US20240110372A1

US20240110372A1 - Building and construction apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20240110372A1
Application number: US17/958,929
Authority: US
Inventors: Austin Decowski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-10-03
Filing date: 2022-10-03
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

A building and construction apparatus is provided for a foundation post for building and construction using composite materials. A post strengthening material may be cast within the composite material to form the foundation post. The building and construction apparatus may include a foundation post, plate bracket, and anchor. A method for a foundation post for building and construction using composite materials using the building and construction apparatus is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a building and construction apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a foundation post for building and construction using composite materials.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, precast concrete piers (aka perma-columns) or treated lumber are used widely in the construction industry to support a structure such as a post-frame building. These precast concrete columns elevate wood columns out of the ground, thereby reducing the risk of premature rotting of the wood. The columns are attached to U-shaped steel brackets robotically welded to steel reinforcement bars that run the entire length of the precast column.
However, concrete piers can be excessively heavy and can create problems with transportation, installation, and overall construction. Furthermore, difficulty in handling concrete piers can increase the cost of a construction job or application for creating a building or other structure. For example, additional equipment, manpower, and other factors must be considered when handling concrete piers common to the prior art.
Other common materials of the prior art include treated lumber piers or posts, which can resist rotting beyond that of untreated lumber but may still remain susceptible to rotting or other types of decay after installation. When lumber is used for foundation piers, whether being treated or untreated wood, the structural stability of a building may be compromised if the underlying foundation rots are otherwise deteriorates. Therefore, an improved column is needed that is lighter, more cost-effective, and more flexible to handle than typically available in existing expensive and heavy precast concrete piers in the prior art.
Therefore, a need exists to solve the deficiencies present in the prior art. What is needed is a foundation post to provide a stable platform upon which a building can be constructed. What is needed is a foundation post with internal reinforcement that includes an interface to connect to framing beams. What is needed is a foundation post constructed using composite materials with a strengthening member to reduce weight. What is needed is a foundation post with an anchor to resist undesired movement in a subterranean location in which it is installed. What is needed is a building method using composite foundation posts with reinforced strength properties.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a foundation post to provide a stable platform upon which a building can be constructed. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a foundation post with internal reinforcement that includes an interface to connect to framing beams. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a foundation post constructed using composite materials with a strengthening member to reduce weight. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a foundation post with an anchor to resist undesired movement in a subterranean location in which it is installed. An aspect of the disclosure advantageously provides a building method using composite foundation posts with reinforced strength properties.
The invention generally relates to building and foundation construction, more specifically a composite structural post. The invention improves on the prior art of including existing concrete piers or treated lumber, solving problems related to excessive weight, deterioration rate, and expense to produce. The improvement provided by the invention for the building posts lowers the cost of production and advantageously produces lighter, stronger posts than existing products with comparable size and dimensions using the current state of the art.
Accordingly, the disclosure may feature a building and construction apparatus including a foundation post, a plate bracket, and an anchor. The foundation post may extend from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end. The foundation post may be constructed using a composite material and comprising a post strengthening member substantially enclosed within the composite material. The plate bracket may be operatively attached to the foundation post at the foundation post first end. The plate bracket may include plate bracket bottom mounting panels by which the plate bracket is operatively attached to the foundation post, plate bracket top mounting panels by which a framing beam is mountable to the plate bracket, and a plate bracket interface located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels. The anchor may be mounted to the foundation post at the foundation post second end. The foundation post may be installed by locating the foundation post second end in a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface, the foundation post first end extending at least partially above the ground surface.
In another aspect, the post strengthening member may extend within the composite material of the foundation post from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end.
In another aspect, the post strengthening member may be cast into the composite material to form the foundation post.
In another aspect, the post strengthening member may be a metal.
In another aspect, the post strengthening member is at least partially steel.
In another aspect, the composite material includes at least 80% recycled materials.
In another aspect, the composite material includes at least 95% recycled materials.
In another aspect, the plate bracket top mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel, the plate bracket bottom mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel, and the plate bracket interface may be substantially orthogonal to both the plate bracket mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels.
In another aspect, the plate bracket top mounting panels may be welded to the plate bracket interface and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels may be welded to the plate bracket interface.
In another aspect, the anchor may further include a first anchor portion removably installed to the foundation post and a second anchor portion extending from the first anchor portion with an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion. The foundation post with the anchor installed may resist movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location.
In an embodiment enabled by this disclosure, a building and construction apparatus is provided including a foundation post and an anchor. The foundation post may extend from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end and be constructed using a composite material and comprising a post strengthening member cast within the composite material. The anchor may be removably mounted to the foundation post at the foundation post second end. The post strengthening member may extend within the composite material of the foundation post from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end. The foundation post may be installed by inserting the foundation post second end into a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface, the foundation post first end extending at least partially above the ground surface.
In another aspect, a plate bracket may be included to operatively attach to the foundation post at the foundation post first end. The plate bracket may include plate bracket bottom mounting panels by which the plate bracket is operatively attached to the foundation post, plate bracket top mounting panels by which a framing beam is mountable to the plate bracket, and optionally a plate bracket interface located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels.
In another aspect, the plate bracket top mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel, the plate bracket bottom mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel, and the optional plate bracket interface may be substantially orthogonal to both the plate bracket mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels.
In another aspect, the composite material may include at least 80% recycled materials.
In another aspect, the anchor may include a first anchor portion to be reversibly attached to the foundation post and a second anchor portion extending from the first anchor portion having an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion. The foundation post with the anchor installed may resist movement of the foundation post within the subterranean location.
According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a method of installing a building and construction apparatus is provided. The method may include a) providing a foundation post extending from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end and being constructed using a post strengthening member substantially enclosed within a composite material. The method may next include b) mounting an anchor to the foundation post at the foundation post second end. The method may further include c) locating the foundation post second end of the foundation post in a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface such that the anchor is below the ground surface and the foundation post first end extends at least partially above the ground surface.
In another aspect, the method may include d) attaching a plate bracket to the foundation post at the foundation post first end. The plate bracket may include plate bracket bottom mounting panels by which the plate bracket is operatively attached to the foundation post, plate bracket top mounting panels by which a framing beam is mountable to the plate bracket, and a plate bracket interface located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels. The plate bracket top mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel. The plate bracket bottom mounting panels may be positioned to be substantially parallel. The plate bracket interface may be substantially orthogonal to both the plate bracket mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels.
In another aspect, step (a) of the method may further include casting the composite material about the post strengthening member from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end to form the foundation post.
In another aspect, step (b) of the method may further include attaching a first anchor portion of the anchor to the foundation post to resist movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location. A second anchor portion of the anchor may extend from the first anchor portion at an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion. The anchor may be installed to the foundation post and may resist movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location.
In another aspect of the method, the composite material may include at least 80% recycled materials.
Terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure are to be interpreted broadly. Terms are intended to be understood respective to the definitions provided by this specification. Technical dictionaries and common meanings understood within the applicable art are intended to supplement these definitions. In instances where no suitable definition can be determined from the specification or technical dictionaries, such terms should be understood according to their plain and common meaning. However, any definitions provided by the specification will govern above all other sources.
Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages described by this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative building and construction apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an illustrative foundation post, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative foundation post shown in FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative anchor, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative plate bracket, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illustrative installation of an embodiment of a building and construction apparatus, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of a building and construction apparatus. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional embodiments and uses of the present invention that extend beyond the examples of this disclosure. Terms included by any claim are to be interpreted as defined within this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to contemplate and disclose plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be read to contemplate and disclose singular alternatives. Conjunctions should be read as inclusive except where stated otherwise.
