WO2007050868A2

WO2007050868A2 - Encapsulated reading device

Info

Publication number: WO2007050868A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/041969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ginns Russell
Original assignee: Educate, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-10-27
Filing date: 2006-10-27
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: WO2007050868A3

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an encapsulated reading apparatus that includes a main body portion; a rotatable end removeably attached to a first end of the main body portion; and a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body portion. The encapsulated reading apparatus may also include a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body portion. The rotatable end may be operated to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

Description

Encapsulated Reading Device

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Number 60/ 730,383, filed on October 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to encapsulated reading devices, and more particularly to encapsulated reading devices for children, for example, encapsulated cylinder flip-books for children.

Background

[0003] Children's books, such as children's board books, are well known, however, they are usually made of cardboard and paper and/or just cardboard, which is susceptible to damage from food, drink and the young users of the books. Even when the books are made of plastic and/or have plastic coated pages, the pages are not immune from becoming covered with food, dirt and other materials and/or from being damaged or destroyed. As a result, what is needed is an apparatus to protect children's books from the inevitable damage they will experience from being used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Figure 1 is an example of an encapsulated reading apparatus including a window in a wall of a cylindrical body of the apparatus through which pages on which text, drawings, pictures, etc. may be placed/printed/etc, may be viewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0005] Figure 2 is an example of an encapsulated reading apparatus including a clear- walled cylindrical body of the apparatus through which pages on which text, drawings, pictures, etc. may be placed/printed/etc, may be viewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an encapsulated reading apparatus showing a view of a page of a book within the encapsulated reading apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG.4 is a longitudinal side view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 5 is an axial top-end view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 6 is an axial bottom-end view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 7 is an axial bottom-end view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal back view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal front view of another embodiment of the encapsulated reading device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 10 is top perspective view of another embodiment of the encapsulated reading device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 11 is close-up, top perspective view of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 12 is bottom perspective view of a first portion of a rotatable end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 13 is bottom perspective view of a first portion of a fixed end and a top perspective view of a second portion of the fixed end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 14 is bottom view of the second portion of the fixed end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 13, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 15 is top view looking into a main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 16 is top perspective view looking into the main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 15, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 17 is close-up view side perspective view of the fixed end of and looking into the main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading device/apparatus, which, generally, may be in the shape of a cylinder, provides a new format to present a user with a book sealed inside an at least partially transparent chamber. In some of the embodiments of the encapsulated reading device/apparatus, pages may be flipped, i.e., turned, by twisting an end of the encapsulated reading device/apparatus. For ease of use and explanation, encapsulated reading device and encapsulated reading apparatus may be used herein interchangeably to describe embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] In some of the embodiments of the encapsulated reading device, each encapsulated reading device may include (i.e., comprise) a plastic cylinder that is half opaque, half transparent. An axis runs longitudinally along the center of the plastic cylinder, on which "pages" that may be made of cardboard, paper or plastic may be suspended. In general, words and/or pictures may be printed on both sides of each page and the height of each page is approximately equal to the radius of the cylinder and the combined height of two pages side-by-side at 180° from each other is equal to approximately the diameter of the cylinder. Like the numbers in an old-style digital clock, a child may turn one end of the tube and flip the pages of the book. As a result, each page may contain its own unique and separate information as well as having the information spread out across two side-by-side pages. Depending on the flipping mechanism and page materials, each book may consist of anywhere from 8 to 24 pages. A typical board book is 8, 12 or 20 pages.

[0023] In some of the embodiments of the encapsulated reading device, one end of the cylinder may present instructions on how to operate the encapsulated reading device. The other end may be used to put a title or important information, such as the ISBN #. This can be useful if the tube is stacked on its side with other encapsulated reading devices.

[0024] The present invention is described in relation to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It should be appreciated, however, that the embodiments shown are exemplary and other configurations and arrangements of the present invention may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.

[0025] Figure 1 is an example of an encapsulated reading apparatus including a window in a wall of a cylindrical body of the apparatus through which pages on which text, drawings, pictures, etc. may be placed/printed/etc, may be viewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, an encapsulated reading apparatus 100 may include a main body cylinder 110, a rotatable end 120 that may be removeably attached to a first end of main body cylinder 110, a fixed end 130 that may or may not be removeably attached to a second end of main body cylinder 110, a page mechanism 140 having multiple, turn-able pages 142 is disposed in main body cylinder 110, and a generally opaque windowed internal body cylinder 150 disposed in main body cylinder 110 and between main body cylinder 110 and page mechanism 140. By turning rotatable end 120, a user may "turn" the pages inside the encapsulated reading device. For example, turning rotatable end 120 away from the user may cause the pages to advance forward toward the end of the story and/or document contained therein. Similarly, turning rotatable end 120 toward the user may cause the pages to advance backward toward the beginning of the story and/or document contained therein.

