Interlocking and Shock Attenuating Tiling Systems

Abstract

An interlocking floor tile assembly is provided, ft includes a first repeating array of spaced apart first tiles interconnected by first bridge portions wherein the first tiles and the first bridge portions define first spaces therebetween. It also includes a second repeating array of spaced apart second tiles interconnected by second bridge portions wherein the second tiles and the second bridge portions define second spaces therebetween. The second tiles are received in the first spaces and the first tiles are received in the second spaces. A shock attenuating tile may be provided in conjunction with the interlocking floor tile assembly to form a ground covering that is suitable for fail risk areas such as playgrounds. The shock attenuating tile preferably includes a plate having an upper side for bearing a load and a plurality of shock absorbing modules depending from an underside of the plate. Each of the shock absorbing modules is integrally formed with the plate.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A shock attenuating tile comprising: a plate having an upper side for bearing a load; and a plurality of shock absorbing assemblies depending from an underside of the plate, wherein each of the shock absorbing assemblies is integrally formed with the plate. 
     
     
         22 . A tile according to  claim 21  formed as a single piece of synthetic material. 
     
     
         23 . A tile according to  claim 21 , wherein each of the shock absorbing assemblies extend from the underside about a corresponding aperture formed through the plate. 
     
     
         24 . A tile according to  claim 21  including engagement formations formed along outer edges thereof. 
     
     
         25 . A tile according to  claim 24 , wherein the engagement formations include sockets formed along one edge of the shock attenuating tile and complementary plugs formed along another edge in order that a plurality of the tiles may be interconnected. 
     
     
         26 . A tile according to  claim 24 , wherein the engagement formations include a number of hooks formed along one edge of the tile and a number of complementary engagement members disposed along an opposite edge of the tile. 
     
     
         27 . A tile according to  claim 21 , wherein each of the shock absorbing assemblies comprises a number of resilient members. 
     
     
         28 . A tile according to  claim 27 , wherein each of the shock absorbing assemblies comprises a plurality of resilient members depending downward from the underside with remote ends of said members joined together. 
     
     
         29 . A shock attenuating ground covering including: a plurality of interconnected shock attenuating tiles each according to  claim 21 ; and a cover supported by an upper surface of the interconnected shock attenuating tiles, the cover comprising a first repeating array of spaced apart first tiles interconnected by first bridge portions wherein the first tiles and the first bridge portions define first spaces therebetween; and a second repeating array of spaced apart second tiles interconnected by second bridge portions wherein the second tiles and the second bridge portions define second spaces therebetween wherein the second tiles are received in the first spaces and the first tiles are received in the second spaces; whereby the ground covering presents a weight bearing surface for traffic thereon and the interconnected shock attenuating tiles provide cushioning thereunder. 
     
     
         30 . A ground covering according to  claim 29 , wherein the first bridge portions depend from a level flush with an upper surface of the first tiles to a level between the top and bottom surface of the first tiles and wherein the second bridges extend upward from a level flush with the bottom surface of the second tiles to a level between the top and bottom surface of the second tiles. 
     
     
         31 . A ground covering according to  claim 29 , wherein the first tiles and the second tiles bear respective complementary mating portions for mating of the first tiles with the second tiles. 
     
     
         32 . A ground covering according to  claim 31 , wherein the complementary mating portions comprise complementarily chamfered or “drafted” edges in order that the first tiles and the second tiles snap-fit together. 
     
     
         33 . A ground covering according to  claim 29  including a vegetation resistant mesh interposed between the upperside of the shock attenuating tiles and the cover. 
     
     
         34 . A ground covering according to  claim 33 , wherein the mesh is fastened to the shock attenuating tiles. 
     
     
         35 . A ground covering according to  claim 29 , wherein tiles of the cover are formed with apertures therethrough to allow for drainage. 
     
     
         36 . A ground covering according to  claim 29  wherein the interlocking floor tile assembly is formed of a member of the polyolefin group of materials.