Peer to Peer Workbook Having Dual-Orientation Accessibility

Abstract

The present invention provides a peer to peer workbooks having pages wherein each of at least two opposing (facing) sides of consecutive pages display substantially similar pictorial and textual content, at least one substantially similar question, and at least a designated area to write an answer to the question. Having the question and answering area on opposing sides helps to establish a peer to peer relationship between users, which is thought to encourage discussion, and further facilitate friendship between the users.

Claims

1. A peer to peer flipping workbook configured to be operated by first and second users, the workbook comprising: at least a first sheet having A and B sides; at least a second sheet having A and B sides; a connector that physically couples the first sheet and second sheets; wherein each of the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet is configured to facilitate communication between the first and second users by inclusion of (1) a first set of substantially similar pictorial and textual content, (2) a first substantially similar question related to the pictorial and textual content, and (3) a first designated answer space positioned over a user writable surface; and wherein the at least first and second sheets comprising a material such that: the workbook can be stood in a triangular position with the connector positioned between the first and second sheets; and the workbook is configured such that when the first sheet is flipped over the connector, the first and second users can face each other while the first user is writing in the answer space of the B side of the first sheet, and the second user is writing in the answer space of the A side of the second sheet, and then turn the workbook around to see each other's answers.

2. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein each of the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet has a visually accessible area, and wherein the substantially similar pictorial and textual content covers at least 35% of each of the visually accessible areas on the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet.

3. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein each of the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet has a visually accessible area, and wherein the substantially similar pictorial and textual content covers at least 50% of each of the visually accessible areas on the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet.

4. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the second sheet each additionally displays a second substantially similar question related to the pictorial and textual content, and a second designated answer space to write an answer to the question.

5-8. (canceled)

9. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, further comprising a third sheet having A and B sides, the third sheet coupled to the first and second sheets such that when the second sheet is flipped over the connector, the B side of the second sheet and the A side of the third sheet display a second set of substantially similar pictorial and textual content, and each side additionally displays a second substantially similar question related to the second pictorial and textual content, and a second designated answer space to write an answer to the second question.

10. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a ring or spiral binding.

11. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a cord.

12. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a string.

13. (canceled)

14. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the connector is elastically configured to allow the B side of the first sheet to be oriented between 30° and 180° with respect to the A side of the second sheet, when the workbook is open, and lying flat on a table.

15. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the material comprising each of the first and second sheets includes a plastic.

16. The peer to peer flipping workbook of claim 1, wherein the material comprising each of the first and second sheets includes a metal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1A-1F are multiple perspective views of pages in a dual-orientation accessible book. The book has a perfect binding.

[0029] FIG. 2A is a plan view of opposing page sides in a book having set of substantially similar pictorial and textual content that includes an image, a question relating to the image, and an answer space. The book has a spiral binding. The substantially similar pictorial and textual content should be interpreted as covering at least 50% of each of the visually accessible areas on the opposing page sides. The book has an elastic string binding.

[0030] FIG. 2B is a plan view of opposing page sides similar to that of FIG. 2A, except that one of the page sides has a pre-printed answer in place of the answer space.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a plan view of opposing page sides in which the substantially similar pictorial and textual content is skewed, approximately 170 degrees from each other.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a book having opposing page sides with substantially similar pictorial and textual content, having a corner ring binding, and pages stacks oriented approximately 35 degrees from each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0034] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

[0035] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0036] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0037] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0038] FIGS. 1A-1F depict sequential views in opening, and then flipping over a page, of a dual-orientation accessible book (10). As shown in FIG. 1A-1C, the book has at least two sheets, and a sheet has two sides, a side A (11a) and a side B (11b). The first sheet (11) is coupled to the second sheet (12) by a connector (18), which in this example is a perfect style book binding. When the first sheet (11) is flipped over the connector, the book concurrently reveals the B side of the first sheet (11b) and the A side of the second sheet (12a). The B side of the first sheet (11b) displays substantially similar pictorial and textual content (15a/15b) to the A side of the second sheet (12a). In this example, page sides (11b) and (12a) are opposing sides.

[0039] The book can further comprise a third (13) sheet, a fourth (14) sheet, and so on, all coupled through the connector (18). When the second sheet (12) is flipped over the connector (18), the book (10) concurrently reveals the B side of the second sheet (12b) and the A side of the third sheet (13a). The B side of the second sheet (12b) and the A side of the third sheet (13a) display a second set of substantially similar pictorial and textual content (16a/16b). In general, instances of substantially similar pictorial and textual content can be printed or otherwise displayed on opposing (i.e., facing) sides of any two consecutive sheets.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least 50% of the entire visible area of opposing sides of consecutive sheets is used for the substantially similar pictorial and textual content. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, at least 75% of the entire visible area of opposing sides of consecutive sheets can advantageously be used for the substantially similar pictorial and textual content. substantially similar pictorial and textual content can comprise any one or more pictures, drawings, graphs, tables, questions or other text, designated areas to write answers, pre-printed answers, etc.

[0041] Examples of substantially similar pictorial and textual context are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 2A, an image (23), a question (24), and an area (25) designated to write an answer to the question are displayed on the side of one sheet (21), and the opposing side of sheet (22) has a substantially similar image (23), substantially similar question (24), and substantially similar area (25) designated to write an answer to the question.

[0042] FIG. 2B is similar to FIG. 2A, except that each of the opposing sides have an additional question and an additional area to write an answer to the question. In FIG. 2A, an image (33a), two questions (34a, 44a), and two areas (35a, 45a) designated to write an answer to the question are displayed on the side of one sheet (31), and the opposing side of sheet (32) has a substantially similar image (33b), questions (34b, 44b) which are substantially similar to questions (34a, 44a), respectively), and response areas (35b, 45b) which are substantially similar to response areas (35a, 45a), respectively.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view of opposing page sides in which the respective substantially similar pictorial and textual content is skewed. In this case the substantially similar pictorial and textual content of side (21) is only approximately 170 degrees off from the substantially similar pictorial and textual content of side (22), rather than the expected 180 degrees. Likely skewing of this sort can be advantageous between 170° and 180°, and between 150° and 170° so that two persons can conveniently work on a book opened 180 degrees without being directly opposite each other.

[0044] The connector can be a ring (48), spiral binding (28), a cord (38), a string (38), a perfect style book binding (18) or combination thereof. The connector can be elastic (38) and flexible (38) like a rubber band.

[0045] The sheets can be a printed paper, a printed plastic, printed metal, or combination thereof.

[0046] FIG. 4 depicts a plan view of a book having opposing page sides (41/42) with substantially similar pictorial (43) and textual (44) content, having a corner ring binding (48), and pages stacks oriented approximately 100 degrees (49) from each other. Such a book can be conveniently used by individuals positioned directly opposite to one another, as well as individuals facing one another at angles between 30 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0047] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.