Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,897 filed on Mar. 7, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/494,690 filed on Aug. 12, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/526,839 filed on Dec. 4, 2003. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The subject invention relates to a piling assembly for a building. More specifically, the subject invention relates to a hinged piling assembly for a building. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Typically, post-frame construction of buildings employs setting a series of pilings, usually made of wood, into the earth to define the perimeter of the building. Once the perimeter is set with the pilings, the building is framed in an upright position by connecting wall girts to the adjacent pilings. A disadvantage of using wood piling is that they can break down in the earth over time and, in the case of chemically treated wood, the pilings can release chemicals into the ground. To overcome this particular problem, it is known in the art to use a two-piece piling assembly having an upper and a lower piling where the lower piling is reinforced concrete. Once the lower piling is set into the ground, the upper piling is attached to the upper piling and framing of the building commences. 
   To facilitate this type of construction, the upper and lower pilings can be connected at a hinge. The building walls are framed on the ground using the upper pilings. Following construction of the frame, each wall is rotated upward about the hinged connection and pinned for retention. 
   An example of this type of construction can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,146 to Parry (the &#39;146 patent). A lower hinge plate is connected to the top of the lower piling by fasteners. The hinge plate is a generally flat plate having a pair of opposing walls that extend vertically from edges of the hinge plate. A pair of opposing grooves are defined in front edges of the opposing walls, at the plate. Similarly, a pair of opposing holes are defined near the rear edges of the opposing walls. A shoe is attached to a lower end of the upper piling by fasteners. The shoe has a flat bottom and three walls that extend vertically from edges of the bottom. Two of the walls are opposing with the third wall extending between the rear edges. A pair of opposing pins extend from the lower front edge of the opposing walls, at the bottom. Similarly, a pair of opposing holes are defined in the opposing walls near the rear of the walls, spaced from the bottom. 
   The lower end of the lower piling is set in the ground, leaving the upper end of the piling exposed. On the ground, frames, made up of columns with rafters or beams, are connected together at a gable. The shoes are attached to the lower ends of the columns. Each frame is positioned such that the pins of the shoe are slid into the corresponding grooves on the lower hinge plate. Using a cable assembly, the frame is pulled into an upright position, rotating about the pins. This brings the holes on the shoe into alignment with the holes on the lower hinge plate. The frame is retained in an upright position by inserting pins through the holes. 
   This type of construction increases the amount of work that can be performed at ground level and could conceivably allow a single individual to hoist the frame into an upright position. However, it would still require more than one person to align the pins of the frame to the hinge plates of the lower pilings that are pre-set into the ground. The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention provides a piling assembly  100  for a building with a lower piling  112  having a first and a second end  114 ,  116  and a first longitudinal axis  118  extending therethrough. A lower hinge  124  extends from the first end  114  and defines at least one lower first hole  126  on a first axis  128  spaced from the end  114 . An upper piling  130  has a column  132  and a second longitudinal axis  134  extending therethrough. An upper hinge  136  extends from the column  132  and defines at least one upper first hole  138  on the first axis  128 . A first pin  144  extends through the upper and lower first holes  126 ,  138  on the first axis  128  for engaging and supporting the hinges  136 ,  124  when the longitudinal axes  118 ,  134  are aligned. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view of a piling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1B  is an perspective view of an unassembled piling assembly with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete; 
       FIG. 2  is perspective view of the assembled piling assembly with various framing pieces attached to the upper and lower pilings and with the upper piling in a downward tilted position; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the assembled piling assembly with various framing pieces attached to the upper and lower pilings and with the upper piling in an upright and locked position; 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a second alternative piling assembly; 
       FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a second alternative piling assembly with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete; 
       FIG. 4C  is a sectional side view of the hinged and pinned connection between the upper and lower hinges for a second alternative piling assembly; 
       FIG. 4D  is a sectional side view of the upper piling for a second alternative piling assembly; 
       FIG. 4E  is a sectional side view of the lower piling for a second alternative piling assembly; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first end of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second end of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a hinge for a third alternative of an upper piling; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a third alternative of a piling assembly with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a third alternative of a piling assembly with the upper and lower piling in the upright and locked positions; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a fourth alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fourth alternative of a lower piling with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete; 
