US6404569B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light switch cover plate with audio recording and playback feature
Assignee: BP HOLDINGS Inc
•
Filing: 1998-07-27
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Granted: 2002-06-11
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Expires: 2018-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A light switch cover plate having mechanism for recording and playing back an audio sample through a speaker when the light switch is turned either on or off. Several messages can be recorded and they can be played back serially or randomly.
Inventors
- 👤 David E. Bachschmid
- 👤 Robert C. Smallwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:59
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H15/00; H01H15/02; H01H15/06; H01H15/10; H01H15/102
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
An audio sample playback apparatus comprising: a light switch cover plate having a light switch for supplying power to a light extending therethrough; a device for playing back audio samples; and a switch for activating said playback device, wherein said playback device plays said audio sample when said light switch is turned to one of an off and on position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
An audio sample playback apparatus comprising: a light switch cover plate having a light switch for supplying power to a light extending therethrough; a device for playing back audio samples; and a switch for activating said playback device, wherein said playback device plays said audio sample when said light switch is turned to one of an off and on position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a slide for moving said activating switch upon movement of said light switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 2 , wherein said slide has an aperture through which said light switch extends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
An audio sample playback apparatus comprising: a light switch cover plate having a light switch for supplying power to a light extending therethrough; a device for playing back audio samples; and a switch for activating said playback device, wherein said playback device plays one or more of said audio samples when said light switch is turned to one of an off and on position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
An audio sample playback apparatus comprising: a light switch cover plate having a light switch for supplying power to a light extending therethrough; a device for playing back audio samples; and a switch for activating said playback device, wherein said playback device plays one or more of said audio samples when said light switch is turned to one of an off and on position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 4 , wherein said device for playing back audio samples further comprises a speaker.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 5 , wherein said device for playing back audio samples further comprises a recording means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 6 , wherein said recording means comprises a microphone.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 7 , further comprising a microphone switch for activating said microphone to record audio samples.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 4 , wherein said device for playing back audio samples further comprises a recording means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 9 , wherein said recording means comprises a microphone.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 10 , further comprising a microphone switch for activating said microphone to record audio samples.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 4 , wherein multiple audio samples are recorded.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 4 , further comprising a digital memory for storing said audio sample.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 4 , further comprising a power source which powers said play back device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
An audio playback apparatus as recited in claim 14 , wherein said power source is at least one battery.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
60 words
A light switch cover plate comprising: a device for playing back audio samples comprising: a digital memory chip for storing said audio samples; a speaker; a power supply for powering said playback device; and a switch for activating said playback device to play said audio samples when a light switch, extending through said cover plate, is turned on or off.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
60 words
A light switch cover plate comprising: a device for playing back audio samples comprising: a digital memory chip for storing said audio samples; a speaker; a power supply for powering said playback device; and a switch for activating said playback device to play said audio samples when a light switch, extending through said cover plate, is turned on or off.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
A light switch cover plate as recited in claim 16 , further comprising a device to record said audio samples.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
A light switch cover plate as recited in claim 17 , wherein said device to record said audio samples comprises a microphone, a microphone switch for activating said microphone, and said digital memory chip for receiving and storing said audio samples.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-12-10 | 2006-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |