EXPANSION JOINT

Abstract

 An expansion joint, comprising an elastically deformable connecting body (2) which can be arranged stably, in alignment with the walking surface, so as to close an interspace (A) arranged so as to separate two adjacent structural blocks (B); the joint comprises a flexible waterproofing film (3), which can be positioned with a central portion thereof (3a) along the interspace (A), and a pair of assemblies for anchoring respective external flaps (3b) of the film (3) to the corresponding structural blocks (B), each assembly comprising a first fastening element (4), which can be anchored to the respective block (B), of the respective flap (3b), and a second element (5) for fastening the flap (3b), which is arranged opposite the first element (4), each assembly comprising also an insert (6A, 6B) which is interposed between the second element (5) and the flap (3b), in turn inserted between the elements (4, 5), for the stabilization of the fastening of the flap (3b) performed by the elements (4, 5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an expansion joint.

[0002] As is known, materials normally react by expanding or contracting when they are subjected to sudden temperature variations.

[0003] When these phenomena occur in the particularly large surfaces subjected to large temperature variations of floors of buildings and of various civil and industrial structures, the dimensional variations can become even considerable and therefore must be catered to and compensated in order to prevent the forming of gaps and cracks.

[0004] Furthermore, when the floors are provided, for example, for parking spaces or bridges, they may be subject to intense vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic: this makes their ability to absorb dimensional variations even more critical, since otherwise they might cause situations of severe danger for people.

[0005] For this purpose, therefore, floors are divided into two or more modular blocks, which are mutually separated by respective interspaces and are mutually coupled by means of corresponding expansion joints, which are indeed arranged along the interspaces.

[0006] The expansion joints allow relative movements between the blocks (thus absorbing the dimensional variations caused by any temperature variations to which the blocks themselves are subjected), ensuring at the same time the continuity of the walking surface, which is required to make them drivable and ensure safe transit of vehicles and pedestrians.

[0007] A further requirement occurs when the floor and the joints are for example installed in a parking space on the roof of a building: in this case, in fact, the joint must also be waterproof, in order to prevent rainwater from entering the interspace and thus dripping into the underlying levels and floors.

[0008] Finally, it should be noted that in addition to the problems described above the market requires joints that can be easily inspected and possibly cleaned, in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt and impurities in the spaces that the joint itself forms.

[0009] In order to meet therefore the mentioned requirements, according to a known embodiment, each expansion joint comprises an elastically deformable contoured body, typically made of elastomeric material, which is spread longitudinally to cover a respective interspace.

[0010] The body ensures the continuity of the walking surface and at the same time can be deformed in case of dimensional variations in order to cater to the relative movements between the blocks, which in practice cause a widening or narrowing of the interspace.

[0011] At the sides, the body is extended until it rests against the edge of the corresponding block (or an element that is rendered integral therewith), to which it is fixed by means of an anchoring assembly which provides for the use of screws, nails or similar fixing elements. In this manner, the body also ensures the impermeableness of the joint.

[0012] However, this constructive solution is not free from drawbacks.

[0013] As mentioned, in fact, despite meeting the many requirements outlined above, the contoured bodies must be perforated by means of screws, nails or the like in order to ensure their anchoring to the edges of the adjacent blocks.

[0014] The perforation constitutes a loss of integrity through which in any case seepage of water can occur and more generally is a potential source of more extensive cracks and gaps, and for this reason these solutions are not entirely satisfactory.

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, providing a drivable and waterproof expansion joint, without requiring the perforation of the elements responsible for waterproofing.

[0016] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a joint that allows practical methods of inspection and cleaning.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide an expansion joint that avoids the danger of flooding or of collection of water and other impurities in the underlying interspaces or in the floors.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide an expansion joint that ensures high reliability in operation and can be installed easily.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose an expansion joint that adopts a technical and structural architecture that is alternative to those of joints of the known type.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide an expansion joint that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

[0021] A still further object of the invention is to provide an expansion joint that has modest costs and is safe in application.

[0022] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an expansion joint, comprising an elastically deformable connecting body, which can be arranged stably, in alignment with the walking surface, so as to close an interspace arranged so as to separate two adjacent structural blocks, characterized in that it comprises a flexible waterproofing film, which can be arranged with a central portion thereof along the interspace, and a pair of assemblies for the anchoring of respective external flaps of said film to the corresponding structural blocks, each one of said assemblies comprising a first element, which can be anchored to the respective block, for the fastening of the respective said flap, and a second element for the fastening of said flap, which is arranged opposite said first element, each one of said assemblies comprising an insert which is interposed between said second element and said flap, inserted between said elements, for the stabilization of the fastening of said flap performed by said elements.

