U.S. patent application number 10/267039 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for decking tile.
Invention is credited to Bertolini, Geoffrey Michael.
Application Number | 20030061772 10/267039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281348 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030061772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bertolini, Geoffrey
Michael |
April 3, 2003 |
Decking tile
Abstract
A decking tile is divided into portions arranged in an array,
with adjacent portions connected by a membranes adapted to be
severed so that portions of the decking tile can be removed. Each
portion is further adapted to receive at least two fasteners in
order to secure one or more slats to the decking tile.
Inventors: |
Bertolini, Geoffrey Michael;
(Lansdale, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOGAN & HARTSON LLP
ONE TABOR CENTER, SUITE 1500
1200 SEVENTEENTH ST
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
46281348 |
Appl. No.: |
10/267039 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10267039 |
Oct 11, 2002 |
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09616612 |
Jul 14, 2000 |
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6467224 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/177 ; 52/387;
52/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/043 20130101;
E04F 15/02 20130101; E04F 2201/0523 20130101; E04F 15/022 20130101;
E01C 5/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/98 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/00; E04C
001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 1998 |
AU |
PP1377 |
Jan 15, 1999 |
PCT/AU99/00027 |
Claims
1. A decking tile divided into a plurality of portions arranged in
an array, said portions being connected to adjacent portions via a
plurality of membranes adapted to be severed, each portion being
adapted for removing from said decking tile upon severing of the
membranes surrounding it, each portion arranged to receive at least
two fasteners to secure a slat thereto, wherein said at least two
fasteners can engage a slat positioned parallel to any side of said
decking tile.
2. A decking tile as claimed in claim 1, wherein each portion
includes at least two apertures, each aperture arranged to receive
a fastener therethrough.
3. A decking tile as claimed in claim 2, wherein said apertures are
provided spaced from the periphery of the portion.
4. A decking tile as claimed in claim 3, wherein the apertures are
provided on an imaginary line that bisects the portion.
5. A decking tile as claimed in claim 4, wherein said imaginary
line forms a diagonal of said portion.
6. A decking tile as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of
said portions is divided into sub-portions connected by further
membranes whereby said at least one portion can be sub-divided.
7. A decking tile as claimed in claim 6, wherein each portion is
rectangular and said sub-portions are triangular to allow said at
least one portion to be divided diagonally.
8. A decking tile as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one
portion is arranged to allow said decking tile to be sub-divided
diagonally.
9. A decking tile as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least one
aperture is provided in each sub-portion.
10. A decking tile as claimed in claim 1, wherein each portion
forms a square adapted to have a side length commensurate with that
of the width of a slat.
11. A decking tile as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
connecting means provided at each side thereof such that any two
sides of adjacent tiles can be connected.
12. A decking tile as claimed in claim 11, wherein said connecting
means comprises first and second components, each side including
both first and second components thereon.
13. A decking tile as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first
component comprises a pair of first arms spaced apart and inwardly
directed; said second component comprises a pair of second arms
spaced apart and outwardly directed, wherein said second arms and
said first arms are disposable in a mutually engaged position.
14. A decking tile as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second
component includes a reinforcing member extending between said
second arms.
15. A decking tile as claimed in claim 11 wherein said connecting
means includes locking means arranged to inhibit disconnection of
said connecting means.
16. A decking tile as claimed in claim 13 wherein said connecting
means further comprises a locking means arranged to inhibit
disconnection of the connecting means, wherein said locking means
comprises a recess provided on one of said first or second arms and
a protrusion provided on the other of said first and second
arms.
17. A decking tile as claimed in claim 11 wherein each side of the
decking tile is provided with guide means adapted to aid the
positioning of a slat parallel to any side.
18. A decking tile as claimed in claim 17 wherein the guide means
comprises a plurality of guides spaced along each side.
19. A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guides extend
beyond a plane of contact of the slat with the decking tile.
20. A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guides are
arranged so that a guide of one tile will abut a guide of an
adjacent tile when connected.
21. A decking tile as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guides are
arranged so that a guide of one tile is offset from the guide of an
adjacent tile to allow for transverse movement or flexing of the
guides to allow for expansion or flexing of the tile.
