U.S. patent application number 12/395033 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for system for forming a movable slab foundation.
Invention is credited to David A. Bryan, Frederick S. Marshall.
Application Number | 20090211178 12/395033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40996951 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090211178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marshall; Frederick S. ; et
al. |
August 27, 2009 |
System for Forming a Movable Slab Foundation
Abstract
A system for forming a movable slab foundation comprises a
support sleeve encased within a slab foundation. The support sleeve
surrounds a support member that rests upon a support surface. The
support sleeve is capable of moving axially along the length of the
support member.
Inventors: |
Marshall; Frederick S.;
(Arlington, TX) ; Bryan; David A.; (Plano,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
40996951 |
Appl. No.: |
12/395033 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61031904 |
Feb 27, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/126.6 ;
52/297; 52/741.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 27/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/126.6 ;
52/297; 52/741.15 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/34 20060101
E02D027/34; E04B 1/00 20060101 E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A system for forming a movable slab foundation, the system
comprising: a slab foundation; at least one support surface; at
least one substantially vertical support member having a hollow
body with first and second ends, the first end abuttingly
contacting the at least one support surface; and at least one
support sleeve surrounding the at least one support member, the at
least one support sleeve being encased within the slab foundation
and being capable of moving axially along the length of the at
least one support member.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one lifting
member surrounded by the at least one support member, the at least
one lifting member having a body with first and second ends and a
length greater than the desired height of the slab foundation, the
first end abuttingly contacting the at least one support surface,
the second end adapted to be coupled to a lifting device to move
the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation axially
along the length of the at least one support member; and a locking
nut abuttingly contacting the second end of the body of the at
least one support member and securely connected to the at least one
support sleeve.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one support sleeve
further comprises: a hollow body with inner and outer surfaces, the
inner surface having threads contained therein, and the outer
surface having at least one reinforcing bar connected to and
extending outwardly therefrom, the outer surface also having a
plurality of nuts connected to and extending outwardly therefrom
and adapted to receive a plurality of bolts for attachment to the
lifting device; and wherein the locking nut further comprises: a
hollow body with inner and outer surfaces, the outer surface having
threads in engagement with the threads on the inner surface of the
at least one support sleeve to thereby secure the axial position of
the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation along the
length of the at least one support member.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one reinforcing bar
further comprises: a first portion connected to the at least one
support sleeve vertically along the length of the at least one
support sleeve; a second portion connected to and extending
outwardly and downwardly at an angle from the first portion; and a
third portion substantially perpendicular to the at least one
support sleeve, connected to and extending between the first
portion and the second portion.
5. A system for forming a movable slab foundation, the system
comprising: a slab foundation; at least one support surface; at
least one substantially vertical support member having a
substantially cylindrical hollow body with first and second ends,
the first end abuttingly contacting the at least one support
surface; at least one support sleeve surrounding the at least one
support member, the at least one support sleeve having a hollow
body with inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface having
threads contained therein, the outer surface having at least one
reinforcing bar connected to and extending outwardly therefrom, the
outer surface of the body also having a plurality of nuts connected
to and extending outwardly therefrom, the outer surface of the body
and the at least one reinforcing bar being encased within the slab
foundation and the at least one support sleeve and the slab
foundation being capable of moving axially along the length of the
at least one support member; a plurality of eye bolts connected to
the plurality of nuts and extending upwardly from the slab
foundation; at least one lifting member surrounded by the at least
one support member, the at least one lifting member having a body
with first and second ends and a length greater than the desired
height of the slab foundation, the first end abuttingly contacting
the at least one support surface; and a locking nut positioned in
abutting contact with the second end of the at least one support
member, the locking nut having a hollow body with inner and outer
surfaces, the outer surface having threads therein adapted to
engage the threads on the inner surface of the at least one support
sleeve to thereby secure the axial position of the at least one
support sleeve and the slab foundation along the length of the at
least one support member.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the system further comprises: a
lifting device coupled to the second end of the body of the at
least one lifting member to move the at least one support sleeve
and the slab foundation axially along the length of the at least
one support member; and a plurality of attachment members connected
to and extending between the plurality of eye bolts and the lifting
device.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one support surface
further comprises: a concrete pier; and a base plate encased within
the concrete pier, the base plate having anchor bolts extending
from the base plate and into the concrete a distance.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one reinforcing bar
further comprises: a first portion connected to the at least one
support sleeve vertically along the length of the at least one
support sleeve; a second portion connected to and extending
outwardly and downwardly at an angle from the first portion; and a
third portion substantially perpendicular to the at least one
support sleeve, connected to and extending between the first
portion and the second portion.
9. A method for forming a movable slab foundation, the method
comprising: placing a plurality of support surfaces below an
intended slab foundation area; placing a plurality of support
members in abutting contact with the plurality of support surfaces;
placing a plurality of support sleeves over the plurality of
support members and sliding them down in abutting contact with the
plurality of support surfaces; forming a slab foundation such that
it encases the plurality of support sleeves; and simultaneously
lifting the plurality of support sleeves to move the slab
foundation along the length of the plurality of support members to
a desired height.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: securely connecting
the plurality of support sleeves to the plurality of support
members at a desired height, so as to secure the axial position of
the slab foundation along the length of the plurality of support
members.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: placing a plurality
of lifting members within the support members such that first ends
of the plurality of lifting members are in abutting contact with
the plurality of support surfaces; connecting a plurality of
lifting devices to the second ends of the plurality of lifting
members; connecting the plurality of lifting devices to the
plurality of support sleeves; and simultaneously actuating the
plurality of lifting devices.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein actuating the plurality of
lifting devices is performed by an automatic lifting system
connected to control actuation of the lifting assemblies
simultaneously.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein securely connecting the
plurality of support sleeves to the plurality of support members
comprises connecting the plurality of support sleeves to a
plurality of locking nuts such that the plurality of locking nuts
rest upon the plurality of support members.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of support
surfaces comprise a base plate encased within a concrete pier.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
61/031,904, filed Feb. 27, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to forming an adjustable
foundation, and in particular, to a concrete slab foundation
capable of being raised above the ground.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many structures have been built on foundations or slabs made
of concrete poured on top of soil. Constant changes in the weather
and moisture levels in the soil frequently cause damage to such a
foundation. In many instances, the foundation may buckle or even
crack. This phenomenon occurs for a variety of reasons, including
uneven changes in the water content of supporting soils, uneven
compacting of soils, and uneven loads being placed on soils. Over
time, uneven movement in the soils under a foundation can cause a
foundation to bend or crack.
[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and
apparatus that would allow a foundation to be poured on top of soil
and subsequently raised to a desired height to eliminate potential
problems caused by soil movement and/or problematic soils.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A support surface is comprised of a concrete pier with a
base plate encased therein. The base plate has anchor bolts
extending therefrom and into the concrete pier a selected distance.
A vertical support member has a substantially cylindrical hollow
body with first and second ends. The first end of the support
member body is in abutting contact with the base plate.
[0006] A support sleeve has a hollow body with inner and outer
surfaces. The support sleeve surrounds the support member. The
inner surface of the support sleeve body has threads contained
therein. The outer surface of the support sleeve body has
reinforcing bars connected to and extending outwardly therefrom. A
plurality of nuts are also connected to and extend outwardly from
the outer surface of the support sleeve body. A plurality of eye
bolts are connected to the plurality of nuts and extend upwardly
therefrom.
[0007] The support sleeve and the reinforcing bars extending
therefrom are encased within a slab foundation. The support sleeve
and the slab foundation are capable of moving axially along the
length of the support member.
[0008] A lifting member has a body with first and second ends and
is positioned such that it is surrounded by the support member. The
first end of the lifting member body is in abutting contacting with
the base plate. The lifting member has a length greater than the
desired final height of the slab foundation.
[0009] A locking nut has a hollow body with inner and outer
surfaces and is positioned in abutting contact with the second end
of the support member. The outer surface of the locking nut has
threads therein adapted to engage the threads on the inner surface
of the support sleeve.
[0010] A lifting device is coupled to the second end of the body of
the lifting member to move the support sleeve and the slab
foundation axially along the length of the support member to a
desired height. A plurality of attachment members are connected to
and extend between the plurality of eye bolts and the lifting
device. The lifting device is activated causing the attachment rods
to move simultaneously, thereby causing the support sleeve and the
slab foundation to move axially along the length of the support
member. The support sleeve and the slabe foundation are lifted
above the ground to a desired height.
[0011] Once the slab foundation and support sleeve have reached a
desired height, the locking nut will be in contact with the top of
the support sleeve. In order to secure the slab foundation and the
support sleeve at the desired height, the locking nut is screwed
into the threads on the inner surface of the support sleeve. The
support sleeve, slab foundation, and locking nut rest upon the
second end of the support member body. Once the locking nut is
securely connected to the support sleeve, the attachment rods,
hydraulic jack, and lifting rod may be removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the pier supported slab
foundation raised above ground level.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a single slab support,
illustrating the concrete pier, base plate, and support member.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the support sleeve fixture, shown
prior to its placement around the support member.
[0015] FIG. 4 is top view of FIG. 3
[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the pier and support member,
with the support sleeve placed around the support member.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of FIG. 6, with the concrete
slab poured, the lifting member inserted with the lifting device
mounted atop, and the locking nut placed around the lifting
member.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7 with the concrete slab and
support sleeve assembly raised above ground level.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of the pier and support member, with
the slab and sleeve locked in place with the locking nut, and the
lifting device and lifting member removed.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9, with the eye bolts
removed, and the slab locked into place with the locking nut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, foundation slab 11 may be used to
support a house or other building. In this embodiment, slab 11 is
of concrete and is supported above the ground a few feet by support
surfaces or piers 13. Piers 13 are of concrete and have base plates
15 embedded within them. Base plates 15 have anchor bolts 17 that
extend a selected distance into concrete piers 13.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the holes for piers 13 are dug with a
diameter such that base plates 15 are fully encased within the
concrete. Once the holes are dug, piers 13 are formed by pouring
concrete into the holes. The base plates 15 are then embedded in
the concrete of piers 13 such that the top of base plate 15 is
flush with surface of the concrete. Anchor bolts 17 are connected
to base plates 15 and extend into the concrete a distance below
base plate 15. A plurality of supporting members or supporting
pipes 19 are positioned such that a first end portion of each
supporting pipe 19 rests on a corresponding base plate 15.
