Modular surface element

Abstract

A modular surface element that can be arranged in a running bond pattern with other such modular surface elements. The modular surface element has a configuration comprising a decorative face, an opposed base, and sides extending therebetween generally orthogonal to the base. The sides are proximal to and within a modular perimeter defined by three non-alike pairs of opposed matching segments that are oriented substantially parallel to each other. At least two of the pairs of opposed matching segments are non-linear and at least two of the pairs of opposed matching segments are point symmetric. Optionally, the modular surface element may comprise two or more mating components.

1 . A modular surface element that can be arranged in a running bond pattern with other such modular surface elements, having a configuration comprising a decorative face, an opposed base, and six sides extending therebetween generally orthogonal to said base, said sides being proximal to and within a modular perimeter defined by three non-alike pairs of opposed matching segments that are oriented substantially parallel to each other, at least two of said pairs of opposed matching segments being non-linear, and at least two of said pairs of opposed matching segments being point symmetric.  
   
   
       2 . The modular surface element of  claim 1  wherein the third of said pairs of opposed matching segments is point symmetric.  
   
   
       3 . The modular surface element of  claim 2  wherein each pair of said contiguous segments forms an obtuse angle.  
   
   
       4 . The modular surface element of  claim 2  wherein each of two pairs of said contiguous segments forms an angle of approximately 180° and wherein each of said other pairs of contiguous sides forms an angle of approximately 90°.  
   
   
       5 . The modular surface element of  claim 2  wherein each of two pairs of said contiguous segments forms an angle greater than 180° and wherein each of two other pairs of said contiguous sides forms an angle of less than 90°.  
   
   
       6 . The modular surface element of  claim 2  wherein all six of said segments are non-linear.  
   
   
       7 . The modular surface element of  claim 6 , wherein said face includes grooves resembling joints between areas of said face.  
   
   
       8 . The modular surface element of  claim 6 , wherein said sides have projecting regions that align more closely to said segments of said modular perimeter.  
   
   
       9 . The modular surface element  claim 8 , wherein said projecting regions of said sides are adjacent said base.  
   
   
       10 . The modular surface element  claim 8 , wherein said projecting regions of said sides are near the ends of said segments.  
   
   
       11 . The modular surface element of  claim 6 , wherein said sides and said decorative face define edges that are irregularly recessed from said segments of said modular perimeter.  
   
   
       12 . The modular surface element of  claim 6  comprising at least two mating components.  
   
   
       13 . A surface covering system comprising a multiplicity of modular surface elements as recited in  claim 1 , said modular surface elements being substantially congruent and being arranged in aligned rows in a running bond pattern.  
   
   
       14 . The surface covering system of  claim 13  wherein a plurality of adjacent modular surface elements in one of said aligned rows are positioned with respect to an adjacent row such as to create open spaces to provide drainage.  
   
   
       15 . The surface covering system of  claim 13  wherein said multiplicity of modular surface elements are distinguished by having different decorative faces.  
   
   
       16 . A pair of substantially identical components assemblable into a modular surface element as defined by  claim 1 , each said component having a mating side that is point symmetric and that passes through the geometric center of such an assembled modular surface element of said pair of components.  
   
   
       17 . The pair of components of  claim 16  wherein each said mating side is non-linear.