Abstract: An article comprising a folded sheet, that is able to be unfolded, the folded sheet comprising a plurality of segments defined by folds lines, with at least one stiff portion provided at one of said exposed segments of the folded sheet, wherein at least part of the stiff portion comprises a transparent material and the folded sheet is folded with two sets of concertina folds, and one of said concertina folds being transverse of the other of said concertina folds.

Abstract: An improved volume of map, chart, or large image data, constructed of two complimentary books in which a comprehensive data region (10) is divided into a plurality of rectangular segments (22). The segments are separated into two groups as if a checkerboard pattern of alternating light and dark rectangles (34), (54) existed. The segments are further divided in half and made into facing pages or leaves (90), with each book (82), (86) containing generally half the sum of the data segments of the comprehensive map. The facing leaves are further ordered by two-dimensional coordinate based on row (98), and column (94) of the segments. The two-dimensional facing leave coordinate (130) is clearly printed on facing leaves.An oversized cover (118) contains applicable coordinate scales or measure rules (110) on the inner sides of the visible area (122) of oversizement when the book is open. The scales are aligned to and applicable to the facing leaves.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for use in producing articles each comprising a sheet folded with at least one set of concertina folds which can be unfolded, wherein the article comprises at least one stiff portion attached to an outer segment of the folded sheet, and in which the apparatus is capable of supplying the folded sheet and at least one stiff portion and attach them together and maintain the sheet folded during at least part of the approach to the attaching step.

Abstract: A paper product, such as an advertising brochure, a cover or the like, is formed by using the novel method of the present invention. In the present method, a continuous moving web of paper is provided. The web is longitudinally slit at positions offset to one side of a longitudinal axis of the web, preferably a centerline axis, at spaced positions to form a plurality of longitudinal slits which are separated from each other by a continuous portion of the web. Thereafter, adhesive is deposited on the web at a position offset from the longitudinal slit, and preferably along a side margin of the web. A first portion of the web is folded over onto a second portion of the web along a fold line at a position between the longitudinal slit and the adhesive. Next, the first portion is secured to the second portion by the adhesive to form a secured section. The longitudinal slit is thereafter positioned between the secured section and the fold line.

Abstract: A foldable article comprises a sheet of material (20) having a first plurality of concertina folds (22) and a second plurality of concertina folds (24). The second plurality of concertina folds (24) are oriented transverse to the first plurality of concertina folds (22). A first tab (30) is disposed at a first edge of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A map which may also be a calculating or teaching device includes a flat representation of a planet with one hemisphere on one side and the opposite hemisphere on the opposite side. The hemispheres are projected to the same scale with matching meridian lines, an arbitrary point of interest forms the center of one side and the antipode of the point of interest forms the center of the other side. Scales are provided by which great circle routes may be plotted and measured. The maps are preferably conformed to an azimuth equidistant projection. A variation is disclosed by which the change from night and day is delineated.

Abstract: A foldable article comprises a sheet of material (20) having a first plurality of concertina folds (22) and a second plurality of concertina folds (24). The second plurality of concertina folds (24) are oriented transverse to the first plurality of concertina folds (22). A first tab (30) is disposed at a first edge of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A laminated map or other product having a plurality of adjacent rectangular panels, formed of a paperboard sheet and a pair of transparent sheets covering the paperboard sheet, with the transparent sheets joining all of the paperboard sheets into an integrated product. The panels are arranged in at least two rows of plural panels and a plurality of columns of panels. When the pairs of panels in the columns are accordion-folded in the direction of the columns, and are then folded to cause the panels of one row to overlie the panels of the other row, the product will fold into a compact stack without substantial resistance to movement into that configuration and will be substantially flat, and when the panels are temporarily folded into single stack compact random arrays, those arrays will be compact and substantially flat. A method of making a multidirectional, multiple fold laminated product is also described.

Abstract: Universal data input card which loads the data of a destination point and the route into the navigation device. The card can be produced completely by printing and can be published in any printed product. On the card is a picture field (3) to locate a photo and text field (4) for locating text information, miniature map segments (2) which contain the route information and a bar-code (1) which provides the coordinates of the destination points. The card of the selected destination point is simply inserted into a card input slot (7) of a GPS device which is built together with an optoelectronic card reader. The device then navigates the driver to the destination point by means of the information shown on a display (6) which can be accompanied by additional voice information. The purpose of introducing the system which operates with a printed card is to spread GPS technology into everyday use for the public.

