Load supporting device and method for supporting a building

A load supporting device, and method for supporting a building in fixed relation relative to the surface of the earth is disclosed and which includes a base member which rests on a supporting surface; and an arm member mounted on the base member and which extends laterally outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the load is supported on each of the base member and the arm member, and further a method for employing the present load supporting device for supporting a building.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a load supporting device, and method for supporting a building in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth, and more specifically to a load supporting device which is operable to support the floor of a building, such as a manufactured home, in a fashion not possible heretofore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The steps of positioning a manufactured home on an unimproved site are well known. Typically, the unimproved site is first excavated in order to prepare an appropriate cement pad upon which the manufactured home will rest. Thereafter, the manufactured home is typically elevated above the cement pad by using various supporting means including cinder blocks, wooden posts and the like, and thereafter is fastened to the underlying pad by means of various conventional metal straps in order to secure the manufactured home in place. Following these steps, a decorative skirt is typically placed around the edge of the manufactured home, and which contacts the surface of the earth. In other instances, home owners completely forego the preparation of a cement pad, and rather, elevate the manufactured home in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth using various supporting means such as cinder blocks and the like. While this method of positioning a home is cost effective, it is somewhat dangerous in geographical areas where the manufactured home might experience high winds as occasioned by thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes or the like. As of late, mortgage lenders have been reluctant to lend money on manufactured homes unless the home owner first agrees in advance to provide a more elaborate foundation for the manufactured home. The requirements, imposed by lenders in order to secure lending for such manufactured home installation has increased the costs of purchasing, and subsequently locating manufactured homes, to such a degree that these purchasing and related costs become very closely similar to the costs that might be experienced in traditional new home construction.

A load supporting device and method of supporting a building in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth and which avoids the detriments individually associated with the prior art practices is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a load supporting device which includes a base member which rests on a supporting surface; and an arm member mounted on the base member, and which extends laterally outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the load is supported on each of the base member, and the arm member.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a load supporting device which includes a base member having a first end which rests on a supporting surface, and an opposite second end, and wherein a portion of the load rests in force transmitting relation relative to the second end of the base member; and an arm member which is mounted on the base member, and which has a distal end which is positioned laterally outwardly and elevationally above the second end of the base member, and wherein a portion of the load rests in force transmitting relation relative to the distal end of the arm member, and wherein the force of the load borne by the second end of the arm member is transmitted to the base member.

Yet further, another aspect of the present invention relates to a load supporting device for supporting a building on a foundation, and which includes a base plate which is fastened to the foundation; a plurality of legs which have a first end which is mounted on the base plate, and a second end, and wherein the legs extend from the base plate and converge at a first apex; a first receiver positioned at the first apex and which is affixed to the second end of the plurality of legs; a first screw threadably adjustable load supporting member borne by the first apex, and which mates with the first receiver, and wherein the building has a peripheral edge, and at least one structural load supporting beam which supports the building, at least in part, and which is positioned beneath the building, and in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge, and wherein the first screw threadably adjustable load supporting member engages the structural load supporting beam; a plurality of arm members each having a first end which is mounted on one of the plurality of legs, and an opposite, second end, and wherein the second end of the plurality of arms extend laterally outwardly relative to the plurality of legs and converge at a second apex which is disposed in laterally outwardly, and in elevationally offset relation relative to the first apex; a second receiver positioned at the second apex and which is affixed to the second end of the plurality of arm members; a second screw threadable load supporting member which is borne by the second apex, and which mates with the second receiver, and wherein the second screw threadable load supporting member engages the building at a location near the peripheral edge thereof.

Still further, the present invention relates to a method for supporting a building in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth, and which includes providing a plurality of foundation portions and positioning the respective foundation portions in spaced relation along the surface of the earth; and providing at least one load supporting device which is positioned in rested relation on at least one of the foundation portions, and wherein the building has a floor which is defined by a peripheral edge, and wherein the load supporting device is operable to simultaneously support the floor at a first location which is located adjacent to the peripheral edge, and a second location which is located in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge.

