Abstract:
The invention discloses a container and support stand for conventional road flares, thereby allowing said stand to support flares during use. The device consists of multiple round flare holders or tubes, which are snapped around a central core holder. The core holder will accommodate four (4) to six (6) flares dependent upon the model. Each flare tube has a waterproof cap. To use, a person would select one or more flare tubes from the central core, remove each cap, and slide out the flare. A locking system to prevent the flare from falling all of the way back into the tube is then activated, along with a spring-levered two-foot support stand. The stand is then deployed with the flare ignited and dropped into the tube. When finished, the spent flare can be discarded, a new one placed in the holder, the cap replaced, and the holder snapped back into the central core holder, thus making the device ready for the next use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in an Official Record of Invention on Feb. 15, 2007 that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a flare case assembly for supporting and dispensing at least one existing road flare, comprising a tubular holder, a lid removably attached to said holder, a means for supporting said holder at an erected position, and a means for raising and lowering at least one existing road flare along a linear travel path partially defined along a longitudinal length of said holder. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Motor vehicle accidents account for more deaths than all natural disasters combined. In fact, in the United States the chances of being injured in a motor vehicle accident is better than one in a thousand (1:1000) in any year. However, not all motor vehicle accidents occur while driving. 
   It is all too often we hear or read about a motor vehicle striking a disabled vehicle on the side of a road or highway. Such accidents often have disastrous results for not only the passengers in the oncoming vehicle, but for those in the broken down vehicle as well. While emergency flashers help somewhat in this situation, they are often not bright enough to alert oncoming drivers to the possible dangers. Emergency response personnel often use road flares to help in this matter. While such flares are certainly bright enough, they do suffer from several disadvantages. First, their small size makes them difficult to find in a crowded trunk. Secondly, their somewhat fragile nature makes them prone to physical and/or water damage. Thirdly, when lit and deployed, they may tend to roll away, thus negating their effectiveness. Finally, should they roll to the side of the road they can catch adjacent grass areas on fire, thus greatly escalating the severity of the emergency situation. Accordingly, a need exists for a means by which road flares can be carried, stored, and deployed in a manner that eradicates the disadvantages listed above. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,729 filed by DeGroat discloses a flare carrier and support. This patent does not appear to disclose a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does it appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,245 filed by Graves and Dahlberg discloses a traffic control flare holder that is attachable to a traffic cone. This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that is freestanding nor does it disclose a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare and possessing a sliding mechanism for extending a flare out of the tubular member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,343 filed by Cheng discloses an emergency rescue device that launches flares for rescue purposes. This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that will maintain and support activated roadside flares. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,522 filed by Ingoldt discloses a magazine for road flares. This patent does not appear to disclose a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does it appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,422 filed by Tiffany discloses a stackable flare base. This patent does not appear to disclose a This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that possesses a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does it appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,923 filed by discloses a subdivided flare-holding container. This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that is capable of maintaining and supporting an activated flare. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,611,934 filed by Schaefer discloses an apparatus for setting safety flares. This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that possesses a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does it appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,220,407 filed by joss discloses a container for signal flares. This patent does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that possesses a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does it appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   The prior art appears to disclose various apparatus that contain flares and are capable of maintaining and supporting activated flares. The prior art does not appear to disclose a flare case and stand that possesses a tubular container capable of maintaining a flare nor does the prior art appear to disclose a sliding mechanism for extending the flare out of the tubular member. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a flare case and stand and method for storing as well as providing a means to support conventional road flares in a tubular holder. 
