GB2484314A

GB2484314A - A display stand for reading material which can be collapsed and reconfigured as a carry case

Info

Publication number: GB2484314A
Application number: GB201016796A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Sayer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-06
Filing date: 2010-10-06
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-06
Also published as: GB201016796D0; GB2484314B

Abstract

A portable display stand 10, preferably formed from at least one folded blank of sheet material [see 12, 16, 23 in Figure 5], is used for displaying reading material, e.g. sheet music, and comprises a display portion 12 adapted to display a first reading material 14, and a storage portion 16 for storing second reading material 18, wherein the display stand 10 is reconfigurable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the storage portion 16 is usable to transport the first and second reading materials 14, 18. Preferably, the display stand 10 takes the form of a carry case when collapsed with the storage portion 16 being enclosed by the rest of the stand. The storage portion is preferably located at a lower end of the stand when the stand is in the erected configuration and the display portion is located at an upper end. During transformation from display stand to carry case, the storage portion remains in the same orientation. The display portion may have retaining means for retaining reading material. A method of reconfiguring the reading stand is also disclosed.

Description

Portable Display Stand Technical Fi&d The invenfion relates to a portable display stand and methods of use; and in particular, but not exclusiv&y, a portable display stand for the display of reading materials, such as sheet music.

Background

Display stands such as music stands or lecterns are used to display various materials, like books, notes, or sheet music. Typically, a display stand comprises a shelf configured to display a material at a particular orientation and height for viewing.

Generally, in use, the user stores the material to he read or played on the shell with the particular piece of material in use at the front and the rest of the material tucked behind. Alternatively, he may use the floor or surrounding furniture to store the mawrial which is not being used. This can lead to problems with not being able to find the material that is next to be viewed, and the floor, in particular, is not the ideal place to store material.

Music stands in particular generally have to be portable. A user has to be able to transport their stand from venue to venue, This portability leads to a design conflict: the stand has to be light enough to be transported but heavy enough to be stable once erected.

Furthermore, a music stand is just one of a number of items a musician has to carry including their instrument and their sheet music.

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Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a portable display stand for displaying a reading material compnsng: a display portion adapted to display a first reading material; and a storage portion adapted to store a second reading material; wherein the display stand is configurable between an erected configuralon and a coUapsed configuration, in the coapsed configuration the storage portion being usable to transport the first and second reading materials.

In the coflapsed configuration the display stand serves as a carry case for the first and second materials albwing the user to transport both his display stand and material as a unit, increasing the utility of the apparatus and reducing the number of different items the user has to carry.

It wiU be understood that by reading materialt any suitable form of literature is meant, including, but not lfrnited to: books, newspapers, magazines, sheet music, drawings, brochures, leaflets.

The display stand may be configured to store the second reading material in the storage portion in the erected configuration. This facilitates storing the reading material which is not immediately required in a safe and ordered fashion and allows this reading material to add weight to the display stand when it is erected, thereby increasing the stabifity.

Additionally in the collapsed configuration, the display stand may be configured to store all or some of the reading material in the storage portion.

The display stand may be configured to transform between the erected and collapsed configurations with at least the second material in the storage portion. For example, the display stand may be configured to transform between the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration without requiring the removal of any materiais from the storage portion. The display stand may be configured to transform between the erected and coHapsed configurations with the storage portion maintained in substantially the same orientation throughout the transformation. Maintaining the storage portion in substantiay the same orientation during transformation between S configurations aUows any stored material, such as loosely stored mateda to remain in the storage portion during transformation.

The display stand, in the erected configuration, may comprise an upper section and a lower section, the upper section including the display portion and the lower section inchiding a base, wherein the storage portion is located at or adjacent the base.

Positioning the storage portion at or adjacent the base increases the stabillty of the stand.

The storage portion may be fixed relative to the base, such that the storage portion provides support leverage to the stand. The storage portion may be fixable relafive to the base. Additionally, or altemnativ&y, the storage portion may stabilise the stand by virtue of the weight of the component's ot the storage portion and any contents of the storage portion, such as the second reading materiaL The dispay stand in the erected configuration may be configured to provide access to the storage portion. For example, the stand in the erected configuration may be configured to receive and/or aflow for the removal of the first and/or second reading materials into/from the storage portion.

