U.S. patent application number 10/906176 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for interlocking tile.
Invention is credited to Cripps, Milo F..
Application Number | 20050183370 10/906176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34864440 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050183370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cripps, Milo F. |
August 25, 2005 |
Interlocking Tile
Abstract
A loose-laid, non-adhesive plastic tile is interconnected with
similar tiles by interlocking channel structures employing gripping
means. Contiguous pairs of upper and lower laterally extending
walls on peripheral edges of the tile carry longitudinally
elongated channels and rails in mating pairs, with one side of the
pair on the upper walls and the second side of the pair on lower
walls. An optional linear seal carried on at least one side of a
channel structure compresses against the other side to seal against
penetration by liquids. Gripping elements flank the seal to ensure
the upper and lower walls are retained in the plane of the tile.
Rails and channels may engage by interference fit. Teeth depending
from rails may enter sockets in the bottom of a channel to
establish interference fit of a suitable distance transverse to the
major plane of a typically thin tile.
Inventors: |
Cripps, Milo F.; (Santa
Barbara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KYLE W. ROST
5490 AUTUMN CT.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE
CO
80111
US
|
Family ID: |
34864440 |
Appl. No.: |
10/906176 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60521029 |
Feb 6, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/591.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02194 20130101;
E04F 15/105 20130101; E04F 2201/0138 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/591.5 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00; E04B
009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In an improved interlocking floor tile for participation in a
loose-laid assemblage of like floor tiles, the improved floor tile
having a main tile body defined between a top surface, a bottom
surface, and four peripheral edges, wherein each of a first pair of
two contiguous peripheral edges includes a laterally extending
upper wall; wherein each of a second pair of two contiguous
peripheral edges, opposite from said first pair, includes a
laterally extending lower wall; the improvement comprising: first
and second longitudinally elongated interlocking elements suitably
configured for securing two tiles joined at one juxtaposed edge of
each in substantially coplanar relationship on two orthogonal axes
while maintaining a mutually slidable relationship on a third
orthogonal axis, the secured axes including a coplanar transverse
axis relative to said juxtaposed edges and an axis transverse to
the common plane of the tiles, and the slidable axis including a
coplanar parallel axis to the juxtaposed edges; wherein each of
said first and second interlocking elements is disposed with its
longitudinal dimension parallel to a different peripheral edge of
the tile, each of said upper walls carries a first element of said
set in downwardly extending relationship, and each of said lower
walls carries a second element of the set in upwardly extending
relationship; and said peripheral edges are substantially linear,
enabling sliding movement between juxtaposed edges of like joined
tiles.
2. The floor tile of claim 1, wherein: said first and second
interlocking elements respectively comprise first and second
channel structures configured for mutual engagement; said first
channel structure comprises a female channel having opposite
sidewalls spaced at a first selected width and having a relatively
wider snap-in reception area defined in at least one of said
sidewalls; and said second channel structure comprises a male
channel, having a face wall and opposite sidewalls spaced at a
second selected width narrower than said first selected width, and
having at least one relatively wider edge portion extending to
greater than said first selected width and suitably positioned to
engage said snap-in reception area when the second channel
structure is received in the first channel structure.
3. The floor tile of claim 2, wherein: said male channel defines a
longitudinally elongated linear slot in said face wall, spaced
between said opposite channel sidewalls, providing an improved
ability of said wider edge portion of the channel to deflect during
reception of the second channel structure into the first channel
structure.
4. The floor tile of claim 2, wherein: said female channel defines
said snap-in reception area in both sidewalls thereof; said male
channel defines said relatively wider edge portion on each of said
opposite sidewalls thereof, suitably positioned to snap in to said
snap-in reception areas when the second channel structure is
received in the first channel structure; and a compressible linear
seal is carried in said longitudinally elongated linear slot in
said face wall and extends from said face wall sufficiently to be
compressed against the female channel when the male channel is
engaged in the female channel, and the seal is arranged such that
the relatively wider edge portions in each of the opposite
sidewalls of the male channel provide two-sided locking engagement
on each lateral side of said seal, opposing disengagement of said
first and second channel structures under counter-compressive force
of the compressed seal.
5. The floor tile of claim 1, wherein: said first interlocking
element comprises a female channel that defines longitudinally
extending, opposite sidewalls; said second interlocking element
comprises a male channel that defines a face wall and
longitudinally extending, opposite sidewalls; said female and male
channels are configured to be mutually engageable by moving two
tiles from non-coplanar position into coplanar position; the female
and male channels are configured to have interference of fit
between respective sidewalls prior to said tiles reaching coplanar
position; and the female and male channels are lockable in a
relative longitudinal position by forcing the tiles into coplanar
position with respective sidewalls of the female and male channels
in interference fit.
6. The floor tile of claim 5, wherein: said male channel defines a
longitudinally elongated linear slot in said face wall, spaced
between said opposite male channel sidewalls, providing an improved
ability of said male channel to deflect during entry into said
female channel in interference fit.
7. The floor tile of claim 6, wherein: a compressible linear seal
is carried in said a longitudinally elongated linear slot in said
face wall of said male channel, arranged such that said seal is
compressed against said female channel when the female and male
channels are engaged in interference fit.
8. The floor tile of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of
teeth arranged on said male channel at longitudinally spaced
intervals, positioned to enter said female channel in advance of
the male channel when the male and female channels are being
engaged; a plurality of sockets each sized and positioned for
receiving at least one of said teeth, arranged in the female
channel at like longitudinally spaced intervals; wherein each tooth
includes a sidewall generally parallel with a sidewall of the male
channel, and each socket includes a sidewall generally parallel
with a sidewall of the female channel, arranged such that the
sidewalls of the teeth and sockets create an interference fit prior
to said tiles reaching coplanar position.
9. The floor tile of claim 8, wherein said sockets and said teeth
are mutually sized to allow a clearance between the sockets and
teeth at longitudinal ends of the sockets and teeth, such that the
teeth are longitudinally moveable in the sockets.
