US3598415A

US3598415A - Record for use in a sound-reproducing device in a toy or the like

Info

Publication number: US3598415A
Application number: US792111*A
Authority: US
Inventors: William F Summerfield
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 1969-01-17
Filing date: 1969-01-17
Publication date: 1971-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-10
Also published as: CA922644A; GB1258022A; DE2001479A1; DE7001081U

Abstract

A record for use in a sound-reproducing device in a toy or the like, the record having a circular surface defining a plurality of congruent spiral sound grooves. Surrounding the circular surface is a ringlike annular surface, divided into a plurality of annular sectors, each defining a plurality of radial lead-in grooves, all of which are in communication with an arcuate leadin groove which is in turn in communication with the outer convolution of a different spiral sound groove.

Description

United States atenl [72] lnventor William I". Summerfield Huntington Beach, C alil [21] ApplNo 792,111 122 Filed Jan. 17, 1969 {45] Patented Aug. 10, 1971 [73] Assignee Mattel. Inc.

Hawthorne, Calif.

{54] RECORD FOR USE IN A SOUND-REPRODUCING DEVICE IN A TOY OR THE LIKE 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 274/42 R, 274/9 R [51] lnt.Cl Gl1b3/78 [50] FieldoiSearch 274/1.1,42

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,389,915 6/1968 Owen etal 274/11 946,563 1/1910 Rhodes .1 274/42 1,372,822 3/1921 Meyer A 1 274/42 1,859,153 5/1932 OLeary 1 1 .1 274/42 2,703,241 3/1955 Abramson 274 '42 2,932,522 4/1960 De Witt 274/42 3,082,006 3/1963 Ryan 274/l.l

Primary Examiner-Harry N Haroian Allomey-Seymour A. Scholnick ABSTRACT: A record for use in a sound-reproducing device in a toy or the like, the record having a circular surface defining a plurality of congruent spiral sound grooves. Surrounding the circular surface is a ringlike annular surface, divided into a plurality of annular sectors, each defining a plurality of radial lead-in grooves, all of which are in communication with an arcuate lead-in groove which is in turn in communication with the outer convolution of a different spiral sound groove.

PATENTED AUG 1 0 I97! SHEET 2 [IF 2 A'rmmw-Y RECORD FOR USE IN A SOUND-REPRODUCING DEVICE IN A TOY OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to sound-reproducing devices for use in toys or the like and, more particularly, to an improved record for such devices on which are recorded a plurality of sound sequences in congruent spiral sound grooves.

2. Description of the Prior Art The use of sound-reproducing devices in toys, in order to produce talking toys, is well known. Typically, such a soundreproducing device, which is concealably mounted in a toy, includes a disclike record in which a plurality of sayings are recorded in separate, independent sound grooves. Generally, the record has an exposed side with a plurality of multiconvolution congruent spiral grooves. Each groove extends from an outer convolution at an outer radial distance to an inner convolution at an inner radial distance from the records center. The device includes a tone arm which supports a needle or stylus, whose function is to produce mechanical signals whenever it is engaged in one of the sound grooves and follows therein as the record turns or rotates in a selected direction, known as the Play direction. The mechanical signals are used in an associated diaphragm to produce audio signals which form the saying recorded in the sound groove which is followed by the stylus. The tone arm is generally biased toward the record, to urge the stylus to engage one of the grooves.

The record is generally supported on a spindle-mounted turntable. A spring motor, generally in the form ofa rewindable spiral spring is coupled to the spindle. Manually operable means, such as a drawstring, is connected to the spindle. When the string is drawn or pulled, the spindle turns or rotates in a first direction causing the spring to be wound up. Thus, the string pulling represents a Rewind operation. In most prior art devices, the string is also used during Rewind to move the tone arm from a radially inward position, which the arm assumes at the end of Play of a saying, to a radially outward position, in which the stylus is in a position to engage the outer convolution of a groove which it is to follow during a subsequent Play cycle. This is generally accomplished by passing the string through or under the tone arm, so that when the string is pulled it first biases the arm away from the record, thereby disengaging the stylus from the groove. Then, as string pulling continues, the tone arm swings radially outwardly to the outward position. When the string is released, which represents the start of Play, the string is slack so that the arm is free to assume its biased position toward the record, causing the stylus to engage one of the grooves. Also, as the string is released, the power spring is free to unwind. As it unwinds, it rotates the spindle and the turntable on which the record is mounted, in a second direction, representing the Play direction. It is during the rotation of the record in the Play direction that one of the recorded sound sequences or sayings is reproduced.

