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.

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.