Pool expansion joint cover and methods for using the same

Abstract

A covering made from plasticized material for gaps and expansion joints in artificial pools. The covering may be formed as a thin, elongated, and flexible strip having one or more perforations for separating the strip into partitions. The covering may be treated with an ultraviolet inhibitor and may have a textured or scored surface for bonding with an adhesive. The covering is particularly adapted for concealing and protecting expansion joints located between a row of tile and the deck, or coping, of a swimming pool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A covering for an expansion joint of an artificial pool, comprising:
 a. an ultraviolet stabilizer;   b. at least one vertical perforation and at least one horizontal perforation for separating said covering into at least two partitions; and   c. at least one side having a scored surface for bonding with an adhesive;   wherein said covering is formed as an elongated strip and is constructed from a plastic polymer.   
     
     
         2 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one perforation is substantially straight. 
     
     
         3 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one perforation is curved. 
     
     
         4 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said at least two partitions are uniformly shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said at least two partitions are irregularly shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said ultraviolet stabilizer comprises a hindered amine light stabilizer. 
     
     
         7 . The covering of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one side of said covering further comprises a protrusion for insertion into said expansion joint. 
     
     
         8 . A method for concealing an expansion joint of an artificial pool using a first covering,
 wherein said first covering is formed as an elongated strip and comprises a first side, a second side, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a perforation for forming two partitions, and a scored surface on said second side, and   wherein said expansion joint is between a row of tiles and a coping of an artificial pool,   said method comprising the steps of:   a. separating said first covering along said perforation to form a first partition and a second partition, each having a first side and a second side;   b. preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion; and   c. placing a portion of said first partition over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said first partition is bonded with said expansion joint.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises filling said expansion joint with an adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises applying an adhesive to said scored surface. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of preparing said expansion joint and said first partition for adhesion comprises removing an existing seal within said expansion joint. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said second side of said first partition of said first covering comprises a protrusion. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of placing a portion of said first partition of said first covering over said expansion joint further comprises inserting a portion of said protrusion into said expansion joint. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising using a second covering,
 wherein said second covering is formed as an elongated strip and comprises a first side, a second side, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a perforation for forming two partitions, and a scored surface on said second side,   said method further comprising the steps of:   d. separating said second covering along said perforation to form a first partition and a second partition, each having a first side and a second side;   e. preparing said expansion joint and said first partition of said second covering for adhesion; and   f. placing a portion of said first partition of said second covering over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said first partition of said second covering is bonded with said expansion joint.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said first partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said first covering. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of:
 g. inserting a protruding edge of said first partition of said second covering into a slotted edge of said first partition of said first covering.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the steps of:
 g. preparing said expansion joint and said second partition of said second covering for adhesion; and   h. placing a portion of said second partition of said second covering over said expansion joint, wherein said second side of said second partition of said second covering is bonded with said expansion joint and wherein said second partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said second covering.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said first partition of said second covering is abuttingly engaged with said first partition of said first covering. 
     
     
         19 . A system for concealing an expansion joint of an artificial pool comprising at least two coverings and an expansion joint, said at least two coverings comprising:
 a. at least one perforation for forming at least two partitions; and   b. at least one side adapted to bond with an adhesive within said expansion joint;   wherein said at least two coverings are formed as elongated strips,   wherein said at least two coverings are constructed from a plastic polymer, and   wherein said at least one perforation of a first one of said at least two coverings is adapted to abuttingly engage said at least one perforation of a second one of said at least two coverings.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein said at least one perforation of said first one and said second one of said at least two coverings comprises a chamfered edge. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein said at least one perforation of said first one of said at least two coverings comprises a protruding edge and wherein said at least one perforation of said second one of said at least two coverings comprises a slotted edge. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein said slotted edge is adapted to mate with said protruding edge.