In the prior art devices, various teachings are employed in saying selection for reproduction. In some devices, the tone arm's radial position at the start of each Play cycle is controlled to successively engage an outer convolution of a different spiral groove in order to reproduce the sayings in a selected sequence. In other devices, the turntable is indexed, angularly, to position a selected surface portion of the record adjacent the tone arm, which is in a start of Play position, so that as Play starts, the stylus engages the outer convolution of a selected spiral groove which extends into the records selected surface portion.

In prior art devices of the latter-mentioned type, significant difficulties exist in the proper indexing of the turntable to insure proper selection of the saying to be reproduced. These difficulties are primarily due to the fact that a relatively large number of sound grooves are recorded on a small record. Consequently, the grooves are very close to one another,

necessitating a very precise turntable indexing mechanism to insure that a selected groove is positioned adjacent the stylus for engagement therewith. Such precise mechanisms are usually quite complex and expensive, which are undesirable limitations from toy performance and toy production points of view. Thus, a need exists for a new record which would be indexed by means of a simple mechanism to facilitate the engagement of a stylus with any one ofa plurality of spiral sound grooves therein.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved record for use in a sound-reproducing device in a toy or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new record on which are recorded sayings in different sound grooves any one of which is easily selectable for engagement with a stylus to reproduce the saying recorded therein.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new groove pattern on a record for use in a sound-reproducing device which simplifies the problems of indexing the record with respect to a stylus of a tone arm of the sound-reproducing device, in order to select the saying to be reproduced.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a record having an exposed side which has an inner circular surface with an outer periphery at a selected radius from the records center. All the multiconvolution concentric spiral sound grooves are formed in said inner circular surface. The record side also includes at least one ringlike annular surface which extends from the circular surfacc's outer periphery to the records outer periphery. The annular surface is divided into a plurality of annular sectors, each one of which includes a separate plurality of lead-in grooves, all of which are in communication with a different spiral sound groove.

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified top view of the novel record of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is simplified top view of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 3 and 4 are simplified top views of yet other embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to FIG. I which is a top view of one embodiment of the novel multigroove record of the present invention, designated therein by numeral I0. The record has an exposed side 12, which for explanatory purposes may he thought of as being divided into two main surface parts. One part is an inner circular surface [4, surrounded by an outer ringlike annular surface 16, which in FIG. I, is shown divided into six annular sectors, designated 81-56.

As in some conventional or prior art records, for use in sound-reproducing devices in toys, the inner circular surface 14 has formed therein, or defines a plurality of congruent spiral sound grooves. In the embodiment in which the annular surface I6 includes only six sectors, only six spiral sound grooves are defined in circular surface 14. These are designated by GIG6. Each of the spiral grooves may be thought of as including an outer convolution adjacent to the outer periphery of the circular surface l4 and an inner convolution disposed towards the center 20 of record 10. Preferably, all the inner convolutions of the spiral grooves may terminate in a common inner convolution 22. As in the prior art, the function of each spiral sound groove is to have recorded therein a different saying or sound sequence.

Forming part of the sound-reproducing device in which record It) is assumed to be incorporated, is a tone arm 24,

pivotally mounted about a pivot 25. The arm supports a stylus 30. As is appreciated by those familiar with the art, as the record rotates in a Play direction, such as represented in FIG. I by arrow 32, the function of the stylus is to engage one of the spiral sound grooves and follow therein to produce mechanical signals which are then used, in appropriate soundreproducing means, to produce audio signals representing the saying recorded in the groove.

As previously pointed out, one of the major problems of prior art devices is the accurate positioning of the stylus with respect to a selected portion of the surface of side 12 in order to select the proper spiral groove that the stylus engages in order to produce a selected saying. In the prior art, the turntable has to be very accurately indexed and precautions must be taken to insure that either before Play starts, or immediately as soon as Play is initiated, the stylus 30 engages the selected spiral groove. These precise requirements complicate the sound-reproducing device and often result in malfunctioning or improper performance.

Such limitations, however, are overcome by the novel record of the present invention in which the various annular sectors (Sl--S6) are used to define lead-in grooves. The grooves in each sector are in communication with the outer convolution of a different one of the spiral sound grooves. As a result, the indexing accuracy that is required is only that needed to insure that any one of the lead-in grooves in a sector which is in communication with a selected spiral groove is engageable by the stylus 30 at the start of Play to properly lead the stylus 30 into the desired outer convolution of the selected spiral groove.

For example, when utilizing record It) of the present invention, if the saying, recorded in the spiral groove (11 is selected for reproduction, it is only necessary to index the record It) with respect to the stylus 30 to insure that any one of the leadin grooves in sector 31 is engageable thereby. Since all the lead-in grooves in sector 81 are in communication with the outer convolution of 01, when the record 10 is rotated in the Play direction (arrow 32) the stylus will be properly lead into the outer convolution of spiral groove G1, as long as one of the lead-in grooves in sector 81 is engaged by the stylus 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, each annular sector defines a main arcuate lead-in groove 34, which is adjacent the inner arcuate boundary of the sector. Groove 34 extends in a direction, which forms a smooth continuation of the outer convolution of the groove with which it is in communication. Each sector further defines two substantially radially directed leadin

grooves

35 and 36, which for explanatory purposes may be assumed to lie adjacent the sector's radial boundaries. Each of the radial lead-in grooves is in communication with the arcuate lead-in groove 34 of the sector.

From the foregoing description, and FIG. I, it should be ap parent to those familiar with the art, that as long as the record 10 is indexed so that the stylus is capable of engaging any of the grooves in the record surface, bounded by

grooves

34, 35 and 36, of any selected sector, as the record starts turning in the Play direction, the stylus would engage one of the lead-in grooves in the sector and would eventually be lead into the outer convolution of the spiral groove associated with said sector. In FIG. I, stylus 30 is shown engaged in lead-in groove 36 of S]. In such a situation, as record [0 starts rotating in the Play direction, the stylus would follow lead-in groove 36 into the arcuate lead-in groove 34 and therethrough into the outer convolution of spiral groove G1.

The stylus would be similarly lead into the proper spiral groove G1, even if it were not directly engaged in any of the lead-in grooves. For example, assuming that as a result of record indexing, the stylus engages a portion of the surface in sector 51 between

grooves

35 and 36. As the record is rotated in the Play direction, lead-in groove 35 will eventually pass under and engage stylus 30. Then, as the record will continue to rotate lead-in groove 35 will serve to lead the stylus into the arcuate lead-in groove 34 adjacent the point at which the latter is in communication with the outer convolution of the spiral groove G1.

Summarizing the foregoing description, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a record is provided having a circular surface, which defines the congruate spiral sound grooves, each one of which is in communication with a plurality of lead-in grooves in a different sector of a ringlike annular surface, surrounding the circular surface in which the spiral sound grooves are defined. The lead-in grooves in each sector include a main arcuate lead-in groove, as well as two radial lead-in grooves, adjacent the opposite radial boundaries of the sector.

The number of radial lead-in grooves, need not be limited to the two adjacent the opposite radial sector boundaries. Rather, the surface between the two radial lead-in grooves, 35 and 36 in each sector, may be used to define a plurality of radial lead-in grooves, substantially congruent to

grooves

35 and 36. Such additional groves are designated in sector S4 by numerals 4l-45. lt is apparent that by increasing the number of radial lead-in grooves, in each sector, all of which are in communication with the sectors arcuate lead-in groove 34, which is in turn in communication with the outer convolution of one of the spiral grooves, the added grooves greatly increase the probability that the stylus will be properly lead into the appropriate outer convolution of the desired spiral groove. Also a high density of lead-in grooves minimizes the angular displacement required of the record to cause the stylus to be engaged by a groove. This early engagement reduces the velocity and impact of the stylus entering the groove if the stylus was engaged with the record at a point between lead-in grooves prior to record rotation. In the case where the stylus is dropped onto or otherwise is caused to engage a record al ready in motion the probability of groove damage is high, however, the multiplicity of grooves extends the record life.

