GB2433519A

GB2433519A - Temporary flooring

Info

Publication number: GB2433519A
Application number: GB0525933A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Jeffry Hollingworth; Anthony Robert Townsend
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-20
Filing date: 2005-12-20
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Also published as: GB0525933D0

Abstract

A flooring unit (10) for a temporary shelter or location such as a tent or caravan awning is provided. The unit (10) comprises an elongate base member (11) and one or more supporting legs (12) which raise the base member off the ground in use. The unit is arrangable with one or more other such units to form a substantially continuous raised temporary floor covering.

Description

A FLOOR COVERING SYSTEM

The present invention relates generally to a floor covering system and particularly to a temporary floor covering system for a temporary shelter or location.

Temporary shelters, such as tents and caravan awnings, are often erected on wet, muddy ground. It is therefore desirable that the inhabitants of the shelter do not directly contact the underlying ground surface upon which a shelter is assembled.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flooring unit for a temporary shelter or location comprising an elongate base member and one or more supporting leg portions adapted, in use, to support the base in a raised position above a surface, the unit being arrangable with one or more other such units to form a substantially continuous extended temporary floor covering.

The present invention therefore provides a modular unit which can be assembled with other such units to form a raised indoor or outdoor temporary platform. In this way the floor material of the temporary shelter or location constituted by the base members is raised above the ground surface a distance sufficient to negate problems caused by wet ground and rain. The platform thereby comprises a plurality of modular units which can be transported separately and assembled on-site.

The, or at least one of the, leg members may be formed as an integral part of the base member. An integrally moulded structure can be used to reduce complexity and production costs. Alternatively the, or at least one of the, leg members may be formed separately from and be attachable to the base member. The use of separate leg members may provide benefits when packing a plurality of units together for transport and/or storage.

The or each leg member may extend longitudinally and coextensively with the base member. In some embodiments the leg member/s extend generally transverse the length of the base member and run (continuously or discontinuously) along the length of the base.

The unit may comprise releasable engagement means for engaging one or more other such units. For example, releasable interconnection means may be provided along one or both longitudinal edges of a base member for interconnecting with corresponding interconnecting means on adjacent units. By joining adjacent units together a strong and stable platform can be established.

The or one of the leg portions forming part of a unit may comprise or include the releasable engagement means. For example, a leg portion may be formed separately from a base member and used as a connecting part to join it to an adjacent base member.

The engagement means may comprise a male or female coupling element for engaging a respective cooperating female or male element on an adjacent unit. In this way, a stable coupling could be established, for example, by a slide-in or snap-in engagement.

Although the coupling is stable it may also be flexible in the sense that adjacent units may be able to move relative to each other whilst remaining connected. This may be achieved, for example, by forming loose fitting connections which allow movement and/or flexing between units. This would allow units to adapt to uneven ground by virtue, for example, of flexibility along their length and movement between adjacent panels.

The unit may be engageable with one or more support rail members arranged, in use, transverse the length of a unit on a surface. Therefore, one or more support rail members can be used to establish a frame upon which a plurality of units can be assembled to form the floor covering.

The unit may be formed from a plastics material, such as polyvinyl chloride. Other suitable materials such as metals, for example aluminium, may be preferred for certain applications. Production techniques such as extrusion moulding may be particularly well suited to the formation of the units.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention there is provided a floor covering system comprising or including a plurality of units as described herein.

The system may be provided as a kit of parts in which units can be stacked together for transport andlor storage and then separated and assembled when required.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floor covering unit formed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the unit of Figure 1 shown connected to two longitudinally adjacent identical units; Figure 3 is a section of a unit formed according to an alternative embodiment having multiple supporting legs; Figures 4 to 10 are sectional views of floor covering units illustrating alternative interconnection features; Figure 11 is a section of a floor covering unit formed according to an alternative embodiment and including a separate and attachable leg portion; Figure 1 1A is a plan view of a part of a floor covering formed from a plurality of units as shown in Figure 11; Figures 12 to 29 are views of floor covering units and floor coverings formed according to alternative embodiments; Figure 30 is a perspective view of one end of a floor covering unit formed according to an alternative embodiment; Figure 31 is an underplan view of the unit of Figure 30; Figure 32 is a perspective view of a part of a support rail member for use in conjunction with a plurality of floor covering units of the type shown in Figures 30 and 31; Figure 33 is a side view of the support rail member shown in Figure 32; Figures 34A to 34C are plan views illustrating the assembly of a floor covering formed from a plurality of floor covering units as shown in Figures 31 and 32 supported between two support rails as shown in Figures 32 and 33; Figure 35 is a side view of the floor covering of Figure 34C; and Figure 36 is an end view of the floor covering shown in Figure 34C.