       FIG. 14  is a exploded view of the adjustable hinge of a lower reinforcing cage encased in concrete for a fourth alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an assembled adjustable hinge for a fourth alternative of a lower piling; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a hinge for a fourth alternative of an upper piling; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a fourth alternative of a piling assembly with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a fourth alternative of a piling assembly with the upper and lower piling in the upright and locked positions; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a first end of a reinforcing cage for a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a second end of a reinforcing cage for a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a push rod assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly; 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an assembled lower reinforcing cage encased in concrete for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly; 
       FIG. 24  is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the column in the lowered position; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole; 
       FIG. 26  is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position; 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position and concrete poured to set the height; 
       FIG. 28  is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position and concrete poured to set the height; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a lower piling assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly set into the ground in the raised position with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin; and 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a lower piling assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly set into the ground in the raised position with the upper and lower pilings in the upright and locked positions 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a piling assembly for a building is shown generally at  100 . The piling assembly  100  comprises a lower piling  112  hingedly connected to an upper piling  130 . The lower piling has a first and a second end  114 ,  116  with a first longitudinal axis  118  extending therethrough. The upper piling  130  has a column  132  with a second longitudinal axis  134  extending therethrough. 
   A reinforcing cage  120  extends between the ends  114 ,  116  and concrete  122  encases the cage  120 . Many types of reinforcing cages  120  are known in the area of pilings. One type of reinforcing cage  120  is shown in  FIG. 1A . Here, a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing rods  123  defines the perimeter of the reinforcing cage  120 . A plurality of reinforcing hoops  121 , formed from wire or rods, are rigidly connected to the vertically extending reinforcing rods  123  at the inside of the perimeter of the reinforcing cage  120  to provide additional reinforcement. The rods  123  are rigidly connected to a plurality of horizontally placed rods  125  to form a footing  127 . In one aspect of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 1B , the lower piling  112  is pre-cast off-site and transported to the job site. A plurality of thru-holes  133  can be pre-cast into the concrete  122  to attach various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling  112 . Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling  112 . Following excavation of the hole, the second end  116 , and a portion of the lower piling  112 , is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material. 
   To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling  130 , a lower hinge  124  extends from the first end  114  and defines at least one lower first hole  126  on a first axis  128  that is spaced from the first end  114 . The upper piling  130  has a column  132  and a second longitudinal axis  134  extending therethrough. Typically, the column  132  is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge  136  extends from the column  132  and defines at least one upper first hole  138  on the first axis  128 . The lower hinge  124  also defines a lower second hole  148 , on a second axis  150  which is spaced transversely across the lower piling  112  from the lower first hole  126  and spaced from the first end  114 . The upper hinge  136  also defines an upper second hole  152 , on the second axis  150 , which is spaced transversely across the upper piling  130  from the upper first hole  138 . 
   In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges  136 ,  124  are partially interleaved, as shown in  FIG. 2 , such that only a first pin  144  connects the upper hinge  136  to the lower hinge  124 , along the first axis  128 , and the second longitudinal axis  134 , for the upper piling  130 , is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis  118 , for the lower piling  112 . As a result, the columns  132  for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns  132  to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings  130  that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin  144  on the first axis  128 . Then, the upper pilings  130  are hoisted upward, about the first axis  128 , until the upper and lower hinges  136 ,  124  are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes  150 , for the upper and lower second holes  152 ,  148 , are aligned. When the hinges  136 ,  124  are completely interleaved, the first pin  144  is extending through the upper and lower first holes  126 ,  138 , on the first axis  128 , to engage and support the hinges  136 ,  124 . Likewise, a second pin  154  is extending through the upper and lower second holes  152 ,  148 , on the second axis  150 , to engage and support the hinges  136 ,  124  when the longitudinal axes  118 ,  134  are aligned, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   Each of the upper and lower hinges  136 ,  124  include a first plurality of hinge knuckles  146 , disposed about the first pin  144 , where the knuckles  146  of the upper hinge  136  are interleaved with the knuckles  146  of the lower hinge  124 . The knuckles  146  hold the first pin  144  in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings  130 ,  112  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  130 ,  112  through the first pin  144 . These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges  136 ,  124  include a second plurality of locking knuckles  156  that are disposed about the second pin  154  with the locking knuckles  156  of the upper hinge  136  interleaved with the locking knuckles  156  of the lower hinge  124 . The locking knuckles  156  hold the second pin  154  in spaced relationship to the pilings  130 ,  112  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  130 ,  112  totally through the first and second pins  144 ,  154 . Therefore, the pins  144 ,  154  support the entire load provided by the upper pilings  130 , wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. 