[0026] In some other alternative embodiments of the encapsulated reading apparatus, encapsulated reading apparatus 100 may not include internal body cylinder 150, but instead main body cylinder 110 may be opaque over a substantial portion with the exception of a clear window/opening through which the pages on page mechanism 140 may be viewed. Page mechanism 140 may be attached to at least rotatable end 120, which may control the movement of page mechanism 140 within encapsulated reading apparatus 100.

[0027] Figure 2 is an example of an encapsulated reading apparatus including a clear- walled cylindrical body of the apparatus through which pages on which text, drawings, pictures, etc. may be placed/printed/etc, may be viewed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, an encapsulated reading apparatus 200, which is similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, may include a clear main body cylinder 210, a rotatable end 220 that may be removeably attached to a first end of main body cylinder 210, a fixed end 230 that may or may not be removeably attached to a second end of main body cylinder 210, and a page mechanism 240 having multiple, turn-able pages 242 is disposed in main body cylinder 210. However, unlike in Figure 1, encapsulated reading device 200, generally, may not include opaque windowed internal body cylinder 150 and/or main body cylinder 210 may not include any opaque areas. Page mechanism 240 may be attached to rotatable end 120 and fixed end 230 by gear mechanism 250, which may control the movement of page mechanism 240 within encapsulated reading apparatus 200.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an encapsulated reading apparatus showing a view of a page of a book within the encapsulated reading apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an encapsulated reading apparatus 300, which is shown being held in a user's hands 305, may include a main body cylinder 310, a rotatable end 320 that may be removeably attached to a first end of main body cylinder 310, a fixed end 330 that may or may not be removeably attached to a second end of main body cylinder 310, a page mechanism 340 having multiple, turn-able pages 342 is disposed in main body cylinder 310, and a generally opaque windowed internal body cylinder 350 disposed in main body cylinder 310 and between main body cylinder 310 and page mechanism 340. By turning rotatable end 320, the user may "turn" the pages inside the encapsulated reading device. For example, turning rotatable end 320 away from the user may cause the pages to advance forward toward the end of the story and/or document contained therein. Similarly, turning rotatable end 320 toward the user may cause the pages to advance backward toward the beginning of the story and/or document contained therein.

[0029] In FIG. 3, two turn-able pages 342 are visible through generally opaque windowed internal body cylinder 350 and are shown as containing related text, for example, "F is for" and "Frog" and a picture of a frog that spans both turn- able pages 342. Encapsulated reading apparatus 300 is also shown to include a substantially clear information window 360 through which information about what is on the pages may be displayed. In the example in FIG. 3, the information displayed in substantially clear information window 360 is an "F" to indicate about which letter information is being displayed in generally opaque windowed internal body cylinder 350. Alternatively, the information being displayed in substantially clear information window 360 could also include page number(s).

[0030] In some other alternative embodiments, encapsulated reading apparatus 300 may not include internal body cylinder 150, but instead main body cylinder 310 may be opaque over a substantial portion with the exception of a clear window/opening through which the pages on page mechanism 340 may be viewed. Page mechanism 340 may be attached to at least rotatable end 320, which may control the movement of page mechanism 340 within encapsulated reading apparatus 300.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a back 410 of encapsulated reading apparatus 300 is seen to contain information about the contents of encapsulated reading apparatus 300. For example, this information may include the title of the book, as well as, author, publisher, legal notices (e.g., patent, copyright and trademark markings), and contact information.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal front view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, substantially clear information window 360 is shown to display the page number(s) of the current page(s), for example, "3". However, it is also contemplated that multiple page numbers may be displayed, for example, "3 - 4". In yet another alternative (not shown), there may be another separate substantially clear information window with a unique page number displayed for the bottom page below substantially clear information window 360 and to the side of the bottom page similar to the placement of substantially clear information window 360 next to the top page.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an axial bottom-end view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, fixed end 330 is shown to include the title of the book contained in encapsulated reading apparatus 300. Additional information, for example, ISBN #, author, publisher, legal notices (e.g., patent, copyright and trademark markings), and/or contact information, may also be included on fixed end 330.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an axial top-end view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, rotatable end 320 may include operating instructions, for example, an arrow symbol to show in which direction to turn rotatable end 320. Alternatively, the directions may be any combination of symbols and/or text that would convey the necessary instructions on how to operate the encapsulated reading apparatus.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal back view of the encapsulated reading apparatus of FIGs. 3 and 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the back half of the cylinder 410 may be used to describe the content of the book inside encapsulated reading apparatus 300 or a marketing message similar to the back cover of a book.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal front view of another embodiment of the encapsulated reading device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, an encapsulated reading apparatus 900 is shown as a bottle and may include a main body cylinder 910, a rotatable end 920, for example, a cork, that may be removeably attached to a first end of main body cylinder 910, a fixed end 930 that may or may not be removeably attached to a second end of main body cylinder 910, a page mechanism 940 having multiple, turn-able pages 942 is disposed in main body cylinder 910, which includes a generally opaque portion 950 and a window portion 952. By turning rotatable end 920, a user may "turn" the pages inside the encapsulated reading device. For example, turning rotatable end 920 away from the user may cause the pages to advance forward toward the end of the story and/or document contained therein. Similarly, turning rotatable end 920 toward the user may cause the pages to advance backward toward the beginning of the stoiy and/or document contained therein.

