US20160097167A1

US20160097167A1 - Devices and methods for using a flexible connector element in the construction of a floor

Info

Publication number: US20160097167A1
Application number: US14/889,145
Authority: US
Inventors: Ron Zohar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-08
Filing date: 2014-04-10
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: EP2994584A4; WO2014181322A1; EP2994584A1

Abstract

The invention discloses methods and devices for sand-free floor construction. A rubber or otherwise flexible element is placed between anchoring blocks and final floor tiles so as to allow for easy manipulation and leveling of the floor blocks above the flexible element. Male and female joining elements may be employed to guarantee solid integration of floor tiles prior to grouting and floor completion. In some embodiments, sidewalks may be constructed over a plurality of blocks with finger-like projections adapted to hold sidewalk blocks in place without recourse to sand or mortar.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and devices for allowing facile connection between a plurality of floor tiles and an underlying block network. The instant invention, in some embodiments, describes systems and methods for allowing use of a flexible transducing layer between the floor tiles and the blocks to simplify floor installation and leveling.
One of the requirements for constructing a floor is that it must be level. In many building projects, floors are made by a fairly standard formula. A relatively crude cement floor is prepared. Sand or other malleable material is poured in great quantity over the cement and the sand or like is physically moved and jostled so as to allow for final floor tiles to be placed level over the sand. The process consumes so much sand that some countries have run out of sand and have to import the same. The process is also very labor and expertise intensive, thus making flooring an expensive component of a building project.
While the requirement for flat leveled floors is universal, the ways to achieve the same differ from location to location as well as according to the type of floor desired. Base floors may be made straight and/or alternative materials may be used to ensure that final exposed floor tiles end up flat and even prior to grouting.
European Patent Application No. EP 2020472 A2 to Leng teaches a new kind of self-locking system floor is act to be fixed by locking buckle and is composed of a floor having a locking structure and at least a locking buckle. The floor and the locking buckle can be hooked together perfectly, and two pieces of boards of the floor are in a horizontal level after they are fixed together with the locking buckle. This new kind of self-locking system floor is easy to install and remove, even a layman can make DIY.
European Patent No. EP 0692051 B1 to Jugas describes an invention relating to a floor structure (1) with prefabricated floor units (2, 3) of reinforced concrete, and a process for manufacture of such floor units. Each floor unit (2, 3) is comprised of a base plate (4) and T-beams (6) arranged on the base plate essentially parallel to each other. The beams are securely anchored to the base plate (4) by means extending from each beam and disposed on a reinforcing ladder (14) cast in the web of the beam (6), whereby open channels (12, 13), into which electrical and telecommunication wiring and plumbing can be mounted, are formed between two adjacent beams (6). The floor structure (1), after drying out of the units (2, 3) at the factory, can be mounted in the building frame at any selected time prior to joint casting, casting together or under-casting of the walls.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,036 to Bessert teaches multi-tiered flooring arrangement, with each level of floor acting as a self-contained conduit. The system comprises a series of vertical support members and horizontal connectors arranged in generally rectangular shape onto which are placed removable flooring surfaces which act as separators for defining a plurality of separated plenum spaces for containing selected conductors and conduits.
European Patent Application No. EP1921208 A1 to Alcantara Alcover et al. teaches an ergonomic flooring which is intended for use as a floor covering and which comprises a stiff, wear-resistant layer (1) and at least one absorbing layer (2). The resistant layer is made from materials having high resistance to wear and stiffness values in order to confer mechanical and durability properties on the flooring and the absorbing layer (2) is made from deformable materials in order for the impacts associated with the movement of users to be absorbed, such that the layers can be joined to one another in the most suitable manner to meet the requirements of each flooring application, including by means of stacking
US Patent Application No. 20120291387 to Keane describes a flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a purpose of the present invention, in some embodiments, to provide methods and devices for preparing a floor through the agency of a plurality of anchoring blocks, floor tiles, and flexible transducing materials.
The invention includes a modular flooring system for facile floor construction, including: a plurality of blocks, the blocks forming a first floor layer, wherein the blocks are adapted to include a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards; a plurality of floor tiles, the tiles forming a second, outwardly exposed floor layer; and, mechanically flexible transducer elements, wherein a single transducer element is associated with a bottom portion of each of the floor tiles and includes a plurality of second joining elements complementary in number and shape to the first joining elements to allow for a solid connection between the blocks and the tiles.
In one aspect of the system, the blocks are made of cement and the first joining elements include six to eight contact positions.
