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BACKGROUND Or THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    A. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to bases or supports for vertically extending or elevating structures, and, in particular, to portable or temporary footings or bases for the same.  
           [0003]    B. Problems in the Art  
           [0004]    A wide variety of ways to support vertically extending structures have been developed over time. Special considerations come into play for structures that extend substantial distances vertically, and further, when the structures may experience forces that tend to tip the structures, such as wind.  
           [0005]    Structure and stability issues become even more acute in situations where support for the vertical structure is desired to be portable or temporary. If the foundation or base cannot utilize any permanent footings in the ground, a primary source for providing stability to a vertical structure does not exist.  
           [0006]    A few specific examples will illustrate this point. Situations exist where it would be desirous to have high-powered, wide area lighting, but on a temporary basis. The practical problems are, first, how does one transport such a system, especially when it is desirable to have the lights elevated to substantial distances vertically in the air; and second, how does one support and keep stable such elevated lighting fixtures through a variety of environmental conditions such as winds? 
           [0007]    One situation where wide-area portable lighting is desired is with regard to construction sites. There are existing systems for temporary construction site lighting which tend to be on portable trailers or trucks. Lighting fixtures can be installed on foldable or extendible booms or frames. These types of conventional portable lighting units generally each require a separate vehicle to transport them from location to location. Also, they tend to be able to elevate the lights no more than perhaps 15′ to 35′. This does not allow for large area lighting. Additionally, because the lights are relatively close to the ground, glare problems can exist for workers and for traffic. Still further, many of these lighting systems are limited in height and number of lights, because of limitations of the base. Basically, existing systems tend to be no more than just a few light fixtures on a scaffold or foldable tower that does not extend very far into the air.  
           [0008]    Some truck-based systems with larger, extendible booms exist. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,423,471, 4,712,167, 5,207,747, and 5,313,378 disclose high-powered lighting fixtures which can be extended much higher in the air (much over 30′) and are portable because they are mounted to trucks. However, such systems are expensive, both in original cost and operation, especially for areas such as constructions sites. Also, the trucks on which the fixtures are mounted would be out of use during the time the portable lighting was in use.  
           [0009]    Therefore, a system has been developed which essentially consists of a transportable base that can be transported on conventional over-the-road trucks such as semi-trailers, can be manipulated by forklifts, and which can support a substantial sized light pole and array of light fixtures. Such a system is disclosed in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 08/853,173. This system is relatively low-cost, can support a very tall vertical structure, and is portable. However, it is not adjustable in a variety of situations.  
           [0010]    For example, such a base is pre-manufactured and fixed in perimeter size and in weight. It is also fixed in all dimensions and characteristics. If selected for a certain use, it may not be functional for another use. It may support a 50′ pole with five (5) 30″ diameter light fixtures in low-wind or no-wind conditions, but not be able to support the same in substantial winds.  
           [0011]    Therefore, with regard to temporary lighting, there is a real need in the art for an improved system which provides more flexibility and adjustability over a wide variety of situations.  
           [0012]    Similar problems exist with regard to supporting or elevating other types of structures. For example, there is a need for a more versatile and flexible footing or base-support for vertical towers, scaffolds, and trusses that are not needed on a permanent basis.  
           [0013]    It is therefore a principal objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for a temporary spread footing that solves or overcomes the problems or deficiencies in the art. Other objects, features, and advantaged of the present invention include an apparatus and method for temporary spread footing that:  
           [0014]    1. Have a known resistance to overturning moment, but which are adjustable for variable attachments and conditions.  
           [0015]    2. Have expandable dimensions and weight as compared to when configured for transport.  
           [0016]    3. Allow interchangeable devices and add-on devices to be utilized.  
           [0017]    4. Provide for a more efficient use of space and strength for a supporting base or footing.  
           [0018]    5. Are adaptable and flexible for many situations and for moving, both at a location or site and to a different location or site.  