   Each of the hinges  136 ,  124  includes a plurality of plates  158  that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap  169  is defined between each of the plates  158  to facilitate the upper hinge  136  interleaving with the lower hinge  124 . The first hole  126  or  138  is defined through each of the plates  158 , along the first axis  128 . The second hole  148  or  152  is also defined through each of the plates  158 , along the second axis  150 , and spaced transversely across each of the plates  158  from the first hole  126  or  138  respectively. Furthermore, the plates  158  define a bottom edge  162  and end edges  164 . 
   The lower hinge  124  is attached to the lower piling  112  at the bottom edge  162  and the holes  126 ,  148  are in spaced relationship from the lower piling  112 . The upper hinge  136  includes a bottom  166  and a pair of opposing walls  168  that extend upward from the bottom  166 , along the column  132 . The bottom edge  162  of each of the plates  158  are attached to the bottom  166  of the upper hinge  136  and the end edges  164  of each of the plates  158  are attached to the opposing walls  168 . Furthermore, the bottom  166  and the opposing walls  168  define a plurality of grooves  170  that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom  166  and into a portion of the walls  168 , between each of the plates  158 . The grooves  170  allow the hinge plates  158  of the lower hinge  124  to interleave with the plates  158  of the upper hinge  136 . 
   Another embodiment of the piling assembly  200 , shown in  FIGS. 4A-E , comprises a lower piling  212  hingedly connected to an upper piling  230 . The lower piling  212  has a first and a second end  214 ,  216  and a first longitudinal axis  218  extending therethrough. The upper piling  230  has a column  232  and a second longitudinal axis  234  extending therethrough. 
   A reinforcing cage  220 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , extends between the ends  214 ,  216  and concrete  222  encases the cage  220 . This embodiment of the lower piling  212  discloses another type of reinforcing cage that can be pre-cast off-site. The reinforcing cage  220  has four vertically extending rods  223  that define an outer perimeter of the reinforcing cage  220 . The rods  223  curve outward at the second end  216  and are attached to a hooped rod  225  to define a footing  227 . Corrugated support rods  221  are disposed between each pair of adjacent vertical rods  223  along the outer perimeter of the reinforcing cage  220 , to provide additional reinforcement to the reinforcing cage  220 . A plurality of thru-holes  233 , for attaching various framing pieces F to the lower piling  212 , can also be pre-cast into the lower piling  212 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . 
   To provide an attaching scheme, a lower hinge  224  extends from the first end  214  and defines at least one lower first hole  226  on a first axis  228  that is spaced from the first end  214 . Similarly, the upper piling  230  has an upper hinge  236  that extends from the column  232  and defines at least one upper first hole  238  on the first axis  228 . The lower hinge  224  also defines a lower second hole  248 , on a second axis  250 , and is spaced transversely across the lower piling  212  from the lower first hole  226  and spaced from the first end  214 . Likewise, the upper hinge  236  defines an upper second hole  252 , on the second axis  250 , and is spaced transversely across the upper piling  230  from the upper first hole  238 . 