Abstract: A book jacket with flaps folding over the front and rear covers of a book, having informative indicia located on the inner surface of the flaps such that when the flaps are folded out, the informative indicia will be juxtaposed with the book and will be concurrently visible to the user as he views the pages of the book. The informative indicia provide information to help the user of the book interpret the information in the book. For example, the informative indicia may be: a family tree for a book involving a complex genealogy, a timeline of events for a book on history, or a legend of map symbols for an atlas or road map book. The informative indicia may be printed directly on the inner surface of the flap, or may be provided on a separate sheet which is attached to the inner surface of the flap. If there is a great deal of information to be provided, an elongated folded flap may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for educating and entertaining persons. Said apparatus having one or more primary sheets with cuts, slits, or slots therein, through which a plurality of cards or strips are woven to form a foldable device. Said apparatus having an upper or exterior surface upon which a first indicia may be printed or appear. Said apparatus capable of folding to cause the first indicia to be covered and reveal an otherwise hidden second indicia printed or appearing thereon. Said invention further including the processes for manufacturing and using said apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention involves a map board assembly having one or more weather resistant sleeves. The sleeves are formed of a non-porous, transparent flexible material. Maps and other paper documents may be releasably secured to rigid, planar backing members and subsequently inserted into the sleeves. The maps may then be viewed through the transparent sleeve. Erasable markings may be placed on both the sleeves and rigid backing members due to their non-porous nature. The openings to the sleeves may be closed by the use of velcro strips. In map board assemblies having multiple sleeves, velcro strips or other suitable fastening devices may also be used to secure the individual sleeves together in a folded position. A flexible, non-porous, transparent overlay may be placed over a map displayed within a sleeve and have erasable markings placed thereon. The marked upon overlay may then be transferred to a different sleeve to thereby transfer or analyze the information conveyed by the markings.

Abstract: A promotional booklet having first and second separate compartments. In the first compartment is a plurality of information pages and in the second compartment is a rectangular sheet having a plurality of fold lines forming a plurality of individual panels that can be folded over each other such as a map. At least one panel on the rectangular sheet is attached to one of the second and third panels forming the second separate compartment. When the single rectangular sheet is folded to form a single panel in plan view, the entire promotional booklet forms only a single panel in plan view.

Abstract: A system to help a viewer find stars, planets, deep sky objects and constellations is disclosed. The system has a series of sky maps showing different views of the sky. One or more tables is provided for each map. The tables assist in corresponding the sky map to the sky. The tables have coordinates corresponding to times and dates and inform the viewer as to the direction in which he should look, the way in which the sky map should be oriented and whether the viewer should look high in the sky, low in the sky or in-between.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a navigational aid which is an integrally formed, transparent, flexible plastic plotter having two erasable writing surfaces and further includes indicia pertinent to navigational information thereon. Furthermore, the plotter provides a pocket for receiving a document therein, such as a map, whereby allowing a navigator to evaluate pre-flight plans or current flight information and to draw or write such information on the writing surface, whereby, the navigator never need write on the document so as to eliminate cost of continuously replacing maps and further encourages pre-flight planning so as to provide a safe flight for the navigator as well as their passengers.

Abstract: A travel planner including a transparent or translucent Combined Region/Topical Map that allows the user to plan a route directly on the map. The size of the region can range from a city or a portion thereof to a country or continent. Two or more Combined Region/Topical Maps can be overlaid such that the regional information is registered, whereby the user can plan a trip as may be desired to visit more than one type of point of interest (e.g., a castle and an historic village). This travel planner easily enables the traveler to create an itinerary based on personal interests by overlaying Combined Region/Topical Maps depicting desired interest types, each Combined Region/Topical Map depicting specific sites and locations of interest. In addition to such tourist information as the location of castles, museums, or camping locations, such Combined Region/Topical Maps can include such information as the locations of hotels, car rental companies, or pavilions for major events.

