Patent Publication Number: US-9840814-B2

Title: Expansion joint seal for surface contact applications

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/062,354 for “Expansion Joint Seal for Surface Contact Applications,” filed Mar. 7, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems for creating a durable seal between adjacent horizontal panels, including those which may be subject to temperature expansion and contraction or mechanical shear. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an expansion joint design for use in surfaces exposed to foot or vehicular traffic. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Construction panels come in many different sizes and shapes and may be used for various purposes, including roadways, sideways, and pre-cast structures, particularly buildings. Historically, these have been formed in place. Use of precast concrete panels for floors, however, has become more prevalent. Whether formed in place or by use of precast panels, designs generally require forming a lateral gap or joint between adjacent panels to allow for independent movement, such in response to ambient temperature variations within standard operating ranges, building settling or shrinkage and seismic activity. Moreover, these joints are subject to damage over time. Most damage is from vandalism, wear, environmental factors and when the joint movement is greater, the seal may become inflexible, fragile or experience cohesive and/or adhesive failure. As a result, “long lasting” in the industry refers to a joint likely to be usable for a period greater than the typical lifespan of five (5) years. Various seals have been created in the field. Moreover, where in a horizontal surface exposed to wear, such as a roadway or walkway, it is often desirable to ensure that contaminants are retarded from contacting the seal and that the joint does not present a tripping hazard, whether as a result of a joint seal system which extends above the adjacent substrates or as a result of positioning the joint seal system below the surface of the substrates. This may be particularly difficult to address as the size of the expansion joint increases. 
     Various seal systems and configurations have been developed for imposition between these panels to provide seals or expansion joints to provide one or more of fire protection, waterproofing, sound and air insulation. This typically is accomplished with a seal created by imposition of multiple constituents in the joint, such as silicone application, backer bars, and compressible foams. 
     Expansion joint seal system designs for situations requiring the support of transfer loads have often required the use of rigid extruded rubber or polymer glands. These systems lack the resiliency and seismic movement required in expansion joints. These systems have been further limited in functioning as a fire resistant barrier, which is often a desired function. 
     Other systems have incorporated cover plates that span the joint itself, often anchored to the concrete or attached to the expansion joint material and which are expensive to supply and install. These systems sometimes require potentially undesirable mechanical attachment, which requires drilling into the deck or joint substrate. Cover plate systems that are not mechanically attached rely on support or attachment to the expansion joint, thereby subjecting the expansion joint seal system to continuous compression, expansion and tension on the bond line when force is applied to the cover plate, which shortens the life of the joint seal system. Some of these systems use foam to provide sealing. But these foam systems can take on a compression set when the joint seal system is repeatedly exposed to lateral forces from a single direction, such as a roadway. This becomes more pronounced as these foam systems utilize a single or continuous spine along the length of the expansion joint seal system—which propagates any deflection along the length. The problems and limitations of the current foam sealing cover plate systems that rely on a continuous spline are well known in the art. 
     These cover plate systems are designed to address lateral movement—the expansion and compression of adjacent panels. Unfortunately, these do no properly address vertical shifts—where the substrates become misaligned when the end of one shifts vertically relative to the other. In such situations, the components attached to the cover plate are likewise rotated in space causing a pedestrian or vehicular hazard. The current systems do not adequately address the differences in the coefficient of linear expansion between the cover plate and the substrate or allow for curved joint designs. The inability of the current art to compensate for the lateral or thermal movement of the cover plate results in failure of attachment to the cover plate or additional pressure being imposed on one half of the expansion joint system and potentially pulling the expansion joint system away from the lower substrate. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure therefore meets the above needs and overcomes one or more deficiencies in the prior art by providing an expansion joint seal design which incorporates a plurality of ribs, a flexible member connecting the cover plate and the ribs, and may incorporate a load transfer plate to provide support to the rib from below, and/or foams of differing compressibilities, and therefore performs dynamically in response to changes. In particular, the present disclosure provides an alternative to the load transfer of an extruded gland or anchored cover plate, and does so without the movement limitations of extruded glands, and without the potential compression set, delamination or de-bonding found in these and foam expansion joints. 
