Earthquake restraint mechanism
US5048243A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H3/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An earthquake restraint mechanism helps to prevent the collapse of tilt-up style exterior wall panels (7, 64) of a building (17). The panels are coupled to one another at their abutting joints (16) through L-shaped brackets (18, 20, 68) mounted to the wall panels and restrainers (32, 66, 106) connecting the outwardly extending legs (28, 30, 90) of the brackets. The panels are energetically coupled to one another because the brackets act as shock absorbers which absorb the initial shock on the all panels from an earthquake. Because the panels are tied together, the panels are restrained from collapsing thus helping to protect persons and property. An accumulative effect of energy absorption is evident with the redundant use of the restraint mechanism. The panels can also be connected to other structural members, such as joists or beams, as well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.