Expressions such as “at least one of A, B, and C” should be read to permit any of A, B, or C singularly or in combination with the remaining elements. Additionally, such groups may include multiple instances of one or more element in that group, which may be included with other elements of the group. All numbers, measurements, and values are given as approximations unless expressly stated otherwise.
For the purpose of clearly describing the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, some frequently used terms will now be defined, without limitation. The term foundation, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as an underlying base or support, such as for a building. The term subterranean location, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a location under the surface of the ground. The term ground level, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a location at which the atmosphere meets the ground, such as at the surface of the earth. The term recycled materials, as it is used throughout this disclosure, is defined as a material that has been at least partially recovered or diverted from the waste stream for purpose of reuse, recycling, or reclamation.
Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail, without limitation. In the following disclosure, a building and construction apparatus will be discussed. Those of skill in the art will appreciate alternative labeling of the building and construction apparatus as a composite foundation apparatus, foundation device, sustainable foundation post and building apparatus, the invention, or other similar names. Similarly, those of skill in the art will appreciate alternative labeling of the building and construction apparatus as a building method using a composite framing post, construction method using strengthened framing posts, foundation creation method, method, operation, the invention, or other similar names. Skilled readers should not view the inclusion of any alternative labels as limiting in any way.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 , the building and construction apparatus will now be discussed in more detail. The building and construction apparatus 10 may include a foundation post 20, anchor 40, plate bracket 60, and additional components that will be discussed in greater detail below. The building and construction apparatus 10 may operate one or more of these components interactively with other components to create a foundation for buildings and other construction.
The invention generally relates to building and foundation construction, more specifically a using a composite structural foundation post 20. The invention improves on the prior art of including existing concrete piers or treated lumber, solving problems related to excessive weight, deterioration rate, and expense to produce. The improvement provided by an invention enabled by this disclosure advantageously may lower the total cost of building production and advantageously produce lighter, stronger foundation posts 20 than existing products with comparable size and dimensions using the current state of the art.
As an improvement to the current state of the art, the building and construction apparatus 10, such as through the embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure, may feature composite foundation posts 20 to provide improved flexibility, resistance to breakage, and adjustability beyond that which is possible using current concrete piers or other earlier known foundation techniques. The foundation posts 20 enabled by this disclosure may weigh considerably less than, for example about half as much as, currently existing precast concrete, advantageously reducing time required for installation and improving ease of handling for the end users. Various embodiments may have different dimensions and application of framing beams 14 and other wood members to be attached to the foundation post 20.
The foundation post will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1-3 and 6 highlight examples of the foundation post, which may also be shown in other figures. In one embodiment, a foundation post 20 may be provided being constructed using a composite material and comprising a post strengthening member 30 substantially enclosed within the composite material. For example, post strengthening member 30 may extend within the composite material of the foundation post 20 from about end-to-end of the foundation post 20. In some embodiments, the post strengthening member 30 may be cast into the composite material to form the foundation post 20.
A foundation post 20 may be made of composite materials, such as composite wood and/or plastics as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, with a foundation post second end 26 to be extended into the ground to a subterranean location 18. The foundation post second end 26 may be distal to a foundation post first end 22 that may emerge from the ground surface 16 and extend upwardly from the ground surface.
In one embodiment, the foundation post 20 may be provided by an elongated length of material that extends from a foundation post first end 22 to a foundation post second end 26. The foundation post 20 may include dimensions that provide an elongated length that may be inserted at least partially to a subterranean location 18 below a ground surface 16 onto which a building will be constructed. For example, a hole or other mounting location may be prepared by a construction crew or elsewise that the foundation post 20 may be inserted into and then covered with earth, dirt, rock, gravel, and/or other materials that would be apparent to a person of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. In additional embodiments, concrete may be poured substantially around the foundation post 20 to further secure the foundation post 20 into the subterranean location 18.