[0037] FIG. 10 is top perspective view of another embodiment of the encapsulated reading device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, an encapsulated reading device 1000 includes a main body portion 1010, for example, but not limited to, a main body cylinder, a rotatable end plate 1020 coaxially aligned with and attached to a first end 1012 of main body portion 1010, and a rotatable end 1030 coaxially aligned with and rotatably attached to rotatable end plate 1020 and main body portion 1010 by a fastener 1032, for example, but not limited to a screw, that may extend through rotatable end 1030 and rotatable end plate 1020 to attach them both to main body portion 1010. Rotatable end plate 1020 is generally a substantially circular-shaped disk, but it may also take on any configuration that would advantageously provide a tight seal between rotatable end plate 1020 and the end of main body cylinder 1010.

[0038] In FIG. 10, rotatable end 1030 is generally a substantially circular disk with generally evenly spaced finger detents 1034 around its outer edge to present a gear-like appearance when rotatable end. Although the finger detents are shown to be generally evenly spaced around the circumferential edge of rotatable end 1030, in some other embodiments, the finger detents may be evenly spaced grooves around the circumferential edge of rotatable end 1030.

[0039] FIG. 11 a is close-up, top perspective view of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is bottom perspective view of a first portion of the rotatable end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a bottom side 1036 of rotatable end 1030 with a ridged design portion 1037, a short cylindrical sleeve 1038 and a channel 1039 all coaxially aligned on rotatable end 1030. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, ridged design portion 1037 is in the shape of a "+" sign and/or an "x", which may be used to turn rotatable end 1030 and/or to minimize stress and strain on rotatable end 1030 around fastener 1032 when rotatable end 1030 is rotated to turn the pages within the device. Similarly, short cylindrical sleeve 1038 may fit over an internally threaded fastening mechanism 1022, which may be arranged to cooperate with channel 1039 and to receive fastener 1032. Internally threaded fastening mechanism 1022 may extend along the longitudinal length of main body portion 1010 to and be attached to the opposite end of main body portion 1010. Alternatively, internally threaded fastening mechanism 1022 may also only extend to approximately rotatable end plate 1020.

[0041] FIG. 13 is bottom perspective view of a first portion of a fixed end and a top perspective view of a second portion of the fixed end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13 a fixed end plate 1040 may be attached to a second end 1014 of main body portion 1010 and a fixed end 1050, although shown apart from fixed end plate 1040, fixed end 1050 may include similar features as rotatable end 1030. For example, fixed end 1050 may include another raised ridged design portion 1054 which defines a short opening 1052 coaxially aligned on fixed end 1050. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, another ridged design portion 1054 is generally in the shape of a "+" sign and/or an "x" and may fit within or over (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, it fits within) a similarly shaped ridged portion 1044 on the top of fixed end plate 1040 to hold fixed end 1050 stationary when rotatable end 1030 is rotated to turn the pages within the device. Other shapes for ridged design portion 1044 are contemplated to include, but not limited to, any other non-circular letter shape (e.g., "c", "D", "v", etc.), a square, a triangle, a notched circle, and a semi-circle. Fixed end plate 1040 may also include a coaxially aligned opening to allow an end 1042 of the axle to protrude a short distance perpendicular to the plane of fixed end plate 1040. A second internally threaded fastening mechanism may optionally be disposed in the end 1042 of the axle to receive a reciprocally threaded fastener.

