GB2439072A

GB2439072A - Tiling grid with tiles

Info

Publication number: GB2439072A
Application number: GB0405849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Roger Bruce Aspinall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-16
Filing date: 2004-03-16
Publication date: 2007-12-19
Also published as: GB0405849D0

Abstract

The invention provides a surface covering element 1 e.g. tile which can be installed onto a surface with a plurality of like surface covering elements 1 to provide a surface covering. The surface covering element 1 comprises a plurality of surface (visible) components 200 and a base member 100 e.g. grid or matrix to which said surface components 200 are mounted. The surface components 200 are mounted to the base member 100 such that a face 210 of each surface component 200 is visible and at least one visible face 210 differs in appearance from that of other visible faces 210 such that the surface components 200 produce a visible surface 2 of the surface covering element 1 having a mosaic appearance. Also provided are a surface covering and a packaged product comprising such surface covering elements and a method for their manufacture.

Description

1 2439072

SURFACE COVERING ELEMENT

The present invention relates to a surface covering element, particularly, though not exclusively to a surface covering element for floors, walls and interior roofs.

There are known a number of different surface coverings which include tiles, carpets and wooden panelling or wooden flooring strips. However, there remains a desire for new types of surface covering.

Depending upon their application, surface coverings must satisfy differing criteria, for example a surface covering for a floor must typically be hard wearing. Generally though an important criteria is that when installed a surface covering has good aesthetic qualities.

One type of surface covering which can have particularly good aesthetic qualities is mosaic tiling. Such tiles can be employed to surface floors and walls. However, covering a surface with mosaic tiles can be a time consuming and laborious process. Additionally, some surface covering materials are not well suited to use in the form of mosaic tiles which are generally small, for example less than 5cm long, 5cm wide and around 0.5cm thick.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one problem associated with known surface coverings whether discussed herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a surface covering element which can be installed onto a surface with a plurality of like surface covering elements to provide a surface covering, wherein the surface covering element comprises: (i) a plurality of surface components; (ii) a base member to which said surface components are mounted and which is adapted to be located adjacent a surface for which the surface covering element provides a io covering when installed; and wherein the surface components are mounted to the base member such that a face of each surface component is visible (hereafter "visible face") and at least one visible face differs in appearance from that of other visible faces such that the surface components produce a visible surface of the surface covering element having a mosaic appearance.

As used herein "installed" refers to the surface covering element when positioned relative to a surface such that it provides a covering thereto. The surface covering element may or may not be adhered to said surface when installed.

As used herein "visible surface" means a surface of the surface covering element which is visible when the surface covering element is installed to provide a surface covering.

suitably, one or more of the surface components comprises cork. preferably, one or more of the surface components consists of cork.

Suitably, each surface component comprises cork.

preferably, each surface component consists of cork.

Alternatively, one or more of the surface components may comprise plastics, wood, ceramic or metal. Each surface component may comprise plastics, wood, ceramic, or metal.

Suitably, the difference in appearance between the visible face of at least one surface component and the visible face of one or more other surface components comprises a io difference in colour. Alternatively, or in addition, the difference in appearance between the visible face of at least one surface component and the visible face of one or more other surface components may comprise a difference in the tone of a colour. Alternatively, or in addition, the difference in appearance between the visible face of at least one surface component and the visible face of one or more other surface components may comprise a difference in the surface finish. For example, one or more visible faces may have a texture which differs from that of one or more other visible faces. For example, one or more visible faces may have a smooth finish and one or more visible faces may have a rougher finish.

Suitably, the surface covering element comprises four or more visible components, preferably nine or more, more preferably sixteen or more. Suitably, the surface covering element comprises one hundred or more visible components, preferably two hundred or more, for example around four hundred.

The surface covering element may have a width of between and 1000mm, for example, around 500mm or around 300mm.

The surface covering element may have a length of between and 1000mm, for example around 500mm or around 300mm.

The surface covering element may have a thickness of between 4 and 20mm, for example around 12mm.

Each visible component may have a width of between 10 and 100mm, for example, around 25mm. Each visible component may have a length of between 10 and 100mm, for example around 25mm. Each visible component may have a thickness of between 4 and 20mm, for example around 12mm.

