US3825112A

US3825112A - Record cover

Info

Publication number: US3825112A
Application number: US00301822A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Schumaker; I Hay
Original assignee: CRESTED BUTTE RECORDS Inc
Current assignee: CRESTED BUTTE RECORDS Inc
Priority date: 1972-10-30
Filing date: 1972-10-30
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23

Abstract

A phonograph record cover preferably is composed of a high strength plastic material and is made up of two panels each having a shallow recessed portion on its inner surface opening toward the other, and the panels are connected along a common edge by a living hinge. The recessed portion in each panel is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in one of the panels defines an annular shoulder against which the outer perimeter of a phonograph record is adapted to engage. The extent of projection or depth of the radial ribbing on the one panel which is disposed within or inward of the circular rib is less than that of the circular rib whereby a record can be placed against the radial ribbing so as to be substantially flush with the circular rib; and when the opposite panel is pivoted into overlying relationship with the one panel, a record in the cover will be snugly retained between the annular shoulder around the perimeter of the record and the radial ribs which engage opposite faces of the record.

Description

United States Patent [191 Schumaker et al.

[ 1 July 23, 1974 1 1 RECORD COVER [73] Assignee: Crested Butte Records, Inc., Denver,

[22] Filed: Oct. 30, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 301,822

[52] US. Cl. 206/310, 220/31 S [51] Int. Cl. B65d 85/30 [58] Field of Search 206/46 FR, 62 P, 62 R,

206/D1G. 24, 1 R, 52 F, 52 R; 220/31 S, 4 E; 211/40, 41; 312/8, 9,10

3,661,248 5/1972 lsen et a1. .1 220/31 S X Primary ExaminerWilliam 1. Price Assistant Examiner-Steven E. Lipman [57] ABSTRACT A phonograph record cover preferably is composed of a high strength plastic material and is made up of two panels each having a shallow recessed portion on its inner surface opening toward the other, and the panels are connected along a common edge by a living hinge. The recessed portion in each panel is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in one of the panels defines an annular shoulder against which the outer perimeter of a phonograph record is adapted to engage. The extent of projection or depth of the radial ribbing on the one panel which is disposed within or inward of the circular rib is less than that of the circular rib whereby a record can be placed against the radial ribbing so as to be substantially flush with the circular rib; and when the opposite panel is pivoted into overlying relationship with the one panel, a record in the cover will be snugly retained between the annular shoulder around the perimeter of the record and the radial ribs which engage opposite faces of the record.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures The present invention relates generally to protective enclosures for phonograph records, memory discs, or other like articles, and more particularly relates to a new and improved plastic record cover having opposed ribbing adapted to positively support and protect the article retained in the cover.

Traditionally, phonograph record covers or jackets have been comprised of two square sheets of paperboard secured together along three sides of their common perimeter. Frequently, an inner sleeve of protective plastic or paper tightly surrounds the record and holds the record in position within the outer paperboard jacket. The record is, therefore, not adequately protected against rough handling which is frequently encountered in shipping or mailing. It has thus been common practice when shipping or mailing phonograph records and the like to pack a plurality of the paperboard jackets in a more sturdy and protective outer container or box to prevent damage to the records.

Several plastic record covers have been devised to better protect phonograph records. Examples of such record covers are disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,691,440 issued to A. G. Spugios et al., US. Pat. No. 2,848,106 issued to F. H. Rice and US. Pat. No. 3,107,783 issued to T. N. Corey et al. The phonograph record covers disclosed in these patents, however, while protecting the enclosed records from external forces, do not provide adequate internal support.

SU M MA RYDFTHE I NV ENTI ON The record cover of the present invention was designed to provide a protective outer casing or covering for a phonograph record, reel or other like article while supporting the article from within whereby potential damage to the article due to warpage, rough handling,

dropping, etc. is minimized. The cover is composed of 1 two panels of tough rigid material, each panel having an inwardly directed recessed face with radially extending ribs between which the article is positively retained. The inner radial portions of the ribs on one panel is shallower than the outer radial portions of the ribs on that panel defining a confined seat for the article. Most desirably, a raised peripheral rib surrounds the seat and conforms to the peripheral shape of the article so that the article will be positively positioned within the one panel and positively retained between the ribs of both panels when the panels are moved into closed abutting relationship. The panels are joined along a common peripheral edge by a hinge, and a latch is provided along the opposite common peripheral edge to secure the panels in the closed position. The corners of each panel are reinforced so that they will not collapse or bend when the panels are subjected to unusually rough handling as is frequently encountered in shipping or mail service. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the record cover of the present invention is not only well suited for temporary storage of phonograph record type articles in the home, studio, or the like, but is also suitable for mailing or shipping purposes without the need of a shipping box or other container.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cover for phonograph records, reels, and other like articles which has a protective outer covering and adequately supports the article from within.

