US3815920A

US3815920A - Puzzle and book structure

Info

Publication number: US3815920A
Application number: US00811487A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Carter; E Mullen
Original assignee: Book Covers Inc
Current assignee: Book Covers Inc
Priority date: 1969-03-28
Filing date: 1969-03-28
Publication date: 1974-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 1991-06-11

Abstract

A combination puzzle and book structure wherein a multi-layered leaf board thereof has a partial unadhered common surface between two of its layers in the central region of the leaf board. An end leaf is adhered to the top layer of the leaf board. Cuts extend from the end leaf to the partial unadhered common surface to form puzzle pieces. The end leaf and the leaf board are individually hinged to a spine board and a book is adhered to the spine board.

Description

United States Patent Carter et a]. 1 1 June 11, 1974 15 1 PUZZLE AND BOOK STRUCTURE 3,161,423 12/1964 Hcrtzhcrg 281/29 3 .3 t I 3 1751 Leeweee Cttttte 31131313 111322 5:155:11? 2537153 ii,

TOWnShlP; Edward Mulleflt 3,171,540 3/1965 Douglas 273/157 R ux W stfi d. th f J.v 3,195,924 7/1965 Carter ct a1 281/29 Assigneez Book Covers, Inc. Newark NJ 3,206,226 9/1965 Boyle 281/29 [22] Filed, Mar. 28, 1969 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 812,971 2/1937 France 281/29 PP N-1811t487 447,152 5/1936 Great Britain 3.5/35

[52] US. Cl 273/157 R, 281/29, 35/8 A Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle [51] Int. Cl. A631 9/10 58 Field of Search 273/157; 35/31, 35,55; 281/29, 31, 36 [57] ABSTRACT A combination puzzle and book structure wherein a [56] References Cited multi-layered leaf board thereof has a partial unad- UNITED STATES PATENTS hered common surface between two of its layers in the 3 O 1926 27 central region of the leaf board. An end leaf 1s ad- 11325333 511934 F1261; $1133 3? hetett te the e teyet ef the t eeetd- Cute extend 1,972,206 9 1934 Thomay 273/157 from the end leaf to the Parnell unadhefed Common 2,007,530 7/1935 Greene 273/157 surface to form puzzle pieces. The end leaf and the 2,538,085 1/1951 Cotton 35/35 X leaf board are individually hinged to a spine board and 2,946,137 7/1960 Worth et a1 35/35 a book is adhered to the spine board. 3.107918 10/1963 Edlen 1. 273/157 R 3,131,488 5/1964 Slater 35/31 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures I IS IQ. I6 11 1 lb 2/O\ 7 n /y ,1 ,r/ /r/ @5 8 J 1 \P\ \J\ 1 k K 9 11 l PATENTEDJUH I 1 e374 SNEH Z (If 2 Zeta 000 C. Ch y b 4190 A. NOLLE/Y PUZZLE AND BOOK STRUCTURE This invention relates to a puzzle and book structure. More particularly, this invention relates to a book cover for a juvenile book with an inlaid type die cut puzzle.

Heretofore, various types of book covers have been utilized in the making of juvenile books. In many instances, these book covers have been provided with a pair of leaf boards and an intermediate spine board which are hinged or otherwise secured to each other. Further, it has been known to use such book covers to mount a book containing a story on one leaf board and to mount various visual or audio aid devices on the other leaf board. For example, recording devices have been mounted on a leaf board which contain an audio tape or record of the printed story of the book mounted on the other leaf board. In this way, a child can view the printed pictoral representations of a story while listening to an audio presentation correlated to the pictoral representations.

However, the books which have been constructed in the above manner have been relatively expensive to make. Further, such books, have, in some instances, not captured the imagination of the children, especially children of early age. Generally, this latter disadvantage has been caused by the lack of manipulative operations needed to use the books. Also, these books have not been able to teach children in the sense that the story of the book section has not been developed in an interesting manner so that the child-reader can himself easily develop the sense and meaning of the story as it unfolds.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a book cover which can be used in making a juvenile book capable of attracting and holding a readers attention.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover which permits the use of a visual aid with a printed story.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover which allows the use of a manipulative device with a printed story.

It is another object of the invention to provide a book cover which can be easily made into a book having manipulative pieces incoroprated therein in associated with a printed story.

Briefly, the invention provides a puzzle and book structure for a book containing a printed story and manipulative visual aids corresponding to the story.

The puzzle and book structure is constructed with a pair of multi-layer leaf boards which are hinged together so as to overlie each other when in a closed position. Both leaf boards are made with the layers adhered together, as by gluing, to form unitary units. However, in one of the leaf boards, preferably the right hand leaf board, an area between two of the layers remains unglued so that the layers are free of each other.

