ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally concerns adjustable support structures, and more particularly concerns adjustable supports serving as a foundation for buildings or similar structures.

BACKGROUND

Foundations are a necessary component of a building's structural integrity. Many foundations include masonry or poured concrete, which may be dug into the earth, to provide adequate support for structures built thereon.

Foundations covering or completely enclosing the structure above are not feasible or preferred in certain environments. In certain situations, the needed equipment and supplies for such a foundation may not be available or cost effective to get to the structure. Further, in many environments it is preferable to elevate a structure. Given this, other solutions such as “post and pad” foundations have been utilized. Traditional post and pad structures in some applications involve pounding posts into the ground (piles), or resting the structure posts on concrete or wood footings.

All foundations are susceptible to instability or damage through shifting, settling. This is especially in climes like the high north of the world, where extreme temperatures make the soil unstable and traditional concrete foundations can be pushed out of the soil by frost heaving. Foundational instability may require repair or modification to foundations and related structures to prevent the structure (and everything inside of it from) being unlevel, damaged, and eventually completely failing. To date, means for adjusting foundations have been half-measures, having overly limited adjustment, being difficult to adjust, failing to keep the integrity of the structure during adjustment, and generally lacking safety and simplicity while incurring comparatively high cost. Due to these difficulties and complexities, structures that need adjusting are often left unadjusted even when adjusting is urgently needed.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need to develop foundations or foundation elements that can be easily installed in a variety of environments with greater ease and/or at lower cost than traditional foundations. There is also a need to employ foundation elements that can be adjusted as the environment in which they are installed and loading applied changes.

SUMMARY

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for providing an adjustable foundation, and adjusting the adjustable foundation.

Particularly, an apparatus can comprise an inner post extending from a ground side toward a structure side; an outer post arranged over at least a portion of the inner post, wherein the outer post is configured to move along the inner post between the ground side and structure side; a lifting plate disposed on a ground side end of the outer post; and a bracket configured to engage with a structure when the apparatus is supporting at least a portion of the structure.

This Summary is intended to describe only certain aspects of the disclosure and should not be interpreted as in any way limiting the disclosure or scope or spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate different configurations for a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, and FIG. 3E illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3F, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3H illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3I, FIG. 3J, and FIG. 3K illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3L, FIG. 3M, and FIG. 3N illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3O, FIG. 3P, and FIG. 3Q illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3R, FIG. 3S, and FIG. 3T illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate views of a system disclosed herein.

FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 10C, and FIG. 10D illustrate an example embodiment of a lifting system disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an adjustable foundation system that can be easily transported, installed, and adjusted. The system includes one or more modular adjustable post elements that can support elevated beams on which structures can be arranged. The post elements can be raised and lowered after installation, and the angles of braces extending therefrom can be modified, to allow for flexible initial installation as well as adjustment over time to allow for the continuous use of the installed elements even as the environment or loading shift. The solutions disclosed herein can be used to support, e.g., a house, a deck, a storage structure, or any structure erected on a foundation elevated using posts or similar members.

Structures, foundations, and the earth on or in which foundations are created often settle and need adjustment. However, lifting a structure to perform such adjustment would require enormous effort and, in some instances, may be impossible. In circumstances where the structure can be moved, it remains very labor intensive. A temporary lifting structure must be erected to raise the building; fasteners must be removed; the building must be shimmed, and posts may even need to be replaced; and components that are reused may be compromised or now have a service life less than other parts. Given this, remediating foundation issues in elevated structures is labor intensive and may still fail to restore the foundation to a desired and consistent strength.

To overcome these limitations, the solutions disclosed herein integrate a lifting structure into the modular adjustable post elements that form the permanent foundation of the building. The post elements can include removable pins that allow the post element to be adjusted to a desired length or height for an initial installation or to raise or lower the support after installation based on settling or shifting. The pins can be reinstalled after the adjustable post element is lengthened or shortened to provide support in the desired position. In embodiments, the posts can be comprised of inner and outer posts that can move in relation to one another when they are not pinned, and the pins are used to lock them in a position relative to one another. This allows for installation and adjustment with minimal tooling. There are multiple pin holes in small increments to allow for micro adjustment of the posts in fractions of an inch.

Another issue with post and pad foundations, and foundations using similar principles, is that the brackets are typically not removable or adjustable. They can only connect to a specific-sized element in a particular configuration. This limits the adjustability of system and requires that builders or owners utilizing such foundations stock a large variety of different posts and brackets.