   An object of the present invention provides for a flare case and stand to comprise a holder of tubular design, a lid, a support stand, a platform, a tab, and a core holder. Each tubular holder would be made of metal or other heat resistant material to accommodate the heat generated during use. Wire bending and forming would be utilized for the formation of the spring-loaded support stand. The remaining components of the flare case and stand, such as the core holder and/or the waterproof lid would be made of plastic in an injection molding process. Such a process would require the design and use of custom molds. 
   Another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to further comprise a plurality of sizes according to the size of the flare, purpose of the flare, number of flares required, and other user preferences. 
   Another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to further comprise a tubular holder of a general open-ended cylindrical tube shape fabricated of a fire proof material or material that resists heat up to a high temperature. The holder is envisioned to comprise an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity. The holder comprises a bottom wall and a hollow cylindrical surface surrounding an open upper face, which in conjunction define the tubular holder extending from said bottom wall to the upper open face. The holder further comprises an opened upper face and a closed lower face with a platform intermediated therebetween. The flare case and stand is ergonomically designed to envelope substantially the entire area of a flare. An open upper face is formed leading towards a cavity designed to removably receive a flare. 
   Still another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to comprise a removably attachable lid such that the inside surface of said lid abuts against the outer diametrical surface of a gasket which is integrally attached to said upper portion of the holder. Alternatively, the rubber gasket or other sealing means may be integrated around the periphery of the underside surface of the lid. 
   Still another object of the present invention provides for the lid to comprise an inner wall adapted to correspondingly match the outer surface of the gasket, thereby sealing the lid into place. Alternatively, the lid may comprise a means to snap onto the holder or a threaded inside wall defining a bore for correspondingly receiving the outer wall of a holder defining a threaded or grooved region positioned at the upper opening for receiving and cooperating with the inside wall of the lid for secure placement. The lid is secured therewith the tubular holder via a strapping mechanism. Connection loops allow the points of connection of the chain thereon the lid and the tubular holder. 
   Yet another object of the present invention provides for the tubular holder to further comprise a tab movably motioned within a track incorporated along the partial length of each tubular holder to assist in the raising of the flare whenever so desired to be ignited. The track is defined on the holder for the upward and later downward movement of the flares. The tab is interconnected therewith a platform that which the base of the flare rests upon. 
   Yet another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to comprise self-supporting in a tripod stance upon the surface via a support stand. The support stand comprises two (2) legs with a contact member positioned at the distal end thereof to come in contact with the ground and a circular cross-section. The support stand is pivotable about the outside surface of the tubular holder, pivotally affixed thereto the proximal end of said holder. 
   Yet another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to be tilted backward such that the contact members of the support stand remains in engagement with the ground in a readily stable stance capable of resisting overturning forces. When deployed in this fashion, the flare case and stand may stand on almost any grade of ground. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand is envisioned to comprise a core holder designed to removably receive one (1) or more holders. The apertures are comparably equal in size, equidistantly-spaced apart, frictionally fits against the outer surface periphery of the tubular holder to be effectively locked in place, securely and removably held in a stored position, and envisioned to be shaped in a semicircular or arch-like formation sized slightly larger than that than the outer diameter of the tubular holder to stably and frictionally secure placement of said holders. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the core holder with a plurality of apertures to releasably secure multiple flares at equal intervals. The core holder may be loaded with tubular holders with the option of containing flares and stored in the trunk or other storage area in a vehicle. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the flare case and stand to comprise a sturdy and resilient construction enabling it to avoid overturning forces and frequent and repetitive utilization. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tubular holder  20  with a lid  30  removably attached thereon, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an inside perspective view of the tubular holder  20  with the lid  30  attachably removed therefrom, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an inside side view of the tubular holder  20  with the lid  30  attachably removed therefrom and a flare  80  protruding therefrom open upper face  27 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the tubular holder  20  with the lid  30  removably attached thereon, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plurality of tubular holders  20  releasably secured thereto a core holder  70 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 emergency flare case and stand 
               