[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the joint according to the invention, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of the expansion joint according to the invention, taken along a transverse plane, in the first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the expansion joint according to the invention, taken along a transverse plane, in the second embodiment;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the expansion joint according to the invention, taken along a transverse plane, in the third embodiment;

Figures 4 to 11 show the progressive installation of the joint in the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0024] With particular reference to the cited figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an expansion joint which comprises first of all a connecting body 2 which can be deformed elastically. For this purpose, the body 2 can be made for example of an elastomeric material, although different methods and/or materials to obtain the same result cannot be ruled out.

[0025] In this field, therefore, merely illustrated by way of nonlimiting example, the possibility is mentioned that the body 2 might be made with a mixture of EPDM rubbers, of polychloroprene-based rubbers (such as for example the material known by the trade name "Neoprene", which is also a registered trademark), of rubbers based on thermoplastic olefins (also known by the acronym TPM), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0026] The connecting body 2 can be arranged, in alignment with the walking surface, in a stable manner so as to close an interspace A which is arranged so as to separate two adjacent structural blocks B.

[0027] The interspace A allows to compensate for any relative movements of the blocks B, caused by their expansion or contraction as a consequence of the exposure to more or less sudden temperature variations. As a consequence of expansions, the blocks B (the mutually opposite sides, separated by the interspace A) may in fact move freely mutually closer or further apart (indeed narrowing or widening the interspace A) without running the risk of cracks, gaps or damage of any sort.

[0028] In this context, therefore, the connecting body 2 is arranged so as to close the interspace A to ensure the continuity of the walking surface. Said walking surface is defined by the top of the blocks B, which are provided by means of one or more layers (the body 2 is therefore aligned with the upper layer, as in the accompanying figures).

[0029] Furthermore, the choice to make the body 2 of an elastically deformable material allows it to cater to the relative movements of the blocks B without undergoing damage but simply by undergoing elastic deformations (which cause its compression or widening).

[0030] It is therefore useful to note right now that the joint 1 can connect blocks B of any kind, as a function of the specific requirements, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0031] The two blocks B can thus be both part of any structure (a building, a bridge, and other civil engineering structure), or of two adjacent structures, although in the preferred use the joint 1 is designed for floors of external parking spaces and bridges, indeed because the extended and thin surfaces that they form are particularly subject to dimensional variations which are a consequence of temperature variations (caused indeed by the fact that outdoor floors are exposed to the atmospheric agents).

[0032] Indeed for these reasons, these floors are divided into structural blocks B (usually of the modular type), which are separated by respective interspaces A in which the joints 1 can be applied (in the preferred but not exclusive application).

[0033] In this context, indeed, the connecting body 2 closes the interspace A and the continuity of the walking surface allows safe transit of pedestrians and vehicles.

[0034] According to the invention, the joint 1 comprises a flexible waterproofing film 3, which can be arranged with a central portion thereof 3a along the interspace A (above or below the connecting body 2, although as will become better apparent hereinafter in the preferred application it is arranged below the latter and is substantially in contact with it).

[0035] It is specified that the film 3 can be of any type and can be made of any material, on condition that its flexibility (in order to be able to bend around the other parts involved and in case of relative movements between the blocks B) and its waterproofness are ensured.

[0036] In this context, therefore, merely by way of nonlimiting example, mention is made of the possibility that the film 3 can be made of a mixture of EPDM rubbers, rubbers based on polychloroprene (such as for example the material known by the trade name "Neoprene", which is also a registered trademark), rubbers based on thermoplastic olefins (also known by the acronym TPM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE).

[0037] Furthermore, the joint 1 comprises a pair of assemblies for the anchoring of respective external flaps 3b of the film 3 to the corresponding structural blocks B.

[0038] It should be noted that in order to ensure complete waterproofing each external flap 3b is extended until it is overlapped on a terminal segment of a waterproofing sheath C of the respective block B or, as in the accompanying Figures 1, 2 and 3, until it is interposed in a sandwich-like manner between two terminal segments of respective superimposed sheaths C.

[0039] Each assembly comprises a first element 4, which can be anchored to the respective block B, for fastening the respective flap 3b, and a second element 5 for fastening the flap 3b, which is arranged opposite the first element 4.