Referring first to Figure 1 there is shown a single component flooring unit generally indicated 10. The unit 10 comprises a substantially planar elongate base member 11 and a leg portion 12 integrally formed with the base member 11. The leg portion 12 is coextensive with the base member 11 and extends generally transverse the base member 11 along one side thereof to give the flooring unit a generally L-shape configuration. The unit 10 is of generally uniform cross-section along its length.

The base member is generally rectangular and has a smooth lower surface 13 and an upper surface 14 having a plurality of longitudinal ribs 15 to improve the grip of the upper surface 14.

At the side of the base member 11 opposite the leg portion 12 a projection 16 depends from the lower surface 13. The projection comprises a stem 16a and an enlarged head I 6b. The projection 16 is coextensive with the base member 11 and depends transversely therefrom.

The projection 16 is formed with a shape corresponding to a slot 17 formed in an upper cup-like portion 32 of the leg portion 12. The cup 32 is carried on a stem 18 which terminates with an enlarged foot 19 upon which the leg portion can stand.

Referring now to Figure 2 the flooring unit 10 is shown connected along both its sides to identical units 110, 210. As shown on the right hand side of the Figure, the projection 116 of an adjacent unit 110 is received in the slot 17 of the unit 10.

This is achieved by sliding the projection 116 longitudinally through the slot 17.

Similarly, the projection 16 of the unit 10 is received in the slot 217 of the adjacent unit 210.

It will be seen that by connecting a plurality of units together along their longitudinal edges an extended floor covering can be provided. The base members of adjacent units are raised above a supporting surface by the leg portions.

If the unit 10 was the last unit in a row then the projection 16 could be inserted into a finishing piece comprising just a leg portion 12.

In this embodiment the units are formed from rigid polyvinyl chloride by extrusion moulding. The units are approximately 1 metre in length, 175mm wide and are raised from the ground by approximately 35mm by their leg portions. The L-shape nature of the units allows them to be easily nested or stacked for transport and/or storage and the modular nature of the units means that a user can tailor the size of a floor to their requirements.

Referring now to Figure 2A there is shown a modified version of the unit shown in Figure 1. The unit I OA comprises an additional leg 5A situated inboard of the projection 1 6A and arranged to lie adjacent to and parallel with the leg 21 2A of an adjacent unit 210A when connected. This gives the unit 1OA a generally upturned U-shape. Similarly, the identical unit 11 OA has an additional leg 1 05A which seats onto the outside of the leg 1 2A. The additional legs SA, 1 05A provide support to the respective legs 1 2A, 21 2A and improve their resistant to loading.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a flooring unit 310 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The unit 310 is very similar to the unit 10 shown in Figure 1 except that the base member 311 is relatively wider and includes two further leg portions 31 2a, 31 2b. Unlike the generally goblet-shape leg portion 312, the leg portions 31 2a, 31 2b only comprise a stem 31 8a, 31 8b and a foot 31 9a, 319b. The interconnection of the unit 310 with other such units is as described in relation to Figure 2 and may, of course, include the interconnection of units of the type shown in Figure 3 with units of the type shown in Figure 1 due to the compatibility of their interconnection systems. In this way, a plurality of these lightweight floor units with their rigid interlocking system can be assembled and disassembled as required.

Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown a flooring unit 410 formed according to an alternative embodiment.

The unit 410 comprises a base member 411 having a leg portion 412 running along one longitudinal side thereof and a projection 416 running along the parallel longitudinal side.

The projection 416 is generally G-shape and has a nose 416c and a cranked tail 416d. The tail 416d comprises a first portion 416e which defines a recess 416f together with the nose 41 6c and a second, upturned L-shape portion 41 6g which extends therefrom.

The leg portion 412 is oppositely shaped to the projection 416 and accordingly includes a cup 432 having a free arm 432a and defining a slot 417 for receiving the nose 416c of the projection 416. The foot 419 of the leg portion 412 comprising an upstanding projection 419a.

In use, the projection 416 is slid into the leg portion 412. The nose 416c is received in the slot 417 and the recess 416f of the projection receives the arm 432a.

The second portion 41 6g of the tail 41 6d extends down the stem 418 of the leg portion and is received between the projection 419 and the stem 418. The portion 41 6g serves as a tang to improve the rigidity of the joint.

The unit also further comprises a stabilising central leg portion 412b.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown an alternative interconnection system fonned between two identical floor covering units 510, 610 formed according to the present invention. The unit 510 comprises a base member 511 and a leg 512 extending transversely along one side thereof. The unit 610 comprises a base member 611 and a central leg portion 61 2b. The base member 611 extends beyond the leg portion 612 with an extension section 61 la terminating in a hook projection 616. The projection 616 is received in a slot 517 defined by an L-shape projection 520 extending from the leg 512. The shape of the hook 616 and the projection 520 is such that the hook can be lowered into the projection 520 from above. In this embodiment, the projection 616 is loosely held within the slot 520 although in other embodiments (not shown) the projection may be a snap-fit or tight fit within the slot 520. The projection drops into the slot and extends into it by approximately 20mm. Although the projection is not held firmly in the slot the arrangement is still stable because the projection would have to lift by over 20mm over a large part of its length before it would completely disengage.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown an alternative interconnection system between two floor covering units 710, 810. The unit 710 comprises a leg portion 712 with an upwardly open C-shape cup 732 defining a slot 717. The unit 810 includes a projection 816 comprising a stem 821 which supports a generally rectangular bar 822 which is slidingly received in the slot 717. If the unit 810 was the last unit at one end of a floor covering then it could be supported by a "finishing leg" formed as the leg 712 by itself.

Referring now to Figure 7 there is shown an alternative interconnection system between two floor covering units 910, 1010. The unit 910 comprises a leg portion 912 with a cup 932 defining a generally C-shape slot 917. The base member 1011 of the unit 1010 terminates with a C-shape hook 1016 which is received in the C-shape slot 917 by presenting the unit 1010 to the unit at an angle and then using a rolling movement illustrated by the arrow A to achieve the final position shown in the Figure.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown an interconnecting system between two units 1110, 1210 formed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this interconnecting system a dovetail type joint is employed with the leg portion 1112 of the unit 1110 providing a C-shape cup open laterally and a projection 1216 on the unit 1210 providing a bulb-shape terminal projection 1226.

Referring now to Figure 9, a dovetail interconnection system similar to that shown in Figure 8 is shown. However, whereas the system shown in Figure 8 was a lateral system in which the terminal projection was either pushed or slid into the cup from the side, in Figure 9 a terminal projection 1426 formed on a unit 1410 is pushed into or slid into an upwardly open cup 1332 formed on the unit 1310 from above.

Referring now to Figure 10 there is shown a floor covering unit 1510 formed according to an alternative embodiment.

The unit 1510 comprises a projection 1516 and a leg portion 1512 along opposite longitudinal edges thereof. The projection 1516 has a plurality of teeth 1530 along its length; similarly, the interior slot 1517 of the leg portion 1512 comprises a plurality of corresponding teeth recesses 1531.

In use the unit projection 1516 is dropped into the slot 1517 of an adjacent unit or slid into it longitudinally. The teeth 1530 engage in the recesses 1531. In order to remove the projection from the slot the unit can be rocked away from the adjacent unit as shown by arrow B so that the teeth clear the recesses. Alternatively, and advantageously if the units had become jammed together, then the units could be slid apart sideways.

The projection is a deliberately loose fit in the slot to allow for relative movement between units.

Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown an alternative interconnection system between two bi-component units 1610, 1710. The unit 1610 includes a leg portion 1612 similar to the leg portion 712 shown in Figure 6. However, the slot 1617 formed by the cup portion 1632 is turned through 90 degrees when compared to the cup portion 732 shown in Figure 6 and is therefore open laterally. Similarly, the unit 1617 is provided with a projection 1716 supported by a stalk 1721 which is turned through 90 degrees when compared to the projection 816 shown in Figure 6.

In addition to the alternative interconnection system illustrated by Figure 11, the unit 1610 is provided with a detachable leg portion 1640. The leg portion 1640 comprises a stem 1641 and a foot 1642. The leg 1640 also comprises an enlarged head 1643 which is received in a slot 1644 running along the length of the underside of the base member 1611 and defined by a pair of inwardly inclined projections 1 645a, 1 645b. The leg 1640 can therefore be slid into the slot 1644.

