GB2220135A

GB2220135A - Combined collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case

Info

Publication number: GB2220135A
Application number: GB8823162A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Anthony Wilbert Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-07-02
Filing date: 1988-10-03
Publication date: 1990-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-03
Also published as: GB8823162D0; GB2220135B; GB8815808D0

Abstract

The combined collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case comprises a single sheet of rigid material which has been cut and creased, see Figure 1, in such a way as to allow it to be folded along these pre-creased lines in order to form a hand held portfolio/carrying case as illustrated in Figure 4, incorporating a carrying handle 21 and a two part catchment device 22 as a means for securing the case in a closed position. By folding along a different series of creased lines, a free standing erect lectern like structure capable of supporting and displaying some or all of the items previously carried within the case is created as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. <IMAGE>

Description

COMBINED COLLAPSIBLE LECTERN AND PORTFOLIO/CARRYING CASE This invention relates to a combined collapsible lectern and portfolio/ carrying case.

The concept of a hand held and similarly carried case,as a movable receptacle fitted to enclose something, is familiar and cases are common in a large variety of different shapes and sizes having likewise the ability to contain and carry a wide range of differing items.A case which has been designed specifically for carrying sheets of paper or drawings is known as a "portfolio". Equally the concept of a lectern as a support is as familiar when one thinks about reading,giving presentations and speeches or reading music for example.Both products exist independtly of each other and indeed a case may be used in which to carry a "lectern" support.However, looking at a situation where both facilities would be desirable concurrently ,this invention proposes the concept of providing the dual facility in one single item.

According to the present invention there is provided a case,as a movable receptacle fitted to enclose,retain and carry any items which will fit within its internal dimensions;these dimensions being solely determined by the desired size of the case to be manufactured .On opening the case and removing the contents,the case can then be folded along pre-creased lines and positioned in such a way as to create a free standing erect structure which can then be used to support the contents of the case, providing a facility not dissimilar to that offered by a conventional lectern.For example;if sheet music is carried within the case,once opened and the music removed,the case can then be folded to its free standing structure and used as a stand to support the music.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which; Figure 1 shows the general layout of the flat sheet of material prior to any folding necessary to create either the lectern or case and also illustrates the positions of all the necessary folds and creases; Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the invention when formed to create a lectern; Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the invention when formed to create a lectern; Figure 4 shows the invention when formed to create a case; Figure 5 shows a sectional drawing of the case illustrating how it is folded together.

Figure 6 illustrates how the lectern structure is supported with the aid of the el asticated material.

Refering to the drawing the combined collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case comprises of a single sheet of rigid material which has been cut and creased,see Figure l,in such a way as to allow it to be folded along these pre-creased lines in order to form, a)a hand held portfolio/carrying case,as illustrated in Figure 4,and b)using a different series of creased lines,a free standing erect structure capable of supporting items carried within the case as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

In order to create the carrying case and the lectern,additional items are attached to the single sheet of material.Only the locations of these particular items are shown in Figure l.The actual components; ie a carrying handle,locating rivets,a 2 part closing catch,2 lengths of extrusion and 2 lengths of elasticated material are not shown in Figure 1.

To create the carrying case a handle is attached to the material at the locations 12,the material is then folded at crease 1 with a length of extrusion being fitted along the fold to retain it.The sheet is then folded along crease 3 which brings surfaces A and B together allowing the cutout holes 13 to locate together,through which fastening devices such as rivets,are passed and secured thus fixing surface A to surface B.A length of extrusion can be fitted along fold 3 as a cosmetic feature.The material is then folded backwards along crease 2,through 90 degrees,to provide a small surface which will be perpendicular to surface A.When folded backwards,through 180 degrees, along crease 5,then backwards through 90 degrees along creases 7 and 8 the material will resemble a 3 sided rectangular box with surface E as the bottom and surfaces C and D as two of the sides.Surfaces F and G are folded along creases 9 and 13 respectively and are held in position by means of the elastic material located between the series of holes 16,17 18 and 19,to provide the other two sides,with surface H incorporating the handle providing the top.Surface I is then passed through the handle and by means of one part of the closing catch at 15 coming together with the second part at 15A,on the back of surface D,it is secured and the case is closed.Figure 5 shows a sectional drawing illustrating how it is folded together.

In order to provide a lectern facility the case is opened out flat such that the material is now not folded along folds 5,7 and 8.0nce this has been done the material is made to fold along creases 4,5,6 12 and 14 by the consistent pull of the elastic material pulling across the back of surface C,see Figure 6,which is being held in position by the series of holes 16,17,18 and 19.This creates a rigid structure which can then be stood upright on the bottom edges of surfaces C,F and G,see Figures 2.It is also being given extra support by the elastic material 20 as shown in Figure 6.

To revert the lectern back to the case facility it is simply folded along creases 5,7 and 8 and then closed as previously described.

Claims

1. A collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case comprising of a single sheet of material,offering this dual facility by means of folding along sets of pre-creased lines.

2. A collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case as Claimed in Claim 1 wherein by folding along one series of pre-creased lines,a case, in the form of a movable receptacle to retain and carry any items or material that fit within the particular product dimensions,is created, having a carrying handle and catchment means for securing the case in a closed position attached to the sheet of material in the relevant places.

3. A collapsible lectern and portfolio/carrying case as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein by folding along another series of precreased lines,a free standing erect structure having an angled face on which the aforementioned items or materials can be displayed and supported is created.