The foundation post 20 may be constructed using various dimensions, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the foundation post 20 may share approximately similar length and width dimensions. In one embodiment, illustrative dimensions include in inches: 5.5×5.5×60, but as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, actual dimensions can vary depending on the job. Examples of additional dimension configurations, provided without limitation, may include in inches: 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 6×6, 2×4, 4×6, 6×8, 8×8, 6×10, 8×10, 10×10, and many alternative measurements that those of still in the art would appreciate after having the benefit of this disclosure.
The foundation post 20 may additionally have an elongated height such that, upon installation a substantial location 18, at least part of the height of the foundation post 20 may be located in the subterranean location 18, which may be below the ground surface 16 of the location at which the building will be constructed. Example heights may include in feet: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and other heights that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. Skilled artisans will appreciate that any recitation of measurements above are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention to any specific measurements unless expressly claimed otherwise.
The foundation post 20 may extend from its foundation post first end 22 to its foundation post second end 26. One or more first foundation post installation apertures may be provided at the foundation post first end 22 through which foundation post installation hardware 56 may be received or otherwise interacted with. For example, provided without limitation, a plate bracket 60 may be installed to the foundation post 20 at its foundation post first end 22 via the foundation post installation hardware 56. Examples of foundation post installation hardware 56 may include, without limitation, bolts, nuts, screws, nails, rivets, dowel rods, plugs, and other installation hardware that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In additional embodiments, multiple foundation post 20 installation apertures may be provided to receive multiple foundation post installation hardware 56. In other embodiments, foundation post 20 installation apertures of varying sizes may be included by the foundation post 20 to allow flexibility in the types of installation hardware that may be used to secure another component, such as a plate bracket 60 to the foundation post 20 at the foundation post first end 22.
The foundation post 20 may extend in height to the foundation post second end 26, which may be distal to the foundation post first end 22. The foundation post second end 26 may be designed such that it may be inserted into and received by a subterranean location 18 of a building site. For example, the foundation post second end 26 may be inserted into a hole prepared at the building site such that the foundation post 20 may be at least partially covered and securely placed within the ground or otherwise beneath the ground surface 16. The foundation post second end 26 may include a foundation post installation aperture.
The foundation post 20 may be designed such that upon being installed into the subterranean location 18, a majority of the foundation post 20 may be located below the ground surface 16. In this embodiment, at least part of the foundation post 20 may extend upwardly from the ground surface 16 after installation. For example, the foundation post second end 26 may be located at a subterranean location 18 and the foundation post first end 22 may be located above the ground surface 16. In some embodiments, a proportion of the foundation post 20 that may be located at the subterranean location 18 may be 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or otherwise as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.
The foundation post second end 26 may include a foundation post second end installation aperture to which an accessory, such as an anchor 40, may be installed. The anchor 40 will be discussed in greater detail later in this disclosure.
The foundation post 20 may be constructed using a composite material, which may resist corrosion, cracking, rot, or other types of deterioration inherent to concrete piers and lumber foundation post 20. Illustrative composite material may include composite wood, plastics, reinforced plastics, polymers, fiberglass, metal matrix composites, and other like materials that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the composite material may include at least 80% recycled materials. In additional embodiments, the composite material may include about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or another percentage of recycled materials, for example, recycled plastic materials.
To increase the strength of the foundation post 20, a post strengthening member 30 may be included within at least part of the composite material of the foundation post 20. In some embodiments the post strengthening member 30 may extend substantially between the foundation post first end 22 and the foundation post second end 26. For example, the post strengthening member 30 may extend from a post strengthening member first end 32 to a post strengthening member second end 36. The post strengthening member 30 may be positioned within the composite material such that the post strengthening member first end 32 is proximate to the foundation post first end 22 and the post strengthening member second end 36 is proximate to the foundation post second end 26.
The post strengthening member 30 may be approximately centered within the interior of the composite material to construct the foundation post 20. In some embodiments, the post strengthening member 30 may be positioned at the time of formation of the foundation post 20, such as by casting the composite material around the post strengthening member 30. In some embodiments, multiple post strengthening members 30 may be included within the composite material to create the foundation post 20.
The post strengthening member 30 may advantageously provide additional strength to complement the inherent strength of the composite material. For example, the post strengthening member 30 may be constructed using materials such as metals, steel, carbon fiber, cables, synthetics, fiberglass, materials with high tensile strength, materials with high compressive strength, materials with both high tensile and compressive strength, and/or other materials that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.