   In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges  236 ,  224  are partially interleaved such that only a first pin  244  connects the upper hinge  236  to the lower hinge  224 , along the first axis  228 , and the second longitudinal axis  234 , for the upper piling  230 , is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis  218 , for the lower piling  212 . As a result, the columns  232  for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns  232  to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or a partial wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings  230  that form an entire wall, or a partial wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin  244  on the first axis  228 . Then, the upper pilings  230  are hoisted upward, about the first axis  228 , until the upper and lower hinges  236 ,  224  are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes  250 , for the upper and lower second holes  252 ,  248  are aligned. When the hinges  236 ,  224  are completely interleaved, the first pin  244  extends through the upper and lower first holes  236 ,  226  on the first axis  228  to engage and support the hinges  236 ,  224 . Likewise, a second pin  254  extends through the upper and lower second holes  252 ,  248  on the second axis  250  to engage and support the hinges  236 ,  224  when the longitudinal axes  218 ,  234  are aligned, as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
   The hinges  236 ,  224  include a first plurality of hinge knuckles  246  that are disposed about the first pin  244 , where the knuckles  246  of the upper hinge  236  are interleaved with the knuckles  246  of the lower hinge  224 . The knuckles  246  hold the first pin  244  in spaced relationship to the pilings  212 ,  230  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  212 ,  230  through the first pin  244 . These forces include those resulting from the wall girts G, the roof of the building structure, and various other building materials and environmental factors. The hinges  236 ,  224  also include a second plurality of locking knuckles  256  that are disposed about the second pin  254  with the locking knuckles  256  of the upper hinge  236  interleaved with the locking knuckles  256  of the lower hinge  224 . The locking knuckles  256  hold the second pin  254  in spaced relationship to the pilings  230 ,  212  for transmitting forces between the pilings  230 ,  212  through the first and second pins  244 ,  254 . 
   Each of the knuckles  246 ,  256  on each of the hinges  236 ,  224  comprise a plurality of straps  272  that define a pin pocket  274  for encompassing at least a portion of the circumference of one of the pins  244 ,  254  extending therethrough. The pin pocket  274  defines the first hole  238 ,  226  in one of the knuckles  246  along the first axis  228 . The pin pocket also defines the second hole  252 ,  248  in another one of the locking knuckles  256  along the second axis  250  which is spaced transversely across one of the hinges  236 ,  224  from the first hole  238 ,  226 . Grooves  270  are defined between each of the straps  272  of one hinge  236 ,  224  for interleaving of the upper and lower hinges  236 ,  224 . 
   Additionally, the upper hinge  236  includes a bottom  266  and a pair of opposing walls  268  that extend from the bottom  266  and across the upper pilings  230 . The first and locking knuckles  246 ,  256  are disposed between the walls  268  and the bottom  266 . In the upper piling  230 , the knuckles  246 ,  256  are disposed in spaced relationship on the upper hinges  236  across the upper piling  230  and are also in spaced relationship to the column  232 . Similarly, the lower hinge  224  is attached to the lower piling  212  at the walls  268 . The lower holes  226 ,  248  are in spaced relationship to the first end  214  of the lower piling  212 . 
   In yet another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5-11 , the piling assembly  300  comprises a height-adjustable lower piling  312  hingedly connected to an upper piling  330 . The lower piling has a first and a second end  314 ,  316  with a first longitudinal axis  318  extending therethrough. The upper piling  330  has a column  332  with a second longitudinal axis  334  extending therethrough. 
   Another type of reinforcing cage  320  is shown in  FIG. 6 . Here, the reinforcing cage  320  is pre-cast in concrete  322 . Within the reinforcing cage  320  are a plurality of two-piece vertical reinforcing rods  323 , attached to a plurality of horizontally placed rods  325  that form a footing (not shown). Each of the two-piece vertical reinforcing rods  323  are comprised of a lower vertical reinforcing tube  329 , which is internally threaded and integral to the reinforcing cage  320 , and an upper vertical reinforcing rod  331 , which has a lower threaded end for threaded engagement of the lower tube  329 . To provide additional support to the reinforcing cage  320 , a plurality of vertically fixed reinforcing rods  319  and a plurality of vertically spaced hoops  321  form a square perimeter. The lower piling  312  is pre-cast about the reinforcing cage  320  with vertical holes (not shown) that extend from the first end  314  to the lower vertical reinforcing tube  329 . On the job site, a portion of the lower piling  312  can be cut off to a preferred height. This allows flexibility to level the lower pilings  312  once they are inserted into the ground, prior to connection to the upper pilings  330 . After the pilings  312  are trimmed to the desired height at the job site, upper vertical reinforcing rods  331  are inserted through holes  313  in a lower hinge  324 , into the vertical holes and then threaded into the lower vertical reinforcing tubes  329 . Additionally, a plurality of thru-holes  333  can be pre-cast into the concrete  322  to facilitate attachment of various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling  312 . Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling  312 . Following excavation of the hole, the second end  316 , and a portion of the concrete  322 , is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material. 
