Patent Publication Number: US-10767337-B2

Title: Anchor pier for manufactured building

Description:
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/858,027, filed Aug. 17, 2010, a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/777,038, filed May 10, 2010, each incorporated herein by reference and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 61/177,103, filed May 11, 2009. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to supports for manufactured buildings. More particularly, the present invention relates to an anchor pier to support manufactured buildings installed on a ground surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Manufactured buildings, such as manufactured or mobile homes and offices, are constructed and assembled at an initial manufacturing facility, and then moved on wheels to the installation site. The manufactured building typically includes long, longitudinal support beams underneath the building to support the floor of the building. During typical installation, a plurality of piers are placed between a ground surface and the support beam to support the building on the site. The piers sit on or are attached to footings such as metal plates or pans, plastic plates, or concrete pads placed on the ground. 
     Different types of piers are known. One type of pier uses stacks of blocks that sit on footings and transfer load from the support beam. Other piers use metal tubular members that connect between a ground pan and the support beam. 
     Some foundation systems for manufactured buildings also resist lateral and longitudinal wind and/or seismic forces on the building. These foundation systems typically use a ground pan and an elongated strut connected at a lower end to the ground pan and at the upper end to a support beam of the manufactured building. The elongated strut can be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support beam or extend laterally from underneath one support beam to connect to the adjacent support beam of the manufactured buildings, or both. Such foundations provide resistance to wind and/or seismic forces in the lateral and longitudinal directions. 
     Often the support beam is positioned inwardly of a perimeter of the manufactured building. The floor structure of the manufactured building includes a plurality of joists that are positioned in spaced-apart relation and transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support beams. The joists extend outwardly of the support beams to a perimeter wall of the manufactured building. 
     While the piers and foundation systems have been successful in supporting installed manufacturing buildings and resisting wind and/or seismic loads on installed manufactured buildings, there are drawbacks to these systems. Laterally extended portions of floor of the manufactured building may sag over time, for example, due to settlement of the ground under the piers of the manufactured building. The manufactured building may become out of level. Further, frost heave can reduce holding and supporting capability of foundation members. Heave in soil occurs when the water in the ground freezes. The freezing water expands, and causes the ground to heave up or rise up or swell. Frost heave causes the foundation ground pans (or pads) to move. This movement is communicated to the house through the elongated struts between the ground pan and the support beam, and may contribute to the house becoming out of level. A manufactured building that is not level can result in openings in the manufactured building becoming out of skew. This causes doors, such as in exterior doorways, to become skewed and not open or close properly. Windows in perimeter walls likewise become difficult to open and close. 
     It is believed that there are three factors that contribute to frost heave. These factors are the soil being sufficiently saturated with water, the atmospheric temperature, and the duration of the saturation and cold temperatures. Efforts to resist frost heave have been made. Typically in areas that experience significant frost heave, the foundation must be engineered and extend below the frost line. This requires excavation of an in-ground footing and installation of a rigid or engineered foundation such as concrete footers and pilings. In other areas, skirting attaches around the perimeter of the manufactured home. The skirting extends from a lower edge of the manufactured home to the ground. The skirting encloses the space between the ground and the bottom of the manufactured home. Skirting used on the perimeter of manufactured buildings placed at sites with pier supports is not entirely successful in reducing or eliminating frost heave. Even with skirting, manufactured buildings placed at sites with periphery pier supports and not having engineered foundations, are susceptible to frost heave of the ground below the ground pan or pad. 
     To provide foundations that resist the effects of frost heave, installers dig holes below the frost line and fill with concrete. Connecting members, embedded in concrete, connect to the manufactured building. However, digging foundation holes and pouring concrete foundations is time-consuming, costly and difficult, particularly during periods of freezing weather. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a ground anchor to support manufactured buildings. It is to such that the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention meets the need in the art by providing an anchor pier for supporting a manufactured building, comprising a shaft having a connector at a first end and a driving tip at an opposing end with a helical flight positioned proximate the driving tip, for driving through a surface of ground beneath a manufactured building to position the connector proximate the surface, for interaction of the shaft and the helical flight with the ground to communicate vertical loading between the building and the ground. A brace member attaches at a first end to the connector and at a second end to the manufactured building for vertically supporting the manufactured building relative to the ground, so vertical loading on the manufactured building transfers to the shaft and helical flight driven into the ground below the manufactured building. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of supporting a manufactured building, comprising the steps of: 
     (a) driving a shaft into a ground surface below a portion of a manufactured building, the shaft having a connector at a first end and a driving tip at an opposing end with a helical flight positioned proximate the driving tip; and 
     (b) attaching a first end of a brace member to the connector and attaching a second end of the brace member to the manufactured building, 
     whereby the plate in contact with the manufactured building transfers vertical loading on the manufactured building to the shaft and helical flight into the ground below the manufactured building. 
     Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be apparent upon a reading of the detailed description together with observing the drawings and reading the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in side elevational view a manufactured building with an embodiment of an anchor pier according to the present invention supporting a perimeter portion of the manufactured building. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates in detailed side elevational view the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 1  supporting a perimeter portion of the manufactured building. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates in exploded perspective view features of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates in side elevational view a second embodiment of an anchor pier supporting a perimeter portion of a manufactured building and having a connecting member between the anchor pier and a support beam of the manufactured building. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates in side perspective view a third embodiment of an anchor pier in accordance with the present invention positioned for transferring a load from the support beam of the manufactured building to the ground. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates in side view an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates in side elevational view an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 1  further including a thermal isolator member for resisting frost heave of the ground in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates in side elevational view a fourth embodiment of an anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates in side elevational view a fifth embodiment of the anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates in side elevational view a sixth embodiment of the anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates in side elevational view a seventh embodiment of the anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates in side elevational view an alternate embodiment of the anchor shown in  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates in side elevational view an eighth embodiment of the anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates in side elevational view a detailed view of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates in side elevational view a ninth embodiment of the anchor pier in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective exploded view of the anchor pier shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the drawings, in which like elements have like identifiers,  FIG. 1  illustrates a portion of a manufactured building  10  supported on a ground surface  11  by one or more long, longitudinal support beams  12 . The support beams  12  conventionally are I-beams having a central web with spaced-apart upper and lower forward and rearward laterally extending opposing flanges. The beams  12  underneath the manufactured building support the plurality of spaced-apart joists  13  disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support beams  12 . The joists  13  support a floor  13   a  of the manufactured building. 
     An embodiment of an anchor pier  14  in accordance with the present invention supports the manufactured building as a foundation.  FIG. 1  illustrates the anchor pier  14  supporting a perimeter portion  16  of the manufactured building that includes an upwardly extending sidewall  17 . In an illustrative application, the anchor  14  is positioned to support a wall portion having a doorway entrance and door conventionally positioned in the wall. Piers  18  sit on footings, for example, on concrete pads or poured columns, plastic pads, or steel members or pans.  FIG. 1  illustrates a metal ground pan  20  and the pier  18  sits on the ground pan and extends to the support beam  12  for transferring loading from the manufactured building to the ground. It is to be appreciated that the present invention is also gainfully used with modular buildings that do not have frames but rather the foundation directly supports the floor or the joists of the floor. 
     The anchor pier  14  includes a shaft  30  having a connector  32  at a first end and a distal tip  34  at an opposing end. One or more helical thread members  36  attach in spaced-apart relation to the shaft  30  proximate the distal tip  34 . The connector  32  defies a U-shape with a base plate  38  and a pair of opposing upstanding side walls  40 . The side walls  40  each define an opening aligned with the opening in the opposing side wall. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the anchor pier  14  in detailed side view and detailed exploded perspective view, respectively. A T-member  42  assembles in the connector  32 . The T-member  42  assembles with a bolt  44  and a tube member  45  having a threaded leg  46 . The bolt  44  extends through one of the openings in the side walls  40 , through the tube member  45  and through the opening in the opposing side wall. A nut  47  theadingly engages the threaded end of the bolt  44  to secure the bolt to the connector  32 . The leg  46  extends from a medial portion of the tube member  45 . The leg  46  is a threaded member welded to the tube member  45 . In the illustrated embodiment, the leg  46  extends at a substantially perpendicular angle to a longitudinal axis of the tube member  45 . The leg  46  defines a threaded shaft  48  that receives a threaded nut  50 . A distal portion of the threaded shaft  48  extends inwardly though an open end  52  of a support or brace tube  54  (shown in cut-away detail). 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , a skirting clip  55  (optional) attaches to the tube  54  (or other suitable portion of the anchor pier) for conventionally attaching to or receiving a connector of a skirting (not illustrated) that covers the opening between the ground  11  and the lower edge of the manufactured building. An angle plate  56  attaches at an opposing end of the brace tube  54 . The plate has a base  58  and a side wall  60  that defines an opening  61 . The side wall  60  of the plate  56  abuts a portion of the wall  17 . A fastener  62 , such as a threaded screw or a nail, extends through the opening  61  in the side wall  60  and engages a member such as the joist  13  to secure the brace tube  54  to the manufactured building  10 . 
