Support Stands

Abstract

Support stands are described. An example embodiment of a support stand is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration. The support stand has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wall first height. Each of the second wall and third wall is moveably attached to the first wall. Each of the second wall and the third wall has a first height that is less than the first wall first height and a second height that is greater than the first wall first height. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of an element that is placed on the support stand.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/552,484, filed on Aug. 31, 2017. The entire contents of this related application are hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to the field of stands. More particularly, the disclosure relates to support stands.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When using a personal computing device, such as a laptop or tablet, a user generally places the device flat on a table top or holds it in an upright position. Both options, however, have drawbacks and can impart strain on the user's body. For example, when placing a laptop on a table top, the laptop is generally below a user's eye level and requires the user to manipulate the position of his or her body to properly use the laptop and view any information displayed on a screen of the laptop. Alternatively, when a device is being held in an upright position, at least one of the user's hands is occupied with holding the device making it difficult to interact with the device. Various stands have been developed that receive electronic devices and position them relative to a user. However, these stands generally have complicated structures that require the assembly of various components before use and fail to provide adequate positioning of the electronic device relative to the user. In addition, these stands are bulky and cannot be stored in a compact configuration.

[0004] A need exists, therefore, for new and useful support stands.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0005] Various support stands are described herein.

[0006] An example support stand for supporting an element is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration. The support stand includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wall first height. The second wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The second wall has a second wall first height and a second wall second height. The second wall first height is less than the first wall first height and the second wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The third wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when the support stand is in the first, assembled configuration. The third wall has a third wall first height and a third wall second height. The third wall first height is less than the first wall first height and the third wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of the element when it is placed on the support stand.

[0007] Another example support stand for supporting an element is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration. The support stand includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wall first height and a first wall length. The second wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The second wall has a second wall first height, a second wall second height, and a second wall length. The second wall first height is less than the first wall first height. The second wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The second wall length is less than the first wall length such that the second wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand in the third, folded configuration. The third wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when the support stand is in the first, assembled configuration. The third wall has a third wall first height, a third wall second height, and a third wall length. The third wall first height is less than the first wall first height. The third wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The third wall length is less than the first wall length such that the third wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand in the third, folded configuration. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of the element when it is placed on the support stand. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.

[0008] Another example support stand for supporting an element is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration. The support stand includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wall first height and a first wall length. The first wall first height extends along a portion of the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first wall length. The second wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The second wall has a second wall first height, a second wall second height, a second wall length, and defines a slot. The second wall first height is less than the first wall first height. The second wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The second wall length is less than the first wall length such that the second wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand in the third, folded configuration. The third wall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when the support stand is in the first, assembled configuration. The third wall has a third wall first height, a third wall second height, a third wall length, and defines a projection. The projection is sized and configured to be received in the slot such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when the support stand is in said first, assembled configuration. The third wall first height is less than the first wall first height. The third wall second height is greater than the first wall first height. The third wall length is less than the first wall length such that the third wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand in the third, folded configuration. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of the element when it is placed on the support stand. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.

[0009] Additional understanding of the example support stands can be obtained by review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example support stand in the first, assembled configuration.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in the third, folded configuration.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in the third, folded configuration.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second example support stand in the first, assembled configuration.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 6 in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third example support stand in the first, assembled configuration.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 8 in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example support stand in the first, assembled configuration.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 10 in the second, disassembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various example embodiments of support stands. The description and illustration of these examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use a support stand. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

[0022] FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a first example support stand 10. The support stand 10 is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, a second, disassembled configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a third, folded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The support stand 10 has a first wall 12, a second wall 14, and a third wall 16.

[0023] The first wall 12 has a first wall first end 20, a first wall second end 22, a first wall length 23, a first wall third end 24, a first wall fourth end 26, a first wall first height 27, a first wall outer surface 28, a first wall inner surface 30, and a first wall thickness 31. The first wall length 23 extends from the first wall first end 20 to the first wall second end 22 and is greater than the first wall first height 27 and the first wall thickness 31. The first wall first height 27 extends from the first wall third end 24 to the first wall fourth end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall first height 27 is about 4.75 inches. The first wall thickness 31 extends from the first wall outer surface 28 to the first wall inner surface 30.

[0024] While the first wall length 23 has been illustrated as being greater than the first wall first height 27 and the first wall thickness 31, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in which a wall length is greater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, a wall thickness, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. It is considered advantageous for the first wall first height 27 to be greater than, less than, equal to, or about 4.75 inches such that an element positioned on the support stand 10, as described in more detail herein, is positioned closer to the eye level of the user relative to other stands and prevents the user from having to bend over the element during use, which can improve posture.

[0025] The second wall 14 is attached to the first wall 12, is moveable relative to the first wall 12 when the support stand 10 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the third wall 16 in the first, assembled configuration. The second wall 14 has a second wall first end 34, a second wall second end 36, a second wall length 37, a second wall third end 38, a second wall fourth end 40, a second wall first height 39, a second wall second height 41, a second wall outer surface 42, a second wall inner surface 44, a second wall thickness 45, and defines a slot 46.

[0026] The second wall length 37 extends from the second wall first end 34 to the second wall second end 36 and is less than the first wall length 23, greater than the second wall first height 39, greater than the second wall thickness 45, and less than the second wall second height 41. It is considered advantageous for the second wall length 37 to be less than the first wall length 23 at least because it provides a mechanism for folding the second wall 14 relative to the first wall 12 to position the support stand 10 in the third, folded configuration. Each of the second wall first height 39 and the second wall second height 41 extends from the second wall third end 38 to the second wall fourth end 40. The second wall first height 39 is disposed at the second wall first end 34 and is less than the second wall second height 41 and less than the first wall first height 27. The second wall second height 41 is disposed at the second wall second end 36 and is greater than the second wall first height 39 and greater than the first wall first height 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the second wall 14 tapers from the second wall second end 36 to the second wall first end 34. The second wall thickness 45 extends from the second wall outer surface 42 to the second wall inner surface 44.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 46 extends through the second wall thickness 45 and from the second wall outer surface 42 to the second wall inner surface 44. The slot 46 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the projection 62 defined by the third wall 16, as described in more detail herein.

