GB2596071A

GB2596071A - Floor expansion joint, a floor expansion joint and a method of installing the same

Info

Publication number: GB2596071A
Application number: GB2009061.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lewin Sharp David; Edward Sharp Thomas
Original assignee: Idl Colour Coating Ltd
Current assignee: Idl Colour Coating Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-15
Filing date: 2020-06-15
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Also published as: CA3182441A1; GB202009061D0; WO2021255424A1; EP4165260A1

Abstract

A floor expansion joint 100 for placement between two flooring parts comprises first and second elongated brackets 110, 120, the second bracket being nested in the first. The first and second brackets are reversibly translatable between expanded and contracted configurations, and are resiliently biased to the expanded configuration. A resilient member 130, which may be formed from foam, may be disposed in a cavity between the brackets. The brackets may be in the form of a C-shaped or U-shaped channel. One of the flanges of the first bracket may be extended to include one or more screw holes for attachment of the bracket to an underlying floor. A floor expansion kit comprises reversibly translatable first and second elongate brackets and a method of installing an expansion joint in a gap between two flooring parts includes the step of nesting together the first and second elongate brackets.

Description

FLOOR EXPANSION JOINT, A FLOOR EXPANSION JOINT AND A METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME

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 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.

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.

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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.

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 15 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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 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).

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 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.

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.

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. 5 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.

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 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 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 a layer of stone, wood or porcelain/ceramic tiles. Optionally, the second flooring part is a layer of stone, wood or porcelain/ceramic tiles.

Optionally, the first flooring part or the second flooring part is a skirting board, optionally made from wood.

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 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.

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 (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 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 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 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).

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).

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.

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 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 FP1, 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 FP1, FP2 and on top of the underlying floor UF.

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.

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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.

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 UP 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 5 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 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 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 61 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.

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.

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 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 invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. 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.
2. The floor expansion joint of Claim 1, wherein 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.
3. The floor expansion joint of Claim 2, wherein the resilient member is a resilient material, such as foam, for example, closed/open cell foam, optionally, wherein 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, further optionally, wherein the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket define a cavity therebetween and the resilient member is disposed therein.
4. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket define a cavity therebetween, optionally, wherein the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity is substantially sealed by the first elongated bracket and the second elongated bracket.
5. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein 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.
6. The floor expansion joint of Claim 5, wherein the inner surface of the first elongated bracket and the outer surface of the second elongated bracket are substantially planar.
7. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein: the first elongated bracket has a cross section which comprises a channel shape having a base and two flanges extending therefrom, optionally: the channel shape is a C-channel or U-channel, and/or each of the two flanges extends substantially perpendicularly from the base; and/or the second elongated bracket has a cross section which comprises a channel shape having a base and two flanges extending therefrom, optionally: the channel shape is a C-channel or U-channel, and/or each of the two flanges extends substantially perpendicularly from the base.
8. The floor expansion joint of Claim 7, wherein 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 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.
9. The floor expansion joint of Claim 8, wherein 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.
10. The floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein in the contracted configuration one or both of the flanges of the second elongated bracket abut against the base of the first elongated bracket.
11. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein 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, 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.
12. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein 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: wherein 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, and/or wherein the first elongated bracket has a cross section which comprises a channel shape having a base and two flanges extending therefrom, a first flange extending 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.
13. The floor expansion joint of any preceding claim, wherein 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.
14. 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.
15. The floor expansion joint kit of Claim 14, comprising 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.
16. The floor expansion joint kit of Claim 14 or 15, wherein: the first elongated bracket is the first elongated bracket of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13; and/or the second elongated bracket is the second elongated bracket of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13; and/or the resilient member is the resilient member of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13.
17. 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.
18. The method of Claim 17, wherein 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.
19. The method of Claim 17 or 18, wherein 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 30 element.
20. The method of any one of Claim 17 to 19, wherein: the floor expansion joint is the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13; and/or the first elongated bracket is the first elongated bracket of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13; and/or the second elongated bracket is the second elongated bracket of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13; and/or the resilient member is the resilient member of the floor expansion joint of any one of Claims 1 to 13.15 20 25