Abstract:
A foundation column is provided far supporting an associated housing structure relative to an associated foundation base. The foundation column includes a vertical elongate main body member, a substantially flat cap plate member disposed on the upper end of the main body member, and a pair of spaced apart wall members carried by the cap plate member on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis defined by the main body member. The pair of wall members are selectively movable relative to the cap plate member to receive associated housing structures of various sizes in the space formed between the pair of wall members. Two such foundation columns are combined together with a pair of lateral attachment members to form a corner anchor system. The first and second foundation columns are connected to the first and second lateral attachment members using first and second diagonal strut members, respectively. A cross-brace type anchor system is provided for connecting parallel structural support beams to a foundation base using a pair of foundation columns under each beam and further including lateral and transverse connections between the parallel beams. Foot plate members serve as an interface between the column posts and the associated foundation base and are used as templates for setting anchor studs in predetermined arrangements in the associated foundation base.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of is a divisional application of U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/301,902 filed Apr. 29, 1999 which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/083,970, filed May 1, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention is directed toward the art of support columns and anchor posts and, more particularly, to fabricated structural support assemblies consisting of adjustable columns, lateral stabilizing braces, and anchor plates that function as adjustable support piers and storm anchors, providing substantial positive (downward), negative (upward), and transverse (sideways) load resistance to the supported structure in both major horizontal and vertical directions. The invention is further directed to an improved adjustable foundation column having a pair of upper saddle-type positioning members in the form of opposing walls on the column end that can be adjusted to adapt the top end of the support column to engage overhead load members of various sizes and widths. 
     The invention is especially well suited for use as a structural member to transfer axial compressive loads as well as lateral offsetting loads from steel or wood beams integrated into the underside of a structure to concrete footers, grade beams or foundation pads and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention has other broader uses such as, for example, use as an anchor assembly or device to connect objects other than buildings or structures, such as industrial equipment and the like, to foundations or other anchor-type members. 
     Adjustable columns and structural jacks are well known in the art for use in supporting structures to associated foundation pads and footers. Prior devices of this type have typically included a pair of top and bottom flat rugged plate members connected on either end of an elongate threaded rod and tube arrangement. The bottom base plate member is typically rigidly secured to the tube such as by welding or the like. The tube is disposed in a vertical orientation so that the bottom base plate member engages a concrete footing, flooring, or other firm surface. The threaded rod is normally telescopically received within the tube, the top of the tube being provided with an adjustment nut having internal threads matching the threaded rod. Rotation of the adjustment nut urges the threaded rod in directions along the longitudinal axis of the tube so that, in the above-noted vertical orientation, the adjustable column effectively becomes shorter or taller based upon the direction and number of turns applied to the adjustment nut. 
     In another form of the above-noted simple single jack system, the threaded rod is intermeshed with mating threads provided in the tube. The rod is rotated into and out from the tube to select the column height. In that construction, the top base plate member of the pair of planar base plate members is rotatably mounted to the top end of the threaded rod to permit relative movement between the plate and the rod. The plate adapts the top end of the column to engage an overhead structural member such as a steel or wooden beam while the rod is rotated relative to a fixed adjustment nut. In both forms of the adjustable column of the type described, axial compressive loads are transferred from the overhead beams to the concrete footers or foundation pads below. 
     One problem associated with prior adjustable columns, however, resides in the relative inability of the upper base plate member to positively engage the overhead beam without the use of specialized and often hard to use fasteners or the like. Typically, the upper base plate member is provided with a plurality of holes so that lag bolts, nails or other attachment mechanisms can be used to connect the base plate member with the overhead beam. For steel overhead beams, this procedure poses a problem particularly when the use of fastener holes may weaken the structural integrity of the beam. 
     Proper registration between the fastener holes in the plate member and the holes in the structural steel has also been a problem. 
     Another problem associated with prior adjustable columns is their inability to resist both negative, i.e. upward, forces tending to separate the supported structure from the foundation base and lateral, i.e. sideways, offsetting forces that tend to horizontally dislodge the supported structure from the associated foundation. Typically, prior art support systems provide either no support against vertical forces or offer only simple straps or lightweight hooks, tabs, or the like. These devices provide inadequate negative resistance and therefore fail to prevent the supported structure from being separated from the foundation base. Further, the lightweight hooks and straps have been found to be inadequate during high intensity weather conditions such as in hurricanes and tornadoes. In those situations, the buildings are often quite easily separated from their foundations or ground anchors resulting in substantial loss of property and often loss of life. 
