Storage and carrying apparatus

Abstract

A storage and carrying apparatus 1 such as carrier for transporting cables and wires includes a first panel 3 and second panel 5, each panel 3, 5 having a base 7a, 7b and a top 9a, 9b, a pivot joint 1

Description

The present invention relates to a storage and carrying apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a carrier for transporting cables and wires. People such as electricians, musicians, audio-visual crews and the like may have to carry a large number of cables, and may need easy access to different cables and power leads. Typically, cables and leads are wound up and carried in bags or boxes or crates. The cables can easily become tangled and difficult to sort and identify, and can also become easily damaged. Items other than cables also need to be stored and transported in an organised fashion. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage and carrying apparatus including: a first panel and second panel, each panel having a base and a top opposing the base; a pivot joint formed between the tops of the first and second panels, such that the first and second panel form an A-frame configured to rest on the bases of the first and second panels, wherein the A-frame defines inward facing surfaces of the first and second panels, facing towards each other and opposing outward facing surfaces of the first and second panels; one or more hanging rails extending across the outward facing surface of at least one of the first and second panels; and a plurality of holding members configured to be supported on the or each hanging rail, the holding members arranged to secure items to the A-frame. The pivot joint may be arranged such that the apparatus can be switched between at least two configurations. The apparatus may have a flat configuration in which the first and second panels extend parallel to each other. The apparatus may further have an expanded configuration in which the internal angle between the first and second panels form the A-frame. The storage and carrying apparatus may include a retaining strap extending between the first panel and the second panel to limit a maximum internal angle at the pivot joint. The retaining strap may extend slidably through an opening in one or both of the first panel and second panel. The retaining strap may include stops on the outward facing surfaces of the first and / or second panel to limit the internal angle between the first panel and second panel in the expanded configuration. The retaining strap may be arranged such that pulling the retaining strap moves the apparatus between the flat configuration and the expanded configuration. The pivot joint may be arranged, such that the first and second panels are rotatable around the joint so that the outward facing surfaces face towards each other in the flat configuration. The pivot joint may be a bidirectional pivot joint such that the apparatus has a first flat configuration in which the outward facing surfaces face towards each other and a second flat configuration in which the inward facing surfaces of the first and second panel face towards each other. The storage and carrying apparatus may include a latching mechanism arranged to hold the first and second panels relative to each other in the flat configuration. The or each hanging rail may comprise a rod extending over the outward facing surface of at least one of the first and second panels. The or each hanging rail may extend substantially horizontally. The or each hanging rail may comprise panel spacers to offset the hanging rails from the panel on which it is mounted. The or each hanging rail may comprise lateral spacers to limit movement of the holding member along the hanging rail. The lateral spacers may be formed by fixing points for securing the hanging rail to the panel on which it is mounted. The storage and carrying apparatus may comprise a plurality of fixing points for securing the or each hanging rail. The or each hanging rail may be removably held in the fixing points to allow the or each hanging rail to be fixed in two or more different positions. Each panel may include sidewalls extending between the top and base of the panel, on peripheral edges of the panel, the sidewalls being perpendicular to and projecting out from the outward facing surfaces of the first and second panels. The fixing points for securing the hanging rail may be formed in the sidewalls. The fixing points comprise openings arranged to receive the hanging rail. The side wall may define a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism may comprise holding means for holding the or each hanging rail at different positions. The holding means may comprise a cord having fastening means to form a loop. The fastening means comprises one or more of hook loop fasteners; and an enlarged member over which a loop formed by the cord is threaded. The cord may be elastic. The holding means may comprise a first hook arranged to look over the hanging rail, and one or more receptacles or second hooks for holding items. The storage and carrying apparatus may comprise a handle for carrying the apparatus, the handle fixed at or near the top of one or both of the first and second panels. The storage and carrying apparatus may include wheels arranged at or near the base of one or both of the first and second panels. The storage and carrying