaying a card is also provided. This apparatus includes a figurine and at least one retention mechanism internal to or coupled to the figurine, the at least one retention mechanism configured to accept at least a portion of a bottommost surface of a card.  
         [0011]     In yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for displaying a card is also provided. This apparatus includes a figurine, at least one lower retention mechanism for accepting at least one bottom of at least one side of the card, and at least one upper retention mechanism for accepting at least one top of at least one card.  
         [0012]     Also provided is yet another apparatus for displaying a card. This apparatus includes a figurine and a card coupled to the figurine.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one apparatus for displaying a card in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a magnified view of the left retention mechanism of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2  taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of one apparatus for displaying a card having an alternate retention mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a magnified view of the left retention mechanism of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 5  taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate apparatus for displaying a card and a retained card in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate apparatus for displaying a card without a retained card in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a magnified view of the left lower retention mechanism of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the left lower retention mechanism of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 8  taken along lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the right upper retention mechanism of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 8  taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 9 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , depicted is card display apparatus  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, card display apparatus  100  displays a greeting card (e.g., greeting card  102 ) or the like in a partially open state such that both the exterior and interior of the displayed material is viewable without disruption of same. The securing of the card to card display apparatus  100  also allows the apparatus to be rotated for viewing of the card interior without causing disruption to the displayed card. Use of card display apparatus  100  also minimizes the potential for disruption of retained cards by forces such as pets, wind or other air movements, etc.  
         [0027]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 , card display apparatus  100  is shaped in the form of a seated bear and it includes, inter alia: right and left legs  104   a  and  104   b  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ), respectively; right and left arms  106   a  and  106   b  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ), respectively; right and left paws  108   a  and  108   b  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ), respectively; and right and left retention mechanisms  202   a  and  202   b , respectively ( FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment of the present invention, each retention mechanism is a linear recess. However, alternate forms of retention mechanisms may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention including, without limitation, magnets.  
         [0028]     Turning next to  FIG. 2 , depicted is a top view of card display apparatus  100 . This view illustrates retention mechanisms  202   a  and  202   b , respectively, which in this embodiment of the present invention, extend along the length of right and left legs  104   a  and  104   b , respectively. Retention mechanisms  202  allow the bottom edges of the left and right sides of a greeting card to be positioned therein such that the greeting card may be retained in an upright state (such as greeting card  102  as depicted in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0029]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 , each of retention mechanisms  202  are positioned at an approximately thirty degree angle relative to an axis of symmetry passing through their point of intersection. This positioning results in a combined recess in the form of the letter “V”. Placement of the left and right sides of a greeting card in retention mechanism  202   a  and  202   b , respectively, retains the greeting card in a partially open state in which both the exterior and interior of both the left and right sides of the greeting card may be viewed without removing the greeting card from card display apparatus  100 . Although card display apparatus  100  depicts two retention mechanisms located at thirty degree angles relative to an axis of symmetry, embodiments having varying angles may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0030]     Also depicted in the top view of  FIG. 2  is the slight curvature of arms  106 . In some embodiments of the present invention, arms or other forms of upper projections are included to provide upper support to the retained card. Optimally, arms  206  are positioned such that they will allow the upper end of the card to open to the same degree as the lower end of the card, as determined by the angle of retention mechanism  202 . In some such embodiments, the upper projections are curved or otherwise positioned inward to allow the inwardly facing sides of the distal ends of such projections (e.g., distal ends  110 ) to physically contact the exterior surfaces of one or more sides of the retained card. Such contact provides additional support for the retained card. However, upper support (in the form of upper projections or otherwise) is not required to implement the present invention. Additionally, right and left arms  106   a  and  106   b , respectively, may have equal or varying curvatures without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0031]     Turning next to  FIG. 3 , depicted is a magnified view of left retention mechanism  202   b . As seen in this view, left paw  108   b  is offset relative to left retention mechanism  202   b . Such offsetting allows a width of a card inserted into retention mechanism  202   b  to extend beyond the length of left leg  104   b  without being obstructed by paw  108   b . Such configuration allows larger cards to be retained via card display apparatus  100  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which left paw  108   b  is not offset relative to left retention mechanism  202   b . In such embodiments, retention mechanisms  202  may pass through paws  108 .  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , depicted is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , which illustrates the configuration of retention mechanism  202   b , which, in this embodiment of the present invention, is a mirror image of retention mechanism  202   a . In one embodiment of the present invention, the height h 4  of retention mechanism  202  is approximately three-eighths of an inch (⅜″) and the width w 4  of retention mechanism  202  tapers from a narrowest width of one-hundredth of an inch ( 1/100″) at its bottommost point to a widest width of one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″) at its uppermost point. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the length of retention mechanism  202  is slightly less than the length of the corresponding leg  104  in which retention mechanism  202  is located. However, varying lengths, widths, and heights may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof (e.g., retention mechanism  202  may be equal to the length of the corresponding leg  104 ).  