     Yet another problem associated with prior adjustable columns is that they are usually difficult to install and set up. More particularly, the hole patterns in the column base plates are often incompatible with the anchor bolt arrangement provided beforehand in the concrete foundation at the job site. 
     Another setup problem in the prior art support columns described above is their relative inability to adjust lengthwise to any desired height. In that regard, most column jacks use a simple pin-through-hole arrangement wherein the height of the column is determined by multiple discontinuous hole positions along the length of the support column. 
     Thus, it is desirable to provide an adjustable foundation column of the type described and that includes an adjustable saddle-type positioning member on at least the top end of the column with opposing adjustable wall members for adapting the device to engage and fasten onto a wide range of structural support members of various sizes and shapes. 
     It is further desirable to provide a fabricated adjustable foundation assembly consisting of adjustable columns, lateral braces, and anchor plates that function as adjustable piers and storm anchors providing substantial positive (downward), negative (upward), and lateral (horizontal) load resistance to supported structures relative to the associated foundation bases in both horizontal and vertical directions. 
     Still further, it would be desirable to provide a structural anchor system that includes a concrete form plate for use with the associated foundation base as a template to locate associated anchor stud members in the associated foundation base, preferably before the concrete sets, in predetermined arrangements preferably corresponding to a hole pattern on the base of the support column. This would greatly simplify the process of installing the subject support system onto the associated foundation base. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention includes an adjustable foundation or basement column of the type described which overcomes the above-noted deficiencies in the prior devices by providing a flexible saddle-type positioning arrangement at the top end of an adjustable foundation column. The saddle area includes a pair of selectively spaced apart wall members that assist in aligning the top column end with the overhead structural beams. The saddle mechanism formed by the wall members is useful to securely fasten the beams at their bottom and sides to the top of the column in a simple fashion. 
     Further, the subject invention provides a corner anchor system for connecting the corner of an L-shaped elongate frame member on the underside of a structure to an associated foundation base. The corner anchor system includes a first foundation column adapted to be supported on a first end in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base and to be selectively held on a second end in a connected relationship with a first elongate section of the L-shaped frame member on the underside of the structure. A first lateral attachment member is selectively held in a connected relationship with the first elongate section of the frame member on the underside of the structure. A first strut member is connected between the first lateral attachment member and the first end of the first foundation column. A second foundation column is provided that is adapted to be supported on a first end in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base and to be selectively held on a second end in a connected relationship with a second elongate section of the L-shaped frame member on the underside of the structure. A second lateral attachment member is selectively held in a connected relationship with the second elongate section of the frame member on the underside of the structure. Lastly, a second strut member is connected between the second lateral attachment member and the first end of the second foundation column. Preferably, the first strut member, the first lateral attachment member, and the first foundation column are arranged to define a first plane substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by the second strut member, the second lateral attachment member, and the second foundation column. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a “T-type” anchor system is provided for connecting an elongate frame member integrated into the underside of a structure, such as a mobile home or an article of industrial equipment, to an associated foundation base. The anchor system includes a foundation column adapted to be supported on a first end in an upright vertical orientation relative to the foundation base and to be selectively held on a second end in a connected relationship with the elongate frame member on the underside of the structure. A first lateral attachment member is selectively held in a connected relationship with the elongate frame member on the underside of the structure. A first strut member is connected between the first lateral attachment member and the first end of the foundation column. Similarly, a second lateral attachment member is held in a connected relationship with the elongate frame member on the underside of the structure and a second strut member connects the second lateral attachment member to the first end of the foundation column. Preferably, the foundation column, the first and second lateral attachment members and the first and second strut members are substantially co-planar. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a “cross-brace type” anchor system is provided for connecting spaced apart frame members on the underside of a structure, such as a mobile home, to an associated foundation base. The anchor system includes a foundation column adapted to be supported on a first end in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base and to be selectively held on a second end in a connected relationship with a first one of the spaced apart frame members on the underside of the structure. A lateral attachment member is selectively held in a connected relationship with a second one of the spaced apart frame members on the underside of the structure. Lastly, an elongate transverse rod member connects the lateral attachment member to the first end of the foundation column. The transverse rod member enables the supported structure to withstand horizontal forces in a first direction. In addition to the above, the anchor system includes a longitudinal attachment member selectively held in a connected relationship with the first one of the frame members on the underside of the structure. A longitudinal strut member connects the longitudinal attachment member to the first end of the foundation column. In that way, the supported structure is able to withstand horizontal forces from any direction. 
