WO2011032075A2

WO2011032075A2 - Tile connector

Info

Publication number: WO2011032075A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/048600
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Sandy; Paul D. Evans, Jr.
Original assignee: Tandus Flooring Inc.
Priority date: 2009-09-14
Filing date: 2010-09-13
Publication date: 2011-03-17
Also published as: WO2011032075A3; US20110061328A1

Abstract

A connector for joining modular flooring tiles to one another on a floor without joining the tiles to the floor includes a tile-contacting surface comprising a material operative for preventing movement of the flooring tiles.

Description

TILE CONNECTOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/276,572, filed September 14, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for installing modular floor coverings in a non-permanent manner. More particularly, this disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for installing modular tiles without permanently adhering the tiles to the floor.

BACKGROUND

Modular floor coverings (e.g., carpet tiles) are typically installed by applying a permanent adhesive to the flooring surface and positioning the tiles on top of the adhesive. However, such methods often cause damage to the underlying flooring surface when the tile is removed. Thus, there is a need for a non-permanent means of securing tiles to one another while providing sufficient stability to withstand normal use.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed generally to a connector or fastener for modular floor coverings (e.g., carpet tiles). The connector is placed between the bottom of the carpet tile and the flooring surface (or other intermediate surface, such as an underlayment or pad). The connector may be used to join adjacent tiles to one another along a seam between the tiles and/or along the peripheral edges of the tiles. The connectors maintain the tile in a removably fixed position on the flooring surface without permanently adhering (i.e., gluing) the tiles to the flooring surface.

The connector generally includes a pair of opposed faces or surfaces. The first, upper surface or face of the connector may comprise a tile-engaging layer for contacting the bottom surface of the tile. The tile-engaging layer may comprise a material that generally operative for preventing movement of the tiles relative to one another, for example, a non-permanent adhesive, a coating that provides a high coefficient of friction surface, or any combination thereof. The second, lower surface or face of the connector may comprise a floor-contacting layer. If desired, the floor- contacting layer may comprise a material that is generally operative for preventing slipping or movement of the tiles on the floor (or any intermediate layer between the floor and the tiles), such that the connector maintains the tile in position but without permanently adhering the tile to the flooring surface. Materials that may be suitable for use as the floor-contacting layer may include a low tack adhesive, a slip resistant material, or any combination thereof.

The connector may have various shapes and dimensions. In general, the connector may be shaped and dimensioned so that the connector can be used without substantially overlapping another connector. In this manner, the assembly of tiles (i.e., the adjoined tiles) may remain as level as possible for steady positioning on the flooring surface.

In one embodiment, the connector may have a major linear dimension that is approximately equal to an integer multiple of the length of the tile. In one variation of this embodiment, the connector may extend substantially along the length of the seam between two or more tiles, such that the connector underlies substantially the entire length of the seam. In another variation of this embodiment, the connector may extend along approximately one-half the length of the seam. In such an embodiment, where multiple connectors are used, a pair of adjacent connectors may collectively extend along the length of the seam.

In another embodiment, the connector may have a major linear dimension that is less than an integer multiple of the length of the tile. In such an embodiment, the connector may underlie less than the entire length of the seam, such a portion of the adjacent tiles may remain separate from one another (i.e., adjacent to, but unconnected to one another).

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the connector includes at least one end having a substantially right isosceles triangular shape. The end may be adapted to substantially fittedly abut at least one another connector along an adjacent perpendicular seam between tiles, where needed. Other features, aspects, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic top plan view of an exemplary connector for modular floor coverings;

FIG. IB is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1A, taken along a line IB-IB;

FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. IB, including a removable release liner on each side of the connector;

FIG. ID is a schematic enlarged, partial view of one end of the connector of FIG. 1A in isolation;

FIG. IE is a schematic partial view of four connectors of FIG. 1A fittedly abutting one another;

FIG. IF is a schematic top plan view of an exemplary modular floor covering assembly using a plurality of connectors of FIG. 1 A;

FIG. 1G is a schematic end elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 6, taken along a line 1G-1G; and

FIGS. 2-7 are schematic top plan views of other exemplary modular floor covering assemblies using various connectors.

