US5570414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Voice message keepsake system
Assignee: Voice Express Corp
•
Filing: 1996-01-16
•
Granted: 1996-10-29
•
Expires: 2016-01-16
Abstract
Abstract A system for producing voice message keepsakes includes a message processor which may be accessed over a plurality of communication links, such as telephone lines. The processor may be so accessed by a customer's communication set, such as a conventional telephone set, or by a subscriber set, and it is capable of distinguishing the two. When accessed by a customer's set, the processor permits the caller to create a temporary mailbox associated with his gift purchase, in which he may then record a voice message. When called by a subscriber set, the processor permits previously created mailboxes to be accessed and will transfer the message recorded therein to the subscriber set. The subscriber set includes a receptacle for receiving a voice message keepsake in accordance with the present invention, and it will record thereon stored messages provided from the message processor, under control of the message processor. The invention also contemplates a unique construction for the voice message keepsake, and a method for recording on it.
Inventors
- 👤 Geoffrey S. Stern
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:34
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/50; H04M3/53; H04M3/533; H04M1/00; H04M1/64; H04M1/642
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
In a system for recording a purchasing customer's voice message in a voice message keepsake provided by a vendor, the combination of: a voice message processor comprising: a plurality of communication links capable of receiving calls transmitted over a public communication network; and recording means responsive to receipt of a customer's call on one of said communication links for recording the customer's voice message in association with a code provided by the customer; and a subscriber set co-located with said vendor and remote from said message processor, comprising; means for communicating with said message processor via one of said communication links to receive voice messages previously recorded by said recording means; and keepsake recording means electrically communicating with said means for communicating and said voice message keepsake for recording thereon a voice message received by said means for communicating.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
In a system for recording a purchasing customer's voice message in a voice message keepsake provided by a vendor, the combination of: a voice message processor comprising: a plurality of communication links capable of receiving calls transmitted over a public communication network; and recording means responsive to receipt of a customer's call on one of said communication links for recording the customer's voice message in association with a code provided by the customer; and a subscriber set co-located with said vendor and remote from said message processor, comprising; means for communicating with said message processor via one of said communication links to receive voice messages previously recorded by said recording means; and keepsake recording means electrically communicating with said means for communicating and said voice message keepsake for recording thereon a voice message received by said means for communicating.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said communication links is connected to a conventional telephone line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 2, wherein said recording means includes means for creating a temporary voice message mailbox associated with the code wherein the customer's voice message is stored.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 3, wherein said subscriber set further comprises means for removably connecting a voice message keepsake thereto and for providing an electrical connection therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
117 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising a keepsake capable of having a voice message recorded thereon and selectively played back, comprising, on a single supporting structure: an integrated voice message circuit including means responsive to a control signal for storing a voice message in electronic form and means responsive to a control signal for playing back a stored message stored by said means for storing; means for reproducing a played back voice message in audible form; connection means for providing said storing and playing back control signals to said circuit; and manually operable control means coupled to said circuit for producing a playing back control signal in place of said signals provided via said connection means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A keepsake in accordance with claim 5, further comprising battery holding means for removably receiving and retaining a battery, and electronic means responsive to a supervisory signal from said connection means for selectively providing an electrical connection between said battery holding means and said circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A keepsake in accordance with claim 6, wherein said electronic means is also responsive to the conclusion of a played back message for terminating said electrical connection.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use in a system for recording a purchasing customer's voice message in a voice message keepsake provided by a vendor, a method for providing a customer's voice recording on said keepsake, comprising the steps of: at a first location, providing a plurality of communication links to a public communication network for use by customers and vendors; responsive to receipt of a customer's call on one of said communication links, recording the customer's voice message at said first location in association with a code provided by the customer; responsive to receipt of a vendor's call on one of said communication links, transmitting over the vendor's communication link at least one recorded customer voice message; and at the location of said calling vendor and remote from said first location, recording in said keepsake a recorded customer voice message received from said first location via one of said communication links.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use in a system for recording a purchasing customer's voice message in a voice message keepsake provided by a vendor, a method for providing a customer's voice recording on said keepsake, comprising the steps of: at a first location, providing a plurality of communication links to a public communication network for use by customers and vendors; responsive to receipt of a customer's call on one of said communication links, recording the customer's voice message at said first location in association with a code provided by the customer; responsive to receipt of a vendor's call on one of said communication links, transmitting over the vendor's communication link at least one recorded customer voice message; and at the location of said calling vendor and remote from said first location, recording in said keepsake a recorded customer voice message received from said first location via one of said communication links.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-04-29 | 2000-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-29 | 2004-04-29 | 2004-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-29 | 2008-04-29 | 2008-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |