Display stand

Abstract

A reusable flatpack display stand comprising a backboard, side panels, and shelves. The display stand is configurable in a flatpack configuration, where the shelves fold against the backboard and the side panels fold in over the shelves, and a display configuration, where the side panels and shelves fold out and side interlocks connect the shelves to the side panels. This design allows for efficient storage, transportation, and rapid assembly, providing a versatile and aesthetically appealing display solution for retail and exhibition environments.

Description

Display StandField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to display stands, specifically to those designed for use in retail and exhibition environments. It encompasses flatpack display stands that are easily configurable between a compact storage configuration and a stable display configuration. The invention is particularly concerned with display stands that facilitate efficient assembly, disassembly, and transportation, while offering versatility in configuration and enhanced aesthetic appeal.Background of the Invention

[0002] In the retail and exhibition industries, the need for effective and versatile display solutions is paramount. Traditional display stands, often made from materials such as wood or metal, are typically bulky and cumbersome, making them difficult to transport and store. These conventional designs require significant assembly time and effort, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, once assembled, these stands often lack the flexibility to adapt to different display configurations, limiting their utility across various settings.

[0003] The advent of flatpack furniture has introduced a degree of portability and ease of assembly to the market. Flatpack solutions are designed to be compact when not in use, reducing storage space requirements and facilitating transportation. However, existing flatpack display stands often compromise on stability and durability when assembled. Additionally, these stands may not offer sufficient customisation options to suit diverse display requirements, such as the need to accommodate different product sizes and types.

[0004] Another challenge in the display stand market is the need for rapid and efficient setup and takedown. Retail environments frequently undergo layout changes to keep the display fresh and engaging for customers. Display stands that are difficult to assemble or disassemble can hinder these efforts, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the display units.

[0005] Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of display stands plays a crucial role in attracting customer attention. Displays that incorporate branding elements, interchangeable graphics, and adaptable configurations can significantly enhance product visibility and appeal. However, achieving a balance between aesthetic customisation and structural integrity remains a challenge for many display solutions.

[0006] In light of these issues, there is a need for a display stand that combines the advantages of flatpack design with robust structural integrity, ease of assembly, and versatile configuration options. Such a solution would address the need for efficient storage and transportation, rapid setup and takedown, and enhanced aesthetic appeal, all while maintaining the durability required for various retail and exhibition environments.

[0007] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] The described display stand comprises a backboard, side panels, and shelves, which is configurable in both a flatpack configuration and a display configuration. In the flatpack configuration, the shelves fold against the backboard, and the side panels fold in over the shelves, providing a compact form for storage and transportation. In the display configuration, the side panels and shelves fold out, and side interlocks connect the shelves to the side panels, forming a stable structure for displaying items.

[0009] The side interlocks may comprise the shelves defining side catches that slot into a plurality of slots on the adjacent sideboard. These catches can have wide heads and necks, with slots featuring wide apertures offset above narrow apertures, ensuring the wide head fits through the wide aperture but not the narrow one, thereby securing the shelves to the side panels and preventing the side panels from be pulled from the shelves.

[0010] The sideboards may include vertically oriented slots to support shelves horizontally and angled slots to support shelves at an angle, such as 35°, providing flexibility in shelf arrangement to accommodate various display needs.

[0011] The backboard may comprise sides with edges that hingedly couple with the respective edges of the side panels, allowing space for the shelves between the sideboards and the backboard.

[0012] Optionally, the display stand may include a display sheet with a central portion and side portions that interface with the exteriors of the backboard and side panels. Distal edges of the side panels can define an engagement for a folded back edge of the display sheet, securing it in place and improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the stand.

[0013] The display stand may also feature a header board that interfaces with the top edge of the backboard, providing an additional area for branding or promotional messages.

[0014] Releasable pivotable interlocks preferably interfaces the rear of each shelf with the backboard which allows the shelves to pivot between the flatpack and display configurations without detaching from the backboard, but which can be disconnected for vertical repositioning. The interlock may consist of a hinge pin on the shelf and an interference fit aperture on the backboard.