The post strengthening member 30 may include post strengthening material texturing 38 to enhance the post strengthening members 30 ability to remain in a static location within the composite material of the foundation post 20. For example, the post strengthening member 30 may include flanges, protrusions, lips, threads, or other features to create a surface that has texturing, ribbing, or other changes in a surface such to substantially secure the post strengthening member 30 within the material of the foundation post 20. In one example, a steel reinforcement bar may be included within the foundation post 20 as the post strengthening member 30. In another embodiment, carbon fiber, lightweight metals, or other lightweight materials that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art may be included by the post strengthening member 30, without limitation.
The anchor will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 highlight examples of the anchor, which may also be shown in other figures. The anchor 40 may be mounted to the foundation post 20, for example, near the foundation post second end 26. When installed to the foundation post 20, the anchor 40 may advantageously increase resistance of movement, such as vertical movement, of the foundation post 20 in the subterranean location 18. In one embodiment, the anchors 40 may be installed to the foundation post 20 at an end distal to the plate bracket 60. In some embodiments, interchangeable anchors 40 may be installed to the foundation post 20 to provide desired resistance to vertical movement, for example, to match soil or ground characteristics. Anchors 40 may be constructed having various measurements, for example and without limitation, in inches: 2×2×10-14. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate alternative dimensions that can vary depending on the job.
The anchor 40 may advantageously provide an increased surface area for the foundation post 20 to grip earth or other material located at the subterranean location 18 at which the foundation post 20 is installed. The anchor 40 may be mounted to a portion of the foundation post 20, for example near the foundation post second end 26 of the foundation post 20. The anchor 40 may be installed to the foundation post 20 via anchor installation hardware 54, which may be passed through at least part of the anchor 40 and at least part of the foundation post 20.
The anchor 40 may include multiple portions to enhance the ability of the anchor 40 to improve the grip of the foundation post 20 at the subterranean location 18. For example, the anchor 40 may include a first anchor portion 42 and a second anchor portion 46. The first anchor portion 42 may be operatively attached to the second anchor portion 46 via and anchor portion interface 48, for example via welding, metal bending, installation hardware, or otherwise as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
The anchor may include a first anchor portion 42 removably installed to the foundation post 20 and a second anchor portion 46 extending from the first anchor portion 42 with an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion 42. In some embodiments, the first anchor portion 42 and the second anchor portion 46 may be oriented at different angles with respect to one another. For example, the first anchor portion 42 may be approximately orthogonal to the second anchor portion 46. In another example, the first anchor portion 42 may be configured at an obtuse angle with respect to the second anchor portion 46. In yet another example, the first anchor portion 42 may be configured at an acute angle with respect to the second anchor portion 46.
The anchor 40 may be constructed using a high-strength material, for example galvanized steel, stainless steel, steel, carbon fiber, and other materials that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.
The anchor 40 may be attached to the foundation post 20 such as to secure the anchor 40 to the foundation post 20 during and after installation. In some embodiments, multiple anchors 40 may be attached to a foundation post 20. For example, multiple anchors 40 may be attached opposite to one another and at an approximately same height with respect to the foundation post 20. In another example, multiple anchors 40 may be attached to the foundation post 20 at varying heights. In yet another example, a number of anchors 40 may be attached to the foundation post 20 upon different surfaces of the foundation post 20 and/or at different heights with respect to the foundation post 20, without limitation.
The anchor 40 may include an anchor mounting aperture 44, through which anchor installation hardware 54 may be received or otherwise passed to interact with the foundation post 20. In some embodiments, the anchor mounting aperture 44 may be located on the first anchor portion 42, without limitation. For example, a bolt may be passed through the anchor mounting aperture 44, after which it may also pass through a foundation post second end installation aperture provided by the foundation post 20, and optionally through a second anchor 40 located opposite to the first anchor 40 on an opposite surface of the foundation post 20. In other embodiments, various other hardware types may be used as discussed above and otherwise throughout this disclosure without limitation.
The plate bracket 60 will now be discussed in greater detail. FIGS. 1 and 5-6 highlight examples of the plate bracket, which may also be shown in other figures. The plate bracket 60 may be operatively attached to the foundation post 20 at the foundation post first end 22. The plate bracket 60 may include plate bracket bottom mounting panels 80 by which the plate bracket 60 is operatively attached to the foundation post 20, plate bracket top mounting panels 70 by which a framing beam 14 is mountable to the plate bracket 60, and a plate bracket interface 62 located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels 70 and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels 80.
The plate bracket top panels 70 and plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be operatively attached to the plate bracket interface 62. Likewise, the plate bracket top panels 70 and plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be communicably attached to one another via the plate bracket interface 62 serving as an intermediary. Attachment techniques between the plate bracket top panels 70, plate bracket bottom panels 80, and plate bracket interface 62 may include welding, metal bending, casting, stamping, and other metal attachment techniques that would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure, without limitation.