[0028] While the second wall length 37 has been illustrated as being less than the first wall length 23, greater than the second wall first height 39, greater than the second wall thickness 45, and less than the second wall second height 41, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in which a wall length is greater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, a wall thickness, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a second wall length can be greater than a first wall length in embodiments in which a third wall is disposed between the first wall and the second wall when the support stand is in the third, folded configuration. It is considered advantageous for the second wall 14 to have a second wall first height 39 that is less than the second wall second height 41 and less than the first wall first height 27, a second wall second height 41 that is greater than the second wall first height 39 and greater than the first wall first height 27, and a second wall height that tapers from the second wall second end 36 to the second wall first end 34 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an element on a platform 64, as described in more detail herein, and prevents movement of the element during use.

[0029] The third wall 16 is attached to the first wall 12, is moveable relative to the first wall 12 when the support stand 10 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the second wall 14 in the first, assembled configuration. The third wall 16 has a third wall first end 50, a third wall second end 52, a third wall length 53, a third wall third end 54, a third wall fourth end 56, a third wall first height 55, a third wall second height 57, a third wall outer surface 58, a third wall inner surface 60, a third wall thickness 61, and defines a projection 62.

[0030] The third wall length 53 extends from the third wall first end 50 to the third wall second end 52 and is less than the first wall length 23, greater than the third wall first height 55, greater than the third wall thickness 61, and less than the third wall second height 57. It is considered advantageous for the third wall length 53 to be less than the first wall length 23 at least because it provides a mechanism for folding the third wall 16 relative to the first wall 12 to position the support stand 10 is in the third, folded configuration. Each of the third wall first height 55 and the third wall second height 57 extends from the third wall third end 54 to the third wall fourth end 56. The third wall first height 55 is disposed at the third wall first end 50 and is less than the third wall second height 57 and less than the first wall first height 27. The third wall second height 57 is disposed at the third wall second end 52 and is greater than the first wall first height 27 and greater than the third wall first height 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the third wall 16 tapers from the third wall second end 52 to the third wall first end 50. The third wall thickness 61 extends from the third wall outer surface 58 to the third wall inner surface 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 are equal to one another and are configured such that when an element is in an opened configuration (e.g., the maximum angle of a display relative to a keyboard is achieved, the element is completely opened) and positioned on the support stand 10 in the assembled configuration, a portion of the element (e.g., the display) is vertical.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 62 extends from the third wall second end 52 and is sized and configured to be received within slot 46 defined by the second wall 14 such that the third wall 16 can be releasably attached to the second wall 14 when the support stand 10 is in the first, assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the third wall 16 is free of attachment to the second wall 14 when the support stand 10 is in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0032] While the third wall length 53 has been illustrated as being less than the first wall length 23, greater than the third wall first height 55, greater than the third wall thickness 61, and less than the third wall second height 57, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in which a wall length is greater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, a wall thickness, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a third wall length can be greater than a first wall length in embodiments in which a second wall is disposed between the first wall and the third wall when the support stand is in the third, folded configuration. It is considered advantageous for the third wall 16 to have a third wall first height 55 that is less than the third wall second height 57 and less than the first wall first height 27, a third wall second height 57 that is greater than the third wall first height 55 and greater than the first wall first height 27, and a third wall height that tapers from the third wall second end 52 to the third wall first end 50 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an element on the platform 64, as described in more detail herein, and prevents movement of the element during use.

[0033] In use, the support stand 10 is moveable between the various configurations shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 by manipulating the positons of the second and third walls 14, 16 relative to the first wall 12. For example, to move the support stand 10 from the first, assembled configuration to the second, unassembled configuration, the projection 62 is withdrawn from the slot 46, the third wall 16 is advanced away from the second wall 14, and each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 are moved relative to the first wall 12 (e.g., such that the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 is coplanar with the first wall 12). To move the support stand 10 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, one of the second wall 14 or third wall 16 is positioned between the first wall 12 and the other of the second wall 14 or third wall 16. For example, the second wall 14 is advanced toward the first wall 12 until the second wall 14 contacts the first wall 12 and, subsequently, the third wall 16 is advanced toward the second wall 14 such that the third wall 16 contacts the second wall 14 and the second wall 14 is disposed between the first wall 12 and the third wall 16. Alternatively, to move the support stand 10 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, the third wall 16 is advanced toward the first wall 12 until the third wall 16 contacts the first wall 12 and, subsequently, the second wall 14 is advanced toward the third wall 16 such that the second wall 16 contacts the third wall 16 and the third wall 16 is disposed between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14. To move the support stand 10 from the second, unassembled configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 16 is advanced toward the second wall 14 and the projection 62 is positioned within the slot 46 such that the second wall 14 is releasably attached to the third wall 16. To move the support stand 10 from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 16 is advanced away from the second wall 14, the second wall 14 is advanced away from the first wall 12, and the projection 62 is positioned within the slot 46 such that the second wall 14 is releasably attached to the third wall 16. Alternatively, to move the support stand 10 from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the second wall 14 is advanced away from the third wall 16, the third wall 16 is advanced away from the first wall 12, and the projection 62 is positioned within the slot 46 such that the second wall 14 is releasable attached to the third wall 16.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 10 is formed of a single continuous piece of corrugated material such that each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 is directly attached to the first wall 12 and a first folding line 66 is defined between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 and a second folding line 68 is defined between the first wall 12 and the third wall 16. When the support stand 10 is in the first, assembled configuration, the first wall 12, the second wall 14, and the third wall 16 cooperatively define the platform 64 that supports the position of an element that is placed on the platform 64 (e.g., the support stand 10 is adapted to support an element, the platform 64 is sized and configured to support the position of an element when placed on the support stand 10). In addition, when the support stand 10 is in the first, assembled configuration, the first wall 12, the second wall 14, and the third wall 16 cooperatively define a chamber 65 that is sized and configured to house various ancillary devices, such as those used with an element that is positioned on platform 64. Examples of ancillary devices that can be housed within chamber 65 include chargers, batteries, input/output devices, power cords, storage devices, and any other devices considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Optionally, one or more walls of a support stand (e.g., second wall, third wall) can define one or more passageways (e.g., through the thickness of the wall), or notches (e.g., along an end of the wall), that are sized and configured to receive a portion of an ancillary device, such as a power cord.

