MXPA95004748A - Cover board of expans - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an expansion joint cover installation comprising first and second building members having an intermediate expansion space therebetween, a first detent fixed to the first building member adjacent to the intermediate expansion space, a second detent fixed to the second building member adjacent to the intermediate expansion space, an elongated cover having a longitudinal axis, an internal face, an external face and side edges, the cover covering the intermediate space of expansion and being above the minus a portion of the first detent and at least a portion of the second detent, at least two releasable fasteners that attach the cover to the first detent, the first fasteners being spaced apart along the cover, at least one fixed runway to the inner side of the cover and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and being positioned for overlap on the second detent, a slider received in the sliding track to move along the track, and a second releasable clip that joins the slider to the second ret

Description

"COVER BOARD OF EXPANSION" INVENTORS: THOMAS A. SHREINER, and ROGER. BARR, Americans, domiciled in P.O. BOX 439, Boston Cove, Picture Rocks, Pennsylvania 17762; and at 29 Casey Drive, Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701 United States of America assign all rights to C0NSTRUCTI0N SPECIA TIES, INC., a company duly organized and incorporated in accordance with the Laws of the State of New Jersey - domiciled at • j_g 55 Winans Avenue , Cranford, New Jersey 07016 United States of America, for the invention that is described below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 Expansion joint covers for buildings in geographic regions, which have tendency to earthquakes are commonly of special designs that allow the movements of the elements of the building to any side of the intermediate space of expansion that are much larger than the movements that occur as a result of thermal expansion and contraction. Most seismic expansion joint covers follow traditional design philosophies that have long been applied to expansion joint covers that are not intended to sustain earthquakes; use metal cover panels and various fastening systems to join the cover panels with the frame members that are attached to the building members on either side of the expansion space in such a manner as to retain the cover panels in place in space during seismic events, while allowing large movements of the limbs. In a commonly used fastening system, the cover panel is bolted to the centers of spaced apart bridge bars spanning the space with their ends sliding in tracks in the frame members. As the space expands and contracts, the bridge bars pivot around the connecting bolts. An example of a seismic expansion joint deck system using bridge bars is found in the Moulton US Patent Number 5,078,529 issued on January 7, 1992, for "Seismic Expansion Board Cover". Previously known seismic expansion joint covers can support relatively weak earthquakes but are seriously damaged, often irreparably, in serious earthquakes such as the one that occurred in January 1994, just north of Los Angeles, California, United States of America . An inspection of several installations of the seismic expansion joint covers of different designs in the Los Angeles area just after the earthquake revealed bent and deformed roof panels, failed connectors, separate frames of their anchors in the walls and floors , and damage to the walls adjacent to the roofs, caused by impacts of the roof panels partially separated against the walls. Few of the inspected facilities were able to repair themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an expansion joint cover for walls and ceilings having a cover panel which is very easy to initially install and replace, in case of damage, and which is released in a retention system in case of a widening or narrowing of the expansion space to a degree exceeding a predetermined normal scale due to temperature changes. Another object is to provide an expansion joint cover which, because of which it is releasable from the retention system, is capable of sustaining a serious earthquake with little possibility of damage to the cover panel or to the wall or ceiling where it is installed. Another object is to provide an expansion joint cover in which the cover panel can be quickly and easily reinstalled after being separated in a seismic event. Yet another object is to provide an expansion joint cover that is economical and attractive in appearance. It is also desirable that an expansion joint cover, in accordance with the present invention, is flame retardant and has a cover panel that is low in mass and minimizes noise transmission. The aforementioned objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention, by an expansion joint cover that includes a first detent fixed to a member of the building on one side of the expansion space, a second retainer fixed to the orifice member on the other side of the expansion space, and an elongated cover panel having an internal face, an outer face and side edges and having a width such that it encompasses the expansion space and remains above a portion of the building member ( a wall or ceiling) on at least one side of the space. The invention is characterized in that at least two axially releasable fasteners connect the cover panel to at least one of the seals, the fasteners being longitudinally spaced from the cover panel. As used herein, the term "axially releasable fastener" means a connector that joins a member with another member in such a way that the connection is dislodged and the members are released from each other only by applying a force to a member that acts almost unidirectionally along one axis, in one direction away from the other member. Examples of "axially releasable fasteners" are those of "hook-and-loop fabric," snap fasteners, different forms of spring clips, and releasable forms of "clasps that are pressed together," magnets, and gravity clips. An important aspect of the present invention is the automatic release of the cover panel from the retention system in the event of a seismic event. An additional benefit of the ability of the fasteners to release the cover panel is the ease of initial installation and, if necessary, the removal of the cover panel for replacement. Accordingly, the expansion joint cover of the present invention is useful not only for expansion joints in buildings designed for regions prone to earthquakes but for expansion joints in buildings of conventional design. In a preferred embodiment, at least two first axially releasable fasteners join the cover panel with the first detent, the first fasteners being longitudinally spaced from the cover panel. At least two slideways are fixed to the inner face of the cover panel in a longitudinally spaced relation of the cover panel, each slideway being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being positioned to run over the second seal. A slide is received in each slideway to move along the track, and a second releasable fastener joins each slide with the second catch. In the preferred embodiments, at least one latch, such as a flexible cord or cord that can also be elastic, connects the cover panel to the wall or ceiling adjacent the expansion space in order to retain the cover panel near to. the wall or ceiling in case of the