           [0019]    6. Can be utilized with a variety of different vertical or elevated structures.  
           [0020]    7. Are economical, efficient, and durable.  
           [0021]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0022]    The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a portable base or spread footing. The apparatus includes a frame-work that further includes a mount for a weight. The top of the frame-work includes a connection to which a structure can be removably attached. The top and bottom of the frame-work are spaced apart. A space or open area can be intentionally defined by the frame-work between the top and bottom into which can be placed one or more removable devices. The frame-work can also support a plurality of outriggers extendible from the base.  
           [0023]    The method of the invention includes constructing a base frame with a substantial opening between top and bottom. The size of the base-frame is such that it can be transported in conventional, over-the-road vehicles. The structure to be elevated and supported is pre-evaluated. From the pre-evaluation, an appropriate amount of weight is added to the base frame-work and outriggers can be utilized to provide needed stability and resistance to overturning moment for the particular structure.  
           [0024]    A variety of configurations can be created with the frame-work by interchangeable devices such as weights, on-board power generators, and other equipment. A variety of different structures can be supported and elevated to withstand various environmental factors such as wind. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention supporting a vertical pole (partially shown).  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows in an exploded view weights that can be removably attached to the base frame-work and, with broken lines, shows the maneuverability and adjustability of the outriggers.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 1.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a side, elevational view of the base of FIG. 1 positioned on a generally flat ground area.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, but shows the base located on uneven ground.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a reduced perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 used in conjunction with a light pole and an array of light fixtures.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar to FIG. 6, but show in more detail a hollow pole positioned over an upward extending stub (FIG. 7) and the slip-fit of the hollow pole over the stub (FIG. 8) as a means of attaching a pole to the base.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 9 and 10 are similar to FIG. 6, but show a pole hingeable along its length which can be pivoted down for access to the top of the pole.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a reduced perspective view of a plurality of bases similar to FIG. 1 used to support the four lower ends of a vertical tower.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the use of a plurality of the portable bases of FIG. 1 to support a plurality of legs of a scaffold and truss arrangement.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of an outrigger of FIG. 1.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 is a still further enlarged partial top plan view of FIG. 13.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 is an elevational sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of FIG. 14 showing the outrigger extended. FIG. 15A is identical, but showing the outrigger retracted.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 is a depiction of a placard or chart useable by an operator of the invention to determine outrigger length and total weight of the system for varying wind speeds to resist overturning.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0039]    A. Overview  
         [0040]    For a better understanding of the invention, a preferred embodiment will now be described in detail. Frequent reference will be taken to the drawings. References numerals or letters will be used to indicate certain parts or locations in the drawings. The same reference numerals or letters will be used to indicate the same parts and locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated.  
         [0041]    B. Environment of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0042]    The preferred embodiment will be discussed in the context of a portable, temporary base or spread footing to support a substantial length, vertically positioned pole, that supports a plurality of high-intensity, wide-area lighting fixtures. By substantial, it is meant that the poles are much longer than 20′ to 30′. The light fixtures are high-intensity arc lamps placed in bowl-shaped reflectors of approximately 2′ to 3′ in diameter. These types of fixtures are the same or similar to those that are conventionally used for outdoor sports lighting. An example of these lights are Musco Sports Lighting Model Sports Cluster II, Level VIII, or TLC available from Musco Sports Lighting, Inc., Oskaloosa, Iowa.  
         [0043]    The environment and context of the preferred embodiment will also be with respect to the use of such lights for a construction site or similar lighting. The lights will therefore be outdoors and subject to the range of environmental conditions that may exist at any location, including winds of substantial velocity and varying ground and terrain topography and make-up.  
         [0044]    It is to be understood that other analogous uses of lights of this nature are possible. It is also to be understood that other uses for supporting structures are possible with the base.  
