Footing Pad

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and all advantages of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/566,670, filed on Mar. 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a footing pad for supporting a post or other upright structure.

BACKGROUND

In the construction industry, the use of vertical supports, such as posts, is a fundamental aspect of building a wide range of structures, including post-frame buildings, decks, and similar structures. These posts are crucial for bearing significant vertical and lateral loads. Traditionally, one of the most common methods for anchoring these posts involves the creation of a subterranean base. This process generally includes excavating a hole and filling it with concrete or rock like material.

However, despite the effectiveness of this process, there are ongoing challenges and needs within the construction field. One primary concern is the need for improved uplift resistance in footing designs. As environmental conditions and structural demands evolve, there is a growing requirement for footings that can better resist upward forces, such as those caused by wind or ground movement. This improvement would enhance the overall stability and longevity of structures, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather conditions or seismic activity. Another primary concern is the depth and diameter of the hole can create conditions that result in a cumbersome installation, particularly when attempting to set posts at precise locations. Thus, there remains an opportunity to develop a footing pad that addresses at least one of the ongoing challenges.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter nor identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

According to a first aspect, a footing pad for supporting a post or other upright structure is provided. The footing pad comprises a base having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the upper surface including a center and an outer periphery. The base includes a plurality of structural webs extending perpendicularly to a uniform height from the upper surface of the base, each structural web within the plurality of structural webs is rectangularly shaped and defines an area. The plurality of structural webs includes a first structural web and a second structural web, with a length and width of the first structural web being greater than a length and width of the second structural web. An uplift feature is rigidly coupled to the upper surface of the base, with the uplift feature including a first wall spaced substantially parallel to a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall extend substantially perpendicular from the upper surface of the base and include a bore for receiving a fastener to secure the post.

According to a second aspect, a footing pad for supporting a post or other upright structure is provided. The footing pad includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The upper surface defines a center and an outer periphery. The footing pad also includes a plurality of structural webs extending perpendicularly to a uniform height from the upper surface of the base, each structural web within the plurality of structural webs is rectangularly shaped and defines an area. The plurality of structural webs includes a first structural web and a second structural web, with a length and width of the first structural web being greater than a length and width of the second structural web. The footing pad also includes an uplift feature rigidly coupled to the upper surface of the base. The uplift feature includes a first wall and a second wall spaced substantially parallel to the first wall. The first wall and the second wall extend substantially perpendicular from the upper surface of the base and include a bore for receiving a fastener to secure the post to the footing pad.

According to a third aspect, a footing pad for supporting a post or other upright structure is provided. The footing pad includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, with the upper surface defining a center and an outer periphery. The footing pad also includes a plurality of structural webs extending perpendicularly to a uniform height from the upper surface of the base, each structural web within the plurality of structural webs is rectangularly shaped and defines an area. The plurality of structural webs includes a first structural web and a second structural web, with a length and width of the first structural web being greater than a length and width of the second structural web. The footing pad further includes at least one positioning feature extending from the upper surface of the base wherein the positioning feature is rigidly coupled to the base at the outer periphery and comprises a bore for receiving a positioning tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footing pad in its environment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the footing pad including a plurality of rectangularly shaped structural webs;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including a plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including an uplift feature;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including a positioning feature and the plurality of rectangularly shaped structural webs;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including the positioning feature and the plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including the positioning feature, the uplift feature, and the plurality of rectangularly shaped structural webs;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, with a post mechanically coupled to the uplift feature and a tool removably coupled to the positioning feature;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footing pad including a plurality of cleats extending from a base; and

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the footing pad including the plurality of cleats extending from the base.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a front view of thereof.

FIG. 13 is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a right-side view thereof.

FIG. 15 is a left-side view thereof.

FIG. 16 is a top view thereof.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a front view thereof.

FIG. 20 is a right-side view thereof.

FIG. 21 is a left-side view thereof.

FIG. 22 is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 24 is a top view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a footing pad 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-10. Additional images of the footing pad 10 are also shown throughout FIGS. 11-24, with these additional figures remaining unnumbered to best show its ornamental design.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the footing pad 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be utilized to support a stationary building structure 12 such as a deck or similar structures over a subterranean surface 13. More specifically, the footing pad 10 supports a post 14 or other upright structure associated with the stationary building structure 12. It is to be appreciated that the footing pad 10 of the present disclosure may be utilized to support a wide variety of structures having a wide variety of loading conditions and soil conditions.

