Jerry L Knipp

US Patent:

46935410, Sep 15, 1987

Filed:

Jun 21, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/747647

Inventors:

Robert E. Sanders - Lenexa KS
Jerry L. Knipp - Grandview MO
Charles J. Flynn - Kansas City MO

Assignee:

Hallmark Cards, Inc. - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

H01R 1360

US Classification:

439541

Abstract:

A connector is disclosed which permits an electrically illuminated ornament or the like to be readily connected to a string of conventional light sockets. A first connection is provided which preferably is in the form of a conventional socket for receiving a lamp which is inserted in a grommet carried by an ornament. At the opposite end, contacts are mounted in a support member of insulating material to form a plug assembly arrangd to fit within a conventional socket. The construction is such as to accommodate various types and dimensions of sockets. A coupling element attaches the connector to the ornament and acts as both a retention device and as a heat sink for the miniature light, the coupling element having particular utility in an edge-lit ornament.

US Patent:

45442185, Oct 1, 1985

Filed:

Jun 27, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/508522

Inventors:

Robert E. Sanders - Lenexa KS
Jerry L. Knipp - Grandview MO
Charles J. Flynn - Kansas City MO

Assignee:

Hallmark Cards, Inc. - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

H01R 2900

US Classification:

339 31L

Abstract:

A connector is disclosed which permits an electrically illuminated ornament or the like to be readily connected to a string of conventional light sockets. A first connection is provided which preferably is in the form of a conventional socket for receiving a lamp which is inserted in a grommet carried by an ornament. At the opposite end, contacts are mounted in a support member of insulating material to form a plug assembly arranged to fit within a conventional socket. The construction is such as to accommodate various types and dimensions of sockets.

US Patent:

49891200, Jan 29, 1991

Filed:

Feb 5, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/475186

Inventors:

Terrill M. Davis - Gladstone MO
Charles J. Flynn - Kansas City MO
Jerry L. Knipp - Independence MO

Assignee:

Hallmark Cards, Inc. - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

F21V 2130

US Classification:

362 35

Abstract:

An ornament has a viewing chamber with transparent walls for displaying an ornamental object enhanced by a lamp that rotates with it. The mechanism for rotating the ornamental object is contained within a concealing chamber with opaque walls and includes a pair of brushes providing sliding contact with a pair of slip rings in electrical contact with the lamp. The slip rings rotate with the ornamental object to supply current to the lamp throughout the 360 degrees of rotation.