       FIG. 2A  further illustrates an alternate embodiment that includes a cap  64  that attaches to or nests with the connector  32 . The cap  64  includes a base  66  and perimeter skirt  68  extending from the base  66 . The base  66  connects or attaches to the connector  32 , and the skirt  68  extends in a direction towards the distal tip  34 . The skirt  68  engages the ground  11  when the anchor pier  14  is driven into the ground, to stabilize the shaft  30  and increase the holding capacity of the helical members  36  in the ground. 
     It is to be appreciated that larger diameter helix members, multiple helix members, longer length shafts, or combination can be used with the anchor pier of the present invention to achieve higher load holding capacity or for use in less dense soil or ground. The anchor pier and the cap can be made of steel, plastic, or other suitable material. The support or brace tube can be made from metal, plastic, or other suitable pipe, rods, or round or square tubing. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates in side elevational view a second embodiment of an anchor pier generally  70  supporting the perimeter portion  16  of the manufactured building  10 . The anchor pier  70  comprises the structure discussed above for the anchor pier  14  but the side walls  40  define second aligned opposing openings  72 . A lateral brace generally  73  connects between the connector  32  and the support beam  12 . A bolt extending through the openings  72  secures the lateral brace  73  to the connector  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral brace  73  is a strap  76 . The strap connects to a split bolt  74  that extends through the openings  72 . A split bolt has a longitudinal slot extending through the shaft of the bolt from an end that receives a nut. An end portion of the strap  76  extends into the slot of the split bolt until flush with the opposite side of the bolt. The bolt is then turned to wind the end portion of the strap around the bolt (such as 4 or 5 complete turns). A nut threaded on the end of the bolt tightens the bolt to the connector  32 . An opposing distal end  80  of the strap  76  connects with a frame clamp  77  to the support beam  12 . Suitable frame clamps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,928,783 and 6,418,685. An alternate embodiment uses a telescoping tubular brace to connect between the connector  32  and the support beam  12 . U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,150 discloses a telescoping brace assembly and beam connector that can be used with the anchor pier  70  instead of the strap  76 . In this embodiment, an angle plate  82  seats against a lower portion of the connector  70  during installation. The plate  82 , similarly to the cap  64 , provides additional stabilizing support for the anchor pier. The plate  82  is positioned during installation of the connector  70 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates in side perspective view a third embodiment of an anchor pier  90  in accordance with the present invention positioned fcir transferring load (compression or tension) between the support beam  12  of the manufactured building  10  and the ground. The anchor pier  90  includes the connector  32  that engages a pair of opposing braces  94  extending in opposing directions and towards the support beam  12  of the manufactured building. The braces  94  each define openings in respective end portions. The bolt  44  extends through one opening in the side wall  40 , through the opening in a first of the braces, through the opening in the second of the braces, and through the opening in the opposing side wall  40 . The nut  47  (not illustrated in  FIG. 4A ) secures the braces  94  to the connector  32 . The pair of braces  94  thereby pivotably connects to the connector  32 . 
     The braces  94  also connect at a respective opposing end to a clamp generally  95  attached to the support beam  12 . U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,157 discloses a suitable beam clamp  95  for connecting an upper end of the brace  94  to the support beam  12 . In an alternate embodiment (not illustrated), the connector  32  includes a pair of openings on each side wall  40 , and the braces  94  connect with separate bolts  44  extending through a respective pair of openings on the opposing side walls. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each brace  94  comprises a pair of telescoping tubular members  96 ,  98  fastened at a selected length with threaded fasteners  100 . It is to be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, a unitary tubular member is used. 