     The disclosure provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a cover plate, a plurality of ribs, a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant, wherein each of the ribs pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant from the foam&#39;s top surface but does not extend to the foam&#39;s bottom surface, and having a flexible member connecting the cover plate to each of the ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs remains moveable in relation to the cover plate. 
     The disclosure provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a cover plate, a plurality of ribs, a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant, wherein each of the ribs pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant from the foam&#39;s top surface but does not extend to the foam&#39;s bottom surface, having a flexible member attached to the cover plate and to each of the ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs remains rotatable in relation to the cover plate, and having a force transfer plate to maintain the ribs in position with support from below. 
     The disclosure provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a cover plate, a plurality of ribs, a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant, wherein each of the ribs pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant from the foam&#39;s top surface but does not extend to the foam&#39;s bottom surface, having a flexible member attached to the cover plate and to each of the ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs remains rotatable in relation to the cover plate, and a second body of foam having a density different from the foam. 
     The disclosure provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a cover plate, a plurality of ribs, a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant, wherein each of the ribs pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant from the foam&#39;s top surface but does not extend to the foam&#39;s bottom surface, having a flexible member attached to the cover plate and to each of the ribs, wherein each of the plurality of ribs remains rotatable in relation to the cover plate, and the cover plate allows for linear thermal expansion, resistance to shock from impact. 
     The disclosure also provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant which is strengthened by an internal compression spring, which may include a cover plate, a plurality of ribs, wherein the internal compression spring provides restorative and ongoing expansion force to maintain the seal of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant. 
     The disclosure provides an expansion joint seal system preferably comprising a cover plate, at least one rib, wherein each of the ribs pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant from the foam&#39;s top surface but does not extend to the foam&#39;s bottom surface, a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant which is strengthened by an internal compression spring. 
     Additional aspects, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the various embodiments and related drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the described features, advantages, and objects of the disclosure, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail; more particular description of the disclosure briefly summarized above may be had by referring to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical preferred embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope as the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  provides an end view of one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  provides an end view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  provides a top view of one embodiment of the cover plate. 
         FIG. 3B  provides a top view of another embodiment of the cover plate. 
         FIG. 3C  provides a top view of a further embodiment of the cover plate. 
         FIG. 3D  provides a top view of an additional embodiment of the cover plate. 
         FIG. 4  provides a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  provides an end view of a flexible member for an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  provides an end view of an embodiment of the cover plate and flexible member. 
         FIG. 7  provides an end view of one embodiment of the force transfer plate. 
         FIG. 8  provides an end view of a flexible member for an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  provides an end view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  provides an end view of an embodiment of the present disclosure incorporating a shock absorbing system. 
         FIG. 11  provides a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure facilitating shedding of liquid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An expansion joint seal system  100  is provided for imposition in a joint, such that a portion remains above the joint, i.e. partial imposition. The joint is formed of a first substrate  102  and a second substrate  104 , which are each substantially co-planar with a first plane  106 . The joint is formed as the first substrate  102  is separated, or distant, the second substrate  104  by a first distance  108 . The first substrate  102  has a first substrate thickness  110 , and has a first substrate end face  112  substantially perpendicular to the first plane  106 . Likewise, the second substrate  104  has a second substrate thickness  114 , and has a second substrate end face  116  substantially perpendicular to the first plane  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an end view of one embodiment of the expansion joint seal system  100  of the present disclosure installed in a horizontal joint is provided. The expansion joint seal system  100  preferably includes a cover plate, a plurality of ribs  124 , a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , and a flexible member  134  attached to the cover plate  120  and to each of the plurality of ribs  124 . 
