DESK BARRIER
The invention relates generally to a barrier for attachment to a surface such as a desk or a table. More particularly, it relates to a barrier for attachment to a lift top desk for preventing materials from falling from the top work surface of the desk. The invention is comprised of a single sheet of cardboard or the like folded to create a base, the base being attachable to a surface, a wall section attached to the base and a side barrier between the wall section and the base.
This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/515,612 filed Aug. 5, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe claimed invention relates generally to a barrier for attachment to a surface. More particularly, it relates to an assembly for attachment to a lift top desk for preventing materials from falling from the top work surface of the desk.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLift top desks are a staple in schools from the elementary level through high schools. Generally speaking, such lift top desks are free standing and have four adjustable length legs that are topped by a book storage area. The book storage area is then covered by a flip top work surface that pivots about an axis on the edge of the desk furthest from the user of the desk. Frequently, when the desk is lifted upwardly, any materials situated on the desk top slide off the edge of the desk top. Such incidents can be disruptive in the classroom environment at any age.
Additionally, students in modern classrooms increasingly work in “pods” wherein their desks are pushed together to facilitate cooperative learning. While cooperative learning is a desirable goal, it would be helpful in such cases to provide a barrier between students so as to eliminate disruptions caused when one student's books, papers or supplies encroach on another student's area. The desk barrier also provides some degree of privacy in situations where cooperative learning is not a desired outcome, such as for exams.
In other cases, students may not have desks at all, but may work at tables with other students. In such cases it may also be helpful to provide a barrier between students to delineate each respective student's workspace.
Additionally, it is often helpful to provide an elevated spot on a student's desk for a nametag. Nametags can be placed on either side of the barrier. A nametag on the outside would be particularly helpful for a teacher still learning the students' names. A nametag on the inside could be helpful in assisting a student in looking for his/her desk and in helping younger students to recognize their names.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention provides a barrier for attachment to the surface of a lift top desk, the desk barrier being designed so as to prevent books and supplies from falling off the top work surface of a desk when the desk top is lifted upwardly. The barrier is also beneficial in classrooms that employ tables or that arrange desks in pods to provide a student an additional degree of privacy and to provide a privacy barrier to reduce the likelihood of cheating. The desk barrier can also serve as a mounting place for a nametag or for other accessories such as plastic pockets (to hold communication information) and pencil holders. The desk barrier can provide a platform for the display of art projects or can be personalized by students. Additionally, the desk barrier can be branded in line with popular sports teams, movies or other popular people or things.
The foregoing and other features of the apparatus, system and method for using the apparatus and system of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.
Now, referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers refer to like elements throughout,
Referring again to
The generally rectangular center section 51 comprises a first edge 53, a pair of side edges, each being indicated by 55, and a back edge 57. A double score line 41 separates the first section 31 from the generally rectangular center section 51. The double score line 41 is designed to permit easy folding of the first section 31 over the center section 51 as explained in more detail later in this detailed description.
The base section 71 comprises a first edge 73, a pair of side edges each denoted by 75, and a back edge 77. The base section 71 is separated from the center section 51 by a single score line 61. The single score line 61 permits the base section 71 to be folded at a right angle to the center section 51. The base section 71 further comprises a plurality of slots 59 located generally along the single score line 61.
Each base section 71 further comprises a side support structure 81, the side support structure 81 comprising a triangle side support 83 and a base support flap 91. Each triangle side support 83 comprises a first edge 85 adjacent to the side edge 75 of the base 71 by a score line 79 and a second edge 87. The base flat support 91 is comprised of a first edge 93 a pair of side edges referred to herein as 95 and end 98. The second edge 87 of the triangle side support 83 is connected to the first edge 93 of the base flat support 91 by a score line 101. The single score line 79 that separates the triangle side support 83 from the base section 71 permits the side support section 81 to be folded relative to the base section 71. The additional score line 101 separates the triangle side support 83 from the base support flap 91 such that the base support flap 91 can be folded at approximately a right angle to the triangle side support 83.
Referring again to
Advantageously, the desk barrier 1 can be sold flat and assembled by the end user, which will make it easy to display in stores without taking up much shelf space. The desk barrier 1 is made from known materials such as corrugated board, although other materials may also be employed.
The immediate goal of the claimed invention is to prevent objects from sliding off the top work surface of the desk. Additionally, the desk barrier 1 can be used as a divider in situations wherein students share a table or have their desks pushed together. The desk barrier 1 may also be used as a holder for a nametag to improve teacher name recognition. The desk barrier 1 is further envisaged to employ a material that will allow extensive decoration and personalization. School logos and other branding could also be used on the desk barrier. Additionally, assignments or curriculum specific information such as numbers, the alphabet, math facts or spelling words could be temporarily attached. It is further possible to create accessories for the desk barrier 1 such as a plastic pockets and pencil holders.
