Interlocking Floor Tiles with Mushroom Shaped Connectors

Abstract

An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a plain view of an interlocking tile.

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the interlocking tile.

FIG. 3A is a plain view of the interlocking tiles mating together.

FIG. 3B is a closed up view of the joining pieces of the interlocking tiles.

FIG. 3C is a side cross-section view of the corner piece of the interlocking tile.

FIG. 4 is a plain view of an interlocking tile with a surface pattern.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross section view of the interlocking tile with the surface pattern.

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of an interlocking tile with a different configuration.

Claims

1. A system for covering a surface, comprising: a tile having a body and an interlocking cap structure having a first surface and a second surface;a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; anda stem supporting the cap structure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the stem has the second surface and a third surface.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the stem has a second curved portion connecting the second surface with a radius of R3 to the third engaging surface with a radius of R4, wherein R3<R4.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the third surface is contiguous to the body.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the second curved portion receives the first curved portion.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap is of a mushroom shape.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the tile comprises a polymeric material.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a grid and a plurality of raised pattern.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of raised pattern is at least 0.04 in higher than the grid.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the pattern comprises a square.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the pattern comprises a diamond shape.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the tile is at least 5 inches long.

13. A system for covering a surface, comprising: a tile having a body and an interlocking cap structure having a first surface and a second surface;a first portion connecting the first surface with an angle of L1 to the second engaging surface with an angle of L2, wherein L1>L2; anda stem supporting the cap structure.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein L1+L2≦180°.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the stem has the second surface and a third surface.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the stem has a second portion connecting the second surface an angle of L3 to the third engaging surface with an angle of L4, wherein L3<L4.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the third surface is contiguous to the body.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the second portion receives the first portion.

19. A floor block comprising a grid portion defining a cap structure and a plurality of raised pattern that collectively reduce the thickness of the block by a factor of at least 20% relative to corresponding block without the grid portion.

20. A floor block comprising a grid portion defining a cap structure and a plurality of raised pattern that collectively reduce the thickness of the block by a factor of at least 30% relative to corresponding block without the grid portion.