     The cover plate  120  is preferably made of a material sufficiently resilient to sustain and be generally undamaged by the surface traffic atop it for a period of at least five (5) years and of a material and thickness sufficient to transfer any loads to the substrates which it contacts. The cover plate  120  may be provided to present a solid, generally impermeable surface, or may be provided to present a permeable surface. The cover plate  120  has a cover plate width  122 . To perform its function when positioned atop the expansion joint, and to provide a working surface, the cover plate width  122  typically is greater than the first distance  108 . In some cases, it may be beneficial for a hinged ramp  144  to be attached to the edge of the cover plate  120 . A ramp  144 , hingedly attached to the cover plate  120  may provide a surface adjustment should the substrates  102 ,  104  become unequal in vertical position, such as if one substrate is lifted upward. A ramp  144  ensures that a usable surface is retained, even when the substrates  102 ,  104  cease to be co-planer, from the first substrate  102 , to the cover plate  102 , through to the second substrate  102 . In the absence of such a ramp  144 , movement of one substrate would result in the edge of the cover plate  102  being rotated upward—presenting a hazard to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Alternatively, rather than being positioned atop the expansion joint, the cover plate  120  may be installed flush or below the top of substrate  102  and/or installed flush or below the surface of substrate  104 . The contact point for cover plate  120  may be the deck or wall substrate or may be a polymer or elastomeric material to reduce wear and to facilitate the movement function of the cover plate  120 . Regardless of the intended position, the cover plate  120  may be constructed without restriction as to its profile. The cover plate  120  may be constructed of a single plate as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The cover plate  120  may be constructed of multiple cover plate layers  202 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , enabling repair or replacements of wear surfaces without replacing the entire cover plate  120  or replacing the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . Multiple layers  202  may be advantageous in environments wherein the cover plate will be subjected to strikes, such as by a snow plow or where the material of cover plate  120  may suffer from environmental exposure, such as in desert conditions. Each layer  202  is selected from a durable material which may be bonded or adhered to an adjacent layer  202 , but which may be separated by the adjacent layer  202  upon the desired minimum lateral force. When desired, the cover plate  120  may be eliminated, together with attached components. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D , which provide top views of several embodiments of the cover plate  120 , the cover plate  120  may use present a rectangular shape with a square end  302  as provided in  FIG. 3A . The cover plate  120  may instead present an angled end  304  as provided in  FIG. 3B . This angled end  304  may be at more than an angle of 90 degrees. The angled end  304  is beneficial where the cover plate  120  may expand in response to temperature variations. Rather than buckling upward like a conventional, square-ended cover plates  120 , the angled end  304  causes the cover plate  120  to be rotated with respect to the joint. The rotation is impeded, and reversed after cooling, by the plurality of ribs  124  and body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . As provided in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , the cover plate may present a first curved end  306  and a second complementary curved end  308 , each with the same radius. The curved ends  306  and  308  thus abut at least in part over a range of respective angles, permitting use of a cover plate  120  without gapping along straight and curved joints. As the radius of the curved joint decreases, the cover plate length  402 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , will be accordingly reduced to permit operation. Shorter cover plate lengths  402  may be used to provide segmented lengths to allow for less damage and curves during thermal expansion. Use of cover plates  120  with angled end  304  or curved ends  306  and  308  permits each cover plate  120  to move without opening a continuous gap in the direction of traffic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an end view of an embodiment of the expansion joint seal system  100  of the present disclosure installed in a horizontal joint is provided. The expansion joint seal system  100  may further include a force transfer plate  226  to which one or more of the ribs  124  may be flexibly and/or rotatably attached at the end opposing the flexible member  134 . Some or all of the ribs  124  may be fixedly attached to the force transfer plate  226  or may be pivotally attached so as to permit one or two degrees of freedom. Where attached, the rib  124  may be detachably attached to the force transfer plate  226 . The force transfer plate  226  has a force transfer plate length  406 , which is equivalent in length to the cover plate length  402  and the force transfer plate length  406  being equivalent. The force transfer plate  226  need not be rigid or continuous and can be connected to ribs  124  in a fixed, hinged or multi-axis rotational connection. A flexible force transfer plate  226  permits the use of the expansion joint seal system  100  in joints which are not straight. The force transfer plate  226  may retard the movement of some or each rib  124 , but also, by virtue of its connection to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , may provide support to the ribs  124  from below. 