[0040] Each assembly also comprises an insert 6A, 6B which is interposed between the second element 5 and the flap 3b, the latter being inserted between the elements 4, 5, in order to stabilize the fastening of the flap 3b performed by the elements 4, 5.

[0041] In practice, therefore, each flap 3b is fastened by respective elements 4, 5 on opposite sides and an insert 6A, 6B is in turn inserted between the second element 5 and the flap 3b so as to ensure that the fastening is stable. Each flap 3b is thus coupled to the respective block B (since the respective first element 4 is rendered integral thereto) without having to perforate or tear it in any way, and thus ensuring fully its integrity, and achieving from the outset the intended aim.

[0042] In particular, in the embodiment proposed in the accompanying figures by way of nonlimiting example, each assembly comprises a profiled element 7 that has an L-shaped transverse cross-section, for forming two mutually perpendicular wings 7a, 7b.

[0043] A first wing 7a can be anchored rigidly to the respective structural block B (in any manner, and for example by means of fixing components 8 such as nails or screws, which anchor the first wing 7a, which is kept horizontal, to an intermediate layer of the block B). Furthermore, the first element 4 just introduced is anchored to the free end of the second wing 7b.

[0044] Even more particularly, the first element 4 is constituted substantially by a first beam, which is bent around the free end of the second wing 7b and is anchored rigidly to the latter by means of at least one fixing unit 9 such as a nail, a screw, or the like.

[0045] Furthermore, the first beam forms externally a protruding ledge 10, which is directed oppositely with respect to the first wing 7a, on which the connecting body 2 can thus rest.

[0046] With further reference to the embodiment proposed merely by way of example in the accompanying figures, the second element 5 is constituted substantially by a second beam which has a U-shaped transverse cross-section, in order to form two uprights 5a which are connected by a respective crossmember 5b (the reference numerals of which have been given only in some figures in order to avoid encumbering the illustration excessively).

[0047] The uprights 5a and the crossmember 5b thus delimit jointly a compartment which can accommodate the flap 3b, the insert 6A, 6B and the first element 4.

[0048] Usefully, the connecting body 2 comprises a third contoured beam (for example according to a transverse cross-section which forms centrally an inverted figure-of-eight), made as mentioned of an elastically deformable material and arrangeable so as to close the interspace A in alignment with the walking surface.

[0049] Each side of the third beam rests on a respective ledge 10 of the first beam (of the first fastening element 4) and forms a corresponding vertical interstice 11, which is open upward in order to accommodate therein an upright 5a.

[0050] In this embodiment, as can be deduced clearly from the accompanying figures, the central portion 3a of the film 3 is arranged below the third beam (and therefore below the connecting body 2), being in practice in contact with it. This arrangement allows to protect the central portion 3 a against the effects of weather and the damage that otherwise it might receive as a consequence of the transit of vehicles and people.

[0051] It is useful now to specify that the insert 6A, 6B and the stabilization of the fastening performed by the elements 4, 5 can be provided in any manner without thereby abandoning the protective scope provided herein.

[0052] In a first manner of embodiment of the invention (to which the two embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 correspond), the insert 6A is a wedge, which is interposed by pressure between a face of the first element 4 and an opposite surface of the second element 5, which is inclined with respect to said face of the first element 4.

[0053] By resorting therefore to a wedge, in this manner of embodiment the stabilization of the fastening of the flap 3b, inserted between the elements 4, 5, is achieved by means of a connection by friction (which is indeed generated between the wedge and the face of the first element 4 and between the wedge and the opposite surface of the second element 5).

[0054] As can be deduced from the accompanying figures, in the constructive solutions shown therein the mutual inclination between the face of the first element 4 and the opposite surface of the second element 5 is achieved by shaping appropriately the first beam, which constitutes the first element 4, but it is not excluded that it might be obtained in another manner.

[0055] Even more particularly, in the embodiment shown by way of example in Figure 1 (and also in Figures 4 to 11, which illustrate its installation), the wedge is anchored rigidly to the crossmember 5b of the second element 5, by means of at least one fixing element 12A such as a nail, a screw, or the like, which is inserted in mutually facing portions of the crossmember 5b and of the wedge, at right angles to said crossmember 5b.

