Adjustable, telescoping structural support system

A pier foundation system provides for a preformed building structure to be erected on site in a final position level to ground. The system includes first and second elongated cylindrical members telescopically engaged with one another defining a longitudinally extendable load bearing member with first and second ends. The second cylindrical member is installable extending below ground level. The first member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced first apertures extending through diametrically opposed side walls. The second member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced and equally angularly spaced second apertures extending through diametrically opposed side walls. The first and second cylindrical members are movable longitudinally and rotatably relative to one another to bring one of the first apertures into coaxial alignment with one of the second apertures. A fastener member is engageable through the aligned first and second apertures for locking the first and second members in a fixed position relative to one another at a selected position of telescopic extension to level the structure with respect to the ground in a final position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to an adjustable, telescoping structural 
support system, such as a steel pier foundation system for manufactured 
housing having vertical loading bearing capacity and resistance to uplift 
and side loads. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Various types of anchoring and support systems have been proposed that 
include adjustable features. In particular with respect to supporting 
manufactured housing, or modular housing, structural units or other 
preformed or preshaped modular building components, a wide variety of load 
bearing sustainer or shaft configurations have been proposed to define 
anchoring systems and tie downs to connect the manufactured housing, or 
modular housing, unit or modular preformed structural component to the 
ground. As used in this respect, a load bearing component is defined as 
being sufficiently strong and rigid to act as the primary support for 
other construction or components against gravity or to resist transverse 
loading. A preform or preshape is defined as a component of a building 
construction which is in completed form before its use at the job site. A 
shaft is defined as a member which has a limited closed periphery and 
which is greatly elongated relative to its length. A sustainer is defined 
as a rigid member or construction having a limited closed periphery which 
is greatly elongated relative to any lateral dimension, resists transverse 
loading and supports or retains other components of a building 
construction. An anchoring system is defined to mean a combination of 
ties, anchoring equipment, and ground anchors, that will, when properly 
installed, resist movement caused by wind forces on an emplaced 
manufactured housing, or modular housing, or other preformed module 
structure. Anchoring equipment is defined as straps, cables, turnbuckles, 
chains, including tension, or other securing devices which are used with 
ties to secure a manufactured housing, or modular housing, to ground 
anchors. Ground anchors are defined to mean any device designed to 
transfer the manufactured housing, or modular housing, anchoring loads to 
the ground. A foundation is defined to mean the base on which a 
manufactured housing, or modular housing, rests. A tie is defined as 
straps, cables, or other securing device used to connect a manufactured 
housing, or modular housing, to the ground anchors. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,097 discloses a mobile home stanchion for supporting a 
mobile home. The stanchion includes a base, an intermediate vertical 
support fixedly secured to the base, and an upper mobile home support 
adjustably mounted at the upper end of the vertical support with means 
thereon for connection to an underside of the mobile home. This 
configuration has the disadvantage of requiring a concrete pad or platform 
to be poured at the site with anchor bolts for connection to the 
stanchion. This increases the cost of site preparation to receive the 
mobile home structure and increases the amount of time required between 
beginning site preparation and completion of the installation. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,270 discloses a building system having flooring 
supported by adjustable posts and individual beams extending between the 
posts which may be temporarily supported in excavations to enable the 
floor to be erected, and then adjusted for level. The excavations are 
subsequently filled with concrete to form footings. The post may extend 
upwardly beyond the floor beams to form wall supports. This foundation 
system also increases the amount of time required for site preparation and 
the cost involved in preparing the site. In addition, this system is only 
capable of course adjustment between the upper and lower parts of each 
post. The course adjustment is performed by pining through the appropriate 
mating apertures so that the floor is supported substantially at the 
required level. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,975 discloses a foundation arrangement for manufactured 
housing, such as mobile homes, which provides adequate support to resist 
overturning wind forces, as well as to prevent vertical or lateral 
shifting of the mobile home, due to earth movements resulting from mud or 
freeze-thaw induced shifting of the supporting soil. The foundation 
arrangement includes a plurality of telescoping stanchions which are 
adapted to be raised in order to be connected to the underframe and 
lowered to a final position. In this configuration, a series of through 
holes are drilled through the stanchion to accommodate a nut and bolt 
assembly which will act in engagement with the upper edge of the casing 
pipe to provide a positive downstop upon lowering of the mobile home. 