     The force transfer plate  226  need not retard the movement of each rib  124  as the movement of each rib  124  will be retarded by the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . Flexible attachment of the ribs to the cover plate  120  and to the force transfer plate  226  permits multi-axis movement of the ribs  124  and the flexible member  134  in connection with cover plate  120 . The force transfer plate  226  may be composed, or contain, hydrophilic or fire-retardant or other compositions that would be obvious to one skilled in the art. In the event of a failure of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to retard water or to inhibit water penetration, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic composition on the force transfer plate  226  may react to inhibit further inflow of water. Additionally, the force transfer plate  226  may contain or bear and intumescing agent, so that upon exposure to high heat, the force transfer plate  226  may react, and provide protection to the expansion joint. The force transfer plate  226  is maintained in position at least by attachment or contact with the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . The force transfer plate  226  may be positioned so as to contact and be adhered only to the foam bottom surface  132  of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . Alternatively, the force transfer plate  226  may be positioned within the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  so that the edges of the force transfer plate  226  may extend into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and be supported from below by the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . Preferably, the force transfer plate  226  is positioned within the lowest quarter of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  for maximum load force absorption. The force transfer plate  226  may be positioned higher in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  in lighter duty or pedestrian applications. 
     The force transfer plate  226  does not attach to either of the substrates  102 ,  104  and is maintained in position by connection to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . The force transfer plate  226  may provide support from below for the ribs  124  which are not otherwise supported from below by the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . In high cover plate shear conditions, the force transfer plate  226  supports a joint system which is wider or which uses a narrow depth, and uses the resistance to compression to retard each of the ribs  124  from shifting and delivering all of the compressive force to the trailing edge side of the expansion joint seal system  100 . This reduces the ultimate force and the amount of compression by applying the compressive force over a larger area and at a 90-degree angle to the direct compressive force which adds longevity to the useful life compared to the prior art. 
     Preferably, the force transfer plate  226  is sufficiently wide to maximize load transfer. The force transfer plate  226  can be up to or greater than 50% of the width of the expansion joint in seismic applications requiring +/−50% movement. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the force transfer plate  226  may include downwardly curving hook-like appendages  706  at the lateral ends of the bottom of the force transfer plate  226  to aid in retarding downward movement of the joint system  100  in the joint and contact of the joint system  100  with the bottom of the joint. These may include pre-grooved break points  704  designed to fail in a seismic event, to avoid restricting the joint from closing and damaging the substrate. It can further be an advantage to use a light weight polymer or other material that will support the force transfer plate  226  horizontally and tend to return the ribs  124  back to center after traffic force is removed. When the cover plate  120  is omitted from an expansion joint system, the force transfer plate  226  would likewise be omitted. 
     As provided in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D , a compressible spacer  310 , which may be compressible or sliding material, may be provided at the end of a cover plate  120  or between adjacent cover plates  120 . The compressible spacer  310  may be an elastomer which may be attached to the end of the cover plate  120 . As a result, each cover plate  120  is insulated from the adjacent cover plate  120  and any forces applied to it. Beneficially, the cover plate  120  may therefore experience thermal expansion without damage to the plurality of ribs  124  or the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . Additionally, use of an angular end  304  or curved end  306 ,  308  provides a surface with reduced potential to trip or catch. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The cover plate  120  has cover plate length  402 , which is at least as great as the length  406  of the flexible member  134 . The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  likewise has a length  408  which is less than the cover plate length  402 . Preferably, the cover plate  120 , the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , and the force transfer plate  226  are equivalent in length. Because the ribs  124  need not have substantial length to perform, the sum of the rib length  404  of each of the ribs  124  may be less than one half the cover plate length  402 , though the relationship may be altered by shorter or longer ribs  124 . There is therefore an appreciable distance between each rib  124 . The ribs  124  may be oriented in any direction from the flexible member  134 . Typically, these will descend directly downward from the cover plate  120 , but may be angled as desired along a longitudinal axis  210  of the cover plate  120 . When the cover plate  120  is omitted from an expansion joint system, the ribs  124  would likewise be omitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 , the flexible member  134  can be removable from the cover plate  120  at the underside of the cover plate  120  and may be flexible or rotatable. The point of attachment may be in the middle of the cover plate  120 , but may be offset from the centerline of the cover plate  120 . The flexible member  134  may be of any resilient structure which permits angular rotation of the ribs  124  known in the art. The flexible member  134  may be, for example, a hinge, or may be a short rigid member with a hinge at the end for attachment to the cover plate  120  and at the end for attachment to the rib  124 , or may be a member with its own spring force, such as steel, or a high durometer rubber, or carbon fiber. The flexible member  134  may be a pivot joint retained at locations along the cover plate  120 , such as a conventional hinge or a flexible connector. When the cover plate  120  is omitted from an expansion joint system  100 , the flexible member  134  would likewise be omitted. When desired, the flexible member  120  may be omitted, and the cover plate  120  directly attached to the ribs  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 , the expansion joint system  100  is presented as imposed in a horizontal joint with the cover plate  100  in the same plane. The cover plate  100  however, need not be in the same plane as the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . In some instances, such as in a stairway, it may be advantageous for the cover plate  120  to be in a vertical plane, while the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may be in the horizontal plane as depicted in  FIGS. 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 . 
