Patent Publication Number: US-7216467-B2

Title: Column to structure attachment device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/248,923 filed on Mar. 3, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,755. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention generally relates to column structural support between a base structure and a beam structural member and more particularly to structural support columns that utilize a tensioned member within the column to add rigidity and strength to the column structural assembly. The present invention of a column to structure attachment device refines this concept to completely position the tensioning member within the column to allow for the column to structure attachment device to be installed as a support between the base structure and the beam structural member without the need for a free column end to properly preload the tensioned member. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   It is well known in the prior art to use a tensioned member either within a column or adjacent to a beam for the purpose of adding strength to either a column or a beam structural member. Typically the tensioned member is designed to add strength in a particular axis or direction of force or as against a particular moment. As most structures have a predictable force or loading placed upon them, the use of a tensioned member can be quite beneficial in adding strength where it is required and allowing for the use of a smaller and less expensive column or beam to accommodate a specified type of loading. However, the use of a tensioned member in conjunction with a structural component such as a column or beam brings in additional considerations, such as there needs to be a method by which the tensioned member is properly stretched or pre loaded in its position being normally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the column or beam. This requires an access area or space around the endpoint of the column or beam to effectuate a tensile force upon the tension member that is typically accomplished by the use of hydraulic equipment, or a mechanical stretching means such as with bolting and threads. 
   Prior art examples would be U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,879 to Rodriguez that discloses a post tensioning anchorage system. Rodriquez utilizes a tension member in the form of a cable that is pulled or pretensioned at the end of the cable and once the proper tension is set the tension member is held in place by the use of a wedge lock arrangement that secures the cable in a pre stressed situation being designed for the situation wherein there is a poured concrete structure that has a free end access for the purpose of prestressing the tension member. Another example would be in U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,874 to McCoy et al. that discloses an apparatus for reinforcing a concrete brick wall wherein the tension in mechanism is positioned on the top edge of the block wall for the purpose of stretching or pre loading the tension member that is within the brick wall. Again, McCoy et al. requires free access to the top edge of the brick wall to properly set the tension required for the tension member within the brick wall. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,549,428 to Barrick discloses a cantilevered support column structure in the form of a lamp standard utilizes a tension member within the column, however, again requiring an end access to the column for the purpose of prestressing the tension member. Barrick also states in the disclosure that the use of the tie rod tension members is optional for achieving the required strength, thus Barrick does not view the use of the tension member as mandatory in the lamp standard design which would not really be considered a structural component in any case. In another type of application U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,086 to MacKay discloses a cast-in-place sleeve insert for forming an aperture through a poured concrete wall, although the tension member is used for different purpose, which is to secure the end cap plates onto the sleeve ends for the prevention of poured concrete migrating within the sleeve. However, there is still the same requirement of having to have access to an open end of the sleeve to properly stretch the tension member for the purpose of drawing the end cap plates securely against the sleeve for a concrete tight seal and to secure the sleeve against the concrete form wall. Alternatively, there are special use devices in the prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,749 to Conner that disclose the use of a tension member on a conventional structural steel I beam or girder, wherein a portion of the beam axial length is prestressed with the tension member such that the tension member can be stretched inside of the beam ends, however, Conner does not apply to the use of the perpendicular mounting attachment of the beam to another structural member as Conner merely pre induces a moment in the beam to counteract the loads placed on the beam when is incorporated into a structure 
   What is needed is a column to structure attachment device that utilizes the well recognized benefits of using prestressed tension members in conjunction with columns and beams in a structural context that add strength and rigidity to the column and beam without increasing the size, expense, or weight of the column or beam structural component. The aforementioned prior art typically focuses upon utilizing the benefits of a pre stressed attention member for a segment or portion of the column or beam and do not utilize the benefit of using a pre stressed tension member for not only the column or beam member but also the end cap portion that effectuates the perpendicular attachment interface between the column or beam and an adjoining structural component. The present invention fulfills this need by providing a column structural support between a base structure and a beam structural member and more particularly to structural support columns that utilize a tensioned member within the column to add rigidity to the column structure that includes the end cap portions. The present invention of a column to structure attachment device refines this concept to completely position the tensioning member within the column to allow for the column to structure attachment device to be installed as a support between the base structure and the beam structural member without the need for a free column end to properly preload the tensioned member thus making installation much simpler. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a column to structure attachment device that secures a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to create a compressive preload along a longitudinal axis of the support column between a first and a second end adapter and to maintain the compressive preload under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a strong yet lightweight column to structure attachment device that is relatively easy to assemble. 