[0056] Evidently, resorting to the fixing element 12A increases further the stability of the coupling and of the fastening of the flap 3b; furthermore, it should be noted that the insertion of the fixing element 12A at right angles to the crossmember 5b allows to keep it accessible from the outside (from above) and thus allows its easy disengagement in order to ensure practical methods of inspection.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, instead, the wedge is anchored rigidly to an upright 5a of the second element 5 by means of at least one fixing element 12B of the type of a nail, a screw, or the like (and therefore also similar to the one mentioned in the preceding paragraphs). In this case, the fixing element 12B is inserted in said surface of the second element 5 and in a region of the wedge that faces it, in a direction that is perpendicular to the uprights 5a.

[0058] The fixing element 12B also increases further the stability of the coupling and of the fastening of the flap 3b, and this benefit in this case is ensured also in case of a partial unscrewing thereof (since it is in any case subjected to shearing stress). Furthermore, this embodiment ensures smaller transverse dimensions, and this can be particularly welcome in some applications or in any case where there is a shortage of space available to install the joint 1.

[0059] It should be noted, however, that even in the preceding case, which provides for fixing elements 12A which anchor the wedge to the crossmember 5b, it is in any case possible to provide additional fixing elements 12B which anchor the wedge to an upright 5a (as occurs for example in Figure 1).

[0060] In a different manner of embodiment (which corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 3), which in any case does not exhaust the modes that are within the protective scope claimed herein, the insert 6B is accommodated in a receptacle 4a that has an at least partially complementary shape and is provided along the first element 4.

[0061] In this manner of embodiment, therefore, the stabilization of the fastening of the flap 3b, which is at least partially bent and accommodated in turn within the receptacle 4a, is obtained by means of a connection by hindrance (with the insert 6B that opposes any relative movement between the elements 4, 5, which thus continue to fasten indeed the flap 3b).

[0062] More particularly, although different configurations and shapes for the insert 6B and the receptacle 4a are not excluded, in the preferred (indeed not exclusive) embodiment the insert 6B is constituted substantially by a crest 13, which protrudes from an upright 5a of the second element 5 (inward) and is extended parallel to the second beam. The crest 13 is anchored rigidly to the upright 5a by means of at least one fixing element 12C of the type of a nail, a screw, or the like (and also of the type of the fixing elements 12A, 12B). The crest 13 is thus accommodated in a slot that has an at least partially complementary shape, constitutes the receptacle 4a and is formed by the first element 4.

[0063] It should be noted, therefore, that each one of the fixing elements 12A, 12B, 12C does not perforate in any way the film 3 (and likewise the components 8 and the units 9), thus ensuring its desired integrity (which is necessary for the desired optimum waterproofing of the joint 1).

[0064] The use of the expansion joint according to the invention is as follows.

[0065] As shown, the expansion joint 1 can be arranged at an interspace A which is normally arranged so as to separate two structural blocks B, indeed to mutually uncouple them and allow relative movements between them, while ensuring the continuity of the walking surface (by virtue of the connecting body 2).

[0066] In order to proceed in this way, and by following the steps shown in Figures 4 to 11, the operator can first of all anchor to each block B the first wing 7a of the profiled element 7, for example by means of a nail, screw, or another fixing component 8. The first intermediate configuration that can thus be obtained is shown in Figure 4.

[0067] It is useful to specify that the steps that have now been described and illustrated in the figures with reference to the first described embodiment are substantially the same also for the other embodiments described herein, the latter being distinguished only by the type of insert 6A, 6B and by its methods of insertion between the elements 4, 5.

[0068] Specific details are therefore provided in the pages that follow regarding said step for each embodiment, while for the others reference can be made in any case to the embodiment of Figures 4 to 11.

[0069] The sheath C (or the first sheath C, if two are provided) can thus be stretched on the profiled element 7, while at the free end of the second wing 7b the first element 4 is anchored by means of the fixing unit 9 (a nail, a screw, or the like). As can be deduced also from Figure 5, which shows the new intermediate configuration thus obtained, the two ledges 10 formed by the first beam (by the first element 4) are now aligned and ready to support the body 2.

[0070] More precisely, the film 3 is first stretched on the profile elements 7 and the ledges 10, with the central portion 3a resting on the ledges 10 and the flaps 3b bending around the profiled elements 7 and the first elements 4. In this manner, the central portion 3a lies above and closes the interspace A (Figure 6), as desired in order to be able to prevent any seepage of water.

[0071] The body 2 (Figure 7) can thus be rested on the ledges 10 (and on the central portion 3a) and in turn closes the interspace A and remains aligned with the walking surface, ensuring its continuity.