With reference to FIG. 2, the footing pad 10 includes a base 16. The base 16 includes an upper surface and a lower surface. Typically, as shown throughout FIGS. 1-10, the base 16 has a circular or disk like configuration. However, the base may have any geometric configuration, provided the base continues to define its upper and lower surfaces. The relative size of the base 16 may vary to accommodate different post 14 sizes and geometry.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the footing pad 10 further includes a plurality of structural webs 18 extending upward from the base 16. Although not required, the plurality of structural webs 18 is typically integral with the base 16 and made from the same material. Generally, the plurality of structural webs 18 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 16 and extends to substantially a same height. The plurality of structural webs 18 typically are of a uniform thickness, however, they do not have to maintain this uniformity and can vary in thickness as desired. Although the plurality of structural webs 18 typically includes 2 to 5 individual webs 18, the number of structural webs 18 may be varied as required to provide the desired degree of structural rigidity and strength.

In one aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, the plurality of structural webs 18 is rectangularly shaped 18a. Each structural web of the plurality of structural webs 18 defines an area. Adjacent rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a typically differ in length and width from each other, with rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a defining a relatively smaller area of the base 16 successively nested within the rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a defining a relatively larger area of the base 16. In other words, when the structural webs 18 include rectangular structural webs 18a, the small rectangular structural web 18a is nested inside an adjacent larger structural web 18a. In one aspect, the footing pad 10 includes at least three rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a, with each rectangularly shaped structural web 18a differing in both length and width from each other such that the rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a defining a relatively smaller area of the base 16 successively nested within the rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a defining a relatively larger area of the base 16. In this aspect, typically, a center of the rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a align with a center of the base 16. In certain implementations, the footing pad 10 includes 2, 4, 5, or even 6 rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a. The ability to include different numbers of structural webs 18 allows for customization based on specific structural requirements. This flexibility can accommodate various load-bearing needs and site conditions. Additionally, although the plurality of rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a generally differ in length and width, the plurality of rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a may generally have the same thickness and height. This design provides a robust and stable base by distributing loads evenly, enhancing the overall stability of the structure.

In another implementation, as best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 10, the plurality of structural webs 18 is hexagonally shaped. Alternatively, still, the plurality of structural webs 18 may be octagonally shaped. In this implementation, typically, each hexagonal or octagonal shaped structural web 18b shares at least two side walls with an adjacent hexagonal or octagonal shaped structural web 18b. In one embodiment within this implementation, the footing pad 10 may also include a wall 20 extending along the outer periphery of the base 16 from the upper surface of the base 16 to a height. When the base 16 is circular or disk like, the wall 20 extends generally arcuately along the outer periphery of the base 16, with the plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs 18b disposed within the circumference of the wall 20. It is to be appreciated that, within this embodiment, the hexagonal shaped structural webs 18b that abut the circular wall 20 may resemble a portion of a hexagon, rather than a full hexagon. On the other hand, hexagonal structural webs 18b oriented inwards from the periphery of the base 16 appear as a full hexagon with each hexagonal wall being shared and integral with an adjacent hexagonal structural web 18b. One advantage that will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art is that the plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs 18b provide additional flexibility as it relates to the placement of the post 14 supported by the plurality of structural webs 18b. In other words, the hexagon pattern of the plurality of structural webs 18b reduces the importance of locating the post 14 and other upright structural members in the exact center of the footing pad 10. Thus, small errors in terms of the placement of the footing pad 10 are overcome by the uniform platform established by the plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs 18b.

Referring back to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, in certain implementations, the footing pad 10 may also include one or more reinforcing walls 22 protruding from the base 16 and intersecting the plurality of structural webs 18. The reinforcing walls 22 protrude to substantially the same height as the height of the plurality of structural webs. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the footing pad 10 includes two reinforcing walls 22, with each reinforcing wall 22 intersecting three rectangularly shaped structural webs 18a. The reinforcing walls 22 extend across the upper surface of the base 16 from the outer periphery at a first point to the outer periphery at a second point. In other words, the first and second points represent different locations relative to the base 16.