[0015] Each shelf may have a plurality of divider slots to accommodate dividers, facilitating organised display of products. Furthermore, in embodiments the shelves include a pivotable flap configurable in a flat or raised position, with a recess provided for the flap when in the flat configuration. Outer edges of the shelves may define rails for slidable engagement of rectangular display cards, enhancing product visibility.

[0016] To ensure easy assembly, the backboard sides may include flanges defining a channel to accept a hinge pin of a side panel. An outer edge of at least one flange can be angled for a press-fit engagement of the hinge pin, with an inner edge resisting removal, thus securing the side panels.

[0017] In embodiments, the display stand can be mounted on a wheeled base trolley comprising a base and trundle wheels. The base may define an engagement channel into which the backboard and side panels slot in the display configuration, facilitating mobility.

[0018] An optional feature may include a manually releasable shelf with retractable side catches. These catches can extend to engage respective slots in the side panels or retract to disengage them. The shelf may include a lever carriage biased by a plastic leaf spring to a default position and pulled by hand to an activated position to retract the catches. Oppositely angled activation slots on the carriage can engage the ends of respective rods, each rod defining a retractable catch at its outer end. The activation slots may include end termination channels parallel with the carriage's direction of travel, ensuring secure engagement of the catches.

[0019] The present display stand allows for efficient storage, transportation, and rapid assembly, providing a versatile, and aesthetically appealing display solution for retail and exhibition environments. Furthermore, the present display stand is robust and reusable and can therefore replace single use temporary or disposable stands thereby avoiding associated wastage.

[0020] Other aspects are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a reusable plastic display stand in accordance with a preferred embodiment in a display configuration;

[0023] Figure 2 shows the display stand in a flatpack configuration;

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates folding out of side panels of the display stand;

[0025] Figure 4 shows folding up of shelves hinged from a backboard and between the side panels of the display stand;

[0026] Figure 5 shows engagement of shelves between a backboard and the side panels of the display stand;

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates engagement of a dress-up kit display sheet around the backboard and one side panel;

[0028] Figure 7 shows the display sheet engaged around the backboard and two side panels;

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates engagement of the display sheet with side panel locating tabs;

[0030] Figure 9 illustrates engagement of display cards to the shelf and a header display board to the backboard;

[0031] Figure 10 shows the display stand in a flatpack configuration;

[0032] Figure 1 1 shows an exploded representation of the constituent parts of the display stand;

[0033] Figure 12 shows the display stand in the display configuration;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a top view of a hinge assembly between the backboard and side panels;

[0035] Figure 14 shows a releasable pivotable interlock engaging the shelves and the backboard;

[0036] Figure 15 shows a side panel distal edge engagement for engaging the display sheet;

[0037] Figure 16 shows the display stand in the display configuration with a plurality of accessories;

[0038] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating ways of engaging the shelves;

[0039] Figure 18 shows a storage trolley of flatpack display stands;

[0040] Figure 19 shows a top perspective view of a shelf;

[0041] Figure 20 shows a further top plan view of the shelf with a pivotal flap;

[0042] Figure 21 shows an underside view of the shelf;

[0043] Figure 22 shows an underside view of a manually releasable shelf in accordance with an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 23 shows the manually releasable shelf when manually activated;

[0045] Figures 24 - 28 illustrate the utilisation of the mechanism of the manually releasable shelf for repositioning or removing the shelf;

[0046] Figure 29 shows an interference fit aperture in accordance with a further embodiment.

[0047] Figure 30 illustrates how deflecting tabs may retain the side panels closed ;

[0048] Figure 31 illustrate the action of the deflecting tabs shown in Figure 30 in holding the side panels closed;

[0049] Figure 32 shows a perspective view of a shelf with the flap in a folded-down configuration;

[0050] Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 32;

[0051] Figure 34 shows a perspective view of a shelf with the flap in a folded-up configuration;

[0052] Figure 35 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 34;

[0053] Figure 36 shows locating lugs for interconnecting multiple display stands in the flatpack configuration;

[0054] Figure 37 shows an underside perspective view of the shelf with retracted catches;

[0055] Figure 38 shows a side view of the shelf wherein the catches having an ovular cross-section;

[0056] Figure 39 shows a cross-sectional view of the retraction mechanism of the shelf;

[0057] Figure 40 shows a perspective assembled view of the retraction mechanism of the shelf; and

[0058] Figure 41 shows a perspective disassembled view of the retraction mechanism.Description of Embodiments

[0059] Figure 1 shows a display stand 100 comprising a backboard 101 , side panels 102, and shelves 103. The display stand 100 is designed to be reasonable and made of plastic.