   To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling  330 , the lower hinge  324  extends from the first end  314  and defines at least one lower first hole  326  on a first axis  328  that is spaced from the first end  314 . The upper piling  330  has a column  332  and a second longitudinal axis  334  extending therethrough. Typically, the column  332  is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge  336  extends from the column  332  and defines at least one upper first hole  338  on the first axis  328 . The lower hinge  324  also defines a lower second hole  348 , on a second axis  350  which is spaced transversely across the lower piling  312  from the lower first hole  326  and spaced from the first end  314 . The upper hinge  336  also defines an upper second hole  352 , on the second axis  350 , which is spaced transversely across the upper piling  330  from the upper first hole  338 . 
   In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges  336 ,  324  are partially interleaved, as shown in  FIG. 10 , such that only a first pin  344  connects the upper hinge  336  to the lower hinge  324 , along the first axis  328 , and the second longitudinal axis  334 , for the upper piling  330 , is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis  318 , for the lower piling  312 . As a result, the columns  332  for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns  332  to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings  330  that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin  344  on the first axis  328 . Then, the upper pilings  330  are hoisted upward, about the first axis  328 , until the upper and lower hinges  336 ,  324  are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes  350 , for the upper and lower second holes  252 ,  248 , are aligned. When the hinges  336 ,  324  are completely interleaved, the first pin  344  is extending through the upper and lower first holes  326 ,  338 , on the first axis  328 , to engage and support the hinges  336 ,  324 . Likewise, a second pin  354  is extending through the upper and lower second holes  352 ,  348 , on the second axis  350 , to engage and support the hinges  336 ,  324  when the longitudinal axes  318 ,  334  are aligned, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
   Each of the upper and lower hinges  336 ,  324  include a first plurality of hinge knuckles  346 , disposed about the first pin  344 , where the knuckles  346  of the upper hinge  336  are interleaved with the knuckles  346  of the lower hinge  324 . The knuckles  346  hold the first pin  344  in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings  330 ,  312  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  330 ,  312  through the first pin  344 . These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges  336 ,  324  include a second plurality of locking knuckles  356  that are disposed about the second pin  354  with the locking knuckles  356  of the upper hinge  336  interleaved with the locking knuckles  356  of the lower hinge  324 . The locking knuckles  356  hold the second pin  354  in spaced relationship to the pilings  330 ,  312  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  330 ,  312  totally through the first and second pins  344 ,  354 . Therefore, the pins  344 ,  354  support the entire load provided by the upper pilings  330 , wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. 
   Each of the hinges  336 ,  324  includes a plurality of plates  358  that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap  369  is defined between each of the plates  358  to facilitate the upper hinge  336  interleaving with the lower hinge  324 . The first hole  326  or  338  is defined through each of the plates  358 , along the first axis  328 . The second hole  348  or  352  is also defined through each of the plates  358 , along the second axis  350 , and spaced transversely across each of the plates  358  from the first hole  326  or  338  respectively. Furthermore, the plates  358  define a bottom edge  362  and end edges  364 . 
   The lower hinge  324  is attached to the reinforcing cage  320  of the lower piling  312  along the bottom edge  362  and the lower holes  326 ,  348  are in spaced relationship from the lower piling  312 . The upper hinge  336  includes a bottom  366  and a pair of opposing walls  368  that extend upward from the bottom  366 , along the column  332 . The bottom edge  362  of each of the plates  358  are attached to the bottom  366  of the lower hinge  324  and the end edges  364  of each of the plates  358  are attached to the opposing walls  368 . Furthermore, the bottom  366  and the opposing walls  368  define a plurality of grooves  370  that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom  366  and into a portion of the walls  368 , between each of the plates  358 . The grooves  370  allow the plates  358  of the lower hinge  324  to interleave with the plates  358  of the upper hinge  336 . 