         [0045]    C. Apparatus Of The Preferred Embodiment  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 1 illustrates a base  10  according to the present invention. Base  10  includes a bottom (indicated generally at  12 ), a top (indicated generally at  14 ), outriggers  16  and a connection member (indicated generally at  18 ), on top  14  for connection to a vertical pole  20 . As can be seen by FIG. 1, bottom  12  consists of parallel tubes  26  and  28 . Top  14  comprises parallel tubes  30  and  32  (turned 90° from tubes  26  and  28 ) with cross-members  34  and  36 . Corner tubes  40 ,  42  (see FIG. 3),  44 , and  46  extend between top  14  and bottom  12 . Cumulatively, corner tubes  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 , top  14  and bottom  12  define a box-type frame-work.  
         [0047]    Completing base  10  are two tubes  48  and two tubes  50  (in a cross shape) and side tubes  52  and  54 . Each of the foregoing components of frame or base  10  can be welded or otherwise rigidly connected. Pieces  34  and  36  may or may not be tubular and are welded or otherwise attached into cut-out recesses in the tops of tubes  30  and  32 . Similarly, cross-shaped tubes  48  and  50  can be welded into position in cut-outs in corner tubes  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46 , and converge to a central area at their opposite ends.  
         [0048]    Vertical tubes  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46  could be 6″ by 6″ steel tubing or 5″ by 5″. FIG. 1 illustrates the four outriggers  16 . Each outrigger  16  comprises a telescoping arm (here made up of first telescoping section  56  and a second telescoping section  58 ) each of which telescopes out of an open end (at each corner tube  40 ,  42 ,  44 , and  46 ) of one of tubes  48  or  50 . A jack  60  at or near the distal end of section  58  of outriggers  16  includes a ground contacting foot  64  at the end of an extendible leg  62 . Foot  64  can be adjusted along the axis of leg  62  by a manually operated handle  66 .  
         [0049]    The frame  10  therefore has outer dimensions that basically define a box. It is primarily made of tubing and has substantial open space between top  14  and bottom  12 . Frame  10  is therefore strong but comparatively light. It cam be moved and transported relatively easily. The feet  64  at the ends of outriggers  16  can be positioned substantially away from the frame to greatly increase the overall “foot print” or lateral spread of base  10  on the ground and thus the resistance to overturning moment.  
         [0050]    As illustrated in FIG. 1, a weight  22  (for example, concrete) is mountable to bottom  12  of base  10  by mounts  24  (only two shown). Weight  22  could include slots or openings  25  configured to receive the forks of a forklift that could grab weight  22  and maneuver it into position relative to frame or base  10  to then allow attachment of mounts  24  to frame or base  10 . It would also allow the forklift to grab the combined weight  22  and base  10  (and/or pole  20  and anything suspended by pole  20 ) to move the combination.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 1 further illustrates that pole  20  could be attached at its lower end to a plate  68 . Plate  68  in turn could be positioned between tubes  34  and  36  and include some type of releasable locking mechanism (not shown) to hold plate  68  in place and yet allow releasable attachment and detachment from base  10 .  
         [0052]    Pole  20  could have a lower flange  82  which could be bolted to plate  18  by bolts  150  to form a 16″ bolt circle with 8 ¾″ bolts (See FIG. 1).  
         [0053]    In the preferred embodiment the following is a table of cross-sectional dimensions and thickness of certain of the parts:  
                                                           REF. #   HEIGHT   WIDTH   THICKNESS                           22   48″    48″    10″ (approx. 3,000 lbs.)           26/28   6″   12″    ¼″ w           30/32   6″   12″    ¼″ w           34/36   3″   8″   ⅜″ w           40/42/   6″   6″   ⅜″ w           44/46           48   5″   9″   {fraction (5/16)}″ w (36-7/8″ long)           50   6″   10″    ¼″ w (× 33-15/16″ long)           52/54   6″   9″   ¼″ w           56   5″   9″   ¼″ w (× 33-15/16″ long)           58   4″   8″   ¼″ w (× 33-15/16″ long)           68   24″    36″    1″                      
 
         [0054]    Each of the tubing members of base  10  can be ASTM A500 Grade B steel structural tubing.  