Because the leg 1640 is separate it could be used to join units end-to-end as shown inFigurellA.

In Figure hA the leg 1640 is used not only to support the unit 1610 but also to join the unit 1610 to a further identical unit 1610 which allows for the interconnection of adjacent rows of units to form an extended floor covering.

Referring now to Figure 12 there is shown an alternative interconnection system between two units 1810, 1910. The edges of the units 1810, 1910 are mirror images of each other and each comprise terminal leg supports 1812, 1912 each having L-shape projections 1820, 1920 towards the upper ends thereof. Each projection has a first leg projecting transversely of the length of the leg portion and a second leg extending transversely from the end of the first leg so as to be parallel to the leg portions. A connecting element 1850 is provided and comprises a rail having a generally upturned U-shape configuration. The two legs of the connector 1850 are received by the recess defined by the L-shape projections 1820, 1920 to join the units 1810, 1910 together.

Referring now to Figure 13 there is shown an alternative interconnection system between two units 2010, 2110. Each unit 2010, 2110 is formed from aluminium (although other materials, such as a plastics material, are possible) and has a leg portion 2012, 2112 running along opposing edges. Each of the legs 2012, 2112 comprises a cup portion 2032, 2132 each defining a slot 2017, 2117 the open ends of which are partially covered by transverse legs 2018, 2118. The cup portions 2032, 2132 are joined by a generally C-shape connecting portion 2050 which in this embodiment is formed from a plastics material and has an undulating upper surface matching the upper surfaces of the flanking base members 2011, 2111.

The portion 2050 includes a generally planar top member 2050a and two L-shape legs 2050b, 2050c which depend from either side of the top member.

In use the legs 2050b, 2050c fit into the slots 2017, 2117 and the top member 2050a rests on the legs 2018, 2118.

Referring now to Figure 14 there is shown an alternative interconnecting system between two units 2210, 2310. Each of the units 2210, 2310 has a terminal back-turned projection 2255, 2355. The projections are generally L-shape and are joined together by attaching them both into the slot 2217 of the cup portion 2232 ofasingleleg22l2.

Referring now to Figure 15 there is shown an alternative embodiment. Each of two units 2410, 2510 is provided with a mirror image terminal projection 2416, 2516 of the type shown in Figure 10. Whereas in Figure 10 the projection 1516 was received in a leg portion forming part of an adjacent unit, in this embodiment both projections 2416, 2516 are received in a single and separate leg 2412 which joins them together. The leg 2412 is similar to the leg 1512 shown in Figure 10 in that it comprises slots 2417, 2517 and teeth recesses 2430, 2531. The primary connection between the units is provided by the engagement of the projections in the slots. The teeth provide additional security.

Referring now to Figure 16 there is shown an alternative interconnecting system for joining two units 2610, 2710 together.

Each unit 2610, 2710 has a longitudinal projection 2616, 2716 at its respective opposing side depending from its respective base member 2611, 2711. Each projection has teeth 2630, 2730 at its end free end. The projections can be connected together by a connecting element 2650 which also forms a supporting foot.

The connecting element 2650 comprises two slots 2651, 2652 for receiving respective projections 2616, 2716. Each slot 2651, 2652 has teeth recesses 2631 towards its closed end. Outwardly of each slot is a downwardly inclined arm 2653, 2654 from which depends a support leg 2655, 2656. Inwardly of and joining the slots 2651, 2652 is a cross-piece defining a recess 2657 therebetween.

The recess 2657 is designed as a trap to keep dirt out of the connecting parts of the connecting element 2650. This prevents build up of dirt in the slots which might impede entry/removal of the projections.

In use the projections 2616, 2716 are received in the slots 2651 so that the teeth 2630, 2730 align with the teeth recesses 2631. The projections can be slid into the slots from above or from the side. In this position the teeth are not engaged in the teeth recesses. However, if and when there is a force applied to a base member 2611, 2711 that member is tilted in the direction shown by arrows C because of the gap created by the angled arms 2653, 2654. If this happens then the teeth of that unit are forced into their respective recesses to hold the unit in the connecting member 2650. If the base member is tilted to remove the teeth from the recesses then the projection can be lifted upwardly out of the slots.

If, for example, the unit 2710 was in fact the last piece in a floor covering then its projection 2716 could be inserted into the slot 2651 of a connecting element. The element would then serves simply as a support foot. Because the slots of the element have teeth on both interior side walls then the projection can be retained in the element if pressure is applied to the base member in the same way as described above when it is interconnected.