[0072] It is thus possible to lower from above onto the first elements 4 the second fastening elements 5, with the flaps 3b of the film 3 which are thus retained between the elements 4, 5 (Figures 8 and 9). It should be noted that in order to facilitate optimal positioning and at the same time fix the body 2 to the profiled elements 7 and therefore to said blocks B, the second elements 5 can be inserted, with their internal uprights 5a, in the interstices 11 formed by the sides of the third beam (by the body 2).

[0073] The fastening performed by the elements 4, 5 is therefore rendered stable by means of the insert 6A, 6B. In the manner of embodiment in which the insert 6A is a wedge (as in the embodiment of Figure 1, which corresponds to the one of Figures 4 to 11, or in the embodiment of Figure 2), the wedge is pushed from below to interpose it by pressure between a face of the first element 4 and a mutually opposite surface of the second element 5, generating friction forces which indeed stabilize the fastening.

[0074] More precisely, Figures 4 to 11 show an embodiment in which the wedge is pushed until it is moved into contact with the crossmember 5b of the second element 5, which remains exposed upward and outward. Thus, from above it is possible to insert a fixing element 12A such as a nail, a screw, or the like, in mutually facing portions of the crossmember 5b and of the wedge, at right angles to the former, in order to obtain the rigid anchoring of the wedge (and to prevent any successive subsequent extractions). As shown, in this embodiment it is in any case possible to insert also a fixing element 12B transversely in order to increase anchoring effectiveness.

[0075] In the embodiment of Figure 2 instead the wedge is anchored to the upright 5a of the second element 5, by virtue of a fixing element 12B such as a nail, a screw, or the like, which is inserted (laterally) in the upright 5a as well as in the wedge, at right angles to the uprights 5a.

[0076] The installation of the embodiment of Figure 3 is instead distinguished from the two preceding ones because in this step the second element 5 is lowered from above with the crest 13 (the insert 6B) which protrudes inward from an upright 5a (from the outer one). Thus, by elastic forcing the crest 13 is moved to be accommodated in the at least partially complementarily shaped groove, which constitutes the receptacle 4a and is formed by the first element 4, from which it subsequently contrasts any further movement by hindrance, ensuring in any case the stabilization of the fastening performed by the elements 4, 5.

[0077] It is stressed that the crest 13 can be anchored rigidly to the upright 5a by means of at least one fixing element 12C of the type of a nail, a screw, or the like.

[0078] It should also be specified that the insert 6B and the receptacle 4a can assume other shapes which are at least partially complementarily shaped, without abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0079] After completing the step of inserting the insert 6A, 6B between the elements 4, 5, it is possible to complete the installation by spreading, where present, the second sheath C (Figure 10), thus obtaining the final configuration (Figure 11).

[0080] It has thus been shown that the expansion joint 1 according to the invention ensures first of all the possibility to cater to and compensate the relative movements between blocks B, which merely cause the deformation of the body 2 rested on the ledges 10, and the bending of the film 3 (and in particular of its central portion 3a).

[0081] At the same time, the body 2 can be easily aligned with the walking surface (to ensure its continuity and thus ensure the drivability of the joint 1) while indeed the film 3 ensures the waterproofing of the joint 1, preventing the water from seeping toward the underlying levels, avoiding the danger of flooding or collection of water and other impurities in the interspaces A or in the underlying floors.

[0082] As shown, the functionalities listed above, and in particular the waterproofing ensured by the film 3, are obtained without providing any holes in the latter (the components 8, the units 9 and the fixing elements 12A, 12B, 12C do not affect it in any way), which remains absolutely intact. In fact, its anchoring to the blocks B and the retention of the flaps 3b outside the central portion 3a is performed by two elements 4, 5 which fasten the flaps 3b on opposite sides, with the cooperation of the insert 6A, 6B which ensures the stability of the coupling (optionally additionally ensured by the fixing elements 12A, 12B, 12C).

[0083] The steps described in the preceding paragraphs also highlight the ease of installation of the joint 1, which by virtue of a simple and effective structure certainly ensures maximum reliability in operation.

[0084] Especially by resorting to the embodiment of Figure 1, the joint 1 can be easily disassembled (by acting on the fixing element 12A, inserted in the crossmember 5b and accessible from the outside) in order to ensure practical methods of inspection and cleaning.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the compact structure of the joint 1 described in the preceding pages does not cause the forming of internal chambers in which (as sometimes happens in known solutions) dirt and impurities might otherwise accumulate.