10. A method of assembling a first tile with a like configured
second tile, comprising: providing a first and second tiles wherein
the first tile includes a channel parallel to an associated tile
edge thereof and the second tile includes a rail parallel to an
associated tile edge thereof, wherein said rail and channel are
engageable to bring said first and second tile into generally
coplanar alignment when their respective associated edges are
juxtaposed; configuring said rail and channel with an interference
fit, wherein said interference arises before the first and second
tiles reach generally coplanar alignment; placing the first tile on
a floor with the channel upwardly open; locating the second tile
such that the rail is immediately above the open channel; and
pressing the second tile normally to the first tile to engage the
rail into the channel such that the two tiles become secured by
interference fit.
11. An improved assemblage of at least two loose-laid interlocking
floor tiles, wherein each floor tile includes a main tile body
defined between a top surface, a bottom surface, and four
peripheral edges; each of a first pair of two contiguous peripheral
edges of each tile includes a laterally extending upper wall; each
of a second pair of two contiguous peripheral edges of each tile,
opposite from said first pair, includes a laterally extending lower
wall; the improvement comprising: the first tile includes a
longitudinally elongated rail, depending from said laterally
extending upper wall and disposed parallel to a juxtaposed
peripheral edge of said first pair of edges; the second tile
includes a longitudinally elongated, upwardly open channel in said
laterally extending lower wall, disposed parallel to a juxtaposed
peripheral edge of said second pair of edges; said rail is engaged
in said channel in an interlocking relationship joining said
juxtaposed edges of each tile in substantially coplanar
relationship on two orthogonal axes while maintaining a mutually
slidable relationship between the first and second tiles on a third
orthogonal axis, the secured axes including a coplanar transverse
axis relative to said juxtaposed edges and an axis transverse to
the common plane of the tiles, and the slidable axis including a
coplanar parallel axis to the juxtaposed edges; and said peripheral
edges are substantially linear, enabling longitudinal sliding
movement between the first and second tiles along the juxtaposed
edges.
12. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 11, wherein: said
upwardly open channel includes opposite sidewalls generally spaced
at a first selected width and a snap-in reception area, relatively
wider than first selected width, defined in at least one of said
sidewalls; and said rail includes a face wall and opposite
sidewalls generally spaced at a second selected width narrower than
said first selected width of the channel, and at least one
relatively wider area of a rail sidewall extending to greater width
than said first selected width and suitably positioned to engage in
said snap-in reception area when the rail is received in the
channel.
13. The floor tile of claim 12, wherein: said rail defines a
longitudinally elongated linear slot in said face wall, spaced
between said opposite rail sidewalls, providing an improved ability
of said wider area of rail sidewall to deflect during reception of
the rail into the channel.
14. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 12, wherein: said channel
includes a snap-in reception area in both sidewalls thereof; said
rail includes a relatively wider area of rail sidewall in each of
of said opposite sidewalls thereof, suitably positioned to snap
into said snap-in reception areas when the rail is received in the
channel; and a compressible linear seal is carried in said
longitudinally elongated linear slot and extends from said face
wall sufficiently to be compressed against the channel when the
rail is engaged in the channel, and said seal is arranged such that
the relatively wider area of rail sidewall in each of the opposite
sidewalls of the rail provide two-sided locking engagement on each
lateral side of the seal, opposing disengagement of the rail and
channel under counter-compressive force of the compressed seal.
15. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 11, wherein: said channel
defines a pair of longitudinally extending, opposite channel
sidewalls; said rail defines a face wall and a pair of
longitudinally extending, opposite rail sidewalls; and the relative
spacing of said channel sidewalls and rail sidewalls establishes an
interference fit between the engaged rail and channel when said
tiles are coplanar.
16. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 15, wherein: said rail
defines a longitudinally elongated linear slot in said face wall,
spaced between said opposite rail sidewalls, providing an improved
ability of said rail to deflect during entry into said channel in
interference fit.
17. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 16, wherein: a
compressible linear seal is carried in said a longitudinally
elongated linear slot in said face wall of said rail, arranged such
that said seal is compressed against said channel when the rail and
channel a engaged such that the juxtaposed edges of each tile are
in substantially coplanar relationship.
18. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 16, wherein: said rail
includes a plurality of teeth arranged at longitudinally spaced
intervals; said channel defines a plurality of sockets each sized
and positioned to house at least one of said teeth, arranged in the
channel at like longitudinally spaced intervals; wherein each tooth
includes a sidewall generally parallel with a sidewall of the rail,
and each socket includes a sidewall generally parallel with a
sidewall of the channel, arranged such that the sidewalls of the
teeth and sockets create an interference fit when the tiles are in
coplanar position.
19. The assemblage of floor tile of claim 18, wherein said sockets
and said teeth are mutually sized to allow a clearance between the
sockets and teeth at longitudinal ends of the sockets and teeth,
such that the teeth are longitudinally moveable in the sockets.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention generally relates to static structures. More
specifically, the invention relates to a modular floor tile unit
having a discrete edgewise-connecting feature. The structure
includes plural modular floor tile units connected by means lying
between their major exposed faces, by units with a configuration on
one face or edge shaped for interfitting with a mating
configuration on an opposed adjacent unit. Each floor tile unit has
an integral snap-in or interference-fit interlock. Two opposed
edges of each tile unit include two portions with at least one
projection or at least one recess that are a constituent part of
the tile. In a specific embodiment, interfitting structures engage
to function as a waterproof or water resistant seal and also
function as latching elements between joined tiles. In another
specific embodiment, a waterproof or water resistant seal element
is located in the interfitting structures and is secured by
latching elements located near the opposite edges of the seal
element.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Floor surfaces can be classified as permanent,
semi-permanent or temporary.
[0005] Permanent floor surfaces are those fastened to a static
structure. For example, in architectural structures, the floor
might be poured concrete, aggregate, ceramic tile, or various wood
products attached to the structure by fasters or adhesive
materials. Permanent plastic floor surfaces also are common in the
form of resilient sheet flooring or floor tiles. An adhesive can
attach permanent resilient flooring to an underlying surface. The
adhesive tends to seal the interfaces between permanent floor
tiles, with the result that liquids typically do not penetrate the
interfaces. Such tiles may closely abut each other in rows and
columns or staggered patterns, wherein uniformity of size enables
the close, gap-free arrangement.
