Importance

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Abstract

A conventional telephone answering device (hereinafter called TAD) commonly available in the market does not work if a child picks up the handset of a telephone set half in fun during the particular period when a call signal is received but the TAD is not started yet. The TAD also does return to a stand-by mode, on the other hand, if he or she picks up the handset while the TAD is in operation after receiving a call signal. In the present invention, however, it is so arranged that even if a child picks up the handset of a telephone set half in fun, the TAD will start transmitting an outgoing message to a calling party as long as the handset is hung up within a predetermined time period, and if the handset is picked up while the TAD is in operation but hung up within a predetermined time period, the TAD will continue the operation without being suspended. Moreover, due to the changeover switch, the TAD of the present invention can perform the function same as that of the conventional TAD regardless of the on-hook or off-hook condition of the handset. The changeover switch is installed at a location where it can be seen from the outside, but is structurally protected from a child.

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First Claim