BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to supporting an item above a surface and, in particular, to a supporting stand for supporting the item at a height above the surface at which a user may comfortably use the item in the standing position.

2. Description of Related Art

It may be convenient to use a product, notepad, tool, piece of equipment or device, which may be a computing device such as a laptop or other type of computer, when in the standing rather than sitting position. However, conventional tables are adapted for use in the seating position and are generally too low to comfortably use a product or device placed directly on the table's top while in the standing position.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to temporarily or otherwise as needed support a product or device at a height above a tabletop at which the product or device may comfortably be used in the standing position.

SUMMARY

The above shortcomings may be addressed by providing, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a supporting stand for supporting an item. The stand includes a base for defining a substantially planar region of the stand; and a support for supporting the item distal from the base. The support may include a lower support for supporting the item at a first distance from the base. The support may include an upper support for supporting the item at a second distance from the base, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

The stand may define an enclosure extending between the base and the support. The lower support may be substantially planar. The upper support may be substantially planar. The first distance may be less than the second distance. The second distance may be greater than the first distance. The lower support and the upper support may be non-overlapping when viewed along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the base.

The stand may include a wall extending between the base and the support. The stand may include a front wall extending between the base and the top. The front wall may extend between the base and the lower support. The front wall may contact the base at a front bottom edge of the stand. The front wall may contact the lower support at a front edge of the stand.

The stand may include a riser wall extending between the lower support and the upper support. The riser wall may contact the lower support at a riser edge of the stand. The lower support may extend between the front edge and the riser edge. The riser wall may contact the upper support at a top edge of the stand. The riser wall may extend perpendicularly to the base.

The stand may include a sidewall extending between the base and the support. The sidewall may extend between the base and the lower and upper supports. The sidewall may include first and second sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls may contact the base at opposing sides thereof, respectively. The first and second sidewalls may contact the support at opposing sides thereof, respectively. The first and second sidewalls may contact the lower and upper supports at opposing sides thereof, respectively.

The front wall may extend between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The front wall may contact the first sidewall at a first-side front edge of the stand. The front wall may contact the second sidewall at a second-side front edge of the stand. The lower support may extend between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The lower support may contact the first sidewall at a first-side lower edge of the stand. The lower support may contact the second sidewall at a second-side lower edge of the stand. The riser wall may extend between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The riser wall may contact the first sidewall at a first-side riser edge of the stand. The first-side riser edge may extend perpendicularly to the base. The riser wall may contact the second sidewall at a second-side riser edge of the stand. The second-side riser edge may extend perpendicularly to the base. The upper support may extend between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The upper support may contact the first sidewall at a first-side top edge of the stand. The upper support may contact the second sidewall at a second-side top edge of the stand.

The stand may include a rear wall extending between the base and the support. The rear wall may extend between the base and the upper support. The rear wall may contact the upper support at a rear top edge of the stand. The upper support may extend between the top edge and the rear top edge.

The stand may be collapsible into a collapsed configuration. The stand may be extendable into an operating configuration. The base may be substantially planar when the stand is in its operating configuration. The base may be substantially planar only in the operating configuration. The support may be distal from the base only in the operating configuration. The lower support may be distal from the base only in the operating configuration. The upper support may be distal from the base only in the operating configuration. The first distance may be less than the second distance only in the operating configuration. The stand may be substantially planar when arranged in the collapsed configuration.

The front wall and the lower support may be foldably attached to each other. The front wall and the first sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The front wall and the second sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The lower support and the riser wall may be foldably attached to each other. The lower support and the first sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The lower support and the second sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The riser wall and the upper support may be foldably attached to each other. The upper support and the rear wall may be foldably attached to each other. The upper support and the first sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The upper support and the second sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The rear wall and the first sidewall may be foldably attached to each other. The rear wall and the second sidewall may be foldably attached to each other.

The first sidewall may be foldable. The first sidewall may include a first-side fold extending between the base and the support. The first-side fold may extend between the base and the lower support. The first-side fold may extend between the first-side bottom edge and the first-side lower edge. The first-side fold may be disposed partway between the first-side front edge and the first-side rear edge. The first-side fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side front edge and the first-side rear edge. The first sidewall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The first sidewall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The first sidewall and the lower support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The first sidewall and the riser wall may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The first sidewall and the upper support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The second sidewall may be foldable. The second sidewall may include a second-side fold extending between the base and the support. The second-side fold may extend between the base and the lower support. The second-side fold may extend between the second-side bottom edge and the second-side lower edge. The second-side fold may be disposed partway between the second-side front edge and the second-side rear edge. The second-side fold may be disposed substantially midway between the second-side front edge and the second-side rear edge. The second sidewall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The second sidewall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The second sidewall and the lower support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The second sidewall and the riser wall may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The second sidewall and the upper support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The base may be defined by the front bottom edge, first-side bottom edge, rear bottom edge and the second-side bottom edge.

The front wall may be foldable. The front wall may include a front fold extending between the base and the support. The front fold may extend between the base and the lower support. The front fold may extend between the front bottom edge and the front edge. The front fold may be disposed partway between the first-side front edge and the second-side front edge. The front fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side front edge and the second-side front edge. The front wall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The front wall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The front wall and the lower support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The rear wall may be foldable. The rear wall may include a rear fold extending between the base and the support. The rear fold may extend between the base and the upper support. The rear fold may extend between the rear bottom edge and the rear top edge. The rear fold may be disposed partway between the first-side rear edge and the second-side rear edge. The rear fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side rear edge and the second-side rear edge. The rear wall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The rear wall may be inwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The rear wall and the upper support may slidably contact each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The lower support may be foldable. The lower support may include a lower fold extending between the front edge and the riser edge. The lower fold may be disposed partway between the first-side lower edge and the second-side lower edge. The lower fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side lower edge and the second-side lower edge. The lower support may be unfolded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The lower support may be outwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The upper support may be foldable. The upper support may include a top fold extending between the top edge and the rear top edge. The top fold may be disposed partway between the first-side top edge and the second-side top edge. The top fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side top edge and the second-side top edge. The upper support may be unfolded when the stand is in its operating configuration. The upper support may be outwardly folded when the stand is in its collapsed configuration.

The lower support may include a lower reinforced fold extending between the front edge and the riser edge. The lower reinforced fold may be disposed partway between the first-side lower edge and the second-side lower edge. The lower reinforced fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side lower edge and the second-side lower edge. The front wall may include a front-wall cutout. The front-wall may be dimensioned to receive the lower reinforced fold at the front-wall cutout. The upper support may include a top reinforced fold extending between the top edge and the rear top edge. The upper reinforced fold may be disposed partway between the first-side top edge and the second-side top edge. The upper reinforced fold may be disposed substantially midway between the first-side top edge and the second-side top edge. The rear wall may include a rear-wall cutout. The rear wall may be dimensioned to receive the top reinforced fold at the rear-wall cutout.

The stand may include a pass-through. The front wall may include a pass-through. The riser wall may include a pass-through. The first sidewall may include a pass-through. The second sidewall may include a pass-through. The rear wall may include a pass-through. The lower support may include a pass-through. The upper support may include a pass-through. The pass-through may be a cable pass-through. The pass-through may have the form of a cut-out. The pass-through may have the form of an aperture. The pass-through may be dimensioned for receiving a grommet.