apparatus may comprise a non-slip material at the base of one or both of the first and second panels. The pivot joint may be arranged to be disengaged and re-engaged to allow the two panels to be separated from each other and reconnected to each other. The holding members can be used to hold different items in an organised manner. The apparatus is foldable into a flat configuration for easy transportation, and can also be set up as an A-frame on any surface for easy use and access. The retaining strap ensures the A-frame is stable, and also provides an easy means to collapse the A-frame to the flat configuration when needed. In one flat configuration, the faces with the hanging rails may face outwards, whilst in another flat configuration they may face inwards. The lateral spacers may prevent the holding members sliding along the rails during use or transportation. Where the panels are provided with sidewalls, the flat configuration may form a box for easy transportation. Where the panels are provided with sidewalls, a removable cover may be provided to enclose the volume formed by the panels and sidewalls. Securing straps may be provided to secure the cables during transportation of the carrier. Vertical spacer members may be provided on the panels. The spacer members may-divide the space on a panel into different regions. The vertical spacer members may provide fixing points for hanging rails such that the hanging rails in different regions are supported independently of each other. The use of a holding member comprising a cord with an enlarged end (such as ball bungee cord or a toggle and cord) or Velcro straps makes the holding members easy to use, even in the dark. A separate box or bag may be provided to hold and cover the apparatus during transportation. Alternatively, a cover may be integrated into the apparatus. The apparatus may be for storing and carrying cables, or any other items. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a storage and carrying apparatus in perspective view according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 1 in side view; Figure 3 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 1 in side view, when folded; Figure 4 illustrates a storage and carrying apparatus in perspective view according to a second embodiment; Figure 5 illustrates storage and carrying apparatus in front view according to a third embodiment; Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 6 in perspective view, when folded; and Figure 7 illustrates different examples of holding members. It will be appreciated that although the following embodiments are discussed in relation to a cable or wire carrier, the apparatus discussed can be used to store and carry a wide range of different items other than cables or wires. A cable carrier 1 is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The cable carrier 1 is formed by a first planar panel 3 and a second planar panel 5. In the example shown, the panels 3, 5 are the same size and both rectangular in shape, having respective bases 7a, 7b, tops 9a, 9b and sides 1 la, 1 lb, 13a, 13b extending from the base 7a, 7b to the top 9a, 9b. The tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5 are joined by or pair of hinges 15a, 15b spaced along the length of the tops 9a, 9b, such that a pivot 17 is formed. The pivot 17 is arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to the tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5 to open and close an angle between the panels 3,5. When the pivot 17 is opened, the pair of panels 3, 5 form an A-frame, with the bases 7a, 7b of the panels 3, 5 resting on the floor or another horizontal surface. Each panel 3, 5 has an inner surface 19a, 19b facing towards the inside of the A-frame and towards the other panel 3, 5. Each panel 3, 5 also has an outer surface 21a, 21b, opposing the inner surface 19a, 19b and facing out of the A-frame. In order to restrict the width at the base of the A-frame (and the angle measured between the panels 3, 5 at the pivot 17) a retaining strap 23 is provided extending between the two panels 3, 5 on the interior of the A-frame. In the example shown, each panel 3, 5 includes an opening 25a, 25b extending through the thickness of the panel 3,5, between the inner surface 19a, 19b and the outer surface 21a, 21b. The retaining strap 23 extends through the opening 25a, 25b in each panel 3, 5 and has an enlarged end 27a, 27b formed on the outside of the A-frame to prevent the strap 23 being pulled through the opening. This may simply be a knot in the material forming the retaining strap 23, or a toggle or another form of enlarged member. The strap 23 generally limits the angle between the panels to be less than 180 degrees, or more preferable less than 90 degrees, when the A-frame is opened / unfolded. On each panel 3, 5 a number of hanging rails 29a,b, 3 la.b. 33a,b are provided extending parallel to the base 7a, 7b and top 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5. The hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b are formed by rods fixed to the panel by screws 35 spaced along the rod. Between each spaced pair of screws 35 along the rod, a ball bungee loop 37 is provided. A ball bungee loop 37 comprises an elasticated cord or string 37a, both ends of which are secured to an enlarged member 37b, such as a ball or toggle. The ball bungee 3 7 is