US3363905A

US3363905A - Phonograph toy

Info

Publication number: US3363905A
Application number: US589664A
Authority: US
Inventors: John W Ryan; Chang Richard Shih-Teng
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 1966-10-26
Filing date: 1966-10-26
Publication date: 1968-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 1985-01-16

Description

Jan. 16, 1968 Y J. w. RYAN ET AL 3,363,905

PHONOGRAPH TOY Filed Ogt. 26, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet l uw w. pmw rum/w ,w/wfrm Jan. 16, 1968 J W RYAN ET AL 3,363,905

PHONOGRAPH TOY Filed Oct. 26, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. W. RYAN ET AL Jan. 16, 1968 PHONOGRAPH TOY 5 Sheets-$heet Filed Oct. 26, 1966 m w y w I019 w. RIM/V United States Patent Office 3,363,905 PHONOGRAPH TOY John W. Ryan, Bel Air, and Richard Shih-Teng Chang, Gardenia, Calif, assignors to Mattel, Inc, Hawthorne, (Ialifi, a corporation of California Filed Get. 26, 1966, Ser. No. 589,664 Claims. (Cl. 274-1) The present invention relates to a new and useful phonograph toy and more particularly to such a toy in combination with a figure toy.

It is well known to employ phonograph toys in combination with figure toys. An example of one such combination is disclosed in Patent No. 3,245,688 wherein a disc type phonograph record is provided with a plurality of recorded messages. While generally satisfactory, phonograph toys of this type do have certain disadvantages.

One disadvantage resides in the fact that the phonograph is not compact enough to be used in figure toys having a slim torso wherein there is a large ratio between the cross section and the length of the torso.

Another disadvantage resides in the fact that only a comparatively limited number of messages may be provided on a disc-type phonograph record of a size making it suitable for use in a toy.

In view of the foregoing factors and conditions characteristics of phonograph toys, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and useful phonograph toy not subject to the disadvantages enumerated above and being especially designed for use in figure toys having a large ratio between torso cross section and length.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toy of the type described which is capable of reproducing a comparatively large number of discrete recorded messages by means having a relatively large ratio between cross section and length.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a phonograph toy wherein recorded messages are reproduced by relative reciprocation between a recorded message means and a sound-reproducing means.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful phonograph toy having means for transforming a mechanical motion into a sound wave, means for tracing the mechanical motion, means for generating the mechanical motion, means for reciprocating the motion generating means into operative engagement with the motion tracing means and means for governing the rate of travel of the motion generating means.

According to the present invention, a phonograph toy is provided which has a relatively large ratio between its cross section and its length.

The toy includes means for .transforming a mechanical motion into a sound wave comprising a speaker cone. The speaker cone may be mounted in a figure toy and carries means for tracing the mechanical motion comprising a phonograph needle.

The toy also includes means for generating the mechanical motion comprising a recorded-message carrier. The carrier is affixed to means for moving the carrier with respect to the needle comprising an elongated cylinder which is reciprocably mounted on a piston. In one form of the present invention, the carrier extends axially along the elongated cylinder and is driven across the needle by a compression spring.

In a first modified form of the toy, the carrier is spiralled about the elongated cylinder with a major component of the mechanical motion extendingaxially along the cylinder. The cylinder is driven across the needle by a compression spring which coacts with a spiral groove on a piston rod to impart rolling reciprocation to the cylinder.

In a second modified form of the toy, rolling recipro- Patented Jan. 16, 1968 cation is imparted to the cylinder by a fiat, constant force spring having one end affixed to the outer periphery of the cylinder on one side thereof at the rear end of the cylinder. The spring extends substantially around the cylinder and forwardly to a supply roll normally maintaining the spring in a coiled condition. When the cylinder is drawn rearwardly, the coil unwinds with the spring becoming spiralled about the cylinder from its rear end to its front end. When the cylinder is released from its retracted position, the spring imparts rolling reciproca tion to the cylinder and the spring again becomes coiled about the roller.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements in the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view, with parts broken away to show internal construction, of a phonograph toy constituting a first embodiment of the present invention in combination with a figure toy;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the phonograph toy shown in FIG. 1

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the figure toy and phonograph combination of FIG. 1 showing the phonograph toy in a different operating position than that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;.