The base may include a front base flap. The base may include a first-side base flap. The base may include a rear base flap. The base may include a second-side base flap. The base may be formed as an overlapping arrangement of the front base flap, first-side base flap, rear base flap and the second-side base flap. The stand may include a first-side lower flap. The stand may include a second-side lower flap. The first-side lower flap and the second-side lower flap may be coplanar to each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The first-side lower flap and the second-side lower flap may be parallel to the lower support when the stand is in its operating configuration. The stand may include a first-side top flap. The stand may include a second-side top flap. The first-side top flap and the second-side top flap may be coplanar to each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The first-side top flap and the second-side top flap may be parallel to the upper support when the stand is in its operating configuration. The rear wall and the first sidewall may be unattached to each other. The rear wall and the first sidewall may be in unattached contact with each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The rear wall and the second sidewall may be unattached to each other. The rear wall and the second sidewall may be in unattached contact with each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The front wall and the first sidewall may be unattached to each other. The front wall and the first sidewall may be in unattached contact with each other when the stand is in its operating configuration. The front wall and the second sidewall may be unattached to each other. The front wall and the second sidewall may be in unattached contact with each other when the stand is in its operating configuration.

The stand may include one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include a hook-and-loop fastener. The one or more fasteners may include a collapsed-configuration fastener. The one or more fasteners may include an operating-configuration fastener. The collapsed-configuration fastener may be dimensioned for removably attaching the front wall and the rear wall to each other. The collapsed-configuration fastener may be dimensioned for removably attaching the first sidewall and the second sidewall to each other.

The stand may include an attachment wall. The attachment wall may include one or more fastener components. The rear wall may include one or more fastener components. The stand may include a first-side attachment wall. The first-side attachment wall may be foldably attached to the first sidewall. The first-side attachment wall may include one or more fastener components. The first-side attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the rear wall. The stand may include a second-side attachment wall. The second-side attachment wall may be foldably attached to the second sidewall. The second-side attachment wall may include one or more fastener components. The second-side attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the rear wall.

The front wall may include one or more fastener components. The first-side attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the front wall. The second-side attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the front wall.

The stand may include a front attachment wall. The front attachment wall may be foldably attached to the front wall. The front attachment wall and the first sidewall may be removably attachable to each other. The front attachment wall and the second sidewall may be removably attachable to each other. The front attachment wall may include one or more fastener components. The first sidewall may include one or more fastener components. The second sidewall may include one or more fastener components. The front attachment wall may include one or more fastener slots. The first sidewall may include one or more mating slots. The second sidewall may include one or more mating slots. The front attachment wall and the first sidewall may be dimensioned for being removably attached to each other. The front attachment wall and the second sidewall may be dimensioned for being removably attached to each other. The front attachment wall may be removably attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall when the stand is in its operating configuration. The base may be defined by only the first-side bottom edge, rear bottom edge and the second-side bottom edge.

The stand may include corrugating medium. The corrugating medium may extend between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may be separated from each other by a user-settable distance. The user-settable distance may be a minimal distance when the stand is in its collapsed configuration. The front wall may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in a front plane between the front bottom edge and the front edge and between the first-side front edge and the second-side front edge. The lower support may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in a lower support plane between the front edge and the riser edge and between the first-side lower edge and the second-side lower edge. The riser wall may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in a riser plane between the riser edge and the top edge and between the first-side riser edge and the second-side riser edge. The upper support may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in an upper support plane between the top edge and the rear top edge and between the first-side top edge and the second-side top edge. The rear wall may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in a rear plane between the rear bottom edge and the rear top edge and between the first-side rear edge and the second-side rear edge. The base may be defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium extending in a base plane between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge and between the first-side bottom edge and the second-side bottom edge.

The stand may include an interior attachment wall. The interior attachment wall may define an attachment wall bottom edge. The base may be defined by the front bottom edge, attachment wall bottom edge and the rear bottom edge. The interior attachment wall may be foldably attached to the rear wall. The interior attachment wall may be foldably attached to the rear wall at the interior face of the rear wall. The interior attachment wall may be foldably attached to the rear wall substantially midway between the first-side rear edge and the second-side rear edge. The interior attachment wall may include one or more fastener components. The interior attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the front wall. The interior attachment wall may be dimensioned for being removably attachable to the front wall substantially midway between the first-side front edge and the second-side front edge.

The stand may be stackable. The stand may be stackable when arranged in the operating configuration. The stand may be stackable when arranged in the collapsed configuration. The front wall and the lower support may be rigidly attached to each other. The lower support and the riser wall may be rigidly attached to each other. The riser wall and the upper support may be rigidly attached to each other. The upper support and the rear wall may be rigidly attached to each other. The first sidewall may be rigidly attached to each of the front wall, lower support, riser wall, upper support and rear wall. The second sidewall may be rigidly attached to each of the front wall, lower support, riser wall, upper support and rear wall. The base may be defined by the first-side bottom edge, front bottom edge and the second-side bottom edge.

The stand may be made of one or more sheet-like materials. The stand may be made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paper, wood, plastic, metal and textile fabric. The stand may include a laminated material. The stand may be made of at least corrugated cardboard. The stand may be made entirely of corrugated cardboard. The stand may be made of at least paper. The stand may be made entirely of paper and corrugated cardboard. The stand may be made entirely of plastic. The stand may be made entirely of metal. The stand may be made entirely of pressed aluminium. The stand may be made entirely of molded felt. The stand may be made entirely of molded plywood.

The stand may be unitary.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate by way of example only embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supporting stand according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing the stand in its operating configuration and showing a first-side fold;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 1, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 1, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the stand according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing the second-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing a front fold, rear fold, lower fold and a top fold;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 10, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 10, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the stand according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing the third-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing a lower reinforced fold and a top reinforced fold;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 19, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 19, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the stand according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing the fourth-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing a first-side rear edge;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 28, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations, and showing a first-side lower flap, a first-side top flap and a second-side top flap;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 28, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations, and showing a front base flap and a first-side base flap;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of the stand of FIG. 28, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration and showing a second-side lower flap, rear base flap and a second-side base flap;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the stand according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, showing the fifth-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing a front wall;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 32, showing the stand in its operating configuration and showing a rear wall;

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the stand of FIG. 32, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration and showing first and second sidewalls foldably attached to the front wall;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the stand according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing the sixth-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing the front wall;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 35, showing the stand in its operating configuration and showing the rear wall;

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the stand of FIG. 35, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration and showing first and second sidewalls foldably attached to the rear wall;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the stand according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, showing the seventh-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing a portion of a front attachment wall from a first viewpoint;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 38, showing the stand in its operating configuration and showing the portion of the front attachment wall from a second viewpoint and showing the rear wall;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the stand of FIG. 38, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration and showing fastener slots and mating slots;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the stand according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, showing the eighth-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing corrugating medium disposed between first and second sidewalls;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 41, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 43 is a top view of the stand of FIG. 41, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 44 is a top view of the stand of FIG. 41, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 45 is a top view of the stand of FIG. 41, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the stand according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, showing the ninth-embodiment stand in its operating configuration and showing an interior wall;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 46, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 49 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 50 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 51 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 52 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand in its operating configuration;

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand partway between its operating and collapsed configurations;

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 46, showing the stand in its collapsed configuration;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the stand according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, showing the tenth-embodiment stand from a first viewpoint;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 55, showing the stand from a second viewpoint; and

FIG. 57 is a side view of the stand of FIG. 55.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A supporting stand for supporting an item includes: base means for defining a substantially planar region of the stand; and support means for supporting the item distal from said base means. The support means may include lower support means for supporting the item at a first distance from said base means. The support means may include upper support means for supporting the item at a second distance from said base means, said second distance being greater than said first distance. The lower support means and the upper support means may be made of sheet-like material.

