US 4,426,820 · Granted 1984-01-24
The Interlocking Sports Floor Patent That Changed Modular Court Design
Imagine floor tiles that snap together like puzzle pieces—this patent covers a clever groove-and-projection system that lets rectangular panels lock edge-to-edge and stay perfectly aligned. Once you connect multiple panels this way, you get a flat, sturdy sports surface that won't shift or separate.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a rectangular panel with a groove-based locking system: one edge has a recessed channel carved into the underside, and the opposite edge has a raised projection on the top surface. When two panels meet, the projection slides into the groove, creating a mechanical interlock that keeps both panels flush and aligned. What's protected is this specific combination of under-groove and over-projection geometry, plus the assembly method of stacking these panels to form a composite sports surface.
Why it matters
This patent addresses a real problem in modular flooring: keeping panels from warping, shifting, or creating dangerous gaps during use. By locking the surfaces together mechanically rather than relying on adhesive or loose fasteners, the design creates a durable, replaceable sports surface—useful for gyms, courts, or temporary athletic facilities. The interlocking concept also makes disassembly and reconfiguration possible, which adds value in commercial applications where flexibility matters.
Real-world use
You'd encounter this technology in modular gymnasium floors, portable basketball courts, or interlocking tile systems in recreation centers where sections need to fit together seamlessly and withstand heavy foot traffic.
Original USPTO abstract
A panel interconnectable with like panels for use in forming a sports surface has a substantially rectangular and planar member and an edge connector at at least one set of opposite edges including a first locking member extending from the lower surface of the panel at one edge and having a groove extending inwards from the end thereof and towards the one edge and terminating below the upper surface. A second locking member extending from the upper surface of the panel at the other edge, has a projection configured to engage in the groove to mate with the first locking member at the one edge of an adjacent panel to align the upper and lower surfaces of the panels. A plurality of these panels are advantageously assembled by the method according to the present invention to form a sports surface.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 4,426,820
- Filing date
- 1981-02-17
- Grant date
- 1984-01-24
- Assignee
- Heinz Terbrack / Josef Terbrack
- Inventor(s)
- TERBRACK; HEINZ, TERBRACK; JOSEF
- CPC class
- E04F15/10
Want to file your own patent?
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