   It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a method of installing the column to structure attachment device to secure a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. 
   It further yet another object of the present invention to substantially evenly distribute on the column the external loading from the conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member. 
   A column to structure attachment device and method is disclosed for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. Broadly, the present invention includes a structural column element that includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, the column also includes a void parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the void forms a communication therethrough between the first end of the column and the second end of the column. The present invention also includes a first end adapter element that engages the column first end; the first end adapter element includes a first end adapter element portion that is within the void and a first end adapter element extension portion that projects beyond the column first end in an axis perpendicular to the column longitudinal axis. Also included is a second end adapter element that engages the column second end, the second end adapter element includes a second end adapter element portion that is within the void and a second end adapter element extension portion that projects beyond the column second end in an axis perpendicular to the column longitudinal axis. Finally, included is a means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column between the first end adapter element portion and the second end second adapter element portion, the means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading is positioned within the void and is operational to maintain the column compressive loading under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which; 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view from the first side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly; 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view from the first side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device with a column break out section showing a portion of the means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading; 
       FIG. 3  shows a side cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly; 
       FIG. 4  shows an expanded side cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly, in particular the interface between the column end, the second end adapter element, and the means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading; 
       FIG. 5  shows an expanded side cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly, in particular the interface between the column end, the second end adapter element, and the means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading with the beam structural member in place; 
       FIG. 6  shows a side cross section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly with the base structure and the beam structural member shown in place; and 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view from the first side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of a column to structure attachment device assembly with the base structure and the beam structural member shown in place. 
   

   REFERENCE NUMBER IN DRAWINGS 
   
       
         20  Column to Structure Attachment Device Assembly 
         22  Structural Column 
         24  First end adapter element 
         25  First end adapter element thickness 
         26  Second end adapter element 
         27  Second end adapter element thickness 
         28  Means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading 
         30  Structural column first end 
         32  Structural column second end 
         34  Structural column longitudinal axis 
         36  Structural column void 
         38  First end adapter element portion in void 
         40  Second end adapter element portion in void 
         42  First end adapter element extension 
         44  Second end adapter element extension 
         46  First end adapter element aperture 
         48  Second end adapter element aperture 
         49  Flexible tension member retention element 
         50  Flexible tension member 
         51  Tension device 
         52  Eyebolt 
         54  Washer 
         56  Nut 
         57  First end adapter element smooth plane surface 
         58  Beam structural member 
         59  Second end adapter element smooth plane surface 
         60  Lag bolt 
         62  Beam bolt assembly 
         64  Base structure anchor bolt assembly 
         66  Base structure wedge anchor bolt assembly 
         68  Base structure 
         69  Distance between base structure and beam structural member 
         70  Lift force 
         72  Sway force 
         74  Dead load 
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A column to structure attachment device and method is disclosed for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. Broadly, the present invention includes a structural column element that includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, the column also includes a void parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the void forms a communication therethrough between the first end of the column and the second end of the column. The present invention also includes a first end adapter element that engages the column first end; the first end adapter element also includes a first end adapter element portion that is within the void and a first end adapter element extension portion that projects beyond the column first end in an axis perpendicular to the column longitudinal axis. Also included is a second end adapter element that engages the column second end, the second end adapter element includes a second end adapter element portion that is within the void and a second end adapter element extension portion that projects beyond the column second end in an axis perpendicular to the column longitudinal axis. Finally, included is a means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column between the first end adapter element portion and the second end second adapter element portion, the means for maintaining symmetric compressive loading is positioned within the void and is operational to maintain the column compressive loading under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member. 
   With initial reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the present invention of the column to structure attachment device  20  for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member is shown. Starting with a structural column element  22  that includes a structural column first end  30  and a structural column second end  32  with a longitudinal axis  34  extending between the first end  30  and the second end  32 . The column  22  also includes a void  36  that is parallel to the longitudinal axis  34  such that the void  36  forms a communication therethrough between the column first end  30  and column second end  32 . Also included is a first end adapter element  24  that engages the column first end  30 , the first end adapter element  24  includes a first end adapter element portion  38  that is within the void  36  and a first end adapter element extension portion  42  that projects beyond the column first end  30  in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  34 . The column to structure attachment device  20  also includes a second end adapter element  26  that engages the column second end  32 , the second end adapter element  26  includes a second end adapter element portion  40  that is within the void  36  and a second end adapter element extension portion  44  that projects beyond the column second end  32  in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  34 . Finally, the column to structure attachment device  20  includes a means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element portion  38  and the second end second adapter element portion  40 . The means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading is positioned within the void  36  and is operational to maintain the compressive loading under all of the anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device  20  through the base structure and the beam structural member. 