[0042] FIG. 14 is bottom view of the second portion of the rotatable end of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 13, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, a bottom side 1025 of rotatable end plate 1020 includes a first stop 1060 and a second stop 1070 with both disposed near an outer edge of rotatable end plate 1020 and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A first flexible member 1062 is connected by a fastener 1064 (for example, but not limited to, a screw) to an end of first stop 1060 away from rotatable end plate 1020 and first flexible member 1062 is aligned substantially parallel to bottom side 1045 of rotatable end plate 1020. Similarly, a second flexible member 1072 is connected by a fastener 1074 (for example, but not limited to, a screw) to an end of second stop 1070 away from rotatable end plate 1020 and second flexible member 1072 is aligned substantially parallel to bottom side 1025 of rotatable end plate 1020. In general, first stop 1060 and second stop 1070 may be disposed on bottom side 1025 at between an approximately 35 to 45 degree angle from each other relative to the axis of fixed end plate 1040.

[0043] First flexible member 1062 and second flexible member 1072 may serve as stops for the pages within main body portion 1010 and also may make a sound when a page has been turned to indicate to the user that the page has been turned. Generally, the sound is a click and each click indicates that a single page has been turned. In other embodiments, one or more detents and one or more ball bearings may be positioned between one or both hubs and their respective end plates as an additional sound mechanism to indicate when a page has been turned.

[0044] FIG. 15 is top view looking into a main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, an axle 1510 has a first hub 1520 attached near the proximal end of axle 1510 and a portion of axle 1510 extends past first hub 520 and past the end of main body cylinder 1010. Axle 1510 also extends through main body cylinder 1010 and has a second hub (not shown) attached near the distal end of axle 1510 with a similar portion of axle 1510 extending past the second hub. The ends of axle 1510 are configured to cooperate with and be attached to rotatable end 1030 and fixed end 1040. First hub 1520 may include a plurality of evenly spaced openings 1522 around the exterior of first hub 1520 that are adapted to receive a tab portion of one side of each page 1530 and permit each page to move freely around the axis formed by the combination of the tab and opening 1522. As axle 1510 is turned, hub 1520 rotates in unison with axle 1510.

[0045] FIG. 16 is top perspective view looking into the main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 15, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is close-up view side perspective view of the fixed end of and looking into the main body cylinder of the embodiment of the encapsulated reading device in FIG. 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, first stop 1060, first flexible member 1062 and fastener 1064 are shown restraining one page 1530. As a user turns rotatable end 1030, page 1530 moves against first flexible member 1062, which flexes to allow page 1530 to pass and then snaps back into position with a sound to indicate that the page has been turned.

[0047] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus provides a number of benefits over traditional books, especially for young children. Specifically, they: are, essentially, toddler-proof books; fit in a cup holder, so they can be stored in a cup holder in the car; can be made waterproof so they can even be used in water (for example, the bathtub); stack well and can be sold on book shelves. In addition, they present unique marketing and packaging opportunities, such as, for example, selling them packaged in a six-pack, eight-pack, and/or twelve-pack like children's juices and drinks.

[0048] Alternative embodiments are also contemplated to include specialized versions of Encapsulated Readers with thematic shapes. For example, the encapsulating chamber may be, but is not limited to, a cylinder/circular tube shape, a rectangle with flat sides, and/or a hollow three-dimensional object (for example, a boat or a bottle or a shoe).

[0049] Additional features and/or alternative embodiments for Book-in-a-Can (Encapsulated Reading Cylinder) may include, but are not limited to, the following, both individually and in any of the possible various combinations thereof.

[0050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pages may be made of paper or cardboard, and/or plastic.

[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pages may be flipped by turning a dial or knob, and/or by operating a motor.

[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulating chamber may be water-tight. [0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may contain an illumination device on the inside.

[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may have a compass attached to it.

[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pages of the encapsulated reading apparatus may display maps and/or the exterior of the encapsulated reading apparatus may present an index to maps contained within the interior.

[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may include a global positioning device, processor and motor to cause the pages to turn to display a relevant map.

[0057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus the printing on the pages may glow-in-the-dark and/or be electro-luminescent.

[0058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may be attached to the bottom of another item, such as a beverage container.

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may be made small and may be attached to a key ring.

[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the transparent portion of the encapsulated reading apparatus may provide a magnified viewing of the interior pages.

[0061] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may include more than one set of pages on the interior, which may be turned at different rates or in opposite directions, to create a variety of page combinations or spell different words or assemble different pictures.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may have a locking mechanism, so that the pages may only be turned if certain conditions are met.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may provide an audible indication that a page has been turned, for example, but not limited to, a clicking sound.

[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulated reading apparatus may provide a physical indication that a page has been turned, for example, but not limited to, a click caused when a page that is being turned physically activates the impact indication and/or a vibration/impact when the turned page contacts the previous page.