In one embodiment, the layer or layers of the leaf board which face to the inside of the book are die-cut within the unadhered area of the layers so that a plurality of separate removable pieces are formed in the leaf board. These separate pieces can be of a regular shape, such as rectangular, or of an irregular shape, such as for a jig-saw puzzle. In this manner, the die-cut pieces can be removed from the leaf board and replaced in the fashion of a jig-saw puzzle. Further, since the removable pieces are cut directly from the leaf board, the interior surface of the leaf board presents a smooth surface with respect to the surrounding uncut area so that the book can be closed flat.

In order to place a pictoral scene or other visual representation on the die-cut removable pieces of the leaf board, the previously printed end leaf of a book simply adhered to the leaf board in the conventional fashion. In this way, after die-cutting of the leaf'board with the picture, a jig-saw type puzzle results which is integral with the book structure. In another construction, a book can be secured to the other leaf board in a way that the center of the book opens from the outside edge of the left hand cover board. This permits the puzzle to remain in view while the book is read.

In another embodiment of the invention, both leaf boards can be constructed with plies which are not adhered to each other in a predetermined area. In this embodiment, one leaf board can be die-cut so as to contain a plurality of interengaging pieces as above, while the other leaf board can be die-cut with the cut piece removed so that a recess is formed which can be used to store a small few paged book related to the picture puzzle.

In another embodiment of the invention, a number of slots canbe die-cut into the leaf board containing the unglued layers. These slots can then be used for the insertion and holding of other board or plastic figures in an upright position. This would give a threedimensional effect relating to the pictoral work on the inside label as well as the story in the book. Furthermore, a separate die-cut board having figures therein which can be broken out of the board, can be supplied wherein the figures would fit into the inserts of the slotted leaf board.

In another embodiment, one of the leaf boards can have a circular recess cut into the interior face so that a phonograph record of suitable size could be fitted and stored within the recess. Such a record would relate to the story in the book as well as the puzzle. Such a book, therefore, would provide three different effects for the reader. Namely, one effect would be the pictoral representation on the die-cut of the book, a second effect would be provided from a reading of the book material while the third effect would be an audio effect supplied by the record which is stored under the book in the leaf board recess.

In another embodiment, the book can be mounted in the cover without being conventionally bound to the leaf boards. In this case, a slot can be cut-out through one inside layer of the back leaf board and the book would be held or bound into a thin but relatively stiff light-weight paperboard cover of a thickness and dimension so that the cover can be slid into the slot between the layers of the leaf board.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of. a puzzle and book structure according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the book structure of FIG. I in an open position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the puzzle and book structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 of a modification of the invention wherein the book is mounted to one side of the structure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 showing another modification of the invention wherein one of the leaf boards contains a die-cut recess to receive a book;

FIG. 6 illustrates another modification of the invention wherein figures can be mounted in upright fashion in one of the leaf boards;

FIG. 7 illustrates a modification of the invention wherein a record can be stored within one of the leaf boards of the structure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another modification of the invention wherein the book can be anchored between the layers of one of the leaf boards.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the puzzle and book structure 10 is formed with a cover board structure made up of a pair of leaf boards 11, a spine board 12 and a hinge strip 13 which secures the leaf boards and spine board together in a hinge relationship. Each of the leaf boards and the spine board 12 are of multilayer construction, for example, of three layers. In addition, the hinge material strip 13 is secured to the outermost layers of the leaf boards and spine board. However, the hinge material strip 13 may also be secured to the inner layers of the leaf and spine boards where suitable. In addition, the puzzle and book structure 10 includes a jacket 14 of cover material which covers the exterior surface of the cover board structure and is folded into the inside edges of the cover board structure. Also, the structure 10 includes a book 15 which has end leaves 16, each secured over the leaf board 11 of the cover board structure and over the edges of the jacket material 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, one of the leaf boards 11 (eg the right-hand leaf board) is constructed of three

layers

17, 18 and 19. Initially, when constructed, the three layers are glued to each other in aligned fashionso as to form a single integral unit. However, while the

innermost layers

17, 18 are glued completely between their facing surfaces, the outermost layers l8, 19 are only glued along the binding edges of their facing surfaces so as to leave an unadhered common surface therebetween. In order to make the leaf board 11, such can be constructed in a manner as set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,195,924. However, in applying the glue to the surfaces of the respective layers, the gluing roller can be programmed so as only to apply glue to those surfaces that will provide the edge areas of the final leaf board 11 while omitting application of any glue to the surfaces that form the unglued area of the leaf board 11. This operation can be carried out in any suitable manner as is known, and therefore is not further described.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, after the jacket 14 has been secured about the cover structure and the book 15 has been applied with the end leaves 16 adhered to the outermost layers of the leaf board 11 and spine board 12, the right-hand leaf board 11 containing the unglued area between the

layers

18, 19 is cut, for example, by a die-cutter, so as to form a plurality of separate pieces in the leaf board of double thickness out of the glued layers 17, 18. As shown, the die-cut pieces 20 can be formed in a regular pattern or an irregular pattern (not shown). These die-cut pieces 20 can be manually removed from the remainder of the book and puzzle structure 10 and replaced in the same manner. Since the pieces 20 are cut directly out of the leaf board 11 a flat surface is presented so that when the book structure I0 is closed, it remains in a flattened configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the end leaf 16 which overlies the die-cut leaf board 11, is provided with a pictoral representation, for example, a series of numbers form I to 28 in a regular pattern. Upon cutting of the leaf board 11, this end leaf 16 is also cut-out while forming a template for the pieces being cut-out of the leaf board 11.