Further, the present invention relates to a method for supporting a building in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth and which includes, excavating a plurality of elongated trenches in the surface of the earth, and wherein the building has a floor defined by a peripheral edge, and a length dimension, and wherein the plurality of elongated trenches have a length dimension which is less than about the length dimension of the floor, and which are further disposed in predetermined spaced relation, one relative to the other, across the surface of the earth, and are further spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge of the building; depositing a foundation material in the respective plurality of elongated trenches to provide individual foundation portions, and wherein the foundation material forms a substantially rigid upwardly facing surface which has a surface area; providing a first load supporting device which rests on at least one of the foundation portions, and which simultaneously supports a portion of the floor of the building at a first location which is adjacent to the peripheral edge, and a second location which is positioned inwardly and in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge; providing a second load supporting device which rests on at least one of the foundation portions, and which supports a portion of the floor of the building at a location which is positioned inwardly relative to the peripheral edge; adjusting the height of the first or second load supporting devices so as to support the floor of the building in a selected orientation relative to the surface of the earth; and attaching at least one of the first or second load supporting devices to the underlying foundation portion.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present load supporting device and method for supporting a building in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth is best understood by a study ofFIG. 1and following. Several forms of the load supporting device are generally indicated by the numeral10in that view. As should be understood, the load supporting device10includes a first form11, a second form12and a third form13each of which will be individually described hereinafter. As seen inFIG. 1, a building20, such as a manufactured home, which has a first and second portion21and22, respectively is shown. It will be understood, in home construction of this type (manufactured homes), the first and second portions21and22of the building20are brought together at the building site and connected or otherwise joined together at a marriage line23. The building20has a floor24which is defined by a peripheral edge25, as seen inFIG. 1andFIG. 6, respectively. Still further, the manufactured home has several doors generally indicated by the numeral26as seen inFIG. 6, and which are located about the peripheral edge of the building20. As seen inFIG. 1, a plurality of support beams30are positioned beneath the building and support the floor24so that the building20can be supported in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth, and which is generally indicated by the numeral31. The support beams may be fabricated of wood or metal. As best understood, by a study ofFIG. 6, the support beams30extend along the major dimension of the floor to support the floor24and structure thereabove. As seen by reference toFIG. 1, the support beams30are positioned in inwardly spaced relation and in substantially parallel relation relative to the peripheral edge25.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,6,7and8, it will be seen that the method of the present invention includes as a first step, excavating a plurality of elongated trenches40in the surface of the earth31. The elongated trenches40as shown herein include first, second, third, fourth and fifth trenches as indicated by the numerals41-45, respectively. With respect toFIG. 7, it should be understood that this view depicts the floor24of a manufactured home20which does not include a first and second portion21and22. These homes are typically referred to as “single-wide” manufactured homes. However, it will be recognized that the principles of the present invention apply equally to both “double-wide” (FIGS. 1 and 6) as well as “single-wide” (FIG. 7) manufactured homes. Still further, this device and method can be applied to so-called “triple wide” or multi-sectional manufactured homes. Referring still toFIGS. 6,7and8, it will be recognized that the first and second elongated trenches41and42are positioned adjacent to, but in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge25of the building20. Still further, the third, fourth and fifth trenches are positioned inwardly therefrom, it being understood that the fourth elongated trench44is positioned in substantially coaxial alignment with and located along the marriage line23, as seen inFIG. 1. Yet further, it should be understood that the third and fifth elongated trenches are positioned substantially under one of the supporting beams30which supports the floor of the building20(FIG. 1). As will be recognized by a study ofFIG. 8, the building has a major length dimension, and a minor transverse dimension. It will be seen by a study of the several views that the elongated trenches each have a length dimension which is equal to, or less than, the length dimension of the building20which is supported on same. Still further and as seen, the elongated trenches are disposed in predetermined spaced relation one relative to the other across the surface of the earth31, and are further spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge25of the building20. In the present invention, which includes the methodology of positioning a building20in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth31, the methodology includes a step of depositing a foundation material50such as cement or concrete in the respective plurality of elongated trenches40to provide individual foundation portions51which have an upwardly facing surface52. As should be understood, the building20, which has the floor24, has a floor surface area, and the foundation portions51have a collective upwardly facing surface area of at least about 20% of the surface area of the floor. Still further, the average weight of the respective foundation portions is at least about 5,000 pounds. Therefore, in the arrangement as seen inFIG. 1, the collective weight of the foundation portions is at least about 30% of the overall weight of the building20which is supported on same but this could be more. In order to determine the length, and width of the respective plurality of trenches41-45, the methodology of the present invention includes a step of calculating the square footage of the floor24of the building20, and then conducting the excavation in a manner so as to provide a collective upwardly facing surface area for the plurality of elongated trenches40which is at least about 20% of the building floor surface area. In the arrangement as seen inFIG. 1, for example, it will be understood that the respective foundation portions51appear to be substantially level, one relative to the other. However, it should be recognized, that in the practice of the present invention that the foundation portions need not be level, either individually or with respect to adjacent portions for the present methodology to be operational. Still further, and while the respective portions are shown in spaced relationship, one to another, it may be desirable to interconnect the respective portions.