Suitably, the surface covering element comprises a plurality of visible components having two or more types of visibly distinct visible faces. Preferably, the surface covering element comprises a plurality of visible is components having three or more types of visibly distinct visible faces. For example, the surface covering may comprise some visible components having a visible face having a first colouration, some visible components having a visible face having a second colouration and some visible components having a visible face having a third colouration. The surface covering may further comprise some visible components having a visible face having a fourth colouration.

The visible components may be mounted to the base member in a random pattern. Alternatively, the visible components may be mounted to the base member in a predetermined pattern.

Suitably, each visible component comprises a substantially planar visible face. Suitably, the visible components are mounted to the base member such that the substantially planar faces thereof form a substantially planar visible surface of the surface covering element. Suitably, the visible surface of the surface covering element is substantially rectangular, preferably substantially square.

Suitably, the visible components are mounted to the base member such that they abut adjacent visible components.

Suitably, each visible component has a substantially io rectangular visible face. Suitably, each visible component has a substantially square visible face.

Suitably, the base member maintains the visible elements in substantially fixed positions relative to one another.

suitably, the visible elements are mounted to the base member such that their visible faces lie in substantially the same plane. Suitably, the base member maintains the visible faces substantially in said plane.

Suitably, the base member comprises a substantially rigid member. The base member may comprise a substantially planar member. The base member may comprise a substantially rectilinear member.

suitably, the base member comprises a plastics material.

The base member may comprise polypropylene. The base member may be injection moulded. For example, the base member may comprise a pre-formed injection moulded polypropylene base.

The base member may comprise a front face arranged to abut the surface components and an opposed rear face arranged, when installed, to abut a surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering.

Suitably, the base member comprises opposed first and second edges. Suitably, the base member comprises opposed third and fourth edges. Suitably, the first and second edges extend along a length of the base member. Suitably, the third and fourth edges extend along a width of the base member. The visible surface may be substantially rectangular. Suitably, the visible surface is substantially square. Suitably, the first and second edges lie substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth edges and substantially parallel to one another.

Suitably, the third and fourth edges lie substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first and second edges.

Suitably, each edge provides an edge surface which extends for substantially the full thickness of the base member.

Suitably, the base member comprises substantially planar edges.

Suitably, the surface components are mounted to the base member such that the edges of the base member comprise the outermost edges of the surface covering element.

Suitably, the outermost edges of the surface covering element comprise edges of the base member and edges of visible components. Suitably, the surface covering element is arranged such that, when installed, it can abut snugly with further like surface covering elements positioned adjacent it.

Suitably, the surface covering element comprises interlocking means arranged to cooperate with an adjacent like surface covering element, when installed, such that relative movement is restricted.

Suitably, the base member comprises interlocking means arranged to cooperate with the base member of an adjacent like surface covering element, when installed, such that relative movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front face of a base member is restricted.

Suitably, the base member comprises interlocking means arranged to cooperate with the base member of an adjacent like surface covering element, when installed, such that relative movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second edges is restricted.

Suitably, the base member comprises interlocking means arranged to cooperate with the base member of an adjacent like surface covering element, when installed, such that relative movement in a direction substantially parallel to the third and fourth edges is restricted.

Suitably, the interlocking means of the surface covering element comprises first interlocking means on a first edge of the base member and second interlocking means on a second edge of the base member. Suitably, the first interlocking means of the surface covering element is arranged, when installed, to interlock with the second interlocking means of an adjacent like surface covering element when the first edge of the surface covering element is located adjacent to the second edge of said like surface covering element.

Suitably, the interlocking means comprises third interlocking means on a third edge of the base member and fourth interlocking means on a fourth edge of the base member. Suitably, the third interlocking means of the surface covering element is arranged, when installed, to interlock with the fourth interlocking means of an adjacent like surface covering element when the third edge of the surface covering element is located adjacent to the fourth edge of said like covering element.

The first interlocking means may be able to interlock with the fourth interlocking means of a like surface covering element. The second interlocking means may be able to interlock with the third interlocking means of a like surface covering element. Each interlocking means may be able to interlock with any one of the interlocking means of a like surface covering element.

Suitably, one of the first and second interlocking means comprises a male interlocking member and the other comprises a female interlocking member. Suitably, one of the third and fourth interlocking means comprises a male interlocking member and the other comprises a female interlocking member.