[0006] Semi-permanent or temporary floor surfaces are those that
are loose-laid or attached by a readily released fastening means to
an underlying permanent floor or ground. This type of flooring is
desirable and even preferred to permanent floor surfaces in
numerous situations. For example, a temporary floor surface may
provide special characteristics such a cushioning, decoration,
special game surface or playing surface, protection for high
traffic pathways, and easy repair or replacement in case of damage
or staining. A loose laid tile floor can be easier to install than
a permanent surface because it requires little preparation of the
underlying surface. In case of error during installation, replacing
or reinstalling any part of the surface readily corrects the
error.
[0007] Loose-laid tile employs integral interlocking keys to
maintain the relative position with neighboring tiles. A variety of
keys are known. However, achieving a reliably snug assembly between
loose-laid tiles is a longstanding problem. The installer has no
ability to change or improve upon the fit between interlocking
tiles. Manufacturing tolerances determine how closely the tiles can
fit. Gaps between tiles can be of concern both because of
appearance factors and also because of contamination entering the
gaps. Large gaps can allow dirt to enter, and such dirt can be
difficult to remove from an assembled floor. Even small gaps can
allow liquids to enter. Water and cleaning solutions passing
through gaps might produce mold and mildew or damage the underlying
permanent floor surface. Notably, loose-laid tile is particularly
popular for use on garage floors. Automotive fluids such as
gasoline, oil, and antifreeze also are undesirable and possibly
dangerous or damaging for long term exposure. Consequently, it can
be important for loose-laid tile to resist liquid and to allow
clean up of spills without requiring disassembly of an excessive
portion of the floor.
[0008] The problem of excessive gaps between loose-laid tiles is
caused, in part, by the common practice of employing a plurality of
interlocks or engagement elements arranged along each side of a
tile. For example, one edge of a typical tile carries a plurality
of male dovetail interlocks alternating with a plurality of female
dovetail interlocks. A certain tolerance or clearance is required
in the size of each male or female dovetail simply to be able to
receive a mating dovetail from a neighboring tile. The required
clearance must be increased to accommodate spacing variations
between juxtaposed dovetails on the single tile. Tiles constructed
of molded plastic materials require still more clearance due to
uneven shrink rates of different tiles and different batches of
tile. If inadequate clearance is provided, it may be difficult or
impossible to join the interlocks of neighboring tiles. Thus, when
loose-laid tiles are assembled, it is common to find considerable
looseness and gaps between them.
[0009] Another longstanding problem with loose-laid tile is in
achieving a level floor surface. The underlying surface will have
imperfections in its uniformity. Because loose-laid tile is not
adhered to the underlying surface, tiles overlying high points tend
to protrude above the others.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,705 to MacDonald teaches an interlocking
square tile that employs a plurality of hidden dovetail interlocks.
Dovetail keys of about one-half the tile height, at the lower
one-half of the tile height, are located around the four edges of
each tile. On two of the ninety-degree edges of the square, the
dovetail keys extend uncovered beyond the major exposed face of the
tile. On the other two ninety-degree edges, the major exposed face
of the tile on the upper one-half of the tile height covers the
dovetail keys. The covered keys of one tile are engaged with the
uncovered keys of another to form a continuous floor surface in
which the major exposed faces at the top one-half of the tile are
substantially continuous. The dovetail keys on the bottom one-half
of the tile height are entirely hidden in the assembled tile
array.
[0011] As a measure to reduce liquid penetration, the two sides of
the tile carrying the exposed dovetails also carry a snap-in strip,
shaped as an elongated, upstanding rib with an enlarged top end.
The two sides of the tile carrying the covered dovetails carry a
mating, downwardly open channel, suitably enlarged at its inner end
to receive the enlarged top end of the rib. Due to the flexibility
of plastic tile, which typically are formed of polyvinyl chloride,
the rib snaps into the channel. With reasonable precision in
manufacturing, these tiles have little gap, although liquids still
might penetrate the junctions. Notably, the combination of two
fastening systems--the dovetails and the rib--is undesirable
because it creates a constrained design requiring increased
tolerances in the fit between tiles.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,114 to Mandel teaches another variation
of interlocking tiles that employs non-hidden dovetail keys.
Dovetail keys simply extend from all four sides of the tile, over
the full height of the tile. These exposed dovetail keys engage the
similar full-height keys of each neighboring tile to form a
substantially continuous floor surface. From the major exposed face
of the tile, the dovetail keys are fully visible at each
intersection. Invariably, the intersections have gaps that allow
liquids to penetrate between tiles, and any tile is able to move
out of a smooth floor plane if resting on a high point or
obstruction.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,354 to Skandis teaches a joining system
for loose-laid interlocking tile that employs hidden interlocks in
which the mating keys are male-female sets. One side of the set is
configured as loops that extend sideways, uncovered, from the lower
half of two continuous sides of a tile. The other side of the set
is configured as pegs that depend from the major exposed face of
the tile on the other two continuous sides and terminate in free
ends at the bottom face of the tile. The pegs fit through the open
tops of the loops of a juxtaposed tile to lock the tiles together.
The connection between tiles can be loose, with considerable gaps
that allow liquids to penetrate between tiles. This type of tile
can employ a supporting grid or array of pockets on the bottom face
to enable drainage.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,304 to Austin teaches a tile joining
system of hidden interlocks in which mating interlocks consist of a
cavity on the bottom of a first tile that receives an upwardly
extending member of the second tile. The interlock is secured by
gravity. However, this interlock could fail to secure the tiles in
a uniform plane if the underlying surface is uneven.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,858 to Swick shows roofing tiles that
employ an interlock similar to the Austin patent, with the addition
of a foam seal between overlapping edges of two roof tile
panels.
[0016] It would be desirable to achieve a close fit and with liquid
resistant seal and, optionally, a liquid-proof seal between
loose-laid interlocking tiles, while also ensuring that the tiles
are secured in a smooth, generally planar array.
[0017] It would be further desirable to form a floor surface of
interlocked tiles with hidden interlocks, wherein the interlocks
can be engaged or disengaged by moving a tile vertically, such that
disassembly of an adjacent tiled area is not required.