In the figures showing various embodiments of the invention, like features are referenced by like reference characters. Features described in respect of one embodiment of the invention may also apply to one or more other embodiments, even if not specifically described herein in relation to such other embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the supporting stand according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The supporting stand 10 is operable to support one or more items (not shown) when arranged in its operating configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7 for example, and can be folded into a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9 for example, for convenient storage and handling.

The stand 10 of the first embodiment includes a front wall 12 having a front bottom edge 14; and a lower support 16 that is foldably attached to the front wall 12 along a front edge 18. In the operating configuration of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, the front wall 12 and the lower support 16 each extend from the front edge 18 at substantially right angles to each other.

The stand 10 includes a riser wall 20 that is foldably attached to the lower support 16 along a riser edge 22. In the operating configuration of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, the riser wall 20 and the lower support 16 each extend from the riser edge 22 at substantially right angles to each other; the riser wall 20 and the front wall 12 lie in substantially parallel, spaced-apart respective planes; and the riser wall 20 and the front wall 12 each extend in opposing directions from opposite ends of the lower support 16.

The stand 10 includes an upper support 24 that is foldably attached to the riser wall 20 along a top edge 26. In the operating configuration of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, the upper support 24 and the riser wall 20 each extend from the top edge 26 at substantially right angles to each other; the upper support 24 and the lower support 16 lie in substantially parallel, spaced-apart respective planes; and the upper support 24 and the lower support 16 each extend in opposing directions from opposite ends of the riser wall 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the stand 10 includes a rear wall 28 extending between a rear top edge 30 and a rear bottom edge 32 disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall 28. The rear wall 28 is foldably attached to the upper support 24 along the rear top edge 30. In the operating configuration of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, the rear wall 28 and the upper support 24 each extend from the rear top edge 30 at substantially right angles to each other; and the rear wall 28 is substantially parallel and spaced-apart from each of the riser wall 20 and the front wall 12. Also in the operating configuration, the distance between the rear wall 28 and the riser wall 20 is less than the distance between the rear wall 28 and the front wall 12 such that the riser wall 20 is disposed within a plane intermediate between the rear wall 28 and the front wall 12. In some embodiments, the riser wall 20 is disposed in a plane substantially midway between the rear wall 28 and the front wall 12.

The stand 10 in the first embodiment includes a first sidewall 34 having a first-side bottom edge 36 (best seen in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8), a first-side front edge 38, a first-side lower edge 40, a first-side riser edge 42, a first-side top edge 44, a first-side rear edge 46, and a first-side fold 48. In the first embodiment, the first-side fold 48 is oriented substantially parallel to each of the first-side front edge 38 and the first-side rear edge 46, and is located substantially midway between the edges 38 and 46.

In the first embodiment in its operating configuration, the first sidewall 34 extends from the first-side front edge 38 at or near a right angle to the front wall 12; extends from the first-side lower edge 40 at a substantially right angle from the lower support 16; extends from the first-side riser edge 42 at or near a right angle to the riser wall 20; extends from the first-side top edge 44 at a substantially right angle from the upper support 24; and extends from the first-side rear edge 46 at or near a right angle to the rear wall 28.

In the first embodiment, the first sidewall 34 is foldably attached to the front wall 12 along the first-side front edge 38; and is foldably attached to the rear wall 28 along the first-side rear edge 46.

In the first embodiment in its operating configuration, the first sidewall 34 is dimensioned to slidably contact the lower support 16 along the first-side lower edge 40; slidably contact the riser wall 20 along the first-side riser edge 42; and slidably contact the upper support 24 along the first-side top edge 44.

The stand 10 in the first embodiment includes a second sidewall 50 disposed parallel, spaced-apart and opposite to the first sidewall 34 as best seen in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8. The second sidewall 50 has a second-side bottom edge 52, a second-side front edge 54, a second-side lower edge 56, a second-side riser edge 58, a second-side top edge 60, a second-side rear edge 62, and a second-side fold 64. In the first embodiment, the second-side fold 64 is oriented substantially parallel to each of the second-side front edge 54 and the second-side rear edge 62, and is located substantially midway between the edges 54 and 62.

In the first embodiment in its operating configuration, the second sidewall 50 extends from the second-side front edge 54 at or near a right angle to the front wall 12; extends from the second-side lower edge 56 at a substantially right angle from the lower support 16; extends from the second-side riser edge 58 at or near a right angle to the riser wall 20; extends from the second-side top edge 60 at a substantially right angle from the upper support 24; and extends from the second-side rear edge 62 at or near a right angle to the rear wall 28.

In the first embodiment, the second sidewall 50 is foldably attached to the front wall 12 along the second-side front edge 54; and is foldably attached to the rear wall 28 along the second-side rear edge 62.

In the first embodiment in its operating configuration, the second sidewall 50 is dimensioned to slidably contact the lower support 16 along the second-side lower edge 56; slidably contact the riser wall 20 along the second-side riser edge 58; and slidably contact the upper support 24 along the second-side top edge 60.

The stand 10 of the first embodiment optionally includes one or more pass-throughs 65 for advantageously permitting one or more objects, such as computer cables and the like, to pass through a wall or other portion of the stand 10. As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 one pass-through 65 in the form of a cut-out is disposed midway along the first-side bottom edge 36 at the intersection of the first-side bottom edge 36 and the first-side fold 48; and one pass-through 65 is disposed at the corresponding intersection of the second-side bottom edge 52 and the second-side fold 64. While FIGS. 1 to 9 show the pass-through 65 in the form of a cut-out along an edge of the stand 10, in general the pass-through 65 may be implemented in any suitable form, including as an aperture of any shape and size, and may be disposed at any portion of the stand 10, including being disposed at a non-edge portion of the stand 10 for example. Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 may include any number of pass-throughs 65 having the same or different form as each other.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 9, the stand 10 includes a base 66 which in the first embodiment is the region of the stand 10 defined by the bottom front edge 14, first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52. In its operating configuration, the base 66 of the stand 10 is substantially planar.

In the operating configuration of the first embodiment, the distance between the front bottom edge 14 and the front edge 18 plus the distance between the riser edge 22 and the top edge 26 is substantially equal to the distance between the rear bottom edge 32 and the rear top edge 30 of the rear wall 28 such that the base 66 is substantially parallel and spaced-apart from each of the lower support 16 and the upper support 24. In the operating configuration of the first embodiment, the lower support 16 is disposed closer to the base 66 than the upper support 24, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4.

In the operating configuration of the first embodiment, the riser wall 20 is substantially vertical (i.e. extending perpendicularly to the base 66), and the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 extend in opposing, substantially horizontal (i.e. parallel to the base 66) directions from the riser wall 20, such that the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are vertically non-overlapping (i.e. non-overlapping when viewed along the vertical axis), as can be seen in FIG. 4 for example. While FIGS. 1 to 9 show the riser wall 20 as being vertical in the operating configuration of the stand 10, the riser wall 20 in the operating configuration of some embodiments is not vertical and may be sloped, inwardly or outwardly for example, or otherwise non-linear without adversely affecting operability of the stand 10 in its operating and collapsed configurations. While FIGS. 1 to 9 show the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 as being vertically non-overlapping in the operating configuration of the stand 10, the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 in the operating configuration of some embodiments overlap.

In the collapsed configuration (FIGS. 3, 6 and 9) of the first embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 in their respective folded states are disposed substantially coplanar to each other and are disposed adjacent, substantially parallel to and sandwiched between the rear wall 28 and each of the front wall 12 and the lower support 16. Also in the collapsed configuration, the front wall 12 and the lower support 16 are adjacent and substantially coplanar.

In the collapsed configuration of the first embodiment, the riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 remain foldably attached and are substantially parallel to each other.

The stand 10 in the first embodiment includes a collapsed-configuration fastener 67 (FIGS. 7 to 9), which advantageously facilitates maintaining the collapsed configuration of the stand 10. The collapsed-configuration fastener 67 typically includes a pair of removably attachable fastener 67 components and may be a hook-and-loop fastener 67, for example. While FIGS. 7 to 9 show the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 components disposed on the interior faces of the front and rear walls 12 and 28 and centrally disposed adjacent the front and rear bottom edges 14 and 32, respectively, in general the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 may be disposed at any suitable position.

Method of Operation of the First Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, when the stand 10 in accordance with the first embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIGS. 3, 6 and 9), a user (not shown) may grasp the rear wall 28 and separate it from the front wall 12 and the riser wall 20 so as to ensure the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 is unmated. The user may find it convenient to grasp the rear wall 28 at or near the rear bottom edge 32 and the front wall 12 at or near the front bottom edge 14, for example. Separating the rear wall 28 from the front wall 12 and the riser wall 20 urges the stand 10 to unfold outwardly (i.e. in a direction generally away from the center of the stand 10) along the first-side fold 48 and the second-side fold 64, fold along the rear top edge 30, unfold downwardly (i.e. in a direction toward the base 66) along the top edge 26, fold inwardly (i.e. in a direction generally toward the center of the stand 10) along the riser edge 22, and to fold along the front edge 18. Doing so swings the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 in opposing downward and inward directions. FIGS. 2, 5 and 8 show the stand 10 partway between its collapsed and operating configurations when the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are partly folded along their respective folds 48 and 64, and the folding edges 18, 22, 26 and 30 are partly folded.

As the rear wall 28 is further separated from the front wall 12 and the riser wall 20, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 further straighten out until the stand 10 reaches its operating configuration (FIGS. 1, 4, and 7). In the operating configuration, the stand 10 in the operating configuration has a stair-like shape in which the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 are substantially parallel to the base 66, and the lower support 16 is closer to the base 66 than the upper support 24.

Preferably, the stand 10 in the first embodiment is operable to remain upright upon its base 66 once in its operating condition, even while accommodating a specifiable weight placed on its lower support 16, upper support 24, or both its lower and upper supports 16 and 24. In variations, different weight ratings may apply to the stand 10. In some embodiments, a given weight rating can only be met if the base 66 is placed upon a suitable operating surface, such as a flat surface as can be found on most tabletops (not shown).

In the operating configuration of the first embodiment as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are slightly angled, or bent, inwardly at their respective folds 48 and 64. The slight inward folding of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 in the first embodiment can be achieved by dimensioning the stand 10 such that the sum of the distance from the front edge 18 to the riser edge 22 plus the distance from the top edge 26 to the rear top edge 30 is slightly less than the length of each of the first-side bottom edge 36 and the second-side bottom edge 52. While the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are slightly inwardly folded in the operating configuration, any angle of folding which places each of the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 substantially parallel to the base 66 may be suitably employed. In some embodiments in the operating configuration, the angle of the folds 48 and 64 may be 180 degrees (not shown), less than 180 degrees such that the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are inwardly folded as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, or more than 180 degrees such that the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are outwardly folded (not shown). In the first embodiment, the stand 10 is dimensioned such that the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are slightly inwardly folded in the operating configuration so as to advantageously provide additional support beneath the lower and upper supports 16 and 24.

Additionally or alternatively to grasping and separating the rear wall 28 from the front and riser walls 12 and 20, a user may grasp the first sidewall 34 and the second sidewall 50, and separate these first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 from each other, thereby urging the rear wall 28 to separate from the front wall 12 and the riser wall 20. The user may conveniently grasp the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at or near the first-side bottom edge 36 and the second-side bottom edge 52, respectively, including grasping the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at or near their respective folds 48 and 64.

Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 may be expanded from its collapsed configuration into its operating configuration by pressing downwardly on the top edge 26 so as to cause the front and rear walls 12 and 28 to separate from each other until the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 are substantially parallel with the base 66.

Collapsing the stand 10 from its operating configuration into its collapsed configuration involves a reverse process of folding the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 inwardly along their respective folds 48 and 64 and/or moving the rear wall 28 towards the riser wall 20 and the front wall 12. The collapsing action continues until the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 is mated and the stand 10 is substantially planar as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 10 to 18 show the stand 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which the front wall 12 includes a front fold 68 oriented substantially parallel to each of the first-side front edge 38 and the second-side front edge 54 and located substantially midway between the edges 38 and 54; and the rear wall 28 includes a rear fold 70 oriented substantially parallel to each of the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side rear edge 62 and located substantially midway between the edges 46 and 62. Also in accordance with the second embodiment, the lower support 16 includes a lower fold 72 oriented substantially parallel to each of the first-side lower edge 40 and the second-side lower edge 56 and located substantially midway between the edges 40 and 56; and the upper support 24 includes a top fold 74 oriented substantially parallel to each of the first-side top edge 44 and the second-side top edge 60 and located substantially midway between the edges 44 and 60.

In the second embodiment, the front wall 12 is not attached to the lower support 16 along the front edge 18, but can slidably contact the lower support 16 along the front edge 18 such as when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. Also in the second embodiment, the rear wall 28 is not attached to the upper support 24 along the rear top edge 30, but can slidably contact the upper support 24 along the rear top edge 30 such as when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration.

In the second embodiment, the stand 10 does not include any material or wall corresponding to the riser wall 20 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 9). While FIGS. 10 to 18 show the first-side riser edge 42 and the second-side riser edge 58 as being vertical in the operating configuration of the stand 10, the first-side and second-side riser edges 42 and 58 in the operating configuration of some embodiments are not vertical and may be sloped in any direction or otherwise non-linear without adversely affecting operability of the stand 10 in its operating and collapsed configurations.

The stand 10 of the second embodiment optionally includes one or more pass-throughs 65. As best seen in FIGS. 10, 13, 14 and 16, one pass-through 65 in the form of a cut-out is disposed midway along the front bottom edge 14 at the intersection of the front bottom edge 14 and the front fold 68; and one pass-through 65 is disposed at the corresponding intersection of the rear bottom edge 32 and the rear fold 70 (not shown). In general, any number of pass-throughs 65 in accordance with the second embodiment may be implemented in any suitable form, including as an aperture of any shape and size, and may be disposed at any portion of the stand 10, including being disposed at a non-edge portion of the stand 10 for example.

The base 66 of the second embodiment is defined by the front bottom edge 14, first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. When the stand 10 according to the second embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIG. 10.

In the collapsed configuration (FIGS. 12, 15 and 18) of the second embodiment, the front wall 12 and the rear wall 28 in their respective folded states are disposed substantially coplanar to each other and are disposed adjacent, substantially parallel to and sandwiched between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50. Also in the collapsed configuration of the second embodiment, the first sidewall 34 is adjacent and substantially coplanar with that portion of the lower support 16 between the first-side lower edge 40 and the lower fold 72 and that portion of the upper support 24 between the first-side top edge 44 and the top fold 74; and the second sidewall 50 is adjacent and substantially coplanar with that portion of the lower support 16 between the second-side lower edge 56 and the lower fold 72 and that portion of the upper support 24 between the second-side top edge 60 and the top fold 74. In the collapsed configuration, the portions of the lower support 16 on opposite sides of the lower fold 72 are substantially parallel to each other; and the portions of the upper support 24 on opposite sides of the top fold 74 are substantially parallel to each other.

