Communications: electrical – Audible indication – Simulation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-04
2001-05-22
Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Audible indication
Simulation
C340S384730, C446S302000, C446S404000, C446S484000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236305
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to sound effect devices and more specifically, to a user controlled sound device that will allow the user to play a wide variety of sound effects which are stored on interchangeable sound cartridges.
BACKGROUND
At the present time, there are a wide variety of sound effect devices designed within dolls, figurines, toys and the like. These sound effects are usually of poor quality and add to the cost of the toy. Furthermore, many toys are not equipped with sound effects. If a child possesses a wide variety of toys (toy guns, dolls, space ships, cars, dinosaurs, figurines, etc. . . . ) not equipped with sound effects, the child must improvise by creating his/her own sound effects. Currently, there are no sound effect devices that provide sounds for dolls, figurines, toys and the like that are not otherwise equipped with sound effect devices. In addition, those dolls, figurines, toys and the like that are equipped with sound effect devices are limited to the sound effects provided by the manufacturer.
Heretofore, inventors have modified a variety of sound devices. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,253,068; 4,337,460; 5,177,467; 4,314,236; and 5,130,693. All of these inventions provide different sound effects for various purposes. However, these devices are not designed to provide sound effects for dolls, figurines, toys and the like and they suffer many other disadvantages that inhibit their full commercial acceptance.
For example, there are many toys for sale in today's market, however, none of the prior art sound effect devices provide the user with the ability to change or add extra sounds to a toy's given list of sound effects. In other words, the toy is limited to the sound effects contained inside the toy as provided by the manufacturer. Second, when a child plays with a toy that contains sound effects, it is often difficult and disruptive for the child to manually push buttons on the object and play at the same time. Prior art designs simply do not allow the user to control the sound effects while playing with the toy in a more natural, realistic manner. In addition, such toys do not help develop the child's hand-eye coordination. Another disadvantage of prior art designs is the relatively poor sound quality. A majority of the sound effects associated with prior art designs are electronically simulated sounds; they are not prerecorded “real sounds.” Thus, the sounds produced provide little realism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention describes a device that produces sound effects that are primarily intended for use with dolls, figurines, toys, and educational materials such as books and guides. The sound effects are digitally prerecorded and stored on small, easily removable cartridges that can be exchanged with other cartridges, each containing a different set of prerecorded sounds. In the preferred embodiment, the user controls the sounds by actuating a number of buttons on a transmitter unit that is contained in an ambidextrous, glove-like garment which is worn by the user. The transmitter sends an infrared signal to a receiver unit that is collocated with the sound cartridge. The receiver unit can be designed so that it is physically part of the toy or it can be worn on the user's waist in the event the doll, toy, or book, as manufactured, has no sound effect capabilities. Accordingly, there are several options, advantage, and cost benefits associated with the present invention that one cannot attribute to any of the prior art.
It is one object of the present invention to provide a device that allows the user to play with any doll, toy, figurine, book or the like by enhancing those toys and books with realistic sound effects where none existed before.
It is another object to provide a device that allows the user to play with any doll, toy, figurine, book, or the like and add sound effects when there are but a few limited sound effects provided by the manufacturer.
It is another object to provide a design that allows the user to control the sound effects during play without having to stop and interrupt play.
Another object is to provide quality sound effects in order to educate and enrich the user's imagination.
It is yet another object to generate as many sound effects as possible by providing interchangeable sound cartridge units, each containing a different though related set of sound effects.
Still another object is to provide a device that will aid in improving the user's hand-eye coordination by using this device.
Another object is to provide a unit that can be designed into other toys and the like that do not have the flexibility of using interchangeable sound effects.
It is also an object to provide a unit that can be designed into educational and informational material (i.e. books and guides) that do not have the flexibility of using interchangeable sound effects.
It is another object to provide a device that is easy to use and one that employs a cost saving approach since only one sound effect device is needed to play back a wide variety of sound effects.
Another object is to provide a unit that provides interchangeable sound cartridges that lock firmly and connect effectively to the circuit.
Another object is to provide a protective cartridge that protects the sound enabler from damage and electrostatic discharge from the user.
Finally, it is an object to provide a device that is lightweight and easy to carry.
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patent: 5648753 (1997-07-01), Martin
patent: 5851119 (1998-12-01), Sharpe, III et al.
patent: 6046670 (2000-04-01), Martin
Hofsass Jeffery
Leary James J.
Pham Toan
Titus Carol D.
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