To overcome these limitations, the solutions disclosed herein employ modular adjustable post elements that can accommodate a wide range of post brackets using common braces and brace brackets. Moreover, the system may allow for the adjustment of brackets and braces after installation. In embodiments, various modular brackets or brackets of varying specifications can be attached to the top of the outer post using common connection components.

Further, the modular adjustable post elements include an adjustable connection point on the overhang lifting plate arranged on the outer post that allows connection of the brace in many different angles, and which can be adjusted after installation. The overhang lifting plate is designed to accept and interface with a lifting apparatus and can also be an attachment point for bracing. This overhang is configured to be lifted or moved to make small adjustments in the outer post and building height. The outer post can also accept bracing going a multitude of directions and can also accept various modular brace brackets of various sizes and shapes.

A lifting apparatus is also disclosed to raise at least a portion of a structure for installation, maintenance, and/or repair, supporting a load and/or removing a load from a modular adjustable post element to permit its adjustment. The lifting system interfaces with the overhang lifting plate. In embodiments, the lifting system can employ a screw jack system that only lowers when actuated (e.g., turning a handle) and that can be used to lift a load from a point beneath the load. The lifting system can raise a structure from a position lower than other systems due to its configuration with the lifting plate. This is useful in instances, for example, when an old foundation is being replaced and the structure must be raised substantially to create sufficient room for placing of new foundation elements.

In embodiments, when the overhang lifting plate is lifted with the lifting apparatus, the entire structure can be adjusted by only removing the two pins that connect the inner and outer posts. In embodiments, more or fewer pins can be used.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 including structure arranged on an adjustable foundation disclosed herein. As shown, the adjustable foundation includes corner supports 110 and side supports 120, which may or may not be the same as other similarly-applied supports. The bottom of corner supports 110 and side supports 120 is toward a ground side, where each respectively contacts the ground beneath the structure; and the top of corner supports 110 and side supports 120 is toward a structure side opposite the ground side. Contact with the ground or the structure may occur directly by one or more components of corner supports 110 and/or side supports 120, or can be achieved through various intervening components, parts, et cetera.

FIG. 2A shows another example system 200 including a structure arranged on an adjustable foundation disclosed herein. A detail view of a corner support 210 is provided in FIG. 2B. As shown, corner support can be arranged on a platform 211. Platform 211 can provide a stable support to prevent sinking (or other displacement or rotation) of corner support 210. In embodiments, platform 211 can be designed to a specification relating to the particular corner support 210 and/or the load to be applied. In embodiments, platform 211 can be leveled or otherwise arranged on or in a ground surface before a load is applied.

Corner support 210 can include at least one base 212 coupled to inner post 213. Such coupling can be effected permanently or removable, and in embodiments, coupling of these elements can be performed using fasteners that are quick to remove and reinstall to facilitate portability and ease of installation.

Outer post 216 is configured to move up and down atop inner post 213. Lifting plate 217 is coupled with outer post 213. In embodiments illustrated, lifting plate 217 is arranged at the bottom of outer post 216, but in alternative embodiments may be arranged at other positions along the length of lifting plate 217.

While inner post 213 and outer post 216 are shown to be substantially rectangular tubular members, other structural members, cross-sectional configurations, et cetera, can be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation so long as outer post 216 can be moved up and down inner post 213 as described herein.

Various adjustment holes 215 are provided along the length of outer post 216 and inner post 213. Pins or other hardware can be provided to pass through adjustment holes 215 of outer post aligned with adjustment holes 215 of inner post 213 to allow the position of outer post 216 to be “locked” with respect to inner post 213, securing corner support 210 at a corresponding height.

Atop outer post 216, modular post bracket 219 provides a point of contact for a supported structure. Modular post bracket as shown in FIG. 2B supports a corner, and can be arranged to accept, and in embodiments may be attached to, a corner of a structure.

Modular bracing 218 is movably coupled to lifting plate 217 such that modular bracing 218 can rotate about a pivot point. In alternative embodiments, modular bracing 218 can be fixedly attached to lifting plate 217. Modular brace bracket 220 can be arranged at the distal end of modular bracing 218. In embodiments, modular brace bracket 220 can be a side bracket configured to support (and, in embodiments, attach to) a non-corner edge of a structure. In embodiments, modular brace bracket 220 can be rotatably coupled to the distal end of modular bracing 218 such that it can rotate to align with the contour of a supported structure. In alternative embodiments, modular brace bracket 220 can be fixedly coupled.

