Modular storage case

Abstract

A modular storage case is described, which is suitable for storage of a folded display stand. The storage case comprises a graphics storage case, and a frame storage case. The frame storage case has an external cross-section which is complementary to the shape of the graphics storage case. A storage case is also described, which is suitable for storage of a folded display stand, in which a reusable packing piece is provided for retaining equipment within the case. A packing piece is also described, for use in such a storage case.

1 . A modular storage case for storage of a folded display stand, comprising: 
 a graphics storage case, having a substantially cylindrical internal storage space;    a first frame storage case, having an external cross-section which is complementary to an external shape of the graphics storage case;    closure means for closing the graphics storage case and the frame storage case; and    fastening means for detachably fastening the graphics storage case to the frame storage case.    
     
     
         2 . A modular storage case according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second frame storage case, having an external cross-section which is complementary to the external shape of the graphics storage case; 
 further closure means for closing the second frame storage case, and    further fastening means for fastening the second frame storage case to the graphics storage case, at a location separated from the first frame storage case.    
     
     
         3 . A modular storage case according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the closure means incorporate the fastening means.  
     
     
         4 . A modular storage case according to  claim 3 , wherein the closure means comprises end pieces of suitable shapes for the graphics case and the frame case, and the fastening means takes the form of co-operating features of the respective end pieces.  
     
     
         5 . A modular storage case according to  claim 4 , wherein an end-piece for the graphics case comprises a cylindrical, and/or truncated conical, boss on its internal surface, for retaining stored graphics, at least part of the external surface of the end-piece comprising a cavity corresponding to at least part of the boss.  
     
     
         6 . A modular storage case according to  claim 5 , wherein the end-piece for the frame storage case comprises an overlap portion, not required for closing the frame storage case; the overlap portion being sized to overlap at least part of the cavity of the end-piece of the graphics case when the cases are placed together, and the overlap portion also comprising a retaining lug suitably dimensioned to locate within the cavity, when the cases are placed together, thereby to engage the cases to each other.  
     
     
         7 . A modular storage case according to  claim 6  wherein upper end pieces are dimensioned such that the overlap portion has a thickness substantially equal to the depth of a recess of corresponding shape located in the graphics case end-piece, whereby the two end-pieces, when engaged, form a substantially flat upper surface.  
     
     
         8 . A modular storage case according to  claim 6  or  claim 7 , wherein similar arrangements of end-pieces, cavities, overlap portions and retaining lugs are provided at corresponding upper and lower ends of the graphics case and the frame case.  
     
     
         9 . A modular storage case according to any of claims  1 - 8  wherein the closure means are lids attachable to the respective cases.  
     
     
         10 . A modular storage case according to any of claims  1 - 8  wherein the closure means are moulded features, moulded unitarily with at least part of the respective case.  
     
     
         11 . A modular storage case according to any of claims  1 - 8  wherein the closure means comprise at least one lid attachable to one of the graphics case and the frame case, and at least one moulded features, moulded unitarily with at least part of the respective frame case or graphics case.  
     
     
         12 . A modular storage case according to any preceding claim wherein the lower end piece of at least one of the frame case and the graphics case, when assembled, carries wheels for transporting the case.  
     
     
         13 . A modular storage case according to any preceding claim wherein the graphics case has a substantially cylindrical outer surface.  
     
     
         14 . A modular storage case according to  claim 13  wherein the frame storage case is substantially cylindrical, having a parallel, part cylindrical recess to complement the cylindrical outer surface of the graphics case.  
     
     
         15 . A modular storage case according to  claim 13  wherein the frame storage case is shaped to have a recess to complement the cylindrical outer surface of the graphics case, and also shaped such that the frame storage case and the graphics storage case, when engaged, form a structure with a circumferential outer wall surface which is substantially smooth.  
     
     
         16 . A modular storage case as claimed in  claim 15  wherein, in cross section the perimeter of the outer wall surface describes an oval or ovoid shape, or comprises two substantially semi-circular rounded parts joined by substantially straight sides.  
     
     
         17 . A modular storage case according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame case and/or the graphics case is provided with at least one reusable packing piece for retaining equipment within the case.  
     
     
         18 . A storage case for storage of a folded display stand, comprising at least one reusable packing piece for retaining equipment within the case.  
     
     
         19 . A reusable packing piece for use in retaining equipment within a case for storage of a folded display stand, wherein the packing piece comprises at least one cut-out and/or recess for retaining the equipment, when the equipment and the packing piece are located within the case.  
     
     
         20 . A reusable packing piece according to  claim 19 , wherein the packing piece comprises at least one cut-out for retaining parts of the equipment, and at least one recess for retaining further parts of the equipment, when the equipment and the packing piece are located within the case.  
     
     
         21 . A reusable packing piece according to  claim 19  or  20  wherein the packing piece is constructed from a compressible material, and, in its uncompressed state, has at least one diameter which is greater than a corresponding internal diameter of the case, whereby the packing piece may be compressed into engagement with an internal surface of the case.  
     
     
         22 . A reusable packing piece according to any of claims  19 - 21  for restraining equipment within a roll of graphics, the packing piece having an essentially cylindrical shape, with at least one cut-out provided therethrough.  
     
     
         23 . A reusable packing piece according to  claim 22  wherein the packing piece is constructed from a compressible material, and, in its uncompressed state, has at least one diameter which is greater than a corresponding internal diameter of roll of graphics, whereby the packing piece may be compressed into engagement with an internal surface of the roll of graphics.  
     
     
         24 . A reusable packing piece according to  claim 23  which is made of polyurethane foam or polyvinyl chloride foam or other plastics foam.  
     
     
         25 . A reusable packing piece according to any of claims  19 - 24  comprising at least one cut-out forming a handle for manipulation of the packing piece.  
     
     
         26 . A storage case according to  claim 17  or  claim 18  comprising a reusable packing piece according to any of claims  19 - 25 .  
     
     
         27 . A modular storage system comprising a modular storage case according to any preceding claim, together with one or more further graphics storage case, the graphics storage cases being interchangeably fastenable to the frame storage case.