[0035] Each of the first wall 12, the second wall 14, and the third wall 16 is sized and configured to interact with and contact an element positioned on the platform 64. For example, when an element is placed on the support stand 10, the element will contact the first wall inner surface 30 along the portion of the first wall 12 that extends beyond the second wall first height 39 and the third wall first height 55. This structural configuration of the support stand 10 defines a ridge 67 that prevents movement of the element during use. In addition, the element will contact the second wall third end 38 and the third wall third end 54. Since each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 has a tapered configuration, when the element is positioned on the platform 64 it is disposed at an incline that extends upwardly and away from a user during use. Depending on the material forming a support stand and the structural arrangement of a first wall relative to a second wall and a third wall, a platform cooperatively defined by a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall can be sized and configured to support any suitable element. Selection of a suitable element to position on a platform defined by a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of a support stand. Examples of elements considered suitable to position on a support stand include an electronic device, a laptop computer system, a mobile device, a hand-held device, a personal digital assistant (PDA) system, a tablet, and any other element considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0036] The inclusion of a second wall length 37 and a third wall length 53 that are less than a first wall length 23 is considered advantageous at least because it allows for the support stand 10 to be collapsible and moved from the first, assembled configuration to the third, folded configuration and placed into a compact storage area, such as a three-ring binder. In addition, it is considered advantageous to include a first wall 12 that has a first wall first height 27 that extends along the entire first wall length 23, is greater than the second wall first height 39, is greater than the third wall first height 55, and that is the front most structure on the support stand 10 such that any element positioned on the platform 64 is prevented from sliding off the support stand 10 and from interfering with a user during use. Alternative embodiments, however, can include a first wall that has a first wall first height that extends along a portion of a first wall length, a majority of a first wall length, or a minority of a first wall length, and that is greater than a second wall first height and a third wall first height to provide structure that prevents an element positioned on a platform from sliding off the support stand during use.

[0037] While the support stand 10 has been illustrated as including a first wall 12, a second wall 14, and a third wall 16, a support stand can include any suitable number of walls and selection of a suitable number of walls to include in a support stand can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of numbers of walls considered suitable to include in a support stand include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. While the support stand 10 has been illustrated as being formed of a single continuous piece of corrugated material, a support stand can be formed of any suitable number of pieces of material and each piece can be formed of any suitable material. Selection of a suitable number of pieces of material to form a support stand and of a suitable material to form each piece can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be supported by a support stand. Examples of numbers of pieces of material considered suitable to form a support stand include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, each wall included in a support stand can comprise a separate piece of material that is moveably attached to another piece of material of the support stand. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a piece, a subset of pieces, or each piece of material of a support stand include plastics, rubbers, wood, bamboo, composite materials, corrugated materials, such as cardboards, hollow corrugated paneling, plastic or foam core aluminum paneling, cloth covered cardboards (e.g., such as book covers), plastic corrugated materials (e.g., Coroplast), lightweight materials, composition paneling, impregnated paneling, foam core board (e.g., Gator Board), expanded PVC paneling (e.g., Celtec, Sintra), plastic paneling (e.g., Nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin), elastomeric materials (e.g., PORON), metals, such as titanium, aluminum, any material used for signage, or other lightweight enclosures, combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. A support stand can have any dimensions considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a support stand can include a height and width along the front of the support stand, in an assembled configuration, that are equal to, less than, slightly less than, or greater than, the height and width of an element intended to be positioned on the support stand.

[0038] While a slot 46 has been illustrated as being defined by the second wall 14 and a projection 62 has been illustrated as being defined by the third wall 16 as providing releasable attachment between the second wall 14 and the third wall 16, any suitable technique or method of providing releasable attachment between two walls can be utilized. Selection of a suitable technique or method to provide releasable attachment between two walls of a support stand can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the support stand, or a portion of the support stand. Examples of techniques and methods of providing releasable attachment between two walls of a support stand include defining a slot on one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and defining a projection on another wall (e.g., third wall, second wall) that is sized and configured to be received by the slot, using a clip, or pin, that is separate element and sized and configured to be received by a first recess defined by one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and by a second recess defined by another wall (e.g., second wall, third wall), using one or more clasps, using one or more fasteners, such as a first magnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and a second magnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, another wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) that is sized and configured to attract the first magnet to provide releasable attachment between the walls, such as a first hook and loop fastener attached to one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and a second hook and loop fastener attached to another wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) that is sized and configured to mate with the first hook and loop fastener to provide releasable attachment between the walls, using one or more lengths of an elongate member (e.g., rope, string) that are passed through one or more passageways defined by two walls, using an elongate member (e.g., rope, string) attached to a wall and a button attached to another wall, snap-fit configurations, using buttons, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Any of the techniques or methods of attachment described herein can be included along a portion, or the entirety, of the height of a wall to achieve releasable attachment. For example, a wall can define a portion that is moveable relative to the wall that includes a first fastener (e.g., hook and loop, first magnet) and the portion can be positioned parallel to a second wall that includes a second fastener (e.g., hook and loop, first magnet) that is sized and configured to attract the first magnet to provide releasable attachment between the portion of the wall and the second wall. The portion of the wall can be positioned on an outer surface and/or an inner surface of the second wall depending on the placement of the second fastener.

[0039] While the first wall 12 has been illustrated as being substantially a rectangular prism, each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 has been illustrated as being substantially a trapezoidal prism, and the second wall 14 has been illustrated as having the same structural arrangement as the third wall 16, a wall included on a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a wall included on a support stand can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be supported by the support stand. Examples of structural configurations considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those that are substantially, or entirely, square prisms, rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, oblique prisms, walls that are planar, walls that are curved along a portion, or the entirety, of its length, walls that have planar ends, walls that are curved along a portion, or the entirety, of its end, structural arrangements that are the same as, or different from, another wall included in a support stand, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Optionally, any of the walls of a support stand can include customized graphics on the outer surfaces and/or inner surfaces to provide a mechanism to publicly display a message.

