Support system and method

Abstract

Provided may be a modular support system for supporting structures and other loads, including, three or more support members, three or more load transferring elements configured to couple to one end of the three or more support members to form a support surface, and three or more coupling structures configured to couple to the opposite end of the three or more support members, wherein the system is configured to distribute a supported load about the three or more support members and three or more coupling structures.

1 - 22 . (canceled)  
   
   
       23 . A modular support system for supporting structures and other downward loads comprising: 
 three or more support members;    three or more load transferring elements configured to couple to one end of said three or more support members and to nest together and form a planar support surface; and,    three or more coupling structures configured to couple to the opposite end of said three or more support members;    whereby the system can be assembled together and used to distribute a load applied against the planar support surface about the system.    
   
   
       24 . The modular support system of  claim 23  further comprising three or more additional support elements coupled between said coupling structures.  
   
   
       25 . The modular support system of  claim 24  wherein said support elements are metal beams.  
   
   
       26 . The modular support system of  claim 23  further comprising fastening means for connecting said load transfer elements to said support members.  
   
   
       27 . The modular support system of  claim 23  wherein three support members are used and assembled into a tripod configuration.  
   
   
       28 . The modular support system of  claim 23  wherein four support members are used and assembled into a quadrapod configuration.  
   
   
       29 . The modular support system of  claim 23  wherein the length of the support members is approximately 12 meters.  
   
   
       30 - 34 . (canceled)  
   
   
       35 . The modular support system of  claim 23  wherein the load transferring elements are configured such that upon being nested together a central opening is formed in the planar support surface.