[0060] The display stand 100 is configurable in a flatpack configuration, as shown in Figure 2, wherein the shelves 103 fold against the backboard 101 and the side panels 102 fold in over the shelves 103. The display stand 100 is also configurable in a display configuration, as shown in Figure 1 , wherein the side panels 102 and the shelves 103 fold out, and side interlocks connect the shelves 103 to the side panels102.

[0061] With reference to Figure 21 , each shelf 103 may comprise side catches 144 that slot into slots 137 in the side panels 102, as shown in Figure 17. Each catch 144 may be mushroom-shaped, defining a head and a neck, and each slot 137 may have a wide aperture offset above a narrower aperture. To connect the shelf 103 to the side panel 102, the head is inserted through the wide aperture, after which the narrower neck falls into the narrower aperture, engaging the head to prevent the shelves 103 from being pulled open from the catch 144.

[0062] Figure 17 shows that the side panels 102 comprise two types of slots 137. Specifically, the slots 137 may include substantially vertically oriented slots 137A positioned to support the shelves 103 horizontally and angled slots 137B positioned to support the shelves 103 at an angle, such as at 35°.

[0063] The display stand 100 may be stored in the flatpack configuration in a storage trolley 104, as shown in Figure 18. Erecting the display stand 100 involves folding out the side panels 102, as shown in Figure 3, and lifting up the shelves 103, as shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the side panels 102 are closed against the sides of the shelves 103, and in Figure 5, each shelf 103 is pushed downwardly so that the interlocks connect the shelves 103 to the side panels 102. Specifically, as alluded to above, the head of the catch 144 is inserted through the wider aperture of the slot 137 (where the upper slot 137A is chosen to position the shelf 103 horizontally or the lower slot 137B is chosen to position the shelf at an angle), after which the neck of the catch 144 clicks into the narrower aperture.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a dress-up kit display sheet 105 having a central portion 106 and side portions 107 interfacing with the exteriors of the backboard 101 and side panels 102 respectively. Figure 15 shows an embodiment wherein distal edges of the side panels 102 are configured to engage a folded back edge 108 of the side portions 107. Specifically, Figures 7, 8, and 15 show that edges of the side panels 102 comprise a series of tabs 143 defining a channel against an adjacent wall 144. When the side panel 102 is in a slightly open position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the folded back edge 108 can be pushed into the channel, after which the side panel 102 is closed against the sides of the shelves 103, thereby pulling the display sheet 105taut against the exterior of the backboard 101 and the side panels 102 and securely holding the folded back edge 108 within the channel defined between the tabs 143 and the adjacent side wall 144.

[0065] Figure 9 shows that the outer edges of the shelves 103 are configured to retain display cards 109 and that the backboard 101 is configured to engage a header board 110 of the dress-up kit. The header board 110 may comprise a main section 11 1 and a tab 1 12 that fits into a slot 1 13 defined at the upper edge of the backboard 101 .

[0066] With reference to Figure 10, the backboard 101 may define sides 1 14, and edges thereof hingedly couple with respective edges of the side panels 102 to define space for the shelves 103 to fit between the side panels 102 and the backboard 101 in the flatpack configuration. Figure 13 shows this hinge arrangement in further detail, wherein the sides 114 define flanges 115 that form a channel 116 to accept a hinge pin 1 17 of a side panel 102. An edge 1 18 of at least one of the flanges 115 may be exteriorly chamfered to facilitate a press-fit engagement of the hinge pin 1 17 into the channel 1 16, while an inner edge resists removal of the hinge pin 117 from the channel 1 16. The hinge pin 117 may comprise a rotary interference rail 1 19 to limit the outward rotation of the side panel 102.