In addition to providing the added radial lead-in grooves, the record 10 may further define an outer, continuous circular groove 50, which is shown extending through all the sectors. Such a groove may find utility in sound-reproducing devices in which the tone arm 24 is positioned during Rewind at a fixed position, such as the one shown in the dashed line in FIG. 1, and the stylus 30 is permitted to engage the surface 12 of record 10 before the record has been completely indexed. In such a device, in the absence of groove 50, a noticable and perhaps objectionable noise is produced once the stylus is in engagement with the surface 12 of record 10 while the latter is still being rotated in the Rewind direction (arrow 52) to its proper indexed position. The noise is generated by the successive engagement and disengagement of the stylus 30 with the successive lead-in grooves with which it may come in contact. However, by providing groove 50 the stylus 30 engages groove 50 during Rewind until the record is properly indexed. Thereby eliminating the generation of objectionable noise.

In such an arrangement, the tone arm has to be properly biased in an inward direction. This is necessary to insure that once Play begins even though the stylus is in the circular groove 50 it is lead into one of the radial lead-in grooves which intersect groove 50 in the annular sector, indexed adjacent the stylus for proper saying reproduction. Assuming, for example, that the record is indexed so that S4 is adjacent the tone arm with the stylus 30 in groove 50 between lead-in

grooves

42 and 43, the arm 24 need be biased inwardly to insure that as Play starts, the stylus is urged to follow one of lead-in

grooves

42, 41 and 35 in S4, preferably groove 42. Bias may be provided by springs, gravity or other means or by the unique choice of tone arm length and the tone arm pivot location with respect to the center of rotation of the record so as to produce an inward, component of force on the stylus resulting from the friction force created by its scuffing on the record face, independent of grooves.

It should be appreciated by those familiar with the art that the larger the annular sector, and the larger the number of lead-in grooves defined therein, the greater the likelihood that the proper spiral groove is engaged for proper saying reproduction, even under relatively poor record indexing accuracy. Thus, in order to retain the advantages of the present invention, it is important that the sector not be too small. In

order to insure proper minimum sector size, when the number of congruent spiral sound grooves which have to be defined on a single record is relatively large, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention instead of dividing a single ringlike annular surface, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, into small sectors, the record may be formed to define a plurality of concentric ringlike annular surfaces, surrounding the inner circular surface which defines the spiral grooves with each annular surface divided into sufficiently large annular sectors. A record with two concentric ringlike annular surfaces is shown in FIG. 2, wherein elements like those previously explained, are designated by like numerals. Therein, two concentric ringlike annular surfaces are designated by numerals 16a and 16h, each comprising six sectors S1 through S6. Thus, a relatively long annular sector is provided to define the lead-in grooves for each of the spiral grooves.

It should be appreciated that when utilizing a record with a plurality of ringlike annular surfaces, the saying selection in volves both indexing of the record, as well as controlling the pivotal position of the tone arm. The tone arm position controls the annular surface with respect to which the stylus is positioned, thereby selecting the annular surface, while the record indexing selects the particular annular sector.

Accordingly, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, different embodiments of a record, defining a plurality of congruent spiral sound grooves are provided. An annular sector is provided for each of the spiral sound grooves, to define a plurality of lead-in grooves, which are in communication with the spiral grooves outer convolution. By such an arrangement, the proper spiral groove is engaged by a stylus of a tone arm associated with the record as long as the sector associated with the groove is properly indexed with respect to the stylus prior to the start of Play cycle, or saying reproduction.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the invention have been described, all of which include one or more ringlike annular surface surrounding the center portion of the record surface (designated l4 in FIG. I) in which the con gruent spiral grooves are defined. It should be pointed out that the invention is not limited to such embodiments. if desired, the lead-in grooves may be defined in surface segments located close to the records center, with the lead-in grooves in each segment in communication with a different spiral groove. Clearly, in such an embodiment, record rotation during Play would be in a direction opposite that shown in FlG. l, i.e., counterclockwise.