     The clamp  95  attaches to the support beam  12 . The clamp  95  defines openings for receiving a threaded pin  102 , such as a bolt and nut. An opposing end of the brace  94  defines opposing openings. The pin  102  extends through the aligned openings in the connector  102  and the brace  94  for pivotably connecting the brace  94  to the clamp  95 , and thus to the support beam  12 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates in side view an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 4A , to provide also both lateral and longitudinal load resistance. A third brace  104  assembled with telescoping tubular members extends between the connector  32  and a laterally spaced support beam  12   a . The brace  104  pivotably attaches at a lower end to the connector  32  with a bolt  44  as discussed above, which bolt extends through second opposed openings in the side walls  40 . The brace  104  pivotably attaches at an upper end to a beam connector  105  attached to the beam. U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,150 describes a suitable beam connector that generally includes a bracket and retaining means. The bracket includes a traversing portion traversing an outer surface of a flange of second beam  12   a . The traversing portion includes a first end and a second end. The bracket includes a slot with a first side for bearing against an inner surface of the flange, a second side, which may be part of traversing portion, for bearing on outer surface of the flange, and an end for bearing on a free end of the flange. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates in side elevational view an alternate embodiment of an anchor pier  110  that further includes a thermally insulative member  112  disposed between the connector  32  and the ground  11 . The insulative member  112  resists frost heave of the ground when stabilizing upwardly against the manufactured building or the building needs additional support members. The thermally insulative member  112  may be a foam sheet such as a STYROFOAM panel or sheet, or in an alternate embodiment, a metal plate to which a thermally insulative member or material attaches. For example, the thermally insulative member is defined by a spray-on thermal material which sticks or attaches to the plate. The thermally insulative member  112  provides a thermally insulative layer or coating of between about ¼ inch to ½ inch, or other thickness suitable for restricting thermal communication, as discussed below. In this embodiment, the tip  34  of the shaft  30  is driven into the ground  11  deeper than a frost line  114 . The helix portion  36  of the below the frost line  114  transfers the load from the manufactured building to the ground, for use of the anchor as a pier. 
     The thermally insulative member  112  defines in situ a ground column generally  116  that is substantially coaxially aligned with shaft  30  and a thermally isolated ground column  118  proximate the connector  32 . The ground column  116  below the frost line  114  communicates (generally  120 ) ground heat into the proximate thermally isolated ground column  118 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of an anchor pier  140  positioned for transferring load between the manufactured building  10  and the ground  11  by connecting to one of a plurality of joists  141  that support a floor  143  of the manufactured building. The anchor pier  140  includes the connector  32  with the shaft  30  and helical members or flights  36  for embedding in the ground  11 . A bolt  142  extends through openings in the opposing side walls  40  of the connector  32 . A brace generally  140  attaches to the connector  32  and to the floor joist  141  of the manufactured building. In the illustrated embodiment, the brace  140  has a first tube  144  and a second tube  146  which telescope together. The first tube  144  includes opposing holes at a first end. The bolt  142  extends through the holes to secure the lower end of the first tube  144  to the connector  32 . A plate  150  attaches to an end of the second tube  146 . The free end of the first tube  144  slidingly receives the free end of the second tube  146 . Screws  152  secure the plate  150  to a floor joist of the manufactured building. A fastener  154 , such as a screw or a bolt, connects the first and second tubes  146 ,  148  together. An alternate embodiment uses the T-member  42  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  with the connector  32 . The threaded leg  46  receives the open end of the lower tube  144 . However, it is to be appreciated that the tubes  144 ,  146  with the bolt  142  may gainfully be use with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5  for compression/tension load support. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates in side elevational view a fifth embodiment of an anchor pier  160 . In this embodiment, the connector  32   a  includes three spaced openings in each side wall  40 . The brace  140  illustrated in  FIG. 6  connects between the floor joist  141  and the connector  32   a  of the anchor pier  160 . The anchor pier  160  also includes a strap  162  that attaches to the connector  32  with the split bolt  74  discussed above. An opposing end  164  of the strap  162  attaches to the manufactured building or rim joist, such as with a clip  166  that secures with fasteners to the side wall or end of the floor joist or rim joist. The lateral brace  73  (discussed above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) connects to the connector  32   a  and to the frame clamp  77  on the support beam  12 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates in side elevational view a sixth embodiment of an anchor pier  170 . The anchor pier  170  includes a shaft  172  having a plate  174  attached at a first end and a distal tip  176  at an opposing end. Helical members  178  attach in spaced-apart relation to the shaft near the distal tip  176 . The anchor  170  is received in the ground  11  so that the plate  174  sits flush on the surface of the ground. A plurality of blocks  180 , such as conventional cement block, sit as a stack or pier on the plate  174  beneath the support beam  12 . Wood boards  182  or other spacers position between the upper end of the pier and the lower surface of the support beam  12  to wedgingly contact the support beam with the pier. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates in side elevational view a seventh embodiment of an anchor pier  190 . The anchor pier  190  includes a shaft  192  having a connector member  194  at a first end and a distal tip  196  at an opposing end. Helical members  198  attach in spaced-apart relation to the shaft  192 . The connector member  194  attaches to the upper end of the shaft  192 . The connector member  194  defines an opening for a bolt  200 . The anchor pier  190  includes a plate member  202 . A mating member  204  attaches to the plate  202 . The connector member  194  receives the member  204 . The bolt  200  extends through the aligned openings of the members  194 ,  204 , to rigidly connect the plate member to the anchor pier  190 . The connector member  194  and the mating member  204  are made of tubes (such as a box tube or round tube), or channel members. 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier  190   a . In this embodiment, a sleeve  206  attaches to a lower surface of the connector member  194 , through which the shaft  192  extends. The sleeve  206  provides additional lateral support to the anchor pier  190  when it is driven into the ground  11 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates in side elevational view an alternate embodiment  140   a  of the anchor pier  140  illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 10  illustrates in side elevational view a detailed view of the anchor pier illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the second tube  146  does not include the plate  150 . Rather, the free end of the tube  146  defines opposed openings that receive a bolt  212 . The bolt  212  extends through openings defined in connectors  214  that connect to opposing free flanges of the I-beam  12 . Also, in this illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the second tube  146  exceeds the diameter of the first tube  144 . The second tube  146  telescopingly receives an end portion of the first tube  144 . Each tube  144 ,  146  defines at least one pair of opposed openings for receiving a threaded fastener  216  such as a bolt. The fastener  216  secures the tubes  144 ,  146  together. Further, opposing straps  76  (discussed above) extend between the connector  32  and the frame clamp  77 . The anchor pier  140   a  transfers loading between the ground and the manufactured building and the straps  76  resist opposing longitudinal forces. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates in side elevational view a ninth embodiment of an anchor pier  220  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 12  illustrates the anchor pier  220  in a perspective exploded view. With reference to  FIG. 11 , the anchor pier  220  is positioned at an outward edge of the manufactured building  10  and spaced apart from the pier  18  beneath the support beam  12 . The anchor pier  220  transfers load between the manufactured building  10  and the ground  11  by connecting to one of a plurality of joists  13  that support the floor  13   a  of the manufactured building. 
     The anchor pier  220  includes the support tube  54  that couples with the connector  32  through the T-member  42  and a connector  222  that attaches to a joist of the manufactured building  10 . In this embodiment, the nut  50  welds  221  to the lower end of the tube  54 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The assembly of the tube  54  and the nut  50  then rotates onto the threaded shaft  48  of the T-member  42  during installation at the site. 
     The connector  32  includes the shaft  30  and helical members  36  far embedding in the ground  11 . The connector  32  engages the T-member  42  with the bolt  44  extending through the opening in one of the sidewalls  40  in the Connector  32 , though the tube member  45 , and through the opening in the opposing sidewall  40 . The nut  47  threads on the bolt  44  and thus secures the T-member  42  to the connector  32 . The threaded leg  46  of the T-member  42  receives the assembly of the nut  50  and the tube  54 . A distal portion of the threaded shaft  48  extends inwardly though the open end  52  of the support tube  54  as the nut  50  threads onto the shaft  48 . 