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing the phonograph toy in still another operating position;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. .5;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a phonograph device of the present invention which may be used in the figure toy of FIG. 1;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged, crosssectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 9;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of .a third embodiment of a phonograph toy of the present invention which may be used in combination with the figure toy of FIG. 1

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged, elevational view, with parts shown in cross-section, of the phonograph toy of FIG. 10; and

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along 12-12 of FIG. 11.

Referring again to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-6, a phonograph toy constituting a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, as being in combination with a figure toy 12. The figure toy 12 includes a head 14 and a body 16. The body 16 includes a torso 18 to which a pair of

arms

20, 22 and a pair of

legs

24, 26 are attached in well known manner. The torso 18 is shown for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, as having a comparatively large ratio between its cross section and its length for simulating a slim doll. The torso 18 includes a front wall 28, a rear wall 36, a bottom wall 32, and spaced-

apart walls

34 and 36. The rear wall 30 is provided with an aperture 40 for a purpose to be hereinafter described, with a speaker grille 41 for the passage of sound from the phono graph toy 10 and with internally threaded bosses 43 for supporting the phonograph toy.

The phonograph toy includes means for transforming a mechanical motion into a sound wave comprising a speaker cone 42. This cone 42 is mounted in an aperture or opening 44 provided in a base plate 45, which may be attached to bosses 43 by associated screws 43a. Alternatively, the base plate 45 may be dispensed with by mounting the speaker cone 42 directly on the rear wall 30. A suitable means for tracing the mechanical motion, comprising a phonograph needle 46, is affixed to the cone 42 by a bridge assembly 48 having a support member 50 secured to the plate 45 and a needle-carrying arm 52. The arm 52 includes a first end 54 which is secured to the member 50 and a second end 56 which carries the needle 46. The end 56 is operatively associated with the speaker 42 so that the needle 46 will transmit the traced mechanical motion to the rear speaker cone 42. The bridge 48 prevents undue longitudinal forces from being applied to the cone 42 by the engagement of an elongated, cylindrical member or cylinder 60 therewith. The cylinder 60 carries suitable means for generating the mechanical motion which is transformed into a sound wave by the speaker cone 42 comprising a recorded-message carrier 62 provided with recorded-message, mechanical-motion generating grooves 64 (FIG. 5) extending axially along the cylinder 60. Alternatively, the cylinder 60 may be made from a suitable plastic and the carrier 62 may be integrally molded on the cylinder 60.

The cylinder 60 includes an encompassing side wall 66, a closed end wall 68 and an open end 70. A piston 72 and a seal 73 engage the cylinder 60 through the open end with a sliding fit and are rotatably mounted on a screw 74 threadedly engaging a first end 75 of a piston rod 76 having a second end 78 afiixed by a screw 79 to a trunnion-carrying member 80 which carries a pair of outwardly extending

trunnions

82, 84. The

trunnions

82, 84 are pivotally mounted in

trunnion journals

86 and 88, respectively, which are affixed to the plate 45. The mem ber 80 carries a rearwardly-extending shelf or platform 90 having a free end 92 extending over the plate 15 in spaced relation therewith for receiving one end 94 of a compression spring 96 having another end 98 hearing against the plate 45 for normally biasing the elongated cylinder 60 into engagement with the needle 46 by swinging the piston rod '76 counterclockwise about the trunnions $2, 84, as viewed in FIG. 4. A pair of upstanding, spaced-apart

guide members

100 and 102 are afiixed to associated edges of the platform 9.0 forming guide means for an actuating means 104. The actuating means 104 includes a collar or ring 106 which loosely encompasses the cylinder 60 adjacent its open end 70 and a drawstring 103 having a first run 109 trained through a passageway 110 in the guide member 100 and a second run 112 trained through a passageway 114 provided in the guide member 102. The ends 116 and 118 of the

runs

109 and 112, respectively, are affixed to the ring 106 for pulling it against an annular shoulder 120 provided on the cylinder 60 adjacent the open end 70. This draws the cylinder 60 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 3, in the direction of arrow 122 and simultaneously swings the piston rod 76 upwardly lifting'the cylinder 60 from the needle 46.

