Title: High load bearing for bridges and similar structures

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Claims: What is claimed is:

1. In a high load bearing comprising upper and lower plates which do not substantially increase their lateral dimensions under load, a load bearing elastomer pad

on the upper surface of said lower plate and the lower surface of said upper plate being on the upper surface of said bearing pad, said elastomer pad having a groove extending around its periphery and a cooperating bearing member constructed and arranged to substantially prevent shearing movement between said plates and thereby substantially prevent shearing of said elastomer pad but permitting rotational movement between said plates,

the improvement comprising means mechanically abutting said load bearing elastomer pad to at least limit lateral expansion of the upper and lower surfaces of said elastomer pad under load without preventing bulging of said periphery,

said mechanically abutting means comprising means projecting from said plates adjacent the periphery of said load bearing elastomer pad, and in which a lateral clearance is provided between said surface of said load bearing elastomer pad and said projecting means when said bearing is not under load, whereby said load bearing elastomer pad is permitted limited lateral expansion before abutting said projecting means.

2. A high load bearing as set forth in claim 1 in which said lateral clearance is 1/32 to 3/8 inch.

3. A high load bearing as set forth in claim 1 in which said load bearing elastomer pad and said projecting means are circular.

4. A high load bearing as set forth in claim 1 in which said load bearing elastomer pad is biconical.

5. A high load bearing as set forth in claim 1 wherein said peripheral groove extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of said load bearing elastomer pad.

Other info:

Inventors: Fyfe, Edward R. (Burlington, CA, US)
Watson, Stewart C. (Williamsville, NY, US)

Application Number: 919390
Filing Date: 1978-06-26
Publication_date: 1980-02-12
Assignee: Watson Bowman Associates, Inc. (Buffalo, NY)
Primary Class(es): 14/73.5 52/167.1, 52/167.8, 248/580, 248/678
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

1572574	Feb, 1926	Stromborg	52/167.
3243236	Mar, 1966	Graham	14/16.
3349418	Oct, 1967	Hein	14/16.
3397856	Aug, 1968	Sullivan	14/16.
3544176	Dec, 1970	Slater	14/16.
3782788	Jan, 1974	Koester	14/16.
3806975	Apr, 1974	Fyfe	14/16.
3908054	Sep, 1975	Ito	14/16.
3921240	Nov, 1975	Fyfe	14/16.
3924907	Dec, 1975	Czernik	14/16.
4033005	Jul, 1977	Czernik	14/16.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Byers, Jr., Nile C.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Cushman, Darby & Cushman