The display stand may be configured to display the first reading material for viewing from a first particular direction r&ative to the stand. The display stand may be configured to provide access to the storage portion from a second particular direction relative to the stand. The first and second particular directions may be substantiafly the same: For example, the display portion may be directed towards a front of the stand and the storage porfion may be located to the front of the stand. Displaying the first material for viewing and providing access to the storage portion from the same direction enables a viewer to view and access the first and second materials from the same po&tion, La. simultaneously and/or without moving location, ARernatively the first and second particular directions may be different. For example, the display portion may be directed towards the front of the stand and the storage pofton may be located to a rear of the stand.

The display stand in the erected configuration may be configured to position the stored material in a non-horizontal orientation. For example, the display stand in the erected configuration may be configured to position the storage porilon in a substantially upright position. Positioning the stored material in a non-horizontal orientation helps retain the second material within the storage portion.

Aitemativ&y, the display stand in the erected configuration may be configured to position the stored material in a substantially horizontal orientation, For example, the display stand in the erected configuration may be configured to position the storage portion substantially horizontally. Positioning the stored material in a substantially horizonta orientation helps maintain the second material in a flat, uniformly supported position. Uniformiy supporting the material reduces the likelihood of damage to the second matedaL The first and second reading materials may be interchangeable, For example, the first material may be a first display material and the second material may be a second display materiaL The first and/or second material may be a sheet material (e.g. sheet music, a poster, a book or a booklet). The display portion may be adjustable relative to the base. For example, in the erected configuration the stand may he configured to display the first material at a first height and in a first extended erected configuration the stand may be configured to display the first material at a second height, the second height greater than the first height Providing a height adjustment for the display portion relative to the base enables the same stand to be used for multiple

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heights of user and/or use, such as users of varying height and/or seated and/or standing use.

The stand may further comprise a middle portion between the display and storage portions. For example, the middle portion may connect the lower section to the upper section.

The position of the display porfion with respect to a support surface may be adiustable. The stand may be configured to rest upon a floor surface. Additionally, or altemaflvely, the stand may be configured to rest upon an elevated member, such as a table surface. For example, the height adjustment may position the display portion at the same height relative to a floor with the base supported on the floor surface or supported on the table surface. The stand may be configured to maintain an orientation of the display portion at different h&ghts, The stand may be configured for support by a substantially horizontal support surface. For example: a base support surface may be substantially perpendic War to the middle portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the stand may be configured for support by a ncnThorizontal surtace For example. the base may comprise multiple support points, the position of the support points adjustable and fixable relative to the midd portion. A base support surface may comprise the multiple support points. The multiple support points may be widely spaced triangulated support points.

The middle portion may be configured to adjust the height of the display portion.

For example, the middle portion may be extendable, such as telescopic. Additionally, or alternatively, the middle portion may comprise an adjustment for adjusting a support position for the display portion. For example, the middle portion may comprise multiple support elements for receiving the display portion, the support elements corresponding to different heights of the display portion relative to the middle portion. The support elements may be at least a pair of support members, the/each pair corresponding a particular height of the display portion relative to the middle portion, Providing a paft of support members can h&p maintain an aspect of the display portion, such as an edge and/or a reading materiaL in a particular orientation, such as horizontaL The display and storage portions may be partiay formed from a single sheet of materiaL For example, some of the display and storage portions, such as a face of each, may be formed from the same sheet of material. The display and storage portions may be substantially lormed from a ngle sheet of material. The display and storage portions may be entirely formed from a single sheet of materiaL The display and/or middle and/or storage portions may be substantiafly formed from a &ngle sheet of materiaL The display and storage portions may be formed substantially as a single component.

The stand may comprise a sheet material, the sheet material comprising a hinge for folding and unfolding the dispiay and storage portions relative to each other.