As best shown in FIG. 4, in certain aspects of the disclosure, the footing pad 10 includes an uplift feature 24, configured to rigidly couple the footing pad 10 with the post 14. The uplift feature 24 includes a first wall 26 spaced substantially parallel to a second wall 26. Within the context of this disclosure, substantially parallel means+/−5 degree of true parallel. The first wall 26 and the second wall 26 extend substantially perpendicular from the upper surface of the base. Within the context of this disclosure, substantially perpendicular means+/−5 degree of complete perpendicularity. With continued reference to FIG. 4, the uplift feature 24 is configured to receive the post 14 between the first and second walls 26, 26. Each wall 26 includes a bore 28 configured to receive a fastener 30, such as a pin or bolt, to couple the post 14 to the footing pad 10. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that other types of fasteners may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The inclusion of the uplift feature 24 advantageously increases the uplift resistance of the post 14. In particular, because the post 14 is coupled to the base 16 with the fastener 30, and because the base 16 has a relatively greater footprint/width than the post 14 itself, a relatively greater uplift resistance is realized. More specifically, the system exhibits enhanced uplift resistance due to the disparity in width between the base 16 and the post 14, coupled with the presence of soil filling the hole and covering the base 16 after insertion. In other words, the larger footprint of the base 16 and the compaction of the soil within the hole collectively contribute to a heightened resistance against any upward forces applied to the post 14. When the footing pad 10 includes the uplift feature 24, the uplift feature 24 may extend from the base 16 or extend or be integral with at least one of the plurality of structural webs 18. Although FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate the uplift feature 24 as a pair of horizontally spaced walls 26, any configuration that mechanically couples the post 14 to the footing pad 10 may be used.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in certain aspects of the disclosure, the footing pad 10 incudes one or more positioning features 32. The positioning feature 32 is intended to increase an ability of the user to position the footing pad 10 once the footing pad 10 is placed into a hole. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be cumbersome to precisely place an object in a relatively deep and relatively narrow hole. As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the positing feature 32 is configured to be removably coupled to a device 34, such as a rod or hook, to allow the device 34 to guide the footing pad 10 to the desired location and perform minor or fine positional adjustments. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the positioning feature 32 may extend from the base 16 outside of the largest of the plurality of structural webs 18 and include a bore 36 configured to be removably coupled with the device 34. Of course, the footing pad 10 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, or more positioning features 32, with the number being selected based on the intended environment of use.

In an alternative embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 6, when the plurality of hexagonal shaped structural webs 18b is included and the wall 20 is present, the positioning feature 32 may be formed as an integral part of the wall 20 and be defined as a bore 38 extending through the wall 20. In this embodiment, the device 34 is configured to be removably coupled to the bore 38 to guide the footing pad 10 to the desired location and perform minor or fine adjustments as described above.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the footing pad 10 includes a plurality of cleats 40 extending from the lower surface of the base 16 opposite the plurality of structural webs 18. Typically, the plurality of cleats 40 taper to a distal end, which resembles a spear like point to facilitate insertion onto the subterranean surface 13 supporting the footing pad 10. In other words, the plurality of cleats 40 is configured to penetrate the subterranean surface 13 and resist lateral movement of the footing pad 10.

The footing pad 10 of the present disclosure may be formed from any material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, the footing pad 10 is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel offers excellent strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It is particularly suitable for environments exposed to moisture or chemicals. Its high tensile strength also ensures that the footing pad 10 can bear significant loads without deforming. Alternatively, the footing pad 10 may be formed from a polymeric material or a composite material, such as a polymeric material with inorganic fillers dispersed therein. Composites, such as polymeric materials with inorganic fillers, combine the benefits of both materials. They offer high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. The fillers can enhance properties like thermal stability and mechanical strength. The footing pad 10 may also be formed from concrete.

Clauses for Additional Disclosure:

Clause I: a footing pad for supporting a post or other upright structure comprising: i) a base having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the upper surface comprising a center and an outer periphery; ii) a plurality of structural webs extending perpendicularly to a uniform height from the upper surface of the base, each structural web within the plurality of structural webs is rectangularly shaped and defining an area, iii) wherein the plurality of structural webs includes a first structural web and a second structural web, with a length and width of the first structural web being greater than a length and width of the second structural web; iv) an uplift feature rigidly coupled to the upper surface of the base, comprising a first wall spaced substantially parallel to a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall extend substantially perpendicular from the upper surface of the base and include a bore for receiving a fastener to secure the post; and iv) a plurality of cleats extending from the lower surface of the base, wherein the plurality of cleats is tapered to a spear like point for resisting lateral movement of the base.

Clause II: The footing pad of clause I, further comprising at least one positioning feature, wherein the positioning feature is placed at the outer periphery of the base and comprises a bore configured to be removably coupled to the device.

Clause III: The footing pad of clause I or II, further comprising one or more reinforcing walls protruding to the uniform height from the upper surface of the base, wherein the one or more reinforcing walls extends across the upper surface of the base from the outer periphery at a first point to the outer periphery at a second point, opposite the first point, intersecting the plurality of structural webs.

Clause IV The footing pad of any one of clauses I-III, wherein the base is circular or disk like.

Clause V The footing pad of any one of clauses I-IV, wherein the fastener is a pin, bolt, or the like.

Several implementations/aspects/embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the implementations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.