   Another embodiment of a piling assembly  400 , shown in  FIGS. 12-18 , comprises a height adjustable lower piling  412  hingedly connected to an upper piling  430 . The lower piling  412  has a first and a second end  414 ,  416  with a first longitudinal axis  418  extending therethrough. The upper piling  430  has a column  432  with a second longitudinal axis  434  extending therethrough. 
   Another type of reinforcing cage  420  is shown in  FIG. 12 . Here, a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing rods  423  defines the perimeter of the reinforcing cage  420 . Additionally, vertically spaced wire  221  encircles the outer perimeter of the vertically extending rods  423  to provide additional reinforcement for the reinforcing cage  420 . The vertical rods  423  flare outward at the second end  416  to form a footing  427 . The vertical rods extend beyond the pre-cast concrete  422  at the first end  414 , terminating at threaded ends  415 . The lower piling  412  is pre-cast off-site and a plurality of thru-holes  433  can be pre-cast into the concrete  422  to attach various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling  412 . Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling  412 . Following excavation of the hole, the second end  416 , and a portion of the lower piling  412 , is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material. To level the first ends  414  of the lower pilings  412 , once the lower pilings  412  are set in the ground, shims  435  are placed over the threaded ends  414 . Once the proper height is achieved, a lower hinge  424  is also placed over the threaded ends  414  and fastened in place with nuts  437 . 
   To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling  430 , the lower hinge  424  extends from the first end  414  and defines at least one lower first hole  426  on a first axis  428  that is spaced from the first end  414 . The upper piling  430  has a column  432  and a second longitudinal axis  434  extending therethrough. Typically, the column  432  is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge  436  extends from the column  432  and defines at least one upper first hole  438  on the first axis  428 . The lower hinge  424  also defines a lower second hole  448 , on a second axis  450  which is spaced transversely across the lower piling  412  from the lower first hole  426  and spaced from the first end  414 . The upper hinge  436  also defines an upper second hole  452 , on the second axis  450 , which is spaced transversely across the upper piling  430  from the upper first hole  438 . 
   In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges  436 ,  424  are partially interleaved, as shown in  FIG. 17 , such that only a first pin  444  connects the upper hinge  436  to the lower hinge  424 , along the first axis  428 , and the second longitudinal axis  434 , for the upper piling  430 , is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis  418 , for the lower piling  412 . As a result, the columns  432  for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns  432  to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings  430  that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin  444  on the first axis  428 . Then, the upper pilings  430  are hoisted upward, about the first axis  428 , until the upper and lower hinges  436 ,  424  are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes  450 , for the upper and lower second holes  452 ,  448 , are aligned. When the hinges  436 ,  424  are completely interleaved, the first pin  444  is extending through the upper and lower first holes  426 ,  438 , on the first axis  428 , to engage and support the hinges  436 ,  424 . Likewise, a second pin  454  is extending through the upper and lower second holes  452 ,  448 , on the second axis  450 , to engage and support the hinges  436 ,  424  when the longitudinal axes  418 ,  434  are aligned, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
   Each of the upper and lower hinges  436 ,  424  include a first plurality of hinge knuckles  446 , disposed about the first pin  444 , where the knuckles  446  of the upper hinge  436  are interleaved with the knuckles  446  of the lower hinge  424 . The knuckles  446  hold the first pin  444  in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings  430 ,  412  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  430 ,  412  through the first pin  444 . These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges  436 ,  424  include a second plurality of locking knuckles  456  that are disposed about the second pin  454  with the locking knuckles  456  of the upper hinge  436  interleaved with the locking knuckles  456  of the lower hinge  424 . The locking knuckles  456  hold the second pin  454  in spaced relationship to the pilings  430 ,  412  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  430 ,  412  totally through the first and second pins  444 ,  454 . Therefore, the pins  444 ,  454  support the entire load provided by the upper pilings  430 , wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. 