Abstract: A laminated map panel is disclosed for use in a map booklet. The panel includes a substantially flat, relatively stiff panel member including first and second faces located on opposite sides of the plane of the panel. The panel also includes first and second substantially parallel side edges that are generally equal in length, and first and second substantially parallel end edges of generally equal length. The panel also includes a map display sheet disposed on at least the first face which is aligned to provide a blank margin member disposed between the display sheet and the first side edge. This provides an erasable writing area. In addition, a mechanism is provided proximate the second side edge for removably securing the panel to the booklet. Finally, laminate members cover the first and second faces.

Abstract: This invention is a new designed configuration of a laminated folding navigation chart. This said chart is intended for pilots and navigators of small planes and watercraft. This said navigation chart consists of a plurality of (preferably 10) panels that are flexibly coupled together at their contiguous edges. The said transparent flexible couplings herein described allow epicycle multiplicity folding of said panels relative to each other. This said epicycle multiplicity folding of panels allows the chart to be viewed clearly while in the fully open position, partial open position or in a single panel closed position.

Abstract: A bound volume of cartographic material that includes a plurality of rectangular leaves of a first height and width, with each of the leaves having a top and a bottom edge and a first and second edge, and a cover. The cover includes a first panel and a second panel, with the first panel having a first and a second side edge. The first panel is bound by a metal binding mechanism along the first side edge, and the second panel is hingedly connected to the second side edge of the first panel. The second panel is proportioned to fold over the first panel and to fold out and lie adjacent the second side edge of the first panel. The second panel, when folded out, displays first, small scale cartographic indicia and key grid indicia, with the key grid indicia including multiple grid sections overlying the first cartographic indicia.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention is to provide a method for coding indications on a printed map which is an analog map, namely, the content and location of a certain position directly from the analog map, and more particularly, to provide a method for coding a map formed so that the data to be recorded as digital map data and to be read from digital map data stored in a storage device can be formed easily and quickly, coding the content in the map of the indication and further coding the position thereof.

Abstract: A folded sheet article (20) comprises a sheet (22) of material having mutually transverse sets of concertina folds (24, 26) and two diagonally opposite stiff portions (28, 30) at respective corner segments (32, 34) of the sheet (as disclosed in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,898) and has a pocket (40) at at least one of the segments (32, 34). Pocket (40) may be formed separately, may comprise the stiff portion (28), which may be folded back onto itself to form the pocket (40), or may (alone or together with said portion (28)) be formed from the sheet (22). The stiffening may be provided by a removable card (58) in pocket 40). Such card (58) may bear coded information (60) related to information (62) borne by sheet (22). Pocket (40) may have an egress retarder (64) to retard egress of a card (58).

Abstract: A sheet of material having a first set of concertina folds and, so as to be transverse to these when the sheet is folded with these folds, a second set of concertina folds, the sheet being provided with two diagonally opposite holding portions at segments thereof, which segments are at or near diagonally opposite corners of the sheet and defined by folds and/or edges thereof, one of the holding portions being stiff and the opposite holding portion having a part extending beyond the remainder of the sheet when folded, so as to be suitable to be held in a binder; the part may be pre-bound in a book or may have punch-holes, suitable for a ring-binder; the material, part from the stiff portion, may be of paper-like plastics material that is tear-resistant.

Abstract: A folding laminated map with an improved hinge and image retention is described. The map, or composite image, is separated into two or more discrete partial images or panels and printed on a single sheet of a suitable material. The discrete panels contain all the graphic information contained in the composite image, but the panels are spaced from adjacent panels in the composite image. The space between panels is a blank area on the printed sheet which will become the hinge. Slot-like portions are cut out of the blank area on the printed sheet in such a way as to leave connecting tabs between adjacent partial images or panels. The slots are very narrow enabling substantial juxtaposition of adjacent panels. After the slots are cut out of the hinge portion of the printed sheet, the single sheet containing the panels is passed through a laminating device with the hinge parallel to the direction of travel through the laminator.

Abstract: A sheet of flat paper or poster stock has information printed on one side in the form of separate and independent areas of discrete information units, and a large-scale poster-like pattern occupying substantially the entire available area of the opposite side surface of the sheet. A plurality of straight crease lines are marked on one surface of the sheet, arranged to define a coordinate grid-like pattern surrounding the various discrete information units, such that the sheet may be folded conveniently along the crease lines to form a fold-out booklet having a plurality of leaves with units of information printed on each leaf, similar in nature to the pages of a book.