     Still yet in accordance with another aspect of the invention, multiple “cross-brace type” anchor systems of the type noted directly above are provided to connect a pair of spaced apart parallel frame members on the underside of a structure, such as a mobile home, to an associated footer, grade beam or foundation pad beneath the structure. That anchor system includes first and second foundation columns adapted to be oriented vertically and selectively held in connected relationships with the first and second spaced apart frame members, respectively. The first foundation column is connected to a first lateral attachment member held on the second frame member by a first elongate transverse rod member. Similarly, the second column is connected to a second lateral attachment member held on the first frame member by a second elongate transverse rod member. The first and second transverse rod members cross at a space beneath the supported structure between the first and second spaced apart frame members. Additionally, first and second longitudinal attachment members are provided on the first and second frame member, respectively. The first longitudinal attachment member is connected to the first column using a first longitudinal strut member. Similarly, the second longitudinal attachment member is connected to the second column using a second longitudinal strut member. In that way, the supported structure e.g. mobile home, is able to withstand substantial positive (downward), negative (upward), and lateral load resistances in both horizontal and vertical directions. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a structural anchor system is provided that includes a concrete form plate for use with the associated foundation base as a template to locate associated anchor stud members in the associated concrete base, preferably before the concrete sets, at predetermined positions corresponding to a hole pattern on the bases of the support columns comprising the anchor system. 
     A primary object of the invention is to provide an anchor system including one or more foundation columns and other lateral and longitudinal attachment members and strut and rod members for supporting a building structure relative to a foundation base. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide anchor systems of the type described that provide substantial positive, negative, and lateral load resistance to the supported structure in both horizontal and vertical directions. 
     Yet another object of the invention is the provision of an adjustable saddle-type positioning mechanism on the upper end of an adjustable foundation columns so that they can be easily set up in the field for use with a variety of structural beams having a wide range of dimensions. 
     Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric partially exploded view of a single foundation column embodiment of the subject invention shown with the pair of saddle half wall members separated from the upper base plate member; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the adjustable column of FIG. 1 taken on line  2 — 2 ; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing a saddle member of the foundation column shown in FIG. 1 taken on line  3 — 3  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the saddle half member shown in FIG.  3  and taken on line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing the top plate member of the foundation column shown in FIG. 1 taken on line  5 — 5  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the top plate member of the foundation column shown in FIG. 1 taken on line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing the base plate member of the foundation column shown in FIG. 1 taken on line  7 — 7  of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing an alternative embodiment of the single foundation column according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration showing a corner anchor system formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing the foot plate member of the corner anchor system of FIG. 9 used as an anchor stud template; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a “T-type” anchor system formed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention for connecting a single elongate frame member to a foundation; 
     FIG. 12 is an elevated perspective view of a lateral attachment member of the type used in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a top plan view showing the foot plate member of the “T-type” anchor system of FIG. 11 used as an anchor stud template; and, 
     FIG. 14 is an elevated isometric view in partial phantom illustrating a “cross-brace type” anchor system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention for connecting a pair of spaced apart parallel frame members of a structure to an associated foundation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIGS. 1-7 show the overall arrangement of an improved foundation column with adjustable saddle-type positioning members formed in accordance with a first, referred embodiment of the subject invention. 
     Turning now to those FIGURES, the improved foundation column  10  includes an elongate main body portion  12  which is preferably vertically oriented as illustrated to best transfer axial compressive and tensional loads between steel or wood beams engaged with the top end  14  to concrete footings or the like engaged with the bottom end  16  of the column. In its preferred form, the elongate main body portion  12  includes an elongate substantially cylindrical support tube  20  adapted to coaxially telescopically receive a threaded rod member  22  therein as illustrated. In that way, the length of the column is adjustable. 