[0018] It would be further desirable to form a floor surface of
interlocked tiles with close spacing between tiles.
[0019] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, the method and apparatus of this invention may
comprise the following.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A general object of the invention is to provide a resilient
floor tile with interlocking edge elements that enable juxtaposed
tiles to be assembled by a vertical snap or press-in assembly
method to secure tiles together.
[0021] Similarly, an object of the invention is to permit
disassembly of interlocking floor tile by vertical motion relative
to a horizontal floor surface, without requiring tilting or
twisting.
[0022] Another object is to provide a tile interlock system that
allows assembly of closely abutting tile such that gaps are
substantially eliminated.
[0023] A further object is to provide an interlock that combines
vertical assembly or disassembly with means for maintaining the
assembled tiles in a smooth, generally planar array, despite a
possible degree of irregularity in the underlying surface.
[0024] A more specific and optional object is to provide an
effective a seal to prevent liquids from seeping or leaking between
tiles.
[0025] A further and optional feature is to provide an interlocking
floor tile that can be assembled in an offset pattern.
[0026] According to the invention, an interlocking plastic floor
tile requires no adhesive for assembly to another like tile. The
tile has four peripheral edges. Each of a first two contiguous
peripheral edges include a laterally extending upper wall carrying
a downwardly facing first channel structure of predetermined first
configuration that is engageable and interlockable with a second
predetermined channel structure. The two upper walls meet at a
first ninety-degree corner. Each of a second two contiguous
peripheral edges, opposite from the first two contiguous edges,
include a laterally extending lower wall carrying the predetermined
second channel structure in upwardly facing orientation. The second
two walls meet at a second ninety-degree corner diagonally opposite
from the first ninety-degree corner. Separate like tiles are
assembled in juxtaposed relationship by engaging the first channel
structure carried by an upper wall of a first such tile with the
second channel structure carried by a lower wall of a second such
tile to produce an engaged and interlocked junction between the
respective first and second channel structures of the respective
upper wall and lower wall of the respective first and second
juxtaposed tiles.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, in an
interlocking plastic floor tile of the type described, above, one
of the first and second channel structures additionally defines a
groove that opens toward the other channel structure and carries a
flexible seal. The seal is located such that it will be compressed
and will seal against the other channel structure when the first
and second channel structures are engaged and interlocked. The seal
prevents low-pressure liquid flow or seepage between the assembled
tiles.
[0028] According to a related aspect of the invention in the
embodiment employing a flexible seal as described, above, the
channel structure carrying the seal defines snap-in elements both
outwardly from the seal and inwardly from the seal. The other
channel structure defines mating snap-in elements, such that at the
junction between assembled tiles, the seal is contained between a
pair of engaged snap-in rails and channels. The pair of engaged
snap-in rails and channels contains the seal.
[0029] According to another aspect of the invention in which two
tiles are assembled at an interlocked junction, the upper wall of
one tile and the lower wall of the other, respectively carrying the
interlocked first and second channel structures forming the
interlocked junction, are configured such that the upper wall
covers the lower wall, whereby the upper wall hides the interlocked
junction from view.
[0030] According to a still another aspect of the invention, in
each of an assembled plurality of interlocking plastic floor tiles,
the extension walls are terminated at diagonally opposite corners
where upper walls and lower walls converge, such that the upper and
lower walls do not cross, thereby allowing assembly of like tiles
in an offset pattern between rows of tiles.
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments
of the present invention, and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a floor tile with integral
edgewise interlocking rails and channels according to an embodiment
of the invention. Edges of interlocking rails and channels below
the major exposed face of the tile are shown in phantom.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the
plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with an intermediate portion of the
tile broken away, showing the tile edges with interlocking rails
and channels in a first embodiment wherein the interlock is by
snap-together assembly.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view in vertical
cross-section of an interlocked junction between two tiles of the
type shown in FIG. 2, showing a system of interlocking rails and
channels and a seal when the tiles are in latched relationship.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the interlocking
rails and channels in a second embodiment wherein the interlock is
by interference-fit assembly.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing an interlocked
junction between two tiles of the type shown in FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the interlocking
rails and channels in a third embodiment wherein the interlock is
by interference-fit assembly of a rail into a channel.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing an interlocked
junction between two tiles of the type shown in FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the interlocking
rails and channels in a fourth embodiment, wherein the interlock is
by interference-fit assembly of teeth into sockets.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3, taken through a tooth
and showing an interlocked junction between two tiles of the type
shown in FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along
the plane of line 10-10 of FIG. 9, showing the engagement of teeth
and rail of one tile in the channel and sockets of a neighboring
tile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The invention relates to a floor tile formed of rigid,
semi-rigid, or flexible materials. For purposes of description and
example but not of limitation, the tile will be described with
reference to an installation as floor tile in a horizontal
position. Relative terminology, including references to top,
bottom, base, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, and the like,
should be understood in this frame of reference and can be readily
translated to other frames of reference, as required. References to
outer, outermost, and like terminology refers to positioning
relatively closer to the perimeter of a tile, while references to
inner, inside and like terminology refers to positioning relatively
less close to a perimeter.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, the invention
is a plastic floor tile 10 that carries first and second
interlocking elements. Each type of element is engageable with an
element of the opposite type. A mated pair of interlocking elements
is distributed between two juxtaposed tiles to lock the tiles
together on two orthogonal axes. First, the interlocked tiles are
secured against separation on a coplanar axis transverse to their
juxtaposed edges, such as by parting or widening the junction
between tiles. Second, the interlocked tiles are secured against
separation transverse to the plane of the interlocked tiles, such
as by an edge of one tile rising above the juxtaposed edge of the
other. On a third orthogonal axis coplanar and parallel to the
juxtaposed edges, the interlocking elements are slidable to enable
the joined tiles to be adjusted in relative position, whether for
alignment in rows and columns or for creating a staggered
arrangement of offset tiles.