The first form11of the load supporting device of the present invention10is seen most clearly by a study ofFIG. 2. As illustrated therein, the first form11of the load supporting device10generally includes a base member60which rests on a supporting surface such as the upwardly facing surface52of one of the foundation portions51, as seen most clearly inFIG. 1. The base member60generally has a first end61, and an opposite second end62. As seen by a study ofFIG. 1, the base member rests on the upwardly facing supporting surface52such as a foundation portion51, and the force of a load such as from the building20is transmitted to the base member60and into the underlying supporting surface. As seen inFIG. 2, the base member60is substantially frustum shaped, and a base plate63is provided, and which is mounted on the first end61. The base plate63has a shape which is selected from the group which comprises circles, squares, triangles, pentagons, hexagons or octagons. As seen inFIG. 2, the base plate has a shape of a substantially equilateral triangle. The base plate63has an upwardly facing surface64, and a plurality of apertures65are formed in the upwardly facing surface and extend therethrough. The respective apertures65are operable to receive individual fasteners66therethrough. These same fasteners are operable to securely affix the base plate to the underlying supporting surface which is typically the upwardly facing surface52of one of the foundation portions51.

Still referring toFIG. 2, it will be seen that the base member60includes at least three legs, herein designated as first, second and third legs71,72and73, respectively. Depending upon the shape of the base plate63, more legs may be required. However for the triangular shaped base plate as seen inFIG. 2, three legs are provided. Each of the legs has a first end74, which substantially rests on the supporting surface such as the upwardly facing surface52of one of the foundation portions51, and an opposite second end75. Each of the second ends are joined together substantially at a first apex which is indicated by the numeral76. Mounted at the first apex76is a first receiver which is generally indicated by the numeral81. The first receiver has an elongated main body82(FIG. 3) which is substantially oriented along a vertical line of reference. The elongated main body82has a longitudinally extending passageway83which passes or otherwise extends therethrough. Still further, the first receiver81has a flange which is generally indicated by the numeral84. As seen by reference toFIG. 3, the longitudinally extending passageway has a substantially smooth bore, however in some forms of the invention this longitudinally extending passageway may be threaded in order to threadably mate with an adjustable load supporting member which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Still further, it should be understood that in some forms of the invention, a transverse passageway may be formed through the main body82in order to receive a transversely mounted pin or shaft which may be utilized to either adjustably position the adjustable load supporting member, or further to lock the load supporting member in place. It should be understood that the base member60can be fabricated to various heights. The range of heights of the base portions may be anywhere from 10 inches to several feet depending upon the building20which is positioned thereon. The load supporting devices10, as shown, can support loads of at least 300 pounds to greater than 12,000 pounds depending on the gauge of materials which are used to fabricate same.