Resistance to uplift is provided by the weight of the mobile home, and 
also by wedging action between the stanchions and the casings caused by 
lateral wind thrust loads. The casings may also be positioned above the 
level of the slab or grade and provided with through holes to provide a 
positive lock. This configuration also requires elaborate site preparation 
work, consequently increasing the cost and lead time required prior to 
completion of the installation of the structure on site. In addition, this 
adjusting mechanism provides only course adjustment, typically requiring 
the addition of shims, such as a wooden wedge that when driven tightly 
together in opposing pairs between the cap and the mobile home frame acts 
as a stabilizing device to take up any space or gap existing between the 
top of the pillar or cap and the mobile home frame. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is desirable in the present invention to provide an adjustable, 
telescoping structural support system that is capable of reducing 
installation cost and time. It is further desirable in the present 
invention to enhance the vertical adjustability of a manufactured housing, 
or modular housing, support stanchion or sustainer. The provision of 
horizontal adjustment of connections between the cap plate or top of the 
pillar and the lower structural element of the preformed modular structure 
is also desirable. The present invention provides a foundation arrangement 
for preformed structural units, such as manufactured housing, or modular 
housing, to support the structure at a desired elevation with respect to 
grade so as to resist any lateral movements of the foundation resulting 
from movements of the earth at the surface and also to adequately resist 
overturning forces produced by wind gusts. 
According to the present invention, a pier foundation system is provided 
for supporting at least one structure to be erected on site at a final 
position relative to ground. The system includes an elongated, vertical 
load bearing member or sustainer having a first end and a second end, 
means for connecting the first end to the structure, means for engaging 
the second end in the ground and position adjusting means for holding the 
structure in the final position relative to ground after in situ assembly. 
Each vertical, load bearing member includes a lower tube or pier defined 
by a steel casing, such as a 4 inch outer diameter tube with a 1/4 inch 
wall thickness. The lower tubes preferably include caps enclosing the 
bottom of the lower tube. Various potential designs and geometries of the 
lower tube can be provided for different soil conditions. The tubes are 
driven into the soil at predefined locations using, for example, a 
conventional drop hammer. The tube is typically driven forty-four inches 
into the ground leaving approximately six inches at the top above the 
surface of the ground accessible to the installer. The tube is resistant 
to frost heaving, since there are no horizonal surfaces above the frost 
line against which frost forces can work. The soil has a frictional 
gripping force on the entire sub-ground level surface area of the tube, 
including the side walls as well as the bottom. 
At the top portion of the tube, there is a unique leveling system including 
a plurality of apertures, such as eight sets of apertures arranged in a 
circumferential radial pattern that interacts with apertures extending 
through the upper tube. These radially located apertures are spaced at 
equal angular intervals with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower 
tube, such as 45.degree., and are arranged in a descending order at 1/8 
inch increments from the end of the lower tube disposed above ground 
level. This forms a stair-step pattern or helical row of apertures that 
allows 1/8 inch vertical adjustment of the upper tube and thus of the 
structure being supported. The upper row of eight apertures is separated 
from the lower row by 21/2 inches allowing greater structural integrity 
around the apertures. 
Each vertical, load bearing member also includes an upper tube or pier 
defined by telescoping steel casings, such as a 31/2 inch outside diameter 
tube with 1/4 inch wall thickness capable of being slipped inside each 
lower tube allowing vertical adjustment along the coaxial longitudinal 
axes of the upper and lower tubes and rotational adjustment of the upper 
tube with respect to the lower tube prior to bolting into position at the 
desired height or level with 1/8 inch accuracy. The upper tube has two 
columns of apertures, each column extending linearly and separated by one 
inch spacing along the longitudinal axis. The two columns of apertures are 
located 180.degree. opposite from each other and radially aligned on a 
common axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube allowing a 
bolt or pin to pass through a selected pair of apertures in the tube. The 
apertures in the upper tube allow course vertical adjustment of the pier 
system. Fine adjustment is accomplished by matching the apertures 
extending through the upper tube with one set of the apertures extending 
through the lower tube located in one of the two ascending rows of eight 
apertures at the top section of the lower tube. A support bolt or pin is 
inserted through the upper and lower tube apertures after being aligned 
with one another to lock the upper and lower tubes in the respective 
positions and at the desired height. 
The top of the upper tube has an outward extending flange providing a 1/4 
inch lip. This lip forms a slip joint with the top plate or cap. This 
joint allows the upper tubes to be rotated to attain fine vertical 
adjustment while the top plates stays in a stationary or fixed 
relationship to the supported structure. With apertures spaced in 
increments of one inch in the upper tube and at 1/8 inch increments in the 
lower tubes, it is possible to telescope and adjust the pier system 
anywhere in a range of multiple inches at 1/8 inch increments by simply 
rotating the upper tubes in relation to the lower tubes. The means for 
connecting the first end of the vertical member to the structure includes 
a top plate, such as a steel plate of approximately 1/4 inch thickness. A 
31/4 inch diameter aperture is formed in the center of the plate allowing 
the upper tube to pass through the plate, while preventing the plate from 
passing over the outwardly extending flange. Sufficient clearance is 
provided by the central aperture in the plate to allow the tube to rotate 
for height adjustment as previously described. The plate also has a 
plurality of slots, such as four slots that allow bolts for corresponding 
flat clamps to pass through. The slots allow flexibility for lateral 
adjustment of the pier system perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of 
the supporting beams for the structure. This lateral adjustment accounts 
for and is intended to overcome any mismatch created by inaccurate 
installation of the piers or slight discrepancy in placement of the 
support beams attached to the structure. 
Four flat clamps are preferably used with each assembly and can be formed 
from steel plate approximately 1/4 inch thick. Each flat clamp has a 
through aperture for a bolt as well as a heel section. The flat clamps can 
be used to affix the flange of a support beam to the top plate or cap with 
the outwardly extending flange on the upper tube disposed interposed 
between the top plate and the flange of the support beam. When the through 
bolts are tightened, the top plate is trapped under the flange of the 
upper tube causing the flange of the upper tube to be sandwiched between 
the flange of the support beam and the top plate. This interposition of 
the outer extending flange provides the required tie down feature by 
locking the support beam of the structure to the rest of the pier assembly 
which is installed in the ground. It also prevents the support system from 
further rotating, particularly when used with a helical blade 
configuration on the lower tube. 
The present support system seeks to reduce installation time and related 
labor expenses, to extend the installation season, to provide 
"just-in-time" site preparation for developers, to integrally enhance the 
structures stability, reliability and durability, and to reduce wear on 
pre-graded sites. Each of these desirable characteristics will create 
significant cost and quality advantages over the other foundation systems 
presently used. The vast majority of premanufactured homes installed in 
rental communities have a foundation system that includes concrete piers 
or footings poured into excavated holes in the ground. Concrete blocks, 
steel stands, or jacks are stacked on top of the concrete piers, and 
wooden shims are used for leveling. Finally, cable tie-downs are used to 
anchor the home against high winds. This foundation method is obsolete and 
unduly labor-intensive. 