     The support tube  54  attaches through a connector  222  to the joist  13 . The connector  222  is an angle member with a side face  223  and top plate  224  that defines a pair of spaced-apart openings  225 . Fasteners  227  extend through the openings  225  to attach the connector  222  to the joist  13 . A receiving member  226  attaches to the interior portion of the angle member. The receiving member  226  is a length of tube sized to receive a distal end portion of the support tube  54 . Fasteners  228  extend through respective opposed openings  230  (one is illustrated) in the receiving member  226  to rigidly connect the support tube  54  to the connector  222 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the connector  222  is disposed to position the side face  223  in alignment with a side of the manufactured building  10 . Skirting (not illustrated) that covers the opening between the ground  11  and the lower edge of the manufactured building can attach to the side face  223 . The support tube  54  also can include the skirting clip  55  (optional) for attaching skirting. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor pier  220  uses a 1 inch or 1 and ¼ inch diameter, 42 inch long, 12 gauge round tube. The length can be selected based on the particular installation site. The receiving member  226  is a 1 and ¼ inch or 1 and ½ inch round tube, 11 gauge, having a length of 3 inches. The tube member  45  in the T-member  42  is a 1 inch round tube having a length of 1 and ⅝ inches. The threaded member  46  is 10 inches in length. The fastener  44  is a ⅝ inch by 2 and ¾ inch grade 2 bolt using a ⅝ inch nut. The fasteners  227  are ⅜ inch lag screws having a 3 inch length. The fasteners  228  are ¼ inch-14 self-tapping screws having a ¾ length. The connector  222  is an angle member of 0.120 inch thickness. Depending on particular installation and engineering requirements, variations may be made. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the support tube  54  is a pair of telescoping members such as the members  96 ,  98  illustrated in  FIG. 4B  or the members  146 ,  148  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . This alternate embodiment pins the lower end of one of the members to the connector  32  with a fastener  142  and does not use the T-member  42 . The other of the telescoping members is received by the receiving member  226  of the connector  222 . The telescoping members adjust the overall length between the ground  11  and the connector  222  during installation as discussed below. Fasteners rigidly connect the installed telescoping members together. 
     Another alternate embodiment does not use the nut  50 /tube  54  assembly or the T-member  42 . In this embodiment, a fixed length member is used for the support tube  54 . The length is selected for being received in the receiving member  226  during installation yet sufficient to extend between the connector  32  and the connector  222 . A lower end of the fixed length member defines opposing openings. The fastener  142  extends through the side wall  40  of the connector  32 , through the lower end of the fixed length member, and through the opposing side wall. the receiving member  226  provides a gap between the upper edge of the member inserted into the receiving member and the top plate  224  to facilitate installation. In this embodiment, the connector  222  receives the upper end of the fixed length member. The connector  222  is moved against the joist  13  and attached to the joist with the fasteners  227 . This movement defines a gap between the upper edge of the fixed length member and the top plate  224 . The fasteners  228  secure the fixed length tube to the receiving member  226 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates other alternate embodiment with an anchor pier  240  having a support tube  242  that connects with the connector  32  to the ground  11  and connects with a connector  244  to one of the support beams  12 . The connector  244  is similar to the connector  214  discussed above but includes a receiver member  246 . The receiver member  246  attaches to one of the flange portions of the connector  213  such as by welding. Alternatively, a bolt extends between the flange portions of the connector  244  and through openings in the receiver member  246 . The receiver member  246  receives an end of the support tube  242 . A fastener  248  secures the support tube  242  to the receiver member  246 . In the illustrated embodiment, a lower end of the support tube  242  defines opposing openings  250 . The openings  250  receive the bolt  142  for securing the support tube to the connector  32 . An alternate embodiment however uses the assembly of the nut  50  and support tube  54 , that couple with the T-member  42  to the connector  32  as discussed above. 
