Message delivery apparatus and system for paper dispensers and similar devices

• US 6,578,728 B1
• Filed: 11/28/2000
• Issued: 06/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Norman Weigen
• Original Assignee: Norman Weigen
• Inventors: Weigen, Norman
• Primary Examiner(s): Bollinger, David H.
• Application Number:
  US09/724,174
• Time in Patent Office: 931 Days
• Field of Search: 221/2, 221/3, 221/135, 312/34.8, 312/34.19, 101/5, 101/6, 101/7, 101/23
• US Class Current: 221/2
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 10/38 the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge A47K10/36 and A47K10/46 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/18 for washing or drying persons
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/00 Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address

Abstract

A message delivery system for paper dispensers having a housing for dispensing paper, audible message delivery annunciator, switch mechanism, timer and speaker, wherein the annunciator stores and delivers at least one message when the switch is closed, the speaker provides an audible output of the message, the switch triggers when paper is dispensed and the timer controls the length of the message and supply of power.

Claims

1. A paper dispenser message system comprising:

means for dispensing paper;

means for audibly delivering at least one message; and

switch means for activating said message when said paper is dispensed, said switch means comprising a means for sensing when paper is dispensed from said means for dispensing paper.

2. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 1, wherein said dispensing means further comprises means for placing at least one message on said paper as it is dispensed.

3. A means to place messages on paper as recited in claim 2, further comprising means to imprint messages on said paper via raised lettering on at least one roller.

4. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 1, wherein said dispensing means comprises a housing to allow access to said message delivery means and said switch means.

5. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch means further comprises means for actuating when a door to said means for dispensing paper is opened.

6. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch means further comprises means for actuating when a lever of said means for dispensing paper is depressed.

7. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 1, wherein said message means comprises:

means for audible annunciation;

processing means to play back at least one message through said annunciation means; and

timing means to deliver power to said processor from a power source.

8. A message means as recited in claim 7, wherein said timing means provides said power to said play back means for a duration of time at least equal to the running time of the longest message.

9. A message means as recited in claim 7, wherein said system further comprises at least one coupon dispensed by said paper dispensing means.

10. A message means as recited in claim 7, wherein said play back means further comprises means for retrieving at least one message from a storage means when said processing means receives said power.

11. A retrieval means as recited in claim 10, further comprising means to selectively retrieve said messages in random and sequential order.

12. A retrieval means as recited in claim 10, wherein said storage means further comprises means to replace, supply and modify said messages.

13. A paper dispenser message system comprising:

means for dispensing paper;

an audio annunciator for audibly delivering at least one message; and

a switch for activating said message when said paper is dispensed, said switch comprising electrical contacts that come in close proximity.

14. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 13, wherein said dispenser further comprises raised lettering on at least one roller to imprint messages on said paper.

15. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 13, wherein said switch actuates when a door to said means for dispensing paper is opened.

16. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 13, wherein said audio annunciator comprises:

a speaker;

a processor to play back at least one message through said speaker; and

a timer to deliver power to said processor from a power source.

17. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 16, wherein said processor further comprises a digital-to-analog converter to prepare said messages into an analog signal suitable for input to said speaker.

18. A paper dispenser message system as recited in claim 13, wherein said message may be replaced, supplied or modified via radio frequency interface.