Patent Publication Number: US-11044976-B1

Title: Self-contained artistic system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/797,328 filed Jan. 27, 2019, entitled “Instruction and Display System and Method for Elementary Education,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to systems of artistic supplies and more particularly is related to self-contained artistic storage systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Young children can learn and develop numerous skills from creating art in a physical medium, including creativity, motor skills, visual processing, decision-making, focus, and perseverance. Artistic creation can also be an excellent activity for entertaining children. Art in physical media may include painting, drawing with pencils, chalk, crayons, or markers, writing, folding paper, and the like. 
     Young children can often benefit from entertaining activities performed while away from home, when they have periods of open time that may leave them bored. It can be difficult to store multiple different types of artistic supplies together along with the materials and media needed to create them. Moreover, it can be difficult to transport multiple different types of artistic supplies to these locations outside the home. 
     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for artistic storage and creation. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus includes a housing having a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. At least one drawer is slidably located within the housing and is substantially the depth of the housing. The at least one drawer is sized to contain artistic supplies. A first writing surface is slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing. A second writing surface is slidably located within the housing. The second writing surface is accessible by sliding the first writing surface from a first writing position to a second writing position. A cavity is located within the housing and between the first and second writing surfaces. The cavity is substantially the length and depth of the housing. The cavity is accessible by sliding at least one from the set of: the first writing surface and the second writing surface. 
     The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an apparatus for artistic storage and creation. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. A self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus having the appearance of an elephant includes a housing shaped as an elephant. The housing has a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. A first drawer is shaped as the elephant&#39;s front feet and is substantially the depth of the housing. A second drawer is shaped as the elephant&#39;s rear feet and is substantially the depth of the housing. A hook is shaped as the elephant&#39;s tail. A drawer is shaped as at least a portion of the elephant&#39;s trunk. A writing surface is shaped as the elephant&#39;s body and slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing. A cavity is located within the housing and directly interior to the writing surface. The cavity is substantially the length and depth of the housing. The cavity is accessible by sliding the writing surface. 
     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional front illustration of a self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric illustration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional rear illustration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view illustration showing the interior of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is an isometric illustration showing the interior of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  is an isometric illustration showing the interior of the first writing surface of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5D  is a rear view illustration showing the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a third writing position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a close-up front view illustration showing an interior space of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a close-up isometric illustration showing the interior space of the apparatus of  FIG. 6A , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional front illustration of a self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus  100  (hereinafter “apparatus  100 ”), in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  100  includes a housing  102  having a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. At least one drawer  110 ,  120  is slidably located within the housing  102  and is substantially the depth of the housing  102 . The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  is sized to contain artistic supplies. A first writing surface  140  is slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing  102 . A second writing surface, shown in  FIG. 3 , is slidably located within the housing  102 . The second writing surface is accessible by sliding the first writing surface  102  from a first writing position to a second writing position. A cavity, shown in  FIGS. 4-5B , is located within the housing  102  and between the first and second writing surfaces. 
     The cavity is substantially the length and depth of the housing  102 . The cavity is accessible by sliding at least one from the set of: the first writing surface  140  and the second writing surface. 
     In one example, the apparatus  100  may be shaped as an elephant. When shaped as an elephant, the apparatus  100  may be described, particularly, as follows: A self-contained artistic storage and creation apparatus  100  having the appearance of an elephant includes a housing  102  shaped as an elephant. The housing  102  has a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. A first drawer  110  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s front feet and is substantially the depth of the housing  102 . A second drawer  120  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s rear feet and is substantially the depth of the housing  102 . A hook  130  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s tail. A drawer  160  is shaped as at least a portion of the elephant&#39;s trunk. A writing surface  140  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s body and slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing  102 . A cavity, shown in  FIGS. 4-5A , is located within the housing  102  and directly interior to the writing surface  140 . The cavity is substantially the length and depth of the housing  102 . The cavity is accessible by sliding the writing surface  140 . 
     In the following disclosure, the apparatus  100  may be discussed as an apparatus  100  having a housing  102  of any general shape or in the particular shape of an elephant. The elephant shape may be one specific implementation of the apparatus  100 , but the disclosure is not so limited. 