[0040] While each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 has been illustrated as being directly attached to the first wall 12 such that the first folding line 66 is defined between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 and the second folding line 68 is defined between the first wall 12 and the third wall 16, a second wall can be moveably attached to a first wall and a third wall can be moveably attached to a first wall using any suitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment to utilize between a second wall and a first wall and between a third wall and a first wall can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of a support stand. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between a second wall and a first wall and between a third wall and a first wall include direct attachments, such as using a single continuous piece of material, living hinges, indirect attachments, such as using hinged attachments (e.g., pins, hinges), rings, magnets, cloths, rubber, cords, wires, leather, molded plastic, shaped metal, any device or element that provides movement of one or more walls relative to another wall, as described herein, and any other technique or method of attachment considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In embodiments in which a support frame is formed of a single continuous piece of material, the material that forms the support frame can be scored at one or more locations (e.g., where folding lines are illustrated herein) to provide movement between the walls of the support frame. For example, the material that forms a support wall can be scored one, two, three, or four times (e.g., two times at a location between the first wall and the second wall (e.g., along the length of the second wall that has a height less than the height of the first wall) and two times between the first wall and the third wall (e.g., along the length of the third wall that has a height less than the height of the first wall)) such that movement between the walls can be accomplished. Depending on the material that forms a support wall, a corner between a first wall and a second wall and/or a corner between a first wall and a third wall can be rounded, include a hard edge, or be multifaceted.

[0041] Embodiments of the support stands described herein are considered advantageous at least because they elevate an element placed on the support stand relative to a user. In addition, since the base of most elements (e.g., keyboard portion of laptop, base of laptop) are heavier than a display portion of the elements, the embodiments of the support stands described herein keep the center of gravity low relative to devices that do not include the configurations described herein, which enhances stability and reduces the likelihood that the element will fall.

[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another example support stand 110. The support stand 110 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 110 has a first wall 112, a second wall 114, and a third wall 116.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 112 has a first wall first portion 170, a first wall second portion 172, and a first wall third portion 174. The first wall first portion 170 extends from the first wall first end 120 to the first wall second portion 172. The first wall second portion 172 is disposed between the first wall first portion 170 and the first wall third portion 174 and extends from the first wall first portion 170 to the first wall third portion 174. The first wall second portion 172 is sized and configured to interact with and contact an element positioned on the platform 164. The first wall third portion 174 extends from the first wall second portion 172 to the first wall second end 122. The first wall first portion 170 has a first wall first height 171, the first wall second portion 172 has a first wall second height 173, and the first wall third portion 174 has a first wall third height 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall first height 171 is less than the first wall second height 173 and the first wall third height 175 is less than the first wall second height 173. The first wall first portion 170 has a first wall first length 177, the first wall second portion 172 has a first wall second length 179, and the first wall third portion 174 has a first wall third length 181. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall first length 177 is less than the first wall second length 179 and the first wall third length 181 is less than the first wall second length 179. The first wall second length 179 is greater than one half of the first wall length 123. This structural arrangement provides a mechanism for positioning an element on the platform 164 and maintaining the position of the element such that it is prevented from sliding off the support stand 110 during use.

[0044] While the first wall 112 has been illustrated as having a first wall first portion 170, a first wall second portion 172, and a first wall third portion 174, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable number of portions having any suitable height and length. Selection of a suitable number of portions for a wall of a support stand to include and of a suitable height and length for each portion can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on a platform defined by the support stand. Examples of numbers of portions considered suitable to include on a wall include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of heights considered suitable for a portion included on a wall include a height that is equal to, greater than, or less than the height of another portion of the wall, an adjacent portion of the wall, and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of lengths considered suitable for a portion included on a wall include a length that is equal to, greater than, or less than the length of another portion of the wall, an adjacent portion of the wall, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0045] While the first wall second length 179 has been illustrated as being greater than one half of the first wall length 123, a first wall second length (e.g., the portion intended to interact with and/or contact an element positioned on a platform defined by a support stand) can be any suitable length and selection of a suitable length can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on a platform defined by the support stand. Examples of lengths considered suitable for a first wall second portion (e.g., the portion intended to interact with and/or contact an element positioned on a platform defined by a support stand) include lengths that are greater than, less than, or equal to, a first wall length, less than one half of the first wall length, one half of a first wall length, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 114 is hingedly attached to the first wall 112 using second wall pin 182, is moveable relative to the first wall 112 when the support stand 110 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the third wall 116 in the first, assembled configuration using a second wall magnet 184. The second wall first height 139 is disposed at the second wall first end 134 and is less than the second wall second height 141, equal to the first wall first height 171, and less than the first wall second height 173. The second wall second height 141 is disposed at the second wall second end 136 and is greater than the second wall first height 139, greater than the first wall first height 171, and greater than the first wall second height 173. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the second wall 114 tapers from the second wall second end 136 to the second wall first end 134 and has a different slope than the second wall 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall pin 182 is partially disposed within the first wall thickness 131 and partially disposed within the second wall thickness 145 such that movement between the second wall 114 and the first wall 112 can be achieved. The second wall magnet 184 is disposed within the second wall thickness 145 and is sized and configured to attract the third wall magnet 188, as described in more detail herein, to provide releasable attachment between the second wall 114 and the third wall 116 when the support stand 110 is in the first, assembled configuration.

[0048] While the second wall first height 139 has been illustrated as being equal to the first wall first height 171 and less than the first wall second height 173, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in which a second wall first height is greater than, less than, or equal to, a first wall first height, a first wall second height, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. It is considered advantageous for the second wall 114 to have a second wall first height 139 that is less than the second wall second height 141 and less than the first wall second height 173, a second wall second height 141 that is greater than the second wall first height 139 and greater than the first wall first height 171, and a second wall height that tapers from the second wall second end 136 to the second wall first end 134 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an element disposed on the platform 164 and prevents movement of the element during use.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall 116 is hingedly attached to the first wall 112 using third wall pin 186, is moveable relative to the first wall 112 when the support stand 110 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the second wall 114 in the first, assembled configuration using a third wall magnet 188. The third wall first height 155 is disposed at the third wall first end 150 and is less than the third wall second height 157, equal to the first wall first height 171, and less than the first wall second height 173. The third wall second height 157 is disposed at the third wall second end 152 and is greater than the third wall first height 155, greater than the first wall first height 171, and greater than the first wall second height 173. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the third wall 116 tapers from the third wall second end 152 to the third wall first end 150 and has a different slope than the third wall 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall pin 186 is partially disposed within the first wall thickness 131 and partially disposed within the third wall thickness 161 such that movement between the third wall 116 and the first wall 112 can be achieved. The third wall magnet 188 is disposed within the third wall thickness 161 and is sized and configured to attract the second wall magnet 184 to provide releasable attachment between the second wall 114 and the third wall 116.

