Patent ID: 6324809
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: E04F

Abstract:
An article comprising an upper planar surface, a lower planar surface, at least one male edge and at least one female edge;wherein each of the at least one male edge and at least one female edge have a planar index surface located at a set identical distance from the upper planar surface;wherein said at least one male edge has a rib above said planar index surface, with a first groove above said planar index surface between said rib and said upper planar surface, wherein said rib is angled from said planar index surface towards a first plane formed by said upper planar surface, such that a first lower surface of said rib forms an angle .theta. with a second plane formed by said planar index surface, said rib having a rounded distal end and a first upper surface extending from said rounded distal end towards said second plane, such that a line extending along said first upper surface intersects said second plane at an angle .psi., wherein .psi.<.theta.;said first upper surface of said rib also forming a second lower surface of said first groove, said first groove having a second upper surface joined to said second lower surface by a first rounded cutout portion and extending to meet a top edge surface, wherein the top edge surface extends to meet said upper planar surface;wherein said at least one male edge has a second groove below said planar index surface, wherein said second groove has a third upper surface formed by said planar index surface and coupled to a third lower surface by a second rounded cutout portion, wherein said third lower surface extends to meet a lower edge surface, said lower edge surface meeting with said lower planar surface;and wherein said at least one female edge has a profile that is complementary to said at least one male edge such that upon joining two of the articles together, a seam made at an interface of said male edge of one article and said female edge of another article is without gaps from at least a point below and adjacent said upper planar surface to at least a point above and adjacent said lower planar surface.