Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for magnifying visual media such as a map is disclosed. The apparatus has three main elements: a lens having a focal length, a visual media positioning assembly and a collapsible positioning assembly for positioning the lens with respect to the visual media positioning assembly. The lens is preferably a convex lens and provides magnification of a piece of visual media. The visual media assembly positions and protects a piece of visual media. The collapsible positioning assembly positions the lens a distance above the visual media so that the visual media is located closer to the lens than the lens' focal length. As a result, a magnified virtual image of the visual media is created. The collapsible positioning assembly cooperates with the lens and the visual media positioning assembly so that the entire combination of the lens, visual media positioning assembly and collapsible positioning assembly is substantially flat in its collapsed configuration and positions the lens at a predetermined position above the visual media when in its open or useable configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a strap or other means for attaching the entire apparatus to a user's appendage such as an arm.

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First Claim