         [0055]    following is a table of some other dimensions as indicated by the corresponding reference letters in the drawings (see particularly FIGS. 2, 3, and  4 ):  
                                   REF. LETTER   INCHES                   A    10″       B    10″       C    24″       D    10″       E    48″       F    48″       G    60″       H    48″       I    10″       J    60″       K    24″       L   108″       M    54″ radius       N    54″       O    36″ (min)       P    12″       Q   108″ square                  
 
         [0056]    Therefore FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the basic structure of the apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Base  10  comprises a box-like tubular frame having a substantially open space between the top  14  and bottom  12 . An open space between tubes  26  and  28  of bottom  12  allow a heavy (in the preferred embodiment around 2,000 lbs.) concrete block to be moved therebetween and removably mounted. This weight, therefore, would exist at the lower-most or in or near the bottom-most plane of base  10 .  
         [0057]    The space in base  10  could be used for storage. Examples are tool box(es), job box(es), parts, tools, generators, electrical components, or other components associated with what might be elevated on the pole.  
         [0058]    On the other hand, top  14  of base  10  extends a substantial distance above the bottom of base  10  and provides, in perimeter dimensions, a fairly large platform area upon which a structure can be mounted.  
         [0059]    Outriggers  16  allow the diameter of base  10  to be almost doubled in size with a corresponding substantial increase in the resistance to overturning moment, as opposed to just base  10  itself. Jacks  60  can be any of a wide variety of devices, but in the preferred embodiment can be trailer jacks manually operated. An example of jack  60  is Bulldog 10,000-lb capacity Top Wind Heavy Duty Trailer Jack. Other types are possible.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows in exploded form the detachment of a concrete weight  22  (by disconnecting brackets  24  from frame  10  held in place by bolts). Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates that one or more further weights, such as indicated at  70 , could be placed into base  10 , if desired. Weight  70  has a triangular end which would mate in between crossed-tubes  48  and  50  above the location of weight  22  when mounted to base  10 . Therefore, several additional weights  70 , configured to mate into or attach to base  10  could be also be utilized to add additional weight to base  10 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 2 also shows mounting straps  72  and  74  which extend between pieces  34  and  36  of base  10  and can lock down plate  68  to base  10 . Removable straps  72  and  74  allow plate  68  and pole  20  (attached to plate  68  by bolting of pole flange  82  to plate  68  or otherwise) to be removed from base  10 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 2 also shows in ghost lines the extendibility and retractability of outriggers  16 , as well as the adjustability of foot  64  transversely to the longitudinal axis of the outriggers  16 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 3 illustrates the substantial increase in resistance to overturning moment made possible by outriggers  16  versus just the outer dimensions of base  10 . Circle M (54″ radius) indicates the basic resistance to overturning moment presented by the outriggers  16 . Circle M is inscribed within a box Q which is 108″ square and is defined by the outer ends of outriggers  16 . The “foot print”, so to speak, of base  10  (108″×108″) and the 54″ moment arm, along with the substantial weight that can be added to base  10 , provides a substantial footing that resists overturning moment for a substantial load and any expected forces against that load. The tubular members and other structural members of base  10  are selected to be of enough strength to support any weight added thereto, as well as any stresses caused by the load and forces against, on or against it. On the other hand, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that when outriggers  16  are retracted back into base  10  and weights  22  and  70  are removed, the perimeter dimensions are approximately 5′ by 5′. FIG. 2 shows that the height of base  10 , with pole  20  removed, is around 5′ tall. This structure would therefore easily fit within conventional over-the-road transportation such as semi-trailer trucks. Removability of weights  22  and  70  and the size of base  10  would allow even several of bases  10  to be transported in conventional semi-trailer trucks.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 4 also illustrates the height of base  10 . Reference letter N indicates the height between the bottom plane of bottom  12  and the top plane of top  14  to be 60″. Reference letter O indicates the distance between the top of outrigger  16  and just below the top plane of top  14  to be 36″ minimum. This could be extended upwardly if desired.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 4 also shows that outrigger jacks  60  extend so that feet  64  extend below the plane defining the bottom of bottom  12  of base  10 . It is preferable that when installed, no part of base  10  contact the ground and that it be entirely supported by feet  60  of outrigger  16  to get maximum stability and resistance to overturning moment.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 4 shows base  10  on a generally flat surface  76 , such as the ground. In comparison FIG. 5 illustrates uneven ground  78 . Jacks  60  can be operated to keep base  10  level even if ground  78  is not.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 6 illustrates base  10  of FIGS.  1 - 5  in combination with a pole  20  which suspends an array  80  of light fixtures. Array  80  comprises a set of cross-arms which are attached to the upper end of pole  20  by a means known within the art. In this embodiment pole  20  is hollow and made of tubular steel. It is attached to flange  82  at its bottom which is in turn fixed to plate  68  which is removably attachable to base  10 .  