22. A decking tile arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a
side-by-side manner, the decking tile having a plurality of
apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the
decking tile and connecting means provided around the periphery of
the decking tile for connecting said decking tile to another
decking tile, wherein said decking tile comprises a plurality of
portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to
adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes adapted to be
severed, each portion being adapted for removal from the decking
tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it, each portion
having at least two apertures provided therein, said at least two
fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to
any side of said decking tile.
23. A decking tile adapted to support cladding from a surface, said
cladding comprising a plurality of slats which are adapted to be
fixed to said tile, said decking tile being divided into a
plurality of portions arranged in an array, said portions being
connected to each adjacent portion by a membrane adapted to be
severed, each portion being adapted for removable from said decking
tile upon severing of the membranes connecting it to the other
portions, each portion arranged to receive at least two fasteners
to secure a slat thereto.
24. A decking tile module comprising a decking tile and a plurality
of slats received by the decking tile in a side-by-side manner, the
decking tile having a plurality of apertures for receiving
fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connecting
means provided around the periphery of the decking tile for
connecting said decking tile to another decking tile, wherein said
decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an
array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a
plurality of membranes adapted to be severed, each portion being
adapted for removal from the decking tile upon severing of the
membranes surrounding it, each portion having at least two
apertures provided therein, said at least two fasteners can engage
a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said
decking tile.
25. A decking tile module comprising a decking tile and cladding
supported from a surface of said cladding, said cladding comprising
a plurality of slats which are adapted to be fixed to said tile,
said decking tile being divided into a plurality of portions
arranged in an array, said portions being connected to each
adjacent portion by a membrane adapted to be severed, each portion
being adapted for removing from said decking tile upon severing of
the membranes connecting it to the other portions, each portion
arranged to receive at least two fasteners to secure a slat
thereto.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation-in-Part U.S. Ser.
No. 09/616,612, filed, Jul. 14, 2000, which claims priority of
Australia Application No. PP1377 filed Jan. 16,1998, through
PCT/AU99/00027 filed Jan. 15,1999, all of which are incorporated
herein in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a decking tile.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Existing decking tiles are typically formed of plastics
material and are arranged to receive wooden slats laid in a
side-by-side manner, with the slats connected thereto by screws or
similar fasteners. Such decking tiles are used for a variety of
purposes, including providing flooring for outdoor pavilions and
balconies.
[0004] One type of decking tile currently available is divided into
a 4.times.4 grid, with holes for fasteners provided centrally in
the outer most 12 parts. Such tiles are designed to have four slats
provided along rows or columns of the 4.times.4 grid. Consequently,
the middle two slats will have only two fasteners holding the slat
to the tile, at opposite ends of the tile. The principal problem
with this form of tile is that if a portion of the tile is cut away
to accommodate a permanent fixture where the tile is laid, some of
the slats may have only one fastener to retain it to the tile, with
the result that the slat tends to rotate, impairing the visual
appearance of the tile. A secondary problem with this form of tile
is that the locking mechanism has a female part provided on two
sides and a male part provided on the other two sides of the tile,
such that each side of any tile can connect to only two sides of
another tile. Where it is desired to form patterns with the wooden
slats, the arrangement of the holes for the fasteners and the
requirement that each tile can be connected to only one of two
sides of any other tile places restrictions on the types of
patterns that can be formed.
[0005] Another type of existing decking tile is divided into a
2.times.2 grid, with four holes forming a diamond provided
centrally within each quarter of the tile. The tile is arranged to
receive four slats laid in a side-by-side manner on the tile, with
each quarter receiving one half of two slats. The apertures are
provided such that when the slats are laid parallel to a side of
the tile, only two holes in each quarter are useable, with the
other two provided in the gap between adjacent slats. The provision
of the holes in a diamond pattern allows the slats to be placed
parallel to any side of the tile while still providing a hole for a
fastener for each slat in each quarter. If one of the quarters is
removed from such a tile, two slats would then have only one
fastener to hold them to the tile, again presenting problems
regarding the rotation of slats on the tile. Further, the
arrangement and number of holes for fasteners restricts the types
of patterns that can be formed with the slats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the invention resides in a decking tile divided
into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, said portions
being connected to adjacent portions via a plurality of membranes
adapted to be severed, each portion being adapted for removing from
said decking tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it,
each portion arranged to receive at least two fasteners to secure a
slat thereto, wherein said at least two fasteners can engage a slat
positioned parallel to any side of said decking tile.