release of the fasteners. Therefore, the cover panel is maintained against falling to the floor and becomes an obstacle to the movement of people and things. In some embodiments, the lock allows the cover panel to move away from the retention system. In the case of a ceiling cover, it is preferred to use a loose fastener in this manner so that the cover panel does not interfere with the adjacent wall cover panels. In the case of a wall cover panel, an advantageous locking arrangement is a system of two or more flexible resilient elements that extend through the expansion space in a separate relationship and join the cover panel. The flexible elements retain the cover panel against the wall and form a fence that keeps the cover panel against its entry into the expansion space, even when the space is widened to a width greater than the width of the roof panel. A preferred flexible element is a "shock absorbing cord". It is also possible to use one or more non-elastic cords appropriately threaded through the expansion space, fixed at each crossing with the cover panel, and tensioned by mechanical weights or spring. In some embodiments, each slide track is recessed toward the inner face of the cover panel, at least one edge of the cover panel slidably engages or is close to a surface of a member of the hole in one side of the expansion space, and the second detent has a surface essentially flush with the surface of the building member. When space occurs in a corner, only one surface of the building member is coupled by or is close to the cover panel. Otherwise, the cover panel engages or remains close to the surfaces on both sides of the space. In some installations, the surfaces on either side of the space are flat surfaces of a continuous wall or a ceiling. In other installations, the surface of the building member coupled by one or both edges of the cover panel is a surface of a recessed portion of the wall or ceiling, in which case the outer surface of the cover panel can be flush with the portions of the wall from the ceiling adjacent to the recesses. Each slideway may extend through the cover panel such that a portion is above the first detent, and a non-movable slide member is received in each slideway in the portion and fixed thereon against movement. . In that case, each first axially releasable fastener is connected between a non-movable slide and the first detent. Sliding tracks that span the width cover panel provide lateral stiffness to the cover panel, provide improved retention of releasable fasteners, and facilitate the maintenance of the desired locations of releasable fasteners during fabrication, particularly in the thickness direction due to the recess of the sliding ways. In embodiments in which the cover panel is mounted on the surface, the cover panel will ordinarily have an essentially uniform profile in cross section along its length and preferably, will be somewhat thicker at or near the longitudinal center than adjacent to the edges. The thinner edges present the appearance of a thin profile in a surface mounted installation. The outer face of the cover panel can be convexly curved laterally and the inner face can be essentially flat. The cover panel can be manufactured by compression molding a composite material that includes a fiber filling or loading material, such as glass fibers, and an appropriate binder. The outer face of the cover panel may have a coating of a sheet material, such as a synthetic textile fabric (e.g., a woven polyester), or a thick paper that is adapted to receive paint or wallpaper. Alternatively, with the cover panel it may also be constituted by a skeletal frame including sliding tracks and metal linings formed with rollers or formed in pleating, sheet metal material, or panels of a polymeric material, which can be thermoformed . It is advantageous, even if not necessary, in the surface-mounted and highly desirable versions in the flush-mounted portions, to provide an arrangement for moving the cover panel away from the wall to cause the fastener system to release the cover panel from the wall. its fixation with the seals. In one arrangement, at least one baffle member extends from the inner surface of the cover panel. The baffle member is positioned and formed in order to engage a detent and effect the separation of the fasteners. In a flush mounted design, one or both of the side edges of the cover panel can be chamfered so that they have a sloping surface that provides a cam action against the shoulder formed by the side edge of the recess where the cover panel is received. . Alternatively, the side edge of the recess can be tilted to provide the cam action against the cover panel. In these arrangements, the recess of the wall can be formed by a portion of the retainer having a base wall and an inclined side wall. When the cover panel is recessed to a wall or ceiling, the recesses or any side can be left uncovered to provide revealing surfaces or a flexible gasket can be connected between each edge of the cover panel and an edge of an adjacent surface. the recessed portion of the building member. The packings may be of the type described and shown in the Shreiner US Patent Number 5,048,249 issued September 17, 1991, for "Rack Expansion Board Gasket", which is incorporated herein by reference. Those gaskets can be designed to separate relatively easily from the receiving grooves along the edges of the cover panel and the receiving grooves in the side wall gaskets. The lower deck panels are preferably of essentially uniform thickness and have external surfaces that are essentially flush with the surfaces of the wall or ceiling adjacent the recessed portion. A very important and highly advantageous feature of a seismic expansion joint according to the present invention, is that the cover panels by means of the fasteners are allowed to be completely separated from the members of the building, except when they are locked by flexible cords. to keep them from falling to the floor and clogging after they have separated. The separation of the seals is a departure from the principle of previously known seismic expansion joint covers, such as those where the cover panels can be resiliently retained in a manner that allows them to move out of space when the Space closes but they are also pulled back into the space when the space opens or the cover panels that are designed to allow large movements but remain in place. The previously known covers have proved to be greatly incapable of surviving a considerable earthquake without damage, frequently irreparable damage. Another advantage of the expansion joint covers of the present invention is the ease with which they can be established to their installed state after being separated. All that is required is to place them in an appropriate position and then use the hook and loop fasteners, pushing them firmly into the wall or ceiling at the locations of the fasteners. The preferred hook and loop fasteners, as will be described below, they emit a "thump" or "snap" easily detected when they are connected. If a cover panel is damaged, it is removed by simply disconnecting the lock. Previously known seismic expansion joint covers require the removal of screws or bolts, such as screws by which the cover panels are clamped at intervals with the bridge bars. The roof panels made of composite materials or consisting of cores and coatings are lightweight but nonetheless are sturdy and rigid.

