Patent ID: 6085471
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: E01D,E04H

Abstract:
An earthquake shock damper for protecting a load bearing column or pillar and a structure which is supported thereby from failure during an earthquake, said shock damper comprising:a) a female receptacle having a top edge, a bottom surface, and a female surface connecting said top edge to said bottom surface;b) a male plug having a bottom edge, an end surface, and a male surface connecting said bottom edge to said end surface;c) means for attachment of said female receptacle to said column or pillar;d) means for attachment of said male plug to said column or pillar;e) a shock insert separating said female receptacle and said male plug; andf) bearing means for transmitting loads in a generally vertical direction between said plug and said receptacle, said bearing means comprising:a first bearing surface on said end surface of said male plug; anda second bearing surface on said bottom surface of said female receptacle for bearing against said first bearing surface in sliding engagement therewith, said second bearing surface being a generally flat, horizontal bearing surface formed on said bottom surface of said receptacle, and said first bearing surface comprising:a generally flat bearing surface formed on said end surface of said male plug for forming a flat load bearing interface against said second bearing surface; andmeans for enabling said first bearing surface to tilt on said plug, so that said flat, load-bearing interface is maintained during relative movement of said male plug and female receptacle.