Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
FLOOR EXPANSION JOINT AND A METHOD OF INSTALLING OF SAID
FLOOR EXPANSION JOINT
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a floor expansion joint, and in particular,
but not
exclusively, to a floor expansion joint comprising first and second nested
elongated
brackets. The present disclosure also relates to a floor expansion joint kit.
The present
disclosure further relates to a method of installing a floor expansion joint.
Background
Floors in homes and commercial properties are typically formed by placing
flooring
materials on the underlying floor. These flooring materials are visible to the
users and so
are typically aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, as they are walked on the
by the users,
they must also be durable and comfortable.
Typical flooring materials include stone, wood and porcelain/ceramic tiles.
However, many
of the flooring materials experience significant expansion and contraction due
to changes
in temperature.
As is known in the art, the flooring space may be split into several flooring
parts and floor
expansion joints may be placed therebetween. Floor expansion joints are
flexible and may
deform to accommodate the changes in the spacings between the flooring parts
due to
expansion/ contraction caused by changes in the temperature.
However, in known floor expansion joints, upon expansion of the surrounding
floor parts
and corresponding compression of the floor expansion joint, the compression
thereof in a
horizontal direction results in an expansion in the vertical direction.
Accordingly, with
known floor expansion joints, the floor expansion joint may protrude above the
surrounding floor parts under certain conditions where the temperature is high
and the
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surrounding floor parts have expanded. This may result in safety concerns and
increased
damage to the floor expansion joint.
In view of the above, there is a need to provide an improved floor expansion
joint which is
more durable and safer to use.
Summary
Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved
floor expansion
joint which is more durable and safer to use. It is also an object of the
present disclosure to
provide an improved floor expansion joint kit which is more durable and safer
to use.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of
installing an
improved floor expansion joint which is more durable and safer to use.
These objectives and others are achieved with the floor expansion joint of
Claim 1, the floor
expansion joint kit of Claim 14 and the method of Claim 17.
Preferred embodiments/implementations are recited in the dependent claims.
There is provided a floor expansion joint for placement between two flooring
parts, the
floor expansion joint comprising: a first elongated bracket defining a first
elongated bracket
longitudinal axis; and a second elongated bracket defining a second elongated
bracket
longitudinal axis, the second elongated bracket being nested within the first
elongated
bracket such that the first elongated bracket longitudinal axis and the second
elongated
bracket longitudinal axis are substantially parallel, wherein the first
elongated bracket and
the second elongated bracket are reversibly translatable relative to each
other along an
axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second elongated bracket
longitudinal axes,
the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket being reversibly
translatable
relative to each other between an expanded configuration and a contracted
configuration,
and wherein the floor expansion joint is configured such that the first
elongated bracket
and the second elongated bracket are resiliently biased from the contracted
configuration
to the expanded configuration.
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With such a configuration, due to the nested arrangement, the second elongated
bracket
can move further into the first elongated bracket when the surrounding floor
parts expand.
This presents a self-contained arrangement where contraction does not alter
the vertical
height of the overall floor expansion joint.
Accordingly, there is provided an improved floor expansion joint which is more
durable
and safer to use.
The floor expansion joint is elongate and defines a floor expansion joint
longitudinal axis.
The first elongated joint bracket longitudinal axis is substantially parallel
to the floor
expansion joint longitudinal axis. The second elongated joint bracket
longitudinal axis is
substantially parallel to the floor expansion joint longitudinal axis.
The floor expansion joint defines a floor expansion joint transverse axis
which is
perpendicular to the floor expansion joint longitudinal axis.
The first elongated joint bracket defines a first elongated joint bracket
transverse axis
which is perpendicular to the first elongated joint bracket longitudinal axis.
The second
elongated joint bracket defines a second elongated joint bracket transverse
axis which is
perpendicular to the second elongated joint bracket longitudinal axis.
Optionally, the first
elongated joint bracket transverse axis and/or the second elongated joint
bracket
transverse axis are substantially parallel to the floor expansion joint
transverse axis.
The floor expansion joint has a contracted configuration and an expanded
configuration
corresponding, respectively, to the contracted configuration and the expanded
configuration of the first and second elongated brackets. Specifically, the
contracted
configuration of the floor expansion joint corresponds to the state in which
the first and
second elongated brackets are translated relative to each other such that they
are in their
contracted configuration. The expanded configuration of the floor expansion
joint
corresponds to the state in which the first and second elongated brackets are
translated
relative to each other such that they are in their expanded configuration.
