US4517778A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Earthquake-proof building with improved foundation
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-10-29
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Granted: 1985-05-21
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Expires: 2002-10-29
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles M. Nicolai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:36
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H9/00; E04H9/02; E04H9/021; E04H9/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said roller means comprises three spherical balls disposed in spaced triangular relationship relative to each other and cage means having said balls confined and rotatably mounted therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 1 further including a plurality of guide means circumferentially spaced about said holder for guiding its vertical movements while permitting said tilting thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein each said guide means includes a plurality of outer guide means disposed circumferentially about said holder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 4 wherein each said guide means further includes a plurality of inner guide means secured on said holder and disposed circumferentially thereabout and in out-of-contact relationship relative to each respective outer guide means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 4 further comprising stop means for delimiting vertical movement of said holder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said first spring means includes a first group of compression springs mounted between said holder and said first support plate and wherein said second spring means includes a second group of compression springs mounted between said first support plate and a second support plate disposed vertically below said first support plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 1 further including cage means having said roller means confined and rotatably mounted therein and cushioning means mounted on said holder and at least substantially surrounding said cage means for resiliently cushioning and restraining horizontal movements thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said cushioning means includes a circumferentially disposed ring means and spring means mounted between said holder and said ring means for resiliently urging said ring means toward said cage means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
119 words
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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
119 words
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.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 10 wherein said roller means comprises three spherical balls disposed in spaced triangular relationship relative to each other and cage means having said balls confined and rotatably mounted therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 10 further including a plurality of guide means circumferentially spaced about said holder for guiding its vertical movements while yet permitting said tilting thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein each said guide means includes a plurality of outer guide means disposed circumferentially about said holder.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 13 wherein each said guide means further includes a plurality of inner guide means secured on said holder and disposed circumferentially thereabout in out-of-contact relationship relative to each respective outer guide means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 14 further comprising stop means for delimiting vertical movement of said holder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention of claim 10 wherein said first spring means includes a first group of compression springs mounted between said holder and said first support plate and wherein said second spring means includes a second group of compression springs mounted between said first support plate and a second support plate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 10 further including cage means having said roller means confined and rotatably mounted therein and cushioning means mounted on said holder and at least substantially surrounding said cage means for resiliently cushioning and restraining horizontal movements thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 17 wherein said cushioning means includes a circumferentially disposed ring means and spring means mounted between said holder and said ring means for resiliently urging said ring means toward said cage means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-05-20 | 1988-11-19 | 1989-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-20 | 1992-11-19 | 1993-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-20 | 1996-11-19 | 1997-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |