Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CARRYING CASE HAVING DETACHABLE STEP STOOL
Backaround
The present invention relates to carrying cases
and, more particularly, to carrying cases for components of
a collapsible display.
Display wall arrangements are well known and are
commonly used in situations such as conventions for the
display of company advertising, etc. Because many functions
during which such display wall arrangements are used are
relatively short-lived, and because most of the locations in
which such display wall arrangements are used are intended
for many purposes, such as sporting events, conventions,
concerts, etc., collapsible, movable, reusable display walls
are a popular alternative to more expensive, less versatile
permanent walls.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,512,097, 4,800,663, and
4,970,841, for example, teach collapsible display frameworks
suitable for covering with fabric or graphic panels. The
fabric, usually a carpet-like fabric, is removable from the
framework and is rolled up, and the framework collapses and
is able to be broken into several small bundles. The
framework bundles and fabric rolls are relatively easy to
transport and can be quickly erected when needed.
The framework bundles and fabric rolls, as well as
other items desired for a particular display, are often
shipped to their destinations. Frequently, to prevent
damage to the rolls of fabric framework covers, such as
crushing or tearing, the fabric parts of the displays are
' 30 shipped separately from the framework. Collapsible displays
are often shipped in special carrying cases
which are
w ,
' themselves well known.
Because certain popular shippers have maximum
weight and size regulations for shipped articles, where the
total weight of the framework and fabric bundles for a
particular display exceeds the maximum weight regulations of
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the shipper, the framework and fabric bundles are shipped in
two or more separate packages. In many instances, three
packages, two for the framework bundles and one for the
separately shipped fabric cover, are often necessary to ship
a complete display, even where the total weight of the
display is no greater than the maximum weight for two
packages. It is, accordingly, desirable to provide a
lightweight carrying case for shipping and easily moving a
collapsible display in which both rolled fabric covers and
l0 framework bundles for forming the display are able to be
safely shipped together.
Once a collapsible display has arrived at its
destination, it is generally necessary to maneuver its
components through congested aisles. While the displays are
relatively light in weight, a small person may have
difficulty in moving the components of the display to a
particular location, particularly if moving multiple
packages, each packed to its maximum weight limit, is
involved. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide carrying
cases facilitating maneuvering of components of a
collapsible display wall.
While collapsible display walls are available in a
range of sizes and shapes, the walls generally tend to be
around eight feet high when erected. Accessories such as
lighting and display graphics are often attached to the
upper regions of the display walls. Attaching such
accessories to the upper regions of the display walls can
present difficulties, particularly for shorter persons.
Generally, it is necessary for such persons to obtain a step
ladder to safely attach the accessories. Step ladders will '
often not be readily available on the premises. However,
shipping a separate step ladder with the collapsible display '
wall adds to expense. Further, once used, the step ladder
is unnecessary and in the way. As a result, unsafe
substitutes for a step ladder are often used, such as
chairs, tables, etc., and accidents result. It is,
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accordingly, desirable to provide an inconspicuous means for
safely facilitating access to upper regions of a collapsible
display wall, shippable with the display wall, that does not
add to shipping costs.
Packing and unpacking of the components of a
collapsible display wall in a carrying case can be difficult
for a smaller person. For example, where the carrying case
has a top opening for receiving the roll o:E fabric cover, it
may be difficult for a smaller person to lift the roll to a
sufficient height to place the roll in the carrying case or
remove the roll from the carrying case. Its is, accordingly,
desirable to provide a carrying case that permits fabric
rolls and other components of the collapsible display wall
to be easily placed in or removed from the carrying case.
Summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, a carrying case assembly with detachable step
stool includes a carrying case portion inc7_uding one or more
first side walls, the first side walls defining a first
interior space and a first top opening. The assembly
further includes a step stool portion including a top
portion and one or more second side walls, the second side
walls defining a second interior space and a bottom opening.
Means are provided for attaching the step ;tool portion to
the carrying case portion such that the first and the second
interior spaces, together, form a third interior space. The
step stool portion is removable from the carrying case
portion and is adapted to support a person thereon.
The assembly may also include one or more
removable panels for defining vertical spaces in the first
interior space, an interior surface of the first side walls
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being formed with one or more pairs of vertical grooves for
receiving opposite edge portions of the panels.
According to another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a carrying case assembly having a
detachable step stool, comprising: a carrying case portion
including one or more first side walls, them first side walls
defining a first interior space and a firsts top opening; a
step stool portion including a top portion and one or more
second side walls, the second side walls defining a second
interior space and a bottom opening; means for attaching the
step stool portion to the carrying case portion such that
the first and the second interior spaces, together, form a
third interior space; and the step stool portion being
removable -from the carrying case portion amd being adapted
to support a person thereon, wherein the top portion of the
step stool portion is in the form of a lid movably disposed
at a second top edge of the second side wa7_ls, the lid being
movable relative to the step stool portion between an open
and a closed position, the lid covering a :second top opening
in the closed position, and the attaching means includes one
or more latch assemblies, each latch assembly including a
first portion attached to the carrying case' portion and a
movable second portion attached to the step stool portion,
the first and second latch assembly portions being
engageable and disengageable when the second latch assembly
portions are moved, movable upper portions of the second
latch assembly portions for moving the second latch assembly
portions to engage and disengage with the first latch
assembly portions being disposed in the second interior
space, access to the second latch assembly portions being
obtained by moving the lid to the open position.
A further aspect of the invention provides a
carrying case assembly having a detachable step stool,
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comprising: a carrying case portion including one or more
first side walls, the first side walls defining a first
interior space and a first top opening; a step stool portion
including a top portion and one or more second side walls,
the second side walls defining a second interior space and a
bottom opening; means for attaching the step stool portion
to the carrying case portion such that the first and the
second interior spaces, together, form a third interior
space; the step stool portion being removable from the
carrying case portion and being adapted to support a person
thereon; the top portion of the step stool portion being in
the form of a lid movably disposed at a second top edge of
the second side walls, the lid being movable relative to the
step stool portion between an open and a closed position,
the lid covering a second top opening in the closed
position; and a lock for locking the lid in the closed
position relative to the step stool portion.
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, a portable display assembly includes a framework
assembly, the framework assembly being adapted to be erected
into an upright wall, the framework assembly being adapted
to be collapsed into one or more bundles. Cover material is
provided for covering the framework assembly in an erected
condition, the cover material being removable from the
framework and being adapted to be rolled into a roll. A
carrying case assembly with a detachable step stool is also
provided. The carrying case assembly includes a carrying
case portion including a bottom wall and one or more first
side walls, the first side walls defining a first interior
space and a first top opening. The carrying case assembly
also includes a step stool portion including a top portion
and one or more second side walls, the second side walls
defining a second interior space and a bottom opening.
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Means are provided for locking the step stool portion to the
carrying case portion such that the first and the second
interior spaces, together, forma third interior space, the
third interior space being of sufficient size to store the
bundles for forming the framework and the roll of cover
material. The step stool portion is removable from the
carrying case portion and is adapted to support a person
thereon.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The features and advantages of embodiments of the
present invention are well understood by reading the
following detailed description in conjunction with the
drawings in which like numerals indicate similar elements
and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front side view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a right side view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear side view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present :invention;
FIG. 5 is a left side view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing
the step stool portion of the carrying case removed from the
bottom portion;
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FIG. 6 is a top view of a step stool portion of a
carrying case according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a step stool portion of a
carrying case according to an embodiment of the present
invention in which the lid is opened;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a step stool portion of
a carrying case according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a carrying
case according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a carrying case
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a top view of a bottom portion of a
carrying case according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are top views of a bottom
portion of a carrying case according to an embodiment of the
present invention including panels defining vertical
cavities in the carrying case;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair of
carrying cases concealed by a counter assembly and arranged
in front of a collapsible display wall; and
FIGS. 14A-14C are perspective, top, and exploded
perspective views of a lighting case according to an
embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description
A carrying case 21 according to a preferred
' 30 embodiment of the present invention is seen in FIG. 1. The
carrying case 21 includes a lower case portion 23 attachable
to an upper step stool portion 25. The carrying case is
preferably substantially square or rectangular and has a
front side 27 (FIG. 2), a right side 29 (FIG. 3), a rear
side 31 (FIG. 4), and a left side 33 (FIG. 5). The overall
dimensions of the carrying case are preferably no larger
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than the overall dimensions allowable for shipment by common
delivery services. The presently preferred overall
dimensions of the carrying case are approximately 16 in.
