Decking tile

Abstract

A decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connectors provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The 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. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said 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, each portion being removable from said 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 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 each aperture includes a widened section adjacent one end thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 2  or  3 , wherein said aperture is formed in a foot of said tile.  
     
     
         5 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of  claim 2  to  4 , 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.  
     
     
         6 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein each portion is rectangular and said sub-portions are triangular to allow said at least one portion to be divided diagonally.  
     
     
         7 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 5  or  6 , wherein said at least one portion is arranged to allow said decking tile to be sub-divided diagonally.  
     
     
         8 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of  claim 5  to  7 , wherein at least one aperture is provided in each sub-portion.  
     
     
         9 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each portion forms a square having a side length commensurate with that of the width of a slat.  
     
     
         10 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising connecting means provided at each side thereof such that any two sides of adjacent tiles can be connected.  
     
     
         11 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said connecting means comprises first and second components, each side including both first and second components thereon.  
     
     
         12 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 11 , 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.  
     
     
         13 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said second component includes a reinforcing member extending between said second arms.  
     
     
         14 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of  claims 10  to  13 , wherein said connecting means includes locking means arranged to inhibit disconnection of said connecting means.  
     
     
         15 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 14 , 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.  
     
     
         16 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apertures are provided spaced from the periphery of the portion.  
     
     
         17 . A decking tile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apertures are provided on an imaginary line that bisects the portion.  
     
     
         18 . A decking tile as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said imaginary line forms a diagonal of said portion.  
     
     
         19 . A floor covering comprising a plurality of decking tiles as claimed in any one of the preceding claims connected together and a plurality of slats provided on the decking tiles.  
     
     
         20 . A floor covering as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein each decking tile with a side forming a part of the periphery of the floor covering has a skirt provided on each said side, the skirt extending to the floor.  
     
     
         21 . A floor covering as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein said sides of the decking tiles have the connecting means removed therefrom.  
     
     
         22 . 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, each portion being removable from the 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 tile.