     Alternatively, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the flexible member  134  may be constructed with an interlocked partial open cylinder, or first member  502 , and an encircled cylindrical second member  504 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the flexible member  134  can be attached to the cover plate  120 , via a closed elliptical slot  602  in the bottom  604  to allow for movement in the direction of impact, allow for access to the joint with the flexible member  134  attached to the cover plate  120 . The slot  602  in the bottom  604  of the cover plate  120  may incorporate a force-dissipating device, such as a spring  606  or rubber shock absorption material  608 , at an end of the closed elliptical slot  602  to reduce the force transferred from the cover plate and therefore to the foam seal. The damping force of the spring  606  or rubber shock absorption material  608 , or the vertical position of the flexible member  134  with respect to the cover plate  120  may be adjusted using a set screw or other systems known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the flexible member  134  may comprise a first connector  802 , a second connector  804 , and connecting member  506 . The connecting member  806  may be a rubber or flexible material that elongates under extreme force. Alternatively, the connecting member  806  may be flexible spring steel, which will flex or rotate, but not detach, from the cover plate  120 . The first connector  802  may be a swivel connection, or other connection permitting some degree of freedom of motion, and the second connector  804  may likewise be a swivel connector, or other connection permitting some degree of freedom of motion, allowing for installation assistance, and preventing direct force from being transferred to the foam/core joint sealant. This structure of the flexible member  134  may assist in retaining the cover plate  120  in place, while preventing the cover plate  120  from becoming offset with respect to the joint. Additionally, this structure of the flexible member  134  reduces the force applied to the cover plate  120  from being transmitted entirely through to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , extending the lifespan of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  while reducing the direct force to the ribs  124  and the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8 , the flexible member  134  is preferably detachable from the cover plate  120 , such that the cover plate may be installed separately and may be removed for access and maintenance of the other components. Any system of attachment may be used, such as screws or bolts, as well as a keyed member to lock the cover plate  120  to the flexible member  134  when rotated one direction and to unlock the cover plate  120  from the flexible member  134  when rotated back to an original position. A keyed member reduces the potential for modification or vandalism as the tools for removal of the cover plate  120  are not readily available. 
     The cover plate  120  may be detachably attached to the flexible member  134 . Expansion joint seals are often installed under conditions where mechanical strikes against the cover plate  120  are likely, such as roadways in locales which use snow plows. When used, snow plows employ a blade positioned at the roadway surface to scrape snow and ice from the roadway for removal. Any objects which extend above the roadway surface sufficient to contact the plow are likely to ripped from the roadway surface. It may therefore be preferable for the cover plate  120  to be detachably attached magnetically to the flexible member  134  and retained with a tether  180  to prevent the cover plate  120  from falling into the joint between the substrates  102 ,  104 . This embodiment permits snow plow strikes on the cover plate  120  without permanent damage to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  or the balance of the expansion joint seal system  100 . The tether  180 , which may be also attached to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , may further prevent the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  from sagging away from the cover plate  120 , a problem known in the prior art. The tether  180  may be highly flexible, resilient material sufficient to sustain the impact load and sufficiently durable to do so the life of the joint system  100 . The support of the foam seal is of particular (or increased) importance where the foam joint seal is in a width to depth ratio of less than 1:1. Alternatively, the cover plate  120  may be detachably attached to the flexible member  134  using screws, bolts or other devices prepared to break-away in the event of a strike. The flexible member  134  may also be constructed to break apart in the event of a strike. Where the flexible member  124  is provided as a hinge, the first member  302  of the flexible member  124  may be constructed of a high strength polymer, but which is still weaker than the associated second member  304 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8 , each of the plurality of ribs  124  are attached to the flexible member  134 . Rather than providing a solid spline as in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a plurality of members, the ribs  124 , which move independent of one another and about which each is surrounded by the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , rather than being located on either side of a spline. Therefore, each of the plurality of ribs  124  remains rotatable in relation to the cover plate  120 . The resilient compressible foam sealant  128  fills the distance between the ribs  124 , tying each of the ribs  124  to the other ribs  124  and therefore to the cover plate  120 . Each rib  124  has a rib top