Attachment of modular post bracket 219, modular brace bracket 220, and/or other brackets described herein can be performed using various hardware, adhesives, welding, or other techniques without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation.

In embodiments, jack 214 can be removably provided with or operatively coupled to corner support 210. Jack 214 can be used to adjust the height of corner support 210 when outer post 216 and inner post 213 are not fixed with respect to one another using hardware through adjustment holes 215 or other means. Jack 214 can be selected or sized to raise or lower not only outer post 216 and attached components, but also raise outer post 216 under load (e.g., being installed to, installed to, being uninstalled from, or in contact with a structure). In embodiments, jack 214 can be used to level a structure raising (or lowering) corner support 210 in a controlled manner under load based on the relative heights (accounting for not only the size of the support and position of outer post with respect to inner post but also potentially uneven positions on the ground where respective bases are placed) of other supports disclosed herein that are also supporting or will support the structure.

While FIG. 2B is described with respect to a particular corner support, aspects described therein will be understood to be applicable to other embodiments and configurations described herein, which can operate on the same principles with or without modification. Unless otherwise set forth, those of skill in the art will appreciate that various aspects described with respect to one figure or embodiment can be implemented in or with other figures or embodiments even if not shown or expressly discussed in this detailed description without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation.

FIG. 2C shows a lowered view of adjustable corner post apparatus 210. In embodiments this can be the lowest position (e.g., most overlap between outer post 216 and inner post 213) for the particular configuration of adjustable corner post apparatus 210 (at least with jack 214 placed), but those of skill in the art will appreciate how adjustable corner post apparatus 210 can be configured to allow greater or lesser range of motion as may be used in connection with particular applications or for purposes of transportation, placement, et cetera. As shown, lifting plate 217 both provides an attachment point for modular bracing 218 (and can provide attachment points for other bracings, as shown in other embodiments) and serves as a contact point for jack 214 to drive outer post 216 upward (or permit it to travel downward in a controlled manner). Lifting plate 217 can be configured for general or particular applications such that it possesses sufficient strength and dimensions to support applicable loads without deformation or unwanted movement (e.g., rotation or displacement along axes other than the axis parallel to the length of inner post 213 and outer post 216) to provide for smooth travel of outer post 216 with respect to inner post 213 and avoid wear or damage to inner post 213, outer post 216, or other components of adjustable corner post apparatus 210 when moving with respect to one another and/or under load. In embodiments lifting plate 217 can have one or more jack placement points defining a push point at which application of jack 214 (either exerting upward forces for lifting or remaining fixed to avoid downward motion from the weight of components or load of structure) will achieve the foregoing performance. In alternative embodiments jack 214 can be placed into contact at any position on the underside of lifting plate 217 and achieve the foregoing performance.

FIG. 2D illustrates a raised view of adjustable corner post apparatus 210 with jack 214 removed and outer post 216 arranged at its respective height using hardware in connection with adjustment holes 215. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that adjustment holes 215 can include adjustment holes on inner post 213 and outer post 216. Inner post 213 and outer post 216, as well as hardware used in connection with adjustment holes 215, can be selected to ensure sufficient strength for loads used therewith. Modular post bracket 219 is not shown in FIG. 2D, and modular post cap 221 is indicated atop outer post 216.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an adjustable support post apparatus 300 disclosed herein. Adjustable support post apparatus 300 includes, e.g., platform 311, at least one base 312. Inner and outer posts are not visible below modular post bracket 319 and lifting plate 317. Adjustable support post apparatus 300 includes modular bracket braces 320 and 330; modular bracing 318 is shown operatively coupled with modular brace bracket 320 and similar bracings can be used for other brackets. Lifting plate 317, in embodiments, can include lifting attachment points 350 to be used with a jack or other apparatus. In embodiments, lifting attachment points 350 provide hardware or configurations to removably attach a jack or other lifting apparatus. In alternative embodiments, lifting attachment points 350 can be points of contact configured to engage with a jack or other lifting apparatus without coupling. In embodiments, lifting attachment points 350 can be configured to operate with two or more different types of lifting apparatuses.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of a system disclosed herein. Components in FIG. 3B are shown separately in FIGS. 3C to 3T.

FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, and FIG. 3E illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, an outer post such as outer post 316. Lifting plate (e.g., 317) and other components described herein are shown in additional views in these figures.

