CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/418,599, entitled â€œSTUDY CARRELâ€ , filed on Apr. 18, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter presented herein generally relates to the field of classroom furniture. In particular, embodiments describe fully configurable modular study carrel dividers for defining work spaces atop tables and desks.

BACKGROUND

Study carrels are used by students and others seeking to study, write, or type in a private work space within a public area. A conventional study carrel comprises attached panels configured to form a â€œUâ€ shape. The â€œUâ€ shape is then placed on a desk or table to create a private work area. When using a study carrel, a person seated next to the carrel cannot see the work being performed within the carrel and the person within the carrel cannot see the work performed outside the carrel. Thus, carrels are ideal for providing private work areas where desk or table space is limited.

However, a conventional study carrel is typically not configurable to allow optimum use of available space by variable numbers of users. Thus, table top space might go wasted because a multiplicity of study carrels when placed on the table top do not fit together side by side or opposite one another. Additionally, conventional study carrels do not allow for multiple configurations of dividing the available work space and this wastes valuable space as well. Finally, conventional study carrels are not easily dismantled and must be stored somehow when not in use. There is therefore a need for a multiply configurable modular study carrel system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In summary, one aspect provides a study carrel, comprising: at least one locking post having a plurality of slots therein; and at least one panel having at least one tab; the at least one panel affixed to the locking post via insertion of the at least one tab into one of the plurality of slots.

Another aspect provides a study carrel, comprising: a panel having a bottom edge and two slots therein, a first panel brace; and a second panel brace; each of said first and second panel braces being semi-circular in shape and having a width accommodating insertion into said two slots of the panel; the first and second panel braces, after insertion into the two slots, supporting the panel; the first and second panel braces being positioned to intersect with said panel via insertion into the two slots such that a surface of the panel is perpendicular to the first and second panel braces.

A further aspect provides a study carrel, comprising: a first panel, and a second panel; the first panel having a slot in an upper-middle portion thereof; the second panel having a slot in a lower-middle portion thereof; the slot of the first panel seated in the slot of the second panel such that the first and second panel are perpendicularly affixed to each other.

For a better understanding of embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an embodiment of a study carrel;

FIG. 2 depicts a locking post of an embodiment of a study carrel;

FIG. 3 depicts a back panel of an embodiment of a study carrel;

FIG. 4 depicts an end panel of an embodiment of a study carrel 1;

FIG. 5 depicts two end panels inserted into opposite ends of a locking post;

FIG. 6 depicts three end panels connected to one locking post;

FIG. 7 depicts four end panels connected to one locking post;

FIG. 8 depicts two back panels connected to three locking posts, with each of the locking posts connected to two end panels;

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom slotted panel of a second embodiment of a study carrel;

FIG. 10 depicts a top slotted panel of a second embodiment of a study carrel;

FIG. 11 depicts a panel brace for a study carrel;

FIG. 12 depicts a bottom slotted panel lowered onto a top slotted panel to form a second embodiment;

FIG. 13 depicts a third embodiment of a study carrel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to â€œone embodimentâ€ or â€œan embodimentâ€ (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases â€œin one embodimentâ€ or â€œin an embodimentâ€ or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation.

Embodiments describe that study carrel dividers may be fabricated, assembled and used in various modular configurations to define separate private work areas for persons seated at desks or tables. Embodiments describe that study carrel dividers may be placed atop appropriately sized desks and tables and are readily configurable based upon space and needs. Embodiments describe that components of study carrels may include locking posts, end panels, side panels, and panel braces. These components may be used and fabricated in various desirable dimensions and configured in myriad ways in order to most efficiently utilize available desktop or table space.

First Example Embodiment

The first embodiment describes study carrel dividers defining two or more private work areas separated by two or more modular panels which can be placed atop one or more desks or tables. The first embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 1-8. The first embodiment describes using various combinations of at least one slotted locking post (FIG. 2) with combinations of back panels with tabs (FIG. 3) and end panels with tabs (FIG. 4). The tabs in the back panels and end panels lock into the locking post via slots to create various configurations of study carrel dividers. Non-limiting examples of this embodiment are seen in FIGS. 1, 5-8. It will be appreciated that the locking posts may be fabricated to any appropriate dimensions and thicknesses for use with desks and table. Also, the back panels, and end panels may be manufactured using any appropriate rigid materials, for example: wood, medium-density-fiber board (â€œMDFâ€ ), plastic, cork, metal, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the myriad of appropriate materials for this embodiment and the disclosure contemplates using any such appropriate materials in the fabrication of the locking posts. Similarly, the back panels and the end panels may be manufactured out of any appropriate rigid materials described for the locking posts.

This description now turns to the figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a non-limiting sample embodiment. Some embodiments describe that by using back panel (300), 2 locking posts (200), and 4 end panels (400), a study carrel defining 2 private work areas can be assembled. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be placed on a table or desk of suitable dimensions.

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of a locking post (200). The locking post (200) is constructed of a cylinder (207) inserted into a supporting base (206) with a collar (208). Within the cylinder are longitudinal rectangular keyhole slots (201). At 210, an enlarged view of a portion of a cylinder (207) showing the details of the keyhole slot (201) is shown. The top (202) of the keyhole slot (201) is wider than the bottom (204) such that the keyhole slot comprises a continuous opening with the wider rectangular top (202) above the narrower rectangular bottom (204).

Briefly turning to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that by fabricating the keyhole slot (201) such that top (202) and bottom (203) are the same length as the tab (302), the entire keyhole slot (201) is twice as long as each tab (302). Likewise, in order to maintain modularity of the panels and locking posts, it will be appreciated in FIG. 4, that by fabricating the keyhole slot (201) such that top (202) and bottom (203) are the same length as the tab (302), the entire keyhole slot (201) is twice as long as each tab (402).

Turing back to FIG. 2, the keyhole shaped slots (201) are located within the locking post (200) at desired relative distances (in one non-limiting example, 211) from each other and longitudinally aligned so that when the tabs (302) of a back panel (300) or the tabs (402) of an end panel (400) are inserted into the selected keyhole slots (201), the respective back panel (300) or end panel (400) are affixed at the desired angles to define desired work spaces. More specifically, embodiments describe that such work spaces may be comprised of the desired back panels (300) or end panels (400) or combinations such that the panels are affixed to one or more locking posts (200) at 90 degrees (See FIG. 1, 7(C) 8(C)), 120 degrees (See FIG. 6(B)), or 180 degrees (See FIG. 5(A)).

FIG. 3 shows one non-limiting example of a back panel (300) with tabs (302). At 310, a magnified portion of a back panel (300) illustrating the detail of tab (302) is shown. Tab (302) is an on oblong cylinder that is wider in the middle than at its opposite ends. It will be appreciated that when a tab (302) is inserted into top (202) of keyhole slot (201), the widest portion will fit into the top (302) but not the bottom (204). By sliding the tab (302) down to the bottom (204) of the keyhole slot, the tab (302), and thus the panel (either back panel (300) or end panel (400)) from which the tab (302) originates, will be locked into place. Embodiments describe that back panel (300) and end panels (400) may be constructed to include one or more tabs (302) longitudinally aligned with each other and configured to coincide with one or more keyhole slots (201) in locking posts (200). At the bottom edge of back panel (300), the far ends curve up to create semi-circular end (304). The semi-circular end is of the dimension so as to allow the back panel to sit above collar (208) and base (206) of locking post (200) but allow some space between the semi-circular end (304) and the collar (208) and base (206). It will be appreciated that when back panel (304) is utilized to create one or more embodiments, the semi-circular ends (304) provide an opening through which electrical cords may travel. (See FIG. 5-8). Likewise, cables such as Ethernet or coaxial or fiber optic for communications purposes may also travel through semi-circular end (304). It will be appreciated that providing access for such cords and cables will facilitate the use of lighting devices, computers, lap tops, and mobile computing devices within the defined workspace. Any devices requiring cables or cords are contemplated by this disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of an end panel (400). As described above in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows tabs (402). At 410, a magnified portion of end panel (400) showing the detail of tab (402) is illustrated. Embodiments describe that tab (402) is of the same dimensions and functions in the same way as tab (302) functions. It will be appreciated that since tab (402) duplicate the dimensions and shape of tab (302), it fits into and locks into keyhole slot (201) in the same manner as tab (302). Similarly, it will be appreciated that by constructing end panel (400) and back panel (300) to have the same height and placing tabs (402) at the same locations as tabs (302) on back panel (300) when placed on a desk or table, an assembled embodiment may be constructed of symmetrical panels forming the desired work space. This feature enhances the modularity of embodiments. Indeed, simply by selecting the desired number and type of panels and inserting them into the desired number of locking posts, embodiments describe that multiple configurations of work spaces may be created. It will also be appreciated that semi-circular end (404) is of the same dimensions such that it fits over collar (208) and base (206) of locking post (200) while still providing a space and serves the identical function as that of semi-circular end (304).

