Universal Supporting System

Abstract

The invention relates to a relatively universal supporting system and to the components thereof. The basic principle of the invention is to enable the installation and use of accessories produced by third parties and/or original accessories on motor vehicles, around patios or on other similar surfaces. The universal supporting system generally includes an anchoring base designed to be attached to a vehicle or surface, a column that can be mounted in the base and L-shaped supporting arms that are secured to the latter. The invention enables space to be maximised during the installation of accessories owing to the L-shaped supporting arms and the anchoring base which are deployed outside the vital space of the vehicle or surface. As a result, the accessories do not occupy the vital space of the vehicle or surface.

1 ) A supporting system, said system comprising:
 a) a base configured to be mounted to a surface, said base comprising a first opening and first securing means;   b) a column configured to be received in said first opening;   c) a supporting arm comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first and second portions being connected by an elbowed portion, said supporting arm comprising a second opening and second securing means located at an extremity of said first portion, said second opening being configured to receive said column.   
   
   
       2 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said supporting arm is L-shaped. 
   
   
       3 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 2 , wherein said first portion of said supporting arm corresponds to the short portion of said L shape, and wherein said second portion of said supporting arm corresponds to the long portion of said L shape. 
   
   
       4 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said first portion of said supporting arm is shorter than said second portion. 
   
   
       5 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said second portion of said supporting arm comprises at least a third opening configured to receive mounting elements. 
   
   
       6 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 5 , wherein said third opening is an elongated opening. 
   
   
       7 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said first opening and said first securing means are configured to define a first clamping ring. 
   
   
       8 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said second opening and said second securing means are configured to define a second clamping ring. 
   
   
       9 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said supporting arm comprises a third opening and third securing means located at an extremity of said second portion, said third opening being configured to receive said column. 
   
   
       10 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 9 , wherein said third opening and said third securing means are configured to define a third clamping ring. 
   
   
       11 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 9 , wherein said supporting arm comprises a shoulder causing said second opening and said third opening to be located in two distinct parallel planes. 
   
   
       12 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 11 , wherein the distance between said distinct parallel planes is substantially equal to half the thickness of said supporting arm. 
   
   
       13 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 11 , wherein said shoulder is located between said second opening and said elbowed portion. 
   
   
       14 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said first opening and said second opening are substantially circular. 
   
   
       15 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       16 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 9 , wherein said third opening is substantially circular. 
   
   
       17 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 14 , wherein said column is substantially cylindrical. 
   
   
       18 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       19 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said base, said column and said at least one supporting arm are substantially made from corrosion-resistant material. 
   
   
       20 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       21 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       22 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       23 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       24 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       25 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said system comprises a plurality of supporting arms. 
   
   
       26 ) A supporting system as described in  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises a fastening portion configured to be secured to said surface, and a supporting portion provided with said first opening for receiving said column, said supporting portion being configured to extend outside said surface. 
   
   
       27 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       28 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       29 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       30 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       31 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       32 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       33 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       34 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       35 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       36 ) (canceled) 
   
   
       37 ) (canceled)