INTERACTIVE AUDIO CASSETTE DEVICE OR SIMILAR ARTICLE

Abstract: A tape cassette (10) including interactive indicia (24) and (25) for providing visual entertainment while the tape (18) is being played. Preferably, a first indicia (24) is provided on the outer side of the cassette (10) which comprises a scene. A second indicia (26) is provided on a reel (22) such that the second indicia (26) interacts with the first indicia (24) when the reels (20) and (22) are turned.

Description: INTERACTIVE AUDIO CASSETTE DEVICE OR SIMILAR ARTICLE The invention relates to audio or video cassettes and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved cassette wherein interactive indicia are affixed or provided on the cassette case and reels. The invention provides corresponding indicia or markings on the cassette case and cassette reel which interact. Generally, a cassette casing may be provided which is transparent to permit viewing of the cassette reels and tape therein. The tape travels from the left reel to the right reel during play of a particular side. In a preferred embodiment, a first plastic film member having indicia thereon is adhered to the cassette casing or placed on the inside surface of the outer casting. A second plastic member having indicia thereon is secured to the right side reel or take-up reel and/or both reels. The first plastic film is viewed. The indicia on the plastic film may be provided directly on the cassette casing eliminating the step of applying the plastic film. The indicia may be provided on each side of the cassette and on each respective take-up reel and/or both reels. It is an object of the present invention to provide additional visual entertainment to a cassette tape. It is a further object of the present invention to provide interactive indicia on the cassette casing and a take-up reel. It is a further object of the present invention to provide interactive designs or indicia which can be viewed through the window portion of most cassette players. Figure 1 illustrates a cassette constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cassette illustrated in figure 1. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to figure 1 thereof, there is shown a novel cassette 10 which is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As can be seen in figure 1, the tape cassette consists of an outer casing having two halves 12, 14 (best seen in figure 2), means for securing the halves 12, 14 together 16, a magnetic tape 18 and first and second reels 20, 22 respectively. Each halve 12, 14 includes a transparent face. Generally, when a tape cassette is being played in a cassette player (not shown), the tape unwinds from the first reel 20 to the second reel 22 (the take- up reel). When the second side of the tape 18 is played, the tape then unwinds from second reel 22 to first reel 20. A first indicia 24 is located on the outer transparent face of each halve 12 and 14. The first indicia 24 may be painted directly on the cassette or molded therein. Preferably, the indicia 24 is air-brushed painted silk-screened or printed in some other fashion, onto a plastic film 21 which includes a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side. The plastic film 21 may then be secured to each side of cassette 10. Additionally, indicia may be printed on a thin plastic member and placed on the inside of the outer casing. A second indicia 26 is secured inside the cassette 10 to each reel 20, 22, to be seen when each reel comprises the take-up reel and/or both reels. Second indicia 26 rotates with each reel 20, 22 such that the second indicia 26 interacts with the first indicia 24. For example, as shown in the drawing figures, first indicia 24 resembles a wave and would be blue in color to signify water. The second indicia includes a figure which would appear to leaping from and entering the water of first indicia 24 when the reel 22 is rotated. When the tape is reversed, the same arrangement would be provided, except that a first indicia 24 would be placed adjacent reel 22 and a second indicia would be provided on reel 20, which now would comprise the take-up reel and/or both reels. Second indicia 26 is preferably provided on a substantially circular plastic member 28. Member 28 is preferably adhesively secured to the reels 20, 22. Therefore, reel 22 would have a plastic member 28 secured thereto such that member 28 is adjacent halve 12. Reel 20 would have a member 28 secured adjacent halve 14. Indicia 24, 26 may comprise any distinctive marks which would correspondingly interact. Preferably, first indicia 24 comprises a scene indicating the place or occurrence of the interaction. Second indicia 26 should then comprise an animate object or color wheel which would belong in the scene of first indicia 24. First and second indicia 24, 26 would be viewable through a window in the cassette player to provide additional visual entertainment for the user of the cassette 10. Although there has been described what is at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications and variations may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims: I CLAIM -1- A cassette tape comprising a generally rectangular casing having transparent side portions such that the tape reels are visible inside said casing, wherein: said side portions are provide with a first indicia such that a portion of the first and second reels are visible; a second indicia provided on each of said first and second reels such that said second indicia interacts with said first indicia upon rotation of said first and second reels. -2- The cassette tape of claim 1, wherein: said first indicia is provided on a first and second plastic film adhered to the outer side of each said side portions; and said cassette casing without interfering with the rotation of said first and second reels. -3- The cassette tape of claim 2, wherein: said first member is provided on said second reel adjacent said first side portion; and said second member is provided on said first reel adjacent said second side portion. -4- The cassette tape of claim 3 wherein: said first indicia comprises a scene and said second indicia comprises an animate object. -5- The cassette tape of claim 4, wherein: said first and second members are substantially circular. -6- The cassette tape of claim 5, wherein: said first and second members are adhesively secured to said first and second reels.

Inventors: GOOD MICHELLE ANNE, GOOD, MICHELLE, ANNE
Applicants: GOOD MICHELLE ANNE, GOOD, MICHELLE, ANNE
Application year: 1991
Main classification: G11B23
IPC codes: G11B23