In another aspect of the system, the tiles are selected from the following: granite, stone, glass, marble, wood, polymers, composite materials and Formica.
In another aspect of the system, the mechanically flexible transducer elements include six to eight receiving positions of appropriate size and location so as to receive the six to eight contact positions.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements are made of one of the following: plastic, rubber, polymers, composite materials, and metal.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements are glued to the bottom portion of the each of the floor tiles.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements have generally similar length and width as the floor tiles.
In another aspect of the system, there is additionally grout adapted to be placed between adjacent floor tiles.
In another aspect of the system, the flooring is constructed in a building.
In another aspect of the system, the flooring is realized as a plurality of floorings located on a plurality of floors of the building.
The invention also provides for a method for producing a floor, including the following: providing a surface on which a floor is to be constructed; embedding a plurality of blocks in the surface, wherein the blocks are adapted to include a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards; providing a plurality of floor tiles, each of the tiles adapted to include a mechanically flexible transducer layer bonded to a bottom side, wherein the transducer layer includes a plurality of second joining elements generally complementary to the first joining elements in number, size, and position; attaching the second joining elements to the first joining elements so as to form a complete floor with the floor tiles covering the surface; leveling the floor tiles by modifying contacts between the first joining elements and the second joining elements; and applying grout between the floor tiles.
In one aspect of the method, the surface is made of concrete.
In another aspect of the method, the step of embedding includes anchoring the blocks to the concrete.
In another aspect of the method, there is an additional step of bonding a mechanically flexible transducer element to a floor tile.
In another aspect of the method, the step of leveling involves tapping the floor tiles with a rubber-coated mallet until a leveling device shows that the floor tiles are evenly flat.
The invention also includes a modular flooring system for facile floor construction, including: a plurality of blocks, the blocks forming a first floor layer; mechanically flexible transducer elements associated with top portions of each of the blocks and including a plurality of first joining elements; and, a plurality of floor tiles, the tiles forming a second, outwardly exposed floor layer, wherein a bottom portion of each tile is adapted to include second joining elements complementary in number and shape to the first joining elements to allow for a solid connection between a transducer element and the bottom portion of the tile.
In one aspect of the system, the mechanically flexible transducer elements include six to eight receiving positions of appropriate size and location so as to receive the six to eight contact positions from the floor tile.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements are made of one of the following: plastic, rubber, polymers, composite materials, and metal.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements are glued to the top portions of the blocks.
In another aspect of the system, the transducer elements have generally similar length and width as the blocks.
The invention includes a sidewalk including: a level area on which a sidewalk is to be constructed; a block adapted to be placed on the area, wherein the block includes a plurality of first male joining elements pointing away from the area; and, a plurality of sidewalk tiles, said tiles adapted to include female second joining elements generally realized as holes on a side adapted to be joined to the first male joining elements.
In one aspect of the sidewalk, the sidewalk tiles are realized as a plurality of unique sidewalk tiles.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein may have the same general meanings as commonly understood by a practitioner of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. A “transducer element” “flexible transducer element”, and “rubber transducer element” may generally refer to a flexible component with female joining features adapted to accept male joining features of complementary shape, size, and number. “Joining features” may generally refer to elements, components, and/or parts that are adapted to interact with other, complementary joining elements to allow for a permanent or transient linking or joining of two or more elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced. It is noted that similar elements in various drawings will have the same number, advanced by the appropriate multiple of 100.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a floor according to the instant invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a portion of a construction site adapted to receive a new floor;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a plurality of anchoring blocks arranged to receive flooring according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGS. 4A-4B shows a schematic view of a floor tile according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of an installed flooring system according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of installation of a floor tile according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of the completed installation of floor tiles according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of the completed floor without grout;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic top view of the completed floor with grout;

