Extendable educational module

Abstract

A carrel-like module which, in one configuration, accommodates a single user, and in an expanded configuration, accommodates two or more users. The carrel module includes an arcuate shaped writing panel, preferably having a concavely shaped rear edge opposite from a seated user and a convexly shaped near edge presented adjacent the seated user, with two end edges, respectively, connecting the rear and near edges. The end edges and the rear edge are bounded by upright panels, the panels extending generally above the writing panel to the head level of the seated user. The two panels presented adjacent the respective end edges are rotatably connected to leg-like support members located at corners of the writing panel formed by the intersection of the rear edge and the end edges, respectively, of the writing panel. The end panels are removably secured to the writing panel, such that they may be conveniently disengaged therefrom, and rotated about their associated leg members by the user. The associated leg members include integral stop elements arranged therewith to prevent further rotation of the end panels when they are coplanar with the nearest panel presented adjacent the rear edge. Hinged to the respective end edges of the writing panel are writing panel extensions, which extensions are held against the undersurface of the writing panel in the closed position. When the end panels are rotated to be coplanar with their adjacent rear edge panels, the writing panel extensions may be rotated from their closed position about the respective writing panel edges to an extended position coplanar with the writing panel, so as to extend the surface of the writing panel adjacent the rotated end panels.