[0007] According to a preferred feature of the invention, each
portion includes at least two apertures, each aperture arranged to
receive a fastener therethrough.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, said apertures are
provided spaced from the periphery of the portion.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the apertures are
provided on an imaginary line that bisects the portion.
[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, said imaginary line
forms a diagonal of said portion.
[0011] According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least
one aperture is provided in each sub-portion.
[0012] According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least
one of said portions is divided into sub-portions connected by
further membranes whereby said at least one portion can be
sub-divided.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, each portion is
rectangular and said sub-portions are triangular to allow said at
least one portion to be divided diagonally.
[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one
portion is arranged to allow said decking tile to be sub-divided
diagonally.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one aperture
is provided within each sub-portion.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, each portion forms a
square having a side length commensurate with that of the width of
a slat.
[0017] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said tile
includes connecting means provided at each side thereof such that
any two sides of adjacent tiles can be connected.
[0018] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said
connecting means comprises first and second components, each side
including both first and second components thereon.
[0019] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said
first component comprises a pair of first arms spaced apart and
inwardly directed; said second component comprises a pair of second
arms spaced apart and outwardly directed, wherein said second arms
and said first arms are disposable in a mutually engaged
position.
[0020] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said
second component includes a reinforcing member extending between
said second arms.
[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, said connecting means
includes locking means arranged to inhibit disconnection of said
connecting means.
[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, said locking means
comprises a recess provided on one of said first or second arms and
a protrusion provided on the other of said first and second
arms.
[0023] According to a preferred feature of the invention, each side
of the decking tile is provided with guide means adapted to aid the
positioning of a slat parallel to any side.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide means
comprises a plurality of guides spaced along each side.
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the guides are arranged
so that a guide of one tile will abut a guide of an adjacent tile
when connected.
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the guides are arranged
so that a guide of one tile will not abut a guide of an adjacent
tile when connected.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there
is provided a floor covering element comprising a decking tile
according to the first aspect of the invention and a plurality of
slats provided on the decking tile.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there
is provided an improvement in a decking tile arranged to receive a
plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner, the decking tile
having a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain
the slats to the decking tile and connecting means provided around
the periphery of the decking tile for connecting said decking tile
to another decking tile, said improvement comprising dividing the
decking tile into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the
portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of
membranes adapted to be severed, each portion being adapted for
removal from the decking tile upon severing of the membranes
surrounding it, each portion having at least two apertures provided
therein, said at least two fasteners can engage a slat positioned
on said portion parallel to any side of said decking tile.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there
is provided an improvement in a decking tile module comprising a
decking tile and a plurality of slats received by the decking tile
in a side-by-side manner, the decking tile having a plurality of
apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the
decking tile and connecting means provided around the periphery of
the decking tile for connecting said decking tile to another
decking tile, said improvement comprising dividing the decking tile
into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions
being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes
adapted to be severed, each portion being adapted for removal from
the decking tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it,
each portion having at least two apertures provided therein, said
at least two fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion
parallel to any side of said decking tile.
[0030] In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there
is provided a decking tile module comprising a decking tile and
cladding supported from a surface of said cladding, said cladding
comprising a plurality of slats which are adapted to be fixed to
said tile, said decking tile being divided into a plurality of
portions arranged in an array, said portions being connected to
each adjacent portion by a membrane adapted to be severed, each
portion being adapted for removing from said decking tile upon
severing of the membranes connecting it to the other portions, each
portion arranged to receive at least two fasteners to secure a slat
thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] This invention will now be described with reference to two
embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a decking tile according to the
first embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a decking tile
according to the second embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the decking tile shown
in FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of part of two adjacent
tiles being connected;
[0036] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the tile shown in
FIG. 2 with a quarter of the tile cut away;
[0037] FIG. 6, is a lower perspective view of the tile shown in
FIG. 5 with a quarter of the tile cut away;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the decking tile shown in FIG.