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method associated with the instant invention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a floor according to the instant invention;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a portion of a construction site adapted to receive a new floor;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a plurality of anchoring blocks arranged to receive flooring according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGS. 14A-14B shows a schematic view of a floor tile according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic side view of an installed flooring system according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of installation of a floor tile according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic side view of the completed installation of floor tiles according to an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic top view of the completed floor without grout;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic top view of the completed floor with grout;

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart for a method associated with an embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGS. 21A & 21B show schematic views of a rubber connector portion as per an Example of the invention;

FIGS. 22A & 22B show schematic views of a component used in holding tiles associated with a sidewalks;

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, 25A & 25B show schematic views of tiles used in preparing a sidewalk according to an embodiment of the instant invention; and,

FIGS. 26A, 26B & 26C show schematic views of sidewalk construction according to an embodiment of the instant invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to systems and devices for facile laying of a floor without recourse to sand or the like for creating a level surface. Without being bound by any particular theory, the following discussion is offered to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention, in some embodiments, provides for laying down flooring through the use of a flexible element that allows for easy leveling of floor tiles relative to blocks placed underneath the tiles and flexible element.
The instant invention, in some embodiments, allows for facile floor creation by non-experts. In some embodiments, blocks are placed below the floor level, said blocks having a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards. Floor tiles adapted with a rubber or similar material on their bottom sides, the material having complementary second joining elements, are placed over the blocks. Through the use of a rubber-covered mallet as well as a simple level, one may tap the files into place. Only grout is needed to complete floor creation—there is no need for large amounts of sand or similar materials to allow for a level floor creation.
For purposes of better understanding, some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