The present invention provides the additional benefit that earth balancing 
and final grading can be completed well in advance of home emplacement. No 
excavated soil is created by the present invention, thereby avoiding 
additional earth hauling. The entire property can be seeded and mulched to 
provide soil erosion protection, allowing the homes to be emplaced at any 
time without regrading. There is no raised perimeter created by sod laid 
around the skirt of newly installed homes. This also reduces the health 
hazard of standing water and the structural hazard of chronically muddy 
conditions beneath installed homes. The location and number of pier 
supports can be customized to fit the actual footprint of each home when 
it is selected for the site. There is no need for the developer to incur 
unnecessary cash outlays before there is a designated user of each 
specified site. The present foundation system invention allows 
installation on a just-in-time basis. The steel piers can be taken out of 
the ground and reused if desired. The total installation process is 
estimated to be less than five man hours instead of a minimum of nine man 
hours for a conventional installation. The piers can be installed year 
round at no premium versus the conventional system which requires 
additional labor intensive procedures in frost conditions. A conventional 
drop hammer, or conventional jack hammer, used in combination with the 
present invention can penetrate frost conditions with ease. In other 
ground conditions, the present invention may be installed with a 
conventional vibratory compactor, or either of the two previously 
mentioned hammers. Since no cement is used, large cement trucks are not 
required at the site, thereby reducing damage to roads and property. In 
addition, work crews are not required to wait for concrete to harden. Home 
leveling requires only that the piers be telescoped, bolted at a specified 
height, and locked to the support beams on the underside of the home to be 
installed. This procedure reduces worktime beneath the home, thereby 
increasing worker safety. 
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will 
become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description 
of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in 
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
An adjustable, telescoping structural support system 10 according to the 
present invention is illustrated in an exploded perspective view in FIG. 
1. The structural support system 10 preferably is in the form of a pier 
foundation system for supporting at least one structure 12 to be erected 
on site at a final position level relative to ground 14. The pier 
foundation system 10 preferably includes an elongated, vertically 
extendable, load bearing member 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 
20. Means 22 is provided for connecting the first end 18 to the structure 
12 to be erected on site. Means 24 is provided for engaging the second end 
20 in the ground 14. Position adjusting means 26 is provided for holding 
the structure 12 in a final position relative to ground 14 after in situ 
assembly. 
The load bearing member 16 is preferably formed as first and second 
telescopically engaged members or sections, 28 and 30 respectively, that 
slide longitudinally one inside another. The first member 28 defines the 
first end 18 of the load bearing member 16 and the second member 30 
defines the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16. The first member 
28 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced first apertures 32 disposed at 
predetermined intervals from one another. The second member 30 has a 
plurality of longitudinally spaced and circumferentially spaced second 
apertures 34 disposed at predetermined longitudinal and angular dimensions 
from one another. Preferably, the longitudinal and circumferential spacing 
or dimensions from one another, lay out the second apertures 34 in a 
helically spaced pattern. In the most preferred form of the present 
invention, a plurality of helically spaced second apertures 34 are 
provided spaced longitudinally from one another. Preferably, the first and 
second members, 28 and 30 respectively, are formed as elongated 
cylindrical members or tubes with the first and second apertures 32 and 34 
extending diametrically through each opposing side wall of the respective 
first and second member, 28 and 30 respectively. This preferred 
configuration creates the plurality of helically spaced second apertures 
best seen in the roll out detail of FIG. 4. For purposes of clarity, the 
second apertures 34 in this view are given the designations 34a through 
34h to identify corresponding diametrically opposed apertures to 
facilitate further description of the present invention. 
For purposes of illustration, and not by way of limitation, a specific 
example of the first and second members, 28 and 30, and the preferred 
layout of the first apertures and the second apertures 32 and 34 
respectively will be given. It is anticipated that the present invention 
can be used as a sustainer for modular housing, or manufactured housing, 
with the second member 30 having an outer diameter in the range of 31/2 
inches to 41/2 inches, with a preferred outer diameter of 4 inches. 
