Abstract:
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.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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&#39;s books, papers or supplies encroach on another student&#39;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. 
         [0005]    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&#39;s workspace. 
         [0006]    Additionally, it is often helpful to provide an elevated spot on a student&#39;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&#39; 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 
       [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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 
         [0009]      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. 
           [0010]      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. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top and side perspective view of a blank of cardboard being prepared for installation as a desk barrier. 
           [0012]      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. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top and side perspective view of a desk barrier showing the internal construction in phantom view. 
           [0014]      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. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side cutaway view of the desk barrier along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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 . 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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 . 
         [0020]    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 . 
         [0021]    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 . 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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.