[0051] While the third wall first height 155 has been illustrated as being equal to the first wall first height 171 and less than the first wall second height 173, a wall included in a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in which a third wall first height is greater than, less than, or equal to, a first wall first height, a first wall second height, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. It is considered advantageous for the third wall 116 to have a third wall first height 155 that is less than the third wall second height 157 and less than the first wall second height 173, a third wall second height 157 that is greater than the third wall first height 155 and greater than the first wall first height 171, and a third wall height that tapers from the third wall second end 152 to the third wall first end 150 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an element disposed on the platform 164 and prevents movement of the element during use.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first wall 112, the second wall 114, and the third wall 116 includes non-slip liners 190. A first non-slip liner 190 is attached to the first wall third end 124, a second non-slip liner 190 is attached to the first wall fourth end 126, a third non-slip liner 190 is attached to the second wall third end 138, a fourth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the second wall fourth end 140, a fifth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the third wall third end 154, and a sixth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the third wall fourth end 156. It is considered advantageous to include a non-slip liner on one or more ends of a wall of a support stand at least to prevent slippage of an element positioned on a platform of the support stand and/or to prevent slippage of the support stand relative to the surface on which it is disposed.

[0053] While a non-slip liner 190 has been illustrated as being attached to each of the first wall third end 124, the first wall fourth end 126, the second wall third end 138, the second wall fourth end 140, the third wall third end 154, and the third wall fourth end 156, a non-slip liner, or any other structure, can be included on any suitable number of walls and on any suitable number of ends of each wall. Selection of a suitable number of walls to include a non-slip liner, or any other structure, such as a binder (e.g., plastic, includes structure similar to non-slip liner but does not include non-slip quality), and of a suitable number of ends on each wall to include a non-slip liner, or other structure, can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type of surface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examples of numbers of walls considered suitable to attach a non-slip liner, or other structure, include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, a set of walls included in a support stand, each wall included in a support stand, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of numbers of ends of a wall considered suitable to attach a non-slip liner, or other structure, include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, a set of ends of a wall included in a support stand, each end of a wall, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0054] Any suitable material can be used as a non-slip liner included on a support stand to prevent slippage of an element positioned on a platform defined by the support stand and/or prevent slippage of the support stand relative to the surface on which the support stand is disposed and selection of a suitable material can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type of surface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examples of materials considered suitable to utilize as a non-slip liner include plastics, polymers, elastomeric materials (e.g., PORON), foams, paints, adhesives, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. A non-slip liner included on a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangement and be attached to a wall of a support stand using any suitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a non-slip liner and of a suitable technique or method of attachment between a non-slip liner and a wall of a support stand can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type of surface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examples of structural arrangements of non-slip liners considered suitable to include on a support stand include elongate members that define a track that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a wall, flexible members that are sized and configured to form to the structural configuration of a portion of a wall, liquids that are configured to form to the structural configuration of a portion of a wall, and any other structural configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between a wall and a non-slip liner include snap-fit attachments, friction-fit attachments, using adhesives, using one or more fasteners, using one or more hook and loop fasteners, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. It is considered advantageous to include a non-slip liner at least because it prevents damage, such as scratching, to an element positioned on a platform of a support stand and/or injury to a user during use.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the first wall third end 124, the third non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the second wall third end 138, and the fifth non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the third wall third end 154 is a foam material that is sized and configured to form to the structural arrangement of the wall and is adhesively attached to the wall. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the second non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the first wall fourth end 126, the fourth non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the second wall fourth end 140, and the sixth non-slip liner 190 that is attached to the third wall fourth end 156 is a rigid plastic material that defines a track that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the wall and is friction fit to the wall.

[0056] While each of the non-slip liners 190 has been illustrated as extending along the entire length of the end to which it is attached, a non-slip liner can be attached to any suitable length of an end of a wall and selection of a suitable length to attached a non-slip liner can be based on various considerations, including the type of element intended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type of surface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examples of lengths considered suitable to attach a non-slip liner include lengths that are equal to or less than the length of an end of a wall to which the non-slip liner is attached, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0057] In use, the support stand 110 is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, a second, unassembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, and a third, folded configuration by manipulating the positons of the second and third walls 114, 116 relative to the first wall 112. For example, to move the support stand 110 from the first, assembled configuration to the second, unassembled configuration, the magnets 184, 188 are advanced away from one another such that the second wall 114 and the third wall 116 are no longer releasably attached to one another (e.g., the second wall 114 and the third wall 116 are free of attachment to one another). To move the support stand 110 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, the walls can be manipulated as described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 5. To move the support stand 110 from the second, unassembled configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the magnets 184, 188 are advanced toward one another until releasable attachment between the magnets 184, 188 and the walls 114, 166 is accomplished. To move the support stand from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 116 is advanced away from the second wall 114, the second wall 114 is advanced away from the first wall 112, and the magnets 184, 188 are advanced toward one another until releasable attachment between the magnets 184, 188 and the walls 114, 166 is accomplished. Alternatively, to move the support stand from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the second wall 114 is advanced away from the third wall 116, the third wall 116 is advanced away from the first wall 112, and the magnets 184, 188 are advanced toward one another until releasable attachment between the magnets 184, 188 and the walls 114, 166 is accomplished.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 110 is formed of three separate pieces of corrugated material such that that first wall 112 comprises a first piece of material, the second wall 114 comprises a second piece of material, and the third wall 116 comprises a third piece of material. As described above, the first wall 112 is hingedly attached to the second wall 114 using the second wall pin 182 and the first wall 112 is hingedly attached to the third wall 116 using the third wall pin 186. When the support stand 110 is in the first, assembled configuration, the first wall 112, the second wall 114, and the third wall 116 cooperatively define a platform 164 that is sized and configured to support the position of an element that is placed on the platform 164. A wall pin included in a support stand can be formed of any suitable material capable of providing movement between one or more walls, as described herein, such as wood, metal, plastic, wire, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0059] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another example support stand 210. The support stand 210 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 has a first wall 212, a second wall 214, a third wall 216, a fourth wall 270, and a fifth wall 272.

