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WO1998052169A1 - Dispositif de messagerie pour automobiles monte sur la fenetre - Google Patents

Dispositif de messagerie pour automobiles monte sur la fenetre Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998052169A1
WO1998052169A1 PCT/US1998/009612 US9809612W WO9852169A1 WO 1998052169 A1 WO1998052169 A1 WO 1998052169A1 US 9809612 W US9809612 W US 9809612W WO 9852169 A1 WO9852169 A1 WO 9852169A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
circuit means
message
vehicle
circuit
switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1998/009612
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael F. Brennan, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU74808/98A priority Critical patent/AU7480898A/en
Publication of WO1998052169A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998052169A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
    • G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
    • G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
    • G09F3/203—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels specially adapted to be attached to a transparent surface, e.g. the window of a car

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to sound reproduction devices for point-of-sale use and, more particularly, to a new and improved digital, re-recordable audio marketing device which attaches to a motor vehicle window for communicating information in the form of a recorded message about specific vehicle models, the dealership and sales promotions directly to the customer.
  • the audio information device consists of a simple playback recorder which transmits a message to the listening audience through a loud speaker. It is also common that the recorder and message transmission is activated by a switch, often key or coin operated. Typically, such devices include information provided on a continuous loop recording tape.
  • Other such devices comprise a fixed memory unit attached at a fixed location including a read-only memory having digitally stored therein a recording of particular audible sounds and an output device.
  • a portable sound-producing unit is carried by a user including means to convert a digital recording stored in the read-only memory of the memory unit to audible sounds.
  • the sound-producing unit further includes an input device which, when coupled to the output device of the memory unit, plays back the particular recording stored therein. More recently, electronic circuits have been developed incorporating an audible pre-recorded message thereon which is delivered to the listener when activated.
  • the present invention is directed to a new application for an audible message delivery systems.
  • a digital, re-recordable, audio marketing device is provided which attaches securely to a motor vehicle window for communicating information in the form of a recorded message about specific vehicle models, the dealership and sales promotions directly to the customer.
  • a customer seeing a vehicle of interest in the dealer's lot can activate the device and thereby hear a recorded message about that particular vehicle during a time when a salesperson may or may not be present on the lot.
  • the device provides sales coverage seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day communicating promotional information directly to a customer.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for communicating information about a specific automobile, the dealership and sales or promotional information directly to the customer at the point-of-sale.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide such a device which attaches securely to a motor vehicle window.
  • the present invention provides a digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for communicating point-of-sale information in the form of a recorded message about a specific automobile, the dealership or sales information directly to a customer on the lot.
  • the device comprises a unique bracket design for attaching the device securely to a vehicle window.
  • a digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for a vehicle.
  • the device comprises a housing constructed for supportingly retaining and protecting a circuit means, a U-shaped bracket connected to the housing and adapted to be disposed on a window of a vehicle to hold the device securely to the vehicle for communicating information, upon activation by a customer, in the form of a recorded message about specific vehicle models, the dealership and sales promotions directly to the customer.
  • the circuit means preferably includes recording means capable of receiving and retaining an audio message when activated into its record mode by an associated switching means. When activated, circuit means is constructed to receiving and retaining the audio message by overwriting any previously recorded message.
  • Circuit means further comprises a message delivery activation means, separate and distinct from the recording means for activating delivery of the recorded message. When the activation means is engaged, the circuit means audibly delivers the last recorded message.
  • the circuit means of the device is within the capabilities of a person skilled in electronics and can include resistors, transistors and capacitors. It is understood that any circuit means in the art facilitating the functions disclosed herein can be employed in the present device. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,309,510; 3,960,254; 5,387,108 and 4,824,375, which are hereby incorporated by reference, disclose circuit means within the scope of the device of the present invention.
  • a digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for a vehicle, comprising: circuit means for repeatedly recording and retaining an audio signal and delivering a recorded signal, the circuit means including means responsive to a play activation signal for activating the circuit means to deliver a previously recorded audio signal, means responsive to a record activation signal for enabling the circuit means to receive and record an audible message, a speaker electronically connected to the circuit for delivering the audible message, a microphone mounted to the circuit means in interconnected, cooperating relationship with the message recording circuit thereof for receiving the audible message and delivering the audible message to the recording means; a first switch means moveable between an off position and an on position and connected to the circuit means for transmitting thereto the record activation signal whenever the switch means is in its on position; a second switch means moveable between a first position and a second position and connected to the circuit means for enabling the circuit means to receive an audible message; means for activating the play activation signal for activating the circuit