Movement of the cylinder 60 in the direction of arrow 122 compresses a compression spring 124 storing energy therein. The spring 124 has a first end 126 seated against the piston 72 and a second end 123 bearing against the end wall 68. The end 126 is retained in position against the piston 72 by a plug member 130 which is formed integrally with the piston 72 and which is provided with a 'counterbore 130a frictionally receiving a bearing member 74a. The bearing member 74a includes a shoulder 74b retaining the seal 73 in position against piston 72. When the drawstring 103 is released, by releasing a pullring 131 attached thereto, after moving the cylinder 60 to the end of its travel in the direction of arrow 122, the force stored in spring 124 moves the cylinder 60 to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, in the direction of arrow 132 while the spring 96 simultaneously biases the cylinder 60 into engagement with the needle 46 so that, during travel in the direction of arrow 132, the needle 46 will trace the mechanical motion generated by the carrier 62 and transmit this motion to the speaker cone 42 which transforms the mechanical motion into a sound wave.

The rate of travel of the cylinder 60 in the direction of arrow 132 may be controlled by a governor means 134 including a precision orifice 134a, provided in the end wall 68, a precision groove 135, provided in the sidewall 66, and a pressure-actuated lip 73a, provided on seal 73.

The groove 135 has a predetermined cross-sectional area which varies as a function of the position of the lip 73a. This may be accomplished by increasing the width of the groove 135 uniformly from its end 135a to the open end 70 of cylinder 60. The seal 73 may be lubricated with a suitable silicon grease and the interference between the seal 73 and the side wall 66 may be approximately 0.005 0.008".

Since the drive spring 124 is held captive within the same cylinder that serves as the governor, the size of the spring is intimately related to the governor. The output of the spring 124 should not differ greatly from the beginning of the travel of cylinder 60 to the end of its travel. Therefore, a spring 124 with a large free to fully compressed length ratio is preferred. The force developed by the governor should be greater than the other static forces in the system (i.e. needle drag, seal friction, etc.). The following design parameters for the governor 134 have been found to be satisfactory:

(a) Inside diameter of cylinder 66:0.70.

(b) Diameter of wire in spring 124:0.028".

(0) Outside diameter of spring 124:0.690".

(d) Length of spring 124:7.5".

(e) Size of orifice 134 =0.0l6 diameter and 0.040

long.

(f) Size of groove 135:0.005" deep and from 0.030" Wide at end 135a to 0.250" Wide at end 70 of cylinder 60.

With these parameters, the speed of cylinder 60 axially will be approximately 3" per second and the governor 134 will develop approximately 1 lb. of force. The total distance traveled will be approximately 2.5".

The function of the governor 134 is to achieve a constant speed of travel of the cylinder 60. Initially, the spring 124 is compressed, the volume inside the cylinder 60 is reduced to almost nil adjacent the wall 68 and a minimum width of the groove 135 is presented to the lip 73a. When released, the spring 124 drives the cylinder 60 in the direction of arrow 132 relative to the seal 73 so that a low pressure region is created between the seal 73 and the wall 68 inside the cylinder 60.

The seal 73 is expanded by the differential pressure created between this low pressure region and the open end 70 of cylinder 60. This pressure differential also causes air to flow through the orifice 134a and the groove 135. The orifice 134a typically admits 70% of the flow and governs the rate the cylinder 60 may travel. The width of the groove 135 generally increases with distance traveled to compensate for the decreasing spring force available. The governor 134 is operated With a pressure inside the cylinder 60 less than atmospheric pressure to avoid the problem of having an initial volume within the cylinder 60 which may cause transient oscillation when motion is started impulsively.