Abstract: The invention relates to a map on which informative data are printed, said map being provided with folding lines and with map portions located between said folding lines. A central folding line is provided, whereby two further folding lines, extending on either side of the central folding line in the unfolded condition of the map, adjoin said central folding line in each of a plurality of spaced joining points, and whereby further folding lines, which extend from an adjoining point on the central folding line, include a 90.degree. angle with each other and similar angles with the central folding line. The map is folded alternately about the further folding lines in opposite directions, all this in such a manner that in the folded-up condition of the map all parts located between said folding lines lie one on top of the other.

Abstract: A laminated folding indicia carrier, such as a folding map, consisting of a plurality of laminated rectangular relatively stiff panels, preferably six, wherein an indicia carrier, such as a paper map, is laminated between transparent film. Selected adjacent panels are hingedly connected and pivotal through substantially 360.degree. whereby lateral panels may be selectively folded over either the front or rear face of an associated central panel, and the central panels are hingedly connected for folding over either face of the other central panel. In this manner, any of the identically dimensioned panels may be easily folded as to be visually observed while the folded configuration will be of a single panel size.

Abstract: A map folded into a small handy package is arranged to be unfold in different sized section showing areas of interest around a specific location, a hotel or a motel, etc., with each section enlarging the map area radiating out from the specific location. Colored edge strips make finding map areas easy and provide a color aligning of edges to prevent improper folding the map from fully unfolded back to a small handy package.

Abstract: A sheet of paper or like material having a first and a second set of concertina folds with the second set of folds being transverse to the first set when the sheet is folded. The sheet is provided with two stiff portions at diagonally opposite corner segments of the sheet, so that the sheet can be unfolded with a single movement and possibly using only one hand to grasp and unfold the sheet.

Abstract: A multipurpose template for folding oversized variable linear dimensioned documents, prints or plans adapted to fit over a vertical support surface, such as a room or closet door, which provides two perpendicularly oriented alignment elements fixedly secured to a planar folding surface. The alignment elements display fold line locating indices and sets of graphic pattern folding instructions for folding said oversized documents to a size suitable for mailing or storage with the resulting folded document displaying the legend or title block on the upward facing plate or segment of the folded document. The template also provides a surface for temporary writing with erasable marker, a screen for viewing projected images, and a guide for cutting and trimming such oversized documents.

Abstract: A compact information brochure for use by a traveller having a cover and at least one page. The cover sheet is folded to define front and rear cover portions. The rear cover portion and has a face with defined regions for receiving address information along with postage, message information, and photographic images. The page is attached internally to the cover sheet and contains map indicia and corresponding map information along with other defined regions for receiving user provided information.

Abstract: A trip planner, comprised of a base map and a plurality of transparent sheets having annotated outlines of the base map, which can be customized to an individual's travel interests and which allow a traveler to plan his trip at a glance.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a foldable map of a region. First, an elongated piece of zig-zag folded material is provided having a plurality of spaced folds extending transversely of the length of the piece of material to define sheets between adjacent folds. This zig-zag material has a map display area having a total length to width ratio of a certain value. Next, a reference map of the region is divided into a plurality of rectangular strips of constant width. Each of the strips has a length which corresponds to the portion of the region within the associated strip, so that the ratio of the total length of the strips to the constant width is minimally smaller than the certain value. Then, the strips are reproduced on the piece of folded material so that particular strips appear on a maximum number of adjacent sheets.

Abstract: A ski or terrain map for detachable wearing on the arm, comprising flexible, folded band having opposed longitudinal end portions and having ski trails or other indicia of topography or terrain depicted thereon. Attachment means are carried by the band for detachably securing one longitudinal end portion of the band to the other longitudinal end portion of the band, such that the map firmly encircles the user's arm. The attachment means are contained within the perimeter of the map substrate, and, in a preferred embodiment, a loop or other means are provided for holding one end of the substrate substantially in contact with the user's arm as the substrate is circled about the arm. Preferably, Velcro or a similar strip having a multiplicity of interengageable fibers is used as the attachment means.