[0065] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes a main body portion; a rotatable end removeably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body portion; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body portion. The rotatable end may be operated to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

[0066] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes main body means; means for rotating an end removeably attached to a first end of the main body means; fixed end means attached to a second end of the main body means; and a page mechanism means including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body means, the page mechanism means being connected to and between the means for rotating and the fixed end means, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body means. The means for rotating may be operated to turn the page mechanism means in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes a main body portion; a rotatable end moveably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a second end of the main body portion opposite the first end; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the second end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through at least a portion of the main body portion. The apparatus further includes the rotatable end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

[0068] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes a main body means; means for rotating an end moveably attached to a first end of the main body means; a second end of the main body means opposite the first end; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body means, the page mechanism being connected to and between the means for rotating an end and the second end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through at least a portion of the main body means. The apparatus further includes the means for rotating an end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

[0069] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes a main body portion; a rotatable end moveably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body portion; an illumination device disposed within the main body portion; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able, plastic pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body portion. The apparatus further includes the rotatable end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages; and the encapsulated reading apparatus being waterproof when the rotatable end and the fixed end are securely attached to the main body portion.

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulated reading apparatus includes a main body means; a means for rotating moveably attached to a first end of the main body means; a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body means; an illumination means disposed within the main body means; and a page mechanism means including a plurality of turn-able, plastic pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body means, the page mechanism means being connected to and between the means for rotating and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body means. The apparatus further includes the means for rotating being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages; and the encapsulated reading apparatus being waterproof when the means for rotating and the fixed end are securely attached to the main body cylinder.

[0071] One or more embodiments of the present invention include the encapsulated reading apparatus substantially as shown and described. Additionally, in other embodiments of the present invention, every element can be separately and individually claimed. Likewise, in other embodiments a variety of means may be used to construct the encapsulated reading apparatus.

[0072] As is apparent from the above description and the figures referenced therein, there is provided a variety of embodiments of an encapsulated reading apparatus, in accordance with the present invention. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be, or are, apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An encapsulated reading apparatus comprising: a main body portion; a rotatable end removeably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body portion; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body portion; the rotatable end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

2. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main body portion comprises: a substantially clear main body cylinder.

3. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main body portion comprises: a substantially opaque main body cylinder with a clear window positioned to enable viewing of the plurality of turn-able pages.

4. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main body portion further comprises: a substantially clear information window disposed near the first end or the second end.

5. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a substantially opaque internal body portion disposed between the main body portion and the page turning mechanism having a clear window positioned so as to permit viewing of the plurality of turn-able pages.

6. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 5 wherein the main body portion further comprises: a substantially clear information window disposed between the clear window and one of the rotatable end and the fixed end.

7. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 5 wherein the clear window provides a magnified view of the one of the plurality of turn-able pages displayed below the clear window.

8. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein the encapsulated reading apparatus is waterproof.

9. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotatable end further comprises: a motor to be actuated to automatically turn the plurality of turn-able pages.

10. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 9 wherein the motor is configured to be manually actuated.

11. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 10 wherein the motor is further configured to be periodically actuated by a timing mechanism.

12. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a global positioning system device; a processor; and a motor, where the motor is controlled by the processor using inputs from the global positioning system device to turn to a specific page of the plurality of turn-able pages in the encapsulated reading apparatus based on the position of the encapsulated reading apparatus.

13. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of turn-able pages represent maps.

14. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of turn-able pages represents a map.

15. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of turn-able pages represents a map.

16. An encapsulated reading apparatus comprising: a main body portion; a rotatable end moveably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a second end of the main body portion opposite the first end; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the second end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through at least a portion of the main body portion; the rotatable end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages.

17. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 16 wherein the main body portion comprises: a substantially clear main body cylinder.

18. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 17 wherein the rotatable end further comprises: a motor to,be actuated to automatically turn the plurality of turn-able pages by at least one of being manually actuated and being periodically actuated.

19. An encapsulated reading apparatus comprising: a main body portion; a rotatable end moveably attached to a first end of the main body portion; a fixed end attached to a second end of the main body portion; an illumination device disposed within the main body portion; and a page mechanism including a plurality of turn-able, plastic pages disposed in and coaxially aligned with the main body portion, the page mechanism being connected to and between the rotatable end and the fixed end, and the plurality of turn-able pages being visible through a portion of the main body portion; the rotatable end being operable to turn the page mechanism in a forward direction and a backward direction to display each of the plurality of turn-able pages; the encapsulated reading apparatus being waterproof when the rotatable end and the fixed end are securely attached to the main body portion.

20. The encapsulated reading apparatus of claim 19 wherein the rotatable end further comprises: a motor to be actuated to automatically turn the plurality of turn-able, plastic pages by at least one of being manually actuated and being automatically periodically actuated.