         [0033]     As seen in this cross-sectional view, a first innermost vertical surface  402  of retention mechanism  202  is substantially vertical and a second outermost vertical surface  404  of retention mechanism  202  is tapered in an outward direction. Innermost vertical surface  402  provides interior support for a card inserted into a corresponding retention mechanism  202  whereas the tapering of outermost vertical surface  404  accommodates card sides of varying widths. That is, retention mechanism  202  allows cards having thinner sides to be inserted closer to bottom surface  406  of retention mechanism  202  while allowing cards having thicker sides to be inserted to a point located at a farther distance from bottom surface  406 . That is, cards having thinner sides may be inserted further within retention mechanisms  202  whereas cards have thicker sides may be inserted to a lesser degree within retention mechanisms  202 . However, retention mechanisms having non-tapered sides may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , depicted is card display apparatus  500  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, card display apparatus  500  displays a greeting card or the like in a partially open state such that both the exterior and interior of the displayed material is viewable without disruption of same. The securing of the card to card display apparatus  500  also allows the apparatus to be rotated for viewing of the card interior without causing disruption to the displayed card. Use of card display apparatus  500  also minimizes the potential for disruption of retained cards by forces such as pets, wind or other air movements, etc.  
         [0035]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 5 , card display apparatus  100  is shaped in the form of a seated bear and it includes, inter alia: right and left legs  504   a  and  504   b , respectively; right and left arms  506   a  and  506   b , respectively; right and left paws  508   a  and  508   b , respectively; and right and left retention mechanisms  502   a  and  502   b , respectively. In this embodiment of the present invention, each retention mechanism  502   a  and  502   b  is a set of three clips, which in this embodiment of the present invention, are located along the length of right and left legs  504   a  and  504   b , respectively. Retention mechanisms  502  allow the bottom edges of the left and right sides of a greeting card to be positioned therein such that the greeting card may be retained in an upright state. However, alternate forms of retention mechanisms may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, pairs of magnets may be substituted in which one or more first magnets are affixed to the figurine and a portion of the card is affixed to the first magnet(s) via placement of one or more second magnets on the opposite side of the card portion such that the magnets magnetically attract each other (i.e., the card is sandwiched between pairs of magnets positioned or otherwise designed to magnetically attract).  
         [0036]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 5 , each retention mechanism  502  is positioned at a thirty degree angle relative to an axis of symmetry passing through their point of intersection. This positioning results in a combined clippable area in the form of the letter “V”. Placement of the left and right sides of a greeting card in retention mechanisms  502   a  and  502   b , respectively, retains the greeting card in a partially open state in which both the exterior and interior of both the left and right sides of the greeting card may be viewed without removing the greeting card from card display apparatus  500 . Although card display apparatus  500  depicts two retention mechanisms located at thirty degree angles relative to an axis of symmetry, embodiments having varying angles may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0037]     Also depicted in the top view of  FIG. 5  is the slight curvature of arms  506 . In some embodiments of the present invention, arms or other forms of upper projections are included to provide upper support to the retained card. Optimally, arms  506  are positioned such that they will allow the upper end of the card to open to the same degree as the lower end of the card, as determined by the angle of retention mechanism  502 . In some such embodiments, the upper projections are curved or otherwise positioned inward to allow the inwardly facing sides of the distal ends of such projections (e.g., distal ends  510 ) to physically contact the exterior surfaces of one or more sides of the retained card. Such contact provides additional support for the retained card. However, upper support (in the form of upper projections or otherwise) is not required to implement the present invention. Additionally, right and left arms  506   a  and  506   b , respectively, may have equal or varying curvatures without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0038]     Turning next to  FIG. 6 , depicted is a magnified view of left retention mechanism  502   b . As seen in this view, left paw  508   b  is offset relative to left retention mechanism  502   b . Such offsetting allows a width of a card inserted into retention mechanism  502   b  to extend beyond the length of left leg  504   b  without being obstructed by paw  508   b . Such configuration allows larger cards to be retained via card display apparatus  500 . However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which left paw  508   b  is not offset relative to left retention mechanism  502   b.    