Assuming approximately 1/4 inch wall thickness, the first member 28 would 
be sized appropriately with an outer diameter in the range of 3 inches to 
4 inches to enable a slidable and rotatable telescopic connection between 
the first and second members, 28 and 30 respectively. For illustration 
purposes, the second member 30 can be formed of a four inch inside 
diameter schedule 40 pipe, preferably galvanized. The second member 30 
defines the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16 which is 
engageable in the ground. The opposite end 36 of the second member 30 is 
disposed above ground. Referring to FIG. 4, the first set of diametrically 
opposed second apertures 34a can be formed spaced longitudinally from the 
end 36 of the second member 30 by a distance of 2.000 inches. The second 
set of diametrically opposed second apertures 34b would be spaced a 
dimension of 2.125 inches from the end 36. The third set of diametrically 
opposed second apertures 34c could be formed at a dimension of 2.250 
inches from the end 36, while the fourth set of diametrically opposed 
apertures 34d is spaced longitudinally from the end 36 by a 2.375 inch 
dimension. When viewed from above, the second member 30 is preferably 
circular in cross-section and each of the apertures is disposed equally, 
angularly spaced from one another, such as by 45.degree.. The second tier 
of helically spaced second apertures 34 as shown in FIG. 4 are designated 
34e, 34f, 34g and 34h, and are spaced longitudinally from the end 36 by 
4.500 inches, 4.625 inches, 4.750 inches and 4.875 inches respectively. 
The first and second apertures are formed as 9/16 inch diameter holes. The 
second member 30 preferably has a 4.50 inch outside diameter schedule 40 
galvanized pipe approximately 50 inches in length with a 41/16 inch cap 
plate 38 securely fixed to the second end 20, such as by welding or the 
like. The first member preferably is formed as a 4 inch outside diameter, 
31/2 inch inside diameter schedule 40 galvanized pipe of approximately 48 
inches in length with a cold formed flange 40 having a 4.50 inch outer 
diameter at one end defining the first end 18 of the load bearing member 
16. The opposite end 42 of the first member 28 is slidably engaged within 
the second member 30. A plurality of longitudinally spaced first apertures 
32 are formed through diametrically opposed side walls of the first member 
28 at one inch on center intervals over a substantial longitudinal length 
of the first member 28. By way of example, and not limitation, the first 
apertures 32 may begin 12 inches from the end opposite the first end 18 of 
the load bearing member 16 extending along 26 inches of the overall 48 
inch length of the first member 18. This configuration allows adjustment 
of the telescopic length of the load bearing member 16 to within 1/8 inch 
of the desired final position by longitudinally sliding the first member 
28 within the second member 30 and by adjusting the first member 28 
rotatably with respect to the second member 30 so that the appropriate 
first aperture 32 aligns coaxially with the desired second aperture 34 
allowing placement of fastener means 44 through the coaxially aligned 
first and second apertures 32 and 34 respectively. 
The fastener means 44 is provided for locking the first and second members, 
28 and 30 respectively, in a fixed position relative to one another at a 
selected position of telescopic extension to level the structure 12 with 
respect to the ground 14 in the final position when engaged through the 
aligned first and second apertures, 32 and 34 respectively. The first and 
second members, 28 and 30 respectively, including the first and second 
apertures, 32 and 34 respectively, in combination with the fastener means 
44 define position adjusting means for holding the structure 12 in the 
final position relative to ground 14 after in situ assembly. The fastener 
means 44 may include a bolt 46 and nut 48, 10 or the like engageable 
through the aligned first and second apertures, 32 and 34 respectively. 
The connecting means 22 connects the first end 18 of the load bearing 
member 16 to the structure 12 to be erected on site. The connecting means 
22 may include the load bearing member having a radially outwardly 
extending lip or flange 40 at the first end 18, and a plate 50 having an 
aperture 52 formed therethrough for slidably receiving the load bearing 
member 16, such as first member 28, so that the flange 40 is interposed 
between the plate 50 and the structure 12 to be erected on site. The plate 
50 preferably includes a plurality of elongated slots 54 formed therein. 
Preferably, the plurality of elongated slots 54 extend along opposite 
sides 56 and 58 of the plate 50. A plurality of structure-engaging clips 
or flat clamps 60 are disposed with apertures 62 formed therethrough in 
alignment with slots 54. Means 64 for fastening the clamps 60 to the plate 
50 through the apertures 62 and slots 54 is provided, such that the 
structure 12 is held stationary and interposed between the clamps 60 and 
the plate 50. The fastening means 64 may include bolts 66 and nuts 68 or 
the like. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the clamps 60 may be replaced with a 
flat plate 70 when supporting the central structure 12, such as wooden 
beams, of a double wide manufactured housing, or modular housing, 
configuration. The flat plate 70 can include a plurality of apertures 72 
formed therein alignable with the apertures 54a in the plate 50 for 
engagement therethrough by fastener means 64, such as bolts 66 and nuts 68 
or the like. 
