Patent Application
20110057020
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of mailable postcards and more specifically to talking picture postcard.
Postcards are well known the world over and are a common way for people to send a quick message and a photo or other graphic image to friends and family.
Postcards come in a variety of sizes and shapes but are usually rectangular and small enough to be processed through standard postal mail carrying means. Small audio record and playback microprocessor chips have also become popular recently and have been used in greeting cards, so that when the user opens the card, a pre-recorded message or song is played. Some cards include the ability to record a message that can be played back by the recipient. However, none of the prior art has addressed the possibility of producing a recorded message within a post card sized device so that the user can insert a graphic image or his or her choice into a slot within the postcard structure while insuring that the receiver of the card can not accidentally record over the message.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a postcard sized device that includes a slot for inserting a photo or other graphic.
Another object of the invention is to provide a postcard sized device that includes an audio record and playback feature.
Another object of the invention is to provide a talking postcard whose audio message can not be accidentally erased or by the receiver.
Another object of the invention is to provide a talking postcard that has a built in easel back to that the card may be set on a flat surface in an upright position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed talking picture postcard comprising: a scored and die cut paperboard panel having a central portion, a first portion, a picture frame portion and a second portion which when folded together form a rectangular postcard sized construction. A transparent panel covers the picture frame portion. A plurality of electronic audio producing components include a battery power supply, a speaker, an audio record and playback microprocessor, a microprocessor PCB, a record switch contact PCB, a record switch contact metal strip, a removable contact separator tab, a record switch, a microphone, a playback switch and an LED. A removable recording instruction label, a removable label including a graphic record button, mic locator circle and led locator help the user make an audio recording. A die cut foam filler panel protects the enclosed electronics. said audio microprocessor PCB supporting said audio components The microprocessor PCB is centrally mounted on said central paperboard panel. The speaker is mounted to one side of said microprocessor PCB on said central paperboard panel. The recording contact PCB is mounted on the upper portion of said central paperboard panel. The slidable record switch contact separator tab is located between a pair of electrical contacts located on said recording contact PCB. A recording switch contact metal strip makes contact with the record switch contacts when the separator tab is slid upwards. Said record switch, said LED said microphone and said playback switch are all mounted in a row on the lower portion of said central paperboard panel, Said foam filler panel is die cut and attached to said central paperboard panel so that said foam filler panel surrounds said electronic components and extends to fill said central panel to help form a rectangular postcard sized shape. said first portion of said paperboard panel folding over to completely cover and adhere to said foam panel, said picture frame portion of said paperboard panel is covered by a transparent sheet and then folded over to cover said central paperboard portion forming an open slot between said central portion and said picture frame portion. Said second paperboard portion folded over and adhered to the back side of said central portion. The outside of said second portion forming the back side of said talking picture post card and including a permanent printed graphic of a “play” button. The back side of said second portion including said removable instruction label and said removable “record”, “mic” and “LED” graphic label, so that when a user slides up the contact separator tab and presses said record graphic button said user can record an audio message for the receiver of said postcard and then completely slide down said contact separator and remove said graphic label and said instruction label so that said record switch location is no longer apparent. Said user can then slide a photo or other graphic panel into said slot the side of said paperboard rectangular construction so that it appears through said transparent panel and then mail the talking picture postcard of the present invention through standard mail delivery means.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
Referring now to
“1. To record, pull the tab above until fully extended. Then press and hold the “REC” button while speaking into the ‘MIC”. Record up to ten seconds while red LED is on.”
“2. Press play button to listen.”
“3. To re-record, repeat steps 1 and 2.”
“4. Once satisfied, push tab above completely down to lock message.” The second label 24 includes graphic buttons for “REC” 26 “MIC” 28 and “LED” 30.
While the user is making a recording the LED light turns on as a visual indicator that a recording is taking place After the user finishes the recording he is instructed to remove this label 24 so that the receiver does not know where the record switch is and therefore is less likely to accidentally press it. The only graphic the receiver sees is the “PLAY” button 32 which is permanently printed on panel 14. Perforated lines 20 and score line 21 show where the receiver can separate a portion of the back panel 14 to form an easel back so that the postcard may be set up like a standard picture frame as shown in
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