Abstract: This invention is a nautical chart intended primarily for small craft navigation. The nautical chart includes a representation of a shoreline on at least one side of a single sheet of flexible material. The representation of the shoreline includes at least one small scale chart and a plurality of large scale charts. Both large scale and small scale charts are suitable for piloting. A substantially continuous shoreline is represented by a combination of the plurality of large scale charts. The large scale charts can be an extension of the shoreline of the small scale chart, overlap the shoreline of the small scale charts, or both.

Abstract: An improved sheet folding method comprises forming an upper folding template and a lower folding template having plate elements corresponding to predetermined fold configurations desired to be formed, the plate elements being interconnected along respective joining lines between adjacent plates by thin, flexible joining parts which allow the plate elements to be folded together along the joining lines, placing a sheet to be folded between the upper and lower folding templates, then folding the stacked sheet and templates together according to the order of the fold configurations desired, whereby the desired fold lines are formed in the sheet corresponding to the joining lines between the plate elements in the order of the fold configurations.

Abstract: A foldable sheet of rectangular shape which can be folded by a plurality of folding edges intersecting at right-angles and by slits or slots which proceed from the center of the sides of a rectangular central portion which is surrounded by edge and corner foldable portions. In the unfolded state different foldable portions which belong partially to the front and partially to the back of the foldable sheet can be combined and to increase possible combinations, the central portion has between two opposing slits or slots folding edges intersecting at its center and one of the two folding edges of each corner foldable portion is cut to form a slit or slot, so that book-like folds can be formed in which the individual leaves can be combined by appropriate unfolding and refolding in varied ways.

Abstract: A binder for a telephone directory or the like has a spine and top and bottom covers adapted to overlie the top and bottom faces of the directory. The binder is attached to the directory and the improvement resides in one or more auxiliary sheets, each folded in accordion fashion and carried by the binder inside the top cover so as to lie, in folded mode between the binder top cover and the directory top face. When the binder is open, the sheets can be unfolded to extend outwardly to present an area several times that of any page in the directory and is thus adapted to carry indicia in addition to the listings in the directory. The sheet or sheets are carried by a channel element attached to the inside of one of the binder covers.

Abstract: A folded record medium for two to four different, segmentally arranged information portions is configured so that the interrelated segments of the information portions are easily accessible in a meaningful arrangement. According to the invention, this is achieved by the fact that the record medium comprises square sheets, which are joined together along a first fold line, and the connected pairs of sheets are joined together, stairway fashion in the unfolded state, along a second fold line, perpendicular to the first fold line and having the length of one side of a sheet.

Abstract: An improved sheet folding method comprises forming an upper folding template and a lower folding template having plate elements corresponding to predetermined fold configurations desired to be formed, the plate elements being interconnected along respective joining lines between adjacent plates by thin, flexible joining parts which allow the plate elements to be folded together along the joining lines, placing a sheet to be folded between the upper and lower folding templates, then folding the stacked sheet and templates together according to the order of the fold configurations desired, whereby the desired fold lines are formed in the sheet corresponding to the joining lines betwen the plate elements in the order of the fold configurations.

Abstract: This invention is a nautical chart intended primarily for small craft navigation. The nautical chart includes a representation of a shoreline on at least one side of a single sheet of flexible material. The representation of the shoreline includes at least one small scale chart and a plurality of large scale charts. Both large scale and small scale charts are suitable for piloting. A substantially continuous shoreline is represented by a combination of the plurality of large scale charts. The large scale charts can be an extension of the shoreline of the small scale chart, overlap the shoreline of the small scale charts, or both.

Abstract: A slit is cut along the nesting fold line of a doubly folded folio format newspaper in order to minimize the buckling of the paper when the pages are turned. The slit has a length of between about 2 and 5 inches and is located so as to be bisected by the secondary fold line of the newspaper which is perpendicularly disposed to the nesting fold line. A specialized tool is provided for manually cutting the slit.

Abstract: A device for determining distance to the pin on the green of a golf hole is disclosed which incorporates an aerial schematic representation of the entire hole, upon which is superimposed a series of concentric distance calculation arcs centered at a key location point on the apron adjacent the green, in combination with a detailed aerial schematic representation of the green, upon which a scaled rectilinear grid and second representation of the adjacent location point appear. A board for posting current positions of pins for all greens of a golf course is also disclosed to be used in updating the schematic representation of the green for each hole for accurate distance calculation to the pin from substantially any point on the golf course.