         [0068]    Pole  20  can be of various lengths. One possible range of lengths would be 40′ to 80′. The number of fixtures of the array  80  can vary, but usually would be anywhere from one (1) to twelve (12) fixtures. The object depicted in ghost lines by reference numeral  84 , is intended to represent a device that can be placed into the space between top  14  and bottom  12  of base  10 . In this example, device  84  could be an electrical power generator (self-contained, diesel powered) that could be removably positioned into base  10  and serve to operate lighting fixture array  80 . Ghost lines  86  are intended to represent another device that could be placed into base  10  such as ballasts for the light fixtures or other electronic or electrical components used in the operation of array  80 . It is to be noted and understood that such things as an electrical power generator is of substantial weight and could also act as an additional weight to assist in resistance of overturning moment and stability of base  10 .  
         [0069]    In operation the invention works as follows. Base  10  would be pre-constructed. As mentioned, it is of a size that could be transported to a site by convention over-the-road transportation. Prior consideration would be made of the specific structure with which base  10  will be used. Sufficient weight in the form of, for example, of concrete  22 , additional weight  70 , or devices  84  and  86  would be sent along with base  10 , or available at the site.  
         [0070]    Once at the site, base  10  could be manipulated by forklifts and other equipment to be placed in position on the ground or whatever other supporting surface is desired. Pre-determined add-ons such as weight or other devices or components would then be added to and attached to base  10 . Outriggers  16  would then be extended and feet  64  brought into contact with the ground. The jacks  60  would be adjusted to bring base  10  off the ground, usually to a level orientation. The base would then finally be configured appropriately based on the device to be supported, and then the device to be supported would be mounted onto the top of base  10 . In the foregoing example, a crane or some sort of a lifter device would raise pole  20  and array  80  vertically, move it over to above base  10 , and then bring it down and mount it to the top of base  10 . Any fine-tuning adjustment could be made, even after the structure to be supported (here pole  20  and array  80 ) is attached to base  10 .  
         [0071]    In this example, a generator  84  is added into base  10 . The appropriate electric wires (in this example, pre-wired from array  80  down to the bottom of pole  20 ) could simply be electrically connected accordingly and the lighting array  80  could then be operated. It would be a self-contained lighting unit. The outriggers and weight in base  10  would have a pre-determined level of overturning moment resistance to handle whatever environmental standards exist for the site. This would include for certain configurations, winds on the order of 60 mph, or greater.  
         [0072]    The apparatus operates on the physical principle that 
         Σμ=0 or(static equilibrium)= FL - WX   
         [0073]    where μ is the sum of the moments, F represents the forces acting on the pole in a direction, L is the vertical distance from the top of the structure being supported to the ground, W is the total weight of the system, and X is the radius of Circle M, pictured in FIG. 3 (or the length of outriggers  16 ). From this equation, one could either determine how far apart the outriggers would be placed and then add weight to the system accordingly. Alternatively, one could determine the weight of the system, and then vary the distance of the outriggers. Both of these calculations would be made to withstand the maximum anticipated wind force. Static equilibrium is the condition where any more load to base  10  starts to heel it up.  
         [0074]    The main variable is F, which is primarily wind loading. One can solve for any of the variables. Therefore, for any assumed wind load F, and any assumed outrigger extension X, the weight W needed to prevent overturning can be determined. Or for a given total weight, the length of outrigger can be determined.  
         [0075]    The wind moment number is calculated based on standard building and structural codes for a particular configuration. Dividing the wind moment by the base moment arm results in the weight of the unit required to resist overturning. Since the operator or technician knows (a) the weight of his unit, (b) the fixture mounting height, (c) the number of fixtures, and (d) the EPA of the fixtures, he can determine from the charts what wind speed can be sustained based on his minimum moment arm (or outrigger) setting.  
         [0076]    A booklet of charts can be produced which provides an operator with the information needed to set up the configuration to withstand certain winds. The charts would allow the operator to set the extension lengths of the outriggers and/or the amount of weight of the whole combination to meet the selected overturning resistance. The total weight would include the weight of everything associated with the base  10 , including the pole, the fixtures, the mounts for the fixtures, the fixture control mechanisms, electrical and electronic components, as well as the base  10  itself and anything inserted into the base  10 . For example, a 60′ tall pole can weigh 720 lbs., six (6) fixtures can weigh 150 lbs., controls and electrical components add 420 lbs. Base  10  can weigh on the order of 2,000-3,000 lbs. An electrical generator placed in base  10  could weigh on the order of 1,600 lbs. If outriggers are added, they could add 600 lbs. Then, if concrete add-on weights are added, they could add 7,200 lbs. to the total weight. See FIG. 16 for an example of the type of chart that could be prepared for a 60′ tall pole, withsix (6) fixtures.  
         [0077]    The included preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and not limitation. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art are included within the invention which is solely described by the claims herein.  
         [0078]    D. Options, Features And Alternatives  
         [0079]    [0079]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative method of attaching a pole  20  to base  10 . In this example pole  20  is a hollow, tapered, steel pole. Tapered stub  90  can be concrete, steel, or other material. Stub  90  can be attached via a flange  98  to a plate similar to plate  68  previously described and fixed to base  10 . As illustrated in FIG. 7, pole  20  can be attached or detached from stub  90  simply by slip-fitting it over stub  90  or removing it therefrom. The weight of pole  20  and any attachments would keep it in place so no locking mechanisms are needed. Such an arrangement would be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,478 which is incorporated by reference hereto.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 8 shows pole  20  seated down on stub  90 . One advantage of this arrangement is that prior to seating onto stub  90 , pole  20  can be rotated around stub  90  to orient any elevated structure in a specific direction. This is especially valuable when aiming an array of lights in a certain direction.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a pole  20 . Pole  20  could be attached to base  10  by a number of different ways. In this embodiment pole  20  includes a lower section  92  attached to base  10  and an upper section  94 . Sections  92  and  94  are interconnected by a hinge  96 . Upper section  94  includes a tail  98  which at its very bottom further includes a weight  99 . As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9, weight  99  helps upper section  94  pivot to a vertical position in normal use. Some sort of locking mechanism (not shown) could lock pole  20  in its normal vertical position (FIG. 10). However, if servicing or access to the top of pole  20  is desired, tail  98  could be released and the top of upper section  94  pivoted downwardly. This could be accomplished in a number of ways including some sort of a cable system. The use of weight  99  would allow for smooth, controlled pivoting.  
         [0082]    Another method of use of bases  10  would be a plurality of bases  10  to support a larger structure such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each base  10  would support a corner of a vertical tower  106  (FIG. 11) or a scaffold  102  (FIG. 12). The scaffolds  102  in FIG. 12 in turn would support trusses  104 . Therefore, multiple bases  10  could provide temporary spread footings for a large super-structure.  
