Modular, Transportable Foundation Systems and Methods of Making and Using Same

This application claims benefit of and priority to the following U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/649,807, filed on May 20, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/673,140, filed on Jul. 18, 2024. The entire contents of each are incorporated herein for all purposes.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Field of the Invention. The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to pre-cast concrete foundation systems and methods for lifting and transporting same.

Description of the Related Art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,111 entitled “Method For Transporting Building Modules” discloses “A building module transporter for connection to a towing vehicle comprising a building module and module carriers attached to end walls of the module and resting on carrier supports. The carriers are firmly secured to the module at vertically spaced points to suspend the module between them and to permit the raising and lowering of the suspended module by pivoting the carriers about horizontal axes with respect to the supports. Means is provided for moving the module with respect to the carriers in a lateral direction to facilitate the precision alignment of the module with a foundation at the building site. The spaced connection points between the module and the carriers tension a lower portion of the suspended building and place an upper portion thereof in compression.”

U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,305 entitled “Trailer assembly for carrying overwidth loads” discloses “A trailer assembly for carrying overwidth loads such as large rectangular concrete slabs. The trailer includes two separate units, a front unit and a rear unit. Each unit includes a frame mounted on a set of tandem wheels. The front unit has upper and lower frames rotatably connected together, allowing the wheels to turn with respect to the upper frame. A tongue is hingedly connected to the front unit. It has a hitch for connection to the towing vehicle and a compression device to apply weight to the hitch for compressive connection with the towing vehicle. Longitudinal cross members are mounted across the front and rear units to support the load. The cross members can be removed and stored parallel to the length of the units for legal width return trip towing. On return trip, the rear unit is towed reverse to the direction towed while loaded. Also disclosed is an embodiment employing two units the same or similar to the front unit to enable being moved laterally to facilitate parking in close space.”

U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,029 entitled “Carrier Apparatus and Method” discloses “A carrier apparatus and method includes a pair of oppositely positioned carriers. At least one pair of steerable wheels is connected to at least one of the oppositely positioned carriers. A movable neck is connected to each of the oppositely positioned carriers and by compressive engagement to an object to be carried such that neither the movable neck, nor the pairs of steerable wheels, nor the pair of oppositely positioned carriers are underneath the object.”

U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,467 entitled “Systems And Methods For Transporting A Structure” discloses “A system and method for lifting and moving a structure comprises at least two bolster assemblies configured to engage substantially opposing ends of the structure, a plurality of tensioned components extending between the bolster assemblies, applying a compressive force to clamp the bolster assemblies to the structure, and applying a lifting force to the bolster assemblies to lift the structure.”

U.S. Pat. No. 11,313,125 entitled “Mobile modular foundation systems and methods for transporting same” discloses “A modular foundation system comprises a concrete reinforced matrix having embedded pre-tensioned components and a recessed tension bolster region adjacent the lower surface of the foundation at each end, and a pair of lifting safety bars partially embedded in the foundation within the recess and terminating at the end of the foundation.”

U.S. Pat. No. 11,891,807 entitled “Mobile modular foundation systems and methods for transporting same” discloses “A modular foundation system comprises a concrete reinforced matrix having embedded pre-tensioned components and a recessed tension bolster region adjacent the lower surface of the foundation at each end, and a pair of lifting safety bars partially embedded in the foundation within the recess and terminating at the end of the foundation.”

The present inventions are directed to pre-cast concrete foundation systems, methods of manufacturing pre-cast concrete foundation systems, and lifting and transporting pre-cast concrete foundation systems.

A brief summary of the inventions indicating their nature and substance may be understood from the subject matter encompassed in the claims filed with this application, which are incorporated into this brief summary by reference for all purposes, and by the inventions encompassed in any claims that may be issued from this application, which claims also are incorporated into this brief summary by reference for all purposes.

While the inventions disclosed and enabled herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments will described by way of example in the drawings and described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use all of the inventive concepts without undue experimentation.

The Figures described above, and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what we have invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventions will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms.

Reference throughout this disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment under discussion is included in at least one of the many possible embodiments of the present inventions. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of one embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. Those of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that the inventions may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. The use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims.

