Tie-down system and method for semipermanent structure

Abstract

An anchoring system for facilitating anchoring of a semipermanent structure during high wind conditions and associated method. The anchoring system comprising an elongate strap having opposed first and second ends, and the strap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the strap. A pair of opposed anchor elements, each one of the pair of anchor elements being coupled to one of the first and second ends of the strap, and each anchor element contacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the anchor element to the ground. Following embedding the anchor elements in the ground, the length of the strap is adjusted to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure and anchor the semipermanent structure to the ground during the high wind conditions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for securing mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures during high winds such as hurricanes, tornadoes, twisters, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

High winds, such as those generated during hurricanes, tornadoes, twisters, etc., can typically cause devastation to a variety of different structures. This is particularly true with respect to mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures. Damage frequently occurs to these structures when the winds either blow or topple the structure over or lift the structure from its foundation or other originally stored position and carry the structure to another location. In either instance, once the structure is moved from foundation or its originally stored position, generally significant damage or complete destruction of the structure will occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with maintaining a structure on its foundation or its originally stored position.

It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for securing mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures during high wind conditions so the structure remains on its foundation or at its original originally stored position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which are relatively quickly installed for securing mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures and can be readily removed once the high wind conditions have subsided.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for securely anchoring mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures to the ground to ensure that such structures are less likely to be removed from their foundation or originally stored and stationary position during high wind conditions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to permanently embed a plurality of anchor elements into the ground and spaced about a perimeter of the mobile home, trailer, other movable dwelling or smaller fixed or transportable, e.g., in a concrete slab supporting the structure, for example, so that the anchor elements are permanently retained therein and blend with the natural environment, but are readily accessible in the event that high wind conditions occur.

The present invention also relates to an anchoring system for facilitating anchoring of a semipermanent structure during high wind conditions, the anchoring system comprising an elongate strap having opposed first and second ends, and the elongate strap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the elongate strap; first and second opposed anchor elements, the first anchor element being coupled to the first end of the elongate strap and the second anchor element being coupled to the second end of the elongate strap with the strap passing over a roof of the semipermanent structure, and the first and second anchor elements contacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the first and second anchor elements to the ground and retention of the semipermanent structure in its current position.

The present invention also relates to a method of securing a semipermanent structure in its current position during high wind conditions, the method comprising the steps of: anchoring a first anchor element to the ground at a location adjacent the semipermanent structure; anchoring a second anchor element to the ground at adjacent an opposite location of the semipermanent structure; connecting a first end of an elongate strap to the first anchor element and passing the elongate strap over a roof of the semipermanent structure and connecting the opposite end of the elongate strap to the second anchor element; and adjusting a length of the strap to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure and anchor the semipermanent structure to the ground so that the semipermanent structure remains in its current position during the high wind conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing one arrangement for the anchoring system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of an anchor element having a trailing end which connectable to one end of the strap;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a coupling member for coupling one end of the strap to an anchor element;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic end view showing a second arrangement for the anchoring system for use with a slab;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic end side elevational view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic enlarged partial view showing the attachment of the anchor element to the slab;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view showing the anchor element for a newly poured slab;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing a third arrangement for the anchoring system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a strap with a pair of J-hooks and a ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1-4, a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As can be seen in this embodiment, the anchor system is generally designated as 2 and comprises a plurality of separate anchoring components 4. Each one of the anchoring components 4 generally comprises a pair of spaced apart and opposed anchor stakes or elements 6 which, during use, are embedded in the ground G and interconnected or coupled to one another via an elongate strap 8 which has a conventional ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 which facilitates length adjustment of the strap 8 (see FIG. 11). Each opposed end of the adjustable strap 8 terminates in a looped configuration or end 12 which is conventional and well known in the art. The strap 8 is typically a flexible member manufactured from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Fiberglass®, etc. and has a tensile strength of preferably at least 3,000 p.s.i. Each strap 8 typically has a length of between about 15 feet and about 120 feet, and more preferably a length of between about 25 feet and about 75 feet.