(41 cm. ) wide by approximately 16 in. (41 c:m. ) deep by
approximately 41.5 in. (105 cm.) high.
As seen in FIG. 5, the step stool. portion 25 is
removable from the case portion 23 to serve as a step stool
useful for such purposes as adjusting lights and display
graphics on conventional collapsible display walls such as
the display wall disclosed in U.S. Patent rJos. 4,512,097,
4,800,663, and 4,970,841. As seen in FIGS.. 6 and 7, the
step stool 25 preferably includes a substantially flat-
topped lid 35 attached by a hinge arrangement 36 to the left
side 33' of the step stool 25.
As seen in FIG. 7, the lid 35 covers a top
cavity 37 of the step stool 25 into which a left and a right
latch handle 39 and 41 extend through left and right
slots 43 and 45 through a bottom wall 47 of. the top cavity
from a lower cavity 49 of the step stool, seen in FIG. 8.
Left and right latch portions 51 and 53 are' attached to
inner left and right walls 55 and 57 of the' lower cavity 49
for latching with corresponding left and r~_ght latch
portions 59 and 61 attached to upper left and right edges 63
and 65 of walls defining a cavity 67 in the: case portion 23,
as seen in FIG. 9, to secure the case portion and the step
stool portion 25 together. A lock 69 is preferably provided
on the step stool 25 to lock the lid 35 in a closed position
over the top cavity 37. A latch (not shown) may also be
provided on the lid 35 for keeping the lid closed in
3fl situations where it may not be desired to 7_ock the lid.
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The step stool 25 is capable of ~~afely supporting
the weight of a person, and conforms with all applicable
regulations pertinent to step stools. Overhanging corners
of the lid 35 are reinforced with corner blocks 71 to
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prevent flexing of the lid. Except for hardware such as the
above-mentioned latches and locks, the step stool 25,
including the lid 35, is, like the case portion 23,
preferably formed from a sturdy plastic material, preferably
by a molding process. The step stool portion 25 is
preferably approximately 13.25 in. (34 cm.) high, which is
understood to be a sufficient height for a person standing
on the step stool portion to comfortably reach the top of an
eight foot high display wall. The step stool portion 25
may, of course, be any desired height, subject to
limitations imposed by the above-mentioned regulations.
As seen in FIG. 10, the case portion 23 is
preferably provided with wheels 73 mounted on axles 75
extending through holes 77 provided in ribs 79 on the bottom
wall 81 of the case portion. The wheels 73 facilitate easy
maneuvering of the carrying case 21. A portion 83 of at
least one of the axles 75 is preferably exposed to serve as
a handle for carrying the carrying case 21 horizontally,
such as when it is necessary to move the carrying case down
a flight of stairs. A collapsible handle 85, as seen, for
example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, is preferably provided on the
rear side 31 " of the case portion 23 to further facilitate
carrying the carrying case horizontally, or for pulling the
carrying case in its normal vertical condition. Additional
handles (not shown) may also be provided on other sides of
the carrying case 21. The wheels 73 are preferably
partially disposed in recesses 87 in the bottom wall 81 to
minimize the overall dimensions of the carrying case,
however, if desired, other types of wheels, such as caster-
type wheels adapted to pivot, may be provided.
A latch 89 is preferably provided on the upper
front side 27 " of the case portion 23, near the right side
29, and a latch 91 is preferably provided on the lower rear
side 31 " of the case portion, near the right side. A hasp
90 is preferably provided on the upper front side 27 " of
the case portion 23, near the left side 33, and a hasp 92 is
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preferably provided on the lower rear side 31 " of the case
portion, near the left side. The latches 89 and 91 mate
with or hitch onto hasps 90 and 92 on other ones of the
carrying cases and facilitate maneuvering multiple ones of
the carrying cases together.