The description of elements in each Figure may refer to elements of proceeding Figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements. In some possible embodiments, the functions/actions/structures noted in the figures may occur out of the order noted in block diagrams and/or operational illustrations. For example, two operations shown as occurring in succession, in fact, may be executed substantially concurrently or the operations may be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts/structure involved.

To begin, the detailed background and history of my inventions disclosed herein are set forth in my related patents, U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,029, entitled Carrier Apparatus and Method,” U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,467, entitled Systems and Methods for Transporting a Structure” and U.S. Pat. No. 11,313, 125 entitled “Mobile modular foundation systems and methods for transporting same.” As allowed by 37 CFR 1.57, the entire contents, including description, figures, and claims, of each related patent are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully reprinted herein.

In general, the inventions disclosed herein for which protection is sought comprise transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation systems, and systems and methods for casting or forming transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation systems; and systems and methods for lifting and transporting transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation systems. Transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation systems according to the inventions disclosed and enabled herein are typically, but not exclusively, formed from a high strength concrete matrix with embedded stressed and unstressed reinforcing materials, such as structural steel bar (e.g., rebar), tube, channel, wire mesh, and/or wire cable.

The inventions disclosed and enabled herein allow a foundation system, with or without a structure or building thereon, to be repeatedly lifted, and to be transported over conventional roadways without a fully supporting trailer and without causing failure or damage, such as tension failure, of the foundation. It is well understood that concrete or cement-based foundations have superior compressive strength and poorer tensile strength. For example, lifting a conventional concrete-based slab or foundation (even with reinforcement) from the longitudinal ends likely will result in a transverse tension fracture. The inventions described and enabled herein allow a pre-cast foundation system to be manufactured and then repeatedly lifted and/or transported without compromising the structural integrity of the foundation system.

Turning now to, a fully formed, transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation system with bridlesattached to the longitudinal ends is illustrated. The foundation systemcomprises a floor surfacethat is relatively flat as described herein, and a perimeter beam system of which side beamis shown. The foundation systemmay utilize a plurality of sleeved openings or “leave outs” spaced along the perimeter beam system as described herein. Coupled to each longitudinal end of the foundation systemare bridlesandAs described herein, a bridle and tendon system allow a compressive force to be applied between longitudinal ends of the foundation system, such as adjacent and across the longitudinal ends of the floor. Bridle and tendon systems may be used to lift and move the foundation system around a plant as structures are erected on the foundation system, to transport the foundation systemon roadways without need for a trailer, and/or to transport a completed structure/foundation system assembly over roadways without need for a trailer.

illustrates an overhead view of one of many possible embodiments of a foundation system casting tablesuitable for creating the foundation systems disclosed herein, such as foundation system. The casting tablemay comprise a floor forming surface, such as, but not limited to, steel sheets welded together and finished to create a smooth floor casting surface. In a preferred embodiment, a foundation system is cast floor-side down such that the floor surface of the foundation system contacts the floor forming surfaceduring the floor casting process. One of the many benefits of casting the foundation system floor-side down is that the finished floor is relatively flat with little to no longitudinal or transverse camber. By relatively flat, we mean no more than 0.15% variation in flatness along the length and/or width of the floor surface. In other words, and for example, for a 32′ long foundation system, no more than about a ½″ variation between the highest and lowest points on the floor surface.

It is preferred that the floor forming surfacebe finished so the as-cast floor surface of concrete-based foundation system, such as floor, will have a Concrete Surface Profile of CSP 3 or less. Also, a concreter release agreement may be used on the floor forming surface and/or all mold surfaces, as desired.

