Bearing and expansion joint system including same
AssigneeWatson Bowman Acme Corporation
InventorPaul Bradford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bearing is provided for use in connection with expansion joint systems. The bearing may be incorporated into expansion joint systems that are used in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and architectural structures. The bearing can absorb increased loads that are applied to the expansion joint system. The structure of the bearing also permits improved motion of, and provides improved support for, the components of the expansion joint system that are supported on or engaged with the bearing.
Claims26
A bearing comprising:
- a bearing substrate having opposite upper and lower surfaces;
- an upper bearing portion disposed on said upper surface of said bearing substrate, said upper bearing portion including curved side walls;
- and
- an open mesh interlocked with said bearing substrate.
An expansion joint system for roadway constructions wherein a gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections, said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said expansion joint system comprising:
- transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members;
- at least one elongated support member having opposite ends positioned below said transversely extending load bearing members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint;
- first means for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members for controlling the movement of said ends of said support members within said first means for accepting longitudinally extending elongated support members;
- second means for accepting opposite ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members for controlling the movement of said opposite ends of said support members within said second means for accepting longitudinally extending elongated support members;
- and
- bearing means disposed between surfaces of said longitudinally extending elongated support members and inner surfaces of at least one of said first and second means for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members, said bearing means comprising a bearing substrate having opposite upper and lower surfaces, an upper bearing portion disposed on said upper surface of said bearing substrate, said upper bearing portion including curved side walls, and an open mesh interlocked with said bearing substrate.
A composite sliding material comprising a substrate interlocked with a low friction material element, wherein said composite sliding material includes a continuous sliding surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.