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Optionally, the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are
spaced apart
to a greater extent in the expanded configuration than in the contracted
configuration.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are
spaced apart
along the floor expansion joint transverse axis and/or the first/second
elongated joint
bracket transverse axes to a greater extent in the expanded configuration than
in the
contracted configuration
The first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are reversibly
translatable
relative to each other along the floor expansion joint transverse axis. The
first elongated
bracket and the second elongated bracket are reversibly translatable relative
to each other
along the first elongated joint bracket transverse axis and/or the second
elongated joint
bracket transverse axis.
The first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are reversibly
translatable
towards and away from each other so as to move between the expanded
configuration and
the contracted configuration.
Optionally, translation of the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated between the
expanded configuration and the contracted configuration does not result in any
(substantial) deformation of the first elongated bracket and/or the second
elongated
bracket. Optionally, the shapes of the first elongated bracket and/or the
second elongated
bracket remain (substantially) the same as the first elongated bracket and the
second
elongated are translated between the expanded configuration and the contracted
configuration.
The floor expansion joint is configured such that the first elongated bracket
and the second
elongated bracket are resiliently biased away from each other from the
contracted
configuration to the expanded configuration. The floor expansion joint is
configured such
that the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are
resiliently biased
away from each other along the floor expansion joint transverse axis and/or
the
first/second elongated joint bracket transverse axes from the contracted
configuration to
the expanded configuration.
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The second elongated bracket is nested only partially within the first
elongated bracket.
The second elongated bracket is not entirely contained within the first
elongated bracket.
The second elongated bracket extends outside the first elongated bracket along
the floor
5 expansion joint transverse axis and/or the first/second elongated joint
bracket transverse
axes from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration.
A first side of the floor expansion joint is configured to abut against a
first flooring part of
the two floor parts. A second side of the floor expansion joint is configured
to abut against
a second flooring part of the two floor parts.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is configured to abut against a first
flooring part of
the two floor parts. Optionally, the second elongated bracket is configured to
abut against
a second flooring part of the two floor parts.
A bottom side of the floor expansion joint is configured to abut against the
underlying floor.
The underlying floor may be the floor on which the two flooring parts are
placed.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is configured to abut against the
underlying floor.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is configured to abut against the
underlying floor.
A top side of the floor expansion joint is configured to be exposed when, in
use, the floor
expansion joint is placed between two flooring parts. Optionally, the top side
of the floor
expansion joint is configured to bridge the gap between the top surfaces of
the two flooring
parts.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is configured to be exposed when, in
use, the floor
expansion joint is placed between two flooring parts. Optionally, the second
elongated
bracket is configured to be exposed when, in use, the floor expansion joint is
placed
between two flooring parts. Optionally, the first and second elongated
brackets are
configured to together bridge the gap between the top surfaces of the two
flooring parts.
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Optionally, the first elongated bracket is metal. The metal may be aluminium,
brass or
stainless steel. The first elongated bracket may be made from coextruded PVC
and/or
(vulcanised) EPDM.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is metal. The metal may be aluminium,
brass or
stainless steel. The second elongated bracket may be made from coextruded PVC
and/or
(vulcanised) EPDM.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint comprises a resilient member disposed
between the
first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket, the resilient member
is
configured to resiliently bias the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration.
The resilient member may be separate and distinct from both of the first and
second
elongated brackets. The resilient member may be an entirely separate component
from
both of the first and second elongated brackets.
Optionally, the resilient member is not fixedly attached to either of the
first elongated
bracket and/or the second elongated bracket.
Optionally, the resilient member abuts against the first elongated bracket
and/or the
second elongated bracket.
Optionally, the resilient member is disposed within (optionally, entirely
within) a cavity
defined between the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket.
Optionally,
the resilient member fills substantially the entirety/majority of the cavity
defines between
the first elongated member and the second elongated member.
Optionally, the resilient member is a resilient material, such as foam, for
example,
closed/open cell foam.
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Optionally, the resilient member is elongated and defines a resilient member
longitudinal
axis which is substantially parallel to the first and second elongated bracket
longitudinal
axes. The resilient member longitudinal axis may be substantially parallel to
the floor
expansion joint longitudinal axis.
The resilient member/material defines a resilient member/material transverse
axis which
is perpendicular to the resilient member longitudinal axis.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket
define a cavity
therebetween and the resilient member is disposed therein. Optionally, the
resilient
member fills substantially the entirety/majority of the cavity defines between
the first
elongated member and the second elongated member.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint is configured such that when the first
and second
elongated brackets are moved from the expanded configuration to the contracted
configuration the resilient member/material resiliently compresses.