     The apparatus  100  includes a housing  102  having a volume defined by a width, length, and depth. The housing  102  may be any suitable size, shape, and volume. In one example, the housing  102  may be shaped as an elephant having a head with eyes  104  and a mouth  106 , a trunk, front feet, rear feet, stomach, and tail. In another example, the housing  102  may be shaped as any other animal or object. The shape of the housing  102  may be attractive and familiar to young children, for instance, as common animals, objects, children&#39;s characters, persons, and the like. Some exemplary shapes may include giraffes, lions, bears, hippopotamuses, castles, railroad trains, fruits, and vegetables. The housing  102  may be sized to be usable by a young child. In one example, the housing may be about 21 inches wide, about 14 inches long, and about 2.5 inches deep. The particular dimensions of the housing  102  may vary in relation to the implemented shape of the housing  102 , but may remain suitable to allow young children to hold, carry, use, and reach all of the component elements. The housing  102  may be made from any suitable materials, including plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, polymer, fabric, or any combination thereof. For example, a portion of the housing  102  may be made from a structural material, such as plastic, and a portion of the housing  102  may be made from a different material. In one example, the different material may provide tactile or textural experiences for the user. For instance, a portion of the housing  102  made to feel like elephant skin may teach a child user about texture. 
     The apparatus  100  may include a strap  108  attachable to first and second points on the housing  102 . The strap  108  may enable a user to carry the apparatus  100  while traveling. The strap  108  may be made from any suitable material, including fabric, plastic, rope, fibers, polymer, and the like. The strap  108  may be permanently attached to the apparatus  100  or may be removable. In one example, the strap  108  may attach at a first and second handle  170 ,  172 , which may be grippable portions of the housing  102  that allow a user to hold and maneuver the apparatus  100 . In one example, the first handle  170  may resemble a hat placed upon the head of the elephant. The hat may have a space for the user to put their name in writing. In another example, the apparatus  100  may only have one handle  172 , which may be located at any suitable place along the housing  102  to provide a balanced handling of the apparatus  100 . In one example, the handles  170 ,  172  may allow the apparatus  100  to be hung on a wall when not in use. This may allow the user to display art they have created using the apparatus  100  as well as providing an easy structure for storage. The apparatus  100  may additionally be hung from the strap  108 . 
     At least one drawer  110 ,  120  is slidably located within the housing  102  and is substantially the depth of the housing  102 . The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  is sized to contain artistic supplies. The artistic supplies may include crayons, markers, pencils, pens, chalk, erasers, paints, brushes, and the like. The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be located in any suitable portion of the housing  102 . Where the housing  102  is shaped as an animal, the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be shaped as a portion of the animal, for instance, a foot, an ear, a head, an arm, and the like. Where the housing  102  is shaped as another object, the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be shaped as a portion of that object, for instance, a window or a door in a house, a leaf on a plant, and so on. The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be slidably extendable from the housing  102 . When extended the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may extend substantially the entirety of the depth of the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  to allow the user to access the interior of the at least one drawer  110 ,  120 . The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be located along a track, which may guide the extension of the at least one drawer  110 ,  120 . In one example, the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be removable for care and cleaning of the apparatus  100 . In another example, the at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may be lockingly stopped at the end of its extension to prevent a user from losing the drawer  110 ,  120  by removing it from the housing  102 . In one example, the drawers  110 ,  120  may be differently sized to accommodate different art supplies therein. For instance, a first drawer  110  may have a first size directed to storing smaller items such as crayons, erasers, stickers, paints, and the like. The first drawer  110  may only be a few inches long. A second drawer  120  may have a second size directed to storing larger items, such as pens, pencils, brushes, markers, and the like. The second drawer  120  may be several inches long, and may be longer than the first drawer  110 . The at least one drawer  110 ,  120  may have a bowed, curved, or angled face that extends past the front surface of the housing  102  when the drawer  110 ,  120  is closed. This may make it easier for a younger user to grab and open the drawer  110 ,  120 . This is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 , below. 
     In the elephant example, the apparatus  100  may include at least three drawers, including a drawer  110  shaped as the elephant&#39;s front feet, a drawer  120  shaped as the elephant&#39;s rear feet, and a drawer  160  shaped as at least a portion of the elephant&#39;s trunk. The drawers  110 ,  120  shaped as feet may be located at a lower portion of the housing  102 , where an elephant&#39;s feet are generally located. In one example, the front feet may be shaped as a single drawer  110 , and the rear feet may be shaped as a single drawer  120 . In another example, each foot may be a separate drawer  110 ,  120  and may be separately slidable. When closed, the drawers  110 ,  120  may be substantially flat with a front face of the elephant housing  102 . As discussed above, a portion of the drawers  110 ,  120  may extend away from the housing  102  in order to assist a user in opening the drawers  110 ,  120 . 