Each anchor stake or element 6 (see FIG. 3) typically has a pointed leading end or tip 14 that facilitates driving the anchor stake or element 6 into the ground G or other supporting surface. The opposite end of the anchor stake or element 6 is provided with an eye hook 16 to facilitate attachment of the strap thereto, e.g., attachment of one of the looped ends 12 of the elongate strap 8 thereto via a coupling member 20 or a J-hook 21, etc., as will be describe below in further detail. The end of the anchor stake or element 6, carrying the eye hook 16, will typically have a flat or an enlarged head 18 to facilitate driving the anchor stake or element 6 into the ground G by use of a sledge hammer or some other conventional anchor stake or element driving tool. Each anchor stake or element 6 is typically manufactured from a metallic material, such as iron, steel, stainless, aluminum, etc., or some other strong but durable synthetic material and has a length L of between about 12 inches and about 50 inches, and more preferably has a length of between about 18 inches and about 30 inches.

A removable coupling member 20 (see FIG. 4), such as a conventional metallic C-shaped bracket 22 with a removable bolt 24, facilitates coupling the loop end 12 of the strap 8 to the eye hook 16 of a respective anchor stake or element 6 to ensure permanent retention of the strap 8 thereto when using of the anchor system 2 during high wind conditions. Alternatively, the loop end 12 of the strap 8 may have a J-hook 21 permanently attached thereto, in a conventional manner, which can directly attach to the eye hook 16 of a respective anchor stake or element 6.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of anchor components 4, e.g., at least 2 and preferably 4 or more spaced apart anchor components 4, are arranged to secured the manufactured housing, mobile home, trailer, other movable dwelling and smaller fixed or transportable structure (“semipermanent structure 26”) to the ground G. Preferably, at least one anchor component 4 is arranged along the length of the semipermanent structure 26 while typically at least one anchor component 4 is arranged along the longitudinal width of the semipermanent structure 26. As can be seen in FIG. 1, six (6) anchor components 4 are arranged along the length of the semipermanent structure 26 while two (2) anchor components 4 are arranged along the longitudinal width of the semipermanent structure 26.

When an occupant of the semipermanent structure 26 determines that his/her semipermanent structure 26 may be exposed or subjected to wind conditions in excess of 50-75 m.p.h. or so (“high wind conditions”), for example, the occupant will install the anchor system 2 to the semipermanent structure 26. The occupant will first drive the pointed leading end or tip 14 of one of the anchor stakes or elements 6 into the ground G, in a conventional manner, at a spaced distance D of between about one foot and thirty feet, for example, from the semipermanent structure 12, more preferably at a spaced distance D of between 5 and 20 feet from the semipermanent structure 26. Next, the occupant will then drive another anchor stake or element 6 at a similar spaced distance D along an opposite side of the semipermanent structure 26. Each anchor stake or element 6 should be driven into the ground G a sufficient distance, e.g., at least six inches or so, more preferably driven into the ground G by a distance of between 12 inches and about two feet or so to insure that the anchor stake or element 6 is sufficiently driven into and secured to the ground G so that anchor stake or element will not become loose or dislodged therefrom during the high wind conditions, especially if the ground G becomes saturated with water due to rain or other moisture being deposited by a passing storm system associated with the high wind conditions.

Once each pair of opposed anchor stakes or elements 6 is sufficiently driven into the ground, the occupant will then connect one looped end 12 of one of the elongate straps 8 to the eye hook 16 of a first anchor element 6 using the removable coupling member 20, or a J-hook 21, etc., and then will pass the strap 8 over the top of the roof R of the semipermanent structure 26 and then secure the opposite looped end 12 of the strap 8 to the eye hook 16 of the opposed anchor stake or element 6 using another removable coupling member 20, or a J-hook 21 or possibly pass the strap directly through the opening of the eye hook 16 and then engage that end with the conventional ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 already engaged or supported by an intermediate portion of the strap 8.

The operator will then apply suitable tension to the strap 8, by operation of the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 in a conventional manner, so that the strap 8 is sufficiently tightened and applies a slightly biasing force to the semipermanent structure 26 which biases the semipermanent structure 26 downward toward the ground G or other supporting surface, i.e., to retain the semipermanent structure 26 on its foundation or originally stored and stationary position during high wind conditions. The occupant will repeat this procedure a desired number of times along the length of the semipermanent structure 26 and/or width of the semipermanent structure 26. After the high wind conditions pass, the occupant will reverse the above described steps to remove each one of the anchoring components 4 from the non-permanent structure 26.