Optionally, the
resilient member/material resiliently compresses along the resilient
member/material
transverse axis, the floor expansion joint transverse axis and/or the
first/second elongated
joint bracket transverse axes.
Optionally, the resilient compression of the resilient member/material does
not result in
any (substantial) deformation of the first and/or second elongated brackets.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket
define a cavity
therebetween. Optionally, the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity is
substantially sealed
by the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint is configured such that when the first
and second
elongated brackets are moved from the expanded configuration to the contracted
configuration the first and second elongated brackets do not (substantially)
deform.
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Optionally, the floor expansion joint is configured such that when the first
and second
elongated brackets are moved from the expanded configuration to the contracted
configuration the volume of the cavity decreases.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is nested within the first elongated
bracket such
that an inner surface of the first elongated bracket abuts against an outer
surface of the
second elongated bracket, and wherein the inner surface of the first elongated
bracket and
the outer surface of the second elongated bracket are configured to slide
against each other
when the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are moved
between the
contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.
Optionally, the parts of the inner surface of the first elongated bracket and
the parts of the
outer surface of the second elongated bracket which slide on each other when
the first
elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are moved between the
contracted
configuration and the expanded configuration are substantially planar.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket defines an inner surface and an outer
surface. The
outer surface of the first elongated bracket may be configured to abut against
the
underlying floor and/or the first of the two flooring parts. Optionally, the
outer surface of
the first elongated bracket is configured to be exposed when, in use, the
floor expansion
joint is placed between two flooring parts. Optionally, the outer surface of
the first
elongated bracket is configured to partially bridge the gap between the top
surfaces of the
two flooring parts. The inner surface of the first elongated bracket may be
configured to
abut against the second elongated bracket (optionally the outer surface
thereof) and/or the
resilient member/material.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket defines an inner surface and an outer
surface. The
outer surface of the second elongated bracket may be configured to abut
against the
underlying floor, the second of the two flooring parts and/or the first
elongated bracket
(optionally the inner surface thereof). Optionally, the outer surface of the
second elongated
bracket is configured to be exposed when, in use, the floor expansion joint is
placed
between two flooring parts. Optionally, the outer surface of the second
elongated bracket
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is configured to partially bridge the gap between the top surfaces of the two
flooring parts.
The inner surface of the second elongated bracket may be configured to abut
against the
resilient member/material.
Optionally, the inner surface of the first elongated bracket and the outer
surface of the
second elongated bracket are substantially planar.
Optionally, the outer surface of the first elongated bracket is substantially
planar.
Optionally, the inner surface of the second elongated bracket is substantially
planar.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket has a cross section which
comprises/consists of a
channel shape. The channel shape optionally comprises/consists of a base and
two flanges
extending therefrom. Optionally, the channel shape is a C-channel or U-
channel. Optionally,
each of the two flanges extends substantially perpendicularly from the base.
Optionally,
each flange extends only from one side of the base. Optionally, each flange
extends from the
uppermost/lowermost end of the base. Optionally, the base does not extend past
either of
the flanges.
Optionally, the base of the first elongated bracket is generally planar.
Optionally, the first
and/or second flanges of the first elongated bracket are generally planar.
Optionally, the
inner and outer surfaces of the base of the first elongated bracket are
generally planar.
Optionally, the inner and outer surfaces of the first and/or second flanges of
the first
elongated bracket are generally planar.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket has a cross section which
comprises/consists of a
channel shape. The channel shape optionally comprises/consists of a base and
two flanges
extending therefrom. Optionally, the channel shape is a C-channel or U-
channel. Optionally,
each of the two flanges extends substantially perpendicularly from the base.
Optionally,
each flange extends only from one side of the base. Optionally, each flange
extends from the
uppermost/lowermost end of the base. Optionally, the base does not extend past
either of
the flanges.
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Optionally, the base of the second elongated bracket is generally planar.
Optionally, the first
and/or second flanges of the second elongated bracket are generally planar.
Optionally, the
inner and outer surfaces of the base of the second elongated bracket are
generally planar.
Optionally, the inner and outer surfaces of the first and/or second flanges of
the second
5 elongated bracket are generally planar.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is nested within the first elongated
bracket such
that the inner surfaces of the flanges of the first elongated bracket abut
against respective
outer surfaces of the flanges of the second elongated bracket, and wherein the
inner
10 surfaces of the flanges of the first elongated bracket and the outer
surfaces of the flanges of
the second elongated bracket are configured to slide against each other when
the first
elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are moved between the
contracted
configuration and the expanded configuration.
Optionally, the inner surfaces of the flanges of the first elongated bracket
and the outer
surfaces of the flanges of the second elongated bracket are substantially
planner.
Optionally, the parts of the inner surface of the flanges of the first
elongated bracket and
the parts of the outer surface of the flanges of the second elongated bracket
which slide on
each other when the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket
are moved
between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration are
substantially
planar.
Optionally, in the contracted configuration, one or both of the flanges of the
second
elongated bracket abut against the base of the first elongated bracket.
Optionally, in the contracted configuration, one or both of the flanges of the
second
elongated bracket abut against the base of the first elongated bracket such
that further
movement of the second elongated bracket towards the first elongated bracket
(without
deformation of the first and second elongated brackets).
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Optionally, outer surfaces of the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
define the top surface of the floor expansion joint when in use, and wherein
the outer
surfaces of the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are
configured
such that the top surface of the floor expansion joint is substantially
flat/flush. Optionally,
the first elongated bracket is tapered towards the second elongated bracket
such that the
top surface of the floor expansion joint is substantially flat/flush.
Optionally, the first (upper) flange of the two flanges of the first elongated
bracket tapers
towards it end. Optionally, the first (upper) flange of the two flanges of the
first elongated
bracket tapers towards it end such that the upper surface of the floor
expansion joint
defined by the first and second elongated brackets is substantially
flat/flush.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket comprises an attachment element
configured to be
attached, when in use, to an underlying floor below one of the two flooring
parts.
Optionally, the attachment element comprises one, two, three or more screw
holes each for
receiving a screw so as to attach the first elongated bracket to the
underlying floor
Optionally, the first elongated bracket has a cross section which comprises a
channel shape
having a base and two flanges extending therefrom (in the manner described
anywhere
above), where a first flange extends further away from the base than a second
flange, the
first flange defining the attachment element, the first flange being
configured to extend,
when in use, under one of the two flooring parts and be sandwiched between
said one of
the two flooring parts and the underlying floor.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket has a cross section which comprises a
channel shape
having a base and two flanges extending therefrom, wherein a first flange of
the two flanges
bends to partially wrap around the second elongated bracket.
Optionally, the first flange is a top flange of the first elongated bracket.
Optionally, the first
flange is at the top side of the first elongated bracket/floor expansion
joint.
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There is further provided a floor expansion joint kit, comprising: a first
elongated bracket
defining a first elongated bracket longitudinal axis; and a second elongated
bracket defining
a second elongated bracket longitudinal axis, the second elongated bracket
being
configured to be nested within the first elongated bracket such that the first
elongated
bracket longitudinal axis and the second elongated bracket longitudinal axis
are
substantially parallel, wherein, when in use, the first elongated bracket and
the second
elongated bracket are configured to be reversibly translatable relative to
each other along
an axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second elongated bracket
longitudinal
axes, the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket being
reversibly
translatable relative to each other between an expanded configuration and a
contracted
configuration, and wherein, when in use, the floor expansion joint is
configured such that
the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are resiliently
biased from
the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration.
With such a configuration, due to the nested arrangement, the second elongated
bracket
can move further into the first elongated bracket when the surrounding floor
parts expand.
This presents a self-contained arrangement where contraction does not alter
the vertical
height of the overall floor expansion joint.
Accordingly, there is provided an improved floor expansion joint kit which is
more durable
and safer to use.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint comprises a resilient member configured
to be
disposed between the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket,
the
resilient member being configured to resiliently bias the first elongated
bracket and the
second elongated bracket from the contracted configuration to the expanded
configuration.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint formable form the floor expansion joint
kit is any of
the floor expansion joints disclosed anywhere herein.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is any of the first elongated brackets
disclosed
anywhere herein.
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Optionally, the second elongated bracket is any of the second elongated
brackets disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the resilient member is any of the resilient members disclosed
anywhere herein.
