Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum formed cassette album having front and rear covers connected by a spine. The covers and spine are formed from a stiff, self-supporting thermoformed tray sheet extending the height and breadth of both the front and rear covers and across the spine area. A soft cover sheet, formed for example from supple plastic, is sealed to the tray sheet along its edges. A pair of parallel, vertically disposed, laterally spaced apart vacuum formed channel-form hinges are provided in the tray sheet at the edges of the spine and extending to the top and bottom edges of the tray sheet to define fold lines between the spine and the covers. The channel-form hinges are substantially uncompressed and are of uniform thickness throughout. Between the channels in the spine area is an elevated rectangular plateau defining a box-like frame to help keep the spine flat. One cover has tabs that extend into recesses within the other cover.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 1990
Date of Patent:
September 8, 1992
Assignee:
Blackbourn Inc.
Inventors:
Stephen R. Schmitz, Philip K. Sykes, Breck J. Johnson
Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum formed cassette album having front and rear covers connected by a spine. The covers and spine are formed from a stiff, self-supporting thermoformed tray sheet extending the height and breadth of both the front and rear covers and across the spine area. A soft cover sheet, formed for example from supple plastic, is sealed to the tray sheet along its edges. At least a pair of parallel, vertically disposed, laterally spaced apart vacuum formed channels are provided in the tray sheet at the edges of the spine and extending to the top and bottom edges of the tray sheet to define fold lines between the spine and the covers. The channel-form hinges are substantially uncompressed.
Abstract: A two-ply, book-style album comprises an inside tray sheet (12) and an outside cover sheet (14). The sheets (12, 14) are preferably formed from high-density polyethylene, and are thermally heat sealed together via a peripheral seal (34) and spine rules (36). The spine rules are formed into the front or obverse surface of the inside tray sheet (12) to define living hinges. An apparatus (70) and method for automatically manufacturing the albums (10) is also disclosed.
Abstract: A two-ply, book-style album (10) comprises an inside tray sheet (12) and an outside cover sheet (14). Sheets (12 and 14) are preferably formed of high-density polyethylene, and are thermally heat-sealed together by means of a peripheral seal (34) and spine rules (36). The spine rules (36) include longitudinal grooves (38) formed to a substantial depth into the front surface of the inside tray sheet (12) in order to define living hinges which provide a roundish, less square spine of more pleasing appearance.
Abstract: The specification discloses an album type package (10) for holding a magnetic tape cassettes, and particularly either of two different predetermined sizes of video cassettes (28). The package (10) includes covers (12, 14) hinged to opposite sides of a spine (16), on which is mounted a rectangular boot or tray (26) for receiving a cassette in edgewise relationship therein. A lug (36) on the back cover (14) positively retains the cassette in the tray (26) when the cover is releasably secured by a lock (30) to the tray and the package (10) is partially closed. Means (44) are provided for properly locating a second, relatively smaller cassette for engagement with the lug (36). Another lock (38) releasably secures the covers (12, 14) in fully closed position.