It is another object of the present invention to pro vide a record cover composed of a tough rigid material Y having hinged panels with recessed inner surfaces reinforced by ribbing between which a record or other similar article can be positively retained in a seating area formed therein.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover for phonograph records and the like including hinged panels having radially and peripherally extending supporting ribs adapted to engage the record on opposite sides in a manner such that the record is positively retained and protected within the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the record cover of the present invention in a partially opened position;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the record cover of FIG. 1 in a fully opened position;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section taken along ine 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic fragmentary vertical section showing the central portion of the panels of the cover of FIG. 1 in facing relationship;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary diagrammatic vertical section showing the latch for the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary diagrammatic vertical section showing the hinged connection between the two panels of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the ribbing in the base panel of the cover of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the ribbing in the base panel of the cover of FIG. 1 showing a finger relief to facilitate removal of a record from the cover.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the record cover 10 of the present invention will be described in connection with the conventional flat circular phonograph record having a central opening for insertion of the spindle on a record player.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. I, a preferred form of the record cover 10 of the present invention is seen to include a square base panel 12 and a square top panel 14 hinged along a common peripheral edge. It is to be understood, however, that the cover could assume other configurations such as rectangular or circular. The panels l2 and 14 have substantially smooth

outer faces

16 and 18, respectively, and recessed

inner faces

20 and 22, respectively, which cooperate to define a record retaining cavity therebetween when the panels are in abutting relationship. The smooth outer faces are well suited for all decorating processes, such as, hot stamping, embossing, laminating or otherwise imprinting of names, titles, designs, etc. relating to the enclosed record and the outer side edges and square corners of the panels are rounded to establish a smooth, convenient to handle, package.

The recessed face 20 of the base panel 12, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, is substantially square in shape including an inner flat surface 23, straight side edges 23' and arcuate corners 24. An abutment surface 26 bridges the space between the recessed region 28 and the peripheral edge 30 of the base panel with the space between arcuate corners and the outer square corners of the panel defining reinforcement zones 32. The abutment surface 26 is adapted to abut a similar surface on the top panel 14 when the cover is closed, as will be explained later. The reinforcement zones 32 serve to reinforce the corners of the panel to prevent damage to the cover as well as a record retained therein.

A plurality of radial ribs 34 extend outwardly from a central hub 36 in the base panel 12 at 45 intervals. The radial ribs extend to the peripheral edge of the recessed region 28. A circular rib 38, also having the central hub 36 as a center, is provided in the recesse region 28, the circular rib having an outer peripheral edge contacting the straight sides 23' of the recessed region so that the sides 23 are tangent to the rib 38 at equally spaced 90 intervals. The depth or extent of projection of the circular rib 38 away from the inner surface 23, as well as the height of the portions 40 of the radial ribs 34 which exted beyond the outer perimeter of the circular rib, is equal to the depth of the recessed region so that the upper surfaces thereof are flush with the abutment surface 26. The portions 42 of the radial ribs which are located inwardly of the circular rib 38 are shallower or lower than the circular rib and define a seating area for a record. The difference in height between the inward portions 42 of the radial ribs 34 and the circular rib 38 is substantially equal to the thickness of a conventional phonograph record for a reason to become more clear later. Preferably, the inner diameter of the circular rib 38 is substantially the same as the diameter of a conventional photograph record so that the record will fit snugly against the inner surface of the circular rib while being supported by the relatively low inward portions 42 of the radial ribs. As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the upper surface of a phonograph record seated in the base panel will be flush with the abutment surface 26.

At one or more locations in the circular rib 38 only one being shown, an arcuate cut-out portion 44, FIGS. 2 and 8, is provided establishing a finger access opening beneath a record retained in the cover to facilitate removal of the record. The relationship of the circular rib 38 to the radial ribs 34 both inwardly and outwardly of the circular rib is shown best in FIG. 7 whereby it is clearly seen that the circular rib and the portion 48 of the radial ribs outwardly thereof are of the same height while the portion 42 of the radial ribs inwardly of the circular rib are slightly lower.