[0067] Figure 14 shows a releasable pivotable interlock formed between the rear of each shelf 103 and the backboard 101 , allowing the shelves 103 to pivot between the flatpack and display configurations without becoming detached from the backboard 101 but enabling detachment for repositioning. The interlock may comprise the shelf 103, which includes a hinge pin 121 that fits into an interference fit aperture 122 of the backboard 101. The interlock is configured so that the hinge pin 121 can be pushed into the aperture 122 and, once inside, is able to pivot. The hinge pin 121 is preferably offset under a bottom surface 123 of the shelf 103 and rearward of a rear wall 124 thereof so that the shelf 103 can pivot flat against the backboard 101 but cannot pivot up beyond a horizontal orientation. The backboard 101 may comprise a vertical arrangement of interference fit apertures 122 to allow vertical repositioning of the shelves 103. Specifically, vertical repositioning of a shelf 103 involves pullingthe interlock apart, whereby the hinge pin 121 is pulled from the interference fit aperture 122 and clicked into another interference fit aperture 122.

[0068] Figure 29 shows a snap-fit geometry of the interference fit apertures 122 to facilitate installation of the hinge pins 121 of the shelves 103, wherein the interference fit aperture 122 is defined adjacent to a deflecting tab 154 having an edge interference protrusion 155 with chamfered edges. When the hinge pin 121 is pressed against the edge interference protrusion 155, the chamfered edges cause the deflecting tab 144 to deflect, allowing the hinge pin 121 to pass through the aperture 122. Thereafter, the deflecting tab 154 springs back into place to allow the edge interference protrusion 155 to secure the hinge pin 121.

[0069] With reference to Figure 1 1 , the backboard 101 may comprise spaced apart engagement rails 125 having a plurality of interference fit apertures 122 vertically arranged along them. With reference to Figure 21 , the rear of the shelf 103 may comprise a pair of spaced apart hinge pins 121 to engage the engagement rails 125.

[0070] With reference to Figure 16, the backboard 101 may define a matrix 126 of pegboard apertures to engage display pegs 127.

[0071] With reference to Figure 19, the shelf 103 may comprise a plurality of divider slots 128 thereacross, which can engage a plurality of dividers 129, as shown in Figure 16. The divider slots 128 may be divided into two rows 130 that engage respective spaced apart tabs 131 of the dividers 129.

[0072] With reference to Figures 19 and 20, the shelf 103 may comprise a pivotable flap 132 configurable in a flat configuration, as shown in Figure 19, wherein the panel132 is substantially coplanar with an adjacent surface 133 of the shelf 103, and a raised configuration, as shown in Figure 20. The flap 132 may be especially useful for holding display products at an angle when the shelf 103 is angled downwardly, as shown in Figure 12. The shelf 103 may define a recess 134 for the flap 132 in the flat configuration so that the upper surfaces of the panel 132 and the adjacent surface133 of the shelf 103 are flush. Figures 32 and 33 show the flap 132 folded down. With reference to the cross-sectional view in Figure 33, the flap 132 may define a rotationally offset cam 156 that presses against a flexible front wall 157 to keep theflap 132 down. The front wall 157 flexes slightly forward in this configuration, pressing against the cam 156 and applying a retention torque to keep the flap 132 down. Figures 34 and 35 show the flap 132 when folded up. With reference to the cross- sectional view in Figure 35, the cam 156 may flex an underside flexible wall 158, which similarly applies torque to the flap 132 to keep it up.

[0073] With reference to Figure 19, an outer edge of the shelf 103 may comprise rails 135 defining a channel 136 for slidable engagement of the rectangular display card 109 shown in Figure 9.

[0074] Figure 16 shows the display stand 100 comprising a wheeled base trolley 139 with a base 140 and trundle wheels 141. The base 140 may define an engagement channel 142 through its upper surface into which the backboard 101 and side panels102 slot in the display configuration.