DESCRIPTION FIG. 1A illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary connector 100 for being secured to the underside of a modular floor covering, for example, carpet tiles. The connector 100 generally spans across at least one seam between two or more tiles to connect the tiles to one another without permanently adhering the tile to the underlying surface, as will be discussed further below.

As shown in FIG. IB, the connector 100 includes a plurality of layers in a superposed, facing relationship with one another. The connector 100 generally includes a first side (e.g., face or surface) 102 for being in contact with the bottom surface (i.e., underside) of one or more tiles and a second side (e.g., face or surface) 104 for being proximate to the floor (e.g., in contact with the floor or any underlayment disposed on the floor). It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiment is exemplary only, and that various other embodiments contemplated by this disclosure may have fewer or more layers, as needed for a particular application.

Viewing FIG. IB in more detail, the connector 100 includes a substrate 106 for example, a layer of paper or polymer film. While countless substrates may be used, in one exemplary embodiment, the substrate 106 may comprise a polyolefin film, for example, a polyethylene film. In another exemplary embodiment, the substrate 106 may comprise a polyester film. The substrate 106 may have any suitable thickness, for example, from about 1 mil to about 5 mil, for example, from about 1.5 mil to about 3 mil, for example, about 2 mil. However, other suitable thicknesses and ranges thereof are contemplated.

A tile-engaging layer 108 may overlie or be disposed on a first side of the substrate 106. The outermost surface of tile-engaging layer 108 may define the first side or surface 102 of the connector, such that the tile-engaging layer 108 receives and/or is in contact with at least a portion of the underside or bottom of the tile. The tile-engaging layer 108 may generally comprise any suitable material operative for restricting the motion of the tile relative to the connector and to any other tile that the connector is in contact with (i.e., any adjoined tile).

In one embodiment, the tile-engaging layer 108 may comprise an adhesive material, for example, a medium to high tack adhesive. The adhesive material may be a substantially continuous layer (as shown), or may be a discontinuous layer (e.g., a random or non-random pattern of adhesive). The level of adhesion may be semi- permanent or non-permanent, such that the adhesive is sufficiently strong to adhere the connector 100 to the tile, but not so strong that the connector cannot be separated from the tile and/or repositioned without destruction or delamination of the connector 100. Although numerous adhesives may be suitable, in one exemplary embodiment, the adhesive may comprise an acrylic adhesive, for example, 350 High Holding Adhesive, commercially available from 3M (Minneapolis, MN). The adhesive may have any suitable coat weight or thickness, for example, from about 0.25 mil to about 3 mil, for example, from about 0.7 mil to about 2 mil, for example, about 1.1 mil. However, other suitable thicknesses and ranges thereof may be used. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, the tile connector 100 may include an uppermost (i.e., tile- engaging) layer 108 comprising about 1.1 mil acrylic adhesive, and a substrate 102 comprising an about 2 mil polyester film. However, numerous variations are contemplated.

In another embodiment, tile-engaging layer 108 may comprise a slip resistant material, for example, a non-adhesive material having a relatively high coefficient of friction. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic polymeric coatings, for example, polyolefin coatings, natural rubber coatings, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.

If desired, a floor-contacting layer 110 may overlie or be disposed on a second side of the substrate 106 opposite the tile-contacting layer 102. The floor-contacting layer 110 may comprise any suitable material that is operative for preventing movement of the connector 100 (and any tiles joined to the connector) on the floor. Examples of materials that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, a low-tack, non-permanent adhesive, a non-slip material (i.e., a slip resistant material) having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction (such as those described above in connection with layer 108), a protective material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, in some embodiments, layer 110 may be omitted, such that the bottom side of the substrate 106 is a floor-contacting surface of the connector 100. Thus, in another exemplary embodiment, the tile connector 100 may include an uppermost (i.e., tile-engaging) layer 108 comprising about 1.1 mil acrylic adhesive, a substrate 102 comprising an about 2 mil polyester film, and a lowermost (e.g., floor- contacting) layer 110 comprising a polymeric non-slip coating, for example, polyethylene. However, numerous variations are contemplated.