Looking next at the top panel 14, shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that it is identical in size and configuration to the base panel 12 and also has a recessed region 46 substantially square in shape with arcuate corners 48. An abutment surface 50 extends between the recessed region 46 and the peripheral edge 52 of the top penal with reinforcement zones 54 being established between the arcuate corners 48 of the recessed region and the substantially square corners 56 of the panel.

Radial ribs 58 emanate outwardly from a central hub 60 in the recessed region 46 of the top panel 14 and are displaced 45 from each other so that they will be in alignment with the radial ribs 34 of the base panel 12 when the two panels are placed in faced abutting relationship. Each of the radial ribs 58 in the top panel as well as the central hub 60 has its top surface flush with the abutment surface 50, asshown in FIG. 3, and a centrally located axially projecting pin 62, coaxial with the central hub 60, extends a short distance beyond the central hub. The pin 62 is adapted to fit snugly into a mating hole 64 provided in the central hub 36 of the base panel 12 when the base and the top panels are in faced abutting relationship. The pin 62 will thereby protrude through the central opening of a phonograph record retained in the cover and thereby cooperates with the circular rib 38 to positively hold the record in place within the cover.

it can, therefore, be appreciated that when a phonograph record is positioned in the base panel 12 with its peripheral edge engaging the circular rib 38, and the top panel 14 is moved into faced abutting relationship therewith to close the cover, the radial ribs 58 in the top panel will engage the upper surface of the record and the inward portions 42 of the radial ribs 34 in the base panel will engage the lower surface of the record so that the record is tightly held between the two panels and is not permitted to move either axially or radially and is accordingly prevented from warping.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the base panel 12 is connected to the top panel 14 by a living hinge 66 which consists of a thin continuous strip 68 of the plastic material from which the panels are made that is integral with each panel and is flexible to allow the panels to pivot thereabout.

' The base panel 12 has a raised elongated and continuous bead 70 normal to the abutment surface 26, FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, along the three unattached sides of its perimeter which is substantially rectangular in cross section, and the top panel 14 has a mating elongated and continuous groove 72 normal to the abutment surface 50 along the three unattached sides of its perimeter of the same cross-section. When the cover 10 is closed so that the abutment surfaces 26 and 50 on the panels are in abutting relationship, the bead 70 will fit snugly into the groove 72 to provide a seal around the cover.

To releasably lock the panels in the closed position, a releasable latch 74 is integrally molded to common peripheral edges of the

panels

12 and 14. The releasable latch 74 has an enlarged finger tab 76 which is centrally positioned along the peripheral edge of the top panel 14 and is hook-shaped to define an inturned lip 78 that has limited flexibility to snap over and be retained beneath a projecting lip 80 protruding outwardly from the corresponding edge of the base panel 12. Accordingly, when the top panel is moved into abutting relationship with the base panel, the inturned lip 78 will snap over and be retained by the projecting lip 80.

It can, therefore, be seen that the record cover 10 of the present invention is adapted to provide adequate support for a phonograph record or other like article through the use of the circular and radial ribs. The cover is preferably made of a light but tough and rigid plastic material so that the record is protected from external forces accidentally or otherwise applied to the cover. The reinforced corners of the cover prevent the corners from collapsing thereby possibly damaging a record retained therein so it is readily apparent that the cover is very suitable for use as a mailing package as well as for use in temporary or permanent storage of records.

Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the presentdisclosure has been made by way of example and that changes in details of structure may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels, hinge means pivotally connecting the panels along a common peripheral edge, said panels being movable about said hinge means between a closed position wherein the panels are in face-to-face abutting relationship and an open position, a broad, shallow recessed portion formed between the inner facing surfaces of the panels when in the closed position, a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed portion disposed in mutually connecting and reinforcing relation to one another, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area for a record to be retained in the cover and panels can be moved into the closed position to tightly hold a record in the seating area formed by the ribs.

2. The record cover of claim 1 further including a raised pin on one panel in the center of the recessed portion and a mating opening in the center of the other panel whereby when the panels are in the closed posi-. tion, the raised pin will be positioned to pass through a central aperture in the record being retained in the cover and fit into the mating opening.

3. The record cover of claim 2 further including an elongated raised bead around the periphery of one of said panels and an elongated groove around the periphery of the other of said panels, said raised beads being adapted to fit tightly into said groove.