edge  136 , a rib thickness  138 , a rib bottom surface  140 , and a rib length  404 . The sum of the rib length  404  of each of the ribs  124  is not more than one half the plate length  402 . Ribs  124  may be provided as cylindrical bodies or may provide a rectangular prism oriented along the longitudinal length of the system  100 . There is therefore an appreciable distance between each rib  124 . The rib thickness  138  is sufficiently less than both the first substrate thickness  110  and the second substrate thickness  114 , that neither any rib  124  nor body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  contacts the bottom of the expansion joint. Beneficially, each rib  124  moves within the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and therefore absorb any force transmitted from the cover plate  120  and permit access to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  after installation, when needed. In rotation, each rib  124  transfers any rotational force introduced into the system  100  into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  which absorbs the force by its compressive recovery force. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 , to provide the seal against the faces  112 ,  116  of the first and second substrates, the expansion joint seal system  100  includes a body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  has a foam length  408 , as provided in  FIG. 4 , a foam bottom surface  132 , a foam top surface  130 , and an uncompressed foam width. The uncompressed foam width of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  has a foam length  408  is greater than the first distance  108 . As a result, when the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is imposed between the two substrates  102 ,  104 , the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is maintained in compression between the two substrates  102 ,  104  and, by virtue of its nature, inhibits the transmission of water or other contaminants further into the expansion joint. The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  contacts the first substrate end face  112  and the second substrate end face  116 , when imposed under compression between the first substrate  102  and the second substrate  104 . An adhesive may be applied to the substrate end face  112  and the second substrate end face  116  or to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to ensure a bond between the expansion joint seal system  100  and the substrates  102 ,  104 . Over time, as the first distance  108  between the first substrate  102  and the second substrate  104  changes, such as during heating and during cooling, the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  expands to fill the void of the expansion joint, or is compressed to fill the void of the expansion joint. Preferably, the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is one body of foam, but may be a lamination of several layers. The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may be of polyurethane foam, and may be of an open celled foam, or a closed cell foam. When desired, a combination of open and closed cell foams may be used. The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may contain, hydrophilic, hydrophobic or fire-retardant compositions as impregnates, or as surface infusions, full or partial, or combinations of them. While the cell structure of body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  inhibits the flow of water, the presence of an inhibitant or a fire retardant may prove beneficial. 
     When desired, the compressibility of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may be altered by forming the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  from two foams of differing compressibility, providing a different spring force on the two sides of the ribs  124 . Unequal densities, and thus spring forces, may provide a desirable spring force in the direction of movement of the traffic above, such as a roadway or one side of a concourse, to return the ribs  124  to the original position and to avoid the potential for a compression set over time due to the unequal application of movement to the expansion joint seal system  100 . This may be accomplished by the foam in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on one side of the ribs  124  having a first foam body density and the foam in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on opposing side of the ribs  124  having a second foam body density. Alternatively, the foam in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on one side of the ribs  124  may be homogenous, while the foam in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on the opposing side of the ribs  124  may be a composite, such as a laminate of two foams. Having differing and complementary densities in the two bodies of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  between the top and the bottom portions of the bodies of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on each side of the ribs  124  provides for lower resistance on one side to allow for quicker equalization or recovery of the opposing high density foam that is subject to repeated compressive force. This same combination works at the top and bottom of each rib  124  so that there is more resistance to compression set on the top high density portion due to the rotational force at the ribs  124  caused by the differing densities such that the high density foam on the bottom opposing side (the side of the ribs  124  which would normally extend not compress) compresses and absorbs or offsets some of the high compressive force. Because of the lower density foam on the opposing bottom side it allows better expansion recovery of the high density than if it was of equal density or compression. 
