Patent Abstract:
A modular apparatus to enable users to multiply the number of objects being supported by a single trailer hitch receiver which installs into a trailer hitch receiver, which can be connected to an automobile, or which rests independently on stands positioned underneath the apparatus, forming a three dimensional array of interconnected mounting brackets used to support objects above the ground with a plurality of configurations possible wherein the user can vary the width, length and height of the array by adjusting the modular components within the limits of the modular component.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 35 USC §119(e) 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to trailer hitch mounting inserts used to form a self-supporting, interlocking, modular component, variable width, length and height apparatus for suspending or elevating items above the ground. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of trailer hitches on automobiles is very common today. Trailer hitches can be temporarily installed on most vehicles. Some vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, SUVs and off-road vehicles typically have permanently installed trailer hitches. Today, a common trailer hitch consists of a two-piece apparatus comprised of a receiver which is permanently mounted to the vehicle; and, an insert. 
         [0004]    One common insert is a ball hitch. Another common insert is a key-vault. Yet another common insert is a flag pole holder. And still yet another is a cargo carrier or a bike rack. This list is not limiting and is offered to illustrate the widely acceptable and common uses of trailer hitches. 
         [0005]    To meet the market demand for towing, supporting, extending, and carrying objects by using the trailer hitch, many manufacturers have products in the market to meet demand for durable, easy to use and interchangeable applications. Accordingly, the manufacturers have developed products with dimensions for the standard ball size, standard receiver size and standard tongue size to allow interoperability between trailer hitch receivers and the apparatuses inserted into them. 
         [0006]    The present embodiment introduces a new apparatus to enable users to multiply the number of objects being supported by a single trailer hitch receiver connected to a vehicle, or mounted to a suitable supporting structure, or supported by stands. The present embodiment also introduces a new apparatus designed to meet the needs of using a trailer hitch receiver in an array of multiple supporting mounts simultaneously. Furthermore, the present embodiment introduces a modular apparatus system whereby the user can configure the array of multiple supporting mounts to occupy lateral and vertical space directly behind and above the vehicle so as not to extend beyond the dimensions of the vehicle to which the array is attached; to extend completely outside the dimension of the vehicle to which the array is attached; to rise and be suspended above the vehicle to which the array is attached; or, any other configuration to which the user desires. 
         [0007]    The present embodiment introduces a simple modular concept wherein each modular component has a receiver mating end, the tongue, of appropriate dimension to fit into the standard trailer hitch receiver; while also having opposing receiver end or ends to accept support inserts. The present embodiment provides flexibility in configuring the array of multiple supporting mounts using two basic modules, an extension module and a “t” module which interconnect. The limitation of the present embodiment is the number of modules available on hand. 
         [0008]    The present embodiment provides a new solution for multiple supporting mounts configured in array for use illustrated by an amateur radio operator requiring multiple antennas suspended at various heights above the ground, directly behind, or completely outside the wheel wells of a pick-up truck. The array can also be illustrated by using the array to support a BBQ grill, foot-step, satellite dish, a television monitor and a college flag elevated on a flag pole at a tailgate event in the parking lot of a stadium. And yet another illustration for using the array could be a Community Emergency Response Team mobile command center supporting HAM radio antenna, flood lights, loud speakers, table tops or umbrellas when deployed into a disaster area after an earthquake, flood, hurricane or tornado. 
         [0009]    Although there are several apparatuses which may have various functions related to the modular expandable trailer hitch mounting array system, none of these either separately or in combination with each other, teach or anticipate the current invention. Therefore, there remains an unmet need in the field of the apparatus to enable users to multiply the number of objects being supported by a single trailer hitch receiver. The current invention will fulfill this unmet need. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0010]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0011]    The present embodiment introduces a modular apparatus comprised of two basic components used to form mounting arrays connected to a standard trailer hitch receiver mounted to a vehicle, post or other suitable structure with additional supplemental attachments being included with which more complex arrays can be assembled. 
         [0012]    The preferred material for constructing the basic modular components is square metal tubing. The first modular component, the extension module, is a two-piece extension module constructed using a larger outer and smaller inner element. The larger outer element is formed by cutting a larger outer square tube to length and drilling hole pairs at both ends suitable to accepting a standard trailer hitch pin or threaded bolt used to interlock other smaller, inner elements which are inserted into the larger outer element. The opposite end of the first larger outer element is used as a receiver for accepting other extension modules; receiving custom mounts made to support items such as a pole to mount televisions, satellite receivers and antenna, foot-steps, BBQ grills, fryers or table tops; or, receiving any other commercially available supporting mounts. The opposite end of the larger outer element is also used as a receiver to receive the second inner element; which when extended forms the tongue to insert into the trailer hitch receiver or receiver of other first or second modules. 
