US 6,363,677 · Granted 2002-04-02
The Interlocking Tile Patent That Made Fake Grout Look Real
Imagine floor tiles that lock together like a puzzle, with a plastic strip that slides into the seams to look like grout between them. This patent describes a smart system where tiles connect using tongue-and-groove edges, and special splines (thin strips) snap into the gaps to complete the grout-like appearance without any messy mortar.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a floor covering system where individual tiles feature tongue sections on some sides and groove sections on others, allowing them to interlock. What's protected here is the specific design of how those tongues and grooves align to create a gap at the surface, plus the system of inserting spline strips—one type fitting into grooves, another type fitting into the surface gaps—to simulate grout lines between tiles.
Why it matters
This patent protects Mannington Mills' innovation in making modular tile installation faster and cleaner than traditional grouted tile. By eliminating the need for wet mortar and grout, this system reduces installation time and mess while giving consumers a finished look. The interlocking mechanism became a competitive advantage in the flooring industry, allowing manufacturers to offer easy DIY installation without sacrificing the visual appeal of tiled surfaces.
Real-world use
When you install luxury vinyl plank or laminate flooring in your home and notice how the seams fit together snugly with a realistic grout-line appearance, you're using technology descended from this patent's core interlocking design.
Original USPTO abstract
A surface covering system is described which involves a series of interconnected tiles having a spline system located between the tiles to simulate the appearance of grout. Each tile has on its sides, at least one tongue section and at least two groove sections wherein the tongue section of one tile interconnects with the groove section of a second tile and further forms a gap at least at the upper surface between the two tiles. A first spline, having two tongue sections for interconnecting with the groove section(s) of at least one tile, is inserted between a series of tiles. A second spline capable of fitting into the gap formed between two or more tiles, which are interconnected at a tongue of a first tile and a groove of a second tile is further used. Methods of installing the surface covering system of the invention are further described.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 6,363,677
- Filing date
- 2000-04-10
- Grant date
- 2002-04-02
- Assignee
- Mannington Mills, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- CHEN HAO A., WHISPELL JOHN M.
- CPC class
- E04F15/02
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