provided so that part of the cord or string 37a is fed behind the rod. The enlarged member 37b is either above or below the rod, whilst the opposite end 37c of the loop (where the loop turns round) is the other side. In use, the cord 37a of the ball bungee loop 37 is wound around the cable or other item to be held, and the end 37c of the cord 37a is looped over the enlarged member (ball or toggle) 37b to hold the item to the hanging rail 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. It will be appreciated that the screws 35, in addition to providing fixing points for securing the rod to the panel 3, 5 act as lateral spacers to limit how far along the hanging rail 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b each ball bungee 37 can slide, and prevent the ball bungees 37 sliding off the ends of the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. When a user wishes to add to or remove the items held by the ball bungees 37, they set the A-frame up on a surface, secure or remove items from the ball bungee loops 37. When the user is finished with the carrier 1, the A-frame is folded so that the panels 3, 5 are parallel to each other and the carrier 1 is substantially flat. In one example, the hinges 15a, 15b are arranged so that the when the carrier 1 is collapsed, the inner surfaces 19a, 19b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other. This results in the flat configuration shown in Figure 3, in which the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b are on opposite sides of the flat carrier 1, facing outwards. In another examples, the hinges 15a, 15b are arranged so that the when the carrier 1 is collapsed, the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other. In this case, the hanging rails 29a,b, 3 la.b. 33a,b face towards each other and inwards in the flat carrier. In a third example, the hinges 15a, 15b might be bidirectional to allow rotation in both directions to allow the flat carrier 1 to have the hanging rails on the outside or inside. In examples where the inner surfaces 19a, 19b of the panel 3, 5 move towards each other to fold the carrier 1 flat, the folding may be affected by simply pushing the panels. Alternatively, the folding may also be effected by pulling the retaining strap 23 from one end, in a direction generally away from the panels 3, 5 or from the middle, in a horizontal direction generally perpendicular to the direction between the two panels 3, 5. The retaining strap 23 is flexible to ensure it can be stowed out of the way, even when the carrier 1 is folded flat. In examples where the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other, the retaining strap 23 should be detachable, breakable into two parts or in some other way configured to allow full rotation to the flat configuration in this direction. In some examples where the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other, the hanging rails 29a,b, 3 la,b, 33a,b on different panels may be aligned with each other in the direction from the base 7a, 7b to the top 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5 so that the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b rest against each other when the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 folded towards each other. In other examples where the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other, the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b may be offset so that the hanging rails 29a, 31a, 33a on one panel 3 are interleaved with the hanging rails 29b, 31b, 33b on the other panel 5 when the outer surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 folded towards each other. No matter which way the hinges 15a, 15b rotated, the panels 3, 5 may optionally include spacers (not shown) on one or both surfaces 19a,b, 21a,b of one or both of the panels 3,5 to space the panels 3, 5 from each other in the flat configuration. Latching members 39a, 39b may be provided on one or both of the panels 3, 5 to secure the panels 3, 5 together when the carrier is folded flat. In the example shown, the latch members 39a, 39b are provided on the outer surface 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 near the base 7a, 7b of the panels 3, 5. It will be appreciated that this is by way of example only. The latch members 39a 39b, may be provided on the outer surface 21a, 21b, the inner surface 19a, 19b, or along the edges of the panels 3, 5, and may be provided on or near the base 7a, 7b, sides 1 la, 1 lb, 13a, 13b or top 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5. Any suitable type of latching mechanism may be used to hold the panels 3, 5 together, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art. In order to easily transport the carrier 1, a handle 41 is provided secured to one or both panels 3, 5 near the tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3,5. At least part of the base 7a, 7b of each panel 3, 5 is provided with a non-slip material 43 to provide greater stability. A second embodiment of the cable carrier 101 is schematically illustrated in Figure 4. The cable carried 101 shown in Figure 4 is the same as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and discussed above, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be appreciated that the ball bungee loops 37 are omitted from Figure 4. This is for clarity only, and it will be assumed that these