There is further provided a method of installing a floor expansion joint
between two
flooring parts, the method comprising: providing a first elongated bracket
which defines a
first elongated bracket longitudinal axis; providing a second elongated
bracket which
defines a second elongated bracket longitudinal axis; forming the floor
expansion joint by
nesting the second elongated bracket within the first elongated bracket such
that the first
elongated bracket longitudinal axis and the second elongated bracket
longitudinal axis are
substantially parallel, wherein the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
are reversibly translatable relative to each other along an axis substantially
perpendicular
to the first and second elongated bracket longitudinal axes, the first
elongated bracket and
the second elongated bracket being reversibly translatable relative to each
other between
an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, and wherein the
floor expansion
joint is configured such that the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
are resiliently biased from the contracted configuration to the expanded
configuration;
installing the floor expansion joint in a gap between two flooring parts such
that the first
elongated bracket abuts against one of the two flooring parts and the second
elongated
bracket abuts against the other of the two flooring parts.
With such an implementation, due to the nested arrangement, the second
elongated bracket
can move further into the first elongated bracket when the surrounding floor
parts expand.
This presents a self-contained arrangement where contraction does not alter
the vertical
height of the overall floor expansion joint.
Accordingly, there is provided a method of installing an improved floor
expansion joint
which is more durable and safer to use.
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Optionally, the step of installing the floor expansion joint in the gap
between two flooring
parts involves levelling the floor expansion joint that it is substantially
level with the two
flooring parts.
Optionally, the step of installing the floor expansion joint in the gap occurs
whilst the first
elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are in an intermediate
contracted
configuration between the contracted configuration and the expanded
configuration.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket comprises an attachment element, and
wherein the
method comprises attaching the first elongated bracket to an underlying floor
below one of
the two flooring parts using the attachment element.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint is any of the floor expansion joints
disclosed anywhere
herein.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is any of the first elongated brackets
disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is any of the second elongated
brackets disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the resilient member is any of the resilient members disclosed
anywhere herein.
There is further provided a floor, comprising: a first flooring part placed on
an underlying
floor; a second flooring part placed on the underlying floor spaced apart from
the first
flooring part to define a gap therebetween; and a floor expansion joint placed
in the gap
between the first flooring part and the second flooring part, the floor
expansion joint
comprising: a first elongated bracket defining a first elongated bracket
longitudinal axis;
and a second elongated bracket defining a second elongated bracket
longitudinal axis, the
second elongated bracket being nested within the first elongated bracket such
that the first
elongated bracket longitudinal axis and the second elongated bracket
longitudinal axis are
substantially parallel, wherein the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
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are reversibly translatable relative to each other along an axis substantially
perpendicular
to the first and second elongated bracket longitudinal axes, the first
elongated bracket and
the second elongated bracket being reversibly translatable relative to each
other between
an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, and wherein the
floor expansion
5 joint is configured such that the first elongated bracket and the second
elongated bracket
are resiliently biased from the contracted configuration to the expanded
configuration.
Optionally, the first flooring part is a layer of stone, wood or
porcelain/ceramic tiles.
Optionally, the second flooring part is a layer of stone, wood or
porcelain/ceramic tiles.
10 Optionally, the first flooring part or the second flooring part is a
skirting board, optionally
made from wood.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint is any of the floor expansion joints
disclosed anywhere
herein.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is any of the first elongated brackets
disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is any of the second elongated
brackets disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the resilient member is any of the resilient members disclosed
anywhere herein.
There is further provided a floor kit, comprising: a first flooring part
configured to be placed
on an underlying floor; a second flooring part configured to be placed on the
underlying
floor spaced apart from the first flooring part to define a gap therebetween;
and a floor
expansion joint configured to be placed in the gap between the first flooring
part and the
second flooring part, the floor expansion joint comprising: a first elongated
bracket defining
a first elongated bracket longitudinal axis; and a second elongated bracket
defining a
second elongated bracket longitudinal axis, the second elongated bracket being
nested
within the first elongated bracket such that the first elongated bracket
longitudinal axis
and the second elongated bracket longitudinal axis are substantially parallel,
wherein the
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first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket are reversibly
translatable
relative to each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first
and second
elongated bracket longitudinal axes, the first elongated bracket and the
second elongated
bracket being reversibly translatable relative to each other between an
expanded
configuration and a contracted configuration, and wherein the floor expansion
joint is
configured such that the first elongated bracket and the second elongated
bracket are
resiliently biased from the contracted configuration to the expanded
configuration.
Optionally, the first flooring part is stone, wood or porcelain/ceramic tiles
configured to be
placed in a layer on the underlying floor. Optionally, the second flooring
part is stone, wood
or porcelain/ceramic tiles configured to be placed in a layer on the
underlying floor.