   The materials of construction for the column  22  is preferably fiberglass, however, composite plastics, or reinforced plastics are acceptable materials as long as the strength requirements are met based upon all of the anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device  20  through the base structure and the beam structural member. Alternatively, the column  22  could be constructed of structural steel or carbon steel, another alternative could also be formed concrete, again any of the alternative materials would be acceptable as long as the aforementioned strength requirements are met for all of the alternative materials listed. The configuration for the column  22  is preferably round in cross-section; however any number of other crossectional shapes would be acceptable such as square, rectangular, elliptical, combining to semicircular sections with straight sections in between semicircular sections, or any other crossectional configurations that would meet the requirements for strength as previously mentioned would also be acceptable. The typical, as supplied length of the column  22  is twelve (12) feet, however, a column  22  length longer or shorter could be supplied as required. Moving on to the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter  26  element the preferred materials of construction are structural steel or carbon steel, however, fiberglass, composite plastics, or a reinforced plastic material would be acceptable as long as the strength requirements are met based upon all of the anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device  20  through the base structure and the beam structural member. The first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter  26  element when constructed of the preferred materials of construction which are structural steel or carbon steel, both the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter  26  are preferably, three-thirty seconds ( 3/32″) of an inch thick each or what is commonly known in the art as twelve (12) gage. 
   Returning to the first end adapter element  24 , and more particularly the first end adapter element portion  38  which is configured as a concave depression as viewed from the non column  22  side, the first end adapter element portion  38  is operational to provide a flat plane surface  57  to secure the first end adapter element  24  and more particularly the first end adapter element extension portion  42  to the base structure  68  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Focusing upon the first end adapter element extension portion  42  that has an aperture  46  for a fastener which is preferably a wedge bolt  66  that is typically supplied as a one-half (½) inch in diameter in size, being to secure the first end adapter element extension portion  42  and hence the first end adapter element  24  and column  22  to the base structure  68 . Wherein other sizes could be used as needed for strength as described in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, an anchor bolt  64  that is adequate for strength could be used to secure the first end adapter element extension portion  42  and hence the first end adapter element  24  and column  22  to the base structure  68 . This is one of the principal advantages of the present invention of the column to structure attachment device  20  is that it can be installed as a “slide in” into an existing structure, such as between the base structure  68  and beam structural member  58  without the need for access to either end of the column to structure attachment device  20  for completion of the assembly of the column  22 , the first end adapter  24 , the second end adapter  26 , and the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  once it is installed into the existing structure. Moving next to the second end adapter element  26 , and more particularly the second end adapter element portion  40  which is configured as a concave depression as viewed from the non column  22  side, the second end adapter element portion  40  is operational to provide a flat plane surface  59  to secure the second end adapter element  26  and more particularly the second end adapter element extension portion  44  to the beam structural member  58  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Again, focusing upon the second end adapter element extension portion  44  that has an aperture  48  for a fastener which is preferably a lag bolt  60  with a typical size being one-quarter (¼) inch in diameter by four (4) inches long, with other sizes being acceptable for the anticipated loads on the column to structure attachment device  20  as further defined in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, a beam bolt assembly  62  could be used to secure the second end adapter element extension portion  44  and hence the second end adapter element  26  and column  22  to the beam structural member  58 . This again is one of the principal advantages of the present invention of the column to structure attachment device  20  is that it can be installed as a “slide in” into an existing structure, such as between the base structure  68  beam structural member  58  as shown in  FIG. 6 , without the need for access to the end of the column to structure attachment device  20  for assembling the column  22 , the first end adapter  24 , the second end adapter  26 , and the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  when mounted into the existing structure. 