The size of orifice 134a is chosen in the range where the flow resistance varies more than proportionally with the pressure. The force developed by this flow resistance is:

F :C'v where: F is the governing force; C is a constant depending on the area of the seal 73 and orifice 134a; v is the seal velocity; and n is an exponent varying from 1 to 2.

Generally, the larger the orifice 134a and shorter the length of the orifice, the lower the value of C while It approaches 2. A compromise has to be met to have a reasonably large C and yet as large an n as possible for good sensitivity. A typically obtainable value of n is 1.7.

It is apparent that a very large number of recorded messages, in comparison to the number which may be provided on a disc-type phonograph of practical size for use in a figure toy, may be provided on the carrier 62 by extending it so that it completely encompasses the cylinder 60. The length of the cylinder 60 is such that each groove 64 may include one complete, discrete message and difierent messages may be selected by merely rotating the cylinder 60 about its major axis. Since the ring 106 is loosely mounted on the cylinder 60, it remains stationary during rotation of the cylinder 60. The drawstring 108 extends through the aperture 40 in the rear wall 30 where it is accessible to a user of the toy 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a phonograph toy constituting a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10a, may be used in combination with the figure toy 12 by afiixing it to bosses 43 in place of the phonograph toy 10, if desired. The phonograph toy 10:: includes a speaker cone 42a which may be mounted in an opening 44a provided in a base plate 45a. A phonograph needle 46a is afiixed to the cone 42a for reproducing recorded messages provided on a message-carrier 62a which is spiralled about a cylindrical member or cylinder 60a in such a manner that the major components of the recorded-message grooves 64a, which are provided on the carrier 62a, extend axially along the cylindrical member 60a so that the messages recorded thereon will be reproduced by the speaker cone 42a when the cylinder 60a is brought into rolling-reciprocation with the needle 46a.

Such motion is imparted to the cylinder 60a by a piston rod 76a having a spiral groove 136 provided thereon. The groove 136 engages a pair of lugs 137 formed in an aperture 138 provided in an end wall 140 on the end 7% of the cylinder 60a so that the cylinder 60a will roll as it is moved in the direction of arrow 132a by a compression spring 124a. The spring 124a has an end 126a bearing against a piston 72 which may be identical to the piston 72 shown in FIG. 3 and which is carried on the end 74a of the piston rod 76a. The cylinder 69a also includes a governor means 134 comprising a precision orifice 134a, provided in an end wall 681:, a precision groove 135, provided in an encompassing sidewall 66a, and a pressureactuated lip 73a, provided on a seal 73. The governor means 134 may be identical to, and perform the same function as, the governor 134 described in connection with the first embodiment.

The piston rod 76a also includes an end 78a which is afiixed to a trunnion-carrying member 80a having outwardly extending

trunnions

82a and 84a pivotally mounted in trunnion journals 86 and 88a, respectively. The cylinder 60a is biased into engagement with the needle 46a by a spring 96a having one end 94a atfixed to a cantilevered arm 142 carried by the trunnion-carrying member 80a and a second end 98a connected to the plate 45a.

The cylinder 642a may be moved axially in the direction of an arrow 122a by a drawstring 108a having a first end 116a connected to the end wall 140. The drawstring 168a is spiralled about the piston rod 76a in the groove 136 and then passes through an aperture 14,4 provided in the trunnion-carrying member 811a. The drawstring ltldri then may be passed through the aperture 4% provided in the rear wall 30 and the second end llfia of the string 108a carries a pull-ring 131a accessible to the user of the phonograph toy 10.