The plate bracket 60 may include one or more plate bracket top panels 70. In the interest of simplicity, discussion of a single plate bracket top panel 70 will be provided below. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that multiple plate bracket top panels 70 may be included by the plate bracket 60, for example having two plate bracket top panels 70 oriented approximately parallel with one another. In some embodiments, the plate bracket bottom panels 80 and plate bracket top panels 70 may be aligned in a common plane. In alternative embodiments, the plate bracket bottom panels 80 and plate bracket top panels 70 may be aligned in about perpendicular planes.
The plate bracket top panel 70 may extend from a plate bracket top panel first end 72 to a plate bracket top panel second end 74. The plate bracket top panels 70 may interface with and connect to a plate bracket interface 62 at the plate brackets top panel first end 72. The plate bracket top panels 70 may extend outwardly from the plate bracket interface 62 to a plate bracket top panel second end 74 located distal to the plate bracket top panel first end 72.
The plate bracket top panels 70 may be sized such that it may receive and securely hold one or more framing beams 14 or other components of a building structure. For example, the plate bracket top panels 70 may be provided by a substantially flattened length of material such as steel or another metal. The plate bracket top panels 70 may be constructed with the sufficient thickness to securely hold and withstand the forces of a corresponding building that may be constructed using an invention such as one enabled by this disclosure.
The plate bracket top panels 70 may include one or more plate bracket top panel apertures. In some embodiments, the plate bracket top panels 70 may include multiple apertures of varying sizes to accommodate framing beam installation hardware 52 of varying sizes. For example, the plate bracket top panels 70 may include one or more plate bracket top panel first aperture 76 and one or more plate bracket top panel second aperture 78, without limitation. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional sized apertures may be included as is consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
In some embodiments, plate bracket top panel first apertures 76 may be staggered between right and left sides of the plate bracket top panels 70 to increase the strength and stability when installed to a framing beam 14 via framing beam installation hardware 52. In some embodiments, plate bracket top panel second apertures 78 may be staggered opposite to the plate bracket top panel first apertures 76, for example between left and right sides of the plate bracket top panels 70, to compliment and further support installation of a framing beam 14 to the plate bracket 60 similar to that which may be installed using the plate bracket top panels 70 first aperture.
Framing beam installation hardware 52 may be passed through one or more of the plate bracket top panel first apertures 76 and/or plate bracket top panels second apertures 78 such as to be received by a corresponding framing beam 14 located between the plate bracket top panels 70. In some embodiments, multiple framing beams 14 may be included between the plate bracket top panels 70 and securely held in place via the framing beam installation hardware 52 passed through the plate bracket top panel first apertures 76, the one or more framing beams 14, and/or the plate bracket top panel second apertures 78.
The plate bracket bottom panel 80 may extend from a plate bracket bottom panel first end 82 to a plate bracket bottom panel second end 84 The plate bracket bottom panels 80 may interface with and connect to a plate bracket interface 62 at the plate brackets bottom panel first end 82. The plate bracket bottom panels 80 may extend outwardly from the plate bracket interface 62 to a plate bracket bottom panel second end 84 located distal to the plate bracket bottom panel first end 82.
The plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be sized such that it may receive and securely hold one or more foundation posts 20. For example, the plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be provided by a substantially flattened length of material such as steel or another metal. The plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be constructed with the sufficient thickness to securely hold and withstand the forces of a corresponding building that may be constructed using an invention such as one enabled by this disclosure and at least partially supported by a foundation post 20 onto which the plate bracket 60 is attached.
The plate bracket bottom panels 80 may include one or more plate bracket bottom panel apertures. In some embodiments, the plate bracket bottom panels 80 may include multiple apertures of varying sizes to accommodate foundation post installation hardware 56 of varying sizes. For example, the plate bracket bottom panels 80 may include one or more plate bracket bottom panel first aperture 86 and one or more plate bracket bottom panel second aperture 88, without limitation. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional sized apertures may be included as is consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
In some embodiments, plate bracket bottom panel first apertures 86 may be staggered between right and left sides of the plate bracket bottom panels 80 to increase the strength and stability when installed to a foundation post 20 via foundation post installation hardware 56. In some embodiments, plate bracket bottom panel second apertures 88 may be staggered opposite to the plate bracket bottom panel first apertures 86, for example between left and right sides of the plate bracket bottom panels 80, to compliment and further support installation of a foundation post 20 to the plate bracket 60 similar to that which may be installed using the plate bracket bottom panels first apertures 86.