     The elephant&#39;s trunk may also include a drawer  160  occupying at least a portion of the trunk&#39;s volume. The drawer  160  may be slidably extendable from the trunk and may have substantially the thickness of the trunk. In one example, the drawer  160  may be sized to house chalk, crayons, and other smaller artistic supplies. In another example, the drawer  160  may extend through a substantial portion of the trunk, and may be sized to house pens, pencils, brushes, and the like. 
     A first writing surface  140  is slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing  102 . The first writing surface  140  may be a flat or substantially flat surface that may allow a user to write, draw, sketch, color, paint, or otherwise create physical art. In one example, the first writing surface  140  may be a dry erase board on which a user may use dry erase markers to create art. In another example, the first writing surface  140  may be a chalk board, erasable paper, removable paper, magnetic sketch board, or any combination thereof. When the first writing surface  140  is a dry erase board, the first writing surface  140  may additionally be magnetic. As used in the context of this disclosure, “writing” may broadly mean to mark on a surface. Therefore, the first writing surface  140  may be a surface that allows marking. This does not include plastics, wood, or other materials generally, which are not intended to be marked upon. The writing surface  140  may be a surface specially prepared for marking, either erasably or disposably. The first writing surface  140  may cover at least a portion of the housing  102 . In one example, the first writing surface  140  may cover a substantial portion of the housing  102 . In the elephant example, the first writing surface  140  may resemble the elephant&#39;s stomach, side, or back, which may be generally referred to as the elephant&#39;s stomach. In this example, the first writing surface  140  may be a dry erase board for use with dry erase markers and having a magnetic surface. 
     A second writing surface, shown in  FIG. 3 , is slidably located within the housing  102 . A cavity, shown in  FIGS. 4-5B , is located within the housing  102  and between the first and second writing surfaces. 
     The apparatus  100  may include additional cavities for storing supplies. In the elephant example, the apparatus  100  may include a cavity behind a surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear. This is discussed in greater detail in  FIGS. 6A-6B , below. 
     The hook  130  may allow a user to hang artwork, small bags, or other hanging items from the apparatus  100 . In the elephant example, the hook  130  may be shaped as the elephant&#39;s tail. The hook  130  may have a generally concave shape to allow the user to hang artwork or other items, such as necklaces, string projects, straps, and the like, from the apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric illustration of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  100  has a volume defined by the width  1 , length  2 , and depth  3  of the housing  102 . The width  1  is defined along an axis extending from left to right as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the elephant example, the width  1  is defined along the axis extending from the trunk of the elephant to the tail of the elephant. The length  2  is defined as the axis extending from top to bottom as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the elephant example, the length  2  is defined along the axis extending between the top of the elephant&#39;s head and the bottom of the elephant&#39;s feet. The depth  3  is defined along the axis perpendicular to the page in  FIG. 1 . In the elephant example, the depth  3  is defined along the axis extending between the front face of the elephant and the rear of the elephant shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the drawers  110 ,  120  slidably extended from a closed position to an open position. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the drawers  110 ,  120  extend substantially the entire depth of the drawer  110 ,  120 . The drawers  110 ,  120  are also shown as having a single drawer  110  for the elephant&#39;s front feet and a single drawer  120  for the elephant&#39;s rear feet. The front feet drawer  110  is bowed along the front surface of the drawer  110  in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the drawer  110 . The rear feet drawer  120  is angled along the front surface of the drawer  120  in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the drawer  120 . 