They are easy to transport and handle, and they are of low mass, which reduces the possibility of damaging the surfaces of the wall and the ceiling when they separate and everything is moving from one side to another and becoming a danger for pedestrians . They are also flame retardants. Composite roof panels have good acoustic properties, which is important to avoid the transmission of noise, such as "street noise", through the expansion joint. Fabric or thick paper coatings allow the cover panels to be painted or papered to match the walls, both during initial installation and when redecorating. For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to the following description of exemplary embodiments, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an end view in cross section of a first embodiment, showing the expansion space of a neutral width; Figure 2 is a detailed side cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view in cross section of the first embodiment, showing the expansion space at its widest normal width; Figure 4 is an end cross-sectional view of the first embodiment, showing the expansion space at its smallest normal width; Figure 5 is an end view in cross section of the first embodiment, showing the cover panel separated from the seals, such as occurs during an earthquake; Figure 6 is an end view in cross section of a second embodiment, which is structured to be used in a corner; Figure 7 is an end view in cross section of a third embodiment, which is a flush mounted version; Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the third embodiment, taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross sectional end view of a fourth embodiment, which is also a flush mounted version and includes gaskets; Figure 10 is a cross sectional end view of a fifth embodiment, which is a surface mounted version similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5; Figure 11 is an end view in cross section of a sixth embodiment, which is a flush mounted version; Figure 12 is a rear side partial elevation view of the cover panel of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a portion of a wall in the expansion space and equipped with the seals and a latch in the form of an elastic cord loop; Figure 14 is a fragmentary cross section taken along lines 14-15 of Figure 11; Figure 15 is an end view in cross section of a seventh embodiment, which is another flush mounted version; Figure 16 is an end view in cross section of an eighth embodiment, which is mounted flush and is for use in a space where one end of the wall joins another wall perpendicular thereto, i.e., a corner; and Figure 17 is an end view in cross section of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES The embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 is designed to be mounted on the surfaces of two portions WL and WR of a wall or ceiling. For reasons of convenience, a wall or ceiling of the building will be referred to below as a "wall" with the understanding that the expansion joint covers of the present invention are equally useful for ceilings. Wall surfaces, for example, are the faces of the pressed gypsum fiberboard panels 20, which are fastened to the studs 22 of sheet metal. The expansion joint cover connects and hides an expansion space G between wall portions WL and WR. An elongate seal 24 is attached to each wall portion WL and WR on either side of an expansion space by screws 25 of rolled metal passing through a leg portion 241 that is above the edge of the pressed fiber panel. A leg portion 242 of each retainer 24 projects outwardly to the expansion space. Even when it is preferred to use seals that extend continuously along almost the entire length of the expansion spaceIt is possible to use retainer brackets placed at appropriate intervals along the interspace. A cover panel 26 spans the interspace in the width direction and extends along the entire length of the interspace. The portions along each lateral edge 2 ßl-and 262 of the cover panel are permeated from the portions of wall surfaces adjacent to the interspace G. The cover panel 26 is compression molded of a composite material, containing fibers, such as glass fibers, bound by an appropriate binder, such as a formaldehyde. The cover panel is of uniform profile in cross section along its length, is thicker in its center than along the edges 261, 262, and is slightly transversely capped to present a convexly curved outer surface in a light manner . The relatively thin edges and uniform curvature present a "thin line" appearance for an observer. A thick paper of the type used in the pressed gypsum fiber or a textile fabric covers the exposed surfaces of the cover panel so that the surfaces can be painted or covered with wallpaper to match or coordinate with the surface of the wall. The recesses 263 are molded to the inside or inside surface of the cover panel 26 at appropriate intervals along their length. Each recess receives a slide track 28, which is generally channel-shaped and includes a flange portion 281 along each side (Figure 2) that forms a recessed edge slot. The slideways 28 can be pieces cut from a metal or plastic extrusion or from a band formed in pleating or roll formed and are appropriately fastened to the cover panel 26, for example by bonding with adhesive. Each sliding track is somewhat longer than the width of the intermediate expansion space and receives a pair of slides 30a and 30b, which are preferably pieces cut from an extrusion of a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, and are configured and they measure in cross section in order to be retained in the sliding track and to slide along the sliding track. One of the slides 30b, however, is secured in the sliding track against movement by folds 284 in the flange portions 281 of the sliding track. A piece 32 of an element of a hook-and-loop fastener is fastened, for example by bonding with adhesive, to the leg portion 242 of each retainer at each site along the length of the retainer that has been crossed by