GB2256581A - Stand for portfolio case - Google Patents

Abstract

A portfolio case is provided with a stand which is collapsible to be housed within the portfolio case in transit but being foldable to define a stand having a tray top so that the open portfolio case can be rested on it. The collapsible stand is of generally rectangular shape as seen in plan and has an upper surface which includes sidewalls which descend on convergent planes to define the tray. The stand may be made of cardboard. <IMAGE>

Description

STAND The invention relates to a stand, and in particular to one which can be collapsed for transport and be assembled in order to display an object thereon. More particularly the invention is concerned with such a stand which can be collapsed for transport within the interior of the object to be displayed and which can be assembled to display the object.

It is usual for students, designers, artists, draughtsmen and the like to present drawings on large sheets of paper (A5 size or larger). To avoid folding the paper the sheets are carried in a large case called a portfolio case. The case usually comprises two large sidewalls joined together along a back wall, the free edges of the sidewalls being joinable together e.g. by a zip connection. A carrying handle is present and because of the size of the case it is often too large to be on the back wall so the handle is located on one sidewall. While such a case can be used to transport drawings, if somewhat awkwardly, it is very difficult for the carrier to display the drawings in the case.

Usually the case is opened and then laid on an easel or flat on a table. It can be rude for a visitor to use his host's table in this way and an easel is not always available.

It is one object of the invention to provide a transportable collapsed stand for the purpose specified which when required can be assembled to support an open portfolio case to display the contained drawings. It is another object to provide such a collapsible stand which can be transported within the portfolio case.

According to the invention in one aspect there is provided a collapsible stand of generally rectangular shape as seen in plan and having an upper surface which includes sidewalls which descend on convergent planes to define a tray, the sidewalls and the convergence being selected so as to support an open hinged portfolio case.

Preferably the stand is dimensioned so that when in the collapsed condition the stand can be received in the closed hinged portfolio case.

Most preferably the stand is made of a lightweight material such as cardboard (including corrugated), pressed board, plastics or the like. The material may carry printing, e.g. advertising matter or a logo.

Preferably the stand comprises four panels joined in side-by-side relation, each having an upper flap, the flaps being foldable so that when the panels are arranged into a generally rectangular shape as seen in plan, they define between them the convergent sidewalls of the assembled stand and when the panels are arranged in opposite pairs in the collapsed condition the flaps are present between the sidewalls.

The portfolio case typically comprises two sidewalls and a hinge wall, the free edges of the sidewalls being joinable together, the case having a carrying handle projecting from one sidewall located towards the hinge wall and remote from the free edges.

In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the blank from which the stand of the invention is made; Figure 2 is a plan view of an open portfolio case containing the stand in collapsed condition; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the assembled stand supporting an open portfolio case; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the assembled stand of Figure 1.

The stand S is formed from a blank B of Figure 1 and comprising four panels 1a, 1b, ic, id, joined in side-by-side relation.

(The panel id is joined to the panel la by stapling along the sideflap 2). Each panel has an upper flap 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. A diagonal fold line 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is scored into the respective panel. Slits 6 are present between panels la and lb, and between panels lc and id to allow the flaps to be folded. The flaps have a horizontal fold line 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d where they join the parent panel. The sidewalls of each flap differ in that the one closest to a slit 6 starts further up from the respective horizontal fold line 7, leaving a straight edge 8.

The body of each panel measures about 51 cm in width and about 68.5 cm in height. The flaps have sidewalls ranging from about 30 cm to 34 cm, and a straight apex about 2.5 cm wide. The fold lines 4 extend from a top corner of the panel diagonally across to a point about 34 cm from the bottom and measure about 60 cm long. The slits 6 extend for about 65 cm. The edge 8 is about 3.5 cm long. The panels are formed of lightweight corrugated cardboard about 5 mm thick. The total weight is 0.5kg.

Because the panels are interconnected they may be collapsed until two panels (la, lb) overlie the other pair with the flaps folded in. The collapsed stand is dimensioned so that it be received within one side portion of a hinged portfolio case P, as shown in Figure 2, having two sidewalls Pl, P2, and a back hinge P3. As shown, the portfolio contains drawings D.

The stand is assembled by folding the four panels into a square shape, the flaps are folded along the respective horizontals fold lines 7 and then along the slits 6 to form a top having a valley or V-shaped tray T as shown in Figure 3. Because of the inclination the sidewalls 10 of the valley T are inclined downwardly along convergent planes to form an obtuse angle. The sidewalls 10 measure about 60 cm high so that portfolio case P of the usual dimensions can readily be rested there. The assembled stand measures about 250 cm2 in area and 70 cm high.

In use, a student or draughtsman will place the lightweight collapsed stand S in his portfolio case P. When the student arrives at the office of a Client he removes the stand and assembles it, e.g. on the floor, to form a stand. He then places the open portfolio case P on the stand to display the drawings or other contents.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. The stand need not be rectangular as seen in plan, the tray may have a flat base portion; the case may have locking means to hold the collapsed stand in position for transport. The blank may be made in one or more pieces.

Claims (6)

1. A collapsible stand of generally rectangular shape as seen in plan and having an upper surface which includes sidewalls which descend on convergent planes to define a tray, the sidewalls and the convergence being selected so as to support an open hinged portfolio case.

2. A stand according to Claim 1, dimensioned so that when in the collapsed condition the stand can be received in the closed hinged portfolio case.

3. A stand according to Claim 1 or 2, formed of a lightweight material such as cardboard.

4. A stand according to any preceding Claim comprising four panels joined in side-by-side relation, each having an upper flap, the flaps being foldable so that when the panels are arranged into a generally rectangular shape as seen in plan, they define between them the convergent sidewalls of the assembled stand and when the panels are arranged in opposite pairs in the collapsed condition the flaps are present between the sidewalls.

5. A stand according to any preceding Claim, wherein the portfolio case comprises two sidewalls and a hinge wall, the free edges of the sidewalls being joinable together, the case having a carrying handle projecting from one sidewall located towards the hinge wall and remote from the free edges.

6. A stand according to any preceding Claim wherein in the assembled condition the stand measures about 250 cm2 in area, about 70 cm high, the tray being generally of v-cross sectional shape having sidewalls about 60 cm high.