     In one example, the apparatus  100  may have a substantially flat front surface when all of the drawers and other components are in a closed position. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5B , below, the front surface of the housing  102  may lie substantially on the same plane. This may allow the apparatus  100  to remain closed when being transported, as a user will be less likely to grab openable components or snag the drawers  110 ,  120 . This may also allow the apparatus  100  to be more compact and transportable. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional rear illustration of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  shows the rear of the housing  102 , including a rear surface  190  on which the second writing surface is located. The second writing surface is not viewable from the perspective shown in  FIG. 3 , but is discussed in greater detail in  FIGS. 4-5B . The rear surface  190  may be a substantially planar surface forming a rear portion of the housing  102 . The rear surface  190  may be slidably attached to the housing  102 . When in a closed position, the rear surface  190  may enclose the cavity within the interior of the housing  102  from the rear side. The rear surface  190  may be guided and held closed by a plurality of extensions  192 ,  194 ,  196  located on the exterior rear of the housing  102 . The extensions may be shaped as members forming a tongue and groove with the rear surface  190 . For example, extensions  192 ,  194  may be elongated members that guide the rear surface  190  into an aligned position along the length axis of the apparatus  100 . Extension  196  may be a shorter member that stops the rear surface  190  from sliding too low on the housing  102 . Any suitable system of locking and groove mechanisms may be used to guide the rear surface  190  by the extensions  192 ,  194 ,  196 . In one example, the rear surface  190  may slide upward to provide access to the interior cavity of the apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 4  is discussed with regard to an apparatus  100  having the appearance of an elephant. However, the qualities, characteristics, and other aspects of the apparatus described herein may be applicable to the apparatus  100  in any suitable form or design, and should be considered to be within the scope of the entire invention. It should be noted that any surfaces or components shown detached from the housing  102  of the apparatus  100  are illustrative only. In one example, all of the components may remain attached by a locking mechanism or a mechanical stopper. Thus, even though the drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  may slide out and the surfaces  140 ,  180 ,  150  may slide up or swivel, the apparatus  100  may remain a single piece. In another example, some of the components, such as the moveable components, may be detachable from the housing  102 . 
     The housing  102  may be shaped as an elephant. The housing  102  may be generally planar, having front and back surfaces shaped in the outline of an elephant. The top, side, and bottom surfaces of the housing  102  may have a surface area smaller than the front and back surfaces such that the housing  102  resembles a substantially 2-dimensional elephant. For other shapes and implementations, the housing  102  may resemble a substantially 2-dimensional object. The planar nature of the housing  102  allows the apparatus  100  to be placed flat on a desktop, table, ground, lap, and the like so that the user may securely use the apparatus  100  in use. The front surface of the housing  102  may be generally rigid. In one example, the housing  102  may be formed from a single, unitary piece. In another example, the housing  102  may be formed from a plurality of pieces attached together using heat bonding, glues, epoxies, and the like. 
     A first drawer  110  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s front feet. The first drawer  110  may be a single drawer shaped as the two front feet of the elephant, or it may be a plurality of drawers. 
     The first drawer  110  may have a depth, shown in  FIG. 2 , substantially the depth of the housing  102 . The first drawer  110  may fit within a cavity  112  of substantially the same volume enclosed by the first drawer  110 . The cavity  112  may be located within at least a portion of the elephant&#39;s front feet. When the housing  102  is shaped as another form, the cavity  112  may be located within a portion of the housing having substantially the same volume as the first drawer  110 . The cavity  112  may be a single cavity when the first drawer  110  is a single drawer, or it may be a divided cavity  112  when the first drawer  110  is a plurality of drawers. For example, if the first drawer  110  is two separate drawers—one for each foot—the cavity  112  may be divided into two spaces—one for each drawer. The cavity  112  may include a track for the first drawer  110  to guide it as it is extended from the housing  102 . When extended, the first drawer  112  may extend substantially the entire depth of the first drawer  112  to allow a user to access the full volume of the first drawer  112 . When closed, the first drawer  112  may be substantially flat against the front surface of the housing  102 . A front surface of the first drawer  112  may be shaped, styled, colored, or decorated to resemble the elephant&#39;s front feet. When closed, the first drawer  112 , together with the housing  102 , may give the appearance of an elephant&#39;s front legs and front feet. 
     A second drawer  120  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s rear feet. The second drawer  120  may have any of the characteristics of the first drawer  110  described above. The second drawer  120  may be sized differently than the first drawer  110 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second drawer  120  may be wider than the first drawer  110  to accommodate different sizes of artistic supplies. The second drawer  120  may be located inside a cavity  122  that may be substantially the same depth as the housing  102 . The cavity  122  may be located within a portion of the elephant&#39;s rear feet. The second drawer  120  may be shaped, styled, colored, or decorated to resemble the elephant&#39;s rear feet. When closed, the second drawer  120 , together with the housing  102 , may give the appearance of an elephant&#39;s rear legs and rear feet. 