As illustrated in, the floor forming surfacemay be surround along its perimeters by a tensioning framethat is structurally sufficient to permit tensioning or pre-stressing of reinforcements, such as wire cable. For example, if ½ inch diameter wire cable is used as a pre-stressed reinforcement for the foundation system, the tensioning frameshould be able to react the tensioning loads (e.g., 500 lbf to 1,000 lbf) placed on each wire cable. It is preferred that the floor forming surface area defined by the tensioning framebe large enough to cast foundation systems of various desired sizes, such as, for example, and not limitation, 12 feet by 24 feet or 12 feet by 32 feet. It being understood that the inventions herein are not limited to foundations systems of specific dimensions. It is preferred, but not required, that the tensioning framebe comprised of multiple individual sections that are removably fastened, such as bolted, together and to the floor forming surface, such as along edges thereof.

also illustrates mold side surfacesand mold end surfacesconnected or coupled to define the shape of the desired foundation system, for example, a 12×32 foundation system. As illustrated, the overall casting tableis larger than the desired foundation system. This size difference has many advantages including forming a walkway or workspaceoutside of the outer mold,. The height of the tensioning frameand mold surfaces,from the floor forming surfacewill be dictated by the desired thickness of the floor and any floor beams for the specific foundation system under construction. For example, for a preferred rectangular foundation system of size 12′×32′ having a 4-½ inch floor height and 8-inch perimeter beam heights, creating a 12-½″ tall foundation system, the height of the tensioning frameand mold surfaces,are preferably greater than 12-½ inches.

Unlike the tensioning frame, it is preferred that the mold surfacesandnot be bolted to the floor forming surfaceso as not cause damage or irregularities in the floor casting surface. Rather, releasable magnetic clamping systems (not shown) may be used to hold the mold components in place. Alternately, and because the molds typically do not react movement-inducing loads, the mold components may simply rest on the floor forming surfaceallowing gravity and friction to hold the molds in place. It is preferred that the floor surface have chamfered edges, rather than sharp edges, and it is preferred that this chamfer be built into the mold surfacesand. Alternately, the edge chamfer may be machined into the foundation system such as by grinding.

illustrates an end view of the casting tableshowing that the floor forming surfaceis preferably raised above the ground surfaceand provided with supportssufficient to reduce or prevent deflection of the floor forming surfaceduring casting.illustrates a vibration systemcomprising railscoupled to the undersideof the floor forming surface, and a vibratory headmovably coupled to the rails. The vibratory headand railsare structured and coupled to transmit vibrations to the floor forming surface. For example, the vibratory headmay generate vibrations, such as by an eccentric rotating weight(s), which vibrations are transmitted to the floor forming surfacethrough at least the rails. The vibrator headmay also and preferably does travel along the railsfor at least the length of the mold. The motive force for moving the vibratory headalong the railscan be inherent in the vibratory heador a motive force can be manually applied such as by cable system. As will be described below, the vibration systemmay be used to provide vibratory energy or vibrations to the casting process to benefit the quality of the resulting foundation system.

illustrates a foundation system reinforcement assembly comprising a first layer of wire mesh and one or more layers of rebarfor the floor portion of the foundation system. The reinforcement assembly ofis for a foundation system having a perimeter beam system. Thus, the assembly also comprises rebarforming a skeletonfor the perimeter beams. Additionally, each corner of the foundation system may comprise additional rebar to provide additional strength for corner loads. In preferred embodiments, each floor surface will include an exposed metal plate (see, e.g.,) for connections of structural building components in later phases of construction. In the embodiment illustrated inthe reinforcement assemblyis not pre-stressed but is tied or coupled together to form the assembly. For foundation systems that use pre-tensioned cables in the floor, the wire mesh may be suspended from the tensioned cables and the reinforcement assembly placed on top of the tensioned cables, or both the wire mesh and reinforcement assembly may be placed on and supported by the tensioned cables.

illustrates an end view of the reinforcement assemblyshowing reinforcementsand sleevesto create apertures or leave outs in the foundation system. Sleevesmay comprise any material or shape, such as circular or rectangular, and preferably are made from lengths of polyvinylchloride (PVC) schedule 40 pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeves comprise 2″ schedule 40 PVC pipe that are located in at least the end beams and preferably in both the end beams and side beams of the foundation system.illustrates a close-up view of left corner of assemblyshowing placement of tensioned wire cable. As mentioned previously, it is preferred that a plurality of tensioned wire cables be placed longitudinally in the floor portion at, for example, every 2 feet on center. High strength wire cable of ½″ diameter has been found suitable, but other types and sizes of tensioned reinforcement are contemplated.

