Segmented foundation installation apparatus and method

• US 7,621,098 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2002
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fifth Third Bank (Fifth Third Bancorporation), Metal Foundations Acquisition LLC (Shaner Industries LLC)
• Original Assignee: Mfpf Inc.
• Inventors: Reinert, Gary L. Sr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cranmer; Laurie K
• Application Number:
  US10/294,429
• Publication Number:
  US 20030115810A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,567 Days
• Field of Search: 527/421, 521/60, 521/62, 521/56, 521/61, 521/65, 405/237, 405/239, 405/229, 405/231
• US Class Current: 52/742.1
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 27/42 Foundations for poles, masts or chimneys sockets or holders for poles or masts per se E04H12/22
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 5/803 with pivotable anchoring members
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 5/805 with deformable anchoring members

Abstract

Vertical segmented support and media consolidation plates swingably mounted about pivot points on the vertical segmented support, incorporate media-facing surfaces swingable outwardly from the vertical support means into the surrounding media. Varying segmented lengths form the segmented vertical segmented support. The novel segmented apparatus and installation method further provide for a centering collar 113, an anchor positioning means at level force pivoting plates 194, and pivoting plates 194 positioned 40-50 degrees from vertical. A frusto-cone 197 dx equal to a predetermined distance of one-half inch forms gap 204. The novel method installs an anchor and foundation device in the earth by preparing a hole in the earth, lowering into the hole a segmented anchor or foundation device having swingable media facing plates, and applying force to swing the plates outwardly into the surrounding media.

Claims

1. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole, comprising:

(a) a vertical segmented support means; and

(b) a plurality of spaced media consolidation plates swingably mounted about respective pivot points on said vertical support means, said plates having media-facing surfaces swingable outwardly from said vertical support means into the surrounding media.

2. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 1, comprising varying segmented lengths to form said segmented vertical support means.

3. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a centering collar.

4. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 3, further comprising an anchor positioning means at level force pivoting plates.

5. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 4, wherein said pivoting plates are positioned 40-50 degrees from vertical.

6. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 5, wherein said pivoting plates are positioned 45 degrees from vertical.

7. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 5, further comprising frusto-cone.

8. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 7, said frusto-cone having a predetermined gap distance.

9. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 8, wherein said predetermined gap distance is one-half inch.

10. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole as set forth in claim 9, wherein said predetermined gap distance forms a gap.

11. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth, comprising:

(a) preparing a hole in the earth;

(b) lowering into said hole a segmented anchor or foundation device having swingable media facing plates and a segmented vertical support formed of segmented lengths; and

(c) applying force to swing said plates outwardly into the surrounding media.

12. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 11, further comprising varying the segmented lengths to form said segmented vertical support.

13. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 12, further comprising positioning a centering collar.

14. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 13, further comprising positioning said anchor at level force pivoting plates.

15. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 14, further comprising positioning pivoting plates 40-50 degrees from vertical.

16. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth, as set forth in claim 15, further comprising positioning pivoting plates 45 degrees from vertical.

17. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 15, further comprising providing a frusto-cone.

18. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 17, further comprising positioning said frusto-cone a dx equal to a predetermined distance.

19. A method for installing an anchor for a foundation device in the earth as set forth in claim 18, wherein said predetermined distance is one-half inch.

20. Anchoring or foundation apparatus to be installed in an earthen hole, comprising:

(a) central segmented rod means;

(b) plate assembly means mounted around said rod means;

(c) pipe column means around said central segmented rod means positioned above said plate assembly means;

(d) a plurality of circumferentially spaced media consolidation plates said plate assembly means;

(e) swing means on said media facing surfaces pivotally mounted and swingable outwardly about respective pivot points in a substantially vertical arc;

(f) spreader means adapted to swing said plates outwardly into the surrounding media upon relative vertical movement between said pipe column means and said rod means to spread said plates to an arc of no more than about 55 degrees;

(g) restrainer means to restrain said plate assembly means from vertical movement; and

(h) force applying means adapted to provide relative vertical movement between said pipe column means and said rod means.