OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] As stated in the title of this descriptive specification, the present invention relates
to a dilation joint for flooring, designed to be placed between the tiles which make
up a flooring.
[0002] Thus, the object of the invention is to create a joint which allows a large degree
of dilation and play between flooring tiles, whilst also allowing the flooring to
be laid easily.
[0003] Another objective of the invention is the inclusion of an characteristic additional
part which is integrated in end sections of the joint - where the joints overlap and
meet. This additional part allows the installed flooring to maintain its elastic qualities,
compensating for the compression caused by dilation in the flooring in different directions
(depending on the shape of the tiles).
[0004] One advantage, which the invention offers, is to avoid generation of spaces or gaps
in the joint area and said spaces or gaps could constitute a risk, potentially trapping
heels of shoes or other objects.
PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
[0005] At present there are several different means of creating dilation joints for flooring
where the effect of dilation is of relevance (as is the case in parquet-style flooring,
for example).
[0006] Dilation can potentially ruin flooring of this type, causing the flooring to break,
or even resulting in the tiles which form part of the flooring buckling and lifting.
[0007] This is normally a result of changes in the dimensions of the tiles, due to physical
causes, such as changes of temperature, humidity, etc.
[0008] Normally in this type of flooring separation joints are employed which are then covered
with appropriate sections, thus allowing play between the tiles. Alternatively, special
sections are used.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The dilation joint for flooring object of this invention, comprises at least one
narrow central section and another two lateral sections, all being associated by means
of elastomeric elements which are fitted in facing channels located in the longitudinal
faces of said sections, at the same time the elastomeric elements also maintain a
small separation gap between each pair of adjoining sections, this means, that their
are not in contact with each other, because of the small separation gap maintained
by the corresponding elastomeric element for counteract any possible dilations which
may occur in the flooring. Normally, several centred sections are arranged.
[0010] The possibility of using just the two lateral sections with one single elastomeric
element also exists.
[0011] Another feature of the invention is that the sections are joined together by means
of transversal pins that associate all of the sections perpendicularly in their parallel
directions.
[0012] To achieve this each pin is fitted in holes that are aligned in the same direction
for all of the sections.
[0013] These pins effectively guide the movements which occur during dilations, whilst also
providing the joints with extra rigidity.
[0014] Another feature of the invention is that the lateral sections also have means for
anchoring the dilation joints to the adjacent tiles conforming the flooring, when
the joint is not integrated into the flooring tiles.
[0015] Therefore, obtaining a characteristic dilation joint with practically the same design
as the rest of the flooring, except for a minimal aesthetic difference in relation
to the narrow separations between the joint sections, whilst also allowing the structure
to adapt to any variation caused by the contraction or dilation of the section of
flooring which incorporates the dilation joints.
[0016] The invention also includes a mesh which covers the lower side of the joint, at least
partially, thus preventing dirt from entering the joint and interfering with, or blocking,
the joint, which could prevent it from dilating when required. The mesh also provides
cohesion to all of the elements of the joint and allows a better handling and fitting.
[0017] In addition, the end confluence sections of the dilation joints include a series
of centred notches, in such a way that when the end sections are juxtaposed in areas
where dilation joints meet and overlap, small gaps are generated where some additional
parts are inserted.
[0018] As mentioned above, these additional parts allow the installed flooring to maintain
its elastic qualities of compensating the compression in the different directions,
caused by dilation of the flooring.
[0019] One advantage that the invention offers is that it avoids generation of spaces or
gaps in the joint areas, these gaps could constitute a risk due to the potential trapping
of heels of shoes or due to any other reason.
[0020] The dilation joints of the present invention normally converge by its ends in angular
portions corresponding to the confluence of various corners of adjacent tiles, in
such a way that in the confluence of these angular portions a corresponding gap is
generated where the additional part is inserted. The arms of the additional part extend
out in the direction of the lines of separation between the angular portions of the
dilation joints.
[0021] This description of the invention is done for square or rectangular tiles, nevertheless
the invention may also be used for hexagonal tiles, or tiles with other shapes.
[0022] Hence, the additional part comprises a thin flat base structure, on the upper face
of which a centred elastic element is placed, while its lower face includes another
body that rests on the floor surface being covered
[0023] The elastic body adapts to the configuration of the outer confluence edges of the
end portions of the joints. The elastic body although it has a radial branch for each
arm of the base structure of the additional part, it may have a different configuration,
adapted to the upper gap which is generated in the confluence of the cited joints.
[0024] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and forming an
integral part of this descriptive specification, some sheets of drawings are attached
containing figures in which, on an illustrative rather than limiting basis, the following
have been represented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025]
Figure 1.- Shows a top perspective view of a flooring which includes the dilation joint for
flooring, object of the invention.
Figure 2.- Shows a plan view of the dilation joint.
Figure 3.- Shows a sectional view along the section A-B of the previous figure.
Figure 4.- Shows a plan view of flooring which includes the dilation joint of the invention.
Figure 5.- Shows a plan view of a detail of Figure 1.
Figure 6.- Shows a top perspective view of an additional part which is inserted in the confluence
of several joints.
Figure 7.- Shows an underside perspective view of the additional part.
