Sliding seismic isolator

Abstract

A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and an elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate and a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates, the low-friction layer allowing the first and second plates to move freely relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement, such as at least one spring member or at least one engineered elastomeric element, which can include one or more silicon inserts, positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member and movement of the elongate element is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sliding seismic isolator, comprising:
 a first plate configured to be attached to a building support;   an elongate element extending from the first plate;   a second plate;   a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates and configured to allow the first and second plates to move relative one another along a horizontal plane;   a lower support member attached to the second plate;   at least one spring member positioned within the lower support member;   wherein the elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member.