First Embodiment

Attention is turned to FIG. 1 which shows a top view of a floor 100 which includes nine floor tiles 105 separated by flooring grout 110. The floor 100 as shown is complete. Attention is turned to FIG. 2, which shows a schematic view of a side view of the space where the floor shown in FIG. 1 was constructed. A hole 215 below the floor 200 level is created. The length and width of the hole 215 generally reflect the length and width of the final floor to be created. The depth of the hole 215 generally is equal to components used for the vertical creation of the final flooring arrangement. Attention is turned to FIG. 3 which shows a schematic view of the next step of construction of final flooring. The hole from FIG. 2 has been substantially filled with a plurality of floor anchoring blocks 320. The blocks 320 may optionally be anchored to the base 325 of the hole; oftentimes, concrete or the like forms the base 325 to allow for solid anchoring of the blocks 320. The blocks 320 may be placed into wet concrete of the base 325 or may be fastened after the base 325 has been fully formed. The blocks 320 include a plurality of first joining elements 330 realized as male elements facing upwards towards the floor 300 level. Though only two joining elements 330 are apparent for each block from this view, in general, each block will have 6-8 unique male first joining elements 330. The joining elements generally reach slightly below the height of the floor 330 level. In some embodiments, a block 320 may not require joining elements 330.
Attention is turned to FIG. 4A which shows a schematic size view of a floor tile 405 according to the instant embodiment of the invention. The floor tile 405 includes an upper solid layer 435 generally made of granite, marble, stone, wood, or other final flooring material. On its underside, the floor tile 405, there is flexible transducer layer 440 generally made of rubber, flexible plastic, polymers or the like. The flexible transducer layer 440 is generally permanently bonded to the solid layer 435 by glue or other means. FIG. 4B shows a bottom side 445 of a floor tile 405. The bottom side 445 includes the flexible transducer layer 440 and female second joining elements 450 that are adapted to receive the joining elements associated with the blocks previously shown. The second joining elements may be of any size, shape and number, and in some embodiments no joining elements may be used. The flexible transducer layer 440 is generally produced from rubber or flexible plastics to allow for a good fit between layer 440 and the support block; at the same time, the flexible aspect of the layer 440 allows for adjusting the position of the floor tile 405 relative to the underlying support blocks with a good deal of facility.
Attention is turned to FIG. 5 which shows blocks 520 covered with floor tiles 505, wherein from this side view one can see the flexible transducer layer 540 sitting between the blocks 520 and the upper solid layer that represents the exposed portion of the actual floor tiles 505. While the figure shows the flexible transducer layer 540 sitting evenly over the blocks 520, in point of fact, the flexible transducer layer 540 may sit flat or at some angle to allow the final arrangement of the upper solid layers to be level and flat as shown. Note that the floor tiles 505 sit even with the floor 500 level.
Attention is turned to FIG. 6 which shows a schematic view of an aspect of the instant embodiment. The floor tile 605 on the right has been successfully positioned with its flexible transducer layer 640 over a block 620 that forms the floor support. The floor tile 605 on the left is not flat as seen from the position of an air bubble 660 associated with a level 665. Male joining elements 630 are still visible as they have not fully interacted with the flexible transducing layer 640, as shown. A mallet 670 is provided to gently tap 680 the left floor tile 605 to allow for tight fitting of the joining elements 630 and the flexible transducing layer 640. Attention is turned to FIG. 7, where the process outlined in FIG. 6 has been completed. Both floor tiles 705 now sit flat and level as deduced from the centered air bubble 760 in the level 765. The final structure of block 720, flexible transducer element 740 and floor tile 705 is visible. In some embodiments, the flexible transducer element 740 may be a free component not necessarily glued to or otherwise associated with either a block or a bottom portion of a floor tile.
FIG. 8 shows a top view of floor tiles 805 after they have been put in place and leveled; FIG. 9 shows the same view after grout 910 has been added between adjacent floor tiles 905 to complete production of the floor 900.

Second Embodiment

Attention is turned to FIG. 10 which shows a method according to the instant invention. The invention provides a method for producing a floor, including the following: providing a surface on which a floor is to be constructed; embedding a plurality of blocks in the surface, wherein the blocks are adapted to include a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards; providing a plurality of floor tiles, each of the tiles adapted to include a mechanically flexible transducer layer bonded to a bottom side, wherein the transducer layer includes a plurality of second joining elements generally complementary to the first joining elements in number, size, and position; attaching the second joining elements to the first joining elements so as to form a complete floor with the floor tiles covering the surface; leveling the floor tiles by modifying contacts between the first joining elements and the second joining elements; and applying grout between the floor tiles. It is understood that the combination of joining elements and flexible transducer layer allows for perfect and snug fitting of floor tiles so that they sit flat and closely spaced relative to neighboring floor tiles. The system allows for flexibility of floor installation without the cost or hassle of sand, and the general nature of the leveling system means that it can be applied to any relevant flooring material including but not limited to granite, stone, marble, wood, plastic, Formica, or other material.