In use, the drawstring ldSa may be tensioned to pull the cylinder 60a rearwardly in the direction of arrow 122a until the end wall 140 engages the trunnion'carrying member 811a whereupon the beginning of each message recorded on the carrier 62a is positioned superjacent the needle 46a. This compresses the spring 124a so that, when the string 108a is released, the force stored in spring 124a will move the cylinder 611a with a rollingaxially-linear movement in the direction of arrow 132a while the spring 96a biases the carrier 62a into engagement with the needle 46a to reproduce the messages recorded on the carrier 62a. The carrier 62a is provided with a plurality of grooves 64a which each carry a dis- Crete recorded message. Different messages may be selected by rotating the cylinder 611a and the piston rod assembly 76a at the rotatable connection of the end 78a with the trunnion-carrying member a.

Referring now to FIGURES 10-12, .a phonograph toy constituting a third embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 10]), may also be mounted in the figure toy 12 in place of the phonograph toy 10. The third embodiment 1% includes a speaker cone 42b. The cone 42b is mounted in an aperture 44b provided in a plate 451) which is attached to bosses 43. A phonograph needle 46b is connected to the speaker 42b by a suitable welo'ment 58b for engagement by a plurality of grooves 6412 provided on a recorded-message carrier 62b which is spiralled about a cylinder 60b having a spiralled groove 146 provided on the nurtace thereof. The cylinder 6% rollingly and slidingly engages a piston 7211 which is carried by the end 74b of a piston rod 76b having another end 7812 afiixed to a trunnion-carrying member 8011. The member 8012 is pivotally connected to the plate 45!) by engaging outwardly extending trunnions 82b and 84b in a part of trunnion journals 86b and 88b, respectively. The cylinder 6% is biased into engagement with the needle 46b by a spring 96b having one end 94b connected to an arm 148 extending from the member 80b and another end 98b connected to the plate 45b. The cylinder 6% includes a closed end wall 68b which is provided with an orifice 134]) coacting with piston 72b to perform a governor function similar to that previousl described in connection with the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

The arm 148 has a fixed end 150 afiixed to the mem ber 80b and a free end 152 extending forwardly over the cylinder 60b. A cylinder guide 154 is atlixed to the arm 148 and includes a finger member 156 which engages the groove 146 to guide the cylinder 6% during rollingreciprocation thereof on the piston rod 76b. A roller 158 is rotatably mounted on the free end 152 and a constant force spring 160 is coiled about the roller 158. The spring 160 includes an end 162 which is atfixed by a rivet 163 to the cylinder 60b adjacent its open end 74b. The spring 160 extends from the roller 158 diagonally across the cylinder 60b to the end 162 so that rolling reciprocation of the cyinder 60b will cause the spring 160 to become spiralled about the cylinder 60b between the carrier 62b. The cylinder 60b is moved in the direction of arrow 122b by a drawstring 1081; having one end 116E: attached to the forward end of the cylinder 60b. The drawstring 108i) is spiralled by the cylinder 60b and threaded through a passageway 164 provided in the arm 148. The drawstring 1118!) then may be passed through the aperture 40 in the rear wall 30 where a pull-ring 13112 on the end 118b of the drawstring is accessible to a user of the phonograph toy 10b. When the string 108k is then released, the spring 160 coils about the roller 158 to draw the cylinder 60b rollingly to be left in the direction of arrow 132b, as viewed in FIG. 11, causing the recorded messages to be played. When the drawstring 1118b is again tensioned, the cylinder 60b is again moved rollingly and axially to the right, as viewed in FIG. 11, in the direction of arrow 1225.

A recorded-message carrier 62!), identical to that used on the first and second embodiments, may also be used on the cylinder 6%. This message carrier is recorded linearly and is then spiralled about the cylinder 6% and is played during the rolling-reciprocation of the cylinder 6%. Thus, the

carriers

62, 62a and 62b may be provided with ditferent messages and with an adhesive backing so that different carriers may be used on the associated cylinder 60, 60a or 60b.

While the particular phonograph toys herein shown and described in detail are fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A phonograph toy comprising:

elongated cylinder means having a plurality of discrete, peripherally-spaced, recorded messages each extending generally longitudinally thereof,

means for contacting any predetermined one of said recorded messages,

means mounting said cylinder means for rotation about its cylindrical axis for selectively positioning a predetermined recorded message in operative association with said contacting means,

means cooperating wit-h said cylinder means for reciprocating said recorded messages and said contacting means with respect to each other at a rate which is predetermined at least when said predetermined message and said contacting means are in operative association,

means for transforming the contacted recorded message into a sound wave, and

connecting means connecting said transforming means to said contacting means.

2. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said contacting means remains stationary while said cylinder means is reciprocated and including governor means operatively associated with said cylinder means for controlling its rate of travel in at least one direction.

3. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said cylinder means includes a closed end and an open end and said reciprocating means includes a piston rod having a piston slidably engaged in said cylinder means through said open end, a compression spring having one end bearing against said piston and its other end bearing against said closed end for moving said cylinder means axially in one direction under the influence of said spring and means connected to said cylinder means for moving said cylinder means in the other direction along said piston to compress said spring.

4. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said recorded messages are recorded axially on a tape which is attached to said cylinder.

5. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said contacting 8 means comprises phonograph needle means, said transforming means comprises a phonograph speaker cone means and said connecting means comprises Weldment means securing said needle means to said cone means.

6. A toy as stated in claim 1 wherein said reciprocating means includes a fixed rod having a free end engaged in said cylinder means, a roller rotatably mounted adjacent said rod, recoil spring means wound on said roller, said spring means having one end affixed to one end of said cylinder means and another end attached to said roller, means for rollingly-axially moving said cylinder means in one direction to unload said spring means from said roller and spiral said spring means about said spring means, said spring means, after loading, rollingly-axially moving said cylinder in another direction as said spring means recoils on said roller.

7. A toy as stated in claim 3 wherein said piston rod includes a spiralled groove and wherein said open end is provided with lug means engaging said groove for rotating said cylinder means during said axial movement thereof.

8. A toy as stated in claim 3 including governor means operatively associated with said cylinder means for controlling the rate of said axial movement in said one direction.

9. A toy as stated in claim 8 wherein said governor means comprises:

air inlet means provided in said cylinder means for admitting a controlled amount of air into said cylinder means between said piston and said closed end; and

seal means operatively associated with said piston for preventing said admitting air from flowing past said piston.

10*. A toy as stated in claim 9 wherein said air inlet means includes an axially-extending groove on the inside periphery of said cylinder, said groove varying in crosssectional area for progressively admitting more air as said spring moves said cylinder means.

References Cited UNiTED STATES PATENTS 1,040,033 10/1912 Scott 27419 1,167,842 1/1916 Rotter et al. 274-1.1 1,652,683 12/1927 Pierman 46-174 2,479,790 8/1949 Strumor 274-1.1 3,285,609 11/1966 Hiller 274-1.1

LEONARD FORMAN, Prima/y Examiner.

ROBERT E. HULL, Examiner.

L. ANDERSON, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A PHOTOGRAPH TOY COMPRISING: ELONGATED CYLINDER MEANS HAVING A PLURALITY OF DISCRETE, PERIPHERALLY-SPACED, RECORDED MESSAGES EACH EXTENDING GENERALLY LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF, MEANS FOR CONTACTING ANY PREDETERMINED ONE OF SAID RECORDED MESSAGES, MEANS MOUNTING SAID CYLINDER MEANS FOR ROTATION ABOUT ITS CYLINDRICAL AXIS FOR SELECTIVELY POSITIONING A PREDETERMINED RECORDED MESSAGE IN OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION WITH SAID CONTACTING MEANS, MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID CYLINDER MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING SAID RECORDED MESSAGES AND SAID CONTACTING MEANS WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER AT A RATE WHICH IS PREDETERMINED AT LEAST WHEN SAID PREDETERMINED MESSAGE AND SAID CONTACTING MEANS ARE IN OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, MEANS FOR TRANSFORMING THE CONTACTED RECORDED MESSAGE INTO A SOUND WAVE, AND CONNECTING MEANS CONNECTING SAID TRANSFORMING MEANS TO SAID CONTACTING MEANS.