GB2402869A

GB2402869A - Combined portable case and music display stand wherein the case is foldable into the display stand by folding along transverse and longitudinal fold lines

Info

Publication number: GB2402869A
Application number: GB0309285A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Fullagar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-24
Filing date: 2003-04-24
Publication date: 2004-12-22
Also published as: GB0309285D0

Abstract

The combined portable case and music display stand comprises a main body which initially adopts an unfolded flat planar configuration (Fig.4) and which may be formed from a single elongated sheet of rigid, lightweight material (e.g. cardboard or corrugated card) with a multiple of transverse and longitudinal fold lines 1-7 (Fig.4). The transverse fold lines 3-7 allow the main body to be folded from the flat configuration to form a portable case (Fig. 1) which may be used to transport and store papers or other written materials, such as magazines or sheet music. Conversely, the longitudinal fold lines 1,2 allow the main body to be folded from the flat configuration to form an upright display stand configuration (Fig. 10) where an angled upper surface 19 and an attached shelf 15 support the displayed written material in an easily viewable position. Elastic closing loops 9,11 (Fig. 1) may be provided to close the case for storage and transportation purposes. Furthermore, a carrying handle 16 (Fig. 1) may also be provided.

Description

1 2402869

COMBINED PORTABLE CASE AND DISPLAY STAND

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to portable stands for display purposes and more particularly to a combination stand collapsing into a container configuration for storing and transporting display materials. A primary objective is to provide a means of carrying, storing and displaying music for musicians or students who need to carry music and the stand to and from desired locations, for practicing or performing their chosen art.

BACKGROUND- DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Displaying paper related material by use of a portable stand is common practice in business and education. Easels and stands, particularly music stands, are the most common means of doing this. A wide variety of devices have been invented that provide means for displaying, carrying, or storing loose leaf sheets of paper, books, and like materials. However, relatively few can be found to do all three.

This invention relates to a lectern or stand which is primarily intended for use by musicians providing a support for receiving music in sheet, book or other formats.

The prior art is exemplified by one known construction of a fully folding music stand comprising a tripodal base carrying a vertical column on which is mounted a support for music formed from a number of pivotally interconnecting slats which allow the support to be folded for storage or carriage.

The metal construction makes it heavy and requires fixing in position by thumb screws and threaded metal holes. This known construction is quite difficult to erect and collapse and can catch users' fingers. Moreover, there is no specific arrangement for carrying or transporting the collapsed structure and the music must be transported in a separate case.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, the objectives and advantages of the present invention are: 1. To provide a portable container that can be used to carry, store and protect papers, books, manuals, or other display materials.

2. To provide a combination portable container and display stand that is lightweight, durable, and compact; capable of being folded into a configuration that allows the device to be carried as a case of moderate and

suitable size.

3. To provide a combination portable case and display stand that is relatively inexpensive.

4. To provide a combination portable case and display stand that converts to either collapsed or raised condition with relative ease.

5. To provide a display stand that offers a clear and unobstructed view of the display materials.

6. To provide a combination portable case and display stand that converts into a floor standing display stand.

7. To provide a display stand that presents the display materials at a suitable height and inclination.

8. To provide a display stand that can hold materials that represent a range of weights and dimensions from single sheets to books and binders.

DRAWING FIGURES

A specie c embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the front of the closed case configuration.

Figure 2 shows in perspective, the back of the closed case configuration.

Figure 3 shows side view of closed case configuration.

Figure 4 shows plan view of opened out case from figure 1.

Figure 5 shows plan view of support base component.

Figure 6 shows construction of base component in figure 5.

Figure 7 shows in perspective, the back of display stand configuration.

Figure 8 shows detail of stand component slotting into base component.

Figure 9 shows in profile, the display stand configuration.

Figure 10 shows in perspective, the front view of display stand configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to f gure 1, the music storage and carry case configuration is shown. The same apparatus is shown in figures 4 and 5 in an unfolded planar position. In figure l 0 the same apparatus is shown as the display stand in a fully assembled position.

