Collapsible stand

Abstract

The present invention is a stand for an article with a rod-shaped member. The stand includes an open top bucket-like base adapted to receive particulate matter, such as sand or dirt, for weight. Removably attached to the bottom surface is a tubular part adapted to receive the rod-like member of article in an upright position. A set screw with a grip secures the member to the part. The wall of the stand is formed of flexible material such as fabric. When the tubular part is removed and the particulate matter is emptied, the stand can be collapsed and easily transported from one location to another.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A collapsible stand comprising a base with a circular plastic bottom wall defining a bottom surface, a circular plastic top wall defining a top opening, a flexible wall extending between said bottom wall and said top wall, said base being transformable between a collapsed state wherein said top wall is proximate said bottom wall and an extended state wherein said top wall is remote from said bottom wall and said flexible wall is expanded to define an interior space above said bottom surface, a part fixed to said bottom surface and a tubular part situated within said interior space and comprising a lower portion adapted to be received in said fixed part, said tubular part comprising an open top. 
     
     
         2 . The stand of  claim 1  wherein said fixed part is internally threaded and said lower portion of said tubular part is externally threaded. 
     
     
         3 . The stand of  claim 1  wherein said flexible wall comprises fabric material. 
     
     
         4 . The stand of  claim 1  wherein said bottom wall comprises a top edge, said flexible wall has a bottom edge, and wherein said top edge of said bottom wall is attached to said bottom edge of said flexible wall. 
     
     
         5 . The stand of  claim 3  wherein said top edge of said bottom wall is attached to said bottom edge of said flexible wall by stitching. 
     
     
         6 . The stand of  claim 1  wherein said top wall comprises a bottom edge, said flexible wall has a top edge, and wherein said bottom edge of said top wall is attached to said top edge of said flexible wall. 
     
     
         7 . The stand of  claim 5  wherein said bottom edge of said top wall is attached to said top edge of said flexible wall by stitching. 
     
     
         8 . The stand of  claim 1  further comprising particulate matter, wherein said particulate matter is situated within said interior space. 
     
     
         9 . The stand of  claim 1  further comprising oppositely directed handle parts extending from said tubular part proximate said open top. 
     
     
         10 . The stand of  claim 1  for use with an article with a rod-like member, wherein said rod-like member is adapted to be received within said tubular part. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible stand comprising a base with circular plastic bottom wall defining a bottom surface, a circular plastic top wall defining a top opening, a flexible wall extending between said bottom wall and said top wall, said stand being transformable between a collapsed state wherein said top wall is proximate said bottom wall and an extended state wherein said top wall is remote from said bottom wall and said flexible wall is expanded to define an interior space above said bottom surface, a part fixed to said bottom surface and a tubular part situated within said interior space and comprising a lower portion adapted to be received in said fixed part, said tubular part comprising an open top, a wall with an internally threaded opening and an externally threaded set screw adapted to be received in said opening. 
     
     
         12 . The stand of  claim 11  wherein said fixed part is internally threaded and said lower portion of said tubular part is externally threaded. 
     
     
         13 . The stand of  claim 11  wherein said flexible wall comprises fabric material. 
     
     
         14 . The stand of  claim 11  wherein said bottom wall comprises a top edge, said flexible wall has a bottom edge, and wherein said top edge of said bottom wall is attached to said bottom edge of said flexible wall. 
     
     
         15 . The stand of  claim 13  wherein said top edge of said bottom wall is attached to said bottom edge of said flexible wall by stitching. 
     
     
         16 . The stand of  claim 11  wherein said top wall comprises a bottom edge, said flexible wall has a top edge, and wherein said bottom edge of said top wall is attached to said top edge of said flexible wall. 
     
     
         17 . The stand of  claim 15  wherein said bottom edge of said top wall is attached to said top edge of said flexible wall by stitching. 
     
     
         18 . The stand of  claim 11  further comprising particulate matter, wherein said particulate matter is situated within said interior space. 
     
     
         19 . The stand of  claim 11  further comprising oppositely directed handle parts extending from said tubular part proximate said open top. 
     
     
         20 . The stand of  claim 11  for use with an article with a rod-like member, wherein said rod-like member is adapted to be secured within said tubular part by said set screw.