[0060] The first wall 212 has a first wall first end 220, a first wall second end 222, a first wall length 223, a first wall third end 224, a first wall fourth end 226, a first wall first height 227, a first wall outer surface 228, a first wall inner surface 230, and a first wall thickness 231. The first wall length 223 extends from the first wall first end 220 to the first wall second end 222 and is greater than the first wall first height 227 and the first wall thickness 231. The first wall first height 227 extends from the first wall third end 224 to the first wall fourth end 226. The first wall thickness 231 extends from the first wall outer surface 228 to the first wall inner surface 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 212 is substantially a rectangular prism.

[0061] The second wall 214 is attached to the first wall 212, is moveable relative to the first wall 212 when the support stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the fifth wall 272 in the third, folded configuration, as described in more detail herein. The second wall 214 has a second wall first end 234, a second wall second end 236, a second wall length 237, a second wall third end 238, a second wall fourth end 240, a second wall first height 239, a second wall second height 241, a second wall outer surface 242, a second wall inner surface 244, and a second wall thickness 245.

[0062] The second wall length 237 extends from the second wall first end 234 to the second wall second end 236 and is less than the first wall length 223, greater than the second wall first height 239, greater than the second wall thickness 245, and less than the second wall second height 241. Each of the second wall first height 239 and the second wall second height 241 extends from the second wall third end 238 to the second wall fourth end 240. The second wall first height 239 is disposed at the second wall first end 234 and is less than the second wall second height 241 and less than the first wall first height 227. The second wall second height 241 is disposed at the second wall second end 236 and is greater than the second wall first height 239 and greater than the first wall first height 227. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the second wall 214 tapers from the second wall second end 236 to the second wall first end 234. The second wall thickness 245 extends from the second wall outer surface 242 to the second wall inner surface 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 214 is substantially a trapezoidal prism.

[0063] The third wall 216 is attached to the first wall 212, is moveable relative to the first wall 212 when the support stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration. The third wall 216 has a third wall first end 250, a third wall second end 252, a third wall length 253, a third wall third end 254, a third wall fourth end 256, a third wall first height 255, a third wall second height 257, a third wall outer surface 258, a third wall inner surface 260, and a third wall thickness 261.

[0064] The third wall length 253 extends from the third wall first end 250 to the third wall second end 252 and is less than the first wall length 223, greater than the third wall first height 255, greater than the third wall thickness 261, and less than the third wall second height 257. Each of the third wall first height 255 and the third wall second height 257 extends from the third wall third end 254 to the third wall fourth end 256. The third wall first height 255 is disposed at the third wall first end 250 and is less than the third wall second height 257 and less than the first wall first height 227. The third wall second height 257 is disposed at the third wall second end 252 and is greater than the first wall first height 227 and greater than the third wall first height 255. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the third wall 216 tapers from the third wall second end 252 to the third wall first end 250. The third wall thickness 261 extends from the third wall outer surface 258 to the third wall inner surface 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall 216 is substantially a trapezoidal prism.

[0065] The fourth wall 270 is attached to the second wall 214, is moveable relative to the second wall 214 when the support stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the fifth wall 272 in the first, assembled configuration. The fourth wall 270 has a fourth wall first end 274, a fourth wall second end 276, a fourth wall length 275, a fourth wall third end 278, a fourth wall fourth end 280, a fourth wall first height 277, a fourth wall second height 279, a fourth wall outer surface 282, a fourth wall inner surface 284, a fourth wall thickness 283, and defines a slot 246.

[0066] The fourth wall length 275 extends from the fourth wall first end 274 to the fourth wall second end 276 and is less than the first wall length 223, less than the fourth wall first height 277, greater than the fourth wall thickness 283, and less than the fourth wall second height 279. Each of the fourth wall first height 277 and the fourth wall second height 279 extends from the fourth wall third end 278 to the fourth wall fourth end 280. The fourth wall first height 277 is disposed at the fourth wall first end 274 and is less than the fourth wall second height 279 and greater than the first wall first height 227. The fourth wall second height 279 is disposed at the fourth wall second end 276 and is greater than the first wall first height 227 and greater than the fourth wall first height 277. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the fourth wall 270 tapers from the fourth wall second end 276 to the fourth wall first end 274. The fourth wall thickness 283 extends from the fourth wall outer surface 282 to the fourth wall inner surface 284. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth wall 270 is substantially a trapezoidal prism. The slot 246 extends through the fourth wall thickness 283 and from the fourth wall outer surface 282 to the fourth wall inner surface 284. The slot 246 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the projection 262 defined by the fifth wall 272, as described in more detail herein.

[0067] The fifth wall 272 is attached to the third wall 216, is moveable relative to the third wall 216 when the support stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration, is releasably attached to the fourth wall 270 in the first, assembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the second wall 214 in the third, folded configuration. The fifth wall 272 has a fifth wall first end 286, a fifth wall second end 288, a fifth wall length 287, a fifth wall third end 290, a fifth wall fourth end 292, a fifth wall first height 289, a fifth wall second height 291, a fifth wall outer surface 294, a fifth wall inner surface 296, a fifth wall thickness 295, and defines a projection 262.

