Study center

Abstract

The study center is a unique, multi-folded sheet constructed of rigid panels that shields a student's work from others in the classroom during testing and other activities. The center is made of rigid card stock or plastic {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick that is laminated. This invention is portable and replaces the large, expensive, and isolated study carrels used in an educational setting. The study center allows students with Attention-Deficit (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to remain at their desks among their peers while shielding them from classroom distractions. The study center sits on a desk or table and is comprised of two sides, a back, and a top that hinges at an angle over the center that allows the teacher to view each student's work. When folded, the study center will fit nicely in a three-ring binder or notebook for storage.

Description

[0001] students use file folders to keep other children in close proximity from copying their work. In other classrooms, teachers routinely ask students to use measures such as these to prevent cheating. Particularly, with the state mandated tests all teachers are increasingly on guard to insure all students complete his or her own work. Many school districts today are replacing individual student desks with tables to cut costs. It is not uncommon to have four or five students seated at a table. Hence, there is a need for this device that shields a student's work from others. At the present time there is no portable device available to students to shield their work from others. Typically, each student makes a barrier by placing folders or notebooks around their work to insure privacy.

[0002] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-folded panel to shield a student's work from others. When the panel is set-up on a table the angle of the top allows the teacher to easily view the student work from behind the child. Additionally, when the student is finished the device can be folded again and easily held within a notebook.

[0003] In addition, another object of this present invention to provide students who have attention-deficit disorder with an area where they can work with relatively few distractions. The device can be folded in ways that will block distractions from each side and the front while providing adequate space in which to work comfortably. This device will help these students focus on the work in front of them. Presently, students with ADD and ADHD conditions are required to go to large and expensive study carrels to help them focus on their work. These carrels take up much needed space in the classroom. My invention provides these students with a study center that is easily stored in their three-ring binders and allows them to remain at their own desk or table.

[0004] Finally, the object of this invention to provide privacy for individuals as they play board games or other desk top activities that require isolation from view.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is a portable desktop, study center to provide privacy for students and others while working at a desk or table. The device is foldable and can be placed in a notebook, is sturdy, lightweight, simple in design, easy to construct, and easy to manufacture which can be utilized in a variety of ways. This inexpensive study center can replace expensive study center carrels that take up classroom space. Students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and ADHD conditions can easily place this device on their desk or table to help them focus on their own work. These students are easily distracted by the activity going on around them. This portable study center would allow ADD students to remain at their desks among their peers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0006] FIG. 1 is a view of the present invention laying flat on the table.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a view of the device with the top engaged for use.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a view of the device with the top raised vertically with the back panels.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a view of the device with the top and four triangular sides folded behind the side and back panels.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a view of the device in the folded position that is typically stored in a notebook.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a view of the side of the present invention to demonstrate the triangular folds when the top is in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0012] The following materials are used to make the study center. Each section can be made with a rigid cardboard-like material or other rigid substance (that can be laminated) approximately {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick. After each piece is cut to size and shape it is laminated with a plastic or vinyl coating. Each section must be adequately spaced to allow the study center to be folded into its proper shape whether it is folded for storage in a three-ring binder or folded for use at a table.

[0013] When in use the study center has two sides labeled A and D. The back section is labeled sections B and C. The top sections are labeled sections G and H. The top rectangular sections G and H are to be cut two-thirds of the width of all the other rectangular sections of the study center. This allows for the teacher to view the work inside of the study center.

[0014] In addition, the triangular sections E and F fold outside of the “center” on the left side with triangle E secured to the outside of the left rectangular side A. On the right side, the triangular sections I and J fold outside of the “center” on the right side with triangle J secured to the outside of the right rectangular side D.

[0015] When the study center is to be stored in a three-ring binder the top rectangular sections G and H as well as all of the triangular pieces are folded inward to labeled rectangular parts A, B, C, & D. The center is then folded together with the back sections B and C facing each other while side sections A and D face outward.