     An internally threaded adjustment member  24  is rotatably supported on the top end of the support tube  20  in a well known manner using bearings or the like. The adjustment member  24  is preferably disk shaped as shown and is provided with internal threads configured to match the pitch and size of the external threads on the threaded rod member  22 . Rotation of the adjustment member  24  in a first direction causes the threaded rod member  22  to be urged outwardly from the support tube  20  and, conversely, rotation of the adjustment member  24  in an opposite direction causes the threaded rod member  22  to be retracted telescopically within the support tube  20 . 
     The bottom end  16  of the adjustable column portion  12  preferably includes a base plate member  30  which is rigidly attached to the support tube  20  by well known means such as welding, for example. The base plate member  30  is provided with a plurality of connection holes  32  adapted to receive a set of suitable fasteners (not shown) therethrough. The fasteners are typically used to firmly attach the bottom end  16  of the subject foundation column  10  to concrete footings, floorings, and the like. 
     The top end  14  of the adjustable column  12  forms an upper attachment end  40  which preferably includes left and right wall members  42 ,  44  and an intermediate top plate member  46 . The top cap plate member  46  is formed as a flat cap plate member and is rigidly attached to an elongate substantially cylindrical engagement sleeve member  48  as shown. The sleeve member is internally threaded to connect to the rod  22 . The orientation and general arrangement of the components forming the upper attachment end of the first preferred embodiment are best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     The left wall member  42  includes a beam engagement member  50  having a pair of elongate connection tabs  52 ,  54  extending substantially perpendicular therefrom as illustrated. Similarly, the right wall member  44  includes a second beam engagement member  60  having a pair of connection tabs  62 ,  64  extending substantially perpendicular therefrom as shown. For reasons that will subsequently become apparent, the left and right wall members are preferably identically formed and disposed at the attachment end  40  in an opposed mirror image relationship. 
     The top cap plate member  46  includes a top substantially planar surface  70  and a pair of vertically oriented lip edges  72 ,  74  which are curled in a downward direction best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. The lip edges  72 ,  74  include a set of side openings  76  which are adapted to receive the first and second sets of connection tabs  52 ,  54  and  62 ,  64  therethrough, respectively. 
     Preferably, the connection tab pairs extend through the side openings  76  of the top plate member  46  so that they overlap adjacent the underside  78  of the top plate member  46  near a pair of spaced apart diagonal attachment apertures  80 . A first set of holes  56  are provided in the first set of connection tabs  52 ,  54  and a second set of holes  66  provided in the second set of connection tabs  62 ,  64  as shown. In the overlapped position, some of the first set of holes  56  register with some of the second set of holes  66 . Further, some of the first and second sets of holes  56 ,  66  register with the pair of diagonal attachment apertures  80 . The above-noted hole registration enables the mutual interconnection of the tabs adjacent the underside  78  of the top plate member using suitable threaded fasteners that extend through the holes and apertures into the structural beam resting on the top plate member  46 . 
     The left wall member  42  is preferably provided with a set of spaced apart attachment openings  58  to accommodate various fasteners used to connect the left wall member with a vertical face of a structural beam. Similarly, the right wall member  44  is provided with a set of spaced apart attachment openings  68  arranged substantially as shown. 
     In use, the left and right wall members  42 ,  44  are selectively adjustable in the direction labeled W in FIG. 1 to accommodate a wide range of beam widths. The range of adjustability spans from a minimum size corresponding to the width of the top plate member  46  whereat the wall members are disposed in contact against the lip edges  72 ,  74 , to a maximum wide opening at a position substantially separated from the top plate member. The maximum separation between the inner face surfaces of the wall members is limited only by the length of the elongate connection tabs  52 ,  54  and  62 ,  64 . 
     Turning now to. FIG. 8, an alternative arrangement of the subject adjustable foundation column is illustrated. As shown there, the upper attachment end  40 ′ includes a left member  42 ′, a right wall member  44 ′, and a top cap plate member  46 ′. The top plate member  46 ′ is rigidly attached to an elongate substantially cylindrical engagement sleeve member  48  as shown. The engagement sleeve has an internal diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the threaded rod member  22  so that the entire upper attachment end  40 ′ is rotatable on the threaded rod member. This feature of the alternative arrangement adapts the upper attachment end  42 ′ to be useful with a plurality of adjustable column portions and is especially useful with adjustable column portions wherein rotation of the threaded rod member causes extension and retraction of the cooperating members. 