[0068] The fifth wall length 287 extends from the fifth wall first end 286 to the fifth wall second end 288 and is less than the first wall length 223, less than the fifth wall first height 289, greater than the fifth wall thickness 295, and less than the fifth wall second height 291. Each of the fifth wall first height 289 and the fifth wall second height 291 extends from the fifth wall third end 290 to the fifth wall fourth end 292. The fifth wall first height 289 is disposed at the fifth wall first end 286 and is less than the fifth wall second height 291 and greater than the first wall first height 227. The fifth wall second height 291 is disposed at the fifth wall second end 288 and is greater than the first wall first height 227 and greater than the fifth wall first height 289. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the fifth wall 272 tapers from the fifth wall second end 288 to the fifth wall first end 286. The fifth wall thickness 295 extends from the fifth wall outer surface 294 to the fifth wall inner surface 296. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifth wall 272 is substantially a trapezoidal prism. The projection 262 extends from the fifth wall second end 288 and is sized and configured to be received within slot 246 defined by the fourth wall 270 such that the fifth wall 272 is releasably attachable to the fourth wall 270 when the support stand 210 is in the first, assembled configuration and is free of attachment to the fourth wall 214 when the support stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 includes a first hook and loop fastener 302 attached to the second wall 214 and a second hook and loop fastener 304 attached to the fifth wall 272. The inclusion of fasteners 302, 304 provides a mechanism for releasably attaching the second wall 214 to the fifth wall 272 when the support stand 210 is in the third, folded configuration. While a first hook and loop fastener 302 has been illustrated as being attached to the second wall 214 and a second hook and loop fastener 304 has been illustrated as being attached to the fifth wall 272, a support stand can include any suitable type and number of fasteners positioned on any suitable wall to achieve attachment between two walls. Selection of a suitable type and number of fasteners to include on a support stand and of a suitable wall to position a fastener can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of numbers of fasteners considered suitable to include on a support stand include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, and any other number of fasteners considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of types of fasteners considered suitable to include on a support stand include using a clip that is separate element and sized and configured to be received by a first recess defined by a first wall and by a second recess defined by a second wall, using one or more clasps, using a first magnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, a first wall and a second magnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, a second wall that is sized and configured to attract the first magnet to provide releasable attachment between the walls, using a first hook and loop fastener attached to a first wall and a second hook and loop fastener attached to a second wall that is sized and configured to mate with the first hook and loop fastener to provide releasable attachment between the walls, using any suitable technique or method of providing releasable attachment between two walls of a support stand, combinations of the techniques, methods, and/or fasteners described herein, and any other fastener considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of suitable walls to position a fastener that is sized and configured to provide releasable attachment between two walls include on a first wall, on a second wall, on a third wall, on a fourth wall, on a fifth wall, on each of the walls defined by a support stand, on a portion of the walls defined by the support stand, and any other wall considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0070] In use, the support stand 210 is moveable between the various configurations by manipulating the positons of the second, third, fourth, and fifth walls 214, 216, 270, 272 relative to the first wall 212. For example, to move the support stand 210 from the first, assembled configuration to the second, unassembled configuration, the projection 262 is removed from the slot 246. To move the support stand 210 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, the second wall 214 and fourth wall 270 are advanced toward the first wall 212 and, subsequently, the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced toward the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 such that the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 are disposed between the first wall 212, the third wall 216, and the fifth wall 272. Alternatively, to move the support stand 210 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced toward the first wall 212 and, subsequently, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 are advanced toward the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 such that the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are disposed between the first wall 212, the second wall 214, and the fourth wall 270. To move the support stand 210 from the second, unassembled configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the projection 262 is positioned within the slot 246 such that the fourth wall 270 is releasably attached to the fifth wall 272. To move the support stand from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced away from the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 are advanced away from the first wall 212, and the projection 262 is positioned within the slot 246 such that the fourth wall 270 is releasably attached to the fifth wall 272. Alternatively, to move the support stand 210 from the third, folded configuration to the first, assembled configuration, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 are advanced away from the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272, the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced away from the first wall 212, and the projection 262 is positioned within the slot 246 such that the fourth wall 270 is releasable attached to the fifth wall 272.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 is formed of a single continuous piece of corrugated material such that each of the second wall 214 and the third wall 216 is directly attached to the first wall 212, the fourth wall 270 is directly attached to the second wall 214, the fifth wall 272 is directly attached to the third wall 216, a first scoring line 266 is defined between the first wall 212 and the third wall 216, a second scoring line 268 is defined between the first wall 212 and the second wall 214, a third scoring line 306 is defined between the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270, and a fourth scoring line 308 is defined between the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272. Each of the scoring lines 266, 268, 306, and 308 illustrates the location on the material forming the support stand 210 that has been scored (e.g., the material has been cut, or scratched, partially through its thickness). When the support stand 210 is in the first, assembled configuration, the first wall 212, the second wall 214, the third wall 216, the fourth wall 270, and the fifth wall 272 cooperatively define a platform 264 that is sized and configured to support the position of an element that is placed on the platform 264. For example, each of the first wall 212, the second wall 214, the third wall 216, the fourth wall 270, and the fifth wall 272 is sized and configured to interact with and contact an element positioned on the platform 264.

[0072] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another example support stand 310. The support stand 310 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 310 has a first wall 312, a second wall 314, and a third wall 316.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 314 has a second wall first end 334, a second wall second end 336, a second wall length 337, a second wall third end 338, a second wall fourth end 340, a second wall first height 339, a second wall second height 341, a second wall outer surface 342, a second wall inner surface 344, a second wall thickness 345, a second wall first portion 347, a second wall second portion 349, and defines a slot 346.

[0074] The second wall length 337 extends from the second wall first end 334 to the second wall second end 336 and is less than the first wall length 323, greater than the second wall first height 339, greater than the second wall thickness 345, and greater than the second wall second height 341. The second wall first portion 347 extends from the second wall first end 334 toward the second wall second end 336 to the second wall second portion 349. The second wall second portion 349 extends from the second wall second end 336 toward the second wall first end 334 to the second wall first portion 347. Each of the second wall first height 339 and the second wall second height 341 extends from the second wall third end 338 to the second wall fourth end 340. The second wall first height 339 is disposed at the second wall first end 334 and is less than the second wall second height 341 and less than the first wall first height 327. The height of the second wall 314 tapers from the second wall second portion 349 to the second wall first end 334 along the second wall first portion 347. The second wall second height 341 is disposed at the second wall second end 336 and extends along the second wall second portion 349. The second wall second height 341 is greater than the second wall first height 339 and greater than the first wall first height 327. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the second wall third end 338 that extends along the second wall second portion 349 is parallel to the second wall fourth end 340.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall 316 has a third wall first end 350, a third wall second end 352, a third wall length 353, a third wall third end 354, a third wall fourth end 356, a third wall first height 355, a third wall second height 357, a third wall outer surface 358, a third wall inner surface 360, a third wall thickness 361, a third wall first portion 363, a third wall second portion 365, and defines a projection 362.