  • a digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for a vehicle which attaches to the window of a vehicle.
  • the speaker and means for activating the play activation signal are located on the outside of the vehicle window and the circuit means is located on the inside of the vehicle window.
  • the unique design of the present device enables the device to be securely fastened to the vehicle window in a convenient and quick manner.
  • the speaker and means for activating the play activation signal are designed to be readily accessible to a customer seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
  • a potential buyer seeing a vehicle of interest in the dealer's lot can press the means for activating the play activation signal (activation button) and hear a recorded message about that particular vehicle including its salable features, during time when a salesman may or may not be present.
  • Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing the device of the present invention as it would appear in use mounted on the upper edge of the window of a vehicle;
  • Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the device of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and illustrating additional components of the device
  • Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the device of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the back plate in the device of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 6 is an end elevational view taken from the bottom as viewed in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken about on line 7-7 in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 8 is a side elevational view showing the device of the present invention as it would appear in use mounted on the upper edge of the window of a vehicle;
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the recorder unit connected to the device of Fig. 8 and showing a plug for connecting the recorder to the cigarette lighter of the vehicle in which it is located;
  • Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the device of Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 11 (a) is a front elevation view of the device of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 11(b) and (c) are side elevational views showing the device of Fig.1 ;
  • Fig. 11 (d) and 12 is a rear elevational view of the device of Fig.11.
  • the present invention provides a new and improved digital, re-recordable audio marketing device which attaches to a motor vehicle window for communicating information in the form of a recorded message about specific vehicle models, the dealership and sales promotions directly to the customer.
  • a digital, re-recordable audio marketing device for a vehicle generally designated 10.
  • Device 10 comprises circuit means 12 for repeatedly recording and retaining an audio signal and delivering a recorded signal.
  • Circuit means 12 is a commercially available printed board on which is mounted an integrated circuit chip, preferably a 60 second, re-recordable digital chip.
  • Device 10 is powered by a power means 28, preferably a battery pack comprising three 6 volt batteries.
  • Power means 28 is electronically interconnected to printed board 12 and held in retainer structure 30 extending from back plate 32 of device 10.
  • a door 34 allows access to power means 28 for battery replacement.
  • a microphone 66 (Fig.
  • a speaker 14 is connected to contact terminals (not shown) formed on printed board 12 in order to provide the desired audio output for message delivery when appropriately activated. Speaker 14 is a commercially available 3 inch, 8 ohm water resistant speaker.
  • An LED 70 is also mounted on printed board 12 at connection points thereon. The LED is constructed to be illuminated when clear button 78 (Fig. 11) is activated.
  • Circuit means 12 includes means for activating the play activation signal for activating the circuit means to deliver the previously recorded audio signal.
  • Play activation means, generally designated 16, is preferably a "push" button.
  • Also interconnected to printed board 12 are means responsive to a record activation signal for enabling the circuit means to receive and record an audible message.
  • a first switch means designated 72 is moveable between a record position (Rec), and a play position (Play) and connected to printed board 12 for transmitting thereto the record activation signal whenever the switch means is in its Rec position or a play activation signal whenever the switch is in its down position.
  • a second switch means designated 74 and moveable between a microphone position (mic), and an audio position, and connected to printed board 12 for enabling the circuit means to receive an audible message.
  • a housing is provided generally at 18 for supportingly retaining and protecting circuit means 12.
  • Housing 18 is in a molded soft plastic comprising a casing for retaining circuit means 12, and a U-shaped bracket 52 (Fig 8) adapted to be disposed on the window of a vehicle to hold the device securely to the vehicle for communicating information in the form of a recorded message about specific vehicle models, the dealership and sales promotions directly to the customer upon activation of push bottom 16.
  • Soft plastic case 18 helps protect the vehicle from scratches.
  • Housing 18 is preferably a black plastic housing comprised of a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and LDPE with 0.4% UV and 0.3% anti-oxidant.
  • Device 10 further comprises a conventional volume control switch 76 for adjusting the message volume to facilitate use of the device in the dealership showroom or outside on the lot and a clear switch 78 for clearing the message prior to re-recording.
  • volume control switch 76 To record using microphone 66, volume control switch 76 is turned to the on position and the volume is turned up. Clear button 78 is then depressed so that LED 70 is illuminated.
  • Selector switch 74 should be positioned on the mic. setting. The device 10 should be held about six inches from the users mouth and switch 72 slide to the Rec position. The user should then speak in a clear voice into microphone 66 recording the desired message. When the message is completed, switch 72 should be switched to the Play setting. To hear the message, the user should activate the device by pushing playback button 46.