Optionally, the first flooring part or the second flooring part is a skirting
board, optionally
made from wood.
Optionally, the floor expansion joint is any of the floor expansion joints
disclosed anywhere
herein.
Optionally, the first elongated bracket is any of the first elongated brackets
disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the second elongated bracket is any of the second elongated
brackets disclosed
anywhere herein.
Optionally, the resilient member is any of the resilient members disclosed
anywhere herein.
Any of the floor expansion joints disclosed anywhere herein may have a width
(i.e. the
dimension in the floor expansion joint transverse axis) in the (maximum)
contracted
configuration of between approximately 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably approximately
7 mm
to 13 mm.
Additionally/alternatively, any of the floor expansion joints disclosed
anywhere herein
may have a width (i.e. the dimension in the floor expansion joint transverse
axis) in the
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(maximum) expanded configuration of between approximately 10 mm to 25 mm,
preferably approximately 17 mm to 23 mm.
Additionally/alternatively, any of the floor expansion joints disclosed
anywhere herein
may have a height (i.e. the dimension perpendicular to the floor) of between
approximately
5 mm to 25 mm, preferably approximately 10mm to 20 mm, preferably
approximately 12
mm to 17 mm, preferably approximately 15 mm.
Brief Description of Drawings
For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how the same
may be
carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to
the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a floor expansion joint, the floor
expansion
joint comprising a first elongated bracket, a second elongated bracket and a
resilient
member;
Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the first elongated bracket;
Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the second elongated bracket;
Figure 4 shows the floor expansion joint installed within a first flooring
environment;
Figure 5 shows the floor expansion joint installed within a second flooring
environment;
Figure 6 shows a second floor expansion joint, the second floor expansion
joint
comprising a first elongated bracket, a second elongated bracket and a
resilient
member; and
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Figure 7 shows a third floor expansion joint, the third floor expansion joint
comprising a first elongated bracket, a second elongated bracket and a
resilient
member.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a floor expansion joint 100. The
flooring joint 100
is for placement between two flooring parts (see Figures 4 and 5).
The floor expansion joint 100 comprises a first elongated bracket 110 defining
a first
elongated bracket longitudinal axis (extending perpendicularly into the page).
The flooring
expansion joint 100 further comprises a second elongated bracket 120 defining
a second
elongated bracket longitudinal axis (extending perpendicularly into the page).
As shown in Figure 1, the second elongated bracket 120 is nested within the
first elongated
bracket 110 such that the first elongated bracket longitudinal axis and the
second elongated
bracket longitudinal axis are substantially parallel.
The first elongated bracket 110 and the second elongated bracket 120 are
reversibly
translatable relative to each other along an axis substantially perpendicular
to the first and
second elongated bracket longitudinal axes.
The first elongated bracket 110 and the second elongated bracket 120 are
reversibly
translatable relative to each other between an expanded configuration and a
contracted
configuration. In Figure 1, the first elongated bracket 110 and the second
elongated bracket
120 are shown in an intermediate contracted configuration which is between the
expanded
configuration and the contracted configuration. Accordingly, from the
intermediate
contracted configuration shown in Figure 1, the first elongated bracket 110
and the second
elongated bracket 120 can either move towards each other (i.e. towards the
contracted
configuration) or move away from each other (i.e. towards the expanded
configuration).
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The floor expansion joint 100 is configured such that the first elongated
bracket 110 and
the second elongated bracket 120 are resiliently biased from the contracted
configuration
to the expanded configuration.
In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the floor expansion joint 100 further
comprises a
resilient member 130 disposed between the first elongated bracket 110 and the
second
elongated bracket 120. The resilient member 130 is configured to resiliently
bias the first
elongated bracket 110 and the second elongated bracket 120 from the contracted
configuration to the expanded configuration.
The resilient member 130 is elongated and defines a resilient member
longitudinal axis
(extending perpendicularly into the page) which is substantially parallel to
the first and
second elongated bracket longitudinal axes.
The first elongated bracket 110 and the second elongated bracket 120 define a
cavity
therebetween. The resilient member 130 is disposed in the cavity. As shown in
Figure 1,
the resilient member 130 may fill the entirety of the cavity (in particular in
some/all of the
intermediate contracted configurations and the contracted configuration).
The floor expansion joint 100 is elongate and defines a floor expansion joint
longitudinal
axis (extending perpendicularly into the page). The first elongated joint
bracket
longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the floor expansion joint
longitudinal axis. The
second elongated joint bracket longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to
the floor
expansion joint longitudinal axis. The floor expansion joint 100 defines a
floor expansion
joint transverse axis which is perpendicular to the floor expansion joint
longitudinal axis.