[0044] The interlocking elements may be configured as rail or
channel structures. For example, snap-in channels or rails are
located at opposite edges and a predetermined thickness from base
to top. The snap-in rails or channels are for interconnecting with
neighboring tiles. When installed within an assemblage of similar
tiles, the tile 10 provides a main body having a major exposed face
12 that has four peripheral sides and is of the predetermined
thickness from base plane to top plane so that an installed tile
floor surface is substantially uniform and smooth, assuming the
underlying surface is suitably uniform and smooth. A benefit gained
from the snap-in rails is that the tiles can maintain a smooth
surface appearance despite a degree of irregularity in the
underlying surface.
[0045] A center, main body portion of each tile is of the
predetermined full or maximum thickness. Walls extend laterally
from all four sides of the main body for a minor distance and
define a single interlocking structure at each edge. The lateral
extensions at two contiguous sides of the tile define a first
interlocking structure of a two-part, mating, interlocking set.
Lateral extensions at the other two contiguous sides of the tile
define a second interlocking structure of the two-part, mating,
interlocking set. Two adjacent tiles are interlocked by engaging a
first interlocking structure from one tile with a mating, second
interlocking structure from the other.
[0046] Uniquely, the two-part interlocking structures are
longitudinally elongated, linear structures in which each component
extends parallel to a juxtaposed edge of a tile. The channels and
rails extend continuously for the length of each side edge of the
tile, providing a continuous and uniform mating along each entire
edge, such that relative linear sliding between joined tiles is
possible, enabling the assemblage of tiles to be arranged either in
rows and columns or in staggered arrangement. The single linear
joined pair of interlocking elements provides minimal design
constraint and correspondingly requires little clearance or
tolerance, thereby enabling a close fit with minimal gap between
tiles.
[0047] A further feature is that the peripheral edges of each tile
are linear, and contacting edges of the various lateral extensions
also are smooth and linear. The interlocking structures are
characterized by the absence of further constraining elements such
as dovetail joints. Thus, the smooth and linear edge contact
surfaces can be designed and produced without excessive constrained
design, resulting in minimal gaps between joined tiles and further
enabling and supporting the previously described ability to slide
tiles along juxtaposed edges.
[0048] The lateral extension walls defining each of the two mating
structures of the interlocking set are of less thickness than the
full thickness of the center, main portion of the tile, as
described above. In an interconnected assembly between neighboring
like tiles, first and second mating structures overlap and engage
to approximately equal the predetermined, full thickness of the
tile, such that the rails and channels are substantially fully
supported when assembled in mated arrangement. The first pair of
lateral extension walls 14 and 16 define the first member of the
mating set, have a predefined thickness less than the full
thickness, and depend from the plane of the top surface 12 of the
tile. The second pair of lateral extension walls 18 and 20 define
the second member of the mating set, have a predefined thickness
less than the full thickness, described above, and extend upward
from a base plane of the tile. On adjacent tiles to be
interconnected, a lateral extension wall of each type overlaps the
other. The mating channels and rails or other structures of the two
walls engage and are pressed together by motion perpendicular to
the major surfaces of the tile, which motion would be vertical
compression where the tile is installed horizontally, such as on a
floor.
[0049] The pair of first two contiguous extension walls 14, 16 are
arranged to meet at a square corner 22, such as at approximately
ninety degrees in a horizontal plane, forming a common first corner
22. The top of each is aligned with the plane of the major exposed
face 12 of the tile. Conveniently, these first extension walls 14,
16 may be referred to as the top extensions. FIG. 2 shows the
structure of top extension 14 as representative of the first pair
of extension walls 14 and 16.
[0050] According to a preferred arrangement, a top extension wall
forms a recessed or female channel structure 24 on its
undersurface. The channel 24 is bounded at the outward edge of the
tile by a depending end wall 26 that will be referred to as the
downward channel wall. A space exists between the undersurface of
walls 14, 16 and the bottom 42 or base plane of a tile 10. This
space exists because the predefined thickness of the top extensions
14, 16 is less than the predetermined, full thickness of the center
portion of a tile 10. The channel 24 opens to the space below the
top extensions 14, 16.
[0051] According to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, inside channel
24, near the top surface of the channel 24, the downward channel
wall 26 is undercut at a slight negative angle to create a first or
outermost snap-in receptor area 28. The inner surface of downward
channel wall 26 is configured with an entry radius 30 below the
undercut 28 to aid in reception of a mating, male snap-in rail 32,
described below, into channel 24.
[0052] An inside wall 34 of channel 24 is similarly undercut to
form a second, innermost snap-in receptor area 36 facing the
outermost receptor area 28. The inside wall 34 of the snap-in
channel 24 is configured at an entry surface portion 38 with an
entry angle to further aid in reception of a male snap-in rail 32
into the female channel 24.
[0053] A pair of second contiguous lateral extension walls 18, 20
of the tile 10 are similarly arranged to meet at a square corner 40
of approximately ninety degrees and lie at opposite edges of the
tile 10 from the first two lateral extension walls 14, 16. The
second lateral extension walls 18, 20 meet at common corner 40 that
is diagonally opposite from corner 22. The pair of second lateral
extension walls 18, 20 is aligned with the bottom face 42 or base
plane of the tile 10. Conveniently, the second lateral extension
walls 18, 20 may be referred to as the base extensions. FIG. 2
shows the structure of base extension 20 as representative of the
second pair of extension walls 18 and 20. A space exists between
the upper surface of the base extensions 18, 20 and the top plane
of tile 10 at major face 12. This space exists because the
predefined thickness of the base extensions 18, 20 is less than the
predetermined, full thickness of the center portion of the tile
10.
[0054] According to the preferred arrangement, on its upper face
each of the base extensions 18, 20 carries a male channel
structure, which will be referred to as a male channel or rail 32.
The male and female channel structures are complimentary and
adapted for mutual engagement. The male rail 32 is an elongated
linear rib with a face wall and opposite sidewalls. The rail 32 is
configured with mating size and shape to the female channel 24. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail 32 can be configured to
enter the snap-in channel 24, and snap-in portions on the sidewalls
of the rail 32 will be engaged in the receptor areas 28, 36.