2;
[0039] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the decking tile shown in FIG.
2;
[0040] FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the decking tile shown in
FIG. 2;
[0041] FIG. 7C is a side elevation of the decking tile shown in
FIG. 2;
[0042] FIG. 7D is a side elevation of an adaptation of the decking
tile shown in FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 8 shows slats in a first configuration for attaching to
a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;
[0044] FIG. 9 shows slats in a second configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0045] FIG. 10 shows slats in a third configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0046] FIG. 11 shows slats in a fourth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0047] FIG. 12 shows slats in a fifth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0048] FIG. 13 shows slats in a sixth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0049] FIG. 14 shows slats in a seventh configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0050] FIG. 15 shows slats in a eighth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0051] FIG. 16 shows slats in a ninth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon;
[0052] FIG. 17 shows slats in a tenth configuration for attaching
to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown thereon;
and
[0053] FIG. 18 shows slats in a eleventh configuration for
attaching to a decking tile, with the apertures for fasteners shown
thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] The first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 and is directed
towards a decking tile 10 formed by a plastics injection moulding
process.
[0055] The decking tile 10 comprises sixteen portions 12 arranged
in a 4.times.4 array. Each portion 12 is defined by a wall 13
extending around its periphery and is connected to adjacent
portions by a plurality of membranes 14. Accordingly, any of the
portions 12 can be removed from the decking tile 10 by severing the
membranes 14 surrounding it. This allows the decking tile 10 to
accommodate permanent fixtures such as pipes and pillars where the
decking tile is laid.
[0056] Each of the portions 12 is square in shape and includes two
reinforcing members 16 extending diagonally from corner to corner,
such that the reinforcing members 16 form an "X" shape. An inwardly
directed flange 18 is provided on the wall 13 of each portion 12 to
increase the structural strength of the decking tile 10.
[0057] One of the reinforcing members 16 in each portion 12 has a
pair of feet 20 formed integrally therewith, one to either side of
the other reinforcing member 16. Each of the feet 20 comprises a
cylinder 22 having a relatively narrow section 24 formed integrally
with the reinforcing member 16 and a relatively wide section 26
extending beyond the reinforcing member 16 so as to protrude from a
lower surface of the decking tile 10. The cylinder 22 has an
aperture 28 formed axially therein. The aperture 28 has a widened
section (not shown) formed in the relatively wide section 26 of the
cylinder 22. The aperture 28 is arranged to receive a fastener to
retain a slat to an upper surface 30 of the decking tile 10. In
this regard, the widened section of the aperture 28 is intended to
receive a widened portion of the fastener, such as the head of a
screw. FIG. 1 is a plan view looking onto the upper surface 30 of
the decking tile 10.
[0058] Eight of the portions 12 are sub-divided into two
sub-portions 32 along the reinforcing member 16 of the portion 12
which does not have the feet 20 formed integrally therewith. Such
portions have two reinforcing members 16 provided spaced apart
adjacent the diagonal along which the portion is sub-divided. The
two reinforcing members 16 are separated by further membranes 34
which can be used to sub-divide the portion 12. Such portions also
include further inwardly directed flanges 36 provided on each
reinforcing member 16. The sub-divided portions 12 are arranged in
the decking tile 10 to allow it to be divided along a diagonal
thereof.
[0059] The decking tile 10 includes a plurality of guides 38
provided at spaced locations around the periphery of the decking
tile 10. The guides 38 extend upwardly of the upper surface 30 and
assist to retain slats placed upon the upper surface 30 prior to
fastening the slats to the decking tile 10 in that they prevent the
slats from extending beyond the periphery of the decking tile
10.
