Patent ID: 6527467
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: E01D,Y10T

Abstract:
An expansion joint for installation across a gap between adjacent slabs of a structure intended to carry vehicular traffic, the joint comprising first and second rails for mounting on the respective slabs at opposite sides of the gap, a cover plate dimensioned to overlie the respective rails and cover the gap while permitting relative movement between the slabs, and a plurality of turnbars carried by the cover plate and coupled to the respective rails for maintaining the cover plate centred over the gap, wherein each turnbar has end portions that are coupled to the respective rails for sliding movement longitudinally of the rails in response to relative lateral movement of the slabs, and defines a pivot axis between said end portions about which the turnbar turns with respect to the cover plate in response to such relative movement of the slabs, and wherein each turnbar is connected to the cover plate by a ball and socket coupling comprising a socket on one of the turnbar and cover plate and a ball on the other of the turnbar and cover plate, said ball and socket being complimentarily shaped so as to allow turning of the turnbar with respect to the cover plate about said axis while transferring lateral loads imposed on the cover plate in use directly to the turnbar and into the relevant slab via the rail mounted on said slab.