illustrates an overhead view of the casting tablein which the reinforcement assemblyhas been placed within the mold defined by the mold wallsand. Multiple strands of 1/2 inch steel wire cable,are shown strung longitudinally across the width of the mold The cablesare placed within the floor thickness (e.g., 4-½″ floor thickness) whereas cablescan be placed in the floor and/or in the longitudinal perimeter beams. The floor cablesare not shown in the inner area of the mold as the floor has been cast and the floor portion of the reinforcement assembly is covered in foundation material, such as 6-8 ksi high strength concrete. It will be appreciated that the wire cablesandare tensioned against the tensioning frameand the tension or load or stress is locked into the cables used load nuts, such as edge nuts,. The vibratory system, if supplied, may be activated, and preferably is used, to vibrate the floor portion of the concreteinto full and structural contact with the floor forming surface, the floor portion of the reinforcement assembly, and the tensioned floor cables.

Those of skill will appreciate that an inner mold may be constructed to facilitate the casting of the beams on the underside of the floor.illustrate one type of inner mold system suitable for use with the foundation systems disclosed herein. Specifically,illustrate a casting tablewith side and end molds,as well as corner inner mold sectionand wall inner mold section. Each inner mold section is shown to comprise two or more hangersthat permit each inner mold section to be mounted to the side and end molds so the inner molds touch the poured or cast floor portion. In other words, the inner mold portions are spaced away from the floor forming surfaceby an amount, such as the thickness of the floor.

illustrate a presently preferred method and system for casting floor beams for our transportable, pre-stressed, reinforced foundation systems.illustrates the tensioning frameand the side and end molds,of the casting table. Within the mold is shown perimeter beam reinforcement assemblyas well as longitudinal pre-stressed cablesand.also illustrates cast floor portion.

In this method of production, the walls of the inner mold are formed from blocks of rigid foam, such as extruded polystyrene foam, polyisocyanurate foam or expanded polyurethane foam, a bottom surfaceof which directly contacts the cast or poured floor portion. In other words, the bottom surfacedirectly contacts concrete forming the underside of the floor portion. The side wallsof the blocksdefine an inner surface of the perimeter beams. It is found that as the concrete cures and hardens, the rigid foam adheres to the concrete. Thus, unlike the mold system of, the adhered rigid foam provides both a thermal and auditory insulation to the foundation system. Because of this benefit, it is preferred that the blocksfully span the floor underside as illustrated in.

illustrates that the blocks may be formed in several discrete sections for ease of handling and sections may be formed of smaller portions joined together.also show how the block wallsdefined the perimeter beams. Two PVC sleeves are shown inplaced with the end beam reinforcement to form apertures through the end beam.also shows the use of commercial metal wall studsto aid the lifting and placement of the blocks within the molds.illustrates a found system under construction in which the floor has been cast or poured and the rigid foam blocks have been placed directly contacting the wet floor concrete, with the outer sides and ends of the rigid foam defining the side and end beams of the foundation system. Once the rigid foam is in place, the perimeter beams may be cast or poured. It is preferred that the perimeter beams be cast within about 30 minutes of casting the floor. It is contemplated, but not required the concrete used to cast the floor is not the same type or grade of concrete used to cast the beams. For example, the concrete used for the floor may be of higher strength than the concrete used for the beams.

It is contemplated that the rigid foam may be treated with pesticides or insecticides during extrusion or while the foundation is curing to resist pest and insect intrusion into any building or structure erected on a foundation system.

illustrates a cured or hardened foundation system, but without the adherent rigid foam for clarity purposes. To remove the foundation system from the casting table, some or all of the mold components may be removed from the floor casting surface, such as by releasing the magnetic lock downs, so that lifting rings or lifting pipes can be inserted in at least two set of leaves outsand. In this example of a 32′ long foundation system, the lifting points may be placed at about 6-8 feet from each end. The foundation systemcan then be lifted from the casting table and rotated as shown into the floor-up condition shown in.