In accordance with the foregoing, it will be understood that there has been provided a new and nonobvious device for containing articles on the surface of a desk. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A foldable cardboard barrier for placement on a surface comprising:
- a wall section comprising a generally rectangular first section and a generally rectangular center section wherein the generally rectangular first section comprises a first edge; a pair of identical side edges and a back edge; and wherein the generally rectangular center section comprises a first edge; a pair of identical side edges and a back edge; the first edge of the center section being separated from the first section by a flexible double score line, the first section being operable to fold over the center section;
- a base section comprising a first edge, a back edge and a pair of identical side edges, the first edge of the base section being separated from the center section by a score line; and
- a pair of side supports, each of the side supports being separated from the side edges of the base section by a score line, the side supports being operable to secure the base section to the wall section such that the base section is generally perpendicular to the wall section.
2. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 1 wherein the wall section, base section and side supports are constructed from a single sheet of material.
3. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 2 wherein the single sheet of material is corrugated board.
4. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 1 wherein the base section further comprises a plurality of slots and the first edge of the first section comprises a plurality of complementary tabs such that the first section is foldable over the center section and the tabs on the first edge of the first section fit into the slots in the base section.
5. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 1 wherein the side supports further comprise a triangular section having a first edge separated from the base section by a score line and second edge and a generally rectangular base support member separated from the second edge of the triangular section by a score line such that the base support member is foldable so as to be interposed between the first section and the center section of the wall section such that the triangular section creates a side barrier.
6. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 1 wherein an adhesive material is used to attach the bottom of the base section to a surface.
7. A cardboard barrier foldable from a single sheet of cardboard for placement on a surface comprising:
- a wall section comprising a generally rectangular first section and a generally rectangular center section, the generally rectangular first section comprising a first edge, a pair of identical side edges and a back edge and the generally rectangular center section comprising a first edge, a pair of identical side edges and a back edge; the first edge of the center section being separated from the first section by a flexible double score line, the first section being operable to fold over the center section;
- a base section comprising a first edge, a back edge and a pair of identical side edges, the first edge of the base section being separated from the center section by a score line; and
- a pair of side supports each comprising a triangular section having a first edge separated from the base section by a score line and second edge and a generally rectangular base support member separated from the second edge of the triangular section by a score line such that the base support member is foldable relative to the triangular support member so as to be interposed between the first section and the center section when the first section is folded over the center section, the side supports being operable to secure the base section to the wall section such that the base section is generally perpendicular to the wall section.
8. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 7 wherein the single sheet of material is corrugated board.
9. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 7 wherein an adhesive material is used to attach the bottom of the base section to a surface.
10. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 7 wherein the base section further comprises a plurality of slots and the first edge of the first section comprises a plurality of complementary tabs wherein, when the first section is folded over the center section, the tabs on the first edge of the first section fit into the slots in the base section.
11. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 7 wherein the side supports further comprise a side barrier.
12. A cardboard barrier foldable from a single sheet of cardboard for placement on a surface comprising:
- a wall section comprising a generally rectangular first section and a generally rectangular center section wherein the generally rectangular first section comprises a first edge, the first edge having a plurality of tabs, a pair of identical side edges and a back edge and the generally rectangular center section comprises a first edge, a pair of identical side edges and a back edge; the first edge of the center section being separated from the first section by a flexible double score line, the first section being operable to fold over the center section;
- a base section comprising a first edge, a back edge and a pair of identical side edges, the first edge of the base section being separated from the center section by a score line, the base section further comprising a plurality of slots complimentary to the tabs on the first edge of the first section of the wall section, the tabs on the first edge of the first section being operable to fit into the slots in the base section to secure the first section in position relative to the base section; and
- a pair of side supports each comprising a triangular section having a first edge separated from the base section by a score line, a second edge and a generally rectangular base support member separated from the second edge of the triangular section by a score line such that the base support member is foldable so as to be interposed between the first section and the center section, the side supports being operable to secure the base section to the wall section such that the base section is generally perpendicular to the wall section.
14. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 13 wherein the single sheet of material is corrugated board.
15. The formable cardboard barrier of claim 13 wherein an adhesive material is used to attach the bottom of the base section to a surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 3, 2012
Publication Date: Jun 20, 2013
Inventors: MICHAEL TERWELP (Wauwatosa, WI), JULIE T. TERWELP (Wauwatosa, WI), KATERINA TERWELP (Wauwatosa, WI)
Application Number: 13/566,858
International Classification: A47B 13/00 (20060101);