It is to be appreciated that the number of anchoring components 4 to be applied to the semipermanent structure 26 will depend upon a number of factors, e.g., the overall length and the width of the semipermanent structure 12, the wind speed of the anticipated high wind conditions of the passing storm system, whether or not the semipermanent structure 26 will be directly exposed to or is partially sheltered from the high wind conditions, etc. For many applications, the occupant will install at least two anchor components 4 which extends transversely to the length of the semipermanent structure 26 and may also install at least one anchor component 4 which extends transversely to the width of the semipermanent structure 26. In many applications, at least of the two anchor components 4 will cris-cross over one another. It is to be appreciated that if the semipermanent structure 26 is sufficiently wide, it is possible to install three or more anchoring components 4 along the length of the semipermanent structure 26 while also installing at least two anchoring components 4 along the width of the semipermanent structure 26.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, identical elements will be given identical reference numerals and only the differences between this embodiment and the prior embodiment will be discussed in detail.

As conventional and known in the art, a number of mobile homes, trailers, other movable dwellings and smaller fixed or transportable structures are typically stored or located on a slab 30 of some sort, e.g., concrete, mortar, brick, tar, etc. The slab 30 is generally a unitary component, quite heavy and is at least partially embedded or submerged into the ground G. Due to such inherent properties of the slab 30, it generally provides a good base for anchoring or embedding the anchor elements 6′. Typically the semipermanent structure 26 will rest on a plurality of spaced cinder or other support blocks 32 which form a foundation, along with the slab 30, for the semipermanent structure 26. As is also conventional in the art, a skirt 33 (only partially shown in FIG. 6) may be provided about the periphery of the semipermanent structure 26 to cover the gap between the bottom of the semipermanent structure 26 and top surface 34 of the slab 30 and provide aesthetic finish for the semipermanent structure 26. For the sake a clarity, the skirt is partially shown only in FIG. 6 to facilitate a better understanding of the invention.

In order to adapt an existing slab 30 for use with the present invention, a number of spaced apart holes 36 (see FIG. 7), between four and twenty, for example, are drilled into the slab 30 about the perimeter of the slab 30. The holes 36 may be drilled directly under the semipermanent structure 26 so that they are generally hidden from view when the skirt 33 is installed about the periphery of the semipermanent structure 26 or the holes 36 may be spaced a distance D of between about two and 15 feet from the base of the semipermanent structure 26, as discussed above with the previous embodiment. Each hole 36 typically has a dimension of between ¼ of an inch to about 2 inches or so and is sized for readily receive a threaded anchor element 6′. For each anchor element 6′ of this embodiment, a major portion of the leading end 35 of each anchor element 6′ is threaded.

Once a desired number of holes 36 are drilled into the slab 30 about the periphery thereof, a nut 38 is first threaded onto the leading end 35 of one of the anchor elements 6′ and then a suitable washer 40 (e.g., a 2 inch steel plate, for example) is placed on the anchor element 6′ adjacent the nut 38. Thereafter, the leading end 35 of the that anchor element 6′ is then passed though the hole 36 so that the washer 40 abuts against the top surface 34 of the slab 30 and the leading end 35 of the anchor element 6′ projects a sufficient distance out through the bottom surface 31 of the slab 30 and is accessible. If necessary, the relative positions of the nut 38 and the washer 40 with respect to the threaded portion of the anchor element 6′ can be adjusted by rotation of the nut 38 is a desired rotational direction.

Next, a second washer 40′ (e.g., a 2 inch steel plate, for example) and a second nut 38′ then engage with the threaded portion of the leading end 35 of the anchor element 6′ and the nut 38′ is sufficiently tightened to sandwich the slab 30 the between the pair of nuts 38, 38′ in a conventional manner. It is to be appreciated that the dirt or ground G beneath the slab 30 and adjacent each hole 36 will generally have to be cleared away to make sufficient room for the leading end 35 of the anchor element 6′, the second nut 38′ and the second washer 40′. Once this is completed, the dirt will be replaced to cover the leading end 35 of the anchor element 6′, the second nut 38′ and the second washer 40′. Following each anchor element 6′ installation, the eye hook 16 of the anchor element 6′ is located adjacent, but spaced above the top surface 34 of the slab 30. If desired, a larger counterbore 41 (see FIG. 8, for example) can also be drilled in the slab 30 to either partially or completely recess the eye hook 16 of the anchor element 6′ with respect to the top surface 34 of the slab 30 to minimize or prevent an individual from inadvertently stepping on or tripping over the eye hook 16 when it is not in use.