[0086] In practice it has been found that the expansion joint according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, since resorting to a waterproofing film that can be positioned with a central portion thereof along the interspace and is fastened with its external flaps by anchoring assemblies which comprise mutually opposite fastening elements and an insert, for the stabilization of the fastening performed by the elements, allows to provide a drivable and waterproof expansion joint without requiring the perforation of said film.

[0087] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0088] In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.

[0089] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0090] The disclosures in Italian Utility Model Application No. 202017000022719 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An expansion joint, comprising an elastically deformable connecting body (2) which can be arranged stably, in alignment with the walking surface, so as to close an interspace (A) arranged so as to separate two adjacent structural blocks (B), characterized in that it comprises a flexible waterproofing film (3), which can be positioned with a central portion thereof (3a) along the interspace (A), and a pair of assemblies for anchoring respective external flaps (3b) of said film (3) to the corresponding structural blocks (B), each one of said assemblies comprising a first fastening element (4), which can be anchored to the respective block (B), of the respective said flap (3b), and a second element (5) for fastening said flap (3b), which is arranged opposite said first element (4), each one of said assemblies comprising an insert (6A, 6B) which is interposed between said second element (5) and said flap (3b), inserted between said elements (4, 5), for the stabilization of the fastening of said flap (3b) performed by said elements (4, 5).

2. The joint according to claim 1, characterized in that each one of said assemblies comprises a profiled element (7) with an L-shaped transverse cross-section, in order to form two mutually perpendicular wings (7a, 7b), a first said wing (7a) being rigidly anchorable to the respective structural block (B), said first element (4) being anchored to the free end of said second wing (7b).

3. The joint according to claim 2, characterized in that said first element (4) is constituted substantially by a first beam which is bent around said free end of said second wing (7b), said first beam being anchored rigidly to said free end of said second wing (7b) by means of at least one fixing unit (9) of the type of a nail, screw, or the like, said first beam forming externally a protruding ledge (10), which is directed in the opposite direction with respect to said first wing (7a), for the resting of said connecting body (2).

4. The joint according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second element (5) is substantially constituted by a second beam which has a U-shaped transverse cross-section, in order to form two uprights (5a) which are blended by a respective crossmember (5b) which jointly delimit a receptacle for accommodating said flap (3b), said insert (6A, 6B) and said first element (4).

5. The joint according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said connecting body (2) comprises a third contoured beam, which is made of an elastically deformable material and can be arranged so as to close the interspace (A) in alignment with the walking surface, each side of said third beam resting on a respective said ledge (10) of said first beam and forming a corresponding vertical interstice (11), which is open upward for the accommodation of a said upright (5a), said central portion (3a) of said film (3) being arranged below said third beam.

6. The joint according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said insert (6A) is a wedge which is interposed by pressure between a face of said first element (4) and a mutually opposite surface of said second element (5), which is inclined with respect to said face, for the stabilization of the fastening of said flap (3b), inserted between said elements (4, 5), by means of a connection by friction.

7. The joint according to claim 6, characterized in that said wedge is anchored rigidly to said crossmember (5b) of said second element (5), by means of at least one fixing element (12A) such as a nail, screw, or the like, inserted in mutually facing portions of said crossmember (5b) and of said wedge, at right angles to said crossmember (5b).

8. The joint according to claim 6, characterized in that said wedge is anchored rigidly to a said upright (5a) of said second element (5) by means of at least one fixing element (12B) such as a nail, screw, or the like, inserted in said surface and in a region of said wedge which faces said surface, at right angles to said uprights (5a).

9. The joint according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said insert (6B) is accommodated in a receptacle (4a) the shape of which is at least partially complementary and is provided along said first element (4), for the stabilization of the fastening of said flap (3b), which is at least partially bent and accommodated in said receptacle (4), by means of a connection by hindrance.

10. The joint according to claim 9, characterized in that said insert (6B) is constituted substantially by a crest (13), which protrudes from a said upright (5a) of said second element (5) and is parallel to said second beam, said crest (13) being anchored rigidly to said upright (5a) by means of at least one fixing element (12C) of the type of a nail, a screw, or the like, said crest (13) being accommodated in a groove that is at least partially complementarily shaped, constitutes said receptacle (4a) and is formed by said first element (4).

Drawing