         [0013]    The second inner element of the first modular component is formed by cutting a smaller inner tube to length and drilling a single pair of holes at the distant end and also drilling a series of hole pairs at the insert end. 
         [0014]    The function of the extension module is to separate the supporting mount in spatial distance to the single trailer hitch receiver. The dimensions of the extension module are calculated to provide flexibility in using the modular system to form an array which can be configured completely within the wheel-well of the vehicle to which the array is attached; or, which can be configured to extend wholly outside the wheel well of the vehicle to which the array is attached. The extension module is also specifically dimensioned to minimize the number of modules a user must have on hand to configure the array. 
         [0015]    The second modular component, the “t” module, is a two-piece “t” module constructed similarly to the extension module using a larger outer and smaller inner element. The larger outer element is formed by cutting a larger outer tube, of same dimension as the tube used for the extension module, to length and drilling hole pairs at both ends, and on each end of the “t” cross-member described below, suitable to accepting a standard trailer hitch pin used to interlock other smaller, inner elements which are inserted into the larger outer element. One end of the first larger outer element is used as a receiver for accepting other extension modules; receiving customer mounts made to support items such as pole to mount televisions, satellite receivers and antenna, BBQ grills, fryers or table tops; or, receiving commercially available supporting mounts. The opposite end of the larger outer element and both ends of the “t” cross-member is also used as a receiver to receive the second inner element. 
         [0016]    Additionally, the “t” cross member is formed out of the first outer element which is modified by cutting a segment from the mid span of the first outer element, rotating that span 90 degrees and welding the rotated segment to the open ends of the first outer element which resulted from cutting the first outer element. Additionally, a plate which can serve as a step and which also provides support to the “t” cross member welds can be attached to the top side of the “t” module positioned across the end of the “t” module. 
         [0017]    Finally, additional hole pairs are drilled on the ends of the segment forming the cross member of the “t”. Once the welds are complete, the first outer element will have the form of a cross. Each end of the “t” cross member is used as a receiver for accepting other extension modules; receiving customer mounts made to support items such as pole to mount televisions, satellite receivers and antenna, BBQ grills, fryers or table tops; or, receiving commercially available supporting mounts. 
         [0018]    The second inner element of the second modular component, the “t” module, is formed by cutting a smaller inner tube to length and drilling a single hole pair at the distant end and also drilling a series of hole pairs at the insert end. This element, which when extended, forms the tongue to insert into the trailer hitch receiver or receiver of other first or second modules. 
         [0019]    For both the first and second module, the small inner elements can be inserted into the open end of the larger outer elements to form the tongue which inserts into the receiver end of the modules or a standard trailer hitch receiver. 
         [0020]    Using these two components, a user may form a suitable array of multiple supporting mounts connected to the vehicle at a single trailer hitch receiver. By way of illustration, using a single “t” module, a user can extend the support mount for a flag pole far enough away from the rear of a pick-up truck to allow sufficient clearance to lower the tailgate. Additional array configurations are possible when utilizing elbow or riser adapters connected to the first or second modules. The elbow and riser adapters can be utilized in series with multiple extension or “t” cross member modules. 
         [0021]    Alternatively, the user can configure the array so that all supporting mounts extend beyond the outside wheel well base of the vehicle; or, by using elbow and/or riser adapters, position supporting mounts above and inside the perimeter of the bed of a pick-up truck. 
         [0022]    Since the modules presented by the present embodiment are used to form the self-supporting array of multiple supporting mounts, originating from a common connection point at the trailer hitch receiver, the vehicle can be moved with the array configured and attached to the vehicle. 
         [0023]    Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0025]    The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic illustrating an array of the first and second modular components using a trailer hitch receiver to suspend the array also illustrating multiple supporting mounts simultaneously; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified schematic illustrating an array of the first and second modular components using a trailer hitch receiver to suspend the array also illustrating multiple supporting mounts simultaneously with additional support stands deployed to increase the array stability; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic illustrating an array of the first and second modular components with multiple stands illustrated to stabilize a free standing configuration array of the first and second modular components also illustrating multiple supporting mounts simultaneously; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a schematic of the second modular component, the “t” module. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of the first modular component, the “extension” module 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a schematic of the “elbow” adapter. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of the “riser” adapter. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a schematic of the “short” support mount. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of the “long” support mount. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a schematic of the “tall” support mount. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of the stand. 
       
    
    
       [0037]    While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident; however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. 
         [0039]    Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0040]    The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with trailer hitch mounting mechanisms. Specifically, the apparatus and method of use of the present embodiment provides rapid and effective means to deploy an array of multiple mounting supports for use during amateur radio filed operations, CERT disaster response situations, while tailgating and other applicable situations discussed above. These and other unique features of the apparatus and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0041]    The apparatus and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure, configuration and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
         [0042]    The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
         [0043]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, the apparatus and method of use are illustrated. 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 1 , the array of modular components  100  with a plurality of supporting mounts is shown as being connected to and being self-supporting by the trailer hitch receiver connected to a pick-up truck. In  FIG. 1A , the same array of modular components  100  with a plurality of supporting mounts is shown with additional stability introduced to the array using four stands  180 , with the stand  180   FIG. 10  connected under each of four perimeter supporting mounts. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 2 , the array of modular components  100  with a plurality of supporting mounts  150 ,  160 , and  170  is shown as being free-standing being supported by four stands  180  stabilizing the array. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 2 , the central point is the base T  110  component, a “t” module. The next component to the right is the extension  120  component, an extension module, connected to the right receiver port of the base T  110  component. The tongue of the extension  120 , is inserted into the receiver of the base T  110 . The next component to the right is another base T  110  component connected to the prior extension  120  component. The tongue of the base T  110  component is inserted into the receiver port of the extension  120  component. This configuration can be repeated to create an array of components suitable to the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0047]    Next, the elbow  130  component is inserted into the center port of prior base T  110  component. The function of the elbow  130  is to change direction of the array. The elbow  130  can be inserted to turn the direction of the next component left or right, or if the elbow  130  is rotated 90 degrees, turn the direction vertical. Each elbow  130  component has a tongue which inserts into the prior receiver of an extension  120  component, or a base T component  110  as shown here. 
         [0048]    The next component shown is a short  150  support mount connected to the prior elbow  130  component. The short  150  support mount is illustrative of any number of commercially available mounting supports sized to fit a standard trailer hitch receiver. 
         [0049]    Returning to the base T component  110  which the elbow  130  is connected to the center port,  FIG. 2  shows two extension  120  components, one each connected to each the right and left port of the base T  110  component. For each extension  120  component, the tongue is inserted into the respective right and left receiver port of the base T  110  component. 
         [0050]    Looking at the extension  120  component connected to the right receiver port of the base T component, a tall  170  support mount is shown. A stand  180  is positioned underneath the base of the tall  170  support mount. Looking at the extension  120  component connected to the left receiver port of the base T  110  component, a riser  140  component is connected to the extension  120  component by inserting the tongue of the riser  140  into the receiver of the extension  120 . A stand  180  is positioned underneath the base of the Riser  140  support mount to provide additional stability when desired. The riser  140  component has a built in elbow to change from the horizontal direction of the extension  120  component to the vertical direction of the riser  140 . The user may utilize the riser  140  component as a long extension elbow by rotating the riser  140  90 degrees. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  shows next an elbow  130  component connected to the riser  140  component. The tongue of the elbow  130  component is inserted into the receiver of the riser  140  component. Next, a long  160  support mount is shown as being connected to the elbow  130 . The tongue of the long  160  support mount is inserted into the receiver of the elbow  130  component. 
         [0052]    Universally, the interconnection of components described above illustrate the present embodiment and versatility of the array of modular components  100  presented herein. The present embodiment shown illustrates how the components  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160 ,  170  and  180  can be sequenced to form the array of modular components  100 . Also shown and described above is the inherent flexibility to rotate any component 90 degrees to change direction and elevation. 
         [0053]    Returning to the central point, which is the base T  110  component inserted into the trailer hitch receiver connect to the vehicle, a “t” module, the next component to the left is the extension  120  connected to the left receiver port of the base T  110  component. The tongue of the extension  120 , an extension module, is inserted into the left receiver of the base T  110 . The next component to the left is another base T  110  component connected to the prior extension  120  component. The tongue of the base T  110  component is inserted into the receiver port of the extension  120  component. This configuration can be repeated to create an array of components suitable to the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0054]    The next component shown is a long  160  support mount connected to the center port of the prior base T  100  component. The long  160  support mount is illustrative of any number of commercially available mounting supports sized to fit a standard trailer hitch receiver. 