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , depicted is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 , which illustrates the location and configuration of retention mechanism  502   b , which is a mirror image of retention mechanism  502   a . In one embodiment of the present invention, the height h 7  of each clip of retention mechanism  502  is approximately three-eighths of an inch (⅜″), the width w 7  of each clip varies from approximately one-hundredth of an inch ( 1/100″) to one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″), and the length l 6  of each clip ( FIG. 6 ). is approximately three-eighths of an inch (⅜″). However, varying lengths, widths, and heights may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof  
         [0040]     As seen in this cross-sectional view, each clip of retention mechanism  502   b  may be mounted to the body of card display apparatus  100  by extending its base inward into its respective leg  504 . In the clay or plastic embodiments of the present invention, the base may be forced into the clay or plastic prior to curing or drying of same, and such materials may simply adhere to the surface of the clip during the curing or drying process. The clip may be formed of clay, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material capable of adhering to the body of card display apparatus  500 . Or, other methods of affixing a clip to card display apparatus  500  may be substituted including, without limitation, screwing, nailing, adhesive, etc. In such embodiments, the base of the clip may or may not extend into the body of card display apparatus  500 .  
         [0041]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 7 , each retention mechanism  502   b  includes an inward curvature  702  in the upper end of the otherwise substantially vertical clip. In one aspect of the present invention, each clip of retention mechanism  502   b  is spring-loaded to retain the innermost surface of inward curvature  702  in contact with a card placed therein. Inward curvature  702  accommodates card sides of varying widths as the lower end of the clip has a width wider than the widest standard card and the inward curvature  702  extends inward to physically contact the surface of a card that is less than the width w of retention mechanism  502 . That is, inward curvature  702  applies pressure to cards having sides with a width that is thinner than width w, whereas the full width w accommodates cards having thicker sides. However, retention mechanisms without inward curvatures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0042]     In addition to the added retention capabilities of arms  106  and  506 , arms  106  and  506  allow card display apparatus  100  and  500  to be molded as a character or animal that is displayed as cuddling, or hugging, the card. This feature adds to the aesthetic appeal of the apparatus.  
         [0043]     Additionally, card display apparatus  100  and  500  include a bear that is facing, or looking over, its right shoulder. This position allows a viewer to simultaneously view the face of the figurine and the front face of the card retained therein, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of card display apparatus  100  and  500 . However, embodiments in which the figurine&#39;s face does not overlook its right shoulder may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , depicted is card display apparatus  800  having a card retained therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, card display apparatus  800  displays the front of a tent-style card (e.g., seating card  802 ) or the like. The securing of the card to card display apparatus  800  minimizes the potential for disruption of retained cards by forces such as pets, wind or other air movements, etc.  
         [0045]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8 , card display apparatus  800  is shaped in the form of a seated bear and it includes, inter alia: right and left legs  804   a  and  804   b , respectively; right and left arms  906   a  and  906   b  ( FIG. 9 ), respectively; right and left lower paws  808   a  and  808   b , respectively; right and left upper paws  810   a  and  810   b , respectively, right and left lower retention mechanisms  902   a  / 912   a  and  902   b / 912   b , respectively ( FIG. 9 ), right upper retention mechanism  1202   a  ( FIG. 12 ), and left upper retention mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment of the present invention, each upper retention mechanism  1202  is a single inverted linear recess and each lower retention mechanism includes a pair of parallel linear recesses  902  and  912 . However, alternate forms of retention mechanisms may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention including, without limitation, clips and magnets.  