[0060] The decking tile 10 further comprises connecting means
provided at each side of the decking tile 10 to allow the decking
tile 10 to be connected to any side of an adjacent decking tile. In
the embodiment, the connecting means comprises first and second
components 40 and 42, respectively, with two first components 40
and two second components 42 provided on each side of the decking
tile 10 in an interlaced manner.
[0061] Each first component 40 comprises a pair of first arms 44
provided spaced apart and having an inwardly directed portion 46.
The inwardly directed portion 46 is spaced from the side of the
decking tile 10.
[0062] Each second component 42 comprises a pair of second arms 48
provided spaced apart. A reinforcing member 50 extends between each
pair of second arms 48. Each second arm 48 has an outwardly
directed portion 52 provided spaced from the side of the decking
tile 10. The outwardly directed portion 52 of each second arm 48
and the inwardly directed portion 46 of each first arm 44 are
spaced an equal amount from the side of the decking tile 10 and are
of substantially equal thickness. To connect two adjacent tiles
together, the tiles are placed adjacent each other with one tile
slightly above the other, which is then lowered to bring the first
and second components on the adjacent sides of the tiles into a
mutually engaged position with the first arms 44 of each first
component 40 engaged with the second arms 48 of each second
component 42.
[0063] The decking tile 10 is symmetrical about axes AA and BB
shown in FIG. 1, allowing any side of a decking tile to be
connected to any other side an adjacent decking tile.
[0064] The reinforcing member 50 in each second component 42
increases the strength of the engagement between the first and
second components 40 and 42 by resisting the tendency of the second
arms 48 to be forced together if two connected tiles are pulled
apart. As shown in the drawings, the width of the guides 38 are
approximately half that of the first and second components 40 and
42, so that when two decking tiles are connected together, their
guides 38 are touching. However, in a preferred adaptation of the
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7D, the guides 39 are offset along
the perimeter so that, when the tiles are connected, a guide of one
tile does not contact the corresponding guide of the adjacent tile.
This arrangement has been found to avoid a problem caused due to
expansion of the tiles which results in the guides pressing against
corresponding guides thereby causing one or more tiles to be lifted
obliquely from the horizontal.
[0065] Further, the width of the first and second components 42 is
the same as the distance between the walls 13 of adjacent portions
12, such that when decking tiles are laid in an array, the joints
between tiles are not prominent.
[0066] The decking tile 10 of the first embodiment is adapted to
receive four wooden slats provided parallel to a side of the
decking tile along rows or columns of the portions 12, the length
of each element being substantially equal to the width of the
decking tile such that each wooden slat occupied four portions 12,
thereby providing a floor covering element. In this regard, it is
to be noted that the arrangement of the apertures 28 in each
portion 12 permits both apertures 28 in each portion 12 to be used
to retain a slat thereto if necessary. This is advantageous since
if some of the portions 12 are removed from the tile to accommodate
a permanent fixture, the slat positioned on that row or column will
also be divided an may have only one portion 12 to retain it to the
decking tile 10. The ability to have two apertures in each portion
12 retain a slat prevents rotation of a slat even if that portion
12 is the only portion retaining the slat.
[0067] In addition, the incorporation of the apertures 28 into the
feet 20 produces an even distribution of the feet throughout the
decking tile which provides for a more even distribution of weight
placed on the decking tile.
[0068] In addition to the above it has been found that having each
portion able to receive at least two fasteners provides significant
flexibility regarding forming patterns with the wooden slats, to be
described hereinafter in relation to the second embodiment. Such
patterns were in the main not possible with previous decking tiles
because of the arrangement and location of fasteners on those
decking tiles.
[0069] The second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and is
directed towards a decking tile 60. The decking tile 60 is similar
to the decking tile 10, with like reference numeral denoting like
parts.
[0070] In the decking tile 60 of the second embodiment, the further
flanges 36 are provided on every reinforcing member 16, including
those in portions 12 which are not sub-divided.
[0071] Further, in the decking tile 60 the feet 20 within each
quarter of the tile 60 are arranged on parallel lines, with the
feet 30 forming concentric diamond shapes on the entire tile. That
is, each quarter of the decking tile 60 can be derived by rotating
any one of the other quarters about the centre of the tile. In
contrast, the feet on the decking tile 10 of the first embodiment
form diamonds within each quarter.