Referring now to Figure 17 there is shown an alternative interconnecting system.

The system is similar to that shown in Figure 14 in that both sides of two adjacent units 2810, 2910 have projections 2860, 2960 which depend from their base members 2811, 2911 and in this embodiment are generally bulb-shape.

A connecting leg support member 2812 is provided and has a foot 2819, a stem 2818 and a cup portion 2832 which defines two bulb-shape slots 2817a, 2817b for receiving the projections 2860, 2960 and forming dovetail joints.

The leg support member 2812 can also be used as an end support with no interconnecting function as shown in Figure 18.

Referring now to Figure 19 there is shown an alternative interconnecting system joining two units 3010, 3110. The system is similar to that shown in Figure 17 (with two locators 3017a, 3017b in the support member 3012) except that the projections 3055, 3155 are L-shape and the upper surfaces of the base members 3011, 3111 are not smooth but rather are roughened by a suitable abrasion method to improve grip.

Referring now to Figure 20 there is shown an alternative interconnecting system.

The system is very similar to that shown in Figure 13 with each of two units 3210, 3310 comprising leg portions 3212, 3312 with L-shape slots 3217, 3317 which receive the L-shape legs 3250a, 3250b of a connecting portion 3250. In this embodiment the stems 3218, 3318 of the leg portions 3212, 3312 are formed so as to be adjacent each other which provides additional strength.

The top member 3250a of the connecting member 3250 is provided with dust flaps 3250d, 3250e extending transverse its length so as to cover the gap between the depending legs 3250a, 3250b and the walls of the slots 3217, 3317 to protect the slots from the ingress of dirt.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 20. It can be seen that the connecting member 3250 is slidingly received by the units 3210, 3310 to join them together. It can also be seen that the member 3250 could be used to join two further units together to the ends of the units 3210, 3310 if it extends beyond the ends of the units as shown.

Referring now to Figure 22 there is shown an alternative embodiment which is very similar to Figure 16. In this embodiment the projections 3416, 3516 do not have teeth but are held in place in the slots 3451, 3452 on the basis of the insertion depth. Each base members 3411, 3511 is provided with a dust flap 3411a along one edge so that it can overlap onto the adjacent base member.

Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment which is very similar to Figures 16 and 22. The projections 3616, 3716 have a single tooth 3630, 3730 at their lower ends which engage in recesses 3631, 3731 in the slots 3617, 3717.

Referring now to Figure 24 there is shown alternative embodiment which is similar to Figure 7. In this embodiment a C-shape slot 3817 is defined at one side of the unit 3810 by a bulb-like longitudinally extending projection 3826 and a C-shape leg 3812. The other unit 3910 has a C-shape hook 3916 which is received in the slot using a rolling movement.

Referring now to Figure 25 a further embodiment which is similar to Figures 7 and 24 is shown. In this embodiment the edge of the unit 4010 is provided with a leg portion 4012 having a cup portion 4032 defining a laterally open slot 4017. The slot 4017 is further defined by an extension section 401 lb of the base member 4011 which terminates with a transversely extending dust flap 401 la and a downwardly depending tooth 4011c.

The unit 4110 has a terminal hook 4116. In use the hook 4116 is offered to the slot 4017 with a straight angular approach followed by a near radial finish. The hook 4116 is shown engaged in the slot 4017 by the unit 4110 illustrated in broken lines.

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate two alternative embodiments in which a projection is placed into a slot and wedged in position.

Referring first to Figure 26 a pair of units 4210, 4310 is provided and is similar to the units shown in Figure 25. However, in this embodiment the unit 4310 has a projection 4316 with two upturned lugs 4316a, 4316b (as opposed to the single lug of the projection 4116). Furthermore, the cup 4232 defines a laterally open slot 4217 into which the project 4316 can be moved without the need for a rolling action. The extension section 4211b is provided with two depending teeth 4211c 4211 e which co-operate with the lugs 431 6a, 431 6b as shown in the drawing.

Although the lugs 431 6a, 431 6b engage the teeth 4211 c, 4211 e the projection 4316 is not firmly retained and could be pushed down. In order to hold the projection in place a wedge member 4290 is provided and can be slid into the gap between the projection 4316 and the bottom of the cup 4232. This traps the projection into the slot 4217.