         [0046]     Turning next to  FIG. 9 , depicted is a perspective view of card display apparatus  800  without a card. This view illustrates the location of the lower retention mechanisms, which include a pair of parallel linear recesses  902   a / 902   b  and  912   a / 912   b . In this embodiment of the present invention, linear recesses  902  and  912  are transverse to the length of right and left legs  804   a  and  804   b , respectively. Linear recesses  902  are located near the distal end of each leg  804  and linear recesses  912  are located at the approximate midpoint of leg  804 . Retention mechanisms  902  and  912  allow the bottom edges of the front and back sides, respectively, of a tent-style card to be positioned therein such that the card may be retained in an upright state (such as seating card  802  as depicted in  FIG. 8 ).  
         [0047]     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 , retention mechanism  902   a  and  912   a  is positioned to align with retention mechanism  902   b  and  912   b , respectively, such that a straight front or back side, respectively, may sit therein and span the distance between legs  804   a  and  804   b . Although card display apparatus  800  depicts two linear recesses for each lower retention mechanism, lower retention mechanisms having a single linear recess may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0048]     Turning next to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , depicted are a magnified perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the left retention mechanism, which includes linear recesses  902   b  and  912   b . The cross-sectional view depicted in  FIG. 11  illustrates the configuration of linear recesses  902   b  and  912   b , which, in this embodiment of the present invention, are identical to linear recesses  902   a  and  912   a . In one embodiment of the present invention, the height h 11b  of linear recesses  902  is approximately three-eighths of an inch (⅜″) and the width w 11b  of linear recesses  902  tapers from a narrowest width of one-hundredth of an inch ( 1/100″) at its bottommost point to a widest width of one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″) at its uppermost point. Similarly, the height h 11a  of linear recesses  912  is approximately three-eighths of an inch (⅜″) and the width w 11a  of linear recesses  912  tapers from a narrowest width of one-hundredth of an inch ( 1/100″) at its bottommost point to a widest width of one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″) at its uppermost point. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 8-12 , the length of linear recesses  902  and  912  is equal to the width of the leg  804  through which it passes. However, varying lengths, widths, and heights may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof (e.g., linear recesses  902  and/or  912  may be less than the width of the corresponding leg  804  and the card retained therein may be sized to fit within the narrower linear recesses).  
         [0049]     As seen in this cross-sectional view, a first innermost vertical surface  1110  of linear recess  902   b  is substantially vertical and a second outermost vertical surface  1108  of linear recess  902   b  is tapered in an outward direction. Conversely, a first innermost vertical surface  1104  of linear recess  912   b  is tapered in an inward direction and a second outermost vertical surface  1102  of linear recess  912   b  is substantially vertical. Innermost vertical surface  1110  and outermost vertical surface  1102  provide interior support for a card inserted into linear recesses  902   b  and  912   b  whereas the tapering of outermost vertical surface  1108  and innermost vertical surface  1104  accommodate card sides of varying widths. That is, linear recesses  902   b  and  912   b  allow cards having thinner sides to be inserted closer to bottom surfaces  1106  and  1112  of linear recesses  912   b  and  902   b , respectively, while allowing cards having thicker sides to be inserted to a point located at a farther distance from bottom surfaces  1106  and  1112 . That is, cards having thinner sides may be inserted further within linear recesses  912   b  and  902   b  whereas cards have thicker sides may be inserted to a lesser degree within linear recesses  912   b  and  902   b . However, linear recesses having non-tapered sides may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , depicted is a cross-sectional view of card display apparatus  800  without a card retained therein (such as depicted in  FIG. 9 ) illustrating a cross-sectional view of arm  906   a  and upper paw  810   a . In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in  FIGS. 8-12 , arms or other forms of upper projections are included to provide upper support to the retained card. As depicted in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 12 , the curvature of arm  906   a  allows upper paw  810   a  to fold over and support the top end of a card retained therein. An upper retention mechanism  1202   a  in the form of an inverted linear recess is located behind upper paw  810   a . In this embodiment of the present invention, upper retention mechanism  1202   a  is transverse to the length of arm  906   a  and it is located near the distal end of arm  906   a . Upper retention mechanism  1202   a  allows the top edge, or intersection of the front and back sides, of a tent-style card to be positioned therein such that the card may be retained in an upright state (such as seating card  802  as depicted in  FIG. 8 ).  