Alternatively, the end leaf 16 of the book can be provided with any suitable pictoral representation which can also function as a template for die-cutting the adhered layers 17, 18 of the leaf board 11 in a regular or irregular pattern, such as a jig-saw puzzle arrangement. Further, the book 15 can contain a story which is related to the pictoral representation on the end leaf 16. For example, the story can set forth directions for removing the various die-cut pieces from the leaf board 11 in a particular array so as to produce a suitable effect for the juvenile reader. The book 15 may also contain a story for returning the removed pieces 20 in a particular array.

Referring to FIG. 4, wherein like parts are indicated by like numbers as above, the puzzle and book structure 21 can have the book 15, for example, a pamphlet bound book between hard covers, mounted over the left-hand leaf board 11 such that the pages of the book 15 will open to the outside of the book. In this way, the book 15 will not interfere with the puzzle side of the puzzle and book structure 21. This unconventional mounting of the book 15 has the effect of allowing the right-hand side cover board with the puzzle to be completely visible while a child reads the story contained in the book 15. To this end, as shown, the outer end leaf 22 of the book 15 is extended to a double width to overlie and be adhered to the leaf board 11 and spine board 12 and to contain a pictoral representation for cutting out with the pieces 20 of the leaf board 11 on the righthand side as viewed. Alternatively, a separate preprinted cover piece can be secured across the leaf boards and spine and separately secured to an end leaf of the book 15.

Referring to FIG. 5, wherein like parts are indicated by like numerals as above, both leaf boards 11 of the puzzle and book structure 31 can be formed with layers which are not glued to each other within a peripherally glued area so as to define unadhered common surfaces therebetween. In this case, the righthand leaf board 11 is die-cut as above to form a plurality of pieces 20 of double thickness, whereas the left-hand board is merely cut-out to form a recess 32 within the inside face of the leaf board 11. The recess 32 is, for example, of double layer depth so as to receive a book 33 of a few number of pages, for example, a pamphlet type book. This puzzle and book structure 31 can alternatively be made with a spine board of minimal width such that when the book is in a closed position, the two leaf boards 11 substantially lie flat against each other.

Referring to FIG. 6, wherein like reference numerals have been used as above, the puzzle and book structure 41 has a book 15 which is secured to the left-hand leaf board 11 in the manner as described in FIG. 4. In additiona, an outer end leaf 22 of the book or a separate cover piece is secured over the leaf boards 11 and spine board 12 as described above. Also, the right-hand leaf board 11 is provided with a plurality of slots 42 which are formed by die-cutting out the double layer thickness of leaf board material. The slots 42 can be of any particular configuration, such as circular, elongated, rectangular and the like. The slots 42 serve to receive depending tabs 43 of figures 44 so as to mount the figures 44 in an upright manner from the book. The figures 44 can be of flat two-dimensional shape or of a contoured three-dimensional shape. For example, where the figurs 44 are made of two-dimentional shape, such can be cut-out of a single layer thickness of board material or can be manually punched out of a separate single layer of board material which is supplied with the puzzle and book structure 41. Once the figures 44 have been made independent, they can be inserted into suitable slots 42 within the leaf board 11 so as to correlate with a particular story line in the book 15. Thus, the puzzle and book structure 41 can be utilized to produce a three-dimensional effect relating to a pictoral representation on the cover sheet 22 on the leaf board 11 in which the figures 44 are mounted.

Referring to FIG. 7, wherein like reference numerals as above have been used to indicate like parts, the puzzle and book structure 51 is constructed in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the left-hand leaf board 11 is initially formed so that the upper layer 17 is glued to the middle layer 18 only about a peripheral area or along two edges. Thereafter, a recess 52 is formed in the leaf board 11 by cutting out the upper layer 17 to remove an interior area of the uppermost layer 17. This recess is sized to receive a phonograph record 53 which contains an audio presentation related to the story in the book 15. Also, the book is mounted on the left-hand leaf board to lie over the record with the pictoral representation of the end leaf 22 or cover sheet on the other leaf board 11. It is noted in this regard that the end leaf 22 is also cut-out in the area in which the recess 52 is formed. Consequently, when the book 15 is in a closed position, it completely covers over the recess 52. Access is made to the recess 52 by simply opening the book 15 completely away from the leaf board 11. Alternatively, the book 15 can be conventionally mounted on the spine 12 so that access to the phonograph record recess 52 is available when the book structure 51 is opened.