               
                 20 
                 tubular holder 
               
               
                 22 
                 bottom wall 
               
               
                 25 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 27 
                 upper open face 
               
               
                 28 
                 gasket 
               
               
                 30 
                 lid 
               
               
                 40 
                 support stand 
               
               
                 42 
                 leg 
               
               
                 43 
                 coiled spring 
               
               
                 45 
                 contact member 
               
               
                 50 
                 platform 
               
               
                 60 
                 tab 
               
               
                 65 
                 track 
               
               
                 67 
                 notch 
               
               
                 70 
                 core holder 
               
               
                 75 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 80 
                 flare 
               
               
                 90 
                 chain 
               
               
                 100 
                 upward movement 
               
               
                 105 
                 downward movement 
               
               
                 110 
                 clip 
               
               
                 115 
                 prong 
               
               
                 120 
                 inward movement 
               
               
                 125 
                 outward movement 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   The present invention describes an apparatus and method for storing as well as providing a means to support conventional road flares  80  in a tubular holder  20 . The flare case and stand (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a holder  20  of tubular design, a lid  30 , a support stand  40 , a platform  50 , a tab  60 , and a core holder  70 . Each tubular holder  20  would be made of metal or other heat resistant material to accommodate the heat that it may be exposed to during use. Wire bending and forming would be utilized for the formation of the spring-loaded support stand  40 . The remaining components of the apparatus  10 , such as the core holder  70  and/or the waterproof lid  30  would be made of plastic in an injection molding process. Such a process would require the design and use of custom molds. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be introduced in a plurality of sizes according to the size of the flare  80 , purpose of said flare  80 , number of flares  80  needed, and other user preferences. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a tubular holder  20  with a lid  30  releasably attached thereon, is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to comprise a tubular holder  20  of a general open-ended cylindrical tube shape fabricated of a fire proof material or material that resists heat up to a high temperature. The holder  20  is envisioned to comprise an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity  25 . The holder  20  is envisioned to comprise a bottom wall  22  and a hollow cylindrical surface surrounding an open upper face  27 , which in conjunction, define the tubular holder  20  extending from said bottom wall  22  to the upper open face  27 . The holder  20  comprises an opened upper face  27  and a closed lower face  22  with a platform  50  intermediated therebetween. The apparatus  10  is ergonomically designed to envelope substantially the entire area of a flare  80 . An open upper face  27  is formed leading towards a cavity  25  designed to removably receive a flare  80 . The length and circumference of the holder  20  may be altered such to allow flares  80  of a plurality of sizes and functions to be inserted therein. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective inside view of the tubular holder  20  with the lid  30  attachably removed therefrom, is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is comprised of a removably attachable lid  30  slightly larger than that of the exterior surface of the upper portion of the holder  20  such that the inside surface of said lid  30  abuts thereagainst the outer diametrical surface of a gasket  28 , which is integrally attached thereto said upper portion of the holder  20 . To provide a good seal against the entry of water there is a rubber gasket  28  or other sealing means around the periphery of the upper surface of the holder  20 . Alternatively, the rubber gasket  28  or other sealing means may be integrated around the periphery of the underside surface of the lid  30 . The lid  30  is envisioned to comprise an inner wall adapted to correspondingly match the outer surface of the gasket  28 , thereby sealing the lid  30  into place. Alternatively, the lid  30  may comprise a means to snap onto the holder  20  or a threaded inside wall defining a bore for correspondingly receiving the outer wall of a holder defining a threaded or grooved region positioned at the upper opening  27  for receiving and cooperating with the inside wall of the lid  30  for secure placement. The lid  30  engages the rubber gasket  28  thereby disposing the upper opening  27  of the holder  20  in the bore. However, other fastening means may be utilized as adequate securement of the lid  30  thereon the holder  20 . The lid  30  is secured therewith the tubular holder  20  via a strapping mechanism, preferably a chain  90  having links, as depicted in the figures. The strapping mechanism may be of any other device suitable to secure the lid  30  therewith the holder  20  and capable of withstanding the heat expelled therefrom a lit flare  80 . Connection loops allow the points of connection of the chain  90  thereon the lid  30  and the tubular holder  20 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an inside side view of the tubular holder  20  