A first side 103 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut
against a first flooring
part FP1 of the two floor parts (see Figures 4 and 5). A second side 104 of
the floor
expansion joint 100 is configured to abut against a second flooring part FP2
of the two floor
parts (see Figures 4 and 5).
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In particular, the first elongated bracket 110 is configured to abut against a
first flooring
part FP1 of the two floor parts. The second elongated bracket 120 is
configured to abut
against a second flooring part FP2 of the two floor parts. This is shown in
Figures 4 and 5.
5 A bottom side 102 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut
against the
underlying floor UF. The underlying floor UF may be the floor on which the two
flooring
parts FP1, FP2 are placed. This is shown in Figures 4 and 5.
In particular, the first elongated bracket 110 is configured to abut against
the underlying
10 floor UF. Optionally, the second elongated bracket 120 is configured to
abut against the
underlying floor UF. In use, the second elongated bracket 120 is configured to
slide against
the underlying floor UF when the first elongated bracket 110 and the second
elongated
bracket 120 are moved between the contracted configuration to the expanded
configuration.
A top side 101 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to be exposed
when, in use, the
floor expansion joint 100 is placed between two flooring parts FP1, FP2. In
particular, the
top side 101 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to bridge the gap
between the
top surfaces of the two flooring parts F131, FP2. This is shown in Figures 4
and 5.
Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the first elongated bracket 110. The
first elongated
bracket 110 comprises a base 111, a top flange 112 and a bottom flange 113.
The top flange
112 and the bottom flange 113 both extend from the base 111. As shown in
Figure 2, the
top flange 112 and the bottom flange 113 both extend generally perpendicular
from the
base 111. The base 111, top flange 112 and the bottom flange 113 are each
generally planar.
The top flange 112 is arranged to be at/towards the top of the floor expansion
joint 100
when the floor expansion joint 100 is placed between the two flooring parts
FPI, FP2 and
on top of the underlying floor UF.
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The bottom flange 113 is arranged to be at/towards the bottom of the floor
expansion joint
100 when the floor expansion joint 100 is placed between the two flooring
parts FP1, FP2
and on top of the underlying floor UF.
The first elongated bracket 110 defines an outer surface 114 and an inner
surface 115.
Accordingly, each of the base 111, top flange 112 and the bottom flange 113
defines a inner
surface and an outer surface.
Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the second elongated bracket 120. The
second
elongated bracket 120 comprises a base 121, a top flange 122 and a bottom
flange 123. The
top flange 122 and the bottom flange 123 both extend from the base 121. As
shown in
Figure 3, the top flange 122 and the bottom flange 123 both extend generally
perpendicular
from the base 121. The base 121, top flange 122 and the bottom flange 123 are
each
generally planar.
The top flange 122 is arranged to be at/towards the top of the floor expansion
joint 100
when the floor expansion joint 100 is placed between the two flooring parts
FP1, FP2 and
on top of the underlying floor UF.
The bottom flange 123 is arranged to be at/towards the bottom of the floor
expansion joint
100 when the floor expansion joint 100 is placed between the two flooring
parts FP1, FP2
and on top of the underlying floor UF.
The second elongated bracket 120 defines an outer surface 124 and an inner
surface 125.
Accordingly, each of the base 121, top flange 122 and the bottom flange 123
defines a inner
surface and an outer surface.
Referring again to Figure 1, the second elongated bracket 120 is nested within
the first
elongated bracket 110 such that the inner surface 115 of the first elongated
bracket 110
abuts against the outer surface 124 of the second elongated bracket 120.
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The inner surface 115 of the first elongated bracket 110 and the outer surface
124 of the
second elongated bracket 120 are configured to slide against each other when
the first
elongated bracket 110and the second elongated bracket 120 are moved between
the
contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.
In particular, the second elongated bracket 120 is nested within the first
elongated bracket
110 such that the inner surfaces of the flanges 112, 113 of the first
elongated bracket 110
abut against respective outer surfaces of the flanges 122, 123 of the second
elongated
bracket 120. The inner surfaces of the flanges 122, 123 of the first elongated
bracket 110
and the outer surfaces of the flanges 122, 123 of the second elongated bracket
120 are
configured to slide against each other when the first elongated bracket 110
and the second
elongated bracket 120 are moved between the contracted configuration and the
expanded
configuration.