Foundation post installation hardware 56 may be passed through one or more of the plate bracket bottom panel first apertures 86 and/or plate bracket bottom panels second apertures 88 such as to be received by a corresponding foundation post 20 located between the plate bracket bottom panels 80.
In some embodiments, the plate bracket interface 62 may be approximately orthogonal to the plate bracket top panels 70 and/or the plate bracket bottom panels 80. In these embodiments, the plate bracket interface 62 may approximately rest on an end surface of the framing beam 14 and/or foundation post 20, without limitation. In other embodiments, a gap may be provided between the end of the foundation post 20 and/or framing beams 14 and the plate bracket interface 62 of the plate bracket 60. In additional embodiments, additional aspects may be included between the ends of the framing beams 14 and/or foundation post 20 and the surface of the plate bracket interface 62, without limitation.
In an additional embodiment, the plate bracket 60 may include plate bracket members that include a plate bracket top panel 70 and plate bracket bottom panel 80 that may be operatively attached to each other in substantially parallel orientation. In some embodiments, the plate bracket member may include an approximately continuous length of material that encompasses both the plate bracket top panel 70 and plate bracket bottom panel 80. In this embodiment, each plate bracket member may be installable to both foundation posts 20 and framing beams 14. Additionally, in this embodiment, multiple plate bracket members may be installed to various surfaces of the foundation post 20 to enhance the strength and stability of a building constructed via the attached framing beams 14, without limitation.
Referring now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative installation of a building and construction apparatus 10 enabled by this disclosure will now be discussed, without limitation. In this example, multiple foundation posts 20 may be inserted and secured within a subterranean location 18 of a building site. In this example, a majority of each foundation post 20 may be located below the ground surface 16 at the subterranean location 18. One or more anchors 40 may be attached to the foundation post second end 26 of the foundation post 20 to enhance the rigidity and security of the foundation post 20 in its installed subterranean location 18.
A plate bracket 60 may be installed to the foundation post 20 near the foundation post first end 22. More particularly, in one example, two plate bracket bottom panels 80 may be located approximately parallel to one another with the foundation post 20 located between the two parallel plate bracket bottom panels 80. Foundation post installation hardware 56 may be passed through a plate bracket bottom panel first aperture 86, the foundation post first end installation aperture, and a plate bracket bottom panel first aperture 86 of a second plate bracket bottom panel 80. The foundation post installation hardware 56 may be tightened to the point such that it is secured and the plate bracket 60 is installed to the foundation post 20 with a low likelihood of movement or failure.
The plate bracket top panels 70 may receive one or more framing beams 14, which may be located within an interior space provided between two plate bracket top panels 70. More particularly, in one example, two plate bracket top panels 70 may be located approximately parallel to one another with the framing beams 14 located between the two parallel plate bracket top panels 70. Framing beam installation hardware 52 may be passed through a plate bracket top panel first aperture 76, a framing beam installation aperture, and a plate bracket top panel first aperture 76 of a second plate bracket top panel 70. The framing beam installation hardware 52 may be tightened to the point such that it is secured and the framing beams 14 are installed to the plate bracket 60 with a low likelihood of movement or failure.
Additional building framing aspects may be installed to the framing beams 14 or other aspects installed to the foundation post 20 and/or plate brackets 60. In some embodiments, additional framing aspects may be installed to at least part of the foundation post 20, additional panels provided by the plate bracket 60, or otherwise as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure.
In operation, a method may be provided for a installing a foundation post for building and construction materials using composite materials. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the following methods are provided to illustrate an embodiment of the disclosure and should not be viewed as limiting the disclosure to only those methods or aspects. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure for performing the operations provided by the examples below after having the benefit of this disclosure. Such additional methods are intended to be included by this disclosure.
During installation, the composite foundation posts may be placed into the ground. An anchor may be installed to the subterranean end of the foundation post prior to being located within a mounting location below the ground surface to help reduce movement once earth, gravel, or other ground is filled back to the mounting location. The foundation post may be adjusted to ensure the post is properly leveled.
Next, the hole may be filled with a material, such as compact soil, wet-poured concrete, or cement to secure the foundation post at the desired installation location. Once the post is substantially fixed in place, the plate bracket may be installed to the end of the foundation post that extends above the ground level. In alternative operations, the plate bracket may be installed to the foundation post prior to setting the foundation post in the subterranean location, without limitation. Framing beams may then be installed to the plate bracket, providing a secure installation and reduced risk that the framing beams may contact moisture present at the ground level.
While various aspects have been described in the above disclosure, the description of this disclosure is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims and not the illustrations and examples provided in the above disclosure. Skilled artisans will appreciate additional aspects of the invention, which may be realized in alternative embodiments, after having the benefit of the above disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A building and construction apparatus comprising:

