Earthquake-proof building with improved foundation
OwnerCharles M. Nicolaiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An earthquake-proof structure is supported on a foundation comprising a plurality of spaced supports, each including a holder having spherical support members mounted thereon to support the structure. The members are preferably mounted in a cage and guide means are provided for reciprocally mounting the holder to guide vertical movements thereof. In addition, a cushioning system is preferably provided on the holder to resiliently cushion and restrain horizontal movements of the rollers.
Claims18
An earthquake-proof structure supported on a foundation adapted for mounting at ground level, said foundation comprising
- a plurality of laterally spaced support modules each including
- a holder disposed in vertically spaced relationship below said structure
- roller means mounted vertically between said structure and said holder for supporting said structure thereon and for isolating and permitting horizontal and parallel movement of said holder relative to said structure when ground surrounding said foundation is subjected to seismic activity,
- a first support plate mounted in vertically spaced relationship below said holder,
- first spring means mounted vertically between said holder and said first support plate for resiliently supporting said holder and for permitting said structure and holder to tilt relative to said first support plate, and
- second spring means mounted below said first support plate for resiliently supporting said first support plate and for permitting said first support plate to tilt relative to ground level.
A support module adapted for mounting beneath a structure comprising
- a holder,
- roller means mounted on said holder for supporting said structure thereon and for isolating and permitting relative horizontal and parallel movement between said holder and said structure when ground surrounding said foundation is subjected to seismic activity,
- a first support plate mounted in vertically spaced relationship below said holder,
- first spring means mounted vertically between said holder and said first support plate for resiliently supporting said holder and for permitting said holder to tilt relative to said first support plate, and
- second spring means mounted vertically below said first support plate for resiliently supporting said first support plate and for permitting said first support plate to tilt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.