The stand 10 in the second embodiment includes a collapsed-configuration fastener 67 (FIGS. 16 to 18), which includes a pair of removably attachable fastener 67 components and may be a hook-and-loop fastener 67, for example. While FIGS. 16 to 18 show the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 components disposed on the interior faces of the first-side and second-side walls 34 and 50 and centrally disposed adjacent the first-side and second-side bottom edges 36 and 52, respectively, in general the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 may be disposed at any suitable position.

Method of Operation of the Second Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 10 to 18, when the stand 10 in accordance with the second embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIGS. 12, 15 and 18), a user (not shown) may grasp and separate the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 from each other so as to ensure the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 is unmated. The user may find it convenient to grasp the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at or near the first-side bottom edge 36 and the second-side bottom edge 52, respectively, for example. Separating the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 urges the stand 10 to unfold outwardly along the front fold 68 and the rear fold 70, and to unfold inwardly and downwardly along the lower fold 72 and the top fold 74, as best seen in FIGS. 11, 14 and 17. The first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are separated until the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are fully unfolded so as to be substantially planar as shown in FIGS. 10, 13 and 16, thereby achieving the operating configuration of the stand 10 in accordance with the second embodiment.

In the operating configuration of the second embodiment (FIGS. 10, 13 and 16), the front wall 12 and the rear wall 28 are slightly angled inwardly at their respective folds 68 and 70. Angles other than that shown in the Figures are possible, provided the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 are substantially planar and parallel to the base 66 when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration.

In accordance with the second embodiment, additionally or alternatively to grasping and separating the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 from each other, a user may grasp and separate the front and rear walls 12 and 28 from each other so as to urge the separation of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 from each other. The user may conveniently grasp the front and rear walls 12 and 28 at or near the front bottom edge 14 and the rear bottom edge 32, respectively, including grasping the front and rear walls 12 and 28 at or near their respective folds 68 and 70.

Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 may be expanded from its collapsed configuration into its operating configuration by pressing downwardly on the top fold 74 and/or the lower fold 72 so as to cause the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 to separate from each other until the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 are substantially parallel with the base 66.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the second embodiment involves a reverse process of folding the front and rear walls 12 and 28 inwardly along their respective folds 68 and 70 and/or moving the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 toward each other, and folding the lower and upper supports 16 and 24 outwardly and upwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the base 66) along their respective folds 72 and 74. For example, the upper fold 74 and/or the lower fold 72 may be grasped at pulled upward until the collapsed-configuration fastener 67 is mated and the stand 10 is substantially planar as shown in FIGS. 12, 15 and 18, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 19 to 27 show the stand 10 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, in which the lower support 16 is reinforced at its lower fold 72 by a lower reinforced fold 76 dimensioned to fit within a front-wall cutout 78 of the front wall 12. As best seen in FIG. 23, the front-wall cutout 78 is disposed at the intersection of the front edge 18 and the front fold 68 and is dimensioned for receiving the lower reinforced fold 76 when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. Also in the third embodiment, the upper support 24 is reinforced at its top fold 74 by a top reinforced fold 80 dimensioned to fit within a rear-wall cutout 82 of the rear wall 28. Also viewable in FIG. 23, the rear-wall cutout 82 is disposed at the intersection of the rear top edge 30 and the rear fold 70 and is dimensioned for receiving the top reinforced fold 80 in the operating configuration.

The stand 10 of the third embodiment, including its method of operation, is otherwise similar to that of the second embodiment described herein above.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 28 to 31 show the stand 10 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, which includes a front base flap 84, first-side base flap 86, rear base flap 88 and a second-side base flap 90 collectively forming the base 66 when arranged in any suitable manner so as to be substantially parallel to each other, including being folded so as to overlap each other.

The stand 10 of the fourth embodiment also includes a first-side lower flap 92, a second-side lower flap 94, a first-side top flap 96 and a second-side top flap 98. In the operating configuration the first-side lower flap 92 and the second-side lower flap 94 are folded so as to be substantially coplanar to each other. Also in the operating configuration, the first-side top flap 96 and the second-side top flap 98 are folded so as to be substantially coplanar to each other.

In the fourth embodiment, the front wall 12 is foldably attached to the lower support 16, which is foldably attached to the riser wall 20; the upper support 24 is foldably attached to the rear wall 28; and the upper support 24 and the riser wall 20 are unattached to each other.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the first-side rear edge 46 is defined by unattached edges 100 of the rear wall 28 and the first sidewall 34. In the operating configuration, these unattached edges 100 are disposed adjacent to each other to form the first-side rear edge 46. While FIGS. 28 to 31 show the first-side rear edge 46 as being defined by the unattached edges 100, in general any one of the first-side front edge 38, first-side rear edge 46, second-side front edge 54 and second-side rear edge 62 may be defined by corresponding unattached edges 100.

The stand 10 of the fourth embodiment optionally includes one or more pass-throughs 65, one of which is shown in FIG. 31 in the form of a cut-out into the rear wall 28 disposed at the intersection of the first-side rear edge 46 (i.e. at one unattached edge 100) and the rear bottom edge 32. In general, any number of pass-throughs 65 in accordance with the fourth embodiment may be implemented in any suitable form, including as an aperture of any shape and size, and may be disposed at any portion of the stand 10, including being disposed at any corner, edge or non-edge portion of the stand 10 for example.

When the stand 10 according to the fourth embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 shows the stand 10 of the fourth embodiment configured as a single planar sheet in its collapsed configuration.

In a variation of the fourth embodiment, the unattached edges 100 may be attached to each other (not shown) such that none of the edges 38, 46, 54 and 62 are defined by unattached edges 100. For example, the unattached edges 100 shown in FIG. 31 may be attached during manufacturing by a taped or glued seam, or other similar attachment means may be employed. In such variation, the stand 10 in its collapsed configuration is folded at a pair of opposing non-adjacent edges (i.e. either at the first-side front edge 38 and the second-side rear edge 62, or at the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side front edge 54) such that the stand 10 can form two or four connected, parallel planar sheets in its collapsed configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 of the fourth embodiment may exclude any one or more of the front base flap 84, first-side base flap 86, rear base flap 88 and second-side base flap 90 such that the base 66 is defined by any remaining flaps and/or corresponding bottom edges. For example, in a variation in which all of the flaps 84, 86, 88 and 90 are excluded, the stand 10 in its operating configuration is open at the base 66 which is defined by the front bottom edge 14, first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the open base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration.

Method of Operation of the Fourth Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 28 to 31, when the stand 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIG. 31), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near the unattached edges 100, and bring the unattached edges 100 towards each other so as to form the first-side rear edge 46. Thereafter the user, in any order, inwardly folds the front base flap 84 at the front bottom edge 14, inwardly folds the first-side base flap 86 at the first-side bottom edge 36, inwardly folds the rear base flap 88 at the rear bottom edge 32, and inwardly folds the second-side base flap 90 at the second-side bottom edge 52 so as to form the base 66. Also, the user inwardly folds the first-side lower flap 92 at the first-side lower edge 40 and inwardly folds the second-side lower flap 94 at the second-side lower edge 56; and then lowers the lower support 16 and the riser wall 20 until the lower support 16 is adjacent to the first-side and second-side lower flaps 92 and 94 and substantially parallel to the base 66 and until the riser wall 20 is substantially perpendicular to the base 66. The user also inwardly folds the first-side top flap 96 at the first-side top edge 44 and inwardly folds the second-side top flap 98 at the second-side top edge 60; and then lowers the upper support 24 until it is adjacent to the first-side and second-side top flaps 96 and 98 and is substantially parallel to the base 66. The interfitted, overlapping folding of the front base flap 84, first-side base flap 86, rear base flap 88 and second-side base flap 90 advantageously enhance the stability of the stand 10 when in its operating configuration.