a track 28 sliding cover panel. The leg portion 242 has a shallow recess within which the base sheet portion of the fastener element is adjusted, thus providing a mechanical fixation against displacement or detachment in the plane of the walls. A part 34 of the other element of the hook and loop fastener is fixed, for example by means of adhesive or thermal bond to each slide 30a, 30b. An appropriate hook and loop fastener can be obtained from the 3M Industrial Tape and Specialties Division of St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America, such as the reclosable fastener of Type 400"Dual Lock". Both elements of that fastener have mushroom-like rods that intertwine to provide a highly tenacious releasable connection. The rods are also durable and can be released and reattached numerous times without significant loss of tenacity. Although less preferred, it can be replaced by hook and loop fasteners, magnets, gravity clips and other axially releasable fasteners. Each retainer 24 has a hole for one end of a lock 36, such as a steel cable or an elastic shock cord. The elastic shock absorber cord has the advantage of dampening the energy and reducing the forces acting on the connection points between the latch and the cover panel and the retainer. Each track 28 has a hole for the other end of the lock. Each latch has 361 pressure hooks on each end that allow it to connect with a hole in a sliding track and a hole in the retainer. As usual, it is desirable to use two locks on the cover panel, one near each end. In a wall installation, a single lock near the top may suffice. The cover panel 26 is installed on a wall or ceiling, to which they have been previously fixed on either side of the intermediate space G of expansion of the retainers 24 with the fastening elements 32 in place, first fixing the locks 36 between the retainer and the tracks and then simply aligning the cover panel edge closest to the non-movable slides 30b at the appropriate distance from the interspace G, which may be temporarily marked with light pencil cues or pieces of masking tape. Sliding cade 30a movable moves along the sliding track to a position such that it coincides in a hook direction with the fastener element to which it will be fixed, which will vary depending on the width of the intermediate expansion space at the time of installation and it can be measured. After adjustment of the movable slides 30a and positioning of the cover panel relative to the interspace, the cover panel is pushed firmly towards the wall at sites close to each fastener. The fasteners emit a pressure noise or a thud as the mushroom roots intertwine, which is a sign of proper connection. In the installed condition, the edges 261 and 262 of the cover panel are slidably or justly detached from the exposed wall surfaces. Normal expansions and contractions of the intermediate space with thermal changes are accommodated by the seismic expansion joint by movements of the movable slides along the sliding tracks, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The non-movable slider 30b maintains the cover panel coinciding with the free space in the widthwise direction so that it can not deviate to one side or the other, as the interspace expands and contracts through successive cycles - one edge of the panel of cover remains stationary in width direction. In an earthquake, the fasteners release the cover panel so that it can fall away from the wall and ceiling, as shown in Figure 5. To ensure uncoupling of the cover panel when portions of the building on either side of the In the intermediate space they move predominantly in the plane of the wall surfaces, a baffle of the shape shown in Figure 7 can be fixed to each track and will be described below. The locks 36 keep the cover panel against falling to the floor and become an impediment for people or objects moving in the area of the intermediate space. After the earthquake, the cover panel can usually be reinstalled (if it has not been damaged) in the same way it was installed first. If a cover panel is damaged, it can be removed by unhooking it from the locks 36 and a new cover panel is installed. The embodiment of Figure 6 is in most respects the same as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5. Accordingly, only the differences will be described below, and if the parts are given the same reference numbers as that of Figures 1 to 5 but increased by 100. The expansion joint cover panel of Figure 6 is designed to be used when the expansion joint occurs at a corner between walls Wl and W2 or when the wall is together with a ceiling. In the latter case, the structure of the wall and the ceiling will differ from those shown but the design of the expansion joint cover will be essentially the same. The drawing can be reversed to allow a ceiling installation to be viewed more easily. In the expansion joint cover of Figure 6, a detent 124 is "L" shaped and is secured by a leg 124a in the wall W2, and the cover panel 126 is reconfigured in width and shape to present an edge 126 that abuts against the wall W2. The slide 130b is held immobile by the folds 384 in the track 128 so that the cover panel remains stationary relative to the wall W2. The normal expansion and contraction of the intermediate space is accommodated by the movement of the movable slider 130a along the sliding track 128. The expansion joint cover shown in Figures 7 and 8 are configured to be flush with the surfaces of the walls W3 and W4 or ceilings (not shown). The portions W3 'and W4' of the walls or any side of the intermediate space are recessed and provide revealing surfaces. In Figures 7 and 8, the components equivalent to those in Figures 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals but increased by 300. The detents 324 are fastened by screws 325 of rolled metal to the metal studs 322 and receive at intervals along their lengths, an element 332 of a hook and loop fastener. The cover panel 326 is constituted by a skeletal framework composed of a pair of longitudinal members 326 of