Suitably, each interlocking means comprises a plurality of interlocking members, for example two interlocking members.

Suitably, one of the first and second interlocking means comprises a plurality of male interlocking members and the other comprises a corresponding number of female interlocking members. Suitably, one of the third and fourth interlocking means comprises a plurality of male interlocking members and the other comprises a corresponding number of female interlocking members.

Alternatively, each interlocking means may comprise a male and a female interlocking member.

Suitably, the first interlocking means comprises one or more male interlocking members. Suitably, each male interlocking member comprises a lug projecting from the first edge of the base member. Suitably, the lug comprises an elongate lug. Suitably, the lug is arranged to extend longitudinally in the direction of the first edge of the base member.

Suitably, the third interlocking means comprises one or more male interlocking members. Suitably, each male interlocking member comprises a lug projecting from the third edge of the base member. Suitably, the lug comprises an elongate lug. Suitably, the lug is arranged to extend longitudinally in the direction of the third edge of the base member.

Suitably, the second interlocking means comprises one or more female interlocking members. Suitably, each female interlocking member comprises a cavity in the second edge of the base member. Suitably, the cavity comprises an elongate cavity. Suitably, the cavity is arranged to extend longitudinally in the direction of the second edge of the base member.

Suitably, the fourth interlocking means comprises one or more female interlocking members. Suitably, each female interlocking member comprises a cavity in the fourth edge of the base member. Suitably, the cavity comprises an elongate cavity. Suitably, the cavity is arranged to extend longitudinally in the direction of the fourth edge of the base member.

Suitably, the surface components are mounted to the base member without use of an adhesive. Suitably, the surface components are mounted to the base member by means of an interference fit.

Suitably, each surface component comprises an engagement means arranged to cooperate with an engagement means of the base member such that they can be mounted thereto.

Suitably, the base member comprises a plurality of engagement means which suitably are equal in number to the number of surface components which the base member is arranged to have mounted thereto.

Suitably, each engagement means of the base member comprises one of male or female engagement means and each surface component comprises the other of male or female engagement means. Preferably, each engagement means of the base member comprises female engagement means.

Preferably, each surface component comprises male engagement means.

Preferably, each female engagement means of the base comprises an aperture or cavity, preferably an aperture.

Suitably, the cavity or aperture comprises a substantially cylindrical aperture or cavity. The aperture or cavity may have a circular cross-section, alternatively, it may have a rectangular cross-section.

Preferably, the male engagement means of the surface component comprises an engagement member which may comprise a lug. Preferably, the lug comprises a substantially cylindrical lug. The lug may have a circular cross-section, alternatively, it may have a rectangular cross-section.

Suitably, each surface component comprises a substantially rectangular visible face. Suitably, each surface component comprises a visible member which comprises the visible face. Suitably, each surface component comprises a substantially cuboid portion forming the visible member, one face of which comprises the visible face of the surface component. Suitably, the visible member comprises a reverse face which is opposed to said visible face and which abuts a front face of the base member. Suitably, the engagement means of the surface component is located on the reverse face of the visible member. Suitably, the surface component comprises an engagement member extending from said reverse face of the visible member, preferably centrally from said reverse face. For example, the surface component may comprise a lug extending from said reverse face.

Suitably, the front face of the base member abuts and supports the reverse face of the visible member of each visible component such that the visible components substantially remain in a plane when a compression force is applied to one or more of said visible components.

Suitably, when the surface covering element is installed a compression force applied to the visible face of a surface component is transferred via the reverse face of the visible member of the surface component to the front face of the base member and then via the rear face of the base member to the surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering.

Suitably, the engagement member of each surface component comprises a surface which lies substantially in the plane of the rear face of the base member when mounted thereto.

Suitably, when the surface covering element is installed a part of the engagement member of each visible component abuts a surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering. Thus, when a compression force is applied to the visible face of a surface component some of said force may be directly transmitted to the surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering.

Suitably, one of said male and female engagement means comprises one or more teeth arranged to bite into and grip the other of said male and female engagement means.

Preferably, the female engagement means, which preferably comprises part of the base member, comprises one or more teeth arranged to bite into and grip a male engagement member.

Suitably, the female engagement means comprises a cylindrical, preferably circular cross-section, aperture or cavity defined by a cylindrical wall and said wall has one or more teeth extending therefrom into said aperture or cavity.