Figure 8.- Shows a sectional view of the additional part.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORM OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0026] In accordance with the numbering used in the figures, the dilation joint for flooring
is determined from portions of joint 14, 14' formed by several centred narrow sections
1, and other wider lateral sections, all these positioned on the same plane in parallel
directions, existing a small separation 13 between them, which is obtained due to
the use of solid elastomeric elements 3 which fit into pairs of channels 4 located
on the opposing faces of the different sections 1 and 2.
[0027] Sections 1 and 2, which are components of the portions of joint 14, 14
1 sections, are joined together by means of transversal pins 5 which are fitted in
aligned transversal holes 6 and 7 located in the central section 1 and the lateral
sections 2 respectively.
[0028] These pins 5 are also used to guide the small movements of the sections 1 and 2 caused
by the dilation and/or contraction of the flooring which incorporates the dilation
joints of the present invention, with the elastomeric elements 3 perfectly absorbing
the potential dilations.
[0029] In addition, the lateral sections have on its free edges male 8 and female 9 elements
to connect to adjacent tiles 10 forming part of the flooring.
[0030] Meshes 11 have been included for covering the lower face of the joints, at least
partially, thus preventing dirt from entering the joint and interfering with, or blocking
the joints of the present invention, which could prevent it from dilating when required.
The mesh also provides cohesion to all of the elements in the joints and allows a
better handling and fitting.
[0031] The centred sections 1 also include bevelled cuts 12 on their lower edges thereof.
[0032] The dilation joints could be integrated with the tiles 10.
[0033] At the point where the joint sections 14 meet (confluence point), a series of gaps
22 are generated where the additional parts 15 are fitted. The portions of joints
14, 14' separate removable tile groups 10, which together with the joints portions
14, 14' and the additional parts 15, make up the flooring.
[0034] The end angular confluence sections of the dilation joints 14 include characteristic
centred notches 21, in such a way that when these portions are juxtaposed at the outer
areas and cross areas of the joints 14 a series of gaps 22 are generated where the
additional parts 15 are inserted. These notches 21 affect at least the centred sections
1 of the dilation joints 14.
[0035] Each additional part 15 comprises a flat base 16 with several arms for the pairs
of adjacent separating edges 17 of the outer portions of the joints 14, in such a
way that said arms are fit by its side edges into grooved female elements 18 established
in the outer portions of the joints 14.
[0036] In addition, the upper face of the flat base 16 has an elastomeric body 19 which
acts as a stopper for the upper part of the outer portions of the joints 14.
[0037] The elastomeric body 19 is coupled into upper ribs 20' integral to the flat base
16, having other lower ribs 20" which rest on the surface being covered, as do the
rest of the tiles 10 and separating joints 14.
[0038] The upper ribs 20' and the lower ribs 20 " comprise a cross structure 20 integral
to the flat base 16, being fitted into passing slots of the base 16, thus ensuring
that said cross structure is firmly attached to the flat base 16, with no possible
play.
[0039] The additional part 15 may comprise a single in one piece body or may be formed by
several inter-related elements, as referred to above.
1. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING designed to counteract dilations in floorings and interposed between adjacent edges
of flooring tiles is characterised in that it comprises portions of joints (14, 14') made from sections which are close to each
other and whose opposing faces include channels (4) in which elastomeric elements
(3) are fitted, these elements maintain a narrow separation (13) between said sections,
further including means for joining together said sections that allow guided movement
thereof during dilation/contraction of the floorings.
2. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for joining together the sections of the portions of joints (14, 14') consist
of pins (5) tightened in respective holes alignments established in said sections.
3. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one narrow central section (1) and two wider side sections
(2).
4. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to claim 3, characterised in that the side sections (2) include connecting means with parts of a tile and/or with adjacent
tiles (10) which make up the flooring.
5. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that it includes meshes (12) which cover, at least partially, the lower side of the portions
of joints (14, 14 ') in order to prevent dirt from entering into the elastomeric elements
(3) and also into the narrow spaces existing between the different sections of the
portions of joints (14, 14 '), further providing cohesion to all elements of the portions
of joints and allowing a better handling and fitting.
6. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the central sections (1) comprise bevelled cuts (13) in the lower edges of said central
sections (1).
7. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that the end confluence portions of the portions of dilation joints (14) include centred
notches (21), in such a way that when juxtaposing said end portions in the confluence
areas and in the crossing areas of the portions of dilation joints (14), a series
of small gaps (22) are generated where additional parts (15) are inserted.
8. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to the claim 7,
characterised in that the additional parts (15) comprise at least:
- a flat base (16) which fits, by means of a part of its edges, into grooved female
elements (18) established on the outer edges of the portions of dilation joints (14);
- an elastomeric body (19) located on an upper base of the flat base (16), and which
acts as a stopper for at least a part of the upper base of the outer edges of the
portions of dilation joints (14).
9. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to claim 8, characterised in that the additional parts (15) include in its lower face centred support elements (20")
which rest on the surface to be covered.
10. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the elastomeric body (19) of the additional parts (15) is fixed to the flat base
(16) by means of a centred rib (20').
11. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to claims 9 and 10, characterised in that the centred support elements (20") and the centred upper ribs (20') comprise cross
structure (20) fitted in complementary slots of the flat base (16), appearing a part
of said structure above the flat base (16) and another part appearing below said flat
base (16).
12. DILATION JOINT FOR FLOORING, according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that the notches (21) of the outer sections of the portions of dilation joints (14) affect
at least the centred sections (1) of the aforementioned portions of dilation joints
(14),