Means 24 is provided for engaging the second end 20 of the load bearing 
member 16 with respect to or in the ground 14 as best seen in FIGS. 5-7. 
The simplest configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7, where the second 
member 30 defines the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16. The 
second end 20 is closed by flat plate 38 to prevent entry of earth 
therein. The flat plate 38 may be formed by the slug removed from the 
plate 50 when forming the aperture 52 therethrough. The closed second end 
20 of the load bearing member 16 allows for installation of the load 
bearing member 16 into the ground 14 by any suitable means for impacting 
on the opposite end 36 of the second member 30 opposite from the closed 
second end 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second end 20 may also 
include at least one radially extending, helical blade 74 disposed on an 
external surface of the load bearing member 16 adjacent to the second end 
20. The radially extending, helical blades 74 causing the load bearing 
member 16 to spiral as it is driven into the ground 14 and increasing the 
surface area of the load bearing member 16 below ground 14 thereby 
improving the load bearing capacity and uplift resistance. As illustrated 
in FIG. 6, the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16 may be formed 
with a closed end having a reduced outer dimension as illustrated at 76. 
In this configuration, the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16 
tapers from a smallest outer dimension 78 adjacent the second end 20 to a 
uniform consistent outer diameter or dimension 80 of the load bearing 
member 16. The uniform consistent outer diameter 80 extends along at least 
a substantial portion, or approximately 1/2 of the load bearing member 16, 
or along at least a substantial portion of second member 30 of the load 
bearing member 16. The uniformly, smooth tapering surface 76 of the second 
end 20 of the load bearing member may define a pencil-like shape, and may 
be formed integrally on the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16, 
or may be attached on the end of the uniform outer diameter 80 of the load 
bearing member 16. 
The helical blades 74 improve the load bearing capacity and uplift 
resistance of the load bearing member 16. When the lower tube is driven 
into the ground, it spirals or twists. When the top plate 50 is secured to 
the structure 12 and the fastener means 44 is installed through the 
aligned apertures in the first and second members, 28 and 30 respectively, 
the load bearing member 16 is prevented from further rotation. This causes 
the blades 74 to act as a barb or mushroom anchor preventing dislocating 
movement of the load bearing member 16 with respect to the ground 14. The 
helical blades 74 may extend up to approximately 1/2 the length of the 
second member 30 with a helix angle measured with respect to vertical in a 
range of between approximately 10.degree. to 30.degree., with a preferred 
angle of approximately 15.degree.. There may be a single helical blade 74, 
or a plurality of helical blades 74 depending on the soil conditions and 
the degree of resistance to movement of the load bearing desired, or 
required under the prevailing building codes. 
In use, the location of the piers for the foundation are laid out on the 
lot site with relation to the particular structure to be installed. All of 
the second members 30 are driven into the ground 14 to a depth of 44 
inches or to local code specifications. The first member 28 is slidably 
installed through the aperture 52 in the plate 50 and then slidably 
installed into the second member 30. Using a transit or water level, the 
top of each first member 28 is measured and adjusted by sliding the first 
member 32 with respect to the second member 30 to create a level plane on 
which the structure will rest. When each first member 28 is appropriately 
measured and adjusted to level, a mark is made at the top edge 36 of the 
second member 30 on the first member 28 to be used later. The first member 
28 is returned to a lowered position. The structure is then delivered onto 
the site and disposed above the pier foundation. The structure is held at 
an elevated position allowing each first member 28 to be raised to its 
leveled position. Appropriate fastener means 44, such as bolts 46 and nuts 
48 are installed through the aligned first and second apertures, 32 and 34 
respectively, by rotating the first member 28 until the appropriate 
apertures are coaxial with one another. The longitudinal and rotational 
movement of the first and second members with respect to one another allow 
positioning of the top of the first member 32 within 1/8 of an inch of the 
level plane. The structure is then lowered until it touches the top of the 
load bearing member 16. The weight of the structure is not allowed to sit 
on the load bearing members 16 until the plates 50 have been secured to 
the structure 12. In order to secure the plate 50 to the structure 12, 
plate 50 is raised into position and secured to the structure 12 by the 
appropriate clips or clamps 60 depending on the configuration encountered. 