As with the first embodiment, when the occupant anticipates that the semipermanent structure 26 will be subjected to high wind conditions, the occupant will connect one looped end 12 of an elongate strap 8 to a first one of the eye hooks 16 of the anchor element 6′, via one of the removable coupling members 20 a J-hook 21, etc., and pass the opposite end of the elongate strap 8 over the roof R of the semipermanent structure 26. Next, the occupant will connect the opposed looped end 12 of the strap 8 with the eye hook 16 of the opposed anchor element 6′, via another removable coupling member 20, a J-hook 21, etc., or possibly pass the strap directly through the eye hook 16 and then engage that end with the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 secured to an intermediate portion of the strap 8. Once this has occurred, the occupant will suitably tighten the elongate strap 8, via operation of the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 in a conventional manner, to apply suitable tension to the semipermanent structure 26. This procedure is repeated a desired number of times until all the desired anchoring elements 4 are installed and securely fasten the semipermanent structure 26 to the slab 30 during the anticipated high wind conditions. After the high wind conditions pass, the occupant will reverse the steps to remove each one of the anchoring components 4 from the non-permanent structure 26.

In the event that a new slab 30′ is being poured as a foundation for a semipermanent structure 26 (see FIG. 8), the outer periphery of the slab 30′ can have a plurality of anchor elements 6″ embedded directly therein, during the slab concrete pouring process (either directly under the perimeter of the semipermanent structure 26 so that they will be generally hidden by the skirt 33 or spaced outwardly a desired distance therefrom. According to this embodiment, the leading end 35 of the anchor elements 6″ is T-shaped or otherwise has an enlarged head 37 to facilitate securely anchoring each anchor element 6″ within the slab 30′ and prevent removal therefrom. As discussed above, the eye hook 16 of each anchor element 6″ can either project slightly above (the anchor element on the right of FIG. 8), be substantially coincident with (not shown) or be recessed slightly below the top surface 34 of the slab 30′ (the anchor element on the left of FIG. 8), depending upon the particular desire of the occupant.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a detailed description concerning a third embodiment will now be provided. As this embodiment is somewhat similar to the previous embodiments, identical elements will be given identical reference numerals and only the differences between this embodiment and the prior embodiment will be discussed in detail.

As can be seen in these Figures, the anchor elements 6′″ comprises a deflatable component which has an inlet 42 communicating with an interior of the anchor elements 6′″ which has an internal storage capacity of between 8 and 200 gallons more preferably between about 30 and about 100 gallons. Each one of these anchor elements 6′″ can be either be releasably or permanently connected to one (looped) end 12 of the elongate strap 8. According to this embodiment, each anchoring component 4 comprises a pair of opposed anchoring elements 6′″ with an interconnection strap 8 and a ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10.

When use of this embodiment is desired or necessary, the occupant will place one of the anchor elements 6′″ on one side of the semipermanent structure 26 at a desired distance away from the semipermanent structure 26, at a spaced distance D of between about 1 and 15 feet or so from the semipermanent structure 26, and will then remove the removable cover 42 and connect a garden hose, or some other supply of water, to the inlet 44 of the anchor element 6′″ and typically fill the anchor element 6′″ to its maximum storage capacity. Once filled with water, the occupant will then secure a removable cover 42 to the inlet 44 to seal the water within the interior of the anchor element 6′″.

According to this embodiment, the weight of the water, filling the anchor element 6′″, will function as a sufficient anchor and retain the anchor element 6′″ at its initially installed and filled location. The occupant will then place the opposite anchor elements 6′″ on the opposite side of the semipermanent structure 26 at a desired distance away from the semipermanent structure 26, at a spaced distance D of between 1 and 15 feet or so from the semipermanent structure 26, remove the removable cover 42 and connect the garden hose to the inlet 44 of the second anchor element 6′″ and typically fill the second anchor element 6′″ to its maximum storage capacity. Once filled, the occupant will then secure the removable cover 42 to the inlet 44 to seal the water within the second anchor element 6′″. Finally, the occupant will tighten the strap 8, via operation of the ratchet-type strap tensioning mechanism 10 in a conventional manner, to apply suitable tension to the semipermanent structure 26 and the two opposed anchor element 6′″ will act as suitable weights to facilitate securing the semipermanent structure 26 on its foundation or originally stored and stationary position.

A preferred strap is a heavy duty 2 inch by 27 foot rachet tie-down strap 8 which is typically utilized for used in racheting down heavy loads on a flatbed tractor trailer trucks (see FIG. 11). The strap 8 is typically rated for 10,000 pounds p.s.i. and comprises a heavy duty nylon strap with a zinc plated J-hook 21 at each opposed end. The ratchet mechanism 10 includes a large D-size styled ratchet handle which is conventional and well known in the art.

