Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Elizabeth A Fine

Timothy Jay Lien

Randy S Knipp

Robert D Wertanen

Sara F Coash

An article (e.g., toy, ornament, etc.) having an audio recording and playback device permits recording of a karaoke-style song to be played. A user sings along with a permanently prerecorded, karaoke-style song that is played during a recording session. The recording device is operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode, a user-recorded song is played back initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the use mode, which the article may be switched to after purchase, a user-recorded karaoke-style song can be played. During playback, the user-recorded song is played simultaneously with the prerecorded karaoke-style recording that was played during the recording session. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts with instructions, may also be included.

Article having karaoke record feature and simultaneous playback

A greeting card having an audio recording and playback device permits recording of a karaoke-style song to be played upon opening of the greeting card. A user sings along with a permanently prerecorded, karaoke-style song that is played during a recording session. The recording device is operable in either a trial mode or a use mode. In the trial mode, a user-recorded song is played back initially for the potential purchaser but is not subsequently played back to be later heard by other potential purchasers. In the use mode, which the card may be switched to after purchase by removal of a trial mode panel from the greeting card, a user-recorded karaoke-style song is played upon subsequent openings of the card. During playback, the user-recorded song is played simultaneously with the prerecorded karaoke-style recording that was played during the recording session. Additional prerecorded messages, such as voice prompts with instructions, may also be included. The audio recording and playback device may also be included in other non-greeting card products, such as a plush toy and an ornament.

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Lawrence, KS, United States of America

Elizabeth A Fine