Referring finally to FIG. 8, wherein like reference numerals have been used to identify like parts as above, both leaf boards 11 have layers which are not adhered to each other completely. As above, the right-hand leaf board is die-cut to provide a plurality of pieces whereas the left-hand leaf board has a slot 62 of elongated length cut into the outermost layer I7 to communicate with the unadhered area between the

layers

17, 18. In addition, the book 15 is mounted as a pamphlet bound in a paperboard cover 62 of thin thickness with a cover 64 which is sized to fit into the recess 62 and he slid between the plies or layers l7, 18 of the leaf board 11; In this fashion, the book 15 is anchored by the cover 64 between the layers of the leaf board 11. Also, since the cover 64 is not secured by an mechanical or other means, except by friction, the book 15 can be easily removed from the book and puzzle structure 61. This completely eliminates the conventional gluing and binding requirements and makes a very flexible assembly. Y

The invention thus provides a puzzle and book structure which not only provides a story but also provides a pictoral representation on pieces which can be manipulated in a particular manner related to the printed story. Consequently, the juvenile reader not only is exposed to the experience of reading a story but also the experience of manipulating the components of a pictoral representation related to the story. In this manner, the impact of the story can be more easily understood by the reader. The reading ability and the comprehension of the reader can therefore be readily increased.

The invention also provides a puzzle and book structure which can be associated with three-dimensional objects which are mounted on a pictoral presentation of the structure in a particular pro-arranged pattern as well as with audio aids, such as phonograph records. In the case of the audio aid, such as a record, such can be mounted within the structure in an easily stored position.

It is noted that once the book has been incorporated into the cover board structure, such structure forms a completed unit which is ready for use. Also, it is noted that the die-cut pieces of the various structures described above, can be cut-out before insertion of the book into the structure.

Further, the invention provides a puzzle and book structure combination which combines a number of features which are desireable for marketing purposes in a single unit. For example, the capability of dual use for reading and puzzle manipulation or the multi-use of reading, manipulation, and audio presentation within a single compact unit presents an economic feature which enables a reduction in overall sales cost per unit of use to be obtained. Also, in manufacturing such units, the various steps needed to obtain the novel structures are at a relative minimum while the waste of material is at a practical absolute minimum. This permits a relatively low. cost structure to be obtained.

What is claimed is:

l. A combination puzzle and book structure comprising at least one leaf board of multi-layer construction, at least two layers of which have a partial unadhered common surface therebetween, said partial unadhered surface being in the central region of the leaf board, a spine board hingedly connected to the leaf board, an end leaf having a central cut-out region corresponding to said partial unadhered common surface and adhered to the peripheral portion of the top layer of the leaf board and joined to the spine board to permit hinged movement therebetween, said top layer of the leaf board having cuts extending from said partial unadhered common surface to the exterior of said top layer of the leaf board to form a plurality of removable pieces in said leaf board, and a book having a spine portion that is adhered to said spine board, and with the end pages of said book being unadhered to said leaf board.

2. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim I, wherein said end leaf is printed with printed matter.

3. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said removable pieces are of a rectangular shape.

4. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said removable pieces are of irregular shape.

5. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim I, wherein said leaf board is of three layers, and said cuts extend through two layers thereof to form pieces of two layered thicknesses.

forth in claim 6, further comprising a jacket covering the outer ends of said leaf boards and the border region on the top layer of said first leaf board, said border region excluding the removable pieces.

Claims

1. A combination puzzle and book structure comprising at least one leaf board of multi-layer construction, at least two layers of which have a partial unadhered common surface therebetween, said partial unadhered surface being in the central region of the leaf board, a spine board hingedly connected to the leaf board, an end leaf having a central cut-out region corresponding to said partial unadhered common surface and adhered to the peripheral portion of the top layer of the leaf board and joined to the spine board to permit hinged movement therebetween, said top layer of the leaf board having cuts extending from said partial unadhered common surface to the exterior of said top layer of the leaf board to form a plurality of removable pieces in said leaf board, and a book having a spine portion that is adhered to said spine board, and with the end pages of said book being unadhered to said leaf board.

2. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said end leaf is printed with printed matter.

5. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said leaf board is of three layers, and said cuts extend through two layers thereof to form pieces of two layered thicknesses.

6. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second leaf board hinged to said spine board to have said spine board disposed between said leaf boards.

7. A combination puzzle and book structure as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a jacket covering the outer ends of said leaf boards and the border region on the top layer of said first leaf board, said border region excluding the removable pieces.