         [0051]      FIG. 12  illustrates the configuration of upper retention mechanism  1202   a , which, in this embodiment of the present invention, is identical to upper retention mechanism  1202   b  (not shown) which is located behind upper paw  810   b  in an identical manner to that which upper retention mechanism  1202   a  is located behind upper paw  810   a . In one embodiment of the present invention, the height h 12  of inverted linear recesses  1206  is approximately three-eighth of an inch (⅜″) and the width w 12  of linear recesses  1206  tapers from a narrowest width of one-hundredth of an inch ( 1/100″) at its uppermost point to a widest width of one thirty-second of an inch ( 1/32″) at its lowermost point. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 8-12 , the length of upper retention mechanism  1202  are equal to the width of the arm  906  through which it passes. However, varying lengths, widths, and heights may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof (e.g., upper retention mechanism  1202  may be less than the width of the corresponding arm  906  and the card retained therein may be sized to fit within the narrower linear recesses).  
         [0052]     As seen in this cross-sectional view, a first innermost vertical surface  1208   a  of upper retention mechanism  1202   a  is substantially vertical and a second outermost vertical surface  1204   a  of upper retention mechanism  1202   a  is tapered in an outward direction. Innermost vertical surface  1208   a  and outermost vertical surface  1204   a  provide interior support for a top end of a card inserted into upper retention mechanism  1202   a  whereas the tapering of outermost vertical surface  1204   a  accommodate a slightly open card, thereby allowing the bottoms of the front and back sides of the card to be inserted in linear recesses  902  and  912 , respectively. However, inverted linear recesses having non-tapered sides may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, upper support (in the form of upper projections, upper arms, inverted linear recesses, or otherwise) may be omitted as it is not required to implement the present invention.  
         [0053]     In one aspect of the present invention, card display apparatus  100 ,  500 , and/or  800  are each molded as a single piece from a material such as clay or plastic. In one embodiment of the present invention, card display apparatus  100 ,  500 , and/or  800  may be formed via injection molding. However, multi-pieced embodiments are also envisioned. Embodiments made from materials other than clay or plastic are also envisioned.  
         [0054]     To facilitate the retention of a card via V-shaped retention mechanisms and/or upper and lower retention mechanisms, card display apparatus  100 ,  500 , and  800  are created in the form of a bear sitting in an upright position and having outstretched or curled arms and legs. However, other non-bear characters may be substituted who are also sitting in an upright position with outstretched or curled arms and legs. Or, alternatively, forms other than four limbed characters may be substituted included, but not limited to, hobby figures, sports figures, seasonal figures, and holiday figures. For example, the other forms that may be substituted for a bear figurine holding a birthday greeting card include, without limitation: clowns (e.g., for birthday greetings); animals in a cast (e.g., for get well greetings); snowmen (e.g., for winter greetings); bunnies (e.g., for Easter greetings); Santa Claus (e.g., for Christmas greetings); a stack of presents in the form of a pyramid; a U.S. service bear or person; a balloon bouquet; and a fisherman having recesses in his boat. Virtually any form may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. The form of card display apparatus  100 ,  500 , and  800  may be further designed to add to an individual&#39;s home décor in manners including, without limitation, accentuating the season of the year, accentuating the personality of the owner, or celebrating a particular holiday. However, this home décor feature is not required to implement the present invention.  
         [0055]     Although card display apparatus are described herein as a distinct entity from the card to be retained therein, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the card display apparatus is given as a gift in conjunction with a card such as a greeting card or seating card. In such embodiments, the card may be permanently affixed to the card display apparatus (e.g., via adhesive) or detachable therefrom without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0056]     Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention are depicted herein with the capability of retaining both sides of a vertically-or horizontally-oriented, two-sided card, alternate embodiments are envisioned for holding horizontal or vertical single-sided, or single paged, cards such as seating cards, picture cards, etc. In such embodiments, the single paged card, or a closed horizontally-oriented, double-paged card, is retained via one of the two retention mechanisms (e.g., linear recess, set of clips, etc.) and the other retention mechanism remains unused. Or, in another alternate embodiment, card display apparatus  100  includes a single retention mechanism. Such embodiments allow the card display apparatus to be given, for example, as wedding favors while also allowing such favors to hold a seating card.  
         [0057]     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.