Reference is made to FIG. 3 which is a simplified top view of-such an embodiment, wherein elements like those previously described are designated by like numerals. In FIG. 3 spiral groove G2 is fully diagrammed from a start point 61, adjacent its arcuate lead-in groove 34 with which all its lead-in

grooves

35, 36 and 4l45 are in communication, to an end point 62. For explanatory purposes, several lead-in grooves for each of grooves Gland G3 in either side of groove G2 are also diagrammed together with the start and

end points

61 and 62 of these two grooves.

From the foregoing it should be appreciated by those familiar with the art that if desired, lead-in grooves may be defined'in surface segments both near the record periphery as well as near its center. One such embodiment is diagrammed in the simplified partial top view ofa record shown in FIG. 4 to which reference is made herein. As diagrammed. the lead-in grooves of odd numbered grooves, such as 01, G3, etc., are located at surface segments near the records periphery while the lead in grooves of even-numbered spiral grooves are located as surface segments-near the center of the record. In such an arrangement each odd-numbered groove (such as G3) terminates between surface segments containing the lead-in grooves of the two even-numbered grooves in opposite sides thereof (such as G2 and G4) while each even numbered groove (such as 04) terminates near the records periphery between surface segments containing the lead-in grooves of adjacent odd-numbered grooves (such as 03 and (i5).

Clearly, however, this is only one arrangement and that if desired, other arrangements may be employed. For example, the spiral grooves may be divided into groups with all the spiral grooves in each group having their lead-in grooves located near the records center or its periphery. It should be pointed out, however, that the sound sequences in all the spiral grooves having their lead-in grooves near the record's periphery are reproduced when the record turns during Play in the same direction such as clockwise for the diagrammed record. Opposite record rotation is required to reproduce the sayings in the spiral grooves whose lead-in grooves are near the records center.

It should be appreciated that those familiar with the art may make modifications and/or substitute equivalents to the arrangements hereinbefore described, without departing from the true spirit of the invention. For example, the ends of all spiral grooves may not necessarily terminate in a common groove 22 as shown in FIG. 1. If desired, selected grooves forming separate groups may terminate in separate confluences.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art, and, consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for reproducing a selected one of a plurality of sound sequences, recorded in a plurality of independent congruent spiral sound grooves in an exposed surface of a rotary disclike record, by the engagement of a stylus in the groove in which the selected sound sequence is recorded when the record is rotated in a selected Play direction, the apparatus including means for indexing a turntable on which said record is mounted for rotation with respect to a first position of said stylus at the start of a Play cycle to select the groove for engagement by said stylus, an improved record comprising:

a disclike record defining a center located on an axis of rotation about which said record is rotatable in a selected Play direction, said record having an exposed side forming an inner circular surface about said center with independent congruent multiconvolution spiral grooves, each groove having recorded therein a separate sound sequence, starting at a groove section adjacent the periphery of said circular surface and ending at a groove position located at a selected radial distance from said center, said exposed record side further forming at least one ringlike annular surface extending from the periphery of said circular surface toward the record periphery, said annular surface defining a plurality of annular sectors each sector including a plurality of lead-in grooves all of which are interconnected with the outer convolution of the same groove which is a groove different from that connected to the lead-in grooves of the other sectors, whereby when said record is indexed so that a selected annular sector is adjacent said stylus in its first position, when the stylus engages said selected annular sector and the record is rotated in said selected Play direction it is led into the outer convolution of the spiral groove with which said lead-in grooves are in communication by means of one of said lead-in grooves; said exposed side defining several concentric ringlike annular surfaces serially extending from the periphery of the inner circular surface to the record's periphery, each annular surface defining a separate plurality of annular sectors, each sector having formed therein a plurality of said lead-in grooves including a main lead-in groove for connecting all the sectors lead-in grooves to the outer convolution of the same spiral sound groove.