The stand may further comprise a first bending portion, the first bending portion configured to extend a first support portion of the stand away from the storage portion of the stand in the erected configuration. The stand may further comprise a second bending portion, the second bending portion configured to extend a second support portion of the stand away from the storage portion of the stand in the erected configuration. The first and/or second bending portion/s may be a hinge/s. The first and/or second support portions may be configured to stabilise the stand. For example, the/each storage portion may provide a footprint ever to maintain the erected stand in a substantially upright position.

The stand may be a music stand.

The stand may be configured to enclose the storage portion in the collapsible configuration. The storage portion may be partially endosable by the stand.

Addiflonally, or alternatively, the storage portion may be fuUy enclosable by the stand.

The stand may he configured to enclose the storage portion at least partiafty with the display portion. For example, the stand may be configured to protect the contents of the storage portion, such as from rain.

The thsy portion may comprise a display sh&f.

The display portion may be configured to retain the first matedaL For example, the display portion may comprise a support, such as a ledge, to retain the first material on the display shelf, The ledge may be substantiay perpendbular to at least a portion of the display shelf in the erected configuration. Additionally the ledge may be substantiafly parallel to at least a portion of the dispy sheif in the collapsed configuration. The ledge may be configured to move between substantially parailel to the display shelf and substantiaUy perpendicular to the display shelf when the stand is moved between the collapsed and erected configurations respectively. Providing a edge that is substantially parallel to the display shelf in the collapsed configuration limits additional material in the thickness direction of the display shelf in the collapsed configuration to the material thickness of the ledge; thus aiding compact storage in the collapsed configuration. Providing a ledge that s substantially perpendicular to the display shelf in the erected configuration enables the ledge to retain materials on the ledge greater than the material thickness of the ledge, such as to the width of the ledge perpendicular to the display shelf. The movement of the ledge between the substantiaily perpendicular and the substantially parallel posftions may be linked to the movement of the stand between the erected and the collapsed configurations. For example, the ledge may be pivotally attached to a portion of the stand. the stand exerting a rotational moment on the ledge when the stand is moved to and/or from the erected configuration. The ledge may contact a portion of the stand at a pivot point or axis and also contact a portion of the stand at an addtional point of contact.

The stand may be configured to receive a tooL For eample, the stand may be configured to receive a portion of an accessory, such as a musical instrument and/or a musical instrument aid (e.g. a violin bow and/or a tuning aid and/or resin), The stand may comprise an attachment feature for receiving a display aid, such as a writing aid and/or a pointer and/or a conducting baton. For example, the stand may comprise an aperture configured for receMng a willing aid. The aperture may be located adjacent the first material and be configured to retain the first material with the writing aid.

The stand may be configured to receive a lighting aid.. For example, the display portion may comprise a lighting aid attachment interface, the lighting aid attachment interface configured to direct light from the lighting aid.. It may be desirable to direct light onto the display portion to Iftuminate the display material. Additionally, or alternatively, It may be desirable to direct light away from the display material, for example onto a viewer, such as a musician.

The erected configuration may be a display configuration.

The stand may comprise a fixing member, the fixing member configured to maintain the stand in the erect configuration. For example, a fastener may secure a first portion of the stand to a second portion of the stand, such as the first support portion to the second support portion. The fixing member may be a single fixing member. The same fixing member may be used to maintain the stand In the collapsed configuration. Additionally, or afternatively, a different fixing member may be used to maintain the stand in the collapsed configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transportIng and erecting a portable display stand, the method comprisIng: providing a portable display stand fcr displaying a reading material comprisIng a display portion adapted to display a first reading material and a storage portIon adapted to store a second reading material in an erected configuration of the stand; transporting the first and second reading materials In the storage portion In a collapsed configui'ation of the stand; and reconfiguring the stand from the collapsed configuration to the erected configuration.

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The method may further comprise reconfiguring the stand from the erected to the coilapsed confiqurafions.

The method may further compnse maintaining the first and/or second materials in the storage portion whilst the stand is reconfigured between the coilapsed and erected configurations.