Still referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the first form11of the load supporting device includes an adjustable load supporting member which is generally designated by the numeral91, and which further matingly cooperates with the first receiver81. The adjustable load supporting member as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3includes a shaft portion92which is illustrated as a threaded shaft. The shaft position has a first end93and an opposite second end94. As should be appreciated however, in some forms of the invention the shaft may be unthreaded and further have a plurality of transversely disposed passageways formed therethrough. As discussed above, the adjustable load supporting member91could be adjusted, in this form of the invention, by means of orienting the transverse passageways of the shaft in substantially coaxial orientation relative to transversely disposed passageways formed in the elongated main body82of the first receiver81. Thereafter, a locking pin (not shown) may be received through the coaxially aligned passageways thereby locking or adjusting the load supporting member in a given orientation which extends generally longitudinally outwardly relative to the first receiver81. However, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the load supporting member91has a screw threadably adjustable load supporting member. As illustrated, the threaded shaft portion92has an outside diametral dimension which is less than the inside diametral dimension of the longitudinally extending passageway83. Therefore, the shaft portion92can be telescopingly received in same. Mounted on the second end94of the shaft portion92is an engagement plate95. The engagement plate95is operable to be positioned in supporting relation there against one of the beams30which support the floor24of the building20. As best seen inFIG. 3, the adjustable load supporting member91includes a first adjustment nut96which is threadably received about the threaded shaft portion92. It will be understood that the threadable advancement of the first adjustment nut96along the shaft92, as it rests against the flange84has the effect of causing the engagement plate95to be positioned at various locations which are in spaced relation relative to the first receiver81. Once the engagement plate is located in an appropriate elevated position so as to place the floor24in an appropriate orientation relative to the surface of the earth31, then the second locking nut97is advanced along the threaded shaft92so as to engage the first receiver81, and secure the engagement plate95in a substantially fixed and locked position. The engagement plate95may be secured to the support beams30by means of fasteners of various types. If the support beam30is metal, such as seen inFIG. 1, the support plate may be spot welded to the support beam. On the other hand, the plate may further be attached to the beam30by means of a clamp which is well known in the art. Still further, the engagement plate95may include a flange portion, not shown, and which is operable to be oriented along the side of the support beam in order to appropriately position the engagement plate95substantially centrally along one of the beams30. If the beam30is fabricated from wood, a suitable screw (not shown) may secure the engagement plate95to the wood beam.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the second form12of the load supporting device10is illustrated. It will be recognized that the second form12of the load supporting device10merely includes the base member60, which was previously described with respect to the first form of the invention11. Therefore, for purposes of this application, the individual portions of the second form of the invention bear similar numbers to that seen with respect to the first form of the invention. The second form of the invention12, is similarly operable, as seen inFIG. 1to support a load as might be occasioned by means of being positioned therebelow a beam30of a building20, and disposed in rested relation on one of the foundation portions51. The second form12would similarly be fastened to the foundation portion51as earlier described, and would be adjustably positioned relative to the beam30in a similar fashion. As will be recognized by comparingFIGS. 2 and 3, the second form of the invention12does not include certain features of the first form11which are further described in the paragraphs which follow.

Referring again to the first form of the invention11as seen most clearly by reference toFIG. 2, the first form11of the load supporting device10includes an arm member which is generally indicated by the numeral100, and which is mounted on the base member60, and which extends laterally outwardly relative thereto. As seen by reference toFIG. 1, the load, which may comprise a portion of the peripheral edge25, of the building20, is supported by the first form of the invention11on each of the base member60, and the arm member100. The arm member100is formed of first, second and third portions, or arm members101,102and103, respectively. Each of the first, second and third portions or arm members has a first end104which is mounted on the base portion60, and an opposite second end105. Each of the second ends are joined together to form a second apex106. In the arrangement as shown inFIG. 2, the first end104of two of the three portions, that is102and103, are individually mounted near the first end74of two of the three legs, that is72and73, respectively. Still further, the first end105of the remaining portion, that is101, is mounted on the base portion60and is positioned near the first apex76. In particular, it will be seen that the portion or arm member101which is affixed to the first apex76is attached by welding or the like to the first receiver81. In the arrangement as seen inFIG. 2, the first and second apex76and106, respectively, are positioned, one relative to the other in horizontally spaced relation at a distance of about 12 inches to about 24 inches. Still further, the first and second apex76and106, respectively, are positioned one relative to the other in offset vertically spaced relation at a distance of about 0 inches to about 36 inches. In other words, the first apex76is positioned a given distance above the surface of the earth31, or foundation portion51, and the second apex106is positioned at a second distance above the same surface. In the arrangements as seen in the drawings, it should be understood that these distances, that is, between the first and second apexes may be, on the one hand, substantially equal, unequal, or the second distance, that is, the distance above the supporting surface52, for example, to the second apex106may be greater than the first distance, that is, the distance between the supporting surface and the first apex76.