As shown in the drawings, the main apparatus is formed from generally rectangular sheets of thin rigid material with various fold lines and attachment mechanisms that facilitate a process of manipulations between the different embodiments as a portable case and as a display stand.

The sheet in figure 4 forms the body and main stand structure. The sheet in figure 5 forms the base support structure. These illustrations show the main apparatus constructed of substantially flat pieces of rigid sheet material. These could be made from cardboard, corrugated card, a relatively stiff sheet plastic or preferably corrugated plastic sheet. Preferably the fold lines would be pressed into a continuous sheet. Alternative construction could be made from sections of the rigid sheet material joined by flexible hinges of plastic or fabric to form the main sheet structures.

In the preferred construction the support structure is divided by fold lines 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 that are all parallel and perpendicular to centreline 44. The structure therefore comprises of preferably rectangular panels arranged side by side and coupled rotatably to provide for pivoting of adjacent panels relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. These flexible fold lines are seen in figure 1 to form a container that is polygonal in lateral cross-section. In the preferred embodiment, the container when closed is rectangular in lateral cross section (as shown in figure 3) and of suitable dimension to contain the music or relevant display material.

Arrow 64 indicates in figure 3 the case in closed configuration creates storage space for music or display materials. In alternative approaches the container lateral cross- section may form non-rectangular polygons, e.g. triangles or rhomboids that exhibit equally appropriate storage volumes.

The base component sheet 45 is placed on the inside of the case and can be used as a document divider. A preferred means for carrying the case is provide by a handle located centrally on plane 20.

In the preferred embodiment, an elastic loop 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is threaded through holes in the front plate 19. The ends of the elastic section may be joined mechanical fastener or knotting. Sections 9 and 11 of the loop are used as means of closing the case seen in figure 2 for storage and transportation. These loops fix over the open sides of case and provide stops that keep the sheet music inside the case.

The case is therefore opened by pulling the elastic cord sections 9 and l l from the rear plane 20 to the front plane 19 over corners 65 and 66 respectively. Once the music is removed from inside the case the sheets can be opened out as shown in figures 4 and 5.

In a particular preferred embodiment the base is constructed into a triangular wedge support as seen in figure 6. Fold lines 46 and 47 are bent such that edges 63 and 64 are parallel in the vertical plane. Tabs 54 and 55 are bent together along folpRlin)es 50 and 51 respectively, such that a fixing mechanism (such as a catch or Velcroptape) 56 and 57 respectively, locate together and form the structure seen in figure 8. This piece can be placed on the floor whilst the main section is constructed.

In order to construct the stand component the sheet must first be opened out flat as shown in figure 4.This reveals two curved fold lines 1 and 2 that are symmetric about the centreline 44. Once flat the sheet is held by the edges of the sheet below the hook features 25, 26. The sheet is then bent along the two curved fold lines 1 and 2 on the back side (featuring the handle 16). This action forms a symmetric arced 3 faced structure. The middle face of which gradually widens from around the longitudinal middle, to the longitudinal top, as the curve hinge line approaches the top corners.

A preferred means of securing the structure uses the elastic cord section 13 is then hooked over the hook features 25 and 26 as shown in figure 7. The location of these hook features can used to determine the inclination, 65, of the viewing plane in figure 9.

Slots 27, 28 on the stand component are hooked over the joined tab sections 54, 55 of the base. Then as these slots are pushed down, edges 36 and 37 locate into slots 48 and 49 respectively to lock the base to the stand component. As shown in figure 7.

In the preferred configuration the stand is supported on the furthest out four points 29, 30, 58 and 59, to provide an optimally wide and stable base. In alternative approaches the base could comprise of 3 or more support points.

To return the stand to the case configuration the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.

