Greeting card having audio recording capabilities with trial mode feature

A greeting card comprising:

• a card body formed of a single unitary card blank and having first, second and third panels, wherein the first and second panels are separated by a first fold line in the card blank, wherein the first panel is pivotable with respect to the second panel between a closed position, where the first panel overlies the second panel, and an open position, where the first panel does not overlie the second panel, wherein the second and third panels are separated by a second fold line, wherein the third panel is folded over and secured with the second panel to define a pocket;
• and
• an audio device for audio message recording and playback coupled with the card body, the audio device having a microphone, a speaker, a battery, a first prerecorded audio message stored therein, a record switch for initiating a message recording session, whereby a user may record a user recorded message, a play switch for activating playback of one of the prerecorded audio message and the user recorded message, and a mode switch for changing the audio device from a trial mode to a use mode;
• wherein movement of the first panel from the closed position to the open position activates the play switch and causes playback of the prerecorded message when in the trial mode and the user recorded message when in the use mode;
• wherein the user recorded message is only played back one time automatically following the message recording session in the trial mode, wherein activating the play switch does not play back the user recorded message in the trial mode, and wherein the user recorded message can be played back multiple times by activation of the play switch in the use mode.

An audio device for audio message recording and playback with a trial message feature, the audio device comprising:

• a circuit board;
• and
• a plurality of electrical components coupled with the circuit board, the plurality of electrical components including a speaker, a microphone, a battery, an integrated circuit, a play switch, a record switch, and a mode switch;
• wherein activation of the record switch initiates a recording session, whereby a user may record a message that is automatically played back upon cessation of the recording session;
• wherein activation of the mode switch transitions the audio device between a trial mode and a use mode;
• wherein, subsequent to cessation of the recording session, activation of the play switch plays the message when the audio device is in the use mode and wherein, subsequent to cessation of the recording session, activation of the play switch does not play the message when the audio device is in the trial mode.