   Each of the hinges  436 ,  424  includes a plurality of plates  458  that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap  469  is defined between each of the plates  458  to facilitate the upper hinge  436  interleaving with the lower hinge  424 . The first hole  426  or  438  is defined through each of the plates  458 , along the first axis  428 . The second hole  448  or  452  is also defined through each of the plates  458 , along the second axis  450 , and spaced transversely across each of the plates  458  from the first hole  426  or  438  respectively. Furthermore, the plates  458  define a bottom edge  462  and end edges  464 . 
   The lower hinge  424  is attached to the reinforcing cage  420  of the lower piling  412  along the bottom edge  462  and the holes  426 ,  448  are in spaced relationship from the lower piling  412 . The upper hinge  436  includes a bottom  466  and a pair of opposing walls  468  that extend upward from the bottom  466 , along the column  432 . The bottom edge  462  of each of the plates  458  are attached to the bottom  466  of the lower hinge  424  and the end edges  464  of each of the plates  458  are attached to the opposing walls  468 . Furthermore, the bottom  466  and the opposing walls  468  define a plurality of grooves  470  that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom  466  and into a portion of the walls  468 , between each of the plates  458 . The grooves  470  allow the plates  458  of the lower hinge  424  to interleave with the plates  458  of the upper hinge  436 . 
   The next embodiment of the piling assembly  500 , shown in  FIGS. 19-30 , comprises another type of height adjustable lower piling  512  hingedly connected to an upper piling  530 . The lower piling has a first and a second end  514 ,  516  with a first longitudinal axis  518  extending therethrough. The upper piling  530  has a column  532  with a second longitudinal axis  534  extending therethrough. 
   In this type of height adjustable reinforcing cage  520 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , concrete  522  is pre-cast into the shape of a lower piling  512  with a plurality of vertically extending holes (not shown), extending between the first and second end  514 ,  516 , are also cast into the concrete  522 . These holes can be lined with cast-in-place plastic tubing  521  which allows for the insertion and removal of vertical height adjusting rods  523  to facilitate height adjustment of the lower piling  512 . Additionally, a vertical hole (not shown) is cast into center of the concrete  522 , extending between the first and second ends  514 ,  516  and along the first longitudinal axis  518 . Prior to shipment to the job site, the vertically threaded post tensioning rods  523  are inserted through each of a plurality of vertically extending holes (not shown) in an upper hinge  536 , at the first end  514 , and extend through the vertical holes in the lower piling  512 . Additionally, the post tensioning rods  523  extend out of, and beyond, the second end  516  and are threaded through corresponding holes on the base plate  537 , each terminating at a flanged nut  539 . The flanged nuts  539  are in spaced relationship to the base plate  537  and the second end  516  and serve to anchor the lower piling  512  in concrete that is poured into the ground hole, around the lower piling  512 . Alternative to threading the rods  523  through holes in the base plate, the holes in the base plate  537  can be oversized and additional nuts (not shown) can be used to secure the base plate  537  against the second end  516  of the lower piling  512 . At the job site, if the height of the lower piling  512  needs to be reduced, the post tensioning rods  523 , lower hinge  524  and base plate  537  are initially removed and the concrete  522  is cut to the desired height. Following trimming of the lower piling  512 , the rods  523 , lower hinge  524  and base plate  537  are reassembled to the lower piling  512 . Additionally, the vertical push rod  525  is attached to a bearing plate  541  to create a push rod assembly  561 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . The vertical push rod  525 , with the bearing plate  541  attached, is inserted through the center hole of the lower piling  512 , from the second end  516 , along the first longitudinal axis  518 . Next, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling  512 . Following excavation of the hole, the second end  516 , and a portion of the lower piling  512  along with the bearing plate  541 , is inserted into the ground, resting on the bearing plate  541 . In the ground, the flanged nuts  539  are initially resting on the bearing plate  541 . To set the overall height of the lower piling  512 , a threaded height adjustment mechanism  551  is threadedly inserted through a center hole in the first end  514  at a threaded hole  543  in the lower hinge  524 . As the mechanism  551  is threaded into the lower piling  512 , it pushes against the push rod  525  of the push rod assembly  561 , forcing the lower piling  512 , and thus the flanged nuts  539 , to move upward and away from the bearing plate  541 . Once the desired height for the lower piling  512  is attained, concrete is poured into hole, stopping at least two inches above the base plate  537  to prevent the base plate  537  from corroding. Once the concrete in the hole is adequately set, the height adjustment mechanism  551  is unthreaded and removed from the center hole in the lower piling  512 . Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material. 