[0076] The third wall length 353 extends from the third wall first end 350 to the third wall second end 352 and is less than the first wall length 323, greater than the third wall first height 355, greater than the third wall thickness 361, and greater than the third wall second height 357. The third wall first portion 363 extends from the third wall first end 350 toward the third wall second end 352 to the third wall second portion 365. The third wall second portion 365 extends from the third wall second end 352 toward the third wall first end 350 to the third wall first portion 363. Each of the third wall first height 355 and the third wall second height 357 extends from the third wall third end 354 to the third wall fourth end 356. The third wall first height 355 is disposed at the third wall first end 350 and is less than the third wall second height 357 and less than the first wall first height 327. The height of the third wall 316 tapers from the third wall second portion 365 to the third wall first end 350 along the third wall first portion 363. The third wall second height 357 is disposed at the third wall second end 352 and extends along the third wall second portion 365. The third wall second height 357 is greater than the third wall first height 355 and greater than the first wall first height 327. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the third wall third end 354 that extends along the third wall second portion 365 is parallel to the second wall fourth end 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 362 includes tapered ends 402 and curved recesses 404 that are sized and configured to be received by slot 346. The inclusion of the tapered ends 402 and the curved recesses 404 are considered advantageous at least because they provide a mechanism for advancing the projection 362 into the slot 346 using less force than embodiments in which a projection does not include tapered ends and/or curved recesses. In addition, the inclusion of the tapered ends 402 and the curved recesses 404 provide a mechanism for maintaining the projection 362 within the slot 346 during use.

[0077] The structural arrangement of the second wall 314 and the third wall 316 of the support stand 310 is considered advantageous at least because it provides a mechanism for storing the support stand 310 in the folded configuration within a notebook such that no portion of the support stand 310 extends outside of the notebook when the support stand 310 is stored in the notebook. For example, when the support stand 310 is positioned within a closed notebook, no wall of the support stand 310 extends outside of the terminal ends of the closed notebook. This allows for an enhanced storability and portability of the support stand 310. Alternative embodiments, however, can be stored in three-rings binders, or any other storage device such that the entirety, or a portion, of a support stand is disposed within the storage device.

[0078] While the portion of the second wall third end 338 that extends along the second wall second portion 349 has been illustrated as parallel to the second wall fourth end 340 and the portion of the third wall third end 354 that extends along the third wall second portion 365 has been illustrated as parallel to the third wall fourth end 356, an end of a wall along a portion, or the entirety, of a length of the wall, can be disposed at any suitable angle relative to another end of the wall and selection of a suitable angle can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of angles considered suitable to position an end of a wall along a portion, or the entirety, of a length of the wall relative to another end of the wall include angles that are parallel to another end, disposed at an obtuse angle to another end, disposed at an acute angle to another end, and any other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

[0079] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A support stand for supporting an element, the support stand moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration, and comprising: a first wall having a first wall first height; a second wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the second wall having a second wall first height and a second wall second height, the second wall first height being less than the first wall first height and the second wall second height being greater than the first wall first height; and a third wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the third wall releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration, the third wall having a third wall first height and a third wall second height, the third wall first height being less than the first wall first height and the third wall second height being greater than the first wall first height; wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of said element when placed on said support stand.

2. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall has a first wall length, the second wall has a second wall length, and the third wall has a third wall length; and wherein each of the second wall length and the third wall length is less than the first wall length such that the second wall and third wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration.

3. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall has a first wall length; and wherein the first wall first height extends along a portion of the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first wall length.

4. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.

5. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the second wall defines a slot; wherein the third wall defines a projection that is sized and configured to be received in the slot such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration.

6. The support stand of claim 1, wherein a first magnet is attached to the second wall; and wherein a second magnet is attached to the third wall that is sized and configured to interact with the first magnet such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration.

7. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the second wall is hingedly attached to the first wall.

8. The support stand of claim 7, wherein the third wall is hingedly attached to the first wall.

9. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the second wall includes a non-slip lining along an end of the second wall.

10. The support stand of claim 9, wherein the third wall includes a non-slip lining along an end of the third wall.

11. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall in said third, folded configuration using one or more fasteners.

12. A support stand for supporting an element, the support stand moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration, and comprising: a first wall having a first wall first height and a first wall length; a second wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the second wall having a second wall first height, a second wall second height, and a second wall length, the second wall first height being less than the first wall first height, the second wall second height being greater than the first wall first height, and the second wall length being less than the first wall length such that the second wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration; and a third wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the third wall releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration, the third wall having a third wall first height, a third wall second height, and a third wall length, the third wall first height being less than the first wall first height, the third wall second height being greater than the first wall first height, the third wall length being less than the first wall length such that the third wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration; wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of said element when placed on said support stand; and wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.

13. The support stand of claim 12, wherein the first wall first height extends along a portion of the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first wall length.

14. The support stand of claim 12, wherein the second wall defines a slot; wherein the third wall defines a projection that is sized and configured to be received in the slot such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration.

15. The support stand of claim 12, wherein a first magnet is attached to the second wall; and wherein a second magnet is attached to the third wall that is sized and configured to interact with the first magnet such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration.

16. The support stand of claim 12, wherein the second wall includes a non-slip lining along an end of the second wall.

17. The support stand of claim 16, wherein the third wall includes a non-slip lining along an end of the third wall.

18. The support stand of claim 12, wherein the third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall in said third, folded configuration using one or more fasteners.

19. A support stand for supporting an element, the support stand moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration, and comprising: a first wall having a first wall first height and a first wall length, the first wall first height extending along a portion of the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first wall length; a second wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the second wall having a second wall first height, a second wall second height, and a second wall length, the second wall defining a slot, the second wall first height being less than the first wall first height, the second wall second height being greater than the first wall first height, and the second wall length being less than the first wall length such that the second wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration; and a third wall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the third wall releasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration, the third wall having a third wall first height, a third wall second height, and a third wall length, the third wall defining a projection that is sized and configured to be received in the slot such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first, assembled configuration, the third wall first height being less than the first wall first height, the third wall second height being greater than the first wall first height, the third wall length being less than the first wall length such that the third wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration; wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of said element when placed on said support stand; and wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.

20. The support stand of claim 19, wherein the third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall in said third, folded configuration using one or more fasteners.