Correspondingly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the top side
edges of the rail 32 include optional opposite wider edge snap-in
portions 44, 46 that are wide enough to snap-fit into the receptor
areas 28, 36 of the snap-in channel 24. Below these relatively
wider portions 44, 46, the sidewalls of rail 32 are sufficiently
narrow at respective inner and outer wall surfaces 48, 50 to fit
between the snap-in channel entry wall surfaces 30, 38 below the
receptor areas 28, 36. The wide top 44, 46 and narrower lower wall
surfaces 48, 50 of the rail 32 can be fabricated by undercutting
the sidewalls of the rail at a suitable distance below the top
areas 44, 46.
[0055] The inner side edge 48 of the rail 32 is spaced from the
central, full thickness area of the tile by an upward opening
channel 52. This upward opening channel 52 is of a size and shape
suitable for receiving the downward channel wall 26 of a top
extension 14, 16 when the rail 32 is snapped into a female channel
24. One wall of channel 52 at surfaces 44, 48 shares the profile of
rail 32, which enables the groove 52 to share a snap-in function
with wall 26.
[0056] As described thus far, the floor tile 10 has a unique
assembly structure employing engageable channels and rails at four
peripheral edges 14, 16, 18, and 20. The peripheral edges 14 and 16
extend laterally from the plane of the upper surface of the tile
and carry a downwardly facing first channel structure configured to
engage and interlock with a second channel or rail structure. The
first channel structure extends longitudinally parallel to an edge
of the tile, and the extending edges 14 and 16 approach or meet at
a first ninety-degree corner. Peripheral edges 18 and 20, which are
opposite from the first edges 14 and 16, extend laterally from the
plane of the base of the tile and carry the mating, second channel
or rail structure 52, 32 in an upwardly facing orientation. The
extending edges 18 and 20 approach or meet at a second
ninety-degree corner diagonally opposite from the first
ninety-degree corner. Two tiles are assembled in juxtaposed
relationship by engaging the first channel structure 24 carried by
one of the walls 14 or 16 of the first tile with the second channel
or rail structure 52, 32 carried by one of the walls 20 or 18 of
the second tile. A longitudinally elongated interlocked junction
between the first and second channel or rail structures of the
mating walls 14 and 20 or the mating walls 16 and 18 engages the
assembled two tiles.
[0057] In a further and optional feature, the junctions between
assembled tiles may include a seal to prevent seepage of liquids.
Either or both top and base extension walls may carry a seal. The
seal is located such that it will be compressed and will seal
against the other channel or rail structure when the first and
second channel or rail structures are engaged and interlocked. The
seal extends parallel to the longitudinally elongated channel or
rail structures. In assembled tiles, the assembled array of seals
forms a linear barrier at each of the four edges of each tile.
[0058] The snap-in rail 32 is wide enough to allow one or more
intermediate, upward facing slots or seal channels 54 to be formed
in the face thereof between the lateral edges 44, 46 of the rail
32. Seal channels 54 preferably are central between edges 44, 46.
Optionally, a channel 54 carries a linear flexible seal 56 of
suitable size to be engaged for retention during handling by the
bottom and sides of the seal channel 54. The top of the seal 56
protrudes above the open top of the seal channel 54 when top and
bottom extensions are not engaged. Locating the slot 54 in base
extension wall 18 or 20 may be preferred so that gravity helps to
retain the seal rather than to displace it.
[0059] One suitable configuration of the linear seal 56 is as an
elongated tube, cylinder, or strand of circular transverse
cross-section. The cross-sectional configuration of the seal
channel 54 differs from the configuration of the seal 56, itself,
so that voids are present between the seal 56 and the interior of
the channel 54 before the seal 56 is compressed by joining adjacent
tiles 10, 100. For example, the seal channel 54 can be square or
rectangular in cross-section, while the seal 56 is round. Between
these two shapes, if the uncompressed diameter of the seal 56 is
approximately equal to the width of the seal channel 54, empty
spaces will be found in the corners of the seal channel 54 and
possibly in other areas of the seal channel 54, as well. The empty
space should be sufficient in volume to allow reception of
displaced portions of the seal 56 when the seal 56 is compressed by
the snap-in joining of adjacent tiles 10, 100.
[0060] The seal 56 typically is formed of a different material or
composition from the remainder of tile 10, which allows the seal 56
to have substantially different characteristics than the remainder
of tile 10. The preferred seal 56 is formed of a highly
compressible, thin-skinned foam material in preference to a denser,
deformable material such as the high-density rubber as commonly
used for o-ring seals. The difference in materials allows the seal
to be specially adapted to the unique needs of sealing between
loose-laid tiles. The seal 56 or any plurality of seals are of a
flexible material such as soft rubber, or skinned surface foam that
exhibit properties to allow the seal to be compressed with low
force so as not cause the snap-in interlock between tiles to deform
or disengage. The cross-section of the seal 56 may be circular,
triangular, square or any shape that may both seal, but not cause
the snap-in interlock between tiles to disengage or deform.
[0061] The seal 56 is located between the snap-locked structure
formed at one sidewall of channel 24 by surfaces 28, 44 and the
snap-locked structure formed at the second sidewall of channel 24
by surfaces 36, 46. As a result of this two-sided snap lock, both
snap locks oppose any counter-compressive, separating force exerted
by the seal 56 between top and bottom extensions. The tile 10
typically is formed of flexible plastic material such as flexible
polyvinyl chloride, which may be deformed by certain forces. The
two-sided snap lock resists any tendency for deformation at the
junction of the tiles.
[0062] The snap-in structures or other interlocking means are sized
and configured such that the flexible seal 56 will become
compressed when the interlock is engaged. The fit is suitable to
form an effective seal to prevent low-pressure flow or seepage of
liquids, such as when the assembled floor is cleaned with water, or
when water has accumulated on the floor surface due to melting snow
etc.
[0063] Alternatively the seal may be applied in place at the time
of tile assembly on a floor utilizing any commercially suitable
material.
[0064] As described, the seal operates to prevent seepage of
liquids between loose-laid tiles. The seal is chosen both to
achieve a suitable degree of sealing and to allow mated extension
walls of the tile to achieve but not exceed the predetermined full
thickness of the central areas of the tile. At the same time, the
extension walls flank the seal with a pair of snap-in interlocks as
a further and complimentary means for ensuring that the extension
walls maintain a flat appearance between assembled tiles.