In one non-limiting example embodiment, FIG. 5 depicts two end panels (400) locked into one locking post (200). By inserting tabs (402) into the desired keyhole slots (201), the end panels are locked at angle A which is 180 degrees from each other. By placing this sample embodiment on a desk or table, two private work areas opposite one another may be defined.

In another non-limiting example, FIG. 6 shows three end panels (400) that are locked into one locking post (200). By inserting tabs (402) into the desired keyhole slots (201), the end panels are locked at angle B such that each work space is described by two end panels (400) the inner walls of which are 120 degrees from each other. Such a sample embodiment might be placed on a round table and create three private work areas.

In another non-limiting example, FIG. 7 shows four end panels (400) that are locked into one locking post (200). By inserting tabs (402) into the desired keyhole slots (201), the end panels are locked at angle C such that each work space is described by two end panels (400) the inner walls of which are 90 degrees from each other. Such a sample embodiment might be placed on a round table and define four private work areas.

In another non-limiting example, FIG. 8 shows two end panels (400) that are locked into three locking posts (200). Again, by inserting tabs (402) into the desired keyhole slots (201), the end panels are locked at angle C such that each work space is described by two end panels (400) the inner walls of which are at 90 degree angles to a back panel (300) Such a sample embodiment might be placed on a long table or desk and define four private work areas.

Second Example Embodiment

The second non-limiting sample embodiment describes four separate work spaces defined by and separated by two ends of two modular panels that might be placed atop a table or desk. The second embodiment is depicted in FIG. 12. The figure shows one non-limiting example of the second embodiment. The panel (500) in FIG. 9 (â€œPanel Aâ€ ) has slots (502) at each far end and one at the bottom middle (504) atop a half circular opening (506). Likewise, the panel (600) in FIG. 10 (â€œPanel Bâ€ ) has slots (602) at the far end and one at the top middle (604). At the bottom of panel B is a half circular opening (606). By sliding the bottom middle slot of Panel A over the top middle slot of Panel B, a study carrel defining four separate work spaces is defined. (See FIG. 12). It will be appreciated that once this embodiment is assembled the corresponding half circular openings (506) and (606) in Panel A and Panel B will provide a space for electrical cords and communications cables to pass through in the same way that semi-circular end (304) and semi-circular end (404) allow and thus provide the same function and advantages. It will be appreciated that Panel A and Panel B described in this embodiment may be fabricated to any appropriate dimensions and thicknesses for use with desks and table. It will be appreciated that Panel A and Panel B described in this embodiment may be fabricated out of any appropriate rigid material, for example: wood, medium-density-fiber board (â€œMDFâ€ ), plastic, cork, metal, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the myriad of appropriate materials for this embodiment and the disclosure contemplates using all such appropriate materials in the fabrication of Panel A and Panel B.

Third Example Embodiment

The third sample embodiment is depicted in FIG. 13. This non-limiting embodiment comprises Panel B (600) and two panel braces as depicted in FIG. 11 at 700. Embodiments describe that the panel brace has a slot (702) in the top middle. By inserting the slots of the two respective panel braces into the bottom end slots of Panel B (600), the third sample embodiment is assembled. It will be appreciated that this sample embodiment can also be assembled by substituting Panel A (500) for Panel B (600). Once assembled, the third embodiment will stand upright atop an appropriate sized table or desk and thereby define two private work areas separated by the Panel (A or B) used to assemble the embodiment. It will be appreciated that Panel A and Panel B and the panel braces described in this embodiment may be fabricated to any appropriate dimensions and thicknesses for use with desks and table. It will be appreciated that Panel A and Panel B and panel braces described in this embodiment may be fabricated out of any appropriate rigid material, for example: wood, medium-density-fiber board (â€œMDFâ€ ), plastic, cork, metal, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the myriad of appropriate materials for this embodiment and the disclosure contemplates using any such appropriate materials in the fabrication of Panel A and Panel B and the panel braces described herein.

This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Thus, although illustrative example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that this description is not limiting and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.