         [0055]    Returning to the base T component  110 ,  FIG. 2 , left branch, two extension  120  components are shown, one each connected to each the right and left port of the base T  110  component. For each extension  120  component, the tongue is inserted into the left and right receiver port of the Base T  110  component, respectively. 
         [0056]    Looking at the extension  120  component connected to the left receiver port of the base T component, a short  150  support mount is shown. A stand  180  is positioned underneath the base of the short  150  support mount. Looking at the extension  120  component connected to the right receiver port of the base T  110  component, a tall  170  support mount is connected to the extension  120  component by inserting the tongue of the tall  170  support mount into the receiver of the extension  120 . A stand  180  is positioned underneath the base of the tall  170  support mount to provide additional stability when desired. 
         [0057]    Such versatility allows the user to configure the array of modular components  100  to occupy space behind the rear of a pick-up truck as shown in  FIG. 1  or to be deployed free-standing as shown in  FIG. 2 . The user may decide to extend the array of modular components to a length sufficient to support all attached mast supports outside the wheel base of the vehicle, inside the wheel-base of the vehicle, or even above the vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 1 , above and inside the perimeter of the bed of the pick-up truck. In  FIG. 1A , the same array of modular components is shown with four additional stand  180  components to illustrate how the user can stabilize the array under extreme uses. Other stabilizing techniques can be employed including, but not limited to using guy ropes, weights, or cross bracing. 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 2 , a standard hitch-pin  125 , alternatively a ⅝″ threaded bolt washer and nut, may be utilized to pin the modular components through the receiver and tongue coupling. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  illustrates the base T  110  component, the “t” module, comprised of the outside base  10 , cross member  11 , top  12  and plate  13 . Hole pair  15   a  and  15   b  is shown which is utilized to pin the outside base  10  element receiver with the tongue  20  element inserted. The tongue element  20  is made from the smaller inside square tubing with hole pairs  24 - 28   a  and  24 - 28   b    FIG. 4  positioned laterally along the span of the tongue  20  element. 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates the cross member  11  element permanently positioned at the top of the outside base  10  element. Hole pairs  16   a  and  16   b,    17   a  and  17   b  are positioned at the right and left ends of the cross member  11  element. These hole pairs are utilized to pin other components connected to the cross member  11  element of the base T component. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  also illustrates the top  12  element as being permanently connected to the cross member  11  element. Hole pairs  14   a  and  14   b  are utilized to pin other components connected to the top of the base T  110  component. 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 3 , plate  13  element is permanently positioned to the outside base  10  element, both left and right sides of the cross member  11  element and the top  12  element to provide structural strength to the cross member  11  element welds to the outside base  10  element and the top  12  element of the base T  110  component. 
         [0063]    The hole pairs  24   a - 28   a  and  24   b - 28   b    FIG. 4  of the tongue  20  element provide versatility to the base T  110  component  FIG. 3  and the extension  120  Component  FIG. 4  by allowing the user to adjust the insertion depth of the tongue  20  element into the outside base  10  element of the base T  110  Component  FIG. 3  and the outside sleeve  21  element of the extension  120  component  FIG. 4 . This adjustability allows the base T  110  and extension  120  components to be longer or shorter depending on the dimension and clearances of the array of modular component  100  desired. This adjustable range provides for spatial separation of support mounts; horizontal and vertical RF isolation, EMI isolation and antenna pattern interference mitigation; and balancing of weight supported by the array of modular components  100 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 4 , the extension  120  component is illustrated. Here, the outside sleeve  21  element is shown. The tongue  20  element is also shown as being inserted into the lower receiver of the outside sleeve  21  element. Hole pair  22   a - 22   b  of the outside sleeve  21  element is used in conjunction with hole pairs  24 - 28   a  and  24 - 28   b  of the tongue  20  element to secure the length of the extension  120  component. Hole pair  23   a - 23   b  of the outside sleeve  21  element is used to pin the tongue of other elements or components inserted into the receiver of the extension  120  component. 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 5 , the elbow  130  component is shown. The elbow  130  component is made by fitting smaller square tubing to form the tongue  30  element at a right angle with larger outside tubing to form the receiver  31  element. Hole pairs  34   a - 34   b,    35   a - 35   b  are positioned to be utilized to pin other components inserted into the receiver  31  element of the elbow  130  component. Hole pairs  32   a - 32   b,    33   a - 33   b  are positioned to be utilized to pin the tongue  30  element to other receiver of components which the elbow  130  component is inserted. 
         [0066]    In  FIG. 6 , the riser  140  component is shown. The riser  140  component is made by fitting smaller square tubing to form the tongue  40  element at a right angle with larger and longer outside tubing to form the receiver  41  element. Hole pair  43   a - 43   b  of the receiver  41  element is positioned to be utilized to pin other components inserted into the receiver  41  element of the riser  140  component. Hole pair  42   a - 42   b  of the tongue  40  element is positioned to be utilized to pin other receiver of components which the riser  140  component is inserted. Additional hole pairs may be added to increase the versatility providing for the rotation of the riser to meet other configuration requirements. Hole  44   a  and  44   b  are provided to allow connection using a Stand  180   FIG. 10  to provide additional stability when desired. 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  illustrates the short  150  support mount. This component is made using the smaller square tubing to for the tongue  50  element, which is joined at a right angle with the round receiver  51  element. Hole pair  53   a - 53   b  is positioned to pin the tongue  50  element with the other component receivers which the short  150  support mount is inserted. The corner brace  52  element is shown as additional support between the tongue  50  element and the round receiver  51  element. Hole  54  is positioned at the bottom of the round receiver  51  element to facilitate draining and/or to connect the Stand  180  for support as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0068]    As an additional note,  FIG. 7  illustrates the short  150  support mount as a fixed 90-degree fixture. The present embodiment does not limit the support mount to a ridged fixture. If desired, the corner brace  52  element can be detachable from the round receiver  51  element which could pivot on hinges attached to the tongue  50  element and the round receiver  51  element. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  illustrates the long  160  support mount. This component is made using longer smaller square tubing to for the tongue  60  element, which is joined at a right angle with the round receiver  51  element. Hole pair  61   a - 61   b  is positioned to pin the tongue  60  element with the other component receivers which the long  160  support mount is inserted. The corner brace  52  element is shown as additional support between the tongue  60  element and the round receiver  51  element. Hole  54  is shown as described above. 
         [0070]      FIG. 9  illustrates the tall  170  support mount. This component is made using longer smaller square tubing to for the tongue  60  element, which is joined at a right angle with the round receiver  70  element, which is taller. Hole pair  61   a - 61   b  is positioned to pin the tongue  60  element with the other component receivers which the tall  170  support mount is inserted. The corner brace  52  element is shown as additional support between the tongue  60  element and the round receiver  70  element. Hole  71  is shown to perform drainage and support functions as described for Hole  54  above. 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 7-8 , and  FIG. 9 , hole  54  and hole  71  respectively illustrates the location where the stand  180  inserts to stabilize the array of modular components. Additionally, these holes allow the support mounts to drain. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 10 , the stand  180  is shown. The stand  180  is comprised of a solid round bar  181  element with a shoulder  182  suitable to inserting the shaft of the solid round bar  181  element into hole  54  or  71  of the support stands  150 ,  160  or  170  or into the hole  44   a  or  44   b  of the riser  140 . Hole pairs  185   a - e  and  186   a - e  are positioned along the lower shaft of the solid round bar  181  element. A stand sleeve  183  element with hole pairs  187   a - e  and  188   a - e  is inserted into the collar  184   a  attached to the stand base  184 . The collar  184   a  is secure to and supported by corner braces  184   b.  The hole pairs positioned on the solid round bar  181  element and the stand sleeve  183  element are utilized to adjust the height of the Stand  180 . 
         [0073]    This versatility described above to arrange the assembly sequence of the various modular components allows the user to deploy the array in a wide variety of configurations which illustrates the versatility of the present embodiment. 
         [0074]    The present embodiment is not restricted in use or application to round support system similar to what is described herein. Addition supports for televisions, BBQ grills, satellite antennas, flog poles, foot-steps, banner supports and other commercially available or custom made support mounts are feasible and would not diminish the utilize of the embodiment presented herein. Nor is the present embodiment restricted in use or application to trailer hitch receivers affixed to a vehicle. The trailer hitch receiver utilized to support the central base T or central extension components could be affixed to a building structure, post in the ground, trailer, tractor or any other plausible mounting solution. 
         [0075]    It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
         [0076]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
         [0077]    While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5