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Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tileIntegrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070163195, Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/753,610 filed Dec. 22, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to floor tile systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an edge ramp piece for use with a floor tile, and particularly a modular floor tile, wherein the edge ramp piece includes an edge ramp and an integral corner ramp portion. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART [0003] In recent years, the use of modular flooring assemblies made of synthetic materials has grown in popularity. Modular flooring systems generally comprise a series of interlocking tiles that can be permanently installed over a subfloor, such as concrete or wood, or temporarily laid down upon another surface from time to time when needed. These types of synthetic floors are advantageous for several reasons. First, they are typically formed of materials that are generally inexpensive and lightweight. Additionally, if one tile becomes damaged, it can be removed and replaced quickly and easily. In addition, if the flooring needs to be temporarily removed, the individual tiles making up the floor can easily be detached and stored for subsequent use. Furthermore, these types of flooring assemblies are comprised of durable synthetic materials, such as polymers or other forms of plastics. These materials are long-lasting, even in outdoor installations. [0004] Also, unlike some other long-lasting alternatives, such as asphalt and concrete, interlocking tiles of synthetic material can be better at absorbing impact, thus offering less risk of injury if a person falls on the plastic material, as opposed to concrete or asphalt. Moreover, the connections for modular flooring assemblies can be specially engineered to absorb lateral force. It is believed that this can reduce certain types of injuries from athletic activities. Additionally, these flooring assemblies generally require little maintenance as compared to other flooring, such as wood. [0005] These floors and floor systems or assemblies can be used both indoors and outdoors. They can be used for athletic surfaces, convention halls, multi-purpose facilities, and the like. They are suitable for portable temporary floor surfaces for dance floors, display booths, such as at conventions, and other installations where a temporary floor surface having certain qualities different from the existing subfloor is desired. This can allow the creation of a different atmosphere and "feel" to a space, which can be beneficial in certain circumstances. [0006] When a section of modular flooring is placed upon an existing subfloor, some sort of transition is often needed. Specifically, the modular floor system sits atop the subfloor and thus raises the floor level by some small amount--e.g. 3/8'' or 1/2'', creating an abrupt edge. In order to prevent or reduce the formation of a tripping hazard that an abrupt change in floor height could present, it is desirable to provide some sort of gradual transition to the height of the modular floor system. One method of doing this is to provide some sort of ramp at the edge of the modular floor system. This can be done by making special floor tile pieces with a ramp edge integrally formed therein. These types of tiles having built-in edge ramps around their perimeter edges are commonly known in the art. Alternatively, separate ramp edge pieces that interlock with the edges of standard floor tiles have also been developed. By providing a ramp edge, the transition from the subfloor to the modular floor is made easier for persons, wheeled devices, and other things that need to move up onto the modular floor surface. [0007] Unfortunately, modular floor systems with a ramp edge often present outside corners. At such locations, typical ramp edge pieces will leave a gap with no ramp being present. This is unsightly, and can present a hazard. Some modular floor systems have addressed this problem by providing a separate corner ramp piece that interconnects to two adjacent edge ramp pieces creating the gap. Unfortunately, this approach has some drawbacks. First, the small corner pieces cannot connect to the large floor tile (because they only contact the floor tile at a point), and tend not to securely connect to their adjacent edge ramp pieces. Consequently, such corner pieces are easily dislodged and tend to become lost, broken, etc. Additionally, the separate small corner pieces can be difficult to keep track of because of their small size. They can end up being somewhat of a nuisance. As such, the prior art has not adequately addressed these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a floor tile having an integrated edge ramp, wherein the edge ramp comprises an integral corner ramp portion. Alternatively, the present invention provides a separate edge ramp piece that removably couples to the floor tile and has an integral corner ramp portion formed therein. [0009] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a corner edge ramp piece for a modular floor tile system that is stronger and more securely connectable to the other components of the floor tile system. [0010] It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a corner ramp piece that does not present the problem of small, loose parts of which a user must keep track. [0011] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment thereof, the present invention advantageously features an integrated edge and corner ramp piece for a floor tile. The edge and corner ramp piece includes an elongate edge ramp section, having a high side wall, a low side, and a substantially planar edge ramp surface extending therebetween. Integrally extending from an end of the edge ramp section is a corner ramp section, having an apex disposed adjacent the high side wall, a low side, and a corner ramp surface extending therebetween. Connectors are disposed along the high side wall, and are configured to releasably interconnect the edge and corner ramp piece to the floor tile. [0012] In accordance with another more detailed embodiment thereof, the invention provides an integrated edge and corner ramp piece for a floor tile having a height. The integrated edge and corner ramp piece includes an elongate edge ramp section, having a high side wall with a height substantially equal to the height of the floor tile, a low side, a substantially planar edge ramp surface extending therebetween, and an edge ramp end wall, extending between the high side wall and low side at a first end of the edge ramp section. A corner ramp section integrally extends from a second end of the edge ramp section, and has an apex disposed adjacent the high side wall, an arcuate low side, a corner ramp surface extending therebetween, and a corner ramp end wall, disposed at a terminal end of the corner ramp section, and extending between the apex and the arcuate low side. Loop and pin connectors are disposed along the high side wall, the edge ramp end wall, and the corner ramp end wall, and are configured to releasably interconnect the edge and corner ramp piece to the floor tile and to one or more other edge and corner ramp pieces. [0013] In accordance with yet another embodiment thereof, the invention provides a floor tile system including a floor tile and an integrated edge and corner ramp piece. The floor tile has a top surface, a perimeter wall having a height, a plurality of releasable connectors associated with the perimeter wall, and a plurality of upstanding supports configured to support the top surface above the ground, a floor, or other suitable support surface. The integrated edge and corner ramp piece includes an elongate edge ramp section, a corner ramp section, and connectors. The edge ramp section has a high side wall with a height substantially equal to the height of the perimeter wall, a low side, and a substantially planar ramp surface extending therebetween. The corner ramp section integrally extends from an end of the edge ramp section, and has an apex disposed adjacent the high side wall, an arcuate low side, and a partially conical ramp surface extending therebetween. The connectors are disposed along the high side, and are configured to releasably interconnect the edge and corner ramp piece to the perimeter wall of the floor tile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: [0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated edge and corner ramp as attached to one side of an exemplary modular floor tile, as well as additional edge ramp pieces that are configured to attach to the corner ramp section and any adjacent floor tiles; [0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated edge and corner ramp for use with a floor tile, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the edge and corner ramp comprises a curved corner ramp portion; [0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a plan or top view of the exemplary integrated edge and corner ramp of FIG. 2; [0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a front edge view of the exemplary integrated edge and corner ramp of FIG. 2; [0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary integrated edge and corner ramp of FIG. 2; [0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an edge ramp end view of the exemplary integrated edge and corner ramp of FIG. 2; Continue reading about Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile... Full patent description for Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Liner panel having barrier layer Next Patent Application: Apparatus and method for installing insulation Industry Class: Static structures (e.g., buildings) ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Integrated edge and corner ramp for a floor tile patent info. 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