illustrates a presently preferred embodiment of a foundation system utilizing inventions disclosed herein. The foundation systemshown is 12 about feet wide and is manufactured as described herein with the floor surfacecast upside down contacting a floor surface mold, such as mold surface. The foundation systemhas a rebar and wire mesh reinforcement assembly and a plurality, such as 7, of ½ inch diameter wire cableswithin the floor portion of the foundation systemand pre-tensioned to between about 500 and 750 lbf. After the foundation system has cured or hardened, the tensioned wire cables may be cut flush with the end beamswithout releasing the tension. Additionally, each side beammay comprise a plurality, such as 4, ½ inch diameter wire cablespositioned within the bottom ⅓ of the side beams, as shown. The wire cableshave been pre-tensioned to between about 500 and 750 lbf and also may be cut flush. Two sleeved, 2″ diameter aperturesare formed through each end beamand four sleeved, 2″ diameter aperturesare formed through each side beamas illustrated. Additional sleeved apertures may be provided as desired.also shows the exposed and embedded metal platesthat are desirable for construction of building and other structures on the foundation system. Although only 4 plates at each corner are shown, additional plates may be embedded along the sides, ends, or other places on the floor as needed by the structures to be erected.

also illustrates that the end perimeter beamsare not flush along the bottom but rather have an area or pocket of reduced heightto accommodate transport tendons (not shown), which will be discussed below. While the area of reduced heightis shown to span a majority of the width of the foundation system, it will be understood that individual pockets of reduce height may be formed to accommodate the one or more lift tendons that are used To form these pockets, it will be understood that as the perimeter beamsare being cast, one or more blocks of rigid foam may be placed in the end beam to create the desired pockets. These rigid foam blocks may be removed once the foundation system has hardened to allow access through the pocketsby the transport tendons. Foundation systemalso shows embedded and exposed metal platesthat are useful when constructing structures or buildings on the foundation system, such as for welding or attaching posts or studs to the floor. While a metal plateis shown in each corner, additional metal plates may be embedded along the perimeter beams or anywhere on the floor as may be required by the structure or building.

It will be appreciated that individual foundation systems may be connected together in modular fashion to form foundation systems of various combined sizes. Apertures in the end beams and/or side beams can be used to bolt or otherwise secure individual foundation systems together.

Now that methods of manufacturing a transportable, pre-cast, reinforced foundation system have been disclosed, we turn to methods and systems for lifting, transporting, and setting such foundation systems.illustrates a foundation system, such as foundation system, shown in exploded relationship to a foundation systemcomprising a bridle, bridle pins, and bridle safety arms, lifting tendons, a bridle gooseneck, and a wheeled bogie. The combination of a the gooseneck and bogie are referred to as a transporter and, as discussed further herein, the transporters may be individually powered and steered. As explained herein, these systems cooperate to lift the foundation system, to transport the foundation system, including any structures built thereon, around a plant or on roadways, and to set the foundation systemon footings or other prepared structures.

illustrates the foundation systemwith an attached bridle system, including lifting tendons. As illustrated in, the bridle systemmay be attached to the foundation system, and remain with the foundation systemuntil removed, without the lifting tendons. In, the bridle systemsas shown are operatively connected to the bridle gooseneckand the goosenecks operatively connected to the wheeled bogies.

shows the underside of the foundation systeminand shows the lift tendonstransiting the underside of the foundation system. As disclosed above, the lift tendons exit the ends of the foundation systemsthrough the pocket or pockets. The perimeter beam system is also seen in this view. The safety armsmay be secured the side beams by connecting pins or bolts into apertures() and fastening the pins or bolts to the inside surface of the side beams, as shown at.

shows the foundation systemin a lifted condition. As disclosed herein, to lift the foundation system, the hydraulic ramson the bridle goosenecksare extended, which causes a compressive force to be applied to the foundation systembetween the ends and to cause the foundation systemto lift with increasing extension of the rams. Whileillustrates hydraulic rams, it is contemplated that electrical linear motors, other types of electrical motors, and other force producing devices may be employed.shows an overhead view of the systems in

illustrate a front and rear view of a preferred embodiment of a bridle. The bridleis fabricated, such as by welding, from preferably structural steel. The bridlemay be shaped in the form of an elongated box and preferably has an end-to-end length that effectively matches the width of the foundation system to which it will be attached. For example, for a 12 feet wide foundation system, the bridlepreferably would have an end-to-end length of 12 feet as well. The bridlealso has a height “H” that effectively matches the height of the foundation system. For example, for a foundation system having a height (bottom of side beam to top of floor) of 20 inches, the preferred height of the bridleis also twenty inches. The bridle may comprise ISO shipping container corners, which may be useful in securing a foundation system to a conventional trailer bed or shipping container trailer.

