PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/515,612 filed Aug. 5, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The 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 INVENTION

Lift 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 â€œpodsâ€ 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 INVENTION

The 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of the claimed desk barrier as it might be used on the surface of a flip-top desk.

FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of a blank of cardboard that is cut and folded according to the desk barrier of the claimed invention.

FIG. 3 is a top and side perspective view of a blank of cardboard being prepared for installation as a desk barrier.

FIG. 4 is a top and front perspective view of the desk barrier showing an additional step in preparing the blank of cardboard for installation as a desk barrier.

FIG. 5 is a top and side perspective view of a desk barrier showing the internal construction in phantom view.

FIG. 6 is a bottom and side perspective view of the desk barrier of the claimed invention showing the adhesive used to secure the desk barrier to a surface.

FIG. 7 is a side cutaway view of the desk barrier along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now, referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers refer to like elements throughout, FIG. 1 shows a desk barrier 1 generally comprising a wall section 3, a base section 71 and a side support 83 as installed on the surface of a desk. Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it shows the cardboard blank 3 as it is cut and creased for use in the desk barrier 1 invention, while FIGS. 3-6 demonstrate assembly of the desk barrier 1. FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the desk barrier of the claimed invention.

Referring again to FIG. 2, which shows the cardboard blank 3 marked into sections 31, 51, 71, 83 and 91 by score lines 41, 61, 79 and 101. The cardboard blank 3 comprises three main sections, a generally rectangular first section 31, a generally rectangular center section 51 and the base flap 71. The generally rectangular first section 31 further comprises a first edge 33, a pair of side edges, each of which is indicated by 35, and a back edge 37. First edge 33 comprises a plurality of tabs 39 protruding from the first edge 33 of the first section 31. The back edge 37 of the first section 31 comprises a double score line 41.

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 FIG. 3, the first step in assembly of the desk barrier 1 shown in FIG. 1 is to fold the side supports 81 upwardly along score line 79 at about a right angle to the base section 71. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the first section 31 is folded upwardly along double score line 41 between first section 31 and center section 51. FIG. 4 shows one additional step, namely, folding base support flap 91 along score line 101 relative to side support 81. Once both base flaps 91 are folded along score line 101, it is possible to fold the base section 31 upwardly along score line 41 such that base section 31 is at a right angle to center section 51. The next step is then to fold the first section 31 over the top of the center section 51 and the base flaps 91 along the double score line 41 such that the tabs 39 can be inserted into the slots 59 in the base section 71. For reference, as assembled, the base flaps 91 are shown in the phantom view of the assembled desk barrier 1 in FIG. 5. FIG. 7, which is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5, shows tab 39 inserted into slot 59.

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.