     Turning next to FIG. 9, a corner anchor system  100  in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated for connecting the corner of an L-shaped elongate frame member  102  integrated into the underside of a structure (not shown) to an associated foundation base  104 . As shown, the corner anchor system  100  preferably includes first and second foundation columns  106 ,  108  generally of the type described above. The first foundation column  106  is adapted to be supported on a first end  110  in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base  104 . Similarly, the second foundation column  108  is vertically oriented and engages the foundation base  104  on a first end  112 . The second end  114  of the first foundation column  106  is selectively held in a connected relationship with a first elongate section  120  of the L-shaped frame member  102  as shown. In its preferred form, the second end  114  of the first foundation column includes a pair of movable wall members that are formed and function in a manner as described above in connection with the first embodiment. Similarly, the second end  116  of the second foundation column  108  is selectively held in a connected relationship with a second elongate section  122  as shown. As can be seen, the second end  116  preferably also includes a pair of movable wall members that are formed and function in a manner described above. 
     With continued reference to FIG. 9, the corner anchor system  100  preferably includes at least one set of first and second lateral attachment members  124 ,  126  that are each held in a connected relationship with the first and second elongate sections  120 ,  122 , respectively, of the L-shaped frame member  102 . Preferably as shown, the first and second lateral attachment members  124 ,  126  are formed and function in a manner described above in connection with the top end  14  of the foundation column  10 . 
     A first strut member  128  is disposed in a diagonal orientation as shown for connecting the first lateral attachment member  124  relative to the first end  110  of the first foundation column  106 . Similarly, a second strut member  130  is provided for connecting the second lateral attachment member  126  relative to the first end  112  of the second foundation column  108 . 
     As can be seen in the FIGURE, the first strut member, together with the first lateral attachment member and the first foundation member are arranged to substantially define a first plane. Likewise, the second strut member together with the second lateral attachment member and the second foundation member are arranged to define a second plane. In the square corner illustrated, the first and second planes are substantially perpendicular to each other. It is to be appreciated, however, that the subject corner anchor system  100  is equally well suited for use in structural corners that do not intersect at precise perpendicular planes. To that end, the corner anchor system  100  is shown in its preferred form by way of example only in a right angled corner. 
     With yet continued reference to FIG.  9  and with additional reference to FIG. 10, the subject corner anchor system  100  further includes a foot plate member  132  interposed between the associated foundation base  104  and the first ends  110 ,  112  of the first and second foundation columns  106 ,  108 , respectively. In its preferred form, the foot plate member  132  is substantially planar and has an outer edge pattern shaped to match the top surface of the associated foundation base  104 . As shown in the FIGURES, the foot plate member is L-shaped to match the right angled corners formed by the foundation base  104  and the frame member  102 . 
     Generally, the foot plate member  132  is adapted on a bottom surface to engage the associated foundation base  104  and includes a central connection area  134  for selectively receiving the first ends  110 ,  112  of the first and second foundation columns  106 ,  108 , as shown. Further, the foot plate member  132  also includes first and second lateral connection areas  136 ,  138  on opposite ends of the foot plate member for selectively receiving a lower attachment end  140  of the first strut member  128  and a second lower attachment end  142  of the second strut member  130 , respectively. 
     In order to provide a means for securely attaching the subject corner anchor system to the associated foundation base, the central connection area  134  of the L-shaped foot plate member  132  includes a first plurality of holes  150  that are adapted to receive a corresponding first set of associated anchor stud members  152  as shown. The anchor stud members  152  therethrough are held fixed on one end in the associated foundation base  104  and include an upper threaded region  154  adapted for use with a set of locking nuts to cooperatively selectively fasten the foot plate member  132  onto the associated foundation base  104 . 