   The means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element portion  38  and the second end second adapter element portion  40  is constructed of three basic elements, being a flexible tension member  50 , a flexible tension member retention element  49 , and a tension device  51  for creating tension in the flexible tension member  50  to maintain the compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element  24  or more specifically the first end adapter element portion  38  and the second end adapter element  26  or more specifically the second end second adapter element portion  40 . The first element of a flexible tension member  50  that is preferably constructed of a multilink chain that is positioned within the column void  36  and is normally supplied in a length of twelve (12) feet, with longer or shorter lengths of multilink chain being acceptable as required. Also, the multilink chain is normally supplied in a three-eights (⅜) of an inch in link diameter in size, with other sizes being used as required for maintaining the symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  that the external loading conditions would require. As an alternative, the flexible tension member  50  could be constructed of a rod with a threaded end, a cable, or a roller chain. The materials of construction for the flexible tension member  50  would normally be a carbon steel that has a corrosion resistant outer coating. The major function of the flexible tension member  50  is to withstand the tensile load it experiences in placing the column  22  under a compressive load between the first end adapter element portion  38  and the second end second adapter element portion  40 , thus tensile strength with an appropriate safety factor are the design criteria for the flexible tension member  50  whichever configuration or material the flexible tension member  50  is constructed of. The amount of tension placed upon the flexible tension member  50  is determined by the second and third elements of the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  that are subsequently described. The second element of the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  is a flexible tension member retention element  49  which normally secures the flexible tension member  50  to the first end adapter element  24  and more specifically the first end adapter element portion  38  that is positioned within the column void  36 . Preferably, the flexible tension member retention element  49  is accomplished by use of a bolt  52  and a nut  56  assembly and optionally adding a washer  54  that is positioned between the nut  56  and the first end adapter element portion  38 . However, the flexible tension member retention element  49  can be accomplished by a number of alternative means, including a permanent type of attachment such as welding, or a slot, or a dovetail type of attachment, or any other suitable attachment that would have the required strength for the compressive tensile loading as previously described. Additionally, the flexible tension member retention element  49  which preferably includes the eye bolt  52  and the nut  56  and also optionally a washer  54 , the flexible tension member retention element  49  can be truncated as shown in  FIG. 6  to have the flexible tension member retention element  49  be positioned within the first end adapter element portion  38  which is within the column void  36 . The purpose of this is to eliminate the protrusion of the flexible tension member retention element  49  for maintaining the compressive loading attachment being the flexible tension member  50  attachment to the fist end adapter element portion  38  to have a smooth plane surface  57  for the first end adapter  24  to be set against the base structure  68 . The third element of the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  is a tension device  51  for creating tension in the flexible tension member  50  to maintain the compressive loading in the column  22 . Preferably, the tension device  51  is accomplished by the use of a nut  56  that is utilized in conjunction with an eyebolt  52  and optionally a washer  54  to control the amount of prestress in the flexible tension member  50  by controlling the amount of torque placed upon the nut  56 . The typical size of the nut  56  that is utilized in conjunction with an eyebolt  52  and optionally a washer  54  is one-half (½) inch in diameter by four (4) inches in length, although other sizes would be acceptable as required for strength. Alternatively, when a rod is used for the flexible tension member  50 , the nut  56  and optionally the washer  54  are used for the tension device  51 . This amount of torque in foot pounds is determined by what is required by conventional engineering calculations for the amount of tensile prestress force desired on the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading or more particularly on the flexible tension member  50 , based upon the forces acting upon the column to structure attachment device assembly  20 , being the combination of the lift force  70 , the sway force  72 , and the dead load  74 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , and more fully described in the method of use. However, in returning to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the important thing to focus on is the resultant tensile prestress force placed upon the flexible tension member  50 , thus if another method were used that did not include the aforementioned eyebolt  52  and nut  56 , such as in the case of using a cable for the flexible tension member  50 , there would need to be a way to measure the correct prestress tensile force placed on the cable before it is secured in place against the second end adapter element  26  or more particularly the second end adapter element portion  40 . The conversion of the nut  56  tightening torque to a prestress tensile force is well known in the art which would be used for the purpose of effectuating a desired amount of tensile prestress force placed upon the flexible tension member  50  from a given torque value. 