FIG. 3F, FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3H illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, a bracing such as bracing 318. Attachments points for bracings are visible in alternative views in the preceding figures of an outer post.

FIG. 3I, FIG. 3J, and FIG. 3K illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, an embodiment of a bracket.

FIG. 3L, FIG. 3M, and FIG. 3N illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, an embodiment of an alternative bracket.

FIG. 3O, FIG. 3P, and FIG. 3Q illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, an embodiment of another alternative bracket.

FIG. 3R, FIG. 3S, and FIG. 3T illustrate views of a component of a system disclosed herein, namely, still another embodiment of an alternative bracket.

While aspects of FIGS. 3A to 3T indicate particular specifications or depict particular arrangements, such details are provided for purposes of example only, and it will be understood by those of skill in the art on review of the disclosures herein alternative embodiments that can be utilized without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation.

As will be appreciated, various different bracket sizes can be used on the top of an outer post or a distal end of bracings, making the system highly modular. Likewise, the various attachment points on a lifting plate allow the use of one, two, three, four, or potentially more bracings to hold brackets, and such bracings can be oriented at any angle not blocked by the outer post or the lifting plate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an adjustable support post apparatus 400 disclosed herein. Adjustable support post apparatus includes at least one base 412. A base 412 can be connected to inner post 413 using a modular connection 409 that can be pinned or use other hardware. In embodiments, at least a portion of hardware used to pin, assemble, or connect items or configure adjustable support post apparatus 400 can be quick release or toolless hardware. Adjustable support post apparatus includes modular brackets 420, 430, and 440, and post bracket 419, to provide a variety of support options. While bracings are shown as substantially similar in the figures, it will be understood that, in addition to changing the angles of bracings, the lengths, sizes, and other parameters of braces can vary by application. Bracings can be attached at modular brace connection points; these can be configured in any numbers or angles on lifting plate 417. Adjustment holes 415 are also labeled, and can be arrayed in patterns or non-standard spacing, such as by having offset double holes for coarse and fine adjustment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of a center configuration of an adjustable support post apparatus 500 to be placed beneath a structure. As illustrated, different dimensions of bracket (to be used atop an outer post or a bracing) can be utilized to connect with differently-sized, -shaped, or -arranged portions of the structure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an end configuration of an adjustable support post apparatus 600 to be used at an end of a structure. Again, different bracket designs for different portions of structures are illustrated for example purposes.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of an example corner configuration of an adjustable support post apparatus 700 to be used at an end of a structure. Again, different bracket designs for different portions of structures are illustrated for example purposes.

FIG. 8 illustrates a view of another example corner configuration of an adjustable support post apparatus 800 to be used at an end of a structure.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate an example adjustable support post apparatus 900 with a lifting mechanism 990. Adjustable support post apparatus 900 can include, e.g., platform 911, base(s) 912, inner post 913, outer post 916, post bracket 919, bracing 918, modular bracket 920, and other elements described herein. Lifting plate 917 can be configured to contact a drive member 992 of lifting mechanism 990. The drive member 992 can operatively couple with lifting plate 917 by coming into contact from an underside, sandwiching or grasping a portion of lifting plate 917 (e.g., where there is a gap or space in drive member 992, where hooks or clamps are used in connection with drive member 992), attaching to a top of lifting plate, et cetera. In embodiments, hardware can be used to removably connect drive member 992 to lifting plate 917.

FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 10C, and FIG. 10D illustrate an example lifting mechanism 1000 such as that shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. In embodiments, the lifting mechanism can be a single-, two-, or multi-speed screw jack lifting mechanism. Lifting mechanism 1000 includes base 1012, lifting inner post 1013, lifting outer post 1016, face plate 1018, drive holes 1019, drive member 1020, and drive mechanism 1050. Drive member 1020 can be mounted at different heights along face plate 1018 using drive holes 1019, and then drive mechanism 1050 can move drive outer post 1016 up and down with respect to drive inner post 1030 to raise and lower drive member 1020, which can be in contact with or coupled to a lifting plate of an adjustable support post apparatus described herein. In alternative embodiments, modified (e.g., single post as opposed to inner and outer posts) or alternative lifting mechanisms can be utilized with aspects herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the innovation. In embodiments multiple lifting mechanisms can be used in connection with a single adjustable support post apparatus.

The many features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and it is intended to cover all such features and advantages of the disclosure, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the disclosure of this application are supported for claiming in this or related applications.

ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)