Figure 4 shows the floor expansion joint 100 installed within a first flooring
environment.
In particular, the floor expansion joint 100 is installed within a gap formed
between a first
flooring part FP1 and a second flooring part FP2. The flooring expansion joint
100 is placed
on top of the underlying floor UF which underlies both the first flooring part
FP1 and the
second flooring part FP2.
A first side 103 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut
against a first flooring
part FP1 of the two floor parts. A second side 104 of the floor expansion
joint 100 is
configured to abut against a second flooring part FP2 of the two floor parts.
A bottom side
102 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut against the
underlying floor UF.
A top side 101 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to be exposed
when, in use, the
floor expansion joint 100 is placed between two flooring parts FP1, FP2.
In the first flooring environment of Figure 4, the first flooring part FP1 is
a layer of stone
tiles and the second flooring part FP2 is a layer of wood or laminate.
Figure S shows the floor expansion joint 100 installed within a second
flooring
environment. In particular, the floor expansion joint 100 is installed within
a gap formed
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between a first flooring part FP1 and a second flooring part FP2. The flooring
expansion
joint 100 is placed on top of the underlying floor UF which underlies both the
first flooring
part FP1 and the second flooring part FP2.
A first side 103 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut
against a first flooring
part FP1 of the two floor parts. A second side 104 of the floor expansion
joint 100 is
configured to abut against a second flooring part FP2 of the two floor parts.
A bottom side
102 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to abut against the
underlying floor UF.
Atop side 101 of the floor expansion joint 100 is configured to be exposed
when, in use, the
floor expansion joint 100 is placed between two flooring parts FP1, FP2.
In the first flooring environment of Figure 5, the first flooring part FP1 is
a layer of wood,
such as timber, or laminate. In the first flooring environment of Figure 5,
the first flooring
part FP1 is skirting board, such as a wooden skirting board. The skirting
board is affixed to
a wall W.
Figure 6 shows a second floor expansion joint 200, the second floor expansion
joint 200
comprising a first elongated bracket 210, a second elongated bracket 220 and a
resilient
member 230 and being generally similar to the floor expansion joint 100.
Accordingly, only
differences are described below.
In particular, the flanges 212, 213 of the first elongated bracket 210 are of
a different length.
Specifically, the bottom flange 213 (configured to be placed on the underlying
floor UF) is
longer in length that the top flange 212. The bottom flange 213 extends
further away from
the base than a top flange 212.
The bottom flange 213 has an attachment element in the form of a plurality of
screw holes
213a (only one shown in Figure 6). A screw S may be passed therethrough to
fixedly attach
the first elongated bracket 210 (and therefore the second floor expansion
joint 200) to the
underlying floor UF.
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The bottom flange 213 being configured to extend, when in use, under the
second flooring
part FP2 and be sandwiched between the second flooring part FP2 and the
underlying floor
UF.
Figure 7 shows a third floor expansion joint 300, the third floor expansion
joint 300
comprising a first elongated bracket 310, a second elongated bracket 320 and a
resilient
member 330 and being generally similar to the floor expansion joint 100.
Accordingly, only
differences are described below.
In particular, the flanges 312, 313 of the first elongated bracket 310 are of
a different length.
Specifically, the bottom flange 313 (configured to be placed on the underlying
floor UF) is
longer in length that the top flange 312. The bottom flange 313 extends
further away from
the base than a top flange 312.
The bottom flange 313 has an attachment element in the form of a plurality of
screw holes
313a (only one shown in Figure 6). A screw S may be passed therethrough to
fixedly attach
the first elongated bracket 310 (and therefore the second floor expansion
joint 300) to the
underlying floor UF.
The bottom flange 313 being configured to extend, when in use, under the
second flooring
part FP2 and be sandwiched between the second flooring part FP2 and the
underlying floor
UF.
Furthermore, the top flange 312 bends to partially wrap around the second
elongated
bracket 320.
Although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed herein
in detail,
this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration
only. The
aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the
scope of
the appended claims.
In particular, various shapes of the first and second elongated brackets are
envisaged.
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Moreover, even though the Figures describe that the floor expansion joints
100, 200, 300
each include a distinct resilient member, this is entirely optional. Other
means for
resiliently biasing the two brackets away from each other are possible. For
example, one or
5 both of the elongated brackets may comprise integrated parts (e.g. a leaf
spring element)
so as to bias the two elongated brackets away from each other.
It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations,
and
modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of
the
10 invention as defined by the appended claims.
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