4. The record cover of claim 3 further including latch means for releasably securing the panels along a common peripheral edge opposite said hinge means.

5. The record cover of claim 1 wherein said panels have four equal sides and four substantially square corners, and wherein said recessed portion has four equal sides parallel to the sides of the panels and four arcuate corners, and reinforcement zones between the arcuate corners of the recessed area and the square corners of the panels, said reinforcement zones being flush with the abutment surface of the associated panel.

6. A record for phonograph records comprising in combination a quadrilateral base panel and a quadrilateral top panel, hinge means pivotally corinecting the base panel to the top panel along a common peripheral edge, each panel having a smooth outer face and a recessed inner face, a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed face of said base panel, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs near the outer peripheral edges of said base panel, said radial ribs having inner portions radially inwardly of the circular rib and outer portions radi ally outwardly of the circular ribs, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a first height relative to said recessed face and said inner portions being of a second height lower than said first height, said top panel having a plurality of radial ribs in its recessed face, said radial ribs in said top panel being of said first height relative to the recessed face of said top panel whereby when a phonograph record is seated on the inner portions of the radial ribs in said base panel and said top panel is in faced abutting relationship with said base panel, the record will be engaged on each face by the radial ribs in the respective panels and will be engaged around its periphery by the circular rib to positively position and support the record within the cover.

7. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels, said panels having inner faces adapted to be placed in faceto-face abutting relationship for retaining a record therebetween, a broad but shallow recess formed in the inner face of at least one of the panels, and a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed portion, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs so as to divide the radial ribs into inner and outer portions, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a first height relative to the bottom of said recessed portion and said inner portions being of a second height lower than said first height so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area corresponding with the size and shape of a record to be retained in the cover so that when the panels are placed in face-to-face abutting relationship, a record may be tightly held in the seating area formed by the ribs.

mg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3, 825,112 Dated 23 July 1974 Inventr( Aaron C. Schumaker and Isaac K. Hay, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Description'of the Preferred Embodiment:

Column 3, line 57, cancel "penal" and substitute -panel In the Claims:

Column 5, line 31', cancel "the" and substitute --said- Column 6, line 9 cancel "ribs" and substitute rib-- Signed and sealed this 29th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels, hinge means pivotally connecting the panels along a common peripheral edge, said panels being movable about said hinge means between a closed position wherein the panels are in face-to-face abutting reLationship and an open position, a broad, shallow recessed portion formed between the inner facing surfaces of the panels when in the closed position, a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed portion disposed in mutually connecting and reinforcing relation to one another, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area for a record to be retained in the cover and panels can be moved into the closed position to tightly hold a record in the seating area formed by the ribs.

2. The record cover of claim 1 further including a raised pin on one panel in the center of the recessed portion and a mating opening in the center of the other panel whereby when the panels are in the closed position, the raised pin will be positioned to pass through a central aperture in the record being retained in the cover and fit into the mating opening.

6. A record for phonograph records comprising in combination a quadrilateral base panel and a quadrilateral top panel, hinge means pivotally connecting the base panel to the top panel along a common peripheral edge, each panel having a smooth outer face and a recessed inner face, a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed face of said base panel, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs near the outer peripheral edges of said base panel, said radial ribs having inner portions radially inwardly of the circular rib and outer portions radially outwardly of the circular ribs, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a first height relative to said recessed face and said inner portions being of a second height lower than said first height, said top panel having a plurality of radial ribs in its recessed face, said radial ribs in said top panel being of said first height relative to the recessed face of said top panel whereby when a phonograph record is seated on the inner portions of the radial ribs in said base panel and said top panel is in faced abutting relationship with said base panel, the record will be engaged on each face by the radial ribs in the respective panels and will be engaged around its periphery by the circular rib to positively position and support the record within the cover.

7. A record cover comprising in combination first and second panels, said panels having inner faces adapted to be placed in face-to-face abutting relationship for retaining a record therebetween, a broad but shallow recess formed in the inner face of at least one of the panels, and a plurality of radially extending ribs and a circular rib in the recessed portion, said circular rib intersecting and being normal to said radial ribs so as to divide the radial ribs into inner and outer portions, said outer portions and said circular rib being of a first height relative to the bottom of said recessed portion and said inner portions being of a second height lower than said first height so that said ribs cooperate to form a seating area corresponding with the size and shape of a record to be retained in the cover so that when the panels are placed in face-tO-face abutting relationship, a record may be tightly held in the seating area formed by the ribs.