Turning now to FIG. 1C, if desired, the tile connector may be provided with a release liner 112, 114 on one or both sides of the tile connector 100, for example, where one or both of layers 108, 110 comprise an adhesive or tacky material. Although countless materials may be used for such liners, in one exemplary embodiment, one or both liners 112, 114 may comprise a coated paper, for example, a polyolefin coated paper. In one specific example, release liner 112 and/or release liner 114 (where used) may comprise polyethylene coated Kraft paper (coated on one or both sides, as needed) having a basis weight of from about 50 to about 150 lb/ream (3000 sq. ft.), for example, from about 70 to about 120 lb/ream, for example, about 90 lb/ream. Thus, in still another exemplary embodiment, the tile connector 100 may include a release liner 112 comprising an about 90 lb/ream Kraft paper, polyethylene coated on both sides, a tile-engaging layer 108 comprising about 1.1 mil acrylic adhesive, and a substrate 102 comprising an about 2 mil polyester film. Such a structure may be commercially available from 3M under the trade name 3M™ Sheet and Screnn Label Materials 7218SA Clear. The connector 100 optionally may include a lowermost (e.g., floor-contacting) layer 110 comprising a polyethylene non- slip coating, and optionally, a release liner 114. However, numerous variations are contemplated.

The tile connector 100 can have any suitable shape and dimensions. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, the tile connector 100 is generally elongate in shape, and includes a pair of opposed edges 116 (e.g., lengthwise edges 116) that are substantially parallel to one another and a pair of pointed or chamfered ends, generally indicated at 118. As shown in FIG. ID, which illustrates one end 118 of the connector 100 in isolation, each end 118 of the connector 100 may include a pair of oblique (or chamfered) end edges 120 that extend from respective ends of edges 116 convergently towards an endpoint 122. The endpoint 122 may comprise a vertex between the two end edges 120, which collectively define an angle a. In the illustrated embodiment, a may be about 90 degrees, such that the end 118 of the connector 100 is generally right isosceles triangular in shape. In such an embodiment, each end edge 120 of the connector 100 is shaped to fittedly abut (i.e., substantially abut) an end edge 120 of another connector 100, such that the lengthwise centerlines CL of the connectors 100 generally form a right angle β with respect to one another, as shown in FIG. IE (which only shows one end of each connector).

Further, as shown in FIG. IE, since each end 118 of the connector 100 may about two other connectors along end edges 120, the ends 118 (and endpoints 122) of up to four connectors 100 may fittedly abut one another without needing to overlap (i.e., superpose or extend across) one another. In this configuration, the four connectors 100 generally define a cross shape with the centerlines CL of the connectors 100 generally being arranged perpendicularly to one another, intersecting at or proximate to their endpoints 122 (FIG. ID). This arrangement of connectors facilitates joining a plurality of tiles along their seams, which are generally perpendicular to one another.

In some embodiments, the major linear dimension (e.g., length) L of the tile connector 100 may be an integer multiple of the length of the edge of the tile for which the connector is intended for use, such that the connector generally extends along the length of at least one tile. Thus, for an about 12 by about 12 inch tile, the connector 100 may have a major linear dimension of about 12 inches, about 24 inches, about 36 inches, and so on. Where the major linear dimension is about 12 inches, the connector is dimensioned to extend substantially along the entire length of the edge of one tile. Where the major linear dimension is about 24 inches, the connector is dimensioned to extend substantially along the entire length of two tiles, and so on. As another example, for an about 18 by about 18 inch tile, the connector may have a major linear dimension of about 18 inches, about 36 inches, about 54 inches, and so on. Where the major linear dimension is about 18 inches, the connector is dimensioned to extend substantially along the entire length of the edge of one tile. Where the major linear dimension is about 36 inches, the connector is dimensioned to extend substantially along the entire length of two tiles, and so on.

