Electronic random message storage and generation novelty device

Abstract

This invention involves an electronic storage device that, when prompted, randomly displays electronically stored messages on a LED type screen. The product is encased in a plastic housing of unique shape, for instance a heart shape. This device has a switch to turn it on, which has three positions. The first is the off position. The second makes a light in the device flash, so as to notify a person that the device is turned on. The third position causes the random message is displayed. The combination of these aspects is what is being claimed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, US PATENT DOCUMENTS

	5209692	May 1993	Coleman
	5324527	June 1994	Coleman
	5471373	November 1995	Coleman
	5690535	November 1997	Fishman
	5733033	March 1998	Fishman
	6077144	June 2000	Fishman
	5791966	August 1998	Capps
	2746756	May 1956	″
	2794298	June 1957	″
	3278182	October 1966	″
	4470044	September 1984	″
	4563160	April 1986	″
	4925424	May 1990	″
	5036442	July 1991	″
	5041947	August 1991	″
	5045016	September 1991	″
	5145444	September 1992	″
	5190491	September 1993	″
	5356328	October 1994	″
	5406300	April 1995	″

Fishman covers candy holding devices that combine the act of presenting candy with electronic displays to enhance the presentation of candy products. Capps et.al. work on rotating candy with electronic displays, again to increase the value or experience of candy. U.S. Pat. No. 2,746,756 through U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,300 are yo-yo products with displays on them that are enacted by the motion of the yo-yo. In all these cases the combination of a consumable product with the electronics is different than our combination of electronics and a novelty product as described below.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

There is not or will not be any federal finding of the work described in this patent.

• US patent class: 446/236

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the electronic novelty market. This device is generally an electronic storage device that, when turned on, extracts randomly stored information from a storage chip and displays it on a LED or electronic screen. The electronics are embodied in a housing, generally made of plastic formed into a unique shape relating to the design and function of the product. The invention is the combination of several technologies; the storage of electronic information, the random nature of the retrieval, and the unique shape of the device all combined into one product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are several unique aspects of this invention that are not found in the market today. Most products that serve this function are in the form of printed cards that are chosen based on a game board type activity. So, the aspects of this invention are:

First, the electronic storage of the information on a memory chip. Second is the program used to retrieve the information off the storage chip and display it on the electronic display. Third is the randomness of the retrieval achieved by timers in the program. Fourth is the size of the device to fit in the palm of your hand. Sixth is the encompassment of the electronics into a unique shape to match the theme of the product. Seventh is the multi-function switch which allows the device to alert the user-to-be by flashing or other alert means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure One is an overall view of the initial product

Figure two is the view of the rear of the circuit board.

Figure three is the view of the front of the circuit board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings mentioned above, figure one shows the overall embodiment (2) of the invention. In this version the molded housing is in the shape of a heart made of two pieces, 3A and 3B, the front and back respectively. The front has a rectangular hole to allow viewing of the electronic display. Molded into the top of the housing are slots that allow a lanyard (1) to be threaded through to allow the device to be worn around the neck or hung for display.

Figure two shows the rear of the circuit board assembly. In addition to the basic electronics such as resistors and capacitors to make the circuit function, the board consists of the driver chip (5) that holds the program that operates the device and enables the operation to randomly select stored messages, to display them in a scrolling fashion, to flash the alert light and generally provide the operating system for the device. The message chip (6) stores the messages or information that is to be displayed. Switch (7) is a three position switch that has an off position, a flashing light position and a display message position. Finally, it shows mounting holes (8) that will allow for an additional switch that will add the capability to switch between languages on the memory chip by flipping it to a second or third position.

Figure three shows the electronic display (9) that displays the messages or information when the device is turned to position three on the switch (7). The circuit board has mounting holes that mate to mounting pins on the molded housing for easy assembly. The light (11) flashes when the switch (7) is turned to the middle position.

In view of the above, it should be noted that various changes can be made which will vary but not change the intent of the invention, so the drawings and description should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic novelty device that electronically stores messages that when prompted by turning on a switch will randomly display the stored messages on an electronic display. The user will know the device is ready for use by a flashing light that, in this version, symbolizes a beating heart. The device is encased in molded plastic housing that when assembled entraps and retains the electronic circuitry to hold it into position so that the display can be viewed through a window in the housing. The device can be hung or worn by a lanyard that is thread through slots molded into the housing.

2. A device as described in claim 1 where the shape is other than that of a heart, such as a cross, football, or other shape molded out of plastic.

3. A device as described in claim 1 where the housing is made of another material such as wood or carbon fiber.

4. A device as described in claim 1 where the color is other than red, for instance clear, blue, green or other thematic color.

5. A device as described in claim 1 where the alert method is other than a light, or a combination of a light and other means such as vibrating device, buzzing sound, music or other such method.

6. A device as described in claim 1 where the hanging device is other than that of a lanyard, for instance a hook or other means.

7. A device as described in claim 1 where the messages in the storage device can be displayed in other languages easily by switching a switch inside the device or other similar means.

8. A device as described in claim 1 where the messages when displayed have the ability to add other additional information by some means, such as throwing a switch to another position or by holding a button down.

9. A device as described in claim 1 where the message may be a question, to which the answer is revealed by some switching means or built in delay.

10. A device as described in claim 1 where the switching device is a push button switch or other available device to change the mode of the device.

11. A device as described in claim 1 where the purpose is a game instead of displaying random information, such as charades or other such game.

12. A device described in claim 1 where the message groups are a logical set of phrases, such as a group of Bible verses and themes, or activities for couples to do together, or group discussion ideas, or other such groupings.