are included in the embodiment. In the cable carrier 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b are secured directly to the panels 3, 5, with the ball bungees loops 37 secured between the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b and panels 3, 5. In the cable carrier 101 in Figure 4, the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b are spaced away from the panels 3, 5 in a direction perpendicular and projecting out of the outwards facing surfaces 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5. To space the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b from the panels 3, 5 the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b include panel spacers 45 at opposite ends of the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. The panel spacers 45 act to secure the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b to the panels 3, 5, and to space the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b from the panels and also to prevent the ball bungee loops 37 (not shown in Figure 4) from sliding off the end of the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. In use, the ball bungee loops 37 are secured on the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. when the end 37c of the cord 37a is looped over the enlarged member 37b. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the fixing points arranged along the length of the hanging rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. provide lateral spacers preventing movement of the ball bungee loops 37 along the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. In the example shown in Figure 4, the panel spacers 45 (which also act as lateral spacers) are only provided at the ends of the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. It will be appreciated that in other examples, further spacers 45 may be provided along the length of the rails 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b to prevent movement of ball bungee loops 37 along the length of the rails 29a,b, 3 la.b, 33a,b. In some examples, the additional panel spacers may act as further fixing points, extending across the full gap between the having rail 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b. and the panel 3,5. However, in other examples, the lateral spacer may project from the hanging rail 29a,b, 3 la.b, 33a,b towards the panel 3, 5 without extending the full width of the gap. Alternatively, the lateral spacers may project from the panel 3, 5 towards the hanging rail 29a,b, 31a,b, 33a,b without extending the full width of the gap. A third embodiment of the cable carrier 201 is schematically illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The cable carrier 201 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is the same as the carriers 1, 101 shown in Figures 1 to 4 and discussed above, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be appreciated that the retaining strap 23 and ball bungee loops 37 are omitted from Figures 5 and 6. This is for clarity only, and it will be assumed that these are both included in the embodiment. In the cable carrier 201 shown in Figures 5 and 6, each panel 3 includes a perimeter wall 47a, 47b around the peripheral edge of the panel 3, 5. The perimeter wall 47a, 47b includes a first end wall 49a, 49b at the tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5, and a second end wall 51a, 51b at the bases 7a, 7b of the panels 3, 5. Sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b extend along the sides Ila, lib, 13a, 13b of the panels 3, 5. The peripheral sidewalls 47a, 47b, and the outward facing surface 21a, 21b of the panels 3, 5 define a volume that is open on the outward facing side. A removable lid / cover (not shown) may optionally be provided to close the volume formed by the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b and panels 3, 5. As best shown in Figure 6, the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b are provided with a number of openings 57 extending through the thickness of the walls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b in a direction parallel to the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. The openings 57 are used to support the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In one example, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may extend through the openings 57 and include enlarged ends that to retain them in place. In other examples, the openings 57 may be smaller than the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 3 lb, 33a, 33b and screws or other fixing means may be provided through the openings 57 to hold the rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b in place. In yet further examples, the openings 57 may not extend the full thickness of the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b and blind openings may be used to retain the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. It will be appreciated that the openings 57 used for holding the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b at the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b may be different at opposite ends of each hanging rail 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In further examples, a side rail mechanism or similar may be used to adjust the position of the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. The slide rail mechanism may include a brake or latch points to fix the height of the rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In the embodiment using the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b to fix the hanging rail, the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b prevent the ball bungee loops 37 sliding off the end of the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 3 la, 31b, 33a, 33b. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, no lateral spacers are shown. However, it will be appreciated that lateral spacers may be provided in a similar manner as discussed in relation to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the hinges 15a-d are arranged so that the inner facing surfaces 19a, 19b of the panels 3, 5 move towards each other when the cable carrier 201 is folded for transport. It is appreciated that this is by way of example only. The hinges 15a-d may be arranged such that the panels 3, 5 rotate so that the outward facing surfaces 21a, 21b move towards each other, or the hinges 15a-d may be bidirectional as discussed above. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the peripheral wall 47a-b extends all the way round the perimeter of the panels 3, 5. This is by way of example only. In some cases, the peripheral wall 47a,b may be discontinuous around the perimeter of the panel 3, 5 and may include one or more gaps. In some examples, only the sidewalls 53a, 53b, 55a, 55b may be provided, or the peripheral wall 47a- 47b may only be provided where it is needed to support the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the cable carrier 201, includes a peripheral wall 47a, b, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b need not necessarily be mounted on the peripheral wall 47a, 47b. The hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may instead be mounted in any of the ways discussed above in relation to Figures 1 to 4, with the peripheral wall 47a, 47b simply forming a volume enclosing the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b are provided on the outward facing surfaces 21a, 21b, and the peripheral sidewalls 47a, 47b extend in an outward direction from the outward facing surfaces 21a, 21b. In other examples, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may be provided on the inward facing surfaces 19a, 19b with the sidewalls projecting inwards from the panel 3, 5. In this example, the pivot 17 is formed where the edges of the end walls 49a,b meet. In the examples discussed above with relation to Figure 5 and 6, the carrier 1 may be considered to have a top wall 49 formed by two portions 49a, 49b joined at the pivot 17. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the single pivot point 17 is formed at the join between the panels 3, 5, such that the two portions 49a,b of the top are equal in size and the pivot is equidistant from both panels. This is by way of example only. In other cases, the pivot 17 may be formed closer to one of the panels 3, 5. In this case, one portion of the top wall 49a may extend over the volume formed by one panel and at least part of the volume formed by the other panel, when in the folded configuration. In an extreme example, a single top wall 49 may extend over the full volume of both panels 3,5, and form the pivot 17 where the top wall 49 meets a panel 3. In this case, there is only a single portion in the top wall 49. In further examples, multiple pivots 17 may be formed along the top walls 49a,b of the panels 3,5. In the embodiments show in Figures 1 to 4, three hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b are provided on each panel 3, 5. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, only two hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b are shown. It will be appreciated that any number of hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may be provided and there may be any desired spacing between the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In some examples, both panels 3, 5 may have the same number of hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b with the same spacing. However, this need not be the case, and the number and / or spacing of hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may be different on the two panels 3,5. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, a number of different holes 57 are provided for supporting hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. By using different holes 57, the number and position of the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b can be varied. In other examples, the number and position of the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b in the third embodiment will be fixed, and the additional holes may be omitted. It will further be appreciated that the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b in the first and second embodiments may also be secured to the panels in releasable or detachable ways, and multiple fixing points may be provided to allow the number or position of hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 3 lb, 33a, 33b to be varied. For example, multiple different screw holes may be provided, or the hanging rails may be secured by click fit or other types of connection. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4, two hinges 15a, 15b are shown, spaced along the tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5 such that the hinges 15a, 15b are near the sides Ila, 1 lb, 13a, 13b of the panels 3, 5. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, four hinges 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d are provided, arranged in two pairs. Hinges 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d within a pair are closely spaced, whilst the two pairs are spaced apart in a similar manner to the hinges 15a, 15b in Figures 1 to 4. It will be appreciated that any of the discussed embodiments may have any number and any spacing of hinges 15a, 15b. In one example, piano hinges may be used. However, any suitable type of hinge may be used. Furthermore, in some examples, the pivot connection may be formed by a living hinge or other type of pivot point. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, wheels 59 or casters are provided on the base 7a, 7b of the panels 3, 5. The wheels 59 may be provided on the base 7a, 7b of one or both of the panels 3, 5. The wheels 59 are optional and may be omitted. Furthermore, wheels 59 may be provided on any of the embodiments. In order to hold the cables secure while in transport, holding straps or belts (not shown) may be provided, these may prevent the cables from moving away from the panels 3, 5, holding them in place. Generally the straps extend parallel to the hanging rails, but they could run in any direction. The straps may be elasticated straps, bungee cords or the like, The straps may have any suitable fastening to allow them to be fixed to the carrier. In one example, the straps may be separate to the carrier, and may be tightened in place. In other example, the straps may be secured to the carrier by loops, or other secure fastenings. Optionally, additional vertical spacer members (not shown) may be provided extending from the tops 9a, 9b to the bases 7a, 7b of the panels 3, 5. In one example, the vertical spacer members may provide structural rigidity, and may be used to support the hanging rails. In further examples, the vertical spacer members may provide fixing points for the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b in a similar manner to the sidewalls. Therefore, the vertical spacer member may vertically split the carrier 1 into two or more regions, each with independently arranged hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. In at least some embodiments, a light (not shown) may be secured to the panels 3, 5 or peripheral walls 47a, 47b, or integrated within the panels 3, 5 or peripheral walls 47a, 47b. The light may further be provided with a power source such as a battery (not shown) which is also secured to or integrated with the panels 3, 5 or peripheral walls 47a, 47b. The light may be any suitable light source. It may include a single light emitting elements, or any array of light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light emitting elements may be positioned (and / or the light output may be shaped or focussed) to illuminate the items held on the hanging rails. The battery may be any suitable replaceable or rechargeable battery. A separate box or bag may be provided. The carrier I can be placed into the box or bag during transportation to hold and cover the carrier. Alternatively, bespoke covers may be provided that are integrated with or attached to the panels 3, 5 and peripheral walls 47a, 47b. The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 include a handle 41. In the example shown, the handle 41 is secured to both panels 3, 5 near the tops 9a, 9b of the panels 3, 5. However, it will be appreciated that the handle 41 can be provided on any edge or on either panel 3, 5, in any position. Furthermore, whilst the handle 41 is not shown on the embodiment in Figures 5 and 6, it will be appreciated that a handle 41 may also be used in this embodiment. Any type of handle 41 may be used, connected to one or both panels 3, 5 (or the peripheral walls 47a, 47b) in any suitable way. For example the handle may be rigid plastic or wood, or may be flexible cloth or the like. In some examples, the handle 41 may be extendable. In various embodiments, particularly but not exclusively embodiments with bidirectional hinges, a single handle 41 may be provided in a location that allows the carrier 1 to be carried in any configuration. Alternatively, two or more handles 41 each for carrying in different configurations (or for carrying different ways round). In further examples an aperture (not shown) may be provided in the vicinity of the handle 41 to allow the handle 41 to be pushed through the opening and used in different configurations. The handle 41 is optional and may be omitted, or may be detachable. The embodiments discussed above include a number of ball bungee loops 37 to hold cables. It will be appreciated that the ball bungee loops 37 may be adjustable to adjust the length between the enlarged member 37b and the closed end of the loop 37c, thus altering the slack and how large a cable can be held by the ball bungee loop 37. It will also be appreciated that ball bungee loops 37 are just one example of a holding member that can be provided on the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b to hold cables. Figure 7 shows various examples of different holding members 301, 401, 501 that may be used instead of ball bungee loops 37. A first holding