     The operation of the anchor pier for use in supporting manufactured buildings in various embodiments is discussed below. The anchor pier holds the manufactured building for both compression (building mass pushing down on the anchor pier) forces between the building and the ground and in some embodiments also tension forces in which the building tends to lift upwardly. The helical members of the connector (such as connector  32 ) functions as a pier in supporting the manufactured building, and installed below a frost line resists frost heave forces. With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the anchor pier provides compression or downward load support to perimeter portions  16  of manufactured buildings  10 . The anchor pier  14  is driven in to the ground  11  in alignment with the exterior wall  17 . This is accomplished with a power driver or lever for rotating the shaft  30  to drive the tip  34  into the ground with the helical thread member  36 . The nut  50  threads on the leg  46 . The brace tube  54  is aligned vertically with the leg  46  and the open end  52  receives the threaded portion of the leg  42 . The perimeter wall of the brace tube  54  contacts the nut  50 . The brace tube  54  is aligned so that the plate  56  is positioned with the side wall  60  outwardly of the wall  17  of the perimeter portion  16  of the manufactured building. The nut  50  is rotated on the threaded leg  46 . This moves the brace tube  54  vertically towards and into forcing contact with the lower surface of the joist on the exterior wall. The fastener  62  extends through the opening in the side wall  62  and into the end of the joist. The anchor pier  14  then transfers loading from the manufactured building to the ground. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the anchor pier  70  further provides for resisting lateral forces on the manufactured building by use of opposing installed pairs of anchor piers  70  positioned on opposing sides of the manufactured building. The lateral brace  73  connects between the connector  32  and the support beam  12 . In the embodiment using the straps  76 , the strap on the windward side resists lateral loading by wind forces directed against the wall  17 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the opposing braces  94  in the anchor pier  90  resist longitudinal forces on the manufactured building while the anchor pier  90  communicates loading of the manufactured building to the ground. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the anchor pier  110  according to the present invention reduces movement caused by frost heave arising from the freezing and thawing of moisture-laden ground engaged by the shaft  30 . The cap  60  or plate  82  provides additional load resistance and building support to the helical anchor that operates as a pier. The ground heat communicates  120  through and from the ground column  116  and into the proximate thermally isolated ground column  118 . The thermally insulative member  112  received on the shaft  30  caps the ground column and restricts heat communication from the proximate thermally isolated ground column  118  to and through the connector  32  to the atmosphere. The proximate thermally isolated ground column  118  retains ground heat, and the proximate ground thermally isolated column  118  experiences reduced freezing occurrences (compared to nearby portions of the proximate ground between the ground surface and the portion of the ground below the frost line  114 ). As a consequence, the occurrence of frost heave is reduced relative to the proximate thermally isolated ground column  118 , and movement of the anchor pier is thereby reduced. The thermally insulative member  112  provides a high resistance to heat communication (generally referred to in the insulating trade as an R factor) over an anchor installation lacking the member. It is to be appreciated the thermally insulative member  112  may gainfully be used with the anchor piers disclosed herein, including the anchor pier  14 ,  70 , and  90 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the anchor pier  140 , with the helical member  36  engaged in the ground  11 , transfers load between the support beam  12  of the manufactured building  10  to the ground  11 . After drilling the shaft  30  into the ground, the bolt  142  secures the first tube  144  to the connector  32  by extending through the opening in one side wall  40 , through the opposing openings in the end of the tube  144 , and through the opening in the opposing side wall  40 . The tube  144  receives the tube  146 . The tube  146  is raised to position the plate  150  against the floor joist and is secured thereto with the fasteners  152 . The fastener  154  connects the first and second tubes  144 ,  146  together. During use, the connected tubes  144 ,  146  transfer vertical loading forces between the manufactured building and the ground  11 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes the brace  144  having connected tubes  144 ,  146  for vertical loading. The strap  162  installs to the connector  32  with the split bolt  74 . After attaching the opposing end  164  of the strap  162  to the clip  166  attached to the manufactured building, the head of the split bolt  74  is rotated to tighten the strap. Upon tensioning of the strap, the split bolt is secured with a nut to hold the strap  162  in tension. The lateral brace  73  attaches between the connector  32  and a lateral support beam  12  as discussed above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The strap  162  and brace  73  provide additional longitudinal and/or lateral wind and/or seismic load resistance. 
     The anchor pier  170  shown in  FIG. 8A  provides vertical load support for the manufactured building as a pier. The shaft  172  is driven into the ground  11  to embed the helical member  178 , until the plate  174  sits flush on the surface of the ground. The blocks  180  stack as a pier and wood boards  182  or other spacers wedge firmly between the uppermost block in the pier and the support beam  12 . The anchor pier  170  transfers the vertical load of the manufactured building to the ground  11 . 