When the step stool portion 25 and the case
portion 23 are attached to one another, the lower cavity 49
of the step stool portion and the cavity 67 of the case
portion, together, define a cavity of sufficient size to
contain a roll 68' of fabric (usually a carpet-like fabric)
for covering a collapsible framework, as well as several
bundles 68 " of collapsed framework, as seen in FIG. 9. As
seen in FIG. 11, the cavity 67 of the case portion 23
preferably includes a front and a rear arc-shaped wall
portion 93 and 95. Left and right wall portions 97 and 99
are also provided below the left and right latch portions 59
and 61 and are preferably rounded near the bottom wall 81 of
the case portion 23 and become substantially straight near
the upper left and right edges 63 and 65, respectively.
The front and rear wall portions 93 and 95 and the
left and right wall portions 97 and 99 define a
substantially circular central cavity 67' of the cavity 67
for receiving a roll 68' of fabric material for covering a
collapsible display wall. The substantially circular shape
of the central cavity 67' facilitates maintaining the shape
of the roll 68' of fabric and keeping the roll in position
during transport, as the roll will generally unravel to fill
the allowable space.
As seen, for example, in FIG. 12A, the front and
rear wall portions 93 and 95 and the left and right wall
portions 97 and 99 further preferably define four
substantially triangular corner cavities 67 " . Vertical '
grooves 101 are defined by the front and rear wall portions
93 and 95 and the left and right wall portions 97 and 99 for
receiving panels 103, seen in FIGS. 12A and 12C, for
isolating the triangular corner cavities 67 " from the
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central cavity 67'. The panels 103 further define the
substantially circular shape of the central cavity 67' and
further facilitate maintaining the fabric roll 68' in
position and maintaining the shape of the roll.
Moreover, the isolated corner cavities 67 "
provide spaces in the carrying case 21 for containing
bundles 68 " of collapsed framework in such a manner that
damage to the fabric roll 68' by the framework during
transport is avoided. Accordingly, where, ordinarily, three
packages may be necessary to safely ship a collapsible
display wall, two for framework bundles and other hardware
having a total weight in excess of the total weight
permitted for a single package, and one for the fabric roll,
it is possible, with the carrying case 21 according to the
present invention, to distribute the weight of the framework
bundles and hardware between two packages and place the
fabric roll or rolls in one or both packages. A fabric roll
68' packed in the same carrying case 21 with bundles 68 " of
framework is shown in FIG. 9.
The lower cavity 49 of the step stool portion 25
is preferably also provided with arced front and rear wall
portions 105 and 107. The front and rear wall portions 105
and 107 preferably define a larger diameter circular space
than the front and rear wall portions 93 and 95. The larger
diameter circular space simplifies the "blind" placement of
the lower cavity 49 of the step stool portion 25 over a
fabric roll in the central cavity 67', as the fabric roll
will have approximately the diameter of the central cavity
and will, therefore, be somewhat smaller in diameter than
the lower cavity of the step stool portion.
One or more pairs of vertical grooves 109 for
receiving opposite edges of one or more shelf panels 111,
seen in FIGS. 12B and 12C, are preferably also defined by
the front and rear wall portions 93 an 95 and by the left
and right wall portions 97 and 99 to define substantially
rectangular cavities 67 " '. The rectangular cavities or
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spaces 67 " ' are preferably larger than the corner spaces
67 " and are useful for packing equipment such as signs and
framework elements that do not conveniently fit in the
corner spaces. As seen in FIG. 12C, at least some of the
vertical grooves preferably function both as the vertical
grooves 101 for receiving the divider panels 103 and as the
vertical grooves 109 for receiving the shelf panels 111.
The case portion 23 is preferably approximately
30.25 in. (77 cm.) high. By providing the carrying case 21
with a detachable step stool portion 25 having an interior
cavity 49 for receiving equipment attached to such a case
portion 23, also having an interior cavity 67, a case having
a large total interior volume for packing large amounts of
equipment is provided. Further, the provision of a case
portion 23 having a relatively low top facilitates easy
access to the top of the case portion by persons of various
heights for purposes of putting a fabric roll or other
equipment into or taking the fabric roll ox other equipment
out of the cavity 67 in the case portion.