[0075] Figures 22 and 23 show an embodiment wherein the shelf 103 is manually releasable. According to this embodiment, the shelf 103 comprises a lever carriage145 biased by a biasing mechanism to a default position, shown in Figure 22, which includes a handle aperture 146 that can be gripped under the front edge of the shelf103 to pull the carriage 145 to an activated position, as shown in Figure 23. The biasing mechanism may comprise a plastic leaf spring 147, which is compressed between the carriage 145 and opposing edges 148 of the shelf 103 when the handle146 is pulled, as shown in Figure 23. The carriage 145 may include oppositely angled activation slots 149 that engage the inner ends of respective retraction rods 150, with each rod 150 defining a catch 144 at its outer end, which is retracted when the carriage 145 is pulled. In the default position, shown in Figure 22, the angled activation slots 149 cause the rods 150 to extend the retractable catches 144 beyond the side edges 152 of the shelf 103, thereby engaging within corresponding slots 113 to secure the shelf 103 in place.

[0076] Figure 38 illustrates that the catches 144 may have an ovular cross-section that is not coaxially offset with the retraction rod 150, thereby defining a predominant lower edge 161 that better engages the slot 137, reducing the likelihood of disconnection. With reference to Figures 40 and 41 , the inner end of each rod 150may define a mushroom-headed catch 159 that engages a respective activation slot 149. Each angled activation slot 149 may include an end termination channel 153 parallel with the direction of travel of the carriage 145. These end termination channels 153 prevent the retractable catches 144 from being pushed in. However, when the carriage 145 is pulled towards the front edge of the shelf 103, the relative movement of the angled activation slots 149 causes the rods 150 to retract the retractable catches 144 towards the sides 152 of the shelf 103, thereby allowing the retractable catches 144 to disengage from the respective slots 1 13. Figure 28 shows the catch 144 retracted by this mechanism, and Figure 28 shows the catch 144 extended when the mechanism is released to engage the slot 137.

[0077] To disengage a shelf 103, the front edge of the shelf 103 is lifted in the direction indicated in Figure 24. This action moves the retractable catches 144 from the minor aperture portion to the major aperture portion of the slot 1 13. With reference to Figure 22, the handle aperture 146 is gripped with the forefingers, with the base of the palm opposing against the front edge of the shelf 103, to pull the lever carriage 145 forwardly against the compression of the plastic leaf spring 147 with a one- handed manoeuvre. This action retracts the retractable catches 144 so that they no longer engage the corresponding slots 113. Consequently, the shelf 103 can be angled downward into the position demonstrated in Figure 27 or pulled out from between the side panels 102 in the direction indicated in Figure 25 to fully release the shelf 103, as shown in Figure 26. As evident from Figure 23, this release mechanism may pull the retractable catches 144 completely within the side boundaries of the shelf 103 so that they do not interfere with the side panels 102. With reference to Figure 37, the sides of the shelf 103 may define recesses 162 that can completely conceal the catch 144 when retracted.

[0078] Figures 27 and 28 further illustrate the reinstallation of the shelf 103 at a different position and at an angled orientation. Specifically, the shelf 103 (with the lever carriage 145 activated) may be inserted between the side panels 102 so that the hinge pins 121 engage with respective interference fit apertures 122 of the back panel 101 , and the shelf 103 is angled downwardly to engage slots 137 that are at alower position compared to the interference fit apertures 122 to which the shelf 103 is engaged. As shown in Figure 27, in the angled configuration of the shelf 103, the retractable catches 144 engage respective angled slots 137B. With reference to Figure 22, when the handle 146 is released, the leaf spring 147 pushes the lever carriage 145 back to the default position, which causes the rods 150 to extend the retractable catches 144 to engage within respective rearward minor angled apertures 137B.

[0079] Figure 36 shows an embodiment wherein the display stand 100 defines locating lugs 160, which interconnect to hold a series of display stands 100 in the flatpack configuration in place.

[0080] Figures 30 and 31 show an embodiment wherein the side panels 102 are held closed by the backboard 101 comprising deflecting tabs 163 which engage corresponding apertures 164 in the side panels 102. The deflecting tabs 163 may have an angled boss 165 on a side thereof which causes the deflecting tab 163 to automatically deflect when the side panel 102 is closed and which rebounds to catch an edge of the aperture 164.