Third Embodiment

Attention is turned to FIG. 11 which shows a top view of a floor 1100 which includes nine floor tiles 1105 separated by flooring grout 1110. The floor 1100 as shown is complete. Attention is turned to FIG. 12, which shows a schematic view of a side view of the space where the floor shown in FIG. 11 was constructed. A hole 1215 below the floor 1200 level is created. The length and width of the hole 1215 generally reflect the length and width of the final floor to be created. The depth of the hole 1215 generally is equal to components used for the vertical creation of the final flooring arrangement. Attention is turned to FIG. 13 which shows a schematic view of the next step of construction of final flooring. The hole from FIG. 12 has been substantially filled with a plurality of floor anchoring blocks 1320. The blocks 1320 may optionally be anchored to the base 1325 of the hole; oftentimes, concrete or the like forms the base 1325 to allow for solid anchoring of the blocks 1320. The blocks 1320 may be placed into wet concrete of the base 1325 or may be fastened after the base 1325 has been fully formed. The blocks 1320 include a plurality of rubber transducer elements 1340 adapted to accept portions associated with floor tiles. The rubber transducer elements 1340 may be permanently or transiently associated with the blocks 1320 anchored to the base 1325 of the hole.
Attention is turned to FIG. 14A which shows a schematic size view of a floor tile 1405 according to the instant embodiment of the invention. The floor tile 1405 includes an upper solid layer 1435 generally made of granite, marble, stone, wood, or other final flooring material. On its underside, the floor tile 1405, there are joining elements 1430 adapted to fit into complementary joining elements associated with the rubber transducer element shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14B shows a bottom side 1445 of a floor tile 1405. The bottom side 1445 includes male joining elements 1430 adapted in number, size, and position to interact with complementary joining elements associated with a rubber transducer element resting on a base block. The second joining elements may be of any size, shape and number, and in some embodiments no joining elements may be used
Attention is turned to FIG. 15 which shows blocks 1520 covered with floor tiles 1505, wherein from this side view one can see the rubber transducer layer 1540 sitting between the blocks 1520 and the upper solid layer that represents the exposed portion of the actual floor tiles 1505. While the figure shows the rubber transducer layer 1540 sitting evenly over the blocks 1520, in point of fact, the rubber transducer layer 1540 may sit flat or at some angle to allow the final arrangement of the upper solid layers to be level and flat as shown. Note that the floor tiles 1505 sit even with the floor 1500 level.
Attention is turned to FIG. 16 which shows a schematic view of an aspect of the instant embodiment. The floor tile 1605 on the right has been successfully positioned with first joining element over a block 1620 with rubber transducer element 1640 that forms the floor support. The floor tile 1605 on the left is not flat as seen from the position of an air bubble 1660 associated with a level 1665. Male joining elements 1630 associated with the tile 1605 are still visible as they have not fully interacted with the rubber transducing layer 1640, as shown. A mallet 1670 is provided to gently tap 1680 the left floor tile 1605 to allow for tight fitting of the joining elements 1630 and the rubber transducing layer 1640. Attention is turned to FIG. 17, where the process outlined in FIG. 16 has been completed. Both floor tiles 1705 now sit flat and level as deduced from the centered air bubble 1760 in the level 1765. The final structure of block 1720, flexible transducer element 1740 and floor tile 1705 is visible. In some embodiments, the rubber transducer element 1740 may be a free component not necessarily glued to or otherwise associated with either a block or a bottom portion of a floor tile.
FIG. 18 shows a top view of floor tiles 1805 after they have been put in place and leveled; FIG. 19 shows the same view after grout 1910 has been added between adjacent floor tiles 1905 to complete production of the floor 1900.

Fourth Embodiment

Attention is turned to FIG. 20 which shows a method according to the instant invention. The invention provides a method for producing a floor, including the following: providing a surface on which a floor is to be constructed; providing a plurality of floor tiles, the floor tiles adapted to include on a bottom side a plurality of first joining elements; embedding a plurality of blocks in the surface; placing a mechanically flexible transducer layer over the blocks, wherein the transducer layer includes a plurality of second joining elements generally complementary to the first joining elements in number, size, and position of floor tiles; placing the floor tiles over the flexible transducing layer; attaching the second joining elements to the first joining elements so as to form a complete floor with the floor tiles covering the surface; leveling the floor tiles by modifying contacts between the first joining elements and the second joining elements; and applying grout between the floor tiles. It is understood that the combination of joining elements and flexible transducer layer allows for perfect and snug fitting of floor tiles so that they sit flat and closely spaced relative to neighboring floor tiles. The system allows for flexibility of floor installation without the cost or hassle of sand, and the general nature of the leveling system means that it can be applied to any relevant flooring material including but not limited to granite, stone, marble, wood, plastic, Formica, or other material.