The process of opening the stand component reveals a shelf fixed to the sheet material on plane 20, for the purpose of supporting the display material. This shelf component can be seen in figure 9 where the curvature of the fold lines 1 and 2 provide an angled surface from the vertical such that the display material is supported from the shelf component l O at a suitable angle for reading. Appropriate curvature of folds 1 and 2 can be selected to provide a suitable reading angle 65.

The shelf would preferably be constructed of a plastic that could be formed by injection moulding, or from an extruded plastic or metal.

Plane 19 becomes an approximately rhomboidal shape that provides a support surface for display materials to rest against. The latitudinal width of the top edge, 43, therefore remains approximately equal to the width of the shelf component and case.

The longitudinal height of the support plane is approximately equal to the height of plane l 9 and 20 combined.

The overall height of the display material is related to the dimensions of the case and can be appropriately selected to provide a suitable reading height for adults and children both standing and seated. The invention may be produced in different sizes to suit different height requirements.

In a particular preferred embodiment the handle 11 and its attachment fixings are used to attach the shelf bar 15 to the support sheet as shown in figure 9. In the stand configuration the handle is also at a suitable location and height from the floor for moving the stand around. In alternative embodiments the handle could be attached separately or be incorporated into a single component with shelf bar 15.

In an alternative embodiment the shelf bar 15 could be varied in height whilst in stand configuration by using a$ehmporary attachment mechanism. This could be a frictional material such as Velcrior)alternately through mechanical means such as being hooked through a choice of vertically distributed holes in the main sheet planes 19, 20,21.

In another alternative embodiment fold lines 1 and 2 could be approximated to two or more straight lines such that the main structure provided a vertical support and an inclined display surface.

In another alternative embodiment the base piece could be a continuation of the sheet structure in figure 4. An additional panel could attach the edge between points 29 and 30, to edge 65 of the base construction depicted in figure 5. In this embodiment it would be possible for the attachment mechanisms described by figures 6 and 8 to be the same.

Claims

1. A combined portable case and display stand comprising a main body of rigid sheet material with multiple fold lines that allow the sheet to be folded both transversely into a polygonal cross section container for display material and longitudinally into an upright structure where an upper surface and an attached shelf support the previously contained display material.

2. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the main body of rigid sheet material is generally rectangular.

3. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the upright configuration is supported as a floor standing structure by an additional integral or separate rigid sheet material component that, with fold lines for forming a base structure, interlocks with the upright body.

4. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the polygonal cross section container is suitably dimensioned to contain sheet music or relevant display material.

5. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding À claim, wherein the polygonal cross section container is open sided and a stopper means is provided to contain sheet display material within.

6. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding À. claim, wherein the container configuration is provided with a handle or strapping À means for carrying.

7. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding À claim, wherein releasable securing means are provided for keeping the case closed for À. . storage and transportation.

8. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a catchment means is provided for the main body to be temporarily fixed into the upright structure.

9. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal folds of the main body form an angled upper central surface from the vertical such that the display material supported on the shelf is at a suitable incline for reading.

10. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the total number of longitudinal fold lines on the main body is two (2).

11. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the two longitudinal fold lines on the main body are symmetric arcs that form a 3 faced structure, the middle face of which gradually widens from around the longitudinal middle, to the longitudinal top, as the curved hinge line approaches the top corners.

12. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the additional integral or separate rigid sheet material component is provided with releasable securing means for temporarily fixing as the base structure.

13. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein upright body interlocks with the base structure by a releasably securable slotting means.

14. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the additional integral or separate rigid sheet material component can be placed inside the polygonal cross section container with the display material for storage or transportation.

15. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main body and base component are made from of a light weight rigid material.

16. A combined portable case and display stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein main body and base component are made from cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic or corrugated plastic. À.e.

À

17. A combined portable case and display stand substantially described herein À with reference to Figures 1-10 of the accompanying drawings. Àe À À À À. Àe À . À À.