The method may further comprise fixing the stand in the erected configuration with a fastener, The fastener may be a singe fastener.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a carry case for transporting materiafs comprising a dispfay and a storage portion, the carry case reconfigurable to form a display stand for the materiS, wherein in the display stand configuration the dispfay portion forms a display porfion for a first material and the storage portion forms a storage portion for a second materiaL According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a carry case for transporting display materiais, the carry case comprising a dispay material storage portion, wherein the carry case is configured to stabilise a display stand for displaying at east a portion of the dispfay materials. For example the storage portion may be configured to connect to a display stand adacent a dispfay stand base. The storage portion may be configured to store materials whilst stabilising the dispay stand. The carry case may be configured to stabilise the stand with the weight of the storage portion and its stored materiafs.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a display stand for displaying a first material in an erected configuration, the dplay stand reconfigurable to form a carry case in a collapsed configuration, the display stand comprising an adjustable first material support, wherein the first material support is configured to support the first material in the erected configuration and is configured to be substantially perpendicular to a display sh&1 of the stand in the erected configuration and is reconfigurable to be substantially parall& to the display sh&t in the coUapsed configuration.

The first material support may be configured to move between substantially parallel to the display sh&f and substantiaRy perpendicular to the display shelf when the stand is moved between the collapsed and erected configurations respectively.

The movement of the first material support between the substantially perpendicular and the substantially parallel poaWons may be Unked to the movement of the stand between the erected and the collapsed configurations. For example, the first malehal support may be pivotally attached to a porfion of the stand, the stand exerting a rotational moment on the edge when the stand is moved to and/or from the erected configuration. The first material support may be a ledge.

The stand may be configured to lix the first material support r&ative to the display portion in the erected configuration. For example, the stand may comprise an aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the first material support. The aperture may he a slot and/or an indent in the stand, such as in the display portion, The case may comprise a carry support. For example, the case may comprise a handle. Additionally, or alternatively, the case may comprise a strap, such as a shoulder strapS The case may comprise attachment means to other apparatus, such as to a bicycle.

Although illustrated here as a music stand, other portable display stands are possible, for example to display matehals at an exhibition, An exhibitor may vsh to exhibit some materials on the display portion, whllst other materials may be stored in the storage portion. For example, a brochure or poster for viewing by exhibition attendees may be located on the display portion, whilst other material, such as a leaflet/s, may he located in the storage portion, for removal for the exhibit attendees.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects. embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including dairned) in that combiriaflon or in isolation. For exampie, it wi readily be appredated that features recited as optional with respect to the first aspect may be additionay appRcable with respect to any o the second, third, fourth, etc. aspects, without the need to expftifly and unnecessarily hst those various combinaons and permutations here.

The above summary is intended to be merdy exemplary and non-Umiting.

Met Description of the Drawings

C These and other aspects of the present invention wiU now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a display stand in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in use in a display configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the display stand of Figure 1 viewed from the rear; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the display stand of Figure 1 in the collapsed configuration; Figure 4 is a side view of the display stand of Figure 3 Figure 5 is a plan view of sheet profiles used to make the stand of Figure 1; Figure Ga is a schematic view of the rear of an adjustable display portion of the stand of Figure 1; Figure Sb is a schematic view of an upper portion of the stand of Figure 1, with the adjustable display portion of Figure Ga removed; Figure Ya is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 with the display portion of Figure Ga in a first position; Figure 7b is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 with the display porilon of Figure Ga in a second position; t:::::::: Figure 7c is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 with the display portion of Figure Ga in a third position; Figure Ba is a schematic view of a display portion of a stand according to an alternafive embodiment of the invention; Figure Gb is a schematic view showing the rear of the display portion of Figure Ba; Figure Bc is a side view of the display portion of Figure 8a Figure Ga is a schematic view of a disp'ay portion of a stand according to a further afternative embodiment of the invention: ID Figure Gb is a side view of the display portion ol Figure Ga; Figure Gc is a schematic rear view of the stand of Figure Ga in an intermediary configuration; Figure Gd is a schematic front view of the stand of Figure Ga in an intermediary configuration; Figure Ge is a schematic rear partial view of the stand of Figure Ga.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Reference is first made to Figures 1 and 2 in which there is shown a portable display stand (10) in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in an erected configuration. The display stand (10) comprises a display sh&f (12) supporting a book (14) and a storage compartment (16) containing a second reading material (18).

The storage compartment (16) is located towards the front of the stand (10) in an upright position, with an opening (20) directed towards a viewer of the first reading material (14) such that the viewer has ready access to the second reading material (18). The storage compartment (16) is located at the base (22) of the stand (10) such that the storage compartment (16) and the contahied second reathng materia (18) stabilise the stand (10) with th&r weight.

The stand further comprises a middle porfion (23) Connecting the dispay sh&f (12) to the storage compartment (18) and to the base (22).

The stand (10) further comprises first and second support porfions (24a, 24b), connected to the storage compartment (1$) by flaps (26a, 26b) and hinges (28a, 28b).

The support portions (24a, 24b) extend from the base through the midde portion (23).

In the erected configuration, the support portions (24a, ?4b) are secured to each other by a clasp (25), maintaining the stand (10) in the erected configuration, Th the erected configuration, the support portions (24a, 24b) are substantially perpendicular to the storage compartment (16). The storage compartment (16) and the support portions (24a, 24b) define a footprint of the stand (10) at the base (22) such that the stand (10) is staby supported to maintain the stand (10) in an upright position.

First and second pencils (30a, 30b) are shown holding the book (14) open at a particuar page. The pencHs (30a, 3Db) are retained in apertures (31) in the ledge (32), upon which the book (14) rests.

Figures 3 and 4 show the display stand (10) of Figure 1 in the collapsed configuration. The storage compartment (16) is enclosed by the support portions (24a.

24b) and by part of the middle portion (23). The midthe portion (23) and the storage compartment (16) enclose the disy shelf (12). The storage compartment (16) is adapted to contain the book (14) and the second reading material (18) in an upright position (in portrait or landscape orientation) as a carry case in the collapsed configuration. The stand further comprises fastening tabs (34) on either side of the storage compartment (16) to maintain the stand (10) in the collapsed configuration. The width of the storage compartment (16) is less than that of the middle portion (23) in the collapsed conliguration, the midthe portion (23) overlapping the storage compartment (16) on either side, thus protecting the stored reading materials (14, 18). The stand (10) comprises a carry hanthe (35) lot transporting the stand (10) in the coHapsed configuration such that the second reading material (18) is held in an upright position.

The width of the stand (10) in the coapsed configuration is predorninanfly determined by the width of th.e storage compartment (16) and the ledge (32).

It will be appreciated that the stand (10) can be transformed between the coflapsed configuration of Figures 3 and 4 and the erected configuration of Figures 1 and 2 with the materi&s (14, 18) maintained in an upright position within the storage compartment (16). The middle portion (23) comprises hinged sections that unfold to position the display shelf (12) for viewing in the erected configuration.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a general layout of sheet material used to form the stand (10). The display shelf (12), storage compartment (16) and the middle portion (23) define separate sheet elements. Bend or fold fines are indicated. The middle portion (23) comprises straight hinge lines (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) for forming the stand (10) into a carry case in the collapsed configuration; and further bend or fold lines (38a, 38b) for forming hinges (28a, 28b) for extending the support portbns (24a. 24h) away from the storage compartment in the erected configuration, Where the bend or fold lines (38a, 38h) are curved, the adjacent flat surfaces (40a, 40b) become cunied when bent or folded in the erected configuration. A substantially triangular support surface between the bend lines (38a, 38b) is angled with respect to base (22) in the erected configuration by bending along the bend lines (38a, 38b) such that an inclined surface (.41) is provided for supporting the display shelf (12). The middle portion further comprises apertures (SOa, 60a, SOb) for receiving the display shelf (12).

The storage compartment (16) comprises the connecting flaps (26a, 26b), the connection of which to the middle portion (23) is indicated (44a, 44b) The storage compartment (16) further comprises sides (4$a, 4th) and closure flaps (48a, 48b).

The display shelf (12) comprises hinge lines (50, 52) for folding the ledge (32) substantially perpendicular to the display shelf (12) in the erected configuration. Tabs (54a) correspond to apertures (56a) in the display shelf (12) for maintaining the ledge (32) substanti&ly perpendicular.

Figure Ba shows a rear view of the display sh&f (12) wfth protru&ons (58a, 58h, 56c) for height adjustment in the middle portion (23). Hgure Sb shows the middle portion (23) with &ots (BOa, SOb) for receMng the protrusions (58b, 58o) and apertures (59a) for receiving the remaining protrusion (56a). Three apertures (59a) are shown oroviding for three different h&ghts of the display sh&f (12) as depicted in side views in Figures Ia, Yb and 7c.

Figures Ba, Bb and Sc show an alternative embodiment of a display shelf (60) and ledge (62). The display shelf (60) is formed from the same sheet of material as the middle portion (23), connected to the middle portion (23) by hinges (64a, 64b). An aperture (66) in the display shelf (GO) and a further hinge (68) aflow a part of the display shelf (60) a be folded to provide the edge (52) in the erected configuration. The aperture (66) provides a fixing flap (70) for insertion in a receMng sbt (72) in the middle portion (23) in the erected configuration to maintain the edge (62) substantiafly perpendicular to the display shelf (60) in the erected configLWation as can most clearly be seen in Figure Go. The torm of the aperture (72) causes the ledge (62) to rotate relative to the display shelf (60) about the hinges (68) when the stand (10) s erected.

Figures Ba to Be show a yet further alternative embodiment of a display shed (74) and ledge (76). The display shelf (74) corresponds to an uppermost section of the middle portion (23) of the embodiment of Figure 1. However, the middle portion (23) further comprises an aperture (78) for receiving a ledge (76).. The ledge (76) is connected to the middle portion (23) by attachments (82a, 82b) and comprises hinges (84, 86) such that the form of the aperture (78) causes the fedge (76) to rotate relative to the display shelf (74) when the stand (10) is erected.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the Invention. For example, although shown here with sheet reading materials, other materials may be displayed and/or stored, such as writing materials and/or display tools.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable disy stand for displaying a readhig material compri&ng: a display portion adapted to display a first reading material; and a storage pardon adapted to store a second reading matehal; wherein the dkplay stand is reconfigurable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration, in the collapsed configuration the storage portion being usable to transport the first and second reading materials.
2. The portable display stand of daim 1, wherein in the collapsed configuration the display stand serves as a carry case for the first and second materi&s.
3. The portable display stand of claim I or 2, wherein the display stand is configured to store the second reading material in the storage portion in the erected configuration.
4, The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display stand is configured to be reconfigured between the erected and collapsed configurations with at r least the second material in the storage portion.r
5. The portable display stand of claim 4, wherein the display stand is configured to 0 transform between the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration without requiring the removal of any materials from the storage portion.