generally "J" shaped cross section along each side and the sliding tracks 324 positioned at intervals along the length of the Cover panel and extending transversely from the cover panel. A facing member 326b of laminated material formed in a channel-like cross section fits over the skeletal frame. Adhesives and / or mechanical fasteners are used to join the components of the cover panel. The components of the cover panel can be made of metal, for example of aluminum, or of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, which can be mixed with a small amount of an acrylic polymer to increase its toughness. Other materials suitable for the cover panel include high density molded polymer foam; wood; foam laminates, such as polystyrene, with a sheet metal cover or a rigid or semi-rigid polymer; laminates or metal or polymer sheets with metal or honeycomb polymer cores; and extruded polymeric or aluminum materials.Each sliding track receives a movable slide 330a near one end and a non-movable slide 330b near the other end. Each slide is fixed to one of the detents by means of a hook and loop fastener, one element 332 of which is secured in the detent and the other 334 in the slide. The locks 336 hold the cover panel 326 against its fall to the floor when the cover panel is dislodged during an earthquake. The embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 includes another feature, which may be incorporated in any design of the expansion joint cover that covers the present invention. Each sliding track 328 receives a deflector 340 having a mounting base 340a fixed to the sliding track and a keel-like cam 340b having an inclined cam edge 340c facing the side of the intermediate expansion space that is movable in relation to the cover panel. In an earthquake, a closing of the intermediate space to a greater degree than a normal narrowing due to thermal contraction, place the detent 324 in engagement with the cam edge 340c of the deflector 340, and push the cover panel away from the wall W3 , thereby releasing the fasteners on the movable side of the intermediate space. When the baffle pushes the cover panel away from the wall recess W3 ', the fasteners on the other side of the interspace are also released by pivoting the cover panel around edge 462 which engages the wall recess W4'. The expansion joint cover of Figure 9 is similar in most respects to that of Figures 7 and 8. Therefore, the same reference numbers are applied to Figure 9 as applied to Figures 7 and 8 but increased by 400. The cover panel 426 is constructed based on the skeletal framework composed of the transverse sliding tracks 428, a longitudinal member 426a along each lateral edge, and a facing member 426c which in this case is a sheet flat which is placed within a recess in the flange portion 426aa of each member 426a and which is attached thereto by an adhesive. An "L" shaped tab 426ab on each member 426a forms a slot that receives a retaining leg 440a of a flexible packing 440. The other packing retaining leg 440b is received in a wall retainer 442. As mentioned above, the packings may be of the type described and shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,048,249. Figure 10 is a surface-mounted version similar to that of Figures 1 to 5, the components of Figure 10 having been designated, therefore, by the same reference numerals as those of Figures 1 to 5, but enlarged at 500. An element of each pair of hook and loop fasteners 532/534 is attached to a base portion of each retainer 524 that is above the edge of the wall adjacent to the interspace, which differs in detail but not in principle of the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5. The molded fiberglass cover panel 526 is locked in the detents by a loop of a covered elastic cord 536, a material generally filled with "shock absorbing cord". The manner of fastening the cord to the seals and the cover panel to the cord will now be described in relation to Figures 11 to 14. The last two figures of the reference numerals in Figures 11 to 14 designate components similar to those of the other modalities. The cover panel 626 is of molded fiberglass and is of thin rectangular cross section with the planar main faces. The flush (external surface flush with the surfaces of the main wall) is mounted within the recesses formed in the adjacent walls on either side of the intermediate expansion space. The revealing surfaces of the recesses in this embodiment are formed by the base portions 624a of the detents 624, which extend outwardly to the side edges of the recesses and which have L-shaped edge flange portions 624b defining the lateral edges of the recess and extending outwardly through the edges of the panels of the recesses. main pressed fiber. A joint compound is applied to the edge flange portions to form a smooth edge finish on the major wall surfaces. The deflectors 640, similar to those described above, are ated to some of the sliding ways in positions laterally to move the cover panel by a camming action against the adjacent retainer remote from the wall so that the respective lateral edge of the cover panel clears the side edge of the recess (the flange portion 624b) in a seismic event that causes a wall travel relative to the cover panel sufficiently to engage the deflector with the retainer. A section of the shock absorber 636 is appropriately joined at its ends to form an endless loop, which as shown in Figure 13 is connected by the hooks 636a (Figure 11) with each of the two detents 624 at two points of such that the upper and lower transverse segments cross the intermediate expansion space at sites below two of the sliding tracks 628 of the cover panel (see also Figure 12). The cover panel 626 is connected to the shock absorber 636 by means of a spring clip 636b in the shape of a "U" (see Figure 14) which is resiliently engaged to the side flanges of the sliding track 628 and which forms the channel through from which the shock absorber 636 extends. The spring clip 636b allows the cover panel to be installed after the