As seen inFIG. 2, the first form11of the load supporting device10includes a second receiver112, which is positioned at the second apex106, and which is affixed to each of the second ends105of the plurality of portions or arms101,102and103, respectively. As appreciated by a study ofFIG. 2, the second receiver112is constructed very similarly to that seen with respect to the first receiver81. That is, the second receiver has an elongated main body113, which defines a longitudinally extending passageway114, and which has a substantially smooth bore. However, as earlier discussed, this passageway may be threaded, and modified in the way earlier discussed with respect to the first receiver81. Still further, a flange115is mounted on the elongated main body. The first form of the invention11includes a second adjustable load supporting member which is herein illustrated as a screw threadable load supporting device120which is borne by the second apex106, and which telescopingly mates with or is received within the second receiver112. The second screw threadable load supporting member120engages the building20near the peripheral edge25thereof, as seen inFIG. 1. The second adjustable load supporting member120includes a shaft portion121which has a first end122, and an opposite second end123. An engagement plate124is affixed to the second end123and is operable to be positioned thereagainst or adjacent to the peripheral edge25of the floor24. Similar to the first adjustable load support member91, a first adjustment nut125is provided, and which is operable to be threadably advanced along the shaft portion121so as to appropriately position the engagement plate in spaced relation and in longitudinally outwardly relation relative to the second receiver112, and the passageway114. Still further, a second locking nut126may optionally be provided, and which is operable to fixedly position or otherwise lock the engagement plate124in a fixed location relative to the second receiver112. As seen inFIG. 1, the engagement plate124supports a portion of the peripheral edge25of the floor24, and the force of the peripheral edge is transmitted to the first end61of the base member60. As should be understood, the first and second load supporting members91and120are adjusted in given positions above the surface of the earth31, for example, so as to position the floor24in an appropriate orientation. In the drawing as seen inFIG. 1, the engagement plate124may be optionally affixed to the peripheral edge of the floor, or further the floor may just rest in supported relation thereon.

Referring now toFIG. 5, the third form13of the load supporting device10is herein illustrated in an exploded view therein. As should be understood, the third form13of the load supporting device10rests on at least one of the foundation portions51, and simultaneously supports the peripheral edge25, of each portion21and22of the building20at a first location which is near the peripheral edge, and in substantially coaxial alignment with the marriage line23, and further simultaneously supports each of the building portions21and22at a second location which is disposed in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge25. As seen by reference toFIG. 1, the third form13of the invention10is positioned in substantially coaxial alignment along the marriage line23of the building20, and rests upon the foundation portion51which is deposited in the fourth trench44. In the arrangement as shown inFIG. 5, similar parts or portions of the invention bear the same numbers as described with respect to the first form11of the invention10as seen inFIG. 2. By comparingFIG. 2andFIG. 5, it will be seen that the arm member100is disposed in a different orientation from that seen inFIG. 2. More specifically, in the third form13of the invention10, the base portion60is now defined by a first apex131; and the arm portion or arm member100, is defined by a second apex132. As seen inFIG. 5, it will be appreciated that the first and second apex131and132are positioned in substantially horizontal, laterally offset relation one relative to the other. As with the first form of the invention, first and second receivers81and112are provided, and first and second load supporting members91and120matingly cooperate with same. The individual load supporting members91and120may be adjustably positioned in spaced, substantially vertically extending relation relative to the respective receivers in order to correctly position the floor24, of each of the portions21and22, along the marriage line23, and in a given orientation relative to the surface of the earth31. As was discussed with the first form11of the invention10, the base plate63which forms a portion of the base member60is affixed to the upwardly facing surface52of the foundation portion51which is deposited within the fourth trench44.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, the applicant has illustrated the positioning of the various forms of the invention11,12and13with respect to a “double wide” manufactured home arrangement, that is, a manufactured home having two portions21and22as seen inFIG. 6, and a so-called “single wide” construction, as shown inFIG. 7. As seen inFIG. 6, one possible arrangement for positioning the various forms of the invention10is shown, and wherein the locations for the first form11of the invention (FIG. 2) relative to the floor24of the building20is indicated by the numeral141. As shown herein, the first form11of the invention10is operable to support the floor24, as well as the peripheral edge25of the building20in the vicinity of where the doors26are provided. Still further, the location where the third form13of the invention10(FIG. 5) is positioned and which is operable to support both portions21and22of the building20along the marriage line23are indicated by numeral143. All other locations for supporting a “double wide” building20would typically utilize the second form12(FIG. 4) of the invention. The locations for the second form of the invention are designated by the numeral142.