[0081] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A display stand comprising a backboard, side panels, and shelves wherein the display stand is configurable in: a flatpack configuration wherein shelves fold against the backboard and the side panels fold in over the shelves; and a display configuration wherein the side panels and shelves fold out and wherein side interlocks connect the shelves to the side panels.

2. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the backboard comprises sides and wherein edges thereof hingedly couple with respective edges of the side panels to allow space for the shelves between the sideboards and the backboard.

3. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a display sheet having a central portion and side portions which interface exteriors of the backboard and side panels respectively.

4. The display stand as claimed in claim 3, wherein distal edges of the side panels define an engagement for a folded back edge of the display sheet.

5. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a header board which interfaces a top edge of the backboard.

6. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a releasable pivotable interlock interfaces a rear of each shelf and the backboard.

7. The display stand as claimed in claim 6, wherein the interlock is configured so that the shelves can remain connected to the backboard and pivot between the flatpack and display configuration.

8. The display stand as claimed in claim 6, wherein the interlock comprises the shelf comprising a hinge pin and the backboard comprising an interference fit aperture therefor.

9. The display stand as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hinge pin is offset beneath a bottom surface of the shelf and rearward of a rear wall of the shelf.

10. The display stand as claimed in claim 8, wherein the backboard defines spaced apart engagement rails having a series of interference fit apertures there along and wherein each shelf comprises a pair of respective engagement rods therefor.11 . The display stand as claimed in claim 10, wherein the backboard comprises a matrix of pegboard apertures between the engagement rails.

12. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each shelf comprises a plurality of divider slots thereacross and wherein the display stand comprises a plurality of dividers configured to engage the slots.

13. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shelf comprises a pivotable flap configurable in a flat configuration wherein the panel is substantially coplanar with an adjacent surface of the shelf and a raised configuration.

14. The display stand as claimed in claim 13, wherein the shelf comprises a recess for the flap in the flat configuration.

15. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein outer edges of the shelves define rails defining a channel for slidable engagement of a rectangular display card thereacross.

16. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a side of the backboard defines flanges defining a channel therebetween to accept a hinge pin of a side panel.

17. The display stand as claimed in claim 16, wherein an outer edge of at least one of the flanges is angled to allow for press fit engagement of the hinge pin into the channel and wherein an inner edge is more orthogonal to resist removal of the hinge pin from the channel.

18. The display stand as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hinge pin comprises a rotary interference rail to limit the outward rotation of the side panel.

19. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the display stand comprises a wheeled base trolley comprising a base and trundle wheels.

20. The display stand as claimed in claim 19, wherein the base defines an engagement channel through an upper surface thereof into which the backboard and side panels slot in the display configuration.21 . The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stand comprises a manually releasable shelf with retractable side catches configured to extend to engage respective slots of the side panels or retract to disengage the slots.

22. The display stand as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the manually releasable shelf comprises a lever carriage which is biased by a biasing mechanism to a default position and which can be pulled to an activated position to cause the side catches to retract.

23. The display stand as claimed in claim 22, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a plastic leaf spring which is compressed between carriage and opposing edges of the shelf.

24. The display stand as claimed in claim 22, wherein the carriage comprises oppositely angled activation slots engaging in ends of respective rods and wherein each rod defines a respective retractable catch at an outer end thereof.

25. The display stand as claimed in claim 24, wherein each angled activation slot comprises an end termination channel parallel with the direction of travel of the carriage.

26. The display stand as claimed in claim 8, wherein the interference fit aperture is defined adjacent a deflecting tab.

27. The display stand as claimed in claim 26, wherein the deflecting tab has an edge interference protrusion with chamfered edges which cause the deflecting tab to deflect when the hinge pin passes through the interference fit aperture.

28. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each shelf comprises a side catch which slots into one of a plurality of slots of an adjacent sideboard.

29. The display stand as claimed in claim 28, wherein each catch has a wide head and a neck and wherein each slot has a wide aperture offset above a narrow aperture and wherein the wide head fits through the wide aperture but not the narrow aperture.

30. The display stand as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sideboards have vertically orientated slots to support shelves horizontally.31 . The display stand as claimed in claim 30, wherein the sideboards have angled slots to support shelves at an angle.

32. The display stand as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the angle is 35°.

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