Modular Foundation Method

Abstract

This improved method of forming a foundation uses a dynamic leveling foundation and method uses a prelevel coplanar support while installing permanent foundation. This improved method starts when a manufactured house arrives at the permanent site. The manufactured house has flooring assembly supported on its underside by horizontal parallel beams or joists that needs firmly grounded foundation support. The temporary support step provides a temporary level support for the manufactured house. When the temporary support is established, the house arrives from the factory. The preferred temporary support is a temporary tripod support system that may be installed under the sidewalls and the mate line. The tripod support system comprises multiple tripods each having a triangular transverse frame to support an extended undercarriage area. Each tripod makes at least two separate supporting abutments with its overlying perimeter joist or mate line joist which reduces total labor time.

1 . A modular foundation method for a modular home comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a temporary support comprising at least three horizontal beams for support, wherein each of the at least three horizontal beams has at least two joints, which is at least one on each end; and at least three saddle jacks, one mounted on each pier having a vertically adjustable level, wherein each saddle jack fastens to a pair of horizontal beams at the horizontal beam joints, whereby the saddle jacks and piers are assembled to support the horizontal beams;   b. attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home; wherein the to plurality of buttresses have an upper end attached to a joist and a lower end;   c. enveloping the lower end of the buttresses within a fabric container;   d. pouring a concrete slurry into the container to form a foundation.   
     
     
         2 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of attaching a peripheral siding to the buttresses. 
     
     
         3 . The modular foundation method of  claim 2 , wherein some of the buttresses include a pair of uplift bars for positioning rebar. 
     
     
         4 . The modular foundation method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home includes the substeps of:
 a. attaching a plurality of buttresses having a seat for a perimeter beam, a tubular stanchion having upper and lower ends, and an anchor base plate fixedly connected to the lower end of the stanchion,   b. arranging at intervals the plurality of buttress members affixed to the perimeter beam wherein the seat is an L-shaped bracket to abut said perimeter beam at its bottom and side planes, the bracket having a vertical flange with a number of apertures through which attaching bolts are threaded into the interior side of the perimeter beam, whereby the base portion of the stanchion is suspended above ground surface.   
     
     
         5 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home includes the substeps of:
 a. attaching a plurality of buttresses having a seat for a perimeter beam, a tubular stanchion having upper and lower ends, and an anchor base plate fixedly connected to the lower end of the stanchion, and   b. arranging at intervals the plurality of buttress members affixed to the perimeter beam wherein the seat is an L-shaped bracket to abut said perimeter beam at its bottom and side planes, the bracket having a vertical flange with a number of apertures through which attaching bolts are threaded into the interior side of the perimeter beam, whereby the base portion of the stanchion is suspended above ground surface.   
     
     
         6 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of vertically adjusting the saddle jacks. 
     
     
         7 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of vertically adjusting the saddle jacks wherein the saddle jacks are adjusted via a threaded rod engaged with a nut rotatably mounted to receive the threaded rod. 
     
     
         8 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and horizontal beam by forming horizontally disposed holes wherein the saddle jack is open at a top end and connecting the horizontal beams at a 60 degree angle. 
     
     
         9 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of connecting each saddle jack with a left and right horizontal beam at a 60 degree angle, wherein an interior horizontal beam joint is formed on the saddle jack left side as horizontally disposed holes providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and the left horizontal beam, wherein an exterior horizontal beam joint is formed on the saddle jack right side as horizontally disposed holes providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and the right horizontal beam. 
     
     
         10 . The modular foundation method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of connecting a left and right horizontal beam at a 60 degree angle, wherein an interior horizontal beam joint is formed on the saddle jack right side as horizontally disposed holes providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and the right horizontal beam, wherein an exterior horizontal beam joint is formed on the saddle jack left side as horizontally disposed holes providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and the left horizontal beam. 
     
     
         11 . The modular buttress system of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing a couple of transverse tabs attached to the intermediate portions of the stanchion between the upper and lower ends. 
     
     
         12 . A modular foundation method for a modular home comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a temporary support comprising at least three horizontal beams for support; and at least three saddle jacks, one mounted on each pier having a vertically adjustable level, wherein each saddle jack fastens to a horizontal beam, whereby the saddle jacks and piers are assembled to support the horizontal beams;   b. attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home; wherein the plurality of buttresses have an upper end attached to a joist and a lower end;   c. including the lower end of the buttresses within an opening of a fabric container;   d. pouring a concrete slurry into the fabric container to form a foundation;   e. waiting for the concrete to harden around the lower end of the buttresses; and   f. attaching a peripheral siding to the buttresses.   
     
     
         13 . The modular foundation method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of attaching a peripheral siding to the buttresses includes the substep of attaching a backfill plate between the buttresses; the substep of attaching a belly band and the substep of intentionally leaving a clearance between the stucco and the rim joist to provide ventilation. 
     
     
         14 . The modular foundation method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home includes the substeps of:
 a. attaching a plurality of buttresses having a seat for a perimeter beam, a tubular stanchion having upper and lower ends, and an anchor base plate fixedly connected to the lower end of the stanchion, and   b. arranging at intervals the plurality of buttress members affixed to the perimeter beam wherein the seat is an L-shaped bracket to abut said perimeter beam at its bottom and side planes, the bracket having a vertical flange with a number of apertures through which attaching bolts are threaded into the interior side of the perimeter beam, whereby the base portion of the stanchion is suspended above ground surface.   
     
     
         15 . The modular foundation method of  claim 12 , wherein the saddle jack vertically adjustable level is a threaded rod engaged with a nut rotatably mounted to receive the threaded rod. 
     
     
         16 . The modular foundation method of  claim 12 , wherein the saddle jack is open at a top end and connects horizontal beams at a 60 degree angle, wherein horizontal beam joints are formed as horizontally disposed holes providing a bolted secure connection between the saddle jack and horizontal beam. 
     
     
         17 . The modular foundation method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of attaching a plurality of buttresses to joists under the modular home includes the substeps of:
 a. attaching a plurality of buttresses having a seat for a perimeter beam, a tubular stanchion having upper and lower ends, and an anchor base plate fixedly connected to the lower end of the stanchion, and   b. arranging at intervals the plurality of buttress members affixed to the perimeter beam wherein the seat is an L-shaped bracket to abut said perimeter beam at its bottom and side planes, the bracket having a vertical flange with a number of apertures through which attaching bolts are threaded into the interior side of the perimeter beam, whereby the base portion of the stanchion is suspended above ground surface.