2. The arrangement as recited in claim I wherein each annular sector has first and second radial boundaries, inner and outer arcuate boundaries, each extending between said first and second radial boundaries, and said plurality of lead-in grooves includes at least a first arcuate lead-in groove adjacent said inner arcuate boundary, and first and second radial lead-in grooves, adjacent said first and second radial boundaries, respectively, extending outwardly from said first arcuate lead-in groove, and in communication with the sound groove outer convolution through said first arcuate lead-in groove.

3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said record side further defines a first continuous circular groove in said first annular surface which passes through all the annular sectors and is in communication with all the lead-in v grooves therein.

4. In an apparatus for reproducing a selected one of a plurality of sound sequences, recorded in a plurality of independent congruent spiral sound grooves in an exposed surface ofa rotary disclike record, by the engagement of a stylus in the groove in which the selected sound sequence is recorded when the record is rotated in at least one selected Play direction, the apparatus including means for indexing a turntable on which said record is mounted for rotation with respect to a first position of said stylus at the start of a Play cycle to select the groove for engagement by said stylus, an improved record comprising:

a disclike record defining a center located on an axis of rotation about which said record is rotatable in a selected Play direction, said record having an exposed side forming a first surface portion with independent congruent multiconvolution spiral grooves, each groove having recorded therein a separate sound sequence, starting at a start point of the groove and ending at an end point of the groove, said exposed record side further forming at least one additional surface portion each of said surface portions defining a plurality of equal segments, each segment including a plurality of lead-in grooves all of which are interconnected with a convolution of the same groove which is a groove different from that connected to the lead-in grooves of the other sectors, the convolution including said start point, whereby when said record is indexed so that a selected segment is adjacent said stylus in its first position, when the stylus engages said selected segment and the record is rotated in said selected Play direction the stylus is led into the convolution of the spiral groove with which said lead-in grooves are in communication by means of one of said lead-in grooves; said record including said first surface portion extending from a first radial distance from the center of saidrecord towards the periphery of the record, said record further defining at least one additional surface, including a plurality of lead-in-groove-defining segments, said additional surface extending from said first-radial distance towards the record center, whereby each of at least some of said spiral grooves are in communication with lead-in grooves located between the spiral groove and the record center.

5. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein each segment defines an arcuate lead-in groove in communication with the inner convolution of a different spiral groove, and each segment further defines first and second radial lead-in grooves which are in communication with the segments arcuate lead in groove, said first and second radial lead-in grooves being disposed adjacent opposite boundaries of said segments.

6. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said record includes said first surface portion extending from a first radial distance r from the center of said record to a second radial distance r from the center of said record, r., r and said record further includes at least one additional multisegment surface portion extending from said radial distance r towards the record's periphery and at least one additional multisegment surface portion extending from said radial distance r,, towards the records center, each segment defin ing lead-in grooves in communication with a different spiral groove in said first surface portion.

7. The arrangement as recited in claim 6 wherein each seg ment defines an arcuate lead-in groove in communication with the inner convolution of a different spiral groove, and each segment further defines first and second radial lead-in grooves WhlCh are m communication with the segments arcuate leadin groove, said first and second radial lead-in grooves being disposed adjacent opposite boundaries of said segments.

8. The arrangement as recited in claim 7 wherein each segment further defines at least one additional lead-in groove in communication with said arcuate lead-in groove congruently disposed between said first and second radial lead-in grooves.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for reproducing a selected one of a plurality of sound sequences, recorded in a plurality of independent Congruent spiral sound grooves in an exposed surface of a rotary disclike record, by the engagement of a stylus in the groove in which the selected sound sequence is recorded when the record is rotated in a selected Play direction, the apparatus including means for indexing a turntable on which said record is mounted for rotation with respect to a first position of said stylus at the start of a Play cycle to select the groove for engagement by said stylus, an improved record comprising: a disclike record defining a center located on an axis of rotation about which said record is rotatable in a selected Play direction, said record having an exposed side forming an inner circular surface about said center with independent congruent multiconvolution spiral grooves, each groove having recorded therein a separate sound sequence, starting at a groove section adjacent the periphery of said circular surface and ending at a groove position located at a selected radial distance from said center, said exposed record side further forming at least one ringlike annular surface extending from the periphery of said circular surface toward the record periphery, said annular surface defining a plurality of annular sectors each sector including a plurality of lead-in grooves all of which are interconnected with the outer convolution of the same groove which is a groove different from that connected to the lead-in grooves of the other sectors, whereby when said record is indexed so that a selected annular sector is adjacent said stylus in its first position, when the stylus engages said selected annular sector and the record is rotated in said selected Play direction it is led into the outer convolution of the spiral groove with which said lead-in grooves are in communication by means of one of said lead-in grooves; said exposed side defining several concentric ringlike annular surfaces serially extending from the periphery of the inner circular surface to the record''s periphery, each annular surface defining a separate plurality of annular sectors, each sector having formed therein a plurality of said lead-in grooves including a main lead-in groove for connecting all the sector''s lead-in grooves to the outer convolution of the same spiral sound groove.