   To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling  530 , the lower hinge  524  extends from the first end  514  and defines at least one lower first hole  526  on a first axis  528  that is spaced from the first end  514 . The upper piling  530  has a column  532  and a second longitudinal axis  534  extending therethrough. Typically, the column  532  is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge  536  extends from the column  532  and defines at least one upper first hole  538  on the first axis  528 . The lower hinge  524  also defines a lower second hole  548 , on a second axis  550  which is spaced transversely across the lower piling  512  from the lower first hole  526  and spaced from the first end  514 . The upper hinge  536  also defines an upper second hole  552 , on the second axis  550 , which is spaced transversely across the upper piling  530  from the upper first hole  538 . 
   In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges  536 ,  524  are partially interleaved, as shown in  FIG. 29 , such that only a first pin  544  connects the upper hinge  536  to the lower hinge  524 , along the first axis  528 , and the second longitudinal axis  534 , for the upper piling  530 , is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis  518 , for the lower piling  512 . As a result, the columns  532  for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns  532  to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings  530  that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin  544  on the first axis  528 . Then, the upper pilings  530  are hoisted upward, about the first axis  528 , until the upper and lower hinges  536 ,  524  are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes  550 , for the upper and lower second holes  552 ,  548 , are aligned. When the hinges  536 ,  524  are completely interleaved, the first pin  544  is extending through the upper and lower first holes  526 ,  538 , on the first axis  528 , to engage and support the hinges  536 ,  524 . Likewise, a second pin  554  is extending through the upper and lower second holes  552 ,  548 , on the second axis  550 , to engage and support the hinges  536 ,  524  when the longitudinal axes  518 ,  534  are aligned, as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
   Each of the upper and lower hinges  536 ,  524  include a first plurality of hinge knuckles  546 , disposed about the first pin  544 , where the knuckles  546  of the upper hinge  536  are interleaved with the knuckles  546  of the lower hinge  524 . The knuckles  546  hold the first pin  544  in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings  530 ,  512  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  530 ,  512  through the first pin  544 . These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges  536 ,  524  include a second plurality of locking knuckles  556  that are disposed about the second pin  554  with the locking knuckles  556  of the upper hinge  536  interleaved with the locking knuckles  556  of the lower hinge  524 . The locking knuckles  556  hold the second pin  554  in spaced relationship to the pilings  530 ,  512  to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings  530 ,  512  totally through the first and second pins  544 ,  554 . Therefore, the pins  544 ,  554  support the entire load provided by the upper pilings  530 , wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. 
   Each of the hinges  536 ,  524  includes a plurality of plates  558  that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap  569  is defined between each of the plates  558  to facilitate the upper hinge  536  interleaving with the lower hinge  524 . The first hole  526  or  538  is defined through each of the plates  558 , along the first axis  528 . The second hole  548  or  552  is also defined through each of the plates  558 , along the second axis  550 , and spaced transversely across each of the plates  558  from the first hole  526  or  538  respectively. Furthermore, the plates  558  define a bottom edge  562  and end edges  564 . 
   The lower hinge  524  is attached to the lower piling  512  at the bottom edge  562  and the holes  526 ,  548  are in spaced relationship from the lower piling  512 . The upper hinge  536  includes a bottom  566  and a pair of opposing walls  568  that extend upward from the bottom  566 , along the column  532 . The bottom edge  562  of each of the plates  558  are attached to the bottom  566  of the upper hinge  536  and the end edges  564  of each of the plates  558  are attached to the opposing walls  568 . Furthermore, the bottom  566  and the opposing walls  568  define a plurality of grooves  570  that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom  566  and into a portion of the walls  568 , between each of the plates  558 . The grooves  570  allow the plates  558  of the lower hinge  524  to interleave with the plates  558  of the upper hinge  536 . 
   Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting.

Technology Category: 0