Hinged interlocking tiles

Abstract

An interlocking tile system comprised of hinges within interlocking units permitting rapid installation, removal and reinstallation. The assemblies are usable on all surfaces of structures such as buildings and vehicles of all types, for impact cushioning, sound, heat, light and friction insulation.

1 . A tile, comprised of a flexible layer with interlocks at the edges, further comprised of hinges by which said interlocking tile folds upon adjoining tiles, said tile hereafter referred to as a hinged interlocking unit, and further wherein the margin of each hinged interlocking unit comprises joining elements thereon comprising alternating cut-out portions and setting protrusions whose shapes are complementary to those of said cut-out portions, whereby any of hinged interlocking unit may be joined to another hinged interlocking unit by mating the respective joining elements. 
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  further wherein said hinged interlocking unit is comprised of material the group comprised of elastomers, woven and non-woven fiber. 
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  said tiles further comprised of a laminate. 
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 3  further wherein at least one lamina is comprised of multiple elements of lamina material unconnected to one another, the plurality of the unconnected elements connected to a second. flexible laminate. 
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 3  wherein the lamina connected to the multiple unconnected elements and present at the margins between said elements function as hinges further wherein said lamina enables the entire laminated interlocking unit to fold over and lay flat, face-to-face against proximate hinged interlocking units. 
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 3  wherein an overlap in the face lamina is comprised of a bead, further comprised of a seat for the bead on the opposing face of said overlap, the combination of said bead and seat thereby functioning as a seal to prevent penetration of the hinge area by liquids and gasses present on, or at, the exterior surface of the overlap area. 
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said hinges of said hinged interlocking unit are comprised from the group; living, flexible and mechanical hinges. 
     
     
         8 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said hinged interlocking unit is comprised of hinges which enable said hinged interlocking unit to fold in a zig-zag configuration, and further wherein the locations of the hinges are parallel to and about at ¼, ½, and ¾ the distance in from an edge of said hinged interlocking unit. 
     
     
         9 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said hinges are embedded within the body and between the surface planes of the hinged interlocking units, thereby being invisible from said hinged interlocking unit's outer faces. 
     
     
         10 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprised of flexible hinges in a staggered pattern, said hinges passing partially through said hinged interlocking unit so to make the hinged interlocking unit rotate normal to the surface planes of said hinged interlocking unit. 
     
     
         11 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprised of indicia on the surfaces of said hinged interlocking unit indicating the locations of said hinges, to facilitate orientation during assembly into groups, and enable the user to distinguish units of the present art from units of the prior art in the assembled set [ FIG. 12 ]. 
     
     
         12 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprised of said hinged interlocking units as a protective mat or pad providing cushioning, thermal insulation, and isolation of the user from liquids and soil for Yoga, Pilates and other sport activities. 
     
     
         13 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprised of mechanisms enabling the portability of said hinged interlocking units, said mechanisms comprised from the group of; integrated carrying handles and/or inter-face connectors such as, but not limited to, hook-and loop elements and magnets [ FIG. 16, 17 ]. 
     
     
         14 . The invention of  claim 1  whereby said hinged interlocking units comprise a curved form. 
     
     
         15 . An interlocking tile which, when interlocked with tiles of the present or of the prior art, cause the interlocked tiles to rotate between themselves while remaining engaged, said assembly, interlocking unit thereby operating as a hinge, and further wherein the width of said narrow, rigid hinged interlocking unit determines the distance between the connected interlocked tiles when folded, permitting the interlocked tiles to rotate into a position in which the faces of proximate interlocking units are generally parallel to one another while allowing the interlocked elements of the set to remain connected. 
     
     
         16 . A configuration of interlocking tile units comprised of interlock elements further comprised of extended necks, the purpose of which is to prevent release of the interlocks when rotated normal to the face planes of the attached interlocked units, the length of said necks being about one to four multiples of the thickness of the tiles.