2. The arrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein each annular sector has first and second radial boundaries, inner and outer arcuate boundaries, each extending between said first and second radial boundaries, and said plurality of lead-in grooves includes at least a first arcuate lead-in groove adjacent said inner arcuate boundary, and first and second radial lead-in grooves, adjacent said first and second radial boundaries, respectively, extending outwardly from said first arcuate lead-in groove, and in communication with the sound groove''s outer convolution through said first arcuate lead-in groove.

3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2 wherein said record side further defines a first continuous circular groove in said first annular surface which passes through all the annular sectors and is in communication with all the lead-in grooves therein.

4. In an apparatus for reproducing a selected one of a plurality of sound sequences, recorded in a plurality of independent congruent spiral sound grooves in an exposed surface of a rotary disclike record, by the engagement of a stylus in the groove in which the selected sound sequence is recorded when the record is rotated in at least one selected Play direction, the apparatus including means for indexing a turntable on which said record is mounted for rotation with respect to a first position of said stylus at the start of a Play cycle to select the groove for engagement by said stylus, an improved record comprising: a disclike record defining a center located on an axis of rotation about which said record is rotatable in a selected Play direction, said record having an exposed side forming a first surface portion with independent congruent multiconvolUtion spiral grooves, each groove having recorded therein a separate sound sequence, starting at a start point of the groove and ending at an end point of the groove, said exposed record side further forming at least one additional surface portion each of said surface portions defining a plurality of equal segments, each segment including a plurality of lead-in grooves all of which are interconnected with a convolution of the same groove which is a groove different from that connected to the lead-in grooves of the other sectors, the convolution including said start point, whereby when said record is indexed so that a selected segment is adjacent said stylus in its first position, when the stylus engages said selected segment and the record is rotated in said selected Play direction the stylus is led into the convolution of the spiral groove with which said lead-in grooves are in communication by means of one of said lead-in grooves; said record including said first surface portion extending from a first radial distance from the center of said record towards the periphery of the record, said record further defining at least one additional surface, including a plurality of lead-in-groove-defining segments, said additional surface extending from said first radial distance towards the record center, whereby each of at least some of said spiral grooves are in communication with lead-in grooves located between the spiral groove and the record center.

5. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein each segment defines an arcuate lead-in groove in communication with the inner convolution of a different spiral groove, and each segment further defines first and second radial lead-in grooves which are in communication with the segment''s arcuate lead-in groove, said first and second radial lead-in grooves being disposed adjacent opposite boundaries of said segments.

6. The arrangement as recited in claim 4 wherein said record includes said first surface portion extending from a first radial distance r1 from the center of said record to a second radial distance r2 from the center of said record, r2>r1, and said record further includes at least one additional multisegment surface portion extending from said radial distance r2 towards the record''s periphery and at least one additional multisegment surface portion extending from said radial distance r1, towards the record''s center, each segment defining lead-in grooves in communication with a different spiral groove in said first surface portion.

7. The arrangement as recited in claim 6 wherein each segment defines an arcuate lead-in groove in communication with the inner convolution of a different spiral groove, and each segment further defines first and second radial lead-in grooves which are in communication with the segment''s arcuate lead-in groove, said first and second radial lead-in grooves being disposed adjacent opposite boundaries of said segments.