tilted, is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A tab  60  or the like is envisioned to be movably motioned within a track  65  incorporated along the partial length of each tubular holder  20 . The track  65  is defined thereon the holder  20  for the upward  100  and later downward  105  movement of the flares  80 . The tab  60  is interconnected therewith a platform  50  that which the base of the flare  80  rests thereupon. The tab  60 , integrally attached thereto a platform  50  residing therein the cavity  25  of the tubular holder  20 , projects tangentially outward therefrom the tubular holder  20  for operative movements given by a user. The tab  60  is utilized to assist in the raising of the flare  80  whenever so desired to be ignited. Said tab  60  may be manipulated or moved upwardly  100 , thus raising the platform  50  for which the bottom surface of the flare  80  rests upon, to lift the desired flare  80  thereout of the tubular holder  20 . The flare  80  thus can then be moved up 100 (raised) so that the upper portion of the flare  80  is exposed therefrom the tubular holder  20 . For insertion of the desired flare  80 , the tab  60  would be lowered  105 , thus lowering  105  the platform  50  for which the bottom surface of the flare  80  rests upon, and the flare  80  may then be inserted therein the cavity  25  of the tubular holder  20 . The platform  50  is integrated therein for the raising of the flare  80  upwardly  100  therefrom the cavity  25 . 
   The tab  60  integrated therewith said platform  50  to be motioned upward  100  to impulse said platform  50  and thereby impelling the flare  80  upwardly  100  therethrough the cavity  25  until said flare  80  is partially exposed. The tab  60  slides along a vertical track  65  or slotted opening with a notch  67  integrated thereon the uppermost portion of said track  65 . Whenever it is so desired to move the flare upwardly  100 , the tab  60  may be slid along the vertical track  65  and positioned in the notch  67  where it will rest at the uppermost portion of said slot  65  such that said flare  80  is in the exposed position protruding therefrom the upper open face  27 . Alternatively, the tab  60  may be motioned upwardly  100  in intervals separated by “clicks” to allow the flare  80  to adjustably protrude outwardly therefrom the open upper face  27  of the tubular holder  20 . It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that other tab  60  and track  65  designs or other means to permit raising, locking into place, and subsequent lowering  105  of the platform  50  may also be used in accordance with the invention  10  without intervening with the scope of the invention  10 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the tubular holder  20  is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be self-supporting in a tripod stance upon the surface via a support stand  40 . The support stand  40  comprises two (2) legs  42  each shaped much like an “L” with a contact member  45  positioned at the distal end thereof to come in contact with the ground. The support stand  40  is envisioned to comprise a circular cross-section with two (2) legs  42  extending from the coiled spring  43  angularly thereto leading towards a contact member  45  in which contacts the ground. Whenever so desired, support stand  40  may be removed therefrom a retaining clip  110  by squeezing the two (2) legs  42  inwardly  120  towards each other and then pulling outwardly  125  therefrom the tubular holder  20 . The support stand  40  is pivotable about the outside surface of the tubular holder  20 , pivotally affixed thereto the proximal end of said holder  20 . The two (2) legs  42  are pivotally secured to the outside surface of the tubular holder  20  via a coiled spring  43 . Said two (2) legs  42  are interconnected therewith each other via the spring  43 , in which is envisioned to be utilized to provide the momentum force about a pivoting axis transverse thereto the length of the tubular holder  20  as well as parallel thereto the upper side surface of the tubular holder  20  and the base  22  of said holder  20 . The coiled spring  43  provides the means to bias the two (2) legs  42  outward from each other as well as pivot outwardly  125  therefrom the tubular holder  20  to an extended orientation. The legs  42  are biased outwardly therefrom each other as well as the support stand  40  is biased rotatably outwardly  125  from a stored orientation, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to an extended orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , via the coiled spring  43  but may later have the legs  42  pushed together and inward  120  therewithin the clip  110  whereas the apparatus  10  is then in the stored orientation. The clip  110  engages both legs  42  via prongs  115  thereby providing a means to transform the stored energy of the coiled spring  43 , when in the stored orientation, to kinetic energy whenever so released. The kinetic energy provides the momentum force thereby rotating 125 the support stand  40  about the axis of the coiled spring  43  as well as biasing the two (2) legs  42  outwardly. When in the stored orientation, the legs  42  instigate tension along the axis of the spring  43 . The retention of the support stand  40  charges the coiled spring  43  such to provide a stored energy awaiting to be released into kinetic energy such to provide a rotational motion  125  to bring out the support stand  40  and the legs  42  outward  125 . 