The carrying case 21 may be provided in any
desired shape, such as a cylindrical case. However, for
purposes of shipping, a substantially box-shaped carrying
case is preferred. The box shape reduces the tendency of
the carrying case to roll around and permits a larger
interior volume for the same height, width, and depth
dimensions of a cylindrical case.
While the carrying case 21 has thus far been
described in connection with the relatively specific
application of carrying a collapsible display wall, it will
be understood that the carrying case is useful for carrying '
a wide variety of equipment. The panels 103 or shelf panels
111 may be used to divide up the interior volume of the '
carrying case 21 to isolate any number of items from one
another. Further, the carrying case 21 may be used without
the panels 103 or shelf panels 111 to provide a single,
large volume for carrying larger equipment. Upon detaching
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the step stool portion 25 from the case portion 23, access
to the interior of the case portion is easily gained by
persons of almost all heights. Further, the step stool
portion 25 is useful as a step stool for many other
applications other than adjusting equipment at the top of a
display wall.
As seen in FIG. 13, the carrying case 21 is
further useful as a work surface, i.e., a table, or as a
support for a counter assembly 115. The carrying case 21 is
particularly useful in connection with a counter assembly
such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent Serial No. 5,402,738,
and U.S. Design Patent No. D 367,786, both filed
concurrently with the present application. In accordance
with a preferred embodiment, two adjacent carrying cases 21
and 21 form a pedestal over which the counter assembly 115
is formed. The counter assembly conceals t:he carrying cases
21 and 21 and provides an attractive work station to
complement a display wall 117. The counter assembly 115 may
be packed in the carrying cases 21 and 21 along with the
collapsible display wall 117. In addition to providing the
attractive workstation, use of the carrying cases 21 and 21
to support the counter assembly 115 avoids the need to have
drayage remove the carrying cases after the: display wall 117
has been erected.
As noted above, the carrying case 21 is useful for
carrying equipment other than or in addition to components
of a collapsible display wall. As seen, fc~r example, in
FIG. 11, the cavity 67 is preferably adapted to receive the
lighting case 68"', seen in FIGS. 14A-14C. As seen in
FIG. 11, the lighting case 68"' may, for example, be received
in a space defined by a fabric roll 68'. The lighting
case 68"' may also, of course, be shipped in the carrying
case 21 by itself.
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As seen in FIGS. 14A-14C, the lighting case 68 " '
includes a first and a second half 119 and 121. The first
and second halves 119 and 121 preferably each include a
central wall 123 and 125, respectively. The central walls
123 and 125 each include a series of ribs 127 defining
recesses 129 for receiving ribs on the opposite one of the
central walls. The first and second halves 119 and 121 are
preferably attached to one another by several patches of
hook 131 and pile 133 fastener material provided on the
central walls 123 and 125.
The lighting case 68 " ' is preferably hexagonal
when assembled. Holes 135 and 137 are preferably provided
in upper regions of the central walls 123 and 125 for
forming a carrying handle when the lighting case 68 " ' is
assembled. Panels 139, which are preferably removable,
define six substantially triangular vertical spaces 141 for
separate packing of equipment 143 such as lighting
equipment. The panels 139 preferably slope downwardly from
the outside of the lighting case 68 " ' to the central walls
123 and 125 to facilitate use of the handle formed by the
holes 135 and 137. The panels 139 are preferably held in
position inside the lighting case 68 " ' by interior corners
145 of the hexagonal case on one edge 147 of the panels and
by another edge 149 of another panel on the opposite edge of
the panels.
The lighting case 68 " ' is preferably manufactured
from a single, trapezoidal member (not shown) having the
general shape of the first and second halves 119 and 121.
The trapezoidal member is cut, usually in half, to form the
trapezoidal first and second halves. The trapezoidal member
may be provided with ribs, such as by being molded with
ribs, prior to being cut to form the halves, or the ribs may
be applied after cutting the trapezoidal member. In this
manner, it is possible to manufacture the lighting case
68 " ' as a molded member through the use of a single mold.
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While this invention has been illustrated and
described in accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is
recognized that variations and changes may be made therein
without departing from the invention as set forth in the
claims.