     While each of the ribs  124  pierces the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  at the foam top surface  130 , the rib bottom surface  140  does not extend to the foam bottom surface  132 . As a result, the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is not pierced through by the ribs  124 . The body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  thus provides support to each of the ribs  124  from below. Additionally, the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  provides lateral forces against each side of each of the ribs  124 , maintaining each rib  124  in position relative to the two substrates  102 ,  104 . Beneficially, where the ribs  124  do not pierce the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  remains integral such that a portion of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  provides a seal against outside contaminates in the expansion joint, to seal and support the bottom of the rib  124 , the rib bottom surface  140 . The present disclosure thus provides a seal against contaminants following a rib  124  through the seal, and allows for extra wide joint systems without the added expense depth requirements of systems without a bottom support. Some or all of the ribs  124  may be electrically conductive or be composed, or contain, hydrophilic or fire-retardant compositions. Some or all of the ribs  124  may further include a radio frequency identification device to transmit internal data when needed or may include cathodic protections. In the event of a failure of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to retard water or to inhibit water penetration, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic composition on the rib  124  may react to inhibit further inflow of water. Additionally, each rib  124  may contain or bear an intumescing agent, so that upon exposure to high heat, the rib  124  may react, and provide protection to the expansion joint. 
     As provided in  FIG. 4 , each rib  124  need not descend directly downwardly from the cover plate  120 . Ribs  124  may be angled laterally or longitudinally. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D , the expansion joint seal system  100  may be positioned in expansion joints that are not linear, such as those incorporating a curve or turn, such as a right-angle turn. Previous expansion joint seal systems, which incorporated a solid spine or spline, were incapable of this use, which is made possible by the use of flexible member  134  connecting the ribs  124  and the cover plate  120 . The spaced-apart ribs permit fitting the expansion joint seal system  100  into the joint without breaking the support mechanism, as would occur with a fixed spline. Because the flexible member  134  permits the ribs  124  to be positioned between the substrates  102 ,  104  without reference to differences in the top of each substrate and the orientation of the cover plate  120 , and because the ribs  124  are maintained laterally and from below by the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , the operation of the expansion joint seal system  100  is maintained regardless of the vertical relationship of the two substrates  102 ,  104 . This allows for proper movement when the deck comprising the two substrates  102 ,  104  is subject to vertical shear or deflection between decks. 
     Moreover, the expansion joint seal system  100  may be initially installed such that the ribs  124  are angled against the intended flow of traffic when the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is composed of three or more foam members, such that a foam at the top of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  which is to be in compression due to traffic is of a higher density foam and that the opposing side, lower edge is likewise of a higher density foam. Because the relative force of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  determines the position of the ribs  124 , equal densities maintain the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  in an intermediate position, one which limits operation to a maximum of 50% of the joint width for compression. Varied foam densities in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on the two sides of the ribs  124 , provides an additional 10-20% more compressive resistance to traffic impact. This improvement may be particularly beneficial in situations such as the down ramp in a parking garage where traffic attempts to decelerate while traveling over the joint cover  120 , as this repeated circumstance will wear out an a joint based on evenly compressed and evenly offsetting force foam joints. 
     The ribs  124  need not be uniformly positioned. The ribs  124  may be positioned in staggered relationship such that no more than one half of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  can be subject to compression. The balance of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  resists the compression outside direct force of the ribs  124 . The portion of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  in compression may be further altered by angling the ribs  124  so as to subject less than half of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to direct compression. This allows the balance of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to be in a state of less compression and for the portion of the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  have a less compression to run longitudinally along the joint such that at any one point in the length of the joint the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  is in lower compression contact with the ribs  124 , reducing compression set and creating a mechanical locking relationship between the resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and the ribs  124 . These ribs  124  may be attached to the force transfer plate  226 . Moreover, by directing the various ribs  124  at differing angles within the  124 , the ribs  124  may entangle the body of resilient compressible foam sealant  128  so as to make it integral with the ribs  124  and, by extension, to the cover plate. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an illustration of an embodiment incorporating several of the preceding components. The flexible member  134  depicted in  FIG. 8  is provided, along with two bodies of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , each having its own compression ratio, as well as an angled rib  124 . The joint seal  100  provided in  FIG. 9  maintains the sealing properties of each body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and the protection of the joint cover  120 , while providing the benefits of the flexible member  134 , the rib  124 , and the varied compression ratio of the bodies of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , all of which serve to transfer loads from the cover plate  120  and to accommodate movement of all components. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a coating  142  may be adhered to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  on its top surface  130 . The coating  142  may be an elastomer or a low modulus sealant, preferably vapor permeable to allow for moisture escape and thus reducing the potential of freezing of the expansion joint seal system  100 . The elastomer may be, for example, silicone, urethane or a membrane. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of the present disclosure incorporating a shock absorbing system is provided. To further absorb the impacts transferred from the cover plate  120  to the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  by the ribs  124 , the expansion joint seal system  100  may include a shock absorption system including a compression spring  1002 , connected to one or more of the ribs  124  and extending laterally into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  or connected to the flexible member  134  and extending laterally to the end face  112 ,  116  of one or both of the adjacent substrates  102 ,  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the compression spring  1002  may extend fully through the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , or may alternatively stop short, so as not to contact a substrate  102 ,  104 . The compression spring  1002  may be positioned at any point on the rib  124  and may be selected from any spring known in the art, including a helical compression spring, a cylindrical compression spring, a plate spring, and may be a linear rate spring providing a constant rate, a progressive rate spring providing a variable rate, or a multiple rate spring, such as one providing a firm rate and a soft rate. Where the compression spring  1002  is a plate spring, it may be provided as an arc or with a sinusoidal pattern. Where a coiled compression spring  1002  is utilized, the compression spring  1002  may be screwed into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  or may be encapsulated within a cylindrical housing  1004 . The compression spring  1002  may be a single member extended across the ensure system  100 , or may be positioned on only one side of the rib  124 . Regardless of the structure selected, the compression spring  1002  increases the resistance to compression of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , buffers the ribs  124  against abrupt impact or shock, and reduces the likelihood of compression set in the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , while the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  provides damping force. The compression spring  1002  may include an end piece, which may be resistant to corrosion or which possesses less potential to damage the face  112 ,  116  of the adjacent substrate  102 ,  104 . The end piece may be provided as any shape desired, such as a rubber cylinder in contact with the face  112 ,  116  of the adjacent substrate  102 ,  104  or may be presented as a larger member, such as a flange, which is captured within the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and therefore never contacts the face  112 ,  116  of the adjacent substrate  102 ,  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure facilitating shedding of liquid is provided. Because the flexible member  134  is attached to the cover plate  120  and to each of the plurality of ribs  124 , the flexible member  134  may be a plurality of connectors of increasing height as depicted in  FIG. 11 , such as a plurality of separate second members  504  of  FIG. 5 , or a plurality of the first connectors  802 , connecting members  806 , and second connectors  804 , or of consistent height as depicted in  FIG. 4 . Flexible member  134 , whether provided as a single piece or as a plurality of connectors, may be provided so as increase per unit distance, so that the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and associated ribs  124  are skewed with respect to the cover plate  120 , and thereby provide an incline to facilitate shedding of liquid within the joint between the substrates  102 ,  104  and above the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , when the system  100  is provided within a joint transitioning from a horizontal joint to a vertical joint, the system  100  may be provided to shed liquid out to the vertical edge, including by a drain  1102  through the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 , or by a drip edge  1104  which may be facilitated by an extending end  1106 . The extending end  1106  may be provided as a portion of into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  or may be provided as a separate component  1108  with an piercing end  1110  which may be driven into the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . To provide the system  100  in a rectangular prism shape, the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may be tapered to present the thinner end at the drain  1102 , the drip edge  1104 , the extending end  1106  or the component  1108 . The top of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128  may be provided with a sculpted top to direct liquid to one or both substrates  102 ,  104 , or top a channel intermediate the two in the top of the body of a resilient compressible foam sealant  128 . 
     The system  100  may be supplied in individual components or may be supplied in a constructed state so that it may installed in an economical one step operation yet perform like more complicated multipart systems. The entire system  100  may be constructed such that a gap is present between the cover plate  120  and the resilient compressible foam sealant  128  and a retaining band positioned about the resilient compressible foam sealant  128  to maintain compression during shipping and before installation without additional spacers that would limit test fitting of the system  100  prior to releasing the resilient compressible foam sealant  128  from factory compression. Packaging materials, that increase the bulk and weight of the product for shipping and handling to and at the point of installation, are therefore also eliminated. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.