[0065] Optionally, the tiles 10, 100 are mated in a configuration
wherein rows of tile are offset from one another. Within a single
tile 10, upper extension walls 14, 16 are non-intersecting and
non-overlapping with the lower extension walls 18, 20. Both
varieties of extension wall terminate prior to reaching a crossing
configuration at any corner of a tile 10. Therefore, the extension
walls may be described as approaching a junction or crossing
configuration but terminating immediately prior to such a
crossing.
[0066] A third corner 58 of tile 10 is located at one of the two
meeting points or approaching junctions between a top extension
with a base extension, for example at the corner of extension walls
14 and 18. A fourth corner 60 of tile 10 is located diagonally
opposite from the third corner 58, at the other of the two meeting
points or approaching junctions between a top extension and a base
extension, for example at the corner of extension walls 16 and 20.
At the third and fourth corners 58, 60, the lateral extension walls
14-20 are absent, have terminated, or do not cross, according to
the top view of FIG. 1. Both the top extensions 14, 16 and the base
extensions 18, 20 terminate at the corner points 58, 60, at the end
of the central, full-thickness portion of the tile.
[0067] With the lateral extension walls 14-20 absent, the view of
FIG. 1 shows a notched appearance at diagonal corners 58, 60. This
notched corner configuration at the junction corners between upper
and lower extension walls enables tiles 10, 100 to be assembled in
offset patterns, if desired.
[0068] FIG. 3 best shows an assembly method between a first tile 10
and a similar second tile 100, configured to snap together at least
at the outside edge of a channel groove 52 of the first tile and
the inside edge of a depending channel wall 26 of the second tile.
The drawing employs the same reference numerals for elements of
each tile as previously described. First, the tile 10 is placed on
the floor. Second, the tile 100 is located so that its channel 24
is immediately above rail 32 of the first tile 10. Third, the
second tile 100 is pressed vertically or normally to the surface of
the first tile to snap channel 24 on to rail 32, thus securing the
tiles 10 and 100 together. Conveniently, the channel 24 can be
pressed on to rail 32 by hand force at one or more initial
positions, such as at the opposite ends of the channel. The
remainder of the channel can be applied to the rail by sliding
fingers progressively together from the end positions. This
assembly technique is especially suitable when the tiles 10, 100
are formed of a flexible plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. This
completes the assembly of one tile 10 to another tile 100.
Subsequent tiles are then assembled in the same manner to create
the covering of an entire floor. Assembly is possible in square
rows and columns or in offset rows, as desired.
[0069] The engagement between juxtaposed tiles is an engagement of
channel and rail structures. One type of engagement between channel
and rail structures is between a female snap-in channel 24 defined
in top extensions 14, 16 and an upwardly extending male snap-in
rail 32 defined in base extensions 18, 20. Channel 52 also receives
downward channel wall 26. The channel structures function equally
well if reversed in relative orientation between top and bottom
positions.
[0070] As previously stated, the seal 56 is optional. The seal
channel 54 or its equivalent is a desirable element of rail 32
regardless of whether the seal is employed. Channel 54 provides
added flexibility to rail 32 so that the structures forming channel
24 can more easily deflect the sides of rail 32 during the snap-on
process. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the use of an empty channel 54.
[0071] In an assembled array of tiles according to this invention,
the interlocked junction between tiles is hidden from view, as best
shown in FIG. 3. The upper wall of one tile 100 and the lower wall
of the other tile 10, respectively carrying the interlocked first
and second channel structures forming the interlocked junction, are
configured such that the upper wall covers the lower wall, whereby
the upper wall hides the interlocked junction from view.
[0072] The snap-in interlocking structures of FIGS. 2 and 3 are
effective to establish and maintain a horizontal alignment between
juxtaposed tiles. Assembly and disassembly take place by vertical
movement of one tile to another. The snap-in structures also are
effective to resist passage of liquids, with or without the use of
a seal 56. The snap-in structures are an engaging or gripping means
for securing the tiles together in horizontal alignment and
resisting passage of liquids. Alternative engaging or gripping
means may serve similar functions and are described, below.
[0073] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the
invention in which a modified tile 110 carries vertical
interference-fit structures in place of vertical snap-in
structures. An interference-fit structure of a first tile 110 is
configured to engage a cooperatively configured structure of an
identical second tile 112 in a frictional engagement. Typically,
the interlocking structures can be considered to be male or female
structures. One or both is an elongated linear channel or rail
aligned to be parallel with an edge of the tile. The channel or
rail is configured with a taper that interferes with full
engagement between the channel and rail before the two tiles are in
full horizontal alignment. As a result, vertical force is required
to fully seat one tile in planar alignment with the other. When
used with floor tile, the taper might be small, such as one or two
degrees. Further, the interference point can be a small dimension
from full horizontal alignment, such as one-tenth inch from
alignment. The material of the tiles should have a low hardness in
order to permit easy assembly. On the Shure harness scale, a
hardness of about eighty-five to ninety is suitable. Due to its
flexibility, polyvinyl chloride is a suitable material for either
snap-in fit or interference fit. Due to its rigidity or semi
rigidity, polypropylene is better suited for interference fit.
[0074] In FIGS. 4 and 5, channel wall 26 of tile 110 is configured
with a downwardly converging taper. As one option, outer wall
surface 62 tapers from true vertical. Additionally or
alternatively, inner wall surface 64 tapers from vertical. The
tapering surfaces of the two walls 62, 64 can be flat, each
tapering at a small angle such as, for example and not as
limitation, one or two degrees from vertical. Channel 52 of one
tile will receive a wall 26 of the other during assembly of two
similar tiles 110, 112. The configuration of channel 52 may include
downwardly converging sidewall surfaces 66 and 68. The resulting
configuration of channel 52 may produce a zero clearance fit with
channel wall 26 before channel wall 26 is fully bottomed in channel
52. Vertical force applied to the mating structures will engage the
interference fit and bring the tiles into horizontal alignment. It
is not required that each of surfaces 62-68 be tapered from
vertical. As little as one surface may be tapered to achieve the
interference fit.