(Q 15 6. The portable display stand of claim 4 or 5, wherein the display stand is 0 configured to transform between the erected and collapsed configurations with the storage portion maintained in substantially the same orientation throughout the transformation 7. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display stand, in the erected configuration, comprises an upper section and a lower section, the upper section including the display portion and the lower section including a base, wherein the storage portion is located at or adjacent the base.
6. The portable display stand of any preceding claim? wherein the storage portion stabilises the stand by virtue of the weight of the component/s of the storage portion and any contents oF the storage portion, such as the second reading material and/or ballast.9. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display stand in the erected configuration is configured to provide access to the storage portion.10. The portable display stand of claim 9, wherein the display stand in the erected conl9guration is configured to provide access to the storage portion independently of the display portion.I 1.. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is distal from the display poron in the erected configuration.12. The portable thsplay stand of any precethng claim, wherein the display stand in the erected configuration is configured to posifion the stored material in a substanflaUy S nonhorizontal orientation.13. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein in the erected configuration the stand is configured to display the first material at a first height and in a first extended erected configuration the stand is configured to display the first material at a second height, the second height greater than the first height.14. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display stand is substanfially formed from a single continuous sheet of material.15. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand comprises a sheet material wherein the sheet material comprises a hinge for folding and unfolding the display and storage portions relative to each other.16. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand further 1 comprises a first bending portion, the first bending portion configured to extend a first r support portion of the stand away from the storage portion of the stand in the erected O configuration.17. The portable display stand of claim 16, wherein the stand further comprises a (Q 20 second bending portion, the second bending portion configured to extend a second O support portion of the stand away from the storage portion of the stand in the erected configuration.18. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand is configured to substantia9y enclose the storage portion in the coDapsed configuration.19. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display portion is configured to retain the first material.20. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the display portion comprises a ledge to retain the first material on a display shelf.21. The portable display stand of claim 20, wherein the ledge is reconfigurable between a first position and a second position, and the ledge is configured to be maintained in the first and/or second position/s, such as by a mechanical means and/or by a magnetic means.22. The portable display stand of claim 219 wherein the first position is substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the display shelf in the erected configuration, and the second position is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the display shelf in the collapsed configuration, the ledge being configured to move between substantially parael to the display sheW and substanUay perpenthcular to the thsplay shelf when the stand is moved between the cotpsed and erected configurations respectively.23. The portable display stand of claim 21 or 22, wher&n the ledge is configured to be maintained in the first and/or second position, such as by a mechanical means (spring force, cam, etc.) and/or by a magnetic means.24. The portable display stand of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the ledge is configured to be moved between the first and second positions manually.25. The portable display stand of any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the stand is configured such that collapsing and/or erecting the stand applies a force to the ledge to overcome a force maintaining the ledge in the first and/or second position.26. The portable display stand of claim 25, wherein collapsing the stand automatically moves the ledge from the substantially perpendicular position to the substantially parallel position.27. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand is configured to receive a tool.23. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand comprises r an attachment feature for receiving a display aid, the attachment feature being O configured to retain the first material with the display aki.29. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the stand comprises (Q 20 a fixing member, the fixing member configured to maintain the stand in the erect O configuration.30. The portable display stand of claim 29, wherein the fixing member is configured to secure the first support portion to the second support portion.31. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, the display stand being configured to display the first reading material for viewing from a first particular direction relative to the stand, and the display stand being configured to provide access to the storage portion from a second particular direction relative to the stand, wherein the first and second particular directions are substantially the same.32. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is centrally located to the front of the stand.33. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is removable.34. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is discrete from the display portion in the erected and/or collapsed configuration/s.35. The portable display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion is at least partially removable.36. The POdab6 dspay stand of any precedng dam, whor&n the storage porUon s fuy removabkt.37. The portabe thspay stand of any precedng cam, wheron the storage portion s configured to connect to and/or dksconnect from the stand fri an erected configuration.38. The portable display stand of any precethng claim, wherein the storage portion is configured to attach to and/or detach from the stand in an erected configuration.39. A method of transpordng and erecting a portable thsplay stand, the method comprising: providing a portable display stand for displa1ng a reading material comprising a display portion adapted to thsplay a first reading material and a storage portion adapted to store a second reathng material in an erected configuration of the stand; transporting the first and second reading materials in the storage portion in a collapsed configuration of the stand; and reconfiguring the stand from the collapsed configuration to the erected r configuration.r 40. The method of claim 39, wher&n the method comprises reconfiguring the stand 0 from the erected to the collapsed configuration.41. The method of claim 39 or 40, wherein the method comprises maintaining the (Q 20 first and/or second materials in the storage portion whilst the stand is reconfigured 0 between the collapsed and erected configurations.42. The method of claim 41, wherein the method comprises maintaining the first and/or second materials in a same orientation within the storage portion whilst the stand is reconfigured between the collapsed and erected configurations.43, The method of any of claims 39 to 42, wherein the method comprises fixing the stand in the erected configuration with a fastener.44. A carry case for transporting materials comprising: a display portion; and a storage portion; the carry case being reconfigurable to form a display stand for the materials; wherein in a display stand configuration the display portion forms a display portion for a first material and the storage portion forms a storage portion for a second material, the display portion being distal from the storage portion in the display stand configuration.45. A carry case for transporting dispiay materials, the carry case comprising a display material storage portion, wherein the carry case is reconfigurable to form a display stand and the storage portion is configured to stabilise the display stand.46. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 9e.47. Methods substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 9e. r r (0