a foundation post extending from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end being constructed using a composite material and comprising a post strengthening member substantially enclosed within the composite material;

a plate bracket operatively attached to the foundation post at the foundation post first end comprising:

plate bracket bottom mounting panels by which the plate bracket is operatively attached to the foundation post,

plate bracket top mounting panels by which a framing beam is mountable to the plate bracket, and

a plate bracket interface located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels;

an anchor mounted to the foundation post at the foundation post second end; and

wherein the foundation post is installed by locating the foundation post second end in a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface, the foundation post first end extending at least partially above the ground surface.

2. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post strengthening member extends within the composite material of the foundation post from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end.

3. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post strengthening member is cast into the composite material to form the foundation post.

4. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post strengthening member is a metal.

5. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the post strengthening member is at least partially steel.

6. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the composite material comprises at least 80% recycled materials.

7. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1, wherein the composite material comprises at least 95% recycled materials.

8. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1:

wherein the plate bracket top mounting panels are positioned to be substantially parallel;

wherein the plate bracket bottom mounting panels are positioned to be substantially parallel; and

wherein the plate bracket interface is substantially orthogonal to both the plate bracket mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels.

9. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1:

wherein the plate bracket top mounting panels are welded to the plate bracket interface; and

wherein the plate bracket bottom mounting panels are welded to the plate bracket interface.

10. The building and construction apparatus of claim 1:

wherein the anchor further comprises:

a first anchor portion removably installed to the foundation post, and

a second anchor portion extending from the first anchor portion with an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion; and

wherein the foundation post with the anchor installed resists movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location.

11. A building and construction apparatus comprising:

a foundation post extending from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end being constructed using a composite material and comprising a post strengthening member cast within the composite material;

an anchor removably mounted to the foundation post at the foundation post second end;

wherein the post strengthening member extends within the composite material of the foundation post from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end; and

wherein the foundation post is installed by inserting the foundation post second end into a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface, the foundation post first end at least partially extending above the ground surface.

12. The building and construction apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plate bracket operatively attached to the foundation post at the foundation post first end comprising:

plate bracket bottom mounting panels by which the plate bracket is operatively attached to the foundation post; and

plate bracket top mounting panels by which a framing beam is mountable to the plate brackets.

13. The building and construction apparatus of claim 12:

wherein the plate bracket top mounting panels are positioned to be substantially parallel; and

wherein the plate bracket bottom mounting panels are positioned to be substantially parallel.

14. The building and construction apparatus of claim 11, wherein the composite material comprises at least 80% recycled materials.

15. The building and construction apparatus of claim 11:

wherein the anchor further comprises:

a first anchor portion to be attached to the foundation post, and

a second anchor portion extending from the first anchor portion having an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion; and

wherein the foundation post with the anchor installed resists movement of the foundation post within the subterranean location.

16. A method of installing a building and construction apparatus comprising:

a) providing a foundation post extending from a foundation post first end to a foundation post second end and being constructed using a post strengthening member substantially enclosed within a composite material;

b) mounting an anchor to the foundation post at the foundation post second end;

c) locating the foundation post second end of the foundation post in a subterranean location with respect to a ground surface such that anchor is below the ground surface and the foundation post first end extends at least partially above the ground surface;

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

d) attaching a plate bracket to the foundation post at the foundation post first end, the plate bracket comprising:

a plate bracket interface located between and operatively attached to the plate bracket top mounting panels and the plate bracket bottom mounting panels

18. The method of claim 16, wherein step (a) further comprises:

casting the composite material about the post strengthening member from about the foundation post first end to the foundation post second end to form the foundation post.

19. The method of claim 16:

wherein step (b) further comprises attaching a first anchor portion of the anchor to the foundation post to resist movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location;

wherein a second anchor portion of the anchor extends from the first anchor portion at an angularly offset orientation with respect to the first anchor portion; and

wherein the anchor being installed to the foundation post resists movement of the foundation post in the subterranean location.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the composite material comprises at least 80% recycled materials.