Referring now toFIG. 7, in a so-called “single wide” building20, it will be noted again that the first form of the invention11is located at the positions141and which are adjacent to the doorways26; and the second form of the invention is located at the positions labeled142. Of course any number of different combinations of the first, second and third forms of the invention11,12and13may be utilized to support various portions of the floor24depending upon the characteristics of the building20and the loads which might be experienced in specific regions of the floor24.

In the methodology of the present invention for supporting a building20in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth31, the method includes, as a first step, providing a plurality of foundation portions51, and positioning the respective foundation portions in spaced relation along the surface of the earth31. Still further, the present invention includes a step of providing at least one load supporting device10which is positioned in rested relation on at least one of the foundation portions51, and wherein the building20has a floor24which is defined by a peripheral edge25. In the present methodology, the load supporting device10is operable to simultaneously support the floor24at a first location which is located adjacent to the peripheral edge25and a second location which is located in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge. More specifically, the method for supporting a building20in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth31includes as a first step excavating a plurality of elongated trenches40in the surface of the earth31, and wherein the building20has a floor24which is defined by a peripheral edge25, and a length dimension, and wherein the plurality of elongated trenches40have a length dimension which is less than the length dimension of the floor24, and are further disposed in predetermined spaced relation one relative to the other, and across the surface of the earth31, and are further spaced inwardly relative to the peripheral edge25of the building20. In the methodology as described above, the method also includes a step of depositing a foundation material50in the respective plurality of trenches40to provide individual foundation portions51. The foundation material forms a substantially rigid upwardly facing surface52which has an upwardly facing surface area.

In the methodology as described, the method also includes a further step of providing a first load supporting device11which rests on at least one of the foundation portions51, and which simultaneously supports a portion of the floor24of the building20at a first location which is adjacent to the peripheral edge25, and at a second location which is positioned inwardly, and in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge25. In the method as described above, the method includes another step of providing a second load supporting device12, which rests on at least one of the foundation portions51, and which supports a portion of the floor24, of the building20, at a location which is positioned inwardly relative to the peripheral edge25thereof. The present methodology also includes a step of adjusting the height of the first or second load supporting devices11and12so as to support the floor24of the building20in a selected orientation relative to the surface of the earth31; Still further, the method of the present invention includes a step of attaching at least one of the first or second load supporting devices11and/or12to the underlying foundation portion51. In the methodology as described, the method also includes a step of attaching at least one of the first or second load supporting devices to the floor24of the building20. In the methodology as described, the building20may comprise at least two portions21and22, respectively, and wherein each of the portions has a peripheral edge25. Further, the first and second portions are joined together at a marriage line23. When such a building is supported by the present invention10, the methodology includes a further step of providing a third load supporting device13which rests on at least one of the foundation portions51, and which simultaneously supports the peripheral edge25of the building20at a first location which is near the peripheral edge25thereof, and further simultaneously supports each of the building portions21and22at a second location which is disposed in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge. In the methodology as described above, the third load supporting device13would be affixed to the underlying foundation portion51. Still further, in the methodology as described, the third load supporting device13may be affixed to the floor24of the building20, and further the methodology as described may include a step of adjusting the height of the third load supporting device13so as to position the floor24of the building20in a given orientation relative to the surface of the earth31. In the method of supporting a building20in spaced relation relative to the surface of the earth31, the methodology may include another step of calculating the square footage of the floor24of the building20; and conducting the excavation of the elongated trenches40in a manner so as to provide a collective upwardly facing surface area for the plurality of the elongated trenches40which is at least about 20% of the building floor surface area.

Therefore it will be seen that the present invention provides a load supporting device, and a means for supporting a building in fixed relation relative to the surface of the earth and which provides many advantages over the prior art practices which have been utilized heretofore. Among the chief advantages provided, is that the homeowner is no longer required to provide a substantially continuous foundation pad in order to appropriately site a manufactured home. Still further, in the arrangement as shown, individual foundation portions51may be provided, and the manufactured home or building20may be affixed to the foundation portions utilizing the load supporting device20in a manner which provides a firm attachment to the surface of the earth31, but does not require that the individual foundation portions51be placed in a level orientation one relative to the other. The adjustment provided by means of the various forms of the invention11,12and13provides a convenient means whereby the floor24of the building may be leveled to provide a satisfactory installation.