detents and cushion cord are in place, the cord extending outwardly from the wall and the spring clips springing toward the tracks before the panel The cover is adjusted to the wall and held in place by hook and loop fasteners. A desirable configuration for the 636 shock absorbing cords and the baffles 640 is a shock absorbing cord having one of the crossing segments under a sliding track, the deflectors in the next sliding track and the other crossing segment under the next sliding track, on the other side of the baffles, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. This arrangement avoids any conflict between the spring clips and the baffles and provides an appropriately long bead that retains a fairly uniform tension between the open and closed conditions. closed of the intermediate space of expansion. The shock absorber 636 is installed with a pre-charged tension moderately, so that when the seal is narrowed, a tension force remains. The shock absorber cord runs freely through the hooks 636a and the clips 636b, so that the tension is distributed relatively evenly at all times. The segments of the cord 636 extending through the intermediate expansion space have a barrier or a fence or fence that keeps the cover panel against its entry into the interspace after it separates from the seals, even when the interspace widens up to a width greater than the width of the deck panel It is desirable to use two or more loops of the shock absorber cord thereby providing four or more segments through the intermediate expansion space, according to one another, the crossing segments they provide a fence to retain an evicted cover panel with sufficient force to prevent a person from falling into the interspace The lock cord latch of Figures 11 to 14 can of course be used with any of the modalities and, of course, is the interlocking arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 10. The locking arrangement of the shock absorbing cord of Figures 11 to 14 can m be made by passing a shock absorber cord (or other flexible element) along other trajectories, such as diagonally back and forth through the interspace and securing their ends. The shock absorbing cord may be replaced by one or more non-elastic cords or cables appropriately positioned through the intermediate space of expansion between the sliding fastening points towards the detents so as to form at least two longitudinally separated crossover segments, fixed at each end. crossing to the deck panel, and kept under tension by one or more hanging weights or mechanical springs or spring mechanisms. Another way to avoid a damaging shock of a cover panel mounted flush with the side edges of a wall recess is exemplified by the embodiment of Figure 15. The side edges 726a of the cover panel 726 are beveled in such a way that they slope away from the intermediate space of expansion and from the recess of the wall obliquely to the plane of the wall. The side flanges 724b of the detents 724 are correspondingly inclined. During the movement of the wall relative to the cover panel which places one of the beveled edges 726a of the cover panel in engagement with the corresponding side flange 724b, the inclined coupling surfaces push the cover panel away from the wall by an action of cam, thereby avoiding a potentially damaging impact between the cover panel and the lateral edge of the recess. It is sufficient, of course, that either the side edge of the recess or the side edge of the cover panel have an oblique surface to provide the camming action in order to deflect the cover panel away from the recess. The design of Figure 15 allows normal thermal expansion movements to accommodate while maintaining the interspace between the side edges of the cover panel and the side edges of the recess in a small form, with correspondingly thin revealing surfaces throughout. the sides of the cover panel. Figure 16 shows a corner version of the modality of Figure 15. No description is required. Each of the wall-to-wall embodiments described above and shown in the drawings can be easily reconfigured for a corner application. Figure 17 shows a simplified form of expansion joint cover, which is suitable for installation not only in buildings designed to resist earthquakes but buildings of conventional design. The cover panel 826, which can be any of the aforementioned materials and constructions (glass fiber is illustrated), has on its rear surface a recess 826a extending over its full length and it is of sufficient depth to accommodate pieces of the hook and loop fasteners 832 and 834 or other axially releasable fasteners, which are placed at an appropriate spacing. The studs 822 and the drywall panels on either side of the intermediate expansion space serve as the seals of the expansion joint cover, an element 834 of each of the fasteners being fixed directly to the dry wall by means of an adhesive . The mode to Figure 17 is appropriate for expansion joints that have small relative movements due to temperature changes of the building members on opposite sides of the intermediate expansion space; hook and loop fasteners that allow small shear forces without release, which can be obtained commercially. The magnets allow for shear (slip) movements of any magnitude without separation and can be used in expansion joints that allow relatively large movements. Other axially releasable fasteners (e.g., spring clips) may also be designed to allow large shear movements and are useful in the embodiment of Figure 17. When the embodiment of Figure 17 is used in a geographic area that has earthquake tendency, the locking arrangements and / or the deflector arrangements described above can be incorporated of course. For narrow intermediate expansion spaces, expansion joint covers having axially releasable fasteners between only one of the seals and the cover panel are entirely suitable. When used with elastic cord locks, which push the cover panel towards the wall, a good retention of the cover panel is ensured even with relatively wide intermediate spaces of expansion.