         [0083]    As has previously been discussed, the intentional creation of openings or space between the top and bottom of the base  10  allows for any variety of interchangeable and removable inserts. They can be functioning components or simply weight.  
         [0084]    With regard to weights  22  and  70 , it has been shown that a concrete block having steel facings on edges could be used. Alternatively, concrete with internal steel reinforcement like re-bar or re-rod could be used.  
         [0085]    It could also be appreciated that weights such as weight  22  and weight  70  are inserted or recessed inside the perimeter of frame  10  so that they are inside the boundary of the overturning moment resistance. It also makes the weight closer to the center of the structure to make it easier for a forklift to lift and move the entire unit. This could occur with weights  22  and  70  attached to base  10  and even when a structure, such as a pole and light arrays is attached to base  10 .  
         [0086]    Another option would be to add a running gear to base  10  so that it could be pulled like a trailer. On the other hand, as discussed, bases  10  can be placed in conventional over-the-road transportation and could even be stacked on one another or nested somehow. Slots such as slots  25  or hooks (see  71  in FIG. 2) could be built into weights  22  and  70  to make them easier to manipulate and move by forklifts and other equipment.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIGS. 13, 14,  15  and  15 A illustrate an optional feature for outriggers  16 . Tubes  56  and  58  can telescopically extend from an end of base cross tubes  48  or  50  by nesting within one another as shown. A pivoting member or dog  160  is pivotable around pin  162  which is secured transversely across the proximal end of a longitudinal slot  164  in arm  56 . A similar slot  166  exits in arm  58  but without a dog. Pivot pin  162  can be held in place by a thin cover plate  163  (welded or otherwise connected to the exterior of tube  56 ).  
         [0088]    Dog  160  and slots  164  and  166  cooperate to require that arm  56  be pulled out into and inserted from tube  48  or  50  first, that is relative to arm  58 . When arms  56  and  58  are fully extended, as shown in FIG. 13, dog  160  is pivoted up so that its edge  168  rides on top of the top outer side of arm  58 . Edge  170  of dog  160  therefore creates a stop disallowing arm  56  from being pushed into tube  48 . Arm  58  is free to be pushed into arm  56 . Therefore, when it is desired to retract arms  58  and  56 , dog  160  allows arm  58  to be retracted first until slot  166  of arm  58  aligns directly below slot  164  in arm  56 . When so aligned, the free end of dog  160  by gravity pivots down (see ghost lines  160  in FIG. 15) and dog  160  no longer blocks arm  56  from retracting into tube  48 .  
         [0089]    Conversely, when arms  56  and  58  are retracted into tube  48 , because dog  160  extends through slots  164  and  166 , it requires that both arms  58  and  56  move out from tube  48  if either are pulled in that direction, until dog  160  clears tube  48 , at which point dog  160  would pivot up and allow arm  58  to retract from arm  56 .  
         [0090]    Set-screws  172  and  174  in the side of arm  56  mate into cut-outs  176  and  178  in tube  48  when arm  56  is fully retracted into tube  48  and serve to disallow further inward movement of arm  56 . Set-screws  176  and  178  are also used to deter rattles between tubes  48 / 50  and arms  56  and  58  once positioned in place. Set-screws  180  and  182  in tube  48  also serve to deter arms  56  or  58  from moving once positioned. Arms  56  and  58  are disallowed from being completely pulled out and separating from its succeeding part by set-screws, but can be pulled completely out if needed for maintenance or replacement.  
         [0091]    Further, a pre-determined system for installing base  10  relative to different structures it supports and environmental conditions could optionally be created. For example, through empirical testing, a chart could be created for poles of varying heights with varying numbers of light fixtures. The chart would indicate how much weight should be contained on base  10  and how far outriggers  16  should be extended to provide the appropriate resistance to overturning moment. It would also include the amount of necessary resistance to overturning moment based on an anticipated range of wind velocities. With this chart it would allow the installer and user of the system to configure base  10  to meet or exceed the needs for a particular use without having to do independent testing and without substantial over-compensating with regard to weight and extension of outriggers.  