The minor linear dimension (e.g., width) W of the tile connector may be selected to ensure sufficient contact with the bottom side of each tile without unnecessarily using excess materials. In general, the minor linear dimension may be less than the length or width of the tile, and in some examples, the minor linear dimension of the tile connector may be from about 2 to about 6 inches, for example, about 4 inches, such that from about 1 to about 3, for example, about 2 inches of the width of the connector underlies each tile. Thus, in one particular example, the tile connector may have a length of 18 inches and a width of about 4 inches such that the tile connector extends substantially along the entire seam between two 18 by 18 inch tiles and such that about 2 inches of the width of the tile connector underlies each tile. However, other suitable dimensions may be used.

To use the connector 100 according to one exemplary method, the optional release liner or liners 112, 114 (where present) may be separated from the top and/or bottom sides of the connector. The connector 100 then may be positioned along a seam between two adjacent tiles with the tile-engaging layer 108 facing the bottom of the tiles with the lengthwise centerline CL (FIG. 1A) of the connector being substantially centered along the seam. Additional connectors may be used as needed, depending on the number of tiles to be joined to one another.

By way of example, FIGS. IF and 1G schematically depict an exemplary tile assembly 124 formed using the tile connector 100 of FIG. 1 A. In this example, a first connector 100a (shown schematically with dashed lines) is positioned along a seam S between edges El, E2 of tiles Tl, T2 with the tile-engaging layer 108 (FIG. IB) facing the bottom of the tiles Tl, T2. The lengthwise centerline of the connector 100a is substantially centered along the seam S between the tiles Tl, T2. Additional connectors 100b, 100c, lOOd (shown schematically with dashed lines) may be used in a similar manner to secure additional tiles T3, T4 to one another and to tiles Tl, T2, respectively, to prevent the tiles Tl, T2, T3, T4 from moving relative to one another.

In the exemplary installation 124 shown in FIG. IF, the tile connectors 100a, 100b, 100c, lOOd have substantially the same major linear dimension (e.g., length) as tiles Tl, T2, T3, T4, such that each connector 100a, 100b, 100c, lOOd extends substantially along the length of the seam S between the respective adjacent tiles. It will be noted that where the tiles are square in shape, the seams generally extend in a first direction Dl and a second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to Dl, such that the seams S are substantially perpendicular to one another, and such that adjacent pairs of connectors 100 are substantially perpendicular to one another underlying the seams, as discussed above. It will also be noted that countless configurations of tiles are contemplated, and the 4 by 4 arrangement of tiles in FIG. IF is provided for purposes of illustration only.

As shown in schematic cross-sectional view in FIG. 1G, the tiles Tl, T2, T3,

T4 (only Tl and T2 are shown in FIG. 1G) are not adhered to the floor F. Instead, the entire collection or assembly of interconnected tiles 124 generally serves as a unitary textile or "rug" that "floats" on the floor, such that the assembly of tiles 124 may be collectively repositioned on the floor F. Further, when needed or desired, one or more individual tiles Tl, T2, T3, T4 may be repositioned, replaced, reconfigured, or otherwise altered without causing damage to the surface of the floor F. While the weight of the tiles Tl, T2, T3, T4 (and any items placed on the tiles) may provide sufficient resistance to undesired movement of the assembly 124, additional slip resistance may be provided where the connectors 100 include a floor- contacting layer 110 or surface 104 that comprises a non-slip or slip resistant material, as discussed above.

FIGS. 2-7 schematically illustrate various other tile assemblies 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724 using tile connectors 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 (shown schematically with dashed lines). The assemblies and connectors may be similar to the assembly 124 and connector 100 of FIGS. 1A-1G, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It will be noted that any of such connectors may have the same arrangement of layers as described with the connector 100 of FIG. 1, or may have an alternate arrangement of layers.