[0016] “The Study Center” is specifically comprised of the following parts. The outside left rectangular portion is designated as part “A”, the inside left rectangular portion is designated as part “B”, the upper left rectangular portion is designated as part “G”, the outside left triangular portion is designated as part “E”, and the inside left triangular portion is designated as part “F”. Similar designations are found on the right side of the invention. The outside right rectangular portion is designated as part “D”, the inside right rectangular portion is designated as part “C”, the upper right rectangular portion is designated as part “H”, the outside right triangular portion is designated as part “J”, and the inside right triangular portion is designated as part “I”. Additionally, the top edge of the outside left of rectangular panel “A” is foldably attached to the bottom edge of the outside left triangular part designated “E”. The right edge of the outside left rectangular portion “A” is foldably attached to the left edge of the inside left rectangular portion designated as “B”. The top edge of the inside left rectangular portion “B” is foldably attached to the bottom edge of the upper left rectangular portion designated “G”. The left edge of the inside left triangular portion “F” is foldably attached to the right edge of the outside left triangular portion “E”, and the right edge of the inside left triangular portion “F” is foldably attached to the left edge of the upper left rectangular portion “G”. Similar folding attachments are found on the right side of the invention. The top edge of the outside right rectangular portion designated “D” is foldably attached to the bottom edge of the outside right triangular portion “J”. The left edge of the outside rectangular portion “D” is foldably attached to the right edge of the inside right rectangular portion “C”. The top edge of the inside right rectangular portion “C” is foldably attached to the bottom edge of the upper right rectangular portion “H”. The right edge of the inside right triangular portion “I” is foldably attached to the left edge of the outside right triangular portion “J”, and the left edge of the inside right triangular portion “I” is foldably attached to the right edge of the upper right rectangular portion “H”. Finally, similar folding attachments are found in the middle of the invention. The right edge of the inside left rectangular portion “B” is foldably attached to the left edge of the inside right rectangular portion “C”, and the right edge of the upper left rectangular portion “G” is foldably attached to the left edge of the upper right rectangular portion designated “H”.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back is comprised of panels B and C; the top is comprised of panels G and H; the sides are comprised of panels A and D; and the top is foldably attached to the sides (A, D) and back (B, C) by the triangular sections (E, F) and (I, J). Each section is foldably attached to the adjacent sections.

[0018] FIGS. 2 and 6 are perspective views showing the top in the engaged position. The triangular panels (E, F) and (I, J) were constructed by forming a right triangle (E, F) on the top of panel A and the side of panel G; and forming a right triangle (I, J) on the top of side panel D and the side of top panel H. These two triangles (E, F) and (I, J) were then cut in half to form triangles (E, F) and triangles (I, J). Triangle E is foldably attached on top of side panel A. Triangle J is foldably attached on top of side panel D. When the triangles E and J are folded behind side panels A and D the top is held at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. There are two snaps that secure the top in this position Snap #1 is located on the back of panel A. Triangular panel E snaps to side panel A. Snap #2 is located on the back of side panel D. Triangular panel J snaps to side panel D.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device in the folded position ready to be placed in a notebook. Typically, the top panels and the triangular panels are folded toward the work space area. Top panels G and H are folded against back panels B and C. Triangular panels E and F are folded against side panel A. Triangular panels I and J are folded against side panel D. Back panels B and C are then folded against each other covering top panels G and H. The back of side panel A is then folded against the back of back panel B. The back of side panel D is then folded against the back of back panel C. When the device is in this folded position the triangular panels are exposed on the top and bottom folds.

[0020] Dimensions of The Study Center

[0021] The study center prototype has the following dimensions. Rectangular sections A, B, C, & D each have a length of 11 inches and a width of 9 inches. The top sections G and H have a length of 11 inches and a width of 6 inches. The left triangular section E has a side of 11 inches that is foldably attached to the top of the left rectangular section A. Likewise the right triangular sections J has a side of 11 inches that is foldably attached to the top of the right rectangular section D. The other two sides of triangles E and J each have a length of 6¼ inches. The left triangular section F has a side measuring 6 inches that is foldably attached to the left side of rectangular section G. The left triangular section F also has two sides that measure 6¼ inches with one of those sides foldably attached to the top right triangular section E. The right triangular section I has a side that measures 6 inches that is foldably attached to the right side of rectangular section H. The right triangular section I also have two sides that measure 6¼ inches with one of those sides foldably attached to the top triangular section J.

[0022] It is possible to change these dimensions of the study center to construct a smaller model but the scale should remain the same to insure the top section assembles with the triangular and rectangular sections in the same way as the prototype.

Claims

1) What I claim as my invention is a portable desktop, study center to provide privacy for students and others while working at a table or desk:

The present invention is a unique multi-fold sheet comprised of rigid panels that shield a student's work from others and when folded fits in a three-ring binder.

The invention has a top panel that is foldably attached to the top and sides to provide privacy for students with attention-deficit disorder and ADHD conditions and allows them to remain seated with their peers.

2) What I claim as my invention is a center that can be utilized with board games and other activities to ensure privacy while still communicating with those at the table.