member 301 is in the form of a strap 303 or cord. The ends 305, 307 of the strap 303 have corresponding regions 309a, 309b of a hook and loop connection system such as Velcro®. This holding member 301 works in a similar way to the ball bungee cord 37, in that it wraps around the cable and is fastened together to form a complete loop. Other types of fastening may be used instead of hooks and loop fasteners, such as bush buttons, a button and eyelet system, toggles, knots or other fastening means. The second and third holding members 401, 501 both include hooks 403, 503 formed at one end, to hook onto the hanging rail 61. In the second holding member 401, a second hook 405 is provided at the opposite end, for hanging a cable on. In the third holding member 501, a receptacle 505 is provided for placing a cable in. It will be appreciated that the above are just examples of holding members. Any suitable type of holding member can be provided to connect to or hang from the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. The holding means may comprise any means to allow it to be secured on the rail, and any means to secure any item. In some examples, straps, clamps, clips pouches, magnets or the like may be used for one or both functions. Any number of holding members can be provided on each hanging rail 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b. Furthermore, all of the holding members may be of the same type, or a variety of different holding members may be provided. In any of the above embodiments, the panels 3, 5 may be any suitable size and shape. The panels 3, 5 may be of the same size and shape as each other, or may be of different size and / or shape. In the embodiments discussed above, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b extend horizontally (i.e. parallel to whatever surface the bases 7a, 7b of the panels 3,5 are placed on). However, in other examples, the hanging rails 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b may extend in one or more different directions. In the embodiments discussed above, a retaining strap 23 is used to limit the angle between the panels 3, 5, when the carrier A-frame is open. The retaining strap 23 may extend through openings 25a, 25b in both panels in secure it relatively to the panels 3, 5. In other examples, the retaining strap 23 may be secured to the inward facing surface 21a, 21b of one or both of the panels 3, 5 by screws, bolts, adhesives or other anchor means, without passing through an opening. In other examples, the strap 23 may be omitted. The angle of the A-frame may be restricted by engageable locking means that can hold the A-frame at one or more different angles. For example, each panel 3, 5 may have a corresponding part of an engageable mechanism that allows the panels to be held at a fixed spacing. In further examples, the hinges 15 may be arranged to limit the angle at the top of the A-frame. In at least some embodiments, the pivot 17 may be arranged to be disengaged and reengaged to allow the two panels 3, 5 to be separated from each other. This allows the panels 3, 5 to be stored against a flat surface when not being transported, and then reconnected when needed. For example, when not being transported, the panels 3, 5 may be hung on a wall or the like. The pivot 17 may be disconnected by disconnecting the hinges 15 from one of the panels 3, 5. Alternatively, a first portion of the hinges 15 fixed to one of the panels 3, 5 may disconnect from a second portion of the hinges 15 connected to the other of the panels 3, 5. In the embodiments discussed above, a latch 39a, 39b is used to hold the panels 3, 5 together when the carrier is collapsed. Any suitable latch may be used, or this latch may be omitted. In the embodiments discussed above, a non-slip material 43 is provided on the bases 7a, 7b of the panel. This is by way of example only, and may be omitted. Furthermore, the bases may include feet or other means for the carrier 1 to stand on. The carrier 1 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the panels 3, 5 may be wood, metal, plastic or any other material. Optionally, metal brackets or the like may be provided at the corners, edges or other regions of the carrier 1. These may protect the edges / corners from damage and / or reinforce the structure and / or be decorative. Likewise, the hanging rails may be wood, metal, plastic and the like. In one example, the hanging rails may be drumsticks. As discussed above, the carrier 3 can be used to carry cables. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable items that can be held by any one of the different hanging means can be carried instead of cables. Cables are included above as an exemplary use of the carrier only. For examples, tools, small items held in pouches, accessories for musical instruments or any other items may be provided. Examples of items that may be held include: multi plug sockers, power plug adapters, 'A inch 6mm jack adapters, soldering kits, pliers, cable repair systems and parts, screwdrivers, crimping pliers, batteries of all sizes, hammers, head-torches and other torches, microphone pouches, XLR-1 / 4 inch jack adapters, headphone amps, microphone screens, in ear monitors, headphones, guitar picks, floor pedals, wireless routers, SSD storage discs, mobile 5 phones, guitar strings, decibel meters, keyboard foot pedals, and the like.

