Patent ID: 8001734
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: E04B,E04H,Y02A

Abstract:
1. A lateral bracing system for use in constructions, the lateral bracing system capable of mounting to a first surface at its bottom and capable of mounting to a second surface at its top, the lateral bracing system comprising: a structural frame having a bottom portion capable of being positioned adjacent to the first surface and a top portion capable of being positioned adjacent to the second surface; a pivot coupling for coupling the structural frame to the first surface, the pivot coupling comprised of a single pin connected to a pair of angle brackets mounted on the first surface, the structural frame pivoting clockwise about a pivot point at the pivot coupling upon a first lateral load exerted on the structural frame, and the structural frame pivoting counterclockwise about the pivot point at the pivot coupling upon a second lateral load exerted on the structural frame, the second lateral load being opposite to the first lateral load; and a pair of links, each link having a first end affixed to the frame and a second end pivotally affixed to the first surface, each link preventing pivoting of the structural frame relative to the first surface for lateral loads which do not cause yielding of the links, and each link capable of yielding in tension and compression to dissipate stress within the frame upon the first or second lateral loads applied to the structural frame.