     A hook  130  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s tail. When the apparatus  100  is shaped as another object, the hook  130  may be shaped as another feature of the object. For instance, if the apparatus  100  is shaped as an animal, the hook  130  may be shaped as the animal&#39;s tail. If the apparatus  100  is shaped as a cluster of grapes, the hook  130  may be shaped as the stem of the cluster of grapes. In one example, the hook  130  may not be shaped as a feature of the object, but may simply be shaped as a hook  130 . For instance, if the object is a basketball, the hook  130  may not be shaped as any feature of the basketball. The hook  130  may be upwardly concave to allow a user to hang items from the hook  130 . 
     A drawer  160  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s trunk. The drawer  160  may be sized to appear as a portion of the elephant&#39;s trunk. The drawer  160  may have any of the characteristics of the first and second drawers  110 ,  120  described above. In one example, the drawer  160  may encompass a smaller volume than the first or second drawers  110 ,  120 , and may be sized to accommodate small artistic supplies. The drawer  160  may extend outwardly from the housing  102 , like the first and second drawers  110 ,  120 . In one example, the drawer  160  may extend through the elephant&#39;s trunk. The drawer  160  may be located within a cavity  162  shaped as a portion of the elephants trunk. The cavity  162  may be located at any portion of the trunk. In one example, the drawer  160  and the cavity  162  may be substantially the same size as the elephant&#39;s trunk, allowing the drawer  160  to hold long artistic supplies such as brushes, pens, pencils, and the like. 
     In one example, the apparatus  100  may include a plurality of drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  within the housing. The drawers may be located at any suitable point along the housing  102 . In one example, the plurality of drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  may be sized and shaped to resemble visual features of an object depicted by the apparatus  100 . For instance, if the object depicted by the apparatus  100  is a tree, the plurality of drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  may be leaves, branches, or knots of the tree. If the object depicted by the apparatus  100  is a house, the plurality of drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  may be doors, windows, or eaves of the house. 
     A first writing surface  140  is shaped as the elephant&#39;s body and slidably located on an exterior surface of the housing  102 .  FIG. 4  shows the first writing surface  140  sized and shaped to resemble a portion of the elephant&#39;s torso, namely the back, stomach, and sides, referred to here generally as “body.” The first writing surface  140  may be substantially flat to allow a user to write, draw, or otherwise mark it. In one example, the first writing surface  140  may be a dry erase board capable of erasably receiving marking from a dry erase marker. In one example, the first writing surface  140  may also be magnetic to allow the user to stick or hang items from the first writing surface  140 . The first writing surface  140  may have a different color, texture, and appearance from the housing  102 . In the elephant example, the first writing surface  140  may have a smooth, white appearance, while the housing may appear rough and gray. The first writing surface  140  may be a portion of the front surface of the housing  102 . In one example, the first writing surface  140  may have a surface area of at least 30% of the front surface of the apparatus  100 . In another example, the first writing surface  140  may have dimensions of about 12″×8″. 
     A second writing surface  180  may be shaped as the elephant&#39;s body and slidably located within the housing  102 . The second writing surface  180  may be located on an interior portion of the rear surface  190  shown in  FIG. 3 , such that the rear surface  190  is exterior to the housing  102 , but the second writing surface  180  is interior to the housing  102 . The second writing surface  180  may be substantially the same size as the first writing surface  140 . In one example, the second writing surface  180  may be the same type of writing surface as the first writing surface  140 , for instance, a dry erase board. In another example, the second writing surface  180  may be a different type of writing surface from the first writing surface  140 . For instance, the first writing surface  140  may be a dry erase board, and the second writing surface  180  may be a chalk board. Other types of writing surfaces are included within the scope of this disclosure, and are discussed relative to  FIG. 1 , above. The second writing surface  180  may be slidably located within the housing  102 . The rear surface  190  may be slid upward, downward, or away from the housing  102  to reveal the cavity  142  within the housing  102 . The cavity  142  may have substantially the same surface area as the first and second writing surfaces  140 ,  180 . 
     The first writing surface  140  may slide from a first writing position to a second writing position to make the second writing surface  180  accessible. In the first writing position, the first writing surface  140  may be located along the housing  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The second writing surface  180  may be located along the housing  102 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The first writing surface  140  may be considered to be in a closed or storage position when in the first writing position. The first writing position allows a user to access and use the first writing surface  140 . A user may slide the first writing surface  140  from the first writing position to the second writing position, shown in  FIG. 5A . The second writing position may expose the entire second writing surface  180  and the entire cavity  142 . In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the first writing surface  140  slides up from the first writing position into the second writing position. The second writing surface  180  is located within the housing  102  at the rear portion of the cavity  142 . The second writing surface  180  may be marked on by a user when the first writing surface  140  is the second writing position. 
     In one example, the second writing surface  180  may be slid from the first writing position to a third writing position. This is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 5D . 
     In one example, the first and second writing surfaces  140 ,  180  may be interchangeable. For example, a user may interchange the position of the first writing surface  140  with the second writing surface  180  to allow the user to have primary access to the second writing surface  180 . In such an example, the first and second writing surfaces  140 ,  180  may be designed to slide interchangeably within the housing  102 . 
     A hidden cavity  152  may be shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear. The hidden cavity  152  may be accessible by sliding a surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear to reveal the hidden cavity  152  directly underneath and within the housing  102 . A depth of the hidden cavity  152  may be at least a portion of the depth  3  of the housing  102  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6B . In one example, the hidden cavity  152  may have a depth smaller than the housing  102 . When the apparatus  100  is shaped as a different object, the hidden cavity  152  may resemble another feature of that object. For example, an apparatus  100  shaped as a car may have a hidden cavity  152  shaped as a tire. The hidden cavity  152  may be shaped as any suitable feature of the housing  102 . The hidden cavity  152  may be enclosed by the housing  102  and the surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear. The surface  150  may slide in at least one direction to reveal the hidden cavity  152 . In operation, the surface  150  may remain attached to the housing  102  after sliding. 
     When all of the drawers  110 ,  120 ,  160  and surfaces  140 ,  180 ,  150  are in a closed position, the apparatus  100  may appear to be an elephant having a head, ears, trunk, body, front feet, rear feet, and tail. The drawers and surfaces  110 ,  120 ,  160 ,  140 ,  180 ,  150  may create the appearance by providing an alignment and positioning of the physical features of the elephant. When one or more of the drawers and surfaces  110 ,  120 ,  160 ,  140 ,  180 ,  150  are in an open or extended position, the elephant may appear to be missing the one or more features corresponding to the open or extended drawers and surfaces. 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view illustration showing the interior of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first writing surface  140  is shown having been slid from a first writing position to a second writing position. The first writing position is shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the first writing surface  140  is lowered and located across the housing  102 . In the second writing position, the first writing surface  140  may be extended upward, sideways, or downward in order to reveal the cavity  142  within the housing  102 . 
     In operation the first writing surface  140  may be guided by at least one front extension  148 ,  149 , which may be a member extending outward from the surface of the housing  102 . As discussed relative to  FIG. 3 , this member may include an elongated member  148 , a short member  149 , or some combination thereof. The front extensions  148 ,  149  may create a tongue and groove guide that allows the first writing surface  140  to slidably extend along a controlled, determined path. The short extension member  149  may hold the first writing surface  140  in place against gravity to prevent it from sliding further downward. 
     In one example, the first writing surface  140  may additionally include magnetic components that allow magnets  144  to be magnetically affixed to the first writing surface  140 . This may allow a user to temporarily affix artwork  146  or other light materials to the first writing surface  140  using one or more magnets  144 . This may allow the user to display their work  146 , study from an example work, or simply organize the material. 