         [0092]    A leveling device or devices could be added to base  10 . In one simplistic form, level bubbles such as are used with carpenters&#39; levels could be placed around the perimeter of base  10 . The operator could visually see when base  10  is leveled.  
         [0093]    Operation of adjustable jacks  59  could enable the leveling. Note that jacks  59  could be manually vertically adjustable. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, jacks  59  could have a hex nut (1½″)  140  over which fits a mating air wrench socket  142 . Operation of air wrench  144  would allow the operator to turn nut  140  which would raise or lower foot  64  of jack  59 . Still further, it is possible to have portable gear motors directly on jacks  59  which could be powered electrically to raise or lower jacks  59 .  
         [0094]    Foot  64  could be 2′ by 2′ to diminish soil compaction.  
         [0095]    For example, a chart (e.g. FIG. 16) would begin with certain assumptions, including, the type, configuration and height of pole, the number of light fixtures suspending at the mounting height of the pole, and the EPA (equivalent pressure area) of such the pole and fixtures when erected. Then, through testing or modeling, the wind load could be calculated for different extensions of the outriggers versus different total weight of the configuration. Appropriately graphed, the operator would be able to survey nearly any site for erection of the invention, and select the outrigger extension length and weight to resist overturning of the configuration for a given wind speed. Alternatively, the outrigger extension and amount of weight needed to be transported to the site of erection of the configuration could be pre-calculated at the storage location of the device. The necessary components could then be loaded on a truck, transported to the erection site, and then erected according to the predetermined settings.  
         [0096]    There are times when the desired placement of the invention does not allow full extension of the outriggers. An example would be if the invention needed to be positioned next to a fence or building. Even if only one outrigger can not be extended to the length of the others, the resistance to overturning is decreased to that of the shortest extended outrigger. In this situation, more weight could be added to the invention to compensate for the restriction on outrigger extension.  
         [0097]    On the other hand, the more the outriggers can be extended, the less total weight is needed. Therefore, there are times when less weight needs to be transported and manipulated to achieve the desired resistance to overturning.  
         [0098]    Different charts can be created for different configurations (e.g. for different pole type/heights, difference fixture types/numbers, different EPAS, etc.).  
         [0099]    Markings could be placed on the outrigger arms  56 , and  58  (see FIG. 1), which could match up with the charts. The operator would only have to look up the desired overturning resistance and extend the outriggers to the corresponding marking. For example, the markings could letters and/or numbers.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 16 is a depiction of such a chart  190  showing how heavy the total assembled base, pole, and elevated structure must be and how far the outriggers must be extended to support a 60′ light pole, withsix (6) fixtures attached to the pole, each fixture having an EPA of 4.0 at varying wind speeds. This example  190  shows that the indicia  192  (the data on the client) can quickly and easily be referred to by the used on-site and can therefore eliminate certain testing or experimentation that might otherwise be required. FIG. 16 illustrates generally a few different outrigger arm lengths and total system weight that could be used for a certain pole height, fixture type, fixture EPA, etc. Charts could be created for smaller increments and for different pole heights, number of fixtures, EPAs, etc.

Summary:
An apparatus and method for providing a temporary spread footing for suppporting a variety of different vertically extending structures. The apparatus includes a frame with a top and bottom. The frame can have a substantial space or void in between the top and bottom into which weights or devices can be placed. A connection on top of the base removably connects to the structure to be supported. Outriggers could also be used to substantially increase the overturning moment resistance of the base. The outriggers can be removable or retractable so that for transportation, the base has minimum dimensions. The method includes pre-determining the needed weight and overturning moment resistance for a particular application and transporting the base to the site and thereafter adding weight and adjusting outriggers to match the pre-determined needed overturning moment resistance.