     The anchor pier  190  shown in  FIG. 8B  similarly supports a pier such as tube members or blocks  180 . The mating member  204  received in the connector  194  also connects to the connector  194  with the bolt  200 . Upon installing the pier (blocks  180  on the plate  202  with the wedge boards  182  against the support beam  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 8A ), the anchor pier  190  transfers vertical loading from the manufactured building to the ground  11 . 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the anchor pier  190 . The sleeve  206  provides additional lateral support to the anchor pier  190  when it is driven into the ground  11 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates in side elevational view an alternate embodiment anchor pier  140   a  of the anchor pier  140  illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the alternate embodiment anchor pier  140   a . In this embodiment, the second tube  146  connects with the bolt  212  extending through the opposed openings and extends through openings defined in the connectors  214  that connect to opposing free flanges of the I-beam  12 . The fastener  216  secures the tubes  144 ,  146  together. The anchor pier  140   a  transfers loading from the manufactured building to the ground. The opposing straps  76  between the connector  32  and the frame clamp  77  resist opposing longitudinal forces. 
     The anchor pier  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  provides load support for both downward loads imposed by the manufactured building  10  to the ground as well as upload forces because the support tube  54  is fastened through the connector  32  to the ground by the helix members  36  and is fastened to the manufactured building through the connector  222 . During installation, the connector  32  is driving into the ground to fix the helix member  36  in the ground. The T-member  42  is attached to the connector  32  through the fastener  44  extending through the tube  45 . The assembly of the nut  50  and support tube  54  threadingly engages the threaded shaft  48  of the leg  46 . The distal end of the support tube  54  inserts into the receiving member  226 . The connector  222  is aligned with the joist  13 . The nut  50  is rotated, and this moves the connector  222  towards the joist  13 . The top plate  224  contacts the lower surface of the joist  13 . The fasteners  227  extending through the openings  225  secures the connector to the joist  13 . The fasteners  228  extending through respective opposed openings  230  rigidly connects the support tube  54  to the connector  222 . 
     After installation, the anchor pier  220  provides support of the manufactured building in response to loading caused by the building and by uplift forces. The anchor pier  220  transfers load between the manufactured building  10  and the ground  11  by the rigid connection of the support tube to the connector  32  and to the manufactured building through the connector  222 . 
     The alternate embodiments of the anchor pier  220  likewise transfers load (downwardly and upwardly) through the rigidly connected telescoping members or the single member of a fixed length. 
     It is to be appreciated that that the anchor pier  220  may also use the additional support provided by the cap  64  or by the plate  82  discussed above. Installations at sites subject to freezing and frost heave gainfully employ the thermally insulative member  112  disposed between the connector  32  and the ground  11  for defining in situ the ground column  116  and the thermally isolated ground column  118  proximate the connector  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , with the helical members  36  disposed at depth below the frost line  114 . 
     The anchor pier  240  illustrated in  FIG. 13  also provides vertical load support from the loading of the manufactured building as well as uplift loading experienced by manufactured buildings. The connector  32  driven into the ground  11  connects with the bolt  142  to the support tube  242 . The upper end of the support tube inserts into and attaches to the receiver member  246  for connecting to the flanges of the support beam  12 . The alternate embodiment uses the assembly of the nut  50  and the support tube  54  to connect through the T-member to the connector  32 . The anchor pier  240  resists vertical loads in supporting the manufactured building  10 . It is to be appreciated that telescoping members or a fixed length member may be gainfully used with the anchor pier  240 . The insulative member  112  can also be used for installations at sites subject to freezing and frost heave. The support cap  64  or plate  82  can be used with the anchor pier  240 . 
     The present invention accordingly provides the anchor pier for supporting perimeter and main support beams of manufactured buildings and cooperatively with the thermally insulative member for defining the proximate thermally isolated ground column to cap communication of ground heat therefrom and thereby resist frost heave occurrences proximate the anchor. While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to illustrated embodiments thereof, it should be understood that many modifications, additions and deletions, in additions to those expressly recited, may be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.