[0075] Channel 24 and rail 32 of mated tiles 110, 112 may be
engaged by an additional or optional interference fit. The inside
channel wall surface 70 may taper upwardly toward the opposite
channel wall surface 64, such that wall surfaces 64 and 70 converge
upwardly. The outside wall surface 72 of rib 32 may taper upwardly,
such that surfaces 68 and 72 converge upwardly. As previously
described, a zero-clearance fit is achieved between the channel 24
and rib 32 before two tiles 110, 112 being joined are fully
horizontal. Added vertical force can engage tiles with an
interference fit.
[0076] FIG. 5 shows tile 110 engaged in horizontal alignment with
similar tile 112. In this drawing figure, the interference fit is
established between channel wall 26 and channel 52. The
interference fit is especially useful if a material of construction
is poorly suited for snap-in assembly. For example, due to its
rigidity, polypropylene is suited for interference fit.
[0077] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another interference fit between
tiles that do not use a separate seal element 56. The interference
fit provides a surface-to-surface seal at one or more locations
between the mated channel and rail structures. Thus, the seal 56 is
optional. A snap-in junction provides similar alternative sealing
between the snap-in elements of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0078] Tile 130 of FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 shows another embodiment of a
junction interlocked by interference fit. In this embodiment,
channel wall 26 will be referred to as rail 26 that extends
downwardly as in prior embodiments and, in addition, defines a
plurality of spaced apart, further depending teeth 74, best shown
in FIG. 10. Tapered outer and inner surfaces of the rail 26 extend
over both the height of the rail 26 and of each tooth 74. Thus, the
outer surface 62' and the inner surface 64' extend downwardly over
both the height of the rail 26 and the tooth 74.
[0079] At the opposite side edge of the tile 130, channel 52
carries the addition of tooth sockets 76 at spaced intervals
corresponding to the spacing of teeth 74. The tapered side surfaces
of channel 52 are modified such that surfaces 66' and 68' extend
over both the height of channel 52 and the height of each socket
76.
[0080] When two similar tiles 130, 132 are joined as shown in FIGS.
9 and 10, an interference fit results between surfaces of the
channel wall including teeth 74, and surfaces of channel 52
including sockets 76. Surface 62' may engage against surface 66'
and surface 64' may engage against surface 68'. The bottom end of
each tooth socket 76 may be open to allow each tooth 74 to enter
the full depth of the socket, as required. However, in the fully
engaged position as shown in FIG. 10, the tooth is shorter than the
depth of the socket so that it does not protrude from the bottom of
the tile 130. The tooth is supported against further entry by the
bottom of rail 26 contacting the bottom of channel 52 between the
positions of the sockets 76. With further reference to FIG. 10, the
height of the top of rail 32 is shown in phantom. Extension wall 14
rests on the top of rail 32 to further support the teeth 74 at a
predetermined entry into sockets 76. Thus, the teeth provide
opposite elongated surfaces suited for establishing an interference
fit between mating tile edges, while being reliably supported
against over-insertion into the tooth sockets.
[0081] The sockets 76 and teeth 74 are configured to allow a
clearance 78 at the longitudinal edges of the teeth. This clearance
ensures that the plastic material of the teeth have an available
displacement area. The position of the teeth 74 and sockets 76 is
substantially pre-established with respect to the edge of the tile
130, 132 so that the two tiles will have no substantial gap between
them when the teeth are engaged on sockets 76 by interference
fit.
[0082] The clearance 78 provides no significant design constraint.
The clearance 78 is aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the
interlocking elements, where longitudinal sliding between
juxtaposed tile edges is desirable. Thus, a substantial clearance
78 enables juxtaposed tiles to be precisely aligned and does not
contribute to an increased gap between tiles. The number and
relative position of the teeth 74 and sockets 76 can be selected to
allow relative tile placement within common staggered patterns,
such as one-half tile offset. Axial sliding between juxtaposed
tiles remains possible within the chosen clearance 78 and also by
raising the teeth 74 above the sockets 76 while sliding a tile.
[0083] FIGS. 5, 7, 9 and 10 show a further assembly method between
a first tile 120, 130 and a similar or matching second tile 122,
132, wherein the first tile includes a channel 52 configured with
an interference fit with respect to a rail 26 of the second tile.
The first tile 120, 130 is placed on the floor. Next, the second
tile 122, 132 is located so that its rail 26 is immediately above
an upwardly open channel 52 in the first tile 120, 130. Third, the
second tile 122, 132 is pressed vertically or normally to the first
tile to engage the rail 26 into the channel groove 52 such that the
two tiles become secured by interference fit. This completes the
assembly of a first tile 120, 130 to a second tile 122, 132.
Subsequent tiles are then assembled in the same manner to create
the covering of an entire floor. Assembly is possible in square
rows and columns or in offset rows, as desired.
[0084] Optionally, the rail 26 includes a plurality of depending
teeth 74, and a longitudinally extending channel 52 includes a
matching plurality of tooth sockets spaced along the longitudinal
length of the channel 52. A clearance 78 exists between the teeth
74 and sockets 76 in the longitudinal dimension of the channel 52,
while the interference fit exists between a tooth and the
longitudinal walls of the channel 52 or sockets 76.
[0085] The described embodiments provide a single linear engagement
system that lies parallel to each edge of a tile. The linear
engagement between a channel and rail eliminates much of the
constrained design resulting from the use of dovetail junctions.
Thus, clearances and tolerances can be relatively small, with the
result that juxtaposed tiles are disposed close to one another and
without substantial gap. This closeness is helpful in creating a
strong resistance to penetration by liquids at the tile edges. The
linear junction also permits the tiles to be arranged in offset,
staggered arrangements while maintaining the described closeness
between juxtaposed tiles. Finally, the assembly of such tiles
benefits from a reliable fit requiring low assembly forces. Such
low forces can benefit from the presence of a longitudinal groove
or channel 54 extending parallel to the rail 26 or channel 52.
[0086] The forgoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be regarded as falling within the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *