Interlocking Tile

Abstract

An interlocking tile is used to form a floor with adjacent tiles each tile preferably has four sides with first interlocks on the first and second sides and second interlocks on the third and fourth side. The tile can interlock with adjacent tiles as long as the interlocking sides are parallel. The tiles can interlock even when they are aligned with one another in only one direction.

1 . An interlocking tile for use in a floor having several tiles, said tile interlocking with one or more adjacent tiles, said tile comprising an upper surface, a bottom and four sides, two adjacent sides of said four sides having first interlocks thereon and two remaining adjacent sides of said four sides having second interlocks thereon, said first interlocks being shaped to interlock with second interlocks on said adjacent tiles, said second interlocks being shaped to interlock with first interlocks on adjacent tiles, said first interlocks extending downward from said upper surface, said second interlocks extending upward beyond a footprint of said upper surface, said first and second interlocks being shaped so that said tile can interlock with one or more adjacent tiles when the adjacent tiles are aligned in one direction with said tile.  
   
   
       2 . An interlocking tile for use in a floor with other interlocking tiles, said tile comprising an upper surface, bottom and four sides, two adjacent sides of said four sides having first interlocks thereon and two adjacent sides of said four sides having second interlocks thereon, said first interlocks being sized and shaped to interlock with second interlocks on adjacent tiles and said second interlocks being sized and shaped to interlock with first interlocks on adjacent tiles, said interlocks extending substantially along a length of one side, said interlocks being capable of interlocking with one another when said tiles are aligned in one direction.  
   
   
       3 . An interlocking tile as claimed in  claim 2  wherein a side of said tile that interlocks with an adjacent tile is parallel to said adjacent tile.  
   
   
       4 . An interlocking tile for use in forming a floor with other interlocking tiles, said tile comprising at least three sides with the first side and the second side of said at least three sides being adjacent to one another, said tile having an upper surface, a first side having a first interlock thereon extending downward from said upper surface, a second side having a second interlock extending outward beyond a footprint of said upper surface, said second interlock extending upward, said first interlock and said second interlock each having a contact face that lies in a vertical plane parallel to said first and second sides respectively.  
   
   
       5 . A plurality of interlocking tiles for use in forming a floor, said tiles being sized and shaped to interlock with one another, each tile having four sides and an upper surface, a first side and a second side of said four sides being adjacent to one another and each having a first interlock thereon, said first interlock extending downward from said upper surface, a third side and fourth side being adjacent to one another and opposite to said first and second side respectively, said third and fourth side each having a second interlock thereon, there being two second interlocks, said second interlocks extending outward beyond a footprint of said upper surface, said second interlocks extending upward, there being two first interlocks and two second interlocks, said interlocks each having a contact face that lies in a vertical plane parallel to that side where each interlock is located, said first and second interlocks corresponding to one another so that the first interlock of one tile interlocks with the second interlock of another tile and so on to form a floor.  
   
   
       6 . A plurality of interlocking tiles as claimed in  claim 5  wherein one first interlock of a first tile interlocks with a second interlock of a second tile and another first interlock of said first tile interlocks with a second interlock of a third tile and so on to form said floor.  
   
   
       7 . A plurality of interlocking tiles as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said tile has a bottom surface, said bottom surface having a plurality of legs thereon, with ribs extending between adjacent legs, said ribs being arc-shaped