Tile and Support Structure

摘要

An illustrative embodiment of a tile and support structure may include a plurality of tiles, which may be generally rectangular in shape, engaged with one or more support structures. The tile may be formed with four edges, wherein two opposing edges may be formed with grooves therein and the other two opposing edges may be formed with protrusions thereon. The support structure may be formed with a generally vertical spine having two rails extending outward from a distal end thereof. The support structure may also include two generally horizontally extending flanges, which may be formed with a trough therein. The trough may include a plurality of apertures formed therein. One side of the trough may be defined by a lip.

主权项

1. A tile and support structure comprising:
a. a rectangular tile having a height, a width, and a thickness, said rectangular tile comprising:
i. a first rectangular face, wherein said first rectangular face is configured to be generally facing upward during use;ii. a second rectangular face, wherein said second rectangular face is opposite said first rectangular face, wherein said first and second rectangular faces are separated by said thickness of said rectangular tile, and wherein a surface area of said first and second rectangular faces is defined by said height and said width of said rectangular tile;iii. a first, second, third, and fourth edge defining a periphery of said rectangular tile;iv. a groove formed in one of said first, second, third, or fourth edges; b. a support structure comprising:
i. a base having a first flange and a second flange, wherein said first and second flanges are opposed to one another, wherein said first and second flanges are each formed with a trough therein, and wherein each said trough is formed with a plurality of apertures formed therein along a length of each said trough;ii. a spine engaged with said base, wherein said spine extends upward from a center of said base, and wherein said spine is generally perpendicular with respect to said base;iii. a first rail extending from a terminal end of said spine, wherein said first rail is generally perpendicular with respect to said spine;iv. a second rail extending from said terminal end of said spine, wherein said second rail is generally perpendicular with respect to said spine, wherein said support structure is generally symmetrical about a plane perpendicularly oriented with respect to said first and second rails and bisecting said spine, and wherein said first and second rails are configured to engage said groove so as to secure a position said rectangular tile with respect to said support structure in a dimension parallel with respect to said thickness of said rectangular tile and simultaneously allow said rectangular tile to move with respect to said support structure in a dimension parallel to said length of said rectangular tile.