Support apparatus for consumer pyrotechnics and other items

Abstract

A support device, preferably reusable, for securely holding various items such as consumer ground-based fireworks (for example, fountains, mortars, multiple aerials, etc.), paint cans, bottles, drink cans, drink cups, thermos bottles, planters, vases, various other containers, or the like, in a vertical and upright position, using a sufficiently wide base that is resistant to tipping over. In certain configurations, the apparatus is a molded plastic element formed in a generally round shape with an outer annular section and a series of resilient flexible cantilever tines extending radially inward toward a central aperture serving as a primary insertion point for the item being held.

1 . A device for supporting an item in a generally upright position, comprising: 
 an outer annulus;    a plurality of flexible tines connected to the outer annulus and extending radially inward and terminating to form an inner aperture for accommodating insertion of an item,    wherein some of the tines are interconnected by a connector element extending between adjacent tines.    
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the tines comprise slender rod-like members.  
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 2  wherein the tines have a cross section selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, rectangular.  
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is constructed of integrally-molded plastic.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 4  wherein the plastic is formulated to be sufficiently heat resistant so as to resist melting or igniting when contacted by stray sparks.  
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the tines are constructed and arranged to form an upwardly-domed configuration when at rest to accommodate insertion of an item from an underside of the device upwardly through the inner aperture, the tines flexing upwardly and radially outwardly for engaging all lateral sides of the item.  
   
   
       7 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the plastic comprises a glow in the dark material.  
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 7  wherein the glow in the dark material comprises a photoluminescent material.  
   
   
       9 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the tines form a swept or spiral shape as extending radially inwardly from the outer annulus toward the inner aperture.  
   
   
       10 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein groups of the tines terminate at different distances from the inner aperture.  
   
   
       11 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the connector element comprises a controlling band disposed between the outer annulus and the inner aperture, the controlling band interconnecting a plurality of the tines.  
   
   
       12 . A device according to  claim 11  wherein the controlling band comprises a sinuoidal-shaped structure interconnecting all the tines.  
   
   
       13 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is removable from an item and reusable.  
   
   
       14 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is formed of molded plastic and wherein the tines are constructed and arranged to form as upwardly-domed configuration.  
   
   
       15 . A device according to  claim 14  wherein the tines are sufficiently flexible to allow insertion of items of various diameters, gripping all lateral sides of an item when inserted, the tines being sufficiently resilient to permit removal of the item, and returning to an at-rest condition for accepting another item.