Patent Publication Number: US-2007103040-A1

Title: Multi-functional security desk

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      1. Field  
      The present application relates to the field of desks and desk-like objects. More specifically, the present application relates to desks with improved security and display features.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      In general, schools may have multiple entrances, in addition to a main entrance. It would be desirable to provide a desk or table that can act as a portable station for security or commercial needs at an entrance or in the hallways. Additionally, the portable desk may be used outdoors for any multitude of occasions, including as a concession stand or for ticket sales at sporting events or other school related functions.  
     SUMMARY  
      In general the present application relates to a desk that is adapted for a variety of uses, including security, educational, or commercial purposes. In one aspect, the desk includes a front panel having a front surface and a top edge, an upper countertop secured at or near the top edge of the front panel, the upper countertop having an underside and a receiving slot, and a security box having an upper slot, the security box being mounted to the underside of the upper countertop such that the receiving slot is aligned with the upper slot.  
      In another aspect, the desk includes a front panel vertically disposed having a front surface, a right edge, a left edge, and a top edge, the front surface optimally having a graphic imprinted thereon, a right side panel vertically disposed and secured at or near the right edge of the front panel such that the right side panel extends perpendicularly away from the front panel, the right side panel having a bottom edge, and a left side panel vertically disposed and secured at or near the left edge of the front panel such that the left side panel extends perpendicularly away from the front panel, the left side panel having a bottom edge.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with the appended figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures, and wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the front and left sides of the mobile desk;  
       FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the rear and right sides of the mobile desk;  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the top side of the mobile desk;  
       FIG. 4  is a first elevation view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the rear side of the mobile desk;  
       FIG. 5  is a second elevation view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the front side of the mobile desk; and  
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a mobile desk according to an embodiment, showing the left side of the mobile desk.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present application relates to a mobile desk that may be utilized in such capacities as a main entrance check-in station, school safety and security station, hall monitor station, sporting event admissions booth, sporting event scorer&#39;s table, concession stand, ticket sales booth, corporate display booth, or general purpose utility station. The desk may be equipped with a slot for receiving various materials, which are deposited in a security box. The security box is optionally equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to deposited materials. Additionally, the desk may be fabricated or modified to include a graphic display on its front panel. The graphic display may aid in adapting the desk for any one of the above listed capacities, as well as other functions.  
       FIG. 1  shows a first perspective view of a desk  100  according to one embodiment. The first perspective view shows the front and left side of the desk. The desk  100  includes a front panel  102  having a front surface, a left edge  104 , a right edge  106 , and a top edge  108 . The front panel  102  may further include a graphic  110  imprinted on its front surface, which is described in more detail below.  
      The desk  100  further includes a left side panel  130  and a right side panel  140 , shown in  FIG. 2 , each of which is vertically disposed and secured at or near the left edge  104  and the right edge  106 , respectively, of the front panel  102  such that the left side panel  130  and the right side panel  140  extend perpendicularly away from the front panel  102 . The left side panel  130  includes an upper top edge  132  and a lower top edge  134 , as well as a bottom edge  136 . Similarly, the right side panel  140  includes an upper top edge  142 , a lower top edge  144 , and a bottom edge  146 . The lower top edges  134 ,  144  may be located at any distance below the upper top edges  132 ,  142 , respectively. Alternatively, each side panel  130 ,  140  may include a single top edge.  
      The desk  100  further includes two sets of caster wheels  150 ,  152 ,  154 , and  156  fastened to the bottom edges of the side panels  130 ,  140  for mobility. Left caster wheels  150 ,  152  are fastened to the bottom edge  136  of the left side panel  130 , and right caster wheels  154 ,  156  are fastened to the bottom edge  146  of the right side panel  140 . Alternatively, the bottom edges may include any number of caster wheels. Each caster wheel  150 ,  152 ,  154 , and  156  is secured to its respective bottom edge via a U-shaped bracket  151 ,  153 ,  155 , and  157 , respectively. The U-shaped bracket wraps around the bottom edge of the respective side panel, as best illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
      An upper countertop  112  is secured to the upper top edge  132  of the left side panel  104 , the upper top edge  142  of the right side panel  106 , and to the top edge  108  of the front panel  102 . Alternatively, the upper countertop  112  may be secured near the upper top edge  132  of the left side panel  130 , the upper top edge  142  of the right side panel  140 , and the top edge  108  of the front panel  102 . The upper countertop  112  may or may not extend over the top edges of these panels. The upper countertop  112  further includes a receiving slot  114  that accesses a security box  116 , located on an underside of the countertop  112 , which is described in more detail below.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates the rear and right side of the desk  100 . A lower countertop  120 , or work surface, is secured to the lower top edge  134  of the left side panel  130 , and to the lower top edge  144  of the right side panel  140 . The lower countertop  120  further includes a first drawer  122  and a second drawer  124 , each located on the underside of the lower countertop  120 . The second drawer  124  includes a lock  126  to protect valuable items. Alternatively, the lower countertop  120  may include no drawers or up to any number of drawers, with or without locks.  
      The upper countertop  112  and lower countertop  120  are depicted in a top view of the desk in  FIG. 3 . The upper countertop  112  includes a receiving slot  114  for receiving various materials, such as sheets of paper.  
      Any items received by the receiving slot  114  are then deposited into the security box  116 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The security box  116  includes an upper slot (not shown) aligned with the receiving slot  114  to allow the deposit of various materials in the desk  100 . The security box  116  may be used, for example, as an anonymous suggestion box for students or as a money collector for ticket sales. The security box  116  further includes an access and a locking mechanism  118  for safekeeping.  
      Referring to  FIG. 5 , a front view of the desk  100  is shown. A graphic  110  may be imprinted on the front surface of the front panel  102 . Although the graphic  110  is shown covering the entire front surface of the front panel  102 , the graphic  110  may alternatively cover only a portion of the front surface of the front panel  102 . The graphic  110  may serve a number of functions, including, for example, for showing school pride or providing a professional image.  
      While certain features and embodiments of the present application have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims.