Interactive sports audio toy

Abstract

The invention comprises a portable public-address amplifier with power supply, controls and speaker(s), preferably housed in a box which is shaped in the form of a broadcasting station's call letters, cable network logo, or other sport-oriented shape. The amplifier has a microphone input for the user to provide commentary, as would be provided by a sportscaster. Preferably, more than one microphone input will be provided, and, optionally, reception for a wireless microphone or headset to allow for more distant or “hands free” use. Sound effects, such as crowd noises or “sound bites” or team or station signature music can be provided on interchangeable plug-in storage media and selected by a keyboard or other means.

1 . A portable audio box comprising: 
 an amplifier having an input coupled to at least one microphone and at least one speaker driven by the amplifier; and    a housing containing the at least one speaker and amplifier, wherein the housing is shaped in an identification indicia for a business entity.    
   
   
       2 . The portable audio box of  claim 1 , wherein the identification indicia is a logo.  
   
   
       3 . The portable audio box of  claim 2 , wherein the logo is for a sports team.  
   
   
       4 . The portable audio box of  claim 2 , wherein the logo is for a broadcasting network.  
   
   
       5 . The portable audio box of  claim 2 , wherein the logo is for call letters of a radio station.  
   
   
       6 . The portable audio box of  claim 1 , further comprising a wireless receiver coupled to the amplifier having an antenna and a wireless microphone for transmitting to the wireless receiver.  
   
   
       7 . The portable audio box of  claim 1 , further comprising an effects generator for providing audio effects coupled to the amplifier.  
   
   
       8 . The portable audio box of  claim 7 , wherein the audio effects alter a user's voice.  
   
   
       9 . The portable audio box of  claim 7 , wherein the audio effects are sound bites from recorded media.  
   
   
       10 . The portable audio box of  claim 9 , wherein the sound bites are crowd noises.  
   
   
       11 . The portable audio box of  claim 9 , wherein the sound bits are signature music identified with a business entity.  
   
   
       12 . The portable audio box of  claim 9 , wherein the recorded media is disks, tapes, CD's, or read-only-memory (ROM).