In the exemplary installations or assemblies 224, 324 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tile connectors 200, 300 have a major linear dimension (i.e., length) that is about two times the length of the tiles, such that each connector extends substantially along the length of two tiles T. Accordingly, each connector 200, 300 may be used to join four tiles to one another along the length of the seam between the respective tiles.

It will be noted that in this and other embodiments, it may be sufficient to use a connector 200, 300 along fewer seams, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In such instances, it may be necessary and/or desirable to use one or more connectors to secure tiles to one another along the periphery of the assembly. In such cases, in this and other embodiments, the installer may choose to cut the connector 200 along its lengthwise centerline CL so the connector 200' has a generally trapezoidal shape. In this configuration, the connector 200' can be positioned along the edge fittedly abutting any adjacent connectors, as shown in the exemplary installation or assembly 224 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the installer may cut one or both ends off the connector and install the remainder of the connector 300', which has a generally rectangular shape, along the edge of the tile, as shown in FIG. 3. Other possibilities are contemplated. It is also contemplated that the connectors may be provided or available for purchase as a variety of such pre-cut shapes for the installer to use.

In the assembly 424 of FIG. 4, the connector 400 is generally cross shaped, with four substantially identical arms extending outwardly from a midpoint or center C of the connector, such that the connector is substantially symmetrical along its centerlines CL. Each arm includes an outwardly facing end 418 (only one of which is labeled) having a generally pointed or chamfered shape as described in connection with FIG. ID, such that the end of each arm may be substantially right isosceles triangular in shape. In this manner, the ends of the connector 400 may fittedly abut the ends of other similar connectors, as described above in connection with connector 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the major linear dimension (i.e., length) of each arm may be an integer multiple of the length of the tile T, such that each of the four arms of the connector extends substantially along the length of one tile (only one of which is labeled), while the center C of the connector generally overlies the intersecting seams between the tiles. The major linear dimensions (i.e., length and width) of the connector 400 may be an integer multiple of two times the length of one tile T, such that the connector 400 can extend along the length of two tiles. In this manner, a single connector can secure four tiles to one another.

Still other possibilities are contemplated. For example, in the assembly 524 of FIG. 5, connector 500 is similar in shape to connector 400 of FIG. 4, but in this example, the length of each arm of connector 500 is less than an integer multiple of the length of the tile, so that each arm extends along only a portion of the tile edge. Although this configuration may provide slightly less strength and stability than in the assembly 424 of FIG. 4, this configuration may nonetheless be suitable for many applications. It will be appreciated that connectors may be cut or provided with different shapes if needed to connect some tiles along the periphery of the assembly, as shown, for example, with connectors 500'. It will also be appreciated that the ends 518 of the connector may be made to be any shape (e.g., square or rectangular), since the connector is not being abutted with another connector. However, as a matter of manufacturing expedience, for example, where it is desirable to make all of the connectors have the same shape and size, and the connectors made for 12 inch square tiles include the chamfered ends, the same connectors may be used on an 18 inch square tile, even where the chamfered ends are not needed.

As another example, in the assembly 624 of FIG. 6, the connector 600 is generally cross shaped, with four substantially identical arms extending outwardly from a midpoint or center C of the connector, such that the connector 600 is substantially symmetrical along its centerlines (hidden from view, i.e., along the seams S). In this example, however, the ends 618 of the arms are substantially square or rectangular in shape. Also, in this example, the major linear dimensions (i.e., length and width) of the connector may be an integer multiple of the length of one tile T, such that each arm of the connector extends along one-half the length of the tile. In this manner, a single connector 600 can secure four tiles to one another. When additional connectors are used, the arms of the connectors may abut one another along their ends 618 to collectively substantially extend along the entire seam or length of the tile.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a variation of the assembly 624 of FIG. 6. In this exemplary assembly 724, the connectors 700 are similarly shaped to the connectors 600 of FIG. 6, but have a smaller size relative to the size of the tile, such that the major linear dimension of the connector 700 is less than an integer multiple of the length of the tile. While this may not provide as much coverage of the seams S as with the assembly 624 of FIG. 6, this configuration may nonetheless be suitable for many applications. Also, as stated previously, the use of a smaller connector may provide a manufacturing efficiency, for example, where it is desirable to make all connectors a single size (e.g., 12 inches in length) for use with both 12 inch square tiles and 18 inch square tiles.