The steps of the method of configuring the stand 10 in its operating configuration described herein in respect of the fourth embodiment may be performed in a variety of orders to achieve the same result.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the fourth embodiment involves a reverse process of unfolding the lower and upper supports 16 and 24, unfolding the flaps 92 to 98, unfolding the components 84 to 90 of the base 66, and separating the unattached edges 100, all until the stand 10 is configured as the single planar sheet of the collapsed configuration. In variations, the stand 10 may be folded in half (not shown) at the second-side front edge 54 so that the front wall 12 is substantially parallel to the second sidewall 50 and the first sidewall 34 is substantially parallel to the rear wall 28. In a further variation, the stand 10 may be folded in quarters (not shown) by folding at each of the second-side front edge 54, second-side rear edge 62 and the first-side front edge 38 so that the first sidewall 34, front wall 12, second sidewall 50 and the rear wall 28 are substantially parallel to each other.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 32 to 34 show the stand 10 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which the stand 10 includes operating-configuration fasteners 102. In the fifth embodiment, each operating-configuration fastener 102 typically includes a pair of removably attachable fastener 102 components and may be a hook-and-loop fastener 102, for example. Each operating-configuration fastener 102 may be of the same or different type from each other and from the collapsed-configuration fastener 67, for example.

The stand 10 in accordance with the fifth embodiment includes a first-side attachment wall 104 having two operating-configuration fastener 102 components which are mateable to corresponding fastener 102 components disposed on the rear wall 28 at or near its first-side rear edge 46; and includes a second-side attachment wall 106 having two operating-configuration fastener 102 components which are mateable to corresponding fastener 102 components disposed on the rear wall 28 at or near its second-side rear edge 62. In the fifth embodiment, the first-side attachment wall 104 is attached to the first sidewall 34 along its first-side rear edge 46; and the second-side attachment wall 106 is attached to the second sidewall 50 along its second-side rear edge 62.

In the fifth embodiment, the rear wall 28 is foldably attached to the upper support 24, which is foldably attached to the riser wall 20, which is foldably attached to the lower support 16, which is foldably attached to the front wall 12, which is foldably attached to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at opposing side edges 38 and 54 thereof.

Also in the fifth embodiment, the first sidewall 34 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the first-side lower edge 40; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the first-side riser edge 42; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the first-side top edge 44. Similarly, the second sidewall 50 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the second-side lower edge 56; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the second-side riser edge 58; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the second-side top edge 60.

In the operating configuration of the fifth embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are not necessarily parallel to each other and may be slightly inclined inwardly so as to be closer to each other near the rear wall 28 than the width of the front wall 12, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. In variations, any suitable position of the operating-configuration fastener 102 components along the rear wall 28 may be employed. While not shown in the Figures, the stand 10 in some embodiments includes attachment walls 104 and 106 which are foldably attached to opposing sides of the rear wall 28 and are removably attachable to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50, respectively.

The pass-through 65 of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 in the form of a cut-out disposed in the rear wall 28 midway along the rear bottom edge 32. Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 of the fifth embodiment may include a pass-through 65 disposed in the front wall 12 (not shown). In general, any number of pass-throughs 65 in accordance with the fifth embodiment may be implemented in any suitable form, including as an aperture of any shape and size, and may be disposed at any portion of the stand 10, including being disposed off-center and/or at a non-edge portion of the stand 10 for example.

The base 66 of the fifth embodiment is defined by the front bottom edge 14, first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. When the stand 10 according to the fifth embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIGS. 32 and 33.

Method of Operation of the Fifth Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 32 to 34, when the stand 10 in accordance with the fifth embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIG. 34), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near the first-side attachment wall 104, and/or the second-side attachment wall 106 and/or the rear wall 28, and maneuver the stand 10 to mate the operating-configuration fasteners 102 at the rear wall 28 and each of the first-side and second-side attachment walls 104 and 106. In doing so, the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the first sidewall 34 along the first-side lower edge 40, first-side riser edge 42 and the first-side top edge 44, respectively, and are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the second sidewall 50 along the second-side lower edge 56, second-side riser edge 58 and the second-side top edge 60, respectively.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the fifth embodiment involves a reverse process of disengaging the operating-configuration fastener 102 components. Thereafter, the user unfolds outwardly the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at the first-side front edge 38 and the second-side front edge 54, respectively; and unfolds outwardly the rear wall 28, upper support 24, riser wall 20 and the lower support 16. The user unfolds until the stand 10 is configured as a single planar sheet, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration. In variations, the stand 10 in the collapsed configuration may be folded along one or both of the first-side front edge 38 and the second-side front edge 54 so that either or both of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are substantially parallel to the front wall 12. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the front edge 18, riser edge 22, top edge 26 and the rear top edge 30 may be folded so that one or more of the front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20, upper support 24 and rear wall 28 become substantially parallel to one or more of each other.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 35 to 37 show the stand 10 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the stand 10 includes operating-configuration fastener 102 components along respective sides of the front wall 12. Mating fastener 102 components are disposed on each of the first-side attachment wall 104 and second-side attachment wall 106. In the sixth embodiment, the first-side attachment wall 104 is attached to the first sidewall 34 along its first-side front edge 38; and the second-side attachment wall 106 is attached to the second sidewall 50 along its second-side front edge 54.

In the sixth embodiment, the front wall 12 is foldably attached to the lower support 16, which is foldably attached to the riser wall 20, which is foldably attached to the upper support 24, which is foldably attached to the rear wall 28, which is foldably attached to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at opposing side edges 46 and 62 thereof.

Also in the sixth embodiment, the first sidewall 34 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the first-side lower edge 40; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the first-side riser edge 42; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the first-side top edge 44. Similarly, the second sidewall 50 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the second-side lower edge 56; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the second-side riser edge 58; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the second-side top edge 60.

In the operating configuration of the sixth embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are not necessarily parallel to each other and may be slightly inclined inwardly so as to be closer to each other near the front wall 12 than the width of the rear wall 28, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. In variations, any suitable position of the operating-configuration fasteners 102 components along the front wall 12 may be employed. While not shown in the Figures, the stand 10 in some embodiments includes attachment walls 104 and 106 which are foldably attached to opposing sides of the front wall 12 and are removably attachable to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50, respectively.

The pass-through 65 of the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 may be made similar or analogous to the pass-through 65 as described in accordance with the fifth embodiment.

The base 66 of the sixth embodiment is defined by the front bottom edge 14, first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. When the stand 10 according to the sixth embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIGS. 35 and 36.

Method of Operation of the Sixth Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 35 to 37, when the stand 10 in accordance with the sixth embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIG. 37), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near the first-side attachment wall 104, and/or the second-side attachment wall 106 and/or the front wall 12, and maneuver the stand 10 to mate the operating-configuration fasteners 102 at the front wall 12 and each of the first-side and second-side attachment walls 104 and 106. In doing so, the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the first sidewall 34 along the first-side lower edge 40, first-side riser edge 42 and the first-side top edge 44, respectively, and are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the second sidewall 50 along the second-side lower edge 56, second-side riser edge 58 and the second-side top edge 60, respectively.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the sixth embodiment involves a reverse process of disengaging the operating-configuration fastener 102 components. Thereafter, the user unfolds outwardly the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side rear edge 62, respectively; and unfolds outwardly the rear wall 28, upper support 24, riser wall 20 and the lower support 16. The user unfolds until the stand 10 is configured as a single planar sheet, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration. In variations, the stand 10 in the collapsed configuration may be folded along one or both of the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side rear edge 62 so that either or both of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are substantially parallel to the rear wall 28. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the front edge 18, riser edge 22, top edge 26 and the rear top edge 30 may be folded so that one or more of the front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20, upper support 24 and rear wall 28 become substantially parallel to one or more of each other.

Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 38 to 40 show the stand 10 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, which includes a front attachment wall 108 having fastener slots 110. The first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 include mating slots 112 dimensioned for mating with the fastener slots 110 so as to fasten the stand 10 in its operating configuration (FIGS. 38 and 39).

While FIGS. 38 to 40 show a pair of fastener slots 110 on the front attachment wall 108 and one mating slot 112 on each of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50, in general any number of slots 110 and mating slots 112 may be suitably employed in any suitable positions. Additionally or alternatively, the stand 10 in some embodiments includes fasteners (not shown) other than slots (e.g. hook-and-loop, snap, button, clip, etc.) for removably attaching the front attachment wall 108 to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50.

In the seventh embodiment, the front attachment wall 108 is foldably attached to the front wall 12 at its front bottom edge 14, which is foldably attached to the lower support 16, which is foldably attached to the riser wall 20, which is foldably attached to the upper support 24, which is foldably attached to the rear wall 28, which is foldably attached to the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at opposing side edges 46 and 62 thereof.

Also in the seventh embodiment, the first sidewall 34 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the first-side lower edge 40; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the first-side riser edge 42; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the first-side top edge 44. Similarly, the second sidewall 50 is unattached to the lower support 16 at the second-side lower edge 56; unattached to the riser wall 20 at the second-side riser edge 58; and unattached to the upper support 24 at the second-side top edge 60.

In the operating configuration of the seventh embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are not necessarily parallel to each other and may be slightly inclined inwardly so as to be closer to each other near the front wall 12 than the width of the rear wall 28, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.

The pass-through 65 of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 may be similar or analogous to the pass-throughs 65 described herein above in relation to the fifth and sixth embodiments.

The base 66 of the seventh embodiment is defined by the first-side bottom edge 36, rear bottom edge 32 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. The front bottom edge 14 of the stand 10 of the seventh embodiment in its operating configuration is raised above the base 66 of the seventh embodiment, thereby inherently creating a pass-through 65 at the front wall 12. When the stand 10 according to the seventh embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIGS. 38 and 39.

Method of Operation of the Seventh Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 38 to 40, when the stand 10 in accordance with the seventh embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIG. 40), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near the front attachment wall 108, and one or both of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50, and maneuver the stand 10 to interfit the fastener slots 110 into the mating slots 112. In doing so, the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the first sidewall 34 along the first-side lower edge 40, first-side riser edge 42 and the first-side top edge 44, respectively, and are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the second sidewall 50 along the second-side lower edge 56, second-side riser edge 58 and the second-side top edge 60, respectively.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the seventh embodiment involves a reverse process of disengaging the fastener slots 110 from the mating slots 112. Thereafter, the user unfolds outwardly the front attachment wall 108, front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24, and unfolds outwardly the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 at the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side rear edge 62, respectively. The user unfolds until the stand 10 is configured as a single planar sheet, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration. In variations, the stand 10 in the collapsed configuration may be folded along one or both of the first-side rear edge 46 and the second-side rear edge 62 so that either or both of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are substantially parallel to the rear wall 28. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the front bottom edge 14, front edge 18, riser edge 22, top edge 26 and the rear top edge 30 may be folded so that one or more of the front attachment wall 108, front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20, upper support 24 and rear wall 28 become substantially parallel to one or more of each other.

Eighth Embodiment

FIGS. 41 to 45 show the stand 10 in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention, which includes expandable corrugating medium 114 forming a honeycomb or other cellular structure which extends between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50.

In the eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 41 to 45, the external faces of the front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20, upper support 24, rear wall 28 and base 66 are defined by multiple, adjacent edges of the corrugating medium 114. Such edges are dimensioned such that the base 66, lower support 16 and upper support 24 are substantially planar, and such that the lower support 16 and upper support 24 are substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66 as can be seen in FIGS. 41 and 42.

The corrugating medium 114 is sufficiently flexible to permit the expansion and contraction (or collapsing) of the stand 10, thereby permitting the distance between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 to be varied. The cellular structure of the corrugating medium 114 advantageously provides sufficient structural rigidity to permit the stand 10 to maintain a set distance between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50. For example, the stand 10 may be placed on an operating surface such as a tabletop (not shown) such that the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 are separated from each other by the set distance. The set distance may be varied according to the user's needs or desires within a specifiable range. The cellular structure of the corrugating medium 114 also advantageously provides sufficient structural rigidity to permit the stand 10 to support the item or items (not shown) upon the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 when the stand 10 is placed upon a suitable operating surface (not shown).

In variations, the corrugating medium 114 may be implemented by any one or more of a suitably pleated material, fluted material, accordion-folded material, or any combination thereof for example. By way of particular example, the corrugating medium 114 may be constructed in accordance with the Softwallâ„¢ product marketed by molo design ltd. of Vancouver, BC, Canada. In some embodiments (not shown), the corrugating medium 114 is implemented by material or materials forming one or more scissor-jack type connections between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50, for example.

The cellular structure of the corrugating medium of the stand 10 of the eighth embodiment inherently includes pass-through features.

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 45, any suitable means for maintaining the stand 10 of the eighth embodiment in its collapsed configuration may be employed.

Method of Operation of the Eighth Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 41 to 45, when the stand 10 in accordance with the eighth embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIGS. 42 and 45), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near respective edges of the first and second sidewalls 30 and 54, and separate the first and second walls 34 and 50 to a desired set distance therebetween. In doing so, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 defined by edges of the cellular structure of the corrugating medium 114 acquire a desired width equal to the set distance. Typically, the base 66 is placed in contact with an operating surface such as a tabletop (not shown) so as to facilitate maintaining the set distance while the stand 10 is in use.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the ninth embodiment involves a reverse process of contracting the distance between the first and second sidewalls 34 and 50 until the stand 10 is in its collapsed configuration shown in FIGS. 42 and 45.

Ninth Embodiment

FIGS. 46 to 54 show the stand 10 in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention, which includes an interior wall 116 foldably attached to the interior face of the rear wall 28. The interior wall 116 may be attached to the rear wall 28 using any suitable attachment technique including adhesive attachment, fastening including being stapled and/or riveted, integrally formed, attached by slot-and-tab connection, attached by other attachment techniques, or any combination thereof for example. The interior wall 116 includes an interior attachment wall 118 foldably attached thereto. The interior attachment wall 118 includes one or more operating-configuration fastener 102 components attached thereto. As best seen in FIGS. 52 and 53, mating fastener 102 components are disposed on the interior face of the front wall 12.

In the ninth embodiment, the front wall 12 is foldably attached to the lower support 16, which is foldably attached to the riser wall 20, which is foldably attached to the upper support 24, which is foldably attached to the rear wall 28.

The interior wall 116 and the interior attachment wall 118 of the ninth embodiment are unattached to the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24. In the operating configuration, the interior wall 116 is dimensioned to slidably contact each of the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24. Also in the operating configuration, the interior attachment wall 118 is removably attached to the front wall 12 via the operating-configuration fasteners 102 of the ninth embodiment. Fastening the interior attachment wall 118 to the front wall 12 advantageously provides support for the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 in the operating configuration.