   Whenever extended, the apparatus  10  may then be tilted backward such that the contact members  45  of the support stand  40  remains in engagement with the ground in a readily stable stance capable of resisting overturning forces. In this configuration, the apparatus  10  may stand on almost any grade of ground. Whenever not needed, the support stand  40  may fully retract inward towards the tubular body  20 . The legs  42  may be squeezed together 120 and inserted therebetween the two (2) prongs  115  of the clip  110  and released thereby locking the support stand  40 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a plurality of tubular holders  20  releasably secured thereto a core holder  70 . The apparatus  10  is envisioned to comprise a core holder  70  designed specifically to removably receive one (1) or more holders  20 . The core holder  70  is envisioned to comprise at least four (4) semicircular apertures  75  for operably receiving the holders  20 . The apertures  75  are comparably equal in size comprising a periphery wall being curvilinear separated by a sold surface. Each aperture  75  is equidistantly spaced apart with a periphery that is designed to align with the periphery of the outer surface of the tubular holder  20 . Each aperture  75  frictionally fits thereagainst the outer surface periphery of the tubular holder  20  to be effectively locked in place, securely and removably held in a stored position. The apertures  75  are envisioned to be shaped in a semicircular or arch-like formation sized slightly larger than that than the outer diameter of the tubular holder  20  to stably and frictionally secure placement of said holders  20  therein. The apertures  75  are envisioned to be shaped in an arch-like formation thus to stably hold the tubular holders  20  that may vary in size and/or shape in an arrangement where said holders  20  may be easily removed. The apertures  75  are envisioned to be equidistantly positioned in at least two (2) columns and two (2) rows or in other selected positions depending on the size of the tubular holders  20 , number of tubular holders  20 , and/or other personal preferences of a user. The apertures  75  are substantially identical in size shaped to correspond with the outer surface of the tubular holder  20 , although it will be understood that the apertures  75  could be formed of sizes and/or shapes that are substantially different than one (1) another. 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
   The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the apparatus  10  from the storage location; grasping the tubular holder  20  releasably secured therein the core holder  70 ; removing said tubular holder  20  therefrom the designated aperture  75  of said core holder  70 ; removing the lid  30  therefrom the upper portion of the tubular holder  20  thereby exposing the upper open face  27 ; motioning the tab  60  upwardly  100  therealong the vertical track  65  and locking into place by placing said tab  60  within the notch  67  thereby exposing the flare  80 ; squeezing the legs  42  inwardly  120  towards one (1) another; while still squeezing, pull said legs  42  outwardly  125  therefrom the clip  110 ; releasing the legs  42  thereby motioning the legs  42  outward from one (1) another; placing the apparatus  10  and flare  80  protruding outwardly therefrom on the desired surface; igniting said flare  80 ; replacing flare  80  after usage into the tubular holder  20 ; releasing the tab  60  therefrom the notch  67 ; motioning the tab  60 , and consequently the replaced flare  80 , downwardly  105 ; replacing the lid  30  thereon the uppermost portion of the tubular holder  20  thereby closing the upper open end  27 ; squeezing the two (2) legs  42  inwardly  120  towards one (1) another; motioning the legs  42  towards the tubular holder  20  until placed therebetween the prongs  115  of the clip  110 ; releasing the legs  42  thereby allowing the legs  42  to spring outwardly  125  and rest within said prongs  115 ; and, releasably securing the tubular holder  20  within an aperture  75  of the core holder  70 . 
   The apparatus  10  comprises a core holder  70  with a plurality of apertures  75  capable of releasably securing multiple flares  80  at equal intervals. The core holder  70  is envisioned to comprise a plurality of tubular holders  20  for transport and storage. The core holder  70  may be loaded with tubular holders  20  with the option of containing flares  80  and stored in the trunk or other storage area in a vehicle. Lids  30  are frictionally placed thereon the uppermost portion of the tubular holder  20  utilizing a rubber gasket  28  to protect the flares  80  residing therein the tubular holder  20  from inclement weather. The flare  80  is placed within the cavity  25  such that the bottom surface of said flare  80  rests thereupon the platform  50 . The platform  50  serves as a support as well as means to lift  100  the flare  80  whenever so desired. The tab  60  is integrally attached thereto the platform  50  which slides therealong a vertical track  65 . At the uppermost portion of said track  65  is a notch  67  to serve as a stop in which the tab  60 , and consequently the platform  50  may be stopped. At this position, the flare  80  is protruding partially out of the upper open face  27  of the tubular holder  20 . Thus the flares  80  are elevated so as to provide a better visibility of the burning flare  80  from a distance and/or around obstacles. 
   The two (2) legs  42  form a substantially single unit interconnected via a coiled spring  43  which provides the momentum force outward  125 . When the support stand  40  is extended outwardly  125 , the tubular holder  20  can then be placed on the ground tilted in a self-supporting tripod stance. The support stand  40  extends outwardly  125  to serve as a means to support the flare  80  at an upward extending angle with respect to the ground. The contact members  45  extend outwardly therefrom the two (2) legs  42  such to provide stabilization. The weight and sturdy construction of the apparatus  10  insures stability and resists overturning forces. The flare  80  then can be ignited to be set up along a highway, for example, to signal oncoming traffic of a breakdown, accident, and/or other highway problems. When the flares  80  are spent, said flares  80  may be replaced within the tubular holder  20  for next-time utilization. After utilization of the apparatus  10 , the support stand  40  may be retracted against the tubular holder  20  and held in place via a clip  110 . The tubular holder  20  can then be reinstalled therein the core holder  70 . Therefore, the apparatus  10  is designed to be sturdy to avoid overturning forces and designed for frequent and repetitive utilization. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable 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 understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.