     One major advantage of the L-shaped foot plate member  132  of the present invention is that it is usable as a template for locating the associated anchor stud members  152  in the associated foundation base  104  before the concrete base dries in a predetermined arrangement, preferably the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In that way, installation of the subject corner anchor system is made easy because the anchor stud members are pre-arranged in locations that enable connection of the foundation columns  106 ,  108  and the strut members  128 ,  130  directly onto the studs without modification. To that end, the first end  110  of the first foundation column  106  includes a substantially planar first base plate  156  adapted to engage the central connection area  134  of the L-shaped foot plate member  132  as shown (FIG.  9 ). The first base plate  156  is provided with a second plurality of holes  158  disposed at locations corresponding to the predetermined arrangement of the first plurality of holes  150  formed in the foot plate member  132 . Similarly, the first end  112  of the second foundation column  108  includes a substantially planar second base plate  160  adapted to engage the central connection area  134  of the L-shaped foot plate member  132  as shown. The second base plate  160  includes a third plurality of holes  162  disposed at locations corresponding to the arrangement of the first plurality of holes  150  formed in the foot plate member  132 . 
     Preferably, the upper threaded regions  154  of the first set of anchor stud members  152  extend upwardly from the foundation base  104  through the first, second, and third plurality of holes formed in the foot plate member  132  and the first and second base plates  156 ,  160  to enable the first and second foundation columns to be fastened onto the associated foundation base  104  together with the L-shaped foot plate member in a stacked relationship. 
     A “T-type” anchor system  200  is illustrated at FIG. 11 for connecting a single elongate frame member  202  integrated into the underside of a structure (not shown) to an associated foundation base  204 . In its preferred form, the anchor system  200  includes a foundation column  206  adapted to be supported on a first end  208  in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base  204  and to be selectively held on a second end  210  in a connected relationship with the elongate frame member  202  as shown. 
     Although the anchor system  200  illustrated in FIG. 11 has many uses, it is particularly well adapted for use in connection with supporting mobile homes and prefabricated home constructions on concrete footers. To that end, as shown in FIG. 12, the second end  210  of the anchor system  200  includes a substantially planar cap plate member  212  that is adapted to carry a set of clamp members  214  at the outer corners of the cap plate member as shown. Cap plate members of the type shown are well known in the art. Generally, they function by grasping the flanges of structural steel between the clamping members and the outer surface of the clamp plate member. The clamp members are urged together using a set of fasteners  216  such a nuts and bolts, or the like. 
     With reference back again to FIG. 11, the subject “T-type” anchor system  200  further includes first and second lateral attachment members  220 ,  222  that are each selectively held in a connected relationship with the elongate frame member  202  as shown. A first strut member  224  extends diagonally between the first lateral attachment member  220  and the first end  208  of the foundation column  206 . Similarly, a second strut member  226  extends diagonally to connect the second lateral attachment member  222  relative to the first end  208  of the foundation column  206 . 
     With continued reference to FIG.  11  and with additional reference to FIG. 13, the “T-type” anchor system  200  of the third preferred embodiment shown includes a substantially planar foot plate member  230  adapted on a bottom surface to engage the associated foundation base  204 . The foot plate member  230  includes a central connection area  232  for selectively receiving the first end  208  of the foundation column  206  and first and second lateral connection areas  234 ,  236  on opposite sides of the central connection area  232 . The first and second lateral connection areas are adapted for selectively receiving the lower ends of the first and second strut member  224 ,  226 , respectively. 
     The central connection area  232  of the foot plate member  230  includes a first plurality of holes  240  spaced apart in a preferred predetermined arrangement as shown. The first plurality of holes are adapted to receive a first set of associated anchor stud member  242  held fixed on one end in the associated foundation base  204 . The free ends  244  of the anchor stud members  242  are preferably threaded and extend through the first plurality of holes  240  formed in the foot plate member  230  as shown. In that way, the foot plate member can be selectively fastened to the foundation base. As noted above in connection with the second embodiment of the invention, the foot plate member  230  is useful as a template for locating the associated anchor stud members  242  in the associated foundation base in a variety of predetermined arrangements. 