Abstract: This invention refers to a universal contour chart that allows to read the values of the elevation and azimuth angles that the parabolic antenna of an earth station must have so that it can receive and/or transmit television, telephony or data signals from and/or towards any artificial satellite in geostationary orbit. The invention is of easy operation and very practical, and consists of a geographical map of the world over which slides or displaces a separate transparent sheet that contains the printed angle contours.

Abstract: This invention is a nautical chart intended primarily for small craft navigation. The nautical chart includes a representation of a shoreline on at least one side of a single sheet of flexible material. The representation of the shoreline includes at least one small scale chart and a plurality of large scale charts. Both large scale and small scale charts are suitable for piloting. A substantially continuous shoreline is represented by a combination of the plurality of large scale charts. The large scale charts can be an extension of the shoreline of the small scale chart, overlap the shoreline of the small scale charts, or both.

Abstract: Map display apparatus for travelers and drivers presenting geographical regions (the world, continents, countries, states, cities, etc.) as a combination of sequential zones illustrated on pocket size cards with each zone repeated four times for North, East, West, and South (N E W S) orientation. It is supplemented by a set of accessories for tracing directions in an erasable or washable form with a provision for card's multiple usage and a portable holder for their storage.

Abstract: An automatically foldable and unfoldable album assembly includes a front cover and a rear cover hingedly joined together and a plurality of foldable sheets joined together in strip fashion. Each sheet contains four panels which are joined together along diagonal fold lines. A pair of opposed inner panels are provided with central vertical folds. The outer panels of adjacent sheets are joined together and are joined to the front and rear cover to form a strip. When one sheet is closed, a sheet adjacent thereto will automatically be opened.

Abstract: A sheet 20 on which a map is printed is attached to and folded within a matchbook-like cover 11. Sheet 20 is then folded in a first plurality of accordion folds (30-34) from side-to-side to expose a free, unfolded corner (21) for being grasped between the thumb and forefinger. Sheet 20 is then folded in a second plurality of accordion folds (23, 34). The folds are made in such a manner as to maintain the free, unfolded corner (21) in position to be grasped by the thumb and forefinger and pulled in a continuous movement diagonally against the direction of both the side-to-side folds (30-34) and the top-to-bottom folds (23, 24) simultaneously while holding the cover (11) in the other hand. To close the map, the sheet 20 is moved with the thumb and forefinger diagonally towards cover 11 to aid the sheet in reassuming its side-to-side folds (30-34) and top-to-bottom folds (23, 24) for storage within cover 11.

Abstract: A device for estimating distances of consequence to a golf player on a golf hole from substantially any point thereon is disclosed which incorporates an aerial photographic representation of a golf hole and a visual scale measure superimposed thereon comprising alternating light and dark transparent concentric circular bands centered at the hole green. The width of the bands is constant and corresponds to a predetermined unit of measurement on said scale representation.

Abstract: In conjunction with folding a sheet with center cross folds offset from the diagonals of the sheet, upper and lower lateral folds, a central vertical reverse fold, a pair of vertical side folds defining an inner pleat and a pair of outer pleats, and at the ends of each outer pleat an outer lateral reverse fold and a vertical fold, an improved sheet folding method uses a pair of tuck folds to fold the outer ends under the outer pleats. The tuck folds allow the sheet to return automatically to its folded state which is smaller than a conventional folded sheet.

Abstract: A folded sheet article (20) comprises a sheet (22) of material having mutually transverse sets of concertina folds (24, 26) and two diagonally opposite stiff portions (28, 30) at respective corner segments (32, 34) of the sheet (as disclosed in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,898) and has a pocket (40) at at least one of the segments (32, 34). Pocket (40) may be formed separately, may comprise the stiff portion (28), which may be folded back onto itself to form the pocket (40), or may (alone or together with said portion (28)) be formed from the sheet (22). The stiffening may be provided by a removable card (58) in pocket 40). Such card (58) may bear coded information (60) related to information (62) borne by sheet (22). Pocket (40) may have an egress retarder (64) to retard egress of a card (58).