The base 66 of the ninth embodiment is defined by the front bottom edge 14, the rear bottom edge 32 and the attachment wall bottom edge 120 such that the base 66 is substantially planar when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration. When the stand 10 according to the ninth embodiment is in its operating configuration, the lower support 16 and the upper support 24 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the base 66 at differing distances from the base 66, as can be seen in FIGS. 46 and 49.

While FIGS. 46 to 54 show one interior wall 116, one interior attachment wall 118 and one pair of operating-configuration fasteners 102, any number of these parts may be employed. For example, the stand 10 may include any number of parallel, spaced-apart interior walls 116 (multiple walls not shown).

While the stand 10 of the ninth embodiment inherently includes pass-through features at opposing sides of the interior wall 116, the stand 10 of the ninth embodiment may additionally include any number of pass-throughs 65 (not shown) of any shape and size in any portion of the stand 10.

The stand 10 of the ninth embodiment includes a pair of collapsed-configuration fastener 67 components, disposed on the interior face of the interior wall 116 where the interior wall 116 attaches to the rear wall 28, for mating with the operating-configuration fastener 102 components disposed on the interior face of the front wall 12 so as to facilitate removably maintaining the stand 10 is in its collapsed configuration. In general, any number of collapsed-configuration fasteners 67 may be disposed at any suitable positions of the stand 10 of the ninth embodiment.

Method of Operation of the Ninth Embodiment

Still referring to FIGS. 46 to 54, when the stand 10 in accordance with the ninth embodiment is configured in its collapsed configuration (FIGS. 48, 51 and 54), a user may grasp the stand 10, such as grasping at or near the rear wall 28 and one or more of the front wall 12, lower support 16, riser wall 20 and upper support 24; maneuver the stand 10 to approximate the operating configuration; maneuver the interior wall 116 and/or the interior attachment wall 118 so as to place the interior attachment wall 118 proximate to the operating-configuration fastener 102 components of the front wall 12; and mate the operating-configuration fasteners 102 so as to removably attach the interior attachment wall 118 to the front wall 12. In doing so, the lower support 16, riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 are brought into contact with or otherwise proximate to the interior wall 116.

Collapsing the stand 10 in accordance with the ninth embodiment involves a reverse process of disengaging the operating-configuration fastener 102 components. Thereafter, the user rotatably folds or unfolds the interior wall 116 toward a position substantially parallel to the rear wall 28. In doing so, the front wall 12 is permitted to move closer to the rear wall 28 as the upper support 24 is rotated upward toward a position substantially coplanar with the rear wall 28. These actions are continued until the interior wall 116, front wall 12 and the lower support 16 are substantially parallel to the rear wall 28; until the riser wall 20 and the upper support 24 are substantially parallel to each other; and until the upper support 24 is substantially coplanar with the rear wall 28, thereby achieving the collapsed configuration.

Tenth Embodiment

FIGS. 55 to 57 show the stand 10 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention, in which the base 66 is defined by the first-side bottom edge 36, the front bottom edge 14 and the second-side bottom edge 52 such that the base 66 is substantially planar. Unlike the stand 10 in accordance with the first to ninth embodiments, the stand 10 in accordance with the tenth embodiment is open at its rear (thereby inherently including pass-through features), is non-folding and is not collapsible. While FIGS. 55 to 57 show the stand 10 as being fully open at its rear, in general the stand 10 in accordance with the tenth embodiment may include the rear wall 28 (not shown in FIGS. 55 to 57) so as to be closed at its rear. In a variation, the rear wall 28 may include cutouts or other features (not shown) such that the stand 10 of the tenth embodiment is partly closed at its rear. The lower support 16 and the upper support 24 of the tenth embodiment are substantially planar and parallel to the base 66 at differing distances, as can be seen in FIGS. 55 to 57.

The stand 10 in accordance with the tenth embodiment is stackable and can be stacked by placing the interior surface of the stand 10 in close proximity to the exterior surface of another stand 10. Multiple number of stands 10 may be stacked for convenient storage and handling when not in use, and/or to modify the height of the stand 10 when in use.

As with the stand 10 in accordance with all embodiments, the tenth embodiment stand 10 may be suitably used by placing the stand 10 at a desired location, and placing an item or items on either or both of the lower support 16 and the upper support 24. When not in use, the stand 10 in accordance with all embodiments may be stored for future use.

Features of Multiple Embodiments

The walls 12, 20, 28, 34, 50, 104 to 108, 116 and 118; supports 16 and 24; flaps 84 to 98 and similar parts of the stand 10 in accordance with any embodiment may be made of any suitable material or materials, including cardboard such as corrugated cardboard and/or solid cardboard, paper including fluted paper, wood including particle board and plywood such as 3D-molded plywood, plastic including corrugated plastic, injection-molded plastic and vacuum-formed plastic, metal including sheet metal and stamped, rolled including cold-rolled, forged and pressed metal such as pressed aluminium, fabric and other textiles including natural and synthetic textiles and including woven and non-woven textiles, felt including molded felt, laminations of sheet-like materials in any combination, other related materials, and any combination thereof for example. The stand 10 in accordance with the tenth embodiment is particularly suited to being made of plastic including injection-molded plastic and vacuum-formed plastic, pressed aluminium, molded felt, 3D-molded plywood, related materials, and any combination thereof for example.

The stand 10 in accordance with any embodiment may be manufactured using any suitable technique, including using paper, paperboard and/or cardboard manufacturing techniques, woodworking, metalworking including sheet-metal forming and aluminium pressing, plastics engineering including injection-molding and vacuum forming, other molding techniques such as felt molding, related manufacturing processes, and any combination thereof for example. The stand 10 in accordance with the tenth embodiment is particularly suitable for being manufactured using molding including injection-molding and 3D-molding, vacuum forming, pressing, related techniques, and any combination thereof for example.

The stand 10 in at least some embodiments preferably forms a single, unitary item or otherwise is not detachable into separate parts, such that the stand is unitary. For example, even when the interior wall 116 is detached at its interior attachment wall 118, the interior wall 116 remains attached along the interior face of the rear wall 28 to the remainder of the stand 10 so as to preserve the unitary nature of the stand 10. The unitary nature of the stand 10 advantageously enhances ease of handling, storage and use and, for at least some embodiments, advantageously lowers manufacturing costs.

While the terms â€œfrontâ€ (e.g. front wall 12), â€œrearâ€ (e.g. rear wall 28), â€œdownwardâ€ (i.e. in a direction toward the base 66), â€œupwardâ€ (i.e. in a direction away from the base 66), â€œverticalâ€ (i.e. along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base 66), â€œhorizontalâ€ (i.e. along a direction parallel to the plane of the base 66), â€œinwardâ€ (i.e. in a direction generally toward the center of the stand 10, the center being defined when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration) and â€œoutwardâ€ (i.e. in a direction generally away from the center of the stand 10) are used herein for ease of description, in general the stand 10 may be used when facing any direction and in any orientation relative to the direction of gravity. While reference is made to supporting an item when the stand 10 is in its operating configuration, in general any number of items or component parts thereof may be supported at either or both of the lower support 16 and the upper support 24.

Thus, there is provided a supporting stand for supporting an item, the stand comprising a base for defining a substantially planar region of the stand; a lower support for supporting the item at a first distance from said base; and an upper support for supporting the item at a second distance from said base, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

While embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only. The invention may include variants not described or illustrated herein in detail. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.