     Lastly in connection with FIGS. 11-13, the first end  208  of the foundation column  206  includes a substantially planar base plate  250  adapted to engage the central connection area  232  of the foot plate member  230 . The base plate  250  is provided with a second plurality of holes  252  disposed at locations corresponding to the predetermined arrangement of the first plurality of holes  240  on the foot plate member  230  so that the free ends  244  of the anchor stud members  242  can extend through both the foot plate member  230  and the base plate  250 . In that way, the foundation column  206  can be easily connected onto the foundation base  204  together with the foot plate member  230  in a stacked relationship. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a “cross-brace type” anchor system  300  for connection a pair of spaced apart parallel frame members  302 ,  304  on the underside of a structure (not shown) to an associated foundation base  306 . Although the anchor system  300  shown in the drawing has many uses, it is particularly well suited for use in connecting mobile homes or trailers onto a foundation support and will be described with particular reference thereto. 
     The anchor system  300  includes a first foundation column  308  adapted to be supported on a first end  310  in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base  306  and to be selectively held on a second end  312  in a connected relationship with a first one  302  of the parallel frame members. 
     A second foundation column  314  is provided and is supported on a first end  316  in an upright vertical orientation relative to the associated foundation base  306  and is selectively held on a second end  318  in a connected relationship with the second frame member  304 . A first lateral attachment member  320  is selectively held in a connected relationship with the second frame member  304 . Conversely, a second lateral attachment member  322  is selectively held in a connected relationship with the first frame member  302 . The first lateral attachment member  320  is connected to the first foundation column  308  using a first elongate transverse rod member  324  as shown. Similarly, a second elongate transverse rod member  326  is used to connect the second lateral attachment area  322  to the first end  316  of the second foundation column  314 . 
     A first longitudinal attachment member  330  is held in a connected relationship with the first frame member  302  as shown. Similarly, a second longitudinal attachment member  332  is connected to the second frame member  304 . A first longitudinal strut member  334  extends diagonally to connect the first longitudinal attachment member  330  to the first end  310  of the first foundation column  308 . Likewise, a second longitudinal strut member  336  connects the second longitudinal attachment member  332  to the first end  316  of the second foundation column  314 . 
     One advantage of the “cross-brace type” anchor system  300  shown in FIG. 14 is that a very rigid support system is provided. In that regard, the structure supported on the anchor system  300  is substantially immune from offsetting forces in upward, downward, and horizontal directions. The orthogonality of the components comprising the anchor system  300  substantially contributes to the rigidity of the system. In that regard, the first longitudinal strut member  334 , the first longitudinal attachment member  330 , and the first foundation column  308  are arranged to define a first plane. Similarly, the second longitudinal strut member  336 , the second longitudinal attachment member  332 , and the second foundation column  314  are arranged to define a third plane. A second plane is defined by the first elongate transverse rod member  324 , the first lateral attachment member  320 , and the first foundation column  308 . A fourth plane is defined by the second elongate transverse rod member  326 , the second lateral attachment member  322 , and the second foundation column  314 . 
     In accordance with the preferred form of the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the first and second planes defined by the respective components are mutually perpendicular with each other. Similarly, the third and fourth planes are mutually perpendicular with each other. In that way, the anchor system can withstand severe lateral forces in a horizontal plane in any direction. 
     A first substantially planar foot plate member  340  is provided for interfacing the first foundation column  308  with the associated foundation base  306 . Similarly, a second foot plate member  342  is provided for interfacing the second foundation column  314  with a foundation base  306 . 
     In their preferred form, the first and second foot plate members  340 ,  342  include central connection areas  344 ,  346 , respectively. The first foot plate member  340  includes first and second lateral connection areas  350 ,  352  on opposite sides of the central connection area  344 . Similarly, the second foot plate member  342  includes first and second lateral connection areas  354 ,  356  on opposite sides of the central connection area  346 . The foot plate members  340 ,  342  are formed and function substantially in the manner described above in connection with the corner anchor system and the “T-type” anchor system. 
     In order to secure the anchor system  300  onto the associated foundation base  306 , the first and second foundation columns  308 ,  314  are provided with a substantially planar base plate  360 ,  362 , respectively. The base plates are provided with a set of holes  364  disposed in a pattern corresponding to a second set of holes  366  formed in the first and second plate members  340 ,  342 . In that way, the free ends of a set of anchor stud members  370  can pass freely through the plate members and the base plate members for connecting a first and second foundation columns, together with the lower ends of the longitudinal strut members and transverse rod members onto the associated foundation base  306 . 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.