Still countless other possibilities are contemplated. For example, while all of the illustrated connectors are symmetrical in shape, connectors having nonsymmetrical shapes are contemplated. Also, numerous other regular and irregular shapes are contemplated, including squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, and countless other shapes.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that various elements discussed with reference to the various embodiments may be interchanged to create entirely new embodiments coming within the scope of the present invention. While the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to specific aspects and embodiments, it is to be understood that this detailed description is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention and to set forth the best mode of practicing the invention known to the inventors at the time the invention was made. The detailed description set forth herein is illustrative only and is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements of the present invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., joined, attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are connected directly and in fixed relation to each other. Further, various elements discussed with reference to the various embodiments may be interchanged to create entirely new embodiments coming within the scope of the present invention. Many adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the above detailed description without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description set forth herein is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A connector for joining modular flooring tiles to one another on a floor without adhering the tiles to the floor, the connector comprising a material for engaging a bottom surface of the adjoined tiles, wherein

each tile includes an edge having a length, and

the connector extends substantially along the length of the edge.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the material for engaging the bottom surface of the adjoined tiles is operative for preventing movement of the adjoined tiles with respect to one another.

3. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the material for engaging the bottom surface of the adjoined tiles comprises an adhesive.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the material for engaging the bottom surface of the adjoined tiles comprises a slip resistant material.

5. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector extends substantially along the length of the edge without overlapping another connector.

6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector has a major linear dimension that is approximately equal to an integer multiple of the length of the edge.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector includes at least one end having a substantially right isosceles triangular shape.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the end is adapted to substantially fittedly abut at least one another connector along an adjacent perpendicular seam between tiles.

9. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector is elongate in shape.

10. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector is cross-shaped.

1 1. A connector for joining modular flooring tiles to one another on a floor without adhering the tiles to the floor, comprising:

an upper surface for engaging a bottom surface of a pair of adjacent tiles, the upper surface of the connector being operative for preventing movement of the adjacent tiles with respect to one another; and

a lowermost surface for engaging the floor, the lowermost surface being operative for preventing movement of the adjacent tiles with respect to the floor.

12. The connector of claim 1 1, wherein the upper surface comprises an adhesive.

13. The connector of claim 1 1, wherein the upper surface comprises a slip resistant material.

14. The connector of claim 1 1, wherein the lowermost surface comprises a low tack adhesive.

15. The connector of claim 1 1 , wherein the lowermost surface comprises a slip resistant material.

16. The connector of claim 1 1 , wherein

a seam is defined between the pair of adjacent tiles, the seam having a length, and

the connector has a major linear dimension that is approximately equal to an integer multiple of the length of the seam.

17. The connector of claim 16, wherein the connector extends substantially along the entire length of seam.

18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the connector extends substantially along the entire length of seam without overlapping another connector.

19. The connector of claim 16, wherein the connector extends approximately along one-half of the length of seam.

20. The connector of claim 18, wherein the connector positioned adjacent to another connector collectively extend substantially along the entire length of seam.

21. The connector of claim 20, wherein the connector positioned adjacent to another connector collectively extend substantially along the entire length of seam without overlapping another connector.

22. The connector of claim 1 1 , wherein the connector includes an end having a substantially right isosceles triangular shape.

23. The connector of claim 22, wherein the end is adapted to substantially fittedly abut at least one another connector along an adjacent perpendicular seam between tiles.

24. The connector of claim 11, wherein the connector is elongate in shape.

25. The connector of claim 1 1 , wherein the connector is cross-shaped.

26. An assembly comprising a plurality of adjoined modular flooring tiles, the tiles being adjoined by a plurality of connectors, each connector including an uppermost surface operative for preventing movement of the tiles relative to one another, wherein each connector includes at least one end that is shaped to fittedly abut an end of another connector.