Claims (25)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: R E I V I ND I C AC I O N S

1. - An expansion joint cover to hide an intermediate expansion space between members of the building, the expansion joint cover having a first detent fixed to a member of the building on one side of the intermediate expansion space, a second retainer fixed to a member of the building on the other side of the intermediate expansion space, an elongated cover panel having a longitudinal axis, an internal face, an external face and side edges, the cover panel having a width transverse to the longitudinal axis, in such a manner as to cover the intermediate space of expansion and to remain above at least the portions of the first and second seals, and a portion of the member of the building on at least one side of the interspace; characterized in that at least two axially releasable fasteners join the cover panel in at least one of the detents, the fasteners being longitudinally spaced apart from the cover panel and being automatically releasable during the application of a force in the cover panel in one embodiment. away from the building members.

2. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 1, and further characterized in that the axially releasable fasteners include at least two first fasteners that connect the cover panel with the first detent, and minus two second fasteners that join the cover panel with the second retainer.

3. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 2, and further characterized in that at least two sliding tracks are fixed to the inner face of the cover panel in a longitudinally separated relation of the cover panel, each a runway perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having a portion positioned to be above the second detent; wherein the slide is received in each sliding track, to move along the track, and a second fastener joins each slide with the second catch.

An expansion joint cover, according to claim 3, and further characterized in that each sliding track is recessed towards the inner face of the cover panel, at least one edge of the cover panel being slidable with respect to an aluminum surface of the building, on one side of the intermediate expansion space; and the second retainer has a surface-essentially flush with the surface of the building member.

5. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 3, and further characterized in that the surface of the building member coupled by an edge, is a surface of the recessed portion and a member of the building, having the portion recessed an edge separated from the intermediate space of expansion.

6. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 3, and further characterized in that each sliding track extends through the cover panel, such that a portion of each sliding track is above the first catch, a non-movable sliding member is received in each sliding track in the portion and fixed thereto against movement, and each first axially releasable fastener is connected with a non-movable slider and the first detent.

7. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 3, and further characterized in that the edge portions of the inner face adjacent to the side edges of the cover panel, remain above the essentially coplanar surfaces of the members of the building, on either side of the intermediate space.

8. - An expansion joint cover, according to claim 1, and which is further characterized in that each sliding track extends through the cover panel, such that a portion of each sliding track is above the first detent, a non-movable slider member is received in each track slid in that portion and fixed thereto against movement, and each first axially releasable fastener is connected between a non-movable slide and the first detent.

9. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 7, and further characterized in that each sliding track is recessed towards the inner face of the cover panel, each edge of the cover panel slidably engages a surface of a member. of the building on a corresponding side of the intermediate expansion space, and the first and second detents have a surface almost flush with the surface of the building member.

10. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 3, and further characterized in that the cover panel has an essentially uniform profile in cross section along its length and is considerably thicker at the longitudinal center that adjacent to the edges.

11. - An expansion joint cover, according to claim 10, and further characterized in that the outer face of the cover panel is convexly curved laterally.

12. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 11, and which is further characterized in that the inner face of the cover panel is essentially flat.

13. An expansion joint cover, according to any of the preceding claims and which is further characterized in that the cover panel is made of a composite material that includes a filling material or fiber filler and a resin binder .

14. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 13 and further characterized in that the fiber filling or loading material is fiberglass.

15. An expansion joint cover according to claim 13 or 14, and which is further characterized in that the outer face of the cover panel has a coating of a laminate material that is adapted to receive paint or paper for papered.

16. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 15 and further characterized because the coating is a textile or paper fabric.

17. - An expansion joint cover, according to any of claims 1 to 4, and which is further characterized in that the cover panel portions adjacent to the edges, are received in recessed portions of the members of the building, on either side of the intermediate expansion space, and the edges of the cover panel are above the recessed portions in slidable relation.

18. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 17 and further characterized in that a baffle means is provided for moving the cover panel away from the recessed portion, when the panel edge engages or is close to attach an edge of the recessed portion.

19. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 18, and further characterized in that the deflecting means includes at least one baffle member extending from the inner surface of the cover panel in order to engage a detent .

20. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 17, and further characterized in that the deflecting means includes a sloping surface either on a side edge of the cover panel or on a side edge of the recessed portion.

21. An expansion joint cover, in accordance with claim 17, and further characterized by a flexible gasket connected between each edge of the cover panel and an edge of a surface adjacent to the recessed portion of the cover member. building.

22. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 17, and further characterized in that the cover panel is of an essentially uniform thickness and its outer surface is substantially flush with the edge of a surface adjacent to the lowered portion.

23. An expansion joint cover, according to any of the preceding claims, and which is further characterized in that at least one interlocking arrangement connects the cover panel with a member fixed to the member of the building adjacent to the intermediate space. of expansion, in such a way as to retain the cover panel next to the building member, in the event of the release of the fasteners.

24. An expansion joint cover, in accordance with claim 23 and further characterized in that the interlocking arrangement includes at least two resilient flexible elements that extend through the intermediate expansion space in a separate relationship and they are attached to the cover panel, the flexible elements being pushed to pull the cover panel towards the wall and form a fence or fence that holds the cover panel against the entrance in the intermediate expansion space.

25. An expansion joint cover, according to claim 23 and which is also characterized in that the lock is a flexible cable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An expansion joint cover to conceal an intermediate space of expansion between the members of the building, comprises first seals fixed to the members of the building on each side of the intermediate expansion space, and a cover panel covering the intermediate space of expansion and which remains above at least the portions of the first and second seals, and a portion of the building member on at least one side of the interspace. The cover panel is fixed to the seals by axially releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, which allow it to be completely separated from the seals during an earthquake and subsequently re-attached. In testimony of which, I have signed the previous description and novelty of the invention as agent of CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTI? S, INC., In Mexico City, Federal District, today November 13, 1995. ppde CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES, INC. .