   In looking at  FIGS. 5 and 6  the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading and more particularly the tension device  51  which includes the eye bolt  52  and the nut  56  and also optionally a washer  54 , the tension device  51  can be truncated as shown to have the tension device  51  be positioned within the second end adapter element portion  40  which is within the column void  36 . The purpose of this is to eliminate the protrusion of the tension device  51  for maintaining the compressive loading attachment being specifically the flexible tension member  50  to the second end adapter element portion  40  so the second end adapter  26  will have a smooth plane surface  59  for the second end adapter  26  to be set against the beam structural member  58 . Returning to the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading on the second end adapter element  26  to create an axial compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26  the amount of tensile prestress tension which is the axial compressive loading on the column  22  is determined by the anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device  20  through the base structure  68  and the beam structural member  58 . The purpose here is to create tensile prestress in the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading to effectively clamp the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26  in an axial manner against the respective column  22  first end  30  and second end  32  to a level higher than the column to structure attachment device  20  would experience from anticipated loading in the structure that is supported. This is similar to what is known in the art as pre loading a fastener to preclude failure during actual use load conditions. This would include three basic types of loads, the first of which what is termed the dead load  74  being the axial compressive load from the weight of the structure supported by the column to structure attachment device  20 , the second load type which would be in a direction opposite of the dead load being an uplift load  70  that is typically from hurricane or high wind loads that the structure would impose upon the column to structure attachment device  20 , and the third load would-be oriented perpendicularly to the aforementioned dead load  74  and uplift load  70 , which is termed the sway force or load  72  which also typically from hurricane or high wind loads. Seismic loads can also be a consideration depending upon the location of the structure for adding to the three aforementioned loads. Because of these three loads the amount of prestress in the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is important with the amount of prestress being set as follows. Note that these three anticipated loads on the column to structure attachment device  20  being the dead load  74 , the uplift load  70 , and the sway force or load  72  can all act in combination to produce a composite loading on the column to structure attachment device  20  that would determine the amount of the tensile prestress that is created by the tension device  51  by the known combination or multiple load calculations methods in the structural arts. Thus, in general the tensile prestress that is created by the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading upon the column to structure attachment device  20  is greater by an accepted safety factor margin than the combined external loads of the dead load  74 , the uplift load  70 , and the sway force or load  72  so that the column to structure attachment device  20  will not structurally fail under the anticipated load conditions imposed by the aforementioned combined external loads. 
   Method of Use 
   A method of use is disclosed and shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  6 , and  7  for installing an exemplary embodiment of the column to structure attachment device  20  for the purpose of securing a support column between a base structure  68  and a beam structural member  58 . As a first step to provide the column to structure attachment device  20  which broadly includes a structural support column  22  that has a first end  30  and a second end  32  with an axial length therebetween, the column  22  also includes a void  36  that communicates between the column first end  30  and the column second end  32  therethrough. Also included is a first end adapter element  24  that has a first end adapter element thickness  25  that adds to the column total axial length, in addition a second end adapter element  26  is provided with a second end adapter element thickness  27  that again adds to the total column axial length. Subsequently, provided is a means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26 . 
   As a first functional step for installing the column to structure attachment device  20  the column  22  needs to be truncated to an axial length resulting in a dimension that is equal to the distance  69  between the base and the beam structural member less the first end adapter element thickness  25  and less the second end adapter element thickness  27 . This truncation of the column  22  can be accomplished a number of different ways principally depending upon the material of construction for the column  22 . Preferably, if the column  22  is constructed of fiberglass or other similar material the column  22  can be cut to its desired axial length in other words truncating the length of the column  22  by use of a basic saw, other materials such as structural steel or carbon steel may dictate the use of a conventional metal cutting torch, a pipe type cutter, or any other applicable method that would be appropriate to cut the column  22  to the desired axial length. It is important to note that whatever method is used to cut the column  22  to the desired length that the finished cut surface be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  34  of the column  22  itself and that the cut surface be smooth and flat. A next step is to attach the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading to the first end adapter element  24 , in the exemplary embodiment of the column to structure attachment device  20  this can be accomplished by use of the bolt  52  and nut  56  assembly and optionally adding the washer  54 . However, any number of means can used for this attachment, including a permanent type attachment such as welding or slot or dovetail type of attachment or any other suitable attachment that would have the required strength for the compressive tensile loading. Note that a further step of positioning the first end adapter element portion  38  being the concave portion  38  is to be positioned to be within the column  22  void  36  meaning that the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is to extend from the convex side  38  of the first end adapter element  24 . Returning to the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading and more particularly to the eye bolt  52  and the nut  56  a further step can be added that includes truncating the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading attachment to the first end adapter  24  to be within the void  36 . The purpose of this is to eliminate the protrusion of the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading attachment to the first end adapter  24  to have a smooth plane surface  57  for the first end adapter  24  to be set against the base structural  68 . 