Although the present invention refers to a coupling member or a J-hook, for example, for interconnecting the strap to the anchor element, it is to be appreciated that other types of connection members, which are well known in the art, can also be utilized for the same. Such other known connection components, means and mechanisms, for connecting the strap to the anchor element, are all considered to be within the spirit and scope on the present invention.

Since certain changes may be made in the above described method and anchoring system for a semipermanent structure, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. An anchoring system for facilitating anchoring of a semipermanent structure during high wind conditions, the anchoring system comprising:

an elongate first strap having opposed first and second ends, and the strap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the first strap;

first and second opposed anchor elements, the first anchor element being coupled to the first end of the first strap and the second anchor element being coupled to the second end of the first strap with the first strap passing, during use, over a roof of the semipermanent structure, and the first and second anchor elements contacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the first and second anchor elements to the ground retain the semipermanent structure in its current position.

2. The anchoring system according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring system further comprises:

a second elongate strap having opposed first and second ends, and the second strap having an adjusting mechanism to facilitate adjustment of a length of the second strap;

third and fourth anchor elements, the third anchor element being coupled to the first end of the second strap and the third anchor element being coupled to the second end of the second strap with the second strap passing over the roof of the semipermanent structure, and the third and fourth anchor elements contacting a ground surface to facilitate anchoring of the third and fourth anchor elements to the ground and retention of the semipermanent structure in its current position.

3. The anchoring system according to claim 2, wherein each anchor element has a pointed leading end which facilitates driving the anchor element into the ground; an opposite end of each anchor element has an eye hook which facilitates attachment of the strap thereto, and the end of each anchor element, carrying the eye hook, has head which facilitates driving the anchor element into the ground.

4. The anchoring system according to claim 3, wherein each anchor element is manufactured from a metallic material and has a length of between about 12 inches and about 50 inches.

5. The anchoring system according to claim 1, wherein each strap is manufactured from one of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Fiberglass®.

6. The anchoring system according to claim 5, wherein each strap has a length of between about 15 feet and about 120 feet.

7. The anchoring system according to claim 1, wherein each anchor element has a shaped leading end which facilitates anchoring the leading end in the slab and permanently secure the anchor element in the slab.

8. The anchoring system according to claim 1, wherein each anchor element has a threaded leading end which engages with nuts to facilitate anchoring the threaded leading end to the slab and permanently secure the anchor element to the slab.

9. A method of securing a semipermanent structure in its current position during high wind conditions, the method comprising the steps of:

anchoring a first anchor element to the ground at a location adjacent the semipermanent structure;

anchoring a second anchor element to the ground at adjacent an opposite location of the semipermanent structure;

connecting a first end of an elongate first strap to the first anchor element and passing the first strap over a roof of the semipermanent structure and connecting the opposite end of the first strap to the second anchor element; and

adjusting a length of the first strap to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure and anchor the semipermanent structure to the ground so that the semipermanent structure remains in its current position during the high wind conditions.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of

anchoring at least a third anchor element to the ground at a location adjacent the semipermanent structure;

anchoring at least a fourth anchor element to the ground at adjacent an opposite location of the semipermanent structure;

connecting a first end of a second elongate strap to the third anchor element and passing the second strap over a roof of the semipermanent structure and connecting the opposite end of the second strap to the fourth anchor element; and

adjusting a length of the second strap to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of using a ratch tensioning mechanism to facilitate adjustment of the length of the strap to provide sufficient tension to the semipermanent structure.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of cris-crossing the first strap with the second strap with one another on the roof of the semipermanent structure.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of anchoring the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements in a slab supported on the ground and the slab anchors the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements to the ground.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a leading end of each of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements with an enlarged head to facilitate retention of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements in a slab.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a leading end of each of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements with a threaded portion and at least one nut engaged with the threaded portion to facilitate retention of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements to a slab.

16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of anchoring the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements in the ground by driving a leading end of each of the first, the second, the third and the fourth anchor elements into the ground by a distance of at least six inches.

17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of interconnecting the first anchor element with the second anchor element via the first strap to form an anchor component, and each of the first and second anchor elements having an inlet communicating with an interior of the anchor element to facilitate filling of the interior with a fluid and anchoring of the first and second anchor elements to the ground.