In Figure 27 a pair of units 4410, 4510 operating on a similar principle to Figure 26 is shown. Whereas in Figure 26 the jamming is vertical, in this embodiment the jamming is horizontal. More specifically the unit 4510 is provided with a downwardly depending hook 4516 with serrations 4530. The unit 4410 is provided with an upwardly open cup portion 4432 having an upstanding wall 4432a with serrations 4431. In use the hook 4516 is introduced into the cup 4432 between the wall 4432a and its opposite wall 4432b so that the serrations 4530, 4431 engage. The gap between the hook 4516 and the wall 4432b is filled by a wedge member 4490.

The wedge member 4490 comprises a T-shape top portion 4491 from which extends a bulb-shape bottom portion 4492. The wall 4432b and the opposing side wall of the hook 4516 are provided with semi-circular grooves 4432c, 451 6a which receive the bulb 4492. In use the hook 4516 is introduced into the cup 4432 and then the wedge member 4490 is slid into the gap between the hook 4516 and the wall 4432c so that the projection 4516 is held against the wall 4432a.

Referring now to Figure 28 there is shown an alternative embodiment which is very similar to Figure 14. In this embodiment the base member 4711 of the unit 4710 is provided with a longitudinal dust flat 471 lawhich overlaps onto the base member 4611 of the unit 4610. The flap 4711 a prevents dirt from entering the cup 4632 slot.

Referring now to Figure 29 there is shown an outdoor surface 4875 with a floor covering surface 4880 assembled thereon. The surface 4880 is formed from a plurality of units 4810 which could be of any configuration as described herein.

The units 4810 are connected together in such a way that the floor covering is articulate and can adapt to the uneven surface 4875. In other words, the units 4810 are not rigidly connected together.

In Figures 30 to 36 there is shown a floor covering system formed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Referring first to Figures 30 and 31 there is shown a floor unit generally indicated 4960. The unit comprises a generally rectangular base member 4961 and a generally rectangular leg portion 4965 depending transversely from the base member 4961. The leg 4965 comprises two arch-shape notches 4966, 4967 at either end thereof.

Referring now to Figures 32 and 33 there is shown a support rail member generally indicated 4970. The member 4970 comprises a generally rectangular base 4971 and a generally rectangular side wall 4972 extending transversely along one side of the base 4971 to give a generally L-shape configuration.

The free side of the side wall 4972 has ten mutually spaced arch-shape notches 4973 along its length. The number of notches and their spacing is, of course, variable to suit different flooring systems.

Referring now to Figures 34 to 36 an extended outdoor floor covering 4980 for a tent is shown. The covering 4980 is formed from ten floor units 4960 as shown in Figures 20 and 21 and two rail members 4970 as shown in Figures 32 and 33.

In order to assemble the covering the two rail members 4970 are placed on a surface to form a frame (Figure 34A).

Next, a floor unit 4960 is connected between the rail members 4970 by laying it orthogonally to the rails and lowering it so that the notches 4966, 4967 engage corresponding notches 4972 on each of the two rails (Figure 34B). In this way all ten of the units 4960 are successively attached between the rails to form the covering (Figure 34C to Figure 36).

One or more further support rails (not shown) may also be used, in which case the legs of the units are provided with additional notches as appropriate.

The units 4960 may further be provided with interconnections means (not shown).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A flooring unit for a temporary shelter or location, comprising an elongate base member and one or more supporting leg portions adapted, in use, to support the base in a raised position above a surface, the unit being arrangable with one or more other such units to form a substantially continuous extended temporary floor covering.

2. A unit as claimed in Claim 1, in which the or at least one of the leg members is formed as an integral part of the base member.

3. A unit as claimed in Claim 1, in which the or at least one of the leg members is formed separately from and is attachable to the base member.

4. A unit as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the or each leg member extends longitudinally and coextensively with the base member.

5. A unit as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the unit comprises releasable engagement means for engaging another such unit.

6. A unit as claimed in Claim 5, in which the or one of the leg portions comprise or include the releasable engagement means.

7. A unit as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, in which the engagement means comprise a male or female coupling element for engaging a respective cooperating female or male element on an adjacent unit.

8. A unit as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the unit is engageable with one or more support rail members arranged, in use, transverse the length of the unit on a surface.

9. A unit as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the unit is formed from a plastics material.

10. A unit as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the unit is formed from polyvinyl chloride.

11. A floor covering system comprising or including a plurality of units as claimed in any preceding Claim.