Event communication system

• US 6,728,518 B1
• Filed: 06/03/1998
• Issued: 04/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dean Scrivens, Neil Christiansen
• Original Assignee: Dean Scrivens, Neil Christiansen
• Inventors: Scrivens, Dean, Christiansen, Neil
• Primary Examiner(s): Vuong, Quochien B.
• Application Number:
  US09/089,733
• Time in Patent Office: 2,155 Days
• Field of Search: 455/350, 455/575, 455/205, 455/347, 455/90.1, 455/90.2, 455/90.3, 455/412, 455/42, 455/66.1, 455/343.1, 455/351, 382/284, 382/275, D14/248, D14/138
• US Class Current: 455/90.2
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/086 Portable receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast

Abstract

A system for receiving a radio signal broadcast for a specific event such as a sporting contest, music concert, or other event attended by multiple persons. A portable base having a clip is attached to a fixed frequency receiver for detecting a broadcast radio signal, and a speaker for generating an audible signal can be attached to the base or to a portable speaker. The receiver can be activated by a manual switch or by a broadcast activation signal. The base has a substantially flat surface for displaying printed images, and a perimeter edge for the base can have a recognizable shape. The system includes a transmitter for broadcasting the signal, and a code mechanism can prevent unauthorized receipt of the broadcast signal.

Claims

1. An apparatus engagable with a user for receiving a broadcast radio signal for a specific event, comprising:

(a) a substantially flat, portable base having a surface suitable for displaying a printed image and defining a perimeter edge, wherein the perimeter edge is formed in a recognizable shape to associate the apparatus with the specific event;

(b) a printed image on the surface of the base, wherein the printed image provides identifying information to associate the apparatus with the specific event;

(c) a clip attached to the base for engaging the base with the user at a selected position proximate to the user;

(d) a fixed frequency receiver attached to the base, wherein the receiver is capable of detecting the broadcast radio signal and of generating an amplified electrical signal;

(e) a replaceable battery engaged with the receiver for providing electrical power to the receiver;

(f) a switch for selectively disconnecting the battery from the receiver; and

(g) a speaker for receiving the electrical signal and for generating an audible signal.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base is comprised of a lighted display which displays a visual broadcast message derived from the broadcast radio signal.