Example 1

A plurality of granite floor tiles provided by a local retailer are obtained, the floor tiles being 0.5 meter×0.5 meter. To a back side—the side not facing upwards—of each tile is glued a rubber connector layer. See element 2140 shown in several views in FIG. 21A. The rubber connector layer 2140 is of approximately the same dimensions as is a single tile and the layer 2140 is glued permanently to the bottom side of the floor tile. During a building project, a room where a floor is to be built, a 50 centimeter hole is dug and coated with poured concrete. While the concrete is wet, blocks having dimensions of 46 cm×22 cm×20 cm are placed in the concrete over the entire area of the hole. When the concrete is dry, floor tiles with the rubber connector layer are laid over the blocks, which have male joining elements adapted to fit snugly in female joining elements 2142 in FIG. 22B in the rubber connector layer 2140. The floor tiles sit loosely over the blocks and are lightly tapped flat with the aid of a rubber-coated mallet in conjunction with a level. Once all of the granite floor tiles are in place, grout is placed between adjacent tiles to finish the floor in the building. No other glue or similar material is generally added beyond grout so as to allow for facile removal and/or replacement of floor tiles as needed. Additionally, it will be obvious to a practitioner that one need not use a block; rather an element with first joining elements placed in the concrete would be enough to simulate the behavior and function of the block as herewith described. The rubber connector layer 2140 could also be adapted to receive joining elements both from above from a floor tile and from below from a block or similar anchoring element.

Fifth Embodiment

Attention is turned to FIG. 22A which shows a schematic view of a component of a sidewalk according to an embodiment of the instant invention. The instant invention may be used for applications such as sidewalks, boardwalks, and the like. After a leveling or appropriate digging/straightening activity is performed on a site where a sidewalk is to be built, a block 2220 with a plurality of joining elements 2230 is placed over the straightened area. The block 2220 may be made of any material including but not limited to concrete, cement, mental, wood, plastic, rubber, and ceramics. The block 2220 is generally made of cement and has dimensions of 5 meter by 5 meter, though any size or shape may be employed. The block 2220 includes a plurality of male joining elements 2230 realized as pins that are generally equally spaced between them and of equal height. The height of the joining element 2230 is generally a few centimeters, though it may range from millimeters to meters. FIG. 22B shows a top view of the block in which the pins 2230 are clearly shown running the length and width of the block (not visible from this view).
Attention is turned to FIG. 23A which shows a sidewalk tile 2305 for use in the instant embodiment. The shape of the tile 2305 is adapted for use at the end of a sidewalk where the sidewalk stands above a road. FIG. 23B shows the bottom of said sidewalk tile 2305, revealing holes or second joining element 2350 adapted to accept the pins (FIG. 22B) previously described. The pins fit snugly into second joining element (FIG. 23B 2350), though one may add glue, fillers or other materials to hold the sidewalk tiles in place. FIG. 24A shows a sidewalk tile 2405 adapted to be placed at the end furthest from the road; this tile 2405 is adapted to be placed next to a garden, store, or other feature where a sidewalk ends. FIG. 24B shows the same tile 2405 and its second joining elements 2450 adapted to join the pins 2230 (FIG. 22B) previously described. FIG. 25A shows a decorative sidewalk tile 2505 with a decorative pattern 2590; the tile 2505 is adapted to make up the bulk of a sidewalk, namely tiles 2505 with decorative design 2590 are placed between the tiles (FIG. 23A, 2305 & FIG. 24A, 2405) that form the side-to-side ends of a sidewalk, where the sidewalk meets a street and say a garden to storefront. It is understood that the decorative sidewalk tile (FIG. 25A, 2505) may be with any or no decoration. FIG. 25B shows the reverse side of the decorative sidewalk tile 2505 to reveal second joining elements 2550 adapted to receive pins (FIG. 22B, 2230) previously described.

