Christopher M Shields

US Patent:

20100011632, Jan 21, 2010

Filed:

Jul 17, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/175267

Inventors:

Christopher Jason Shields - Kansas City MO, US
Omar A. Martinez - Kansas City MO, US

Assignee:

HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

G09F 1/00
H01R 13/648

US Classification:

4012401, 43960701

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a greeting card with the capability of connecting to and interacting with a device. More particularly, this invention relates to a card having a connector that permits a memory device coupled with the card to interact with a device, such as a multimedia player or computing device. The memory device may include a file, such as a video or image, that has been stored by the card purchaser and that can then be executed on the device for the enjoyment of the card recipient. The memory device may store a file for the greeting card recipient to access or view on a device, such as a multimedia player, when the card is connected to the device. Additionally, the memory device may include executable software that causes the device to perform an action, such as opening up a webpage, once the card is connected to the device. In such an embodiment, the card may be a gift card, such as a standard gift card issued by retailers. When the card is connected to a device, such as a computing device, the card recipient will be able make purchases using a monetary value that has been placed on the gift card by the card purchaser.

US Patent:

20190285269, Sep 19, 2019

Filed:

Jun 5, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/432720

Inventors:

- Kansas City MO, US
Douglas L. Krivanek - Lenexa KS, US
Ivan B. Helmirch - Kansas City MO, US
Christopher J. Shields - Kansas City MO, US

International Classification:

F21V 33/00
F21V 23/00
F21S 9/02
H04R 1/02
F21V 3/02

Abstract:

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus that combines a light source, a speaker, and other electrical components in a single unit to produce lighting and sound effects. The apparatus may be sized and configured for use in a number of applications. Further, the apparatus may have a number of operating states that may include light and sound effects that correspond with one another.

US Patent:

20190054755, Feb 21, 2019

Filed:

Oct 9, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/155865

Inventors:

- KANSAS CITY MO, US
TYLER JAMES RICHMOND - ROELAND PARK KS, US
CHRISTOPHER JASON SHIELDS - KANSAS CITY MO, US
NICHOLAS PEDERSEN - LAWRENCE KS, US
DANIELLE M. CALDWELL - KANSAS CITY MO, US

International Classification:

B42D 15/02
B42D 15/04
G06F 3/041

Abstract:

A greeting card and associated techniques for storing audio tracks corresponding to definable touch zones of the greeting card is provided. In one aspect, the greeting card includes a body for securing a photograph thereon. A sensor array can be disposed within the body of the greeting card to detect touch gestures through the secured photograph, among other things. The greeting card can include a microprocessor that enables touch zones to be defined via the sensor array, such that a touch zone can correspond to various objects depicted on the card or a photograph secured thereon. Among other things, the greeting card can include a microphone for recording an audio track corresponding to each generated touch zone, a speaker for playing back an audio track corresponding to a selected touch zone, and a memory for storing touch zones and/or associated audio tracks.

US Patent:

20170089567, Mar 30, 2017

Filed:

Sep 9, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/261694

Inventors:

- Kansas City MO, US
DOUGLAS L. KRIVANEK - LENEXA KS, US
IVAN B. HELMIRCH - KANSAS CITY MO, US
CHRISTOPHER J. SHIELDS - KANSAS CITY MO, US

International Classification:

F21V 33/00
H04R 1/02
F21S 9/02
F21V 3/02
F21V 23/00

Abstract:

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus that combines a light source, a speaker, and other electrical components in a single unit to produce lighting and sound effects. The apparatus may be sized and configured for use in a number of applications. Further, the apparatus may have a number of operating states that may include light and sound effects that correspond with one another.

US Patent:

20160139721, May 19, 2016

Filed:

Nov 14, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/541840

Inventors:

- Kansas City MO, US
CHRISTOPHER JAMES SHIELDS - KANSAS CITY MO, US
NICHOLAS PEDERSEN - LAWRENCE KS, US
DANIELLE M. CALDWELL - KANSAS CITY MO, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/041
G06F 3/16
G06F 3/0484
G06F 3/044
G06F 3/0488

Abstract:

Methods and devices for storing and associating audio tracks to user-defined touch zones on a photo frame are provided. In one aspect, the photo frame includes a capacitive sensor array that provides a platform for a user to overlie a photo thereon. The capacitive sensor is coupled to a microprocessor that permits the generation of user-defined touch zones based on the user selecting an object in the photo by encircling the object with a touch gesture. The frame also includes a microphone for recording an audio track corresponding to each user-defined touch zone. The audio tracks and corresponding touch zones are stored in a memory. In some embodiments, the microprocessor can determine a selected touch zone based on a location of the user's touch and, based on the location, playback the audio track corresponding to the selected touch zone.