Supporting pipes 19 extend upwardly a selected distance from each
base plate 15. The length of supporting pipes 19 can be varied to
accommodate various desired slab 11 heights.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, a support sleeve 21 with a greater
diameter than supporting pipe 19, and cut with a length equal to
the desired thickness of the concrete slab 11 is constructed so
that it may slide over supporting pipe 19. The inner surface 23 of
sleeve 21 has threads 25 formed therein and extending along a
length of sleeve 21. Reinforcing bars (rebar) 27 are connected to
the outer surface of sleeve 21. In this embodiment, a first portion
29 of rebar 27 is welded to sleeve 21 vertically along the length
of sleeve 21. A second portion 31 of rebar 27 is connected to and
extends outwardly and downwardly at an angle from first portion 29
of rebar 27. A third portion 33 of rebar 27 is substantially
perpendicular to support sleeve 21 and extends between first
portion 29 and second portion 31 of rebar 27. Rebar 27 is welded
around the outer peripheries of sleeve 21 at 60 degree intervals.
Two nuts 35, offset from rebar 27, are welded to opposite sides of
an end portion of sleeve 21. A pair of eye bolts 37 are screwed
into nuts 35. The lengths of eye bolts 37 can be varied depending
upon the desired thickness of slab 11, but will always be of a
length such that they protrude upwardly from slab 11.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, rebar 27 are welded and extend
from the sleeve 21 at positions that create an asterisk-like
pattern. Nuts 35 are positioned parallel with one another and
offset from rebar 27 and are welded in place on opposite sides of
sleeve 21 Eye bolts 37 are aligned with and screwed into nuts
35.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 6, the sleeve assembly (FIG. 3) is then
slid down supporting pipe 19, and lowered to the desired height for
pouring slab 11. Concrete slab 11 is then poured, which embeds
rebar 27 and the sleeve assembly (FIG. 3) within slab 11. The
concrete is kept from bonding to concrete pier 13, base plate 15,
and eye bolts 37 by a bond breaker layer (not shown). The tops of
eye bolts 37 are left protruding from the top of concrete slab
11.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 7, after the cement and slab 11 have
hardened, a lifting member or solid lifting rod 39, with a smaller
diameter than supporting pipe 19, is inserted into supporting pipe
19 and lowered until it makes contact with base plate 15. The
length of lifting rod 39 is greater than the desired final height
of slab 11. After lifting rod 39 is in place, a locking nut 41 with
a diameter greater than lifting rod 39 but equal to supporting pipe
19 is placed around the support rod 39. Locking nut 41 has threads
on its outer surface to mate with threads 25 (FIG. 3) on inner
surface 23 of sleeve 21. Locking nut 41 is slid down support rod
27, until it comes into abutting contact with the top of support
pipe 19, which corresponds to the desired height of slab 11. A
lifting device is then mounted on the top of each support rod 39.
In this embodiment, the lifting device is a hydraulic jack 43
mounted on the top of each support rod 39. Attachment members or
attachment rods 45 are then attached to eye bolts 37, in order to
lift slab 11 to its desired height. Hydraulic jack 43 is then
connected to attachment rods 45. Referring to FIG. 8, hydraulic
fluid pressure is then applied simultaneously to all of the jacks
43, causing foundation slab 11 to be lifted above the ground to the
desired height.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 9, once slab 11 has reached its desired
height, locking nut 41 will be in contact with the top of sleeve
21. In order to secure slab 11 at the desired height, locking nut
41 is screwed into the threads 25 (FIG. 3) on the inner surface 23
of sleeve 21. The support sleeve 21, slab foundation 11, and
locking nut 41 rest upon the second end portion of the support
member 19. Once locking nut 41 is securely connected to sleeve 21,
attachment rods 45, hydraulic jack 43, and lifting rod 39 are
removed.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 10, after removing hydraulic jack 43, eye
bolts 37 are unscrewed from nuts 35 and removed from the slab 11,
leaving holes 47 on the top surface of slab 11. In the event that
the height of slab 11 needs to be adjusted, eye bolts 37 may
reinserted into slab 11 and screwed into nuts 35 which are welded
to concrete encased sleeve 21. At that point, lifting rod 39 would
be reinserted, and hydraulic jack 43 and attachment rods 45 would
be reconnected. The locking nut 41 would then be unscrewed from
sleeve 21, and slab 11 could be raised and lowered to a desired
height using hydraulic jack 43. In the event that slab 11 needs to
be raised to a height greater than the current supporting pipe 19
allows, slab 11 can be lowered to its original position and
supporting pipe 19 may be replaced with a supporting pipe with a
length to accommodate the new desired height. Once the desired
height has been reached, as previously illustrated, slab 11 may be
secured in place with locking nut 41, and hydraulic jack 43,
attachment rods 45, lifting rod 39, and eye bolts 37 may be
removed.
* * * * *