Example 2

Attention is turned to FIG. 26A which shows an area 2693 cleared with a tractor and straightened with a handheld steamroller in anticipation of receiving a sidewalk. The area 2693 is situated between a road 2694 and storefronts 2695. Attention is turned to FIG. 26B which shows a block 2620 five meters by five meters with pins 2630 5 centimeters high. The pins 2630 and the block 2620 are made of concrete. The block 2620 is placed flat on the area 2693 without any additional treatment. The block 2620 is one of a plurality of blocks 2620 placed from the road 2694 to storefronts 2695 that define the sides of the sidewalk to be built. FIG. 26C shows the final sidewalk 2696 that includes road 2694 end sidewalk tiles 2697, decorative middle sidewalk tiles 2698 and storefront 2695 end sidewalk tiles 2697. The tiles are generally made of ceramic materials and includes holes (not visible) on their bottom sides adapted to accept the pins of FIG. 26B. Glue may optionally be used to hold tiles 2697, 2698, 2699 in place; sand and other fillers are generally not required. A complete sidewalk 2696 may be assembled quickly without requirement for straightening the applied sidewalk tiles.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
It is understood that the instant invention may be fully or partially integrated into a building or structure. The various elements may be fixed in place so as to allow for floor production. The flexible transducer layer allows for easy floor tile placement and management, with leveling of floor tiles being quick and without sand.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention could be employed for a wide variety of applications including but not limited to floors, roofs, street, sidewalks, vehicle flooring and the like.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A modular flooring system for facile floor construction, including:

a plurality of blocks, said blocks forming a first floor layer, wherein said blocks are adapted to include a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards;

a plurality of floor tiles, said tiles forming a second, outwardly exposed floor layer; and,

mechanically flexible transducer elements, wherein a single transducer element is associated with a bottom portion of each of said floor tiles and includes a plurality of second joining elements complementary in number and shape to said first joining elements to allow for a solid connection between said blocks and said tiles.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said blocks are made of cement and said first joining elements include six to eight contact positions.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said tiles are selected from the following:

granite, stone, glass, marble, wood, polymers, composite materials and Formica.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein said mechanically flexible transducer elements include six to eight receiving positions of appropriate size and location so as to receive said six to eight contact positions.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transducer elements are made of one of the following: plastic, rubber, polymers, composite materials, and metal.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transducer elements are glued to said bottom portion of said each of said floor tiles.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said flooring is constructed in a building.

8. The system according to claim 9, wherein said flooring is realized as a plurality of floorings located on a plurality of floors of said building.

9. A method for producing a floor, including the following:

providing a surface on which a floor is to be constructed;

embedding a plurality of blocks in said surface, wherein said blocks are adapted to include a plurality of first joining elements facing upwards;

providing a plurality of floor tiles, each of said tiles adapted to include a mechanically flexible transducer layer bonded to a bottom side, wherein said transducer layer includes a plurality of second joining elements generally complementary to said first joining elements in number, size, and position;

attaching said second joining elements to said first joining elements so as to form a complete floor with said floor tiles covering said surface;

leveling said floor tiles by modifying contacts between said first joining elements and said second joining elements; and

applying grout between said floor tiles.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said surface is made of concrete.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said step of embedding includes anchoring said blocks to said concrete.

12. The method according to claim 9, further including a step of bonding a mechanically flexible transducer element to a floor tile.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein said step of leveling involves tapping said floor tiles with a rubber-coated mallet until a leveling device shows that said floor tiles are evenly flat.

14. A sidewalk including:

a level area on which a sidewalk is to be constructed;

a block adapted to be placed on said area, wherein said block includes a plurality of first male joining elements pointing away from said area; and,

a plurality of sidewalk tiles, said tiles adapted to include female second joining elements generally realized as holes on a side adapted to be joined to said first male joining elements.

15. The sidewalk according to claim 14, wherein said sidewalk tiles are realized as a plurality of unique sidewalk tiles.