  • volume control switch 76 To record using audio jack 68, volume control switch 76 is turned to the on position and the volume is turned up. Clear button 78 is then depressed so that LED 70 is illuminated. Selector switch 74 should be positioned on the audio setting.
  • the pre-recorded messaged is cued and one end of a patch cord (not shown) is inserted into the headphone jack of the cassette recorder. The other end of the patch cord is inserted into the audio jack 68 of device 10.
  • Switch 72 slide to the Rec position, and at the same time the play button on the cassette recorder (not shown) is pressed. When the message is completed, switch 72 should be switched to the Play setting. To hear the message, the user should activate the device by pushing playback button 46.
  • the recorded message is audibly delivered whenever the play activation switch 16 is pressed.
  • the circuit means is activated causing the recorded message on the chip to be delivered through the speaker. This message delivery process continues each time the switch is activated.
  • switch means 72 is moved to activate the circuit into the record mode. Once activated, the user states the desired message for receipt by the integrated circuit chip, overwriting the previously recorded message.
  • the new message is delivered through the speaker whenever desired, by activating the play button 46. In this way, any desired message is easily recorded on the circuit, with the recorded message being repeatedly delivered by the circuit each and every time the play button is activated.
  • Housing 18 is comprised of a size and shape to supportingly retain and peripherally surround circuit means 12 to provide a protective environment to prevent damage to the circuitry through tampering, vandalism, exposure to weather or abrasion.
  • Housing 18 comprises a mounting bracket 22 (Fig. 1) or 52 (Fig 8).
  • the mounting bracket 22 preferably is a U-shaped clamp portion adapted to hook onto a closed automobile window 20 (50 in Fig. 8) as shown in Fig. 1 at the top of the window 52 while still allowing the window to open, close and lock in the usual manner.
  • the mounting bracket wall portions are dimensioned and disposed such that a frictional clamping engagement with a conventional window is provided. Due to the characteristics of the material forming the mounting bracket, the bracket can be easily and quickly retained over the closed window of an automobile and subsequently removed, in a matter of a few seconds, when the window is opened.
  • device 40 of the invention comprising a digital, recordable audio device which attaches to motor vehicles for the purpose of offering information about the dealership in the form of a recorded message to the customer.
  • Device 40 is designed to minimize the effects of weather and vandalism by concealing circuit means 42 including the computer chip and printed board (located in the central unit 42) inside the vehicle.
  • Speaker 44 and playback activation button 46 are enclosed in a molded soft plastic case 48 outside the window 50 for easy access to the customer.
  • Case 56 attaches to the vehicle window 50 by means of a U-shaped bracket 52 which clips over the top edge 54 of closed window 50.
  • Case 56 is preferably comprised of a soft plastic material which helps protect the vehicle from scratches and limits damage caused by vandalism.
  • a breakaway connection 58 inside the window 50 circuit means 42 located within the vehicle should housing 48 be forcibly removed from the vehicle.
  • Device 40 is powered by the vehicle's battery through the use of a 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter 60. The message delivered by device 40 can be changed easily, either by speaking into microphone 62 or by connecting device 40 directly into a standard cassette player through the use of a built-in mini-jack 64.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une nouvelle application d'un système de délivrance de messages audibles. Un dispositif audio numérique (10) pouvant être enregistré est fixé sur des véhicules à moteur afin d'offrir au consommateur, sous forme de message enregistré, des informations concernant le véhicule et le concessionnaire. Le dispositif est facile et rapide à installer, à cheval sur une fenêtre fermée du véhicule, et le bouton d'activation (78) et le haut-parleur (14) sont facilement accessibles depuis l'extérieur du véhicule. Un acheteur potentiel ayant découvert un véhicule qui l'intéresse chez un concessionnaire peut appuyer sur le bouton d'activation (78) pour écouter un message enregistré concernant ledit véhicule et ses caractéristiques de vente, en présence ou en l'absence du vendeur.
PCT/US1998/009612 1997-05-13 1998-05-13 Dispositif de messagerie pour automobiles monte sur la fenetre Ceased WO1998052169A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU74808/98A AU7480898A (en) 1997-05-13 1998-05-13 Window-mounted message device for vehicles

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4634297P 1997-05-13 1997-05-13
US60/046,342 1997-05-13
US7902998P 1998-03-23 1998-03-23
US60/079,029 1998-03-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998052169A1 true WO1998052169A1 (fr) 1998-11-19

Family

ID=26723808

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/009612 Ceased WO1998052169A1 (fr) 1997-05-13 1998-05-13 Dispositif de messagerie pour automobiles monte sur la fenetre

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7480898A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998052169A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5463371A (en) * 1994-05-13 1995-10-31 Coyote Enterprises, Inc. Window mounted automobile security alarm
US5563579A (en) * 1992-02-04 1996-10-08 Carter; Ronald L. Dealer information and security apparatus and method
US5734316A (en) * 1996-12-16 1998-03-31 Swanson, Jr.; Ronald E. Canine auditory transmission apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5563579A (en) * 1992-02-04 1996-10-08 Carter; Ronald L. Dealer information and security apparatus and method
US5463371A (en) * 1994-05-13 1995-10-31 Coyote Enterprises, Inc. Window mounted automobile security alarm
US5734316A (en) * 1996-12-16 1998-03-31 Swanson, Jr.; Ronald E. Canine auditory transmission apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7480898A (en) 1998-12-08

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