   Subsequently a further step is completed of feeding the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading through the column  22  void  36  from the column first end  30  to the column second end  32  therethrough, preferably the flexible tension member portion  50  of the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is a multilink chain. At this point the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading through the column  22  is extended through the column void  36  and extending beyond the column second end  32 . Once this is done and further step is to engage the first end adapter element  24  onto the column first end  30  again noting that the first end adapter element portion  38  being the concave portion  38  is to be positioned to be within the column  22  void  36  meaning that the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is to extend from the convex side  38  of the first end adapter element  24  residing within the column  22  void  36 . Moving to the column  22  second end  32  where the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is extended from the column  22  second end  32 , the second end adapter element  26  is attached to the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading. The positioning of the second end adapter element  26  in relation to both the second end  32  and the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is such that the concave portion  40  is to be positioned to be engaged within the column  22  void  36  on the column  22  second end  32 . At this point both the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26  are respectively positioned on the column  22  first end  30  and the column  22  second end  32 . 
   The next step is to secure the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading on the second end adapter element  26  to create an axial compressive loading on the column  22  between the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26 . The purpose here is to create tensile prestress in the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading to effectively clamp the first end adapter element  24  and the second end adapter element  26  in an axial manner against the respective column  22  first end  30  and second end  32  to a level higher than the column to structure attachment device  20  would experience from anticipated loading in the structure that is supported. This would include three basic types of loads, the first of which what is termed the dead load  74  being the axial compressive load or weight from the structure supported by the column to structure attachment device  20 , the second load type which would be in a direction opposite of the dead load being an uplift load  70  typically from wind or hurricane conditions that the structure would impose upon the column to structure attachment device  20 , and the third load would-be oriented perpendicularly to the aforementioned first and second loading types which is termed the sway force or load  72 , also from wind. Because of these three loads the amount of prestress in the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading is important with the amount of prestress being set as follows. In the exemplary embodiment of the column to structure attachment device  20  a nut  56  is utilized in conjunction with the eyebolt  52  to control the amount of prestress in the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading by controlling the amount of torque placed upon the nut  56  on the second end adapter element  26 . This amount of torque in foot pounds is determined by what is required by conventional engineering calculations for the amount of tensile prestress force desired on the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading or more particularly on the flexible tension member  50 , based upon the forces acting upon the column to structure attachment device assembly  20 , being the combination of the lift force  70 , the sway force  72 , and the dead load  74 . However, the important thing to focus on is the resultant prestress force placed upon the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading, thus if another method used that did not include the aforementioned eyebolt  52  and nut  56 , such as in the case of using a cable that there would need to be a way to measure the correct prestress force placed on the cable before it is secured in place against the second end adapter element  26 . The conversion of the nut  56  tightening torque to a prestress force is well known in the art which would be used for the purpose of effectuating a desired amount of tensile prestress force placed upon the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading from a given torque value. Returning to the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading and more particularly to the eye bolt  52  and the nut  56  a further step can be added that includes truncating the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading attachment to the second end adapter  26  to be within the void  36 . The purpose of this is to eliminate the protrusion of the means  28  for maintaining compressive loading attachment to the second end adapter  26  to have a smooth plane surface  59  for the second end adapter  26  to be set against the beam structural member  58 . 
   Continuing on to a further step the column to structure attachment device  20  is then set or positioned such that the column to structure attachment device  20  that includes the column  22 , the first end adapter  24 , the second end adapter  26 , and the means  28  for maintaining symmetric compressive loading is placed or slide in between the base structure  68  and the beam structural member  58 . One of the principal benefits of the column to structure attachment device  20  is that the device  20  can be placed between the base structure  68  and the beam structural member  58  without the need for any clearance required on either end of the device  20 . This means that the base structure  68  and the beam structural member  58  can be in their permanent position without having to be moved with the device  20  being permanently installed. The next steps are to attach the first end adapter  24  to the base structure  68  and to attach the second end adapter  26  to the beam structural member  58 . These two attachments can be accomplished by a number of methods, preferably the use of either expansion bolts  66  or anchor bolts  64  are used for attaching the first end adapter  24  through an aperture  46  that is in the first end element adapter extension  42  to the base structure  68 , and for attaching the second end adapter  26  through an aperture  48  that is in the second end element adapter extension  44  to the beam structural member  58  is desirably accomplished by the use of lag bolts  60  or a conventional bolt assembly  62 . However, any acceptable method for at the aforementioned attachments would be acceptable as long as the loading requirements were met that are imposed upon the structure. 
   CONCLUSION 
   Accordingly, the present invention of a column to structure attachment device has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications the changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.