shows the outer faceof the bridlewhereasshows the inner facethat contacts the end of the foundation system. As shown in bridle embodiment of, the inner facepreferably has a compression pad, which may be adhered thereto, to protect the end of the foundation system during lifting and transporting. The inner facealso comprise two sleevesthat are sized and located to engage with the sleeved apertures shown in() and(). A pin, nut or other retainer mechanism may be used to secure the bridleto the end of the foundation system, as illustrated in. The connection between the bridleand the foundation system does not have to be tight, but it may be. In other words, it is acceptable for the pin and retainer to simply hold the bridlein place against the end beam face.

The bridlealso comprises a pair of gooseneck adapter guidesthat are open through the bridle thickness and have encasing walls, as shown. The adapter guideseach have a vertical pin guideopen from the top of the bridlethrough the adapter guideand open on the bottom of the bridle. Pin guide locksmay be located on the top surface of the bridle to lock the pin that traverses the pin guideto the bridle. This preferred bridlealso comprises a pair of cable anchorseach having a plurality of slots, such as 2 or 3, that are open at their bottoms. When a pair of bridles are attached the end surfaces of the foundation system, wire cable, such as ½ high strength wire cable can be run longitudinally underneath the foundation system between each cable anchor. Each cable can be tensioned, such as to 500 lbf to 1,000 lbf and fasteners, such as a releasable wedge lock may be used to retain the tension and forcibly engage the bridlesto the foundation system.shows a cable anchorhaving 3 tensioned cablesandlocked in place with releasable wedge locks.

illustrates a gooseneckadapterfor use the bridle of.

The adaptercomprises a guide interfacesized and shaped to mate with the adapter guideformed in each bridle. The interfacehas a vertical openingthat is preferably sleeved. The interface emanates from a bridle platehaving an exterior surface that contacts the outer surfaceof the bridleand supplies compressive loads to the bridle. The side of the plateopposite the guide interfacehas a plurality of elongated flanges. Two such flanges are illustrated in. An upper portion of the flanges is structurally configured as a hanger componenthaving an underside adapted to hang off a pin or other structure on the gooseneck. The hanger componentalso may function as a pivot relative to the gooseneck. A lower portion of the flangescomprises an openingfor receiving a pin (not shown).

illustrates a pair of telescoping lift tendons. Each tendon comprises a main portionhaving a hollow elongated body and two armsthat can telescope within the main bodyso that the length of the tendoncan be adjusted for foundation systems of various lengths. The armsmay be solid or hollow and preferably are hollow to reduce their weight. The tendons comprise arm locksthat lock the armsin relation to the main portion. The locksare sized and structured to react the tensile load imposed on the tendonswhile lifting and transporting the foundation system. In, the arm locksare shown on the main portion. Each distal end of the tendoncomprises a gusseted adapter connector. While the lift tendons illustrated inare manufactured as telescoping tubes, other embodiments of lift tendons, such as wire cable, solid or hollow fixed-length rods and other structural component capable of maintaining a lifting tension load without deformation may used. It will be understood that depending on the type of bridle used, the lifting tendons will require connectors, such as, at each end.

illustrate how the tendons, gooseneck adapter, and gooseneckinterface and function.shows gooseneck pinfrom which the adapteris hung and which aids the lifting of the foundation system. The gooseneckis shown to have a shoeat its distal end, which comprises a main pin apertureand secondary pin slot.shows the adapterin position on the gooseneck pin. The tendon arm adapter connectoris shown to comprise a main pin sleeved apertureand a secondary pin aperture. As shown in, the tendon armis first connected to the gooseneck shoeby placing a secondary pinthrough the pin slotand through the pin aperturein the adapter connector. The gooseneck shoeand/or the tendon armcan be adjusted to align the sleeved aperturewith the openingin the adapterand with the main pin aperturein the shoe. Once align, the main pincan be inserted therethrough.shows the tendon armsecurely pinned to the adapterand shoe.