[0072] The four inner most portions 12 of the decking tile 60 each
include a further cylinder 62 arranged to receive a fastener, such
that each of the four inner most portions 12 can receive three
fasteners. The further cylinders 62 are provided on one of the
reinforcing members 16 and are located adjacent the centre of the
tile 60.
[0073] Further, the decking tile 60 further includes additional
feet 64 as shown in FIG. 3. The additional feet 64 act to further
distribute weight placed on the decking tile 60. Where one of the
additional feet 64 is provided at a sub-division of a portion 12,
the foot 64 is itself sub-divided into two halves so as to still
permit removal of one of the sub-portions 32.
[0074] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the decking tile 60
looking onto the upper surface 30. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the
decking tile 60 looking onto the upper surface 30, showing the
additional feet 64 in dotted outline. FIG. 7A is a top plan view of
the decking tile 60 looking onto the upper surface 30 FIG. 7B is a
bottom plan view of the decking tile 60 looking onto the lower
surface. FIG. 7C is a side elevation of the decking tile 60.
[0075] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view looking toward the lower
surface 64.
[0076] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of part of two adjacent
tiles 60 showing the first and second components connected.
[0077] As stated in relation to the first embodiment, each portion
12 or sub-portion 32 can be removed from the tile by severing the
membranes 14 and/or further membranes 34. FIGS. 5 and 6 shows the
decking tile 60 with a quarter of the decking tile removed by
severing the further membranes 34.
[0078] FIGS. 8 to 18 shows examples of some of the upper
arrangement of floor covering elements which may be created by the
application of wooden slats to the decking tiles of the invention.
Each of FIGS. 6 to 12 has the apertures 28 of the decking tile 60
shown in broken lines.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows the typical arrangement forfloor covering
elements, with four wooden slats laid in a parallel manner. It is
envisaged that where the slats are arranged in the configuration
shown in FIG. 8, only one fastener in each portion 12 of the
decking tile 10 is necessary to ensure a secure fixture of each
slat to the decking tile. If any of the portions 12 of the decking
tile need to be removed, further fasteners can then be provided in
the other apertures 28 to ensure the remaining slat is secured to
the decking tile without being able to rotate.
[0080] FIG. 9 shows an arrangement of the wooden slats, with the
middle two slats being cut so as to form a diamond (from two
triangles) in the middle of the tile. Because the cuts of the
middle two slats fall over the apertures 28 in the inner most four
portions, the further cylinders 62 provide a mechanism for securing
the inner most triangles of the wooden slats to the tile. It is
specifically for this pattern that the further cylinders 62 are
provided on the decking tile 60. If it was not desired to produce
this pattern, the further cylinders 62 would not be necessary.
[0081] FIGS. 10 to 18 show further patterns of wooden slats that
can be accommodated on the decking tiles of the second embodiment.
Most of these patterns can also be accommodated on the decking tile
of the first embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 14 shows a further arrangement of the wooden slats,
with the middle two wooden slats being replaced with two
trapezoid-shaped slats and with triangle shaped slats at each end.
Whilst the further cylinders 62 are not required to retain the
slats in this pattern, it is to be noted that this pattern requires
the apertures 28 to be provided in the configuration shown in
relation to the decking tile 60, since the apertures 28 on the
decking tile 10 would fall in the gap between the triangle shaped
slats and the trapezoid-shaped slats. It is for this reason that
the arrangement of the apertures 28 and feet 20 shown in relation
to the decking tile 60 is the preferred arrangement.
[0083] Accordingly, it can be seen that the invention provides a
floor covering element which alleviates one of the problems with
existing floor covering elements, in that portions of the decking
tile can be removed and the slats can still be retained to prevent
rotation about a single retaining screw. In addition, the invention
provides a decking tile which is capable of having slats attached
to form various patterns to create a variety of floor covering
elements, greatly enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the floor
covering elements. Such patterns are not possible with existing
decking tiles.
[0084] It should be appreciated that the scope of this invention is
not limited to the particular embodiments described above.
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