Claims

1. A storage and carrying apparatus including:a first panel and second panel, each panel having a base and a top opposing the base;a pivot joint formed between the tops of the first and second panels, such that the first and second panel form an A-frame configured to rest on the bases of the first and second panels, wherein the A-frame defines inward facing surfaces of the first and second panels, facing towards each other and opposing outward facing surfaces of the first and second panels;one or more hanging rails extending across the outward facing surface of at least one of the first and second panels; anda plurality of holding members configured to be supported on the or each hanging rail, the holding members arranged to secure items to the A-frame.

2. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 1. wherein the pivot joint is arranged such that the apparatus can be switched between at least two configurations, including:a flat configuration in which the first and second panels extend parallel to each other; andan expanded configuration in which the internal angle between the first and second panels form the A-frame.

3. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 2, including a retaining strap extending between the first panel and the second panel to limit a maximum internal angle at the pivot joint.

4. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 3, wherein the retaining strap extends slidably through an opening in one or both of the first panel and second panel, and wherein the retaining strap includes stops on the outward facing surfaces of the first and / or second panel to limit the internal angle between the first panel and second panel in the expanded configuration.

5. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the retaining strap is arranged such that pulling the retaining strap moves the apparatus between the flat configuration and the expanded configuration.

6. The storage and carrying apparatus of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the pivot joint is arranged, such that the first and second panels are rotatable around the joint so that the outward facing surfaces face towards each other in the flat configuration.

7. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pivot joint is abidirectional pivot joint such that the apparatus has;a first flat configuration in which the outward facing surfaces face towards each other; anda second flat configuration in which the inward facing surfaces of the first and second panel face towards each other.

8. The storage and carrying apparatus of any of claims 2 to 7 comprising a latching mechanism arranged to hold the first and second panels relative to each other in the flat configuration.

9. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the or each hanging rail comprises a rod extending over the outward facing surface of at least one of the first and second panels.

10. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the or each hanging rail extends substantially horizontally.

11. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the or each hanging rail comprises panel spacers to offset the hanging rails from the panel on which it is mounted.

12. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the or each hanging rail comprises lateral spacers to limit movement of the holding member along the hanging rail.

13. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 12, wherein the lateral spacers are formed by fixing points for securing the hanging rail to the panel on which it is mounted.

14. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of fixing points for securing the or each hanging rail, wherein the or each hanging rail is removably held in the fixing points to allow the or each hanging rail to be fixed in two or more different positions.

15. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each panel includes side walls extending between the top and base of the panel, on peripheral edges of the panel, the sidewalls being perpendicular to and projecting out from the outward facing surfaces of the first and second panels.

16. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 15, wherein fixing points for securing the hanging rail are formed in the side walls.

17. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fixing points comprise openings arranged to receive the hanging rail.

18. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 16, wherein the side wall defines a slide mechanism, the slide mechanism comprising holding means for holding the or each hanging rail at different positions.

19. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the holding means comprises a cord having fastening means to form a loop.

20. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 19, wherein the fastening means comprises one or more ofhook loop fasteners; andan enlarged member over which a loop formed by the cord is threaded.

21. The storage and carrying apparatus of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the cord is elastic.

22. The storage and carrying apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the holding means comprises a first hook arranged to look over the hanging rail, and one or more receptacles or second hooks for holding items.5 23. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, including a handlefor carrying the apparatus, the handle fixed at or near the top of one or both of the first and second panels.

24. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, including wheels 10 arranged at or near the base of one or both of the first and second panels, and / orcomprising a non-slip material at the base of one or both of the first and second panels.

25. The storage and carrying apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pivot 15 joint is arranged to be disengaged and re-engaged to allow the two panels to be separated from each other and reconnected to each other.

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