Appropriate means for fastening 64 is provided to secure the structure 12 
to the load bearing member 16. The structure is then lowered to rest 
entirely on the load bearing members 16. 
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the present invention may be modified to provide 
an elongated, vertically extendable, load bearing member 16, such as a 
vertically adjustable basement pillar support. As previously described, 
the load bearing member 16 includes first and second telescopically 
engaged members 28 and 30 respectively. The first member 28 having a 
plurality of longitudinally spaced first apertures 32 and a radially 
outwardly extending flange 40 adjacent a first end 18. The second member 
30 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced and circumferentially 
spaced second apertures 34 opposite from a second end 20. Means 24 is 
provided on the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16 for engagement 
with respect to the ground 14 or other supporting surface, such as a lower 
floor. The connecting means 22 may include bent over tabs 82 engaging with 
the structure 12, such as a I-beam supporting the upper floor. The 
engaging means 24 may include an enlarged plate 84 for supporting the 
second member 30 with respect to the supporting surface. When adjusted for 
the appropriate dimension by longitudinally extending the first member 28 
with respect to the second member 30, the first member 28 is rotatably 
adjustable with respect to the second member 30 to align the appropriate 
first aperture with a corresponding second aperture in coaxial 
relationship with one another for engagement with the fastener means 44 to 
lock and hold the first member 28 with respect to the second member 30 
against further longitudinal and rotational displacement with respect to 
one another. 
It is further anticipated that the present invention can be modified as 
illustrated in FIG. 9 to provide an elongated, adjustable load bearing 
member 16 such as an adjustable stanchion for an awning. As previously 
described, the load bearing member 16 preferably includes first and second 
telescopically engaged members, 28 and 30 respectively. The first member 
28 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced first apertures 32. The second 
member 30 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced and circumferentially 
spaced second apertures 34. Means 44 is provided for fastening the first 
and second members, 28 and 30, in a fixed position longitudinally and 
rotatably with respect to one another. Means 22 is provided at a first end 
18 of the load bearing member 16 for connecting to structure 12, such as 
an awning. The connecting means in this configuration may include a 
generally U-shaped adapter 86 for engaging the structure 12. The adapter 
86 may include first and second plate-like members, 88 and 90 
respectively, extending parallel with one another. The first and second 
plate-like members, 88 and 90, each having an aperture 92 formed therein 
along a common axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the load 
bearing member 16. The first and second plate-like members 88 and 90 are 
connected to a flat plate 70 for attachment to the plate 50 by suitable 
fastening means 64 (as shown in FIG. 3). The radially outwardly extending 
flange 40 formed on the first end 18 of the load bearing member 16 is 
interposed between the plate 50 and the flat plate 70. Means 24 is 
provided on the second end 20 of the load bearing member 16 for engaging 
with a support surface, such as a vertically extending wall of a building 
or the like. In this configuration, the engaging means 24 may include a 
U-shaped adapter 86 connected to the second end 20 of the second member 30 
of the load bearing member 16. The U-shaped adapter 86 include first and 
second plate-like members 88 and 90. Each plate-like member 88 and 90 has 
an aperture 92 formed therethrough along a common axis perpendicular to 
the longitudinal axis of the load bearing member 16, as previously 
described for the opposite end of the load bearing member. 
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently 
considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be 
understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed 
embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various 
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and 
scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest 
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent 
structures as is permitted under the law.