       FIG. 5B  is an isometric illustration showing the interior of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In one example, the cavity  142  may be an empty cavity. In another example, the cavity  142  may include retaining pockets  500  sized to retain artistic supplies, such as pens, pencils, markers, brushes, and the like, in place within the cavity while the apparatus  100  is in motion. The retaining pockets  500  may be substantially fixed in their size and location, and may be made from the same material as the housing  102 . In one example, the retaining pockets may be made from an elastic material which expands and contracts to allow the artistic supplies to be added and removed. The cavity  142  may further include one or more shelves  502  for resting supplies or for supporting the user while writing on the second writing surface  180 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows an exemplary implementation of a tongue and groove design for guiding and controlling the sliding of the first writing surface (not shown). On the left side of the cavity  142 , a groove  506  is shown formed into the housing  102 . The groove  506  may extend from the top surface of the housing  102  down into the cavity  142 . The groove  506  may allow a tongue on the first writing surface to be guided along the length of the groove  506 . On the right side of the cavity  142 , a tongue  148  is shown on the exterior surface of the housing  102 . The tongue  148  may run at least a portion of the length of the housing  102 . In operation, the tongue  148  may align with a groove in the first writing surface to guide the first writing surface and hold it in place while in use. A tongue on the first writing surface may likewise align with the groove  504  located between the tongue  148  and the housing  102 . In this way, the first writing surface may be securely guided and fastened to the housing  102  of the apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 5C  is an isometric illustration showing the interior  540  of the first writing surface  140  of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5C  may be best understood in light of  FIG. 5B , above, which shows a groove  506  and a tongue  148  located on and around the cavity  142  of the apparatus  100 . FIG.  5 C shows a tongue  512  on the first writing surface  140  which may fit with the groove  506  in  FIG. 5B . Likewise, the edge  514  of the first writing surface  140  may fit within the groove  504  located between the tongue  148  and the housing  102  shown in  FIG. 5B . This may allow the first writing surface  140  to be securely guided and fastened to the housing  102  of the apparatus  100 . The first writing surface  140  may slide from a first writing position to a second writing position using this series of tongues and grooves. 
     It should be noted that the tongue and groove series shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  are exemplary, and that other sliding implementations are contemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 5D  is a rear view illustration showing the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  in a third writing position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third writing position, the rear surface  190  containing the second writing surface  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , may be slid from an initial position shown in  FIG. 3  to a raised position. The third writing position may reveal the cavity  142  within the housing  102 . In use, the third writing position may allow a user to write on the second writing surface  180 , shown in  FIG. 4 , while the first writing surface  140  remains in an initial position, shown in  FIG. 1 . This may allow the user to access any desired writing surface. 
       FIG. 6A  is a close-up front view illustration showing an interior space of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6A  shows the hidden cavity  152  located within the housing  102 . In the elephant example shown, the hidden cavity  152  may be located behind the surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear. In other examples, the hidden cavity  152  may be located behind other portions of the housing  102 , depending on the shape and implementation of the apparatus  100 . The surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear may slide upward, downward, or sideways, or it may swing or pivot. In the example shown in  FIG. 6A , the surface  150  slides along two tongues  154  located within the hidden cavity  152 . The hidden cavity  152  may be smaller than the cavity  142  accessible by sliding the first or second writing surfaces. The hidden cavity  152  may be sized to hold comparatively smaller artistic supplies, including papers, stickers, materials, cloth, and the like. The hidden cavity  152  may also store chalk, tape, crayons, erasers, and other small supplies. 
       FIG. 6B  is a close-up isometric illustration showing the interior space of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 6A , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hidden cavity  152  shown behind the surface  150  shaped as the elephant&#39;s ear may provide a space for storage of artistic supplies. The surface  150  is shown rotated 180° in order to illustrate an exemplary tongue and groove implementation that may be used to guide and secure the surface  150  in operation. The surface  150  may include, on the interior surface, a number of members  654  spaced and sized to correspond to a number of tongues  154  within the hidden cavity  152 . The members  654  and the tongues  154  may fit together to provide a biased guide for the surface  150  as it slides. As discussed relative to  FIGS. 5A-5C ,  FIGS. 6A-6B  show an exemplary implementation for guiding and securing the surface  150 . In practice, other tongue and groove systems may be used. 
     In one example, the apparatus  100  may be used in conjunction with an application for teaching the user artistic skills. For instance, young children may be taught about colors, shapes, textures, materials, media, and the like. More advanced children may be taught about perspective, dimensions, techniques, and the like. Yet more advanced users may be taught the styles of particular artists or movements within an art form. The application may include examples that can be viewed and replicated by the user using the apparatus  100 . The application may include tasks or assignments. The application may provide custom instruction based on the shape and functionality of the apparatus  100 . For instance, the application may provide education and assignments tailored to the elephant example, such as elephant-themed assignments, elephant-oriented colors and shapes, and the like. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.