The said cylindrical wall may be comprise a plurality of teeth, preferably 3 or more, for example 4, 5 or 6 teeth.

Suitably, the teeth are positioned in the same axial plane and are annularly spaced.

Alternatively, the cylindrical wall may comprise a single annular tooth.

Suitably, the base member comprises one or more weight reducing cavities at one or more positions located between the engagement means of the base member.

Suitably, the base member comprises one or more weight reducing cavities extending into the rear face thereof at one or more positions located between the engagement means of the base member. Suitably, a plurality of weight reducing cavities extend into the rear face with each cavity being located between apertures comprising the engagement means of the base member.

Suitably, the weight reducing cavities reduce the weight of the surface covering element compared to one having a base member without such cavities.

Suitably, the weight reducing cavities are arranged to minimise the quantity of material required to produce the base member whilst substantially not compromising the strength and/or rigidity thereof.

The base member may comprise a plurality of walls defining said engagement means and weight reducing cavities.

Suitably, the base member comprises a substantially planar front wall which comprises the front face of the base member and has apertures forming part of the engagement means.

Suitably, a plurality of boundary walls extend rearward from the front wall.

Suitably, said boundary walls comprise first, second, third and fourth side walls which form respectively first, second, third and fourth side edges of the base member.

Suitably, said boundary walls comprise engagement walls which surround the apertures of the front face and in conjunction therewith comprise the engagement means.

Suitably, the base member comprises linking walls connecting adjacent boundary walls. Suitably, said linking walls add strength and/or rigidity to the base member.

Suitably, the rear face of the base member is defined by the rearmost edges of the boundary walls and preferably also the rearmost edges of the linking walls.

Suitably, the weight reducing cavities are defined by the front wall, boundary walls and linking walls.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaged product comprising a plurality of surface covering elements according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a surface covering comprising a plurality of surface covering elements according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the surface covering elements are installed such that they are held in relative position adjacent a surface for which they provide a covering by means of interlocking engagement with one another. The surface covering may thus be installed without the use of an adhesive.

Alternatively, the surface covering may be installed by adhering the surface covering elements to a surface which they provide a covering.

Suitably, said surface covering comprises a covering for a floor. Alternatively, the surface covering may comprise a covering for a wall. Alternatively, the surface covering may comprise a covering for an interior roof. The surface covering elements may be adhered to the wall or interior roof. Additionally, the surface covering elements may be held in relative position by means of interlocking engagement with one another.

According to fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a surface covering element which can be installed onto a surface with a plurality of like surface covering elements to provide a surface covering, wherein the surface covering element comprises: (i) a plurality of surface components; (ii) a base member to which said surface components are mounted and which is adapted to be located adjacent a surface to be covered; and wherein the surface components are mounted to the base member such that a face of each surface component is visible (hereafter "visible face") and at least one such visible face differs in appearance from one or more other of such visible faces such that the surface components produce a visible surface of the surface covering element having a mosaic appearance; said method comprising mounting a plurality of surface covering elements onto the base member by means of an interference fit.

Suitably, the surface covering element comprises a surface covering element according to the first aspect.

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a surface covering element; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a surface component of the surface covering element of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-section along line X-X of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the base member of the surface covering element of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a rear plan view of the surface covering element of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a front plan view of a part of a -base member of the surface covering element of Figure 1 showing a tooth embodiment; Figure 7 is a cross-section along line Y-Y of Figure 6 also showing a surface component mounted to the base member; Figure 8 is a front plan view of a part of a base member of the surface covering element of Figure 1 showing an alternative tooth embodiment; and Figure 9 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a surface covering element.

As best illustrated by Figure 1, a surface covering element 1 comprises a base member 100 to which are mounted a plurality of visible components 200. Each visible component 200 comprises cork. The visible components 200 comprise four different colours of cork as designated by A, B, C and D. Thus, when the visible components 200 are mounted to the base member 100 their visible faces 210 provide the surface covering element 1 with a visible surface 2 having a mosaic appearance. The visible surface 2 is square as are the visible faces 210. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the visible components comprise more than four different colours of cork.

As illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, each visible component 200 comprises a visible member 220 which is substantially rectilinear and has a first face which provides the visible face 210, which first face is square, and an opposed rear face 230. The rear face 230 is arranged to abut a front face 110 of the base member 100 when mounted thereto. The visible member 220 has a width of 25mm, a length of 25mm and a thickness of 6mm. Extending from the rear face 230 of the visible member 220 is an engagement member 240 which comprises a cylindrical lug having a circular cross section. The lug has a height (thickness) of 6mm and a diameter of 15mm.

As illustrated by Figures 4 to 8, the base member 100 comprises engagement means 120 for cooperating with the engagement members 240 of the visible components 200 to mount them thereto.

Each engagement means 120 comprises a cylindrical aperture 121 having a circular cross section. The aperture has a height (thickness) of 6mm and a diameter of 15mm.

Extending into the aperture 121 in the embodiment illustrated by Figures 6 and 7 are six teeth 122. Each tooth is generally triangular in shape. The ends 123 of teeth 122 define an annulus which is of a smaller diameter than that of the engagement member 240 of a surface component 200 such that they bite into the engagement member when it is inserted into the aperture 121. The teeth 122 thus retain the engagement member 240 and thus the visible component 200 in position with the visible component 200 mounted to the base member 100.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated by Figure 8, the engagement means 120 comprises a single annular tooth 125.

The annular tooth 125 has a substantially triangular cross section and operates in the same general manner as the teeth of Figures 6 and 7. Figure 4 illustrates both embodiments of tooth construction but in practice a base member may employ the same tooth construction for each engagement means 120.

The base member 100 is generally rectilinear in shape and has a width of 100mm, a length of 100mm and a thickness of 6mm. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the base member is generally rectilinear in shape and has a width of 300mm, a length of 300mm, and a thickness of 6mm.

The base member 100 comprises a front face 110 arranged to abut the rear face 230 of the visible member of visible elements mounted thereto. The front face 110 is substantially square. Opposed to the front face 110 the base member 100 has a rear face 130 arranged to abut a surface to which the surface covering element 1 provides a covering when installed.

The base member 100 comprises a first side edge 140 and an opposed second side edge 150. The base member further comprises a third side edge 160 and an opposed fourth side edge 170.

The base member 100 comprises first, second, third and fourth side walls 141, 151, 161, 171 which form the respective side edges of the base member.

The first side wall 141 comprises two first interlocking members 142, comprising elongate lugs, projecting therefrom. The second side wall 151 defines two second interlocking means 152 comprising elongate cavities. The first interlocking members 142 of the surface covering element 1 are arranged to interlock with the second interlocking means 152 of an adjacent like surface covering element when the surface covering element 1 is installed and vice versa.

The third side wall 161 comprises two third interlocking members 162, comprising elongate lugs, projecting therefrom. The fourth side wall 171 defines two fourth interlocking means 172 comprising elongate cavities.The third interlocking members 162 of the surface covering element 1 are arranged to interlock with the fourth interlocking means 172 of an adjacent like surface covering element when the surface covering element is installed and vice versa.

By utilising the interlocking feature of the surface covering element 1 a surface covering may be installed to a surface, such as a floor, without the use of an adhesive or other fixing means such as nails.

In addition to the side walls 141, 151, 161, 171 the base member 100, as best illustrated by Figure 5, comprises a substantially planar front wall 111 which provides the front face 110 of the base member. The base member further comprises engagement walls 126 which are annular and in conjunction with apertures in the front wall 111 define the apertures 121 of the engagement means 120.

Connecting the side walls 141, 151, 161, 171 and engagement walls 126 are linking walls 180. Defined between these walls are cavities 190 to reduce the volume of material employed in the base member 100 and the weight thereof.

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a surface covering element 1 having a width of 500mm and a length of 500mm and employing 400 surface covering components 200 mounted to a base member. Apart from the alteration in size the surface covering element 1 is substantially identical to the surface covering element of Figure 1 and like parts are numbered accordingly. The surface covering element 1 comprises three first interlocking members 142, three third interlocking members 162 and corresponding second and fourth interlocking members (not shown).

The surface covering element comprises four different colours (not illustrated) of cork surface covering components mounted to the base member and arranged in a random pattern to produce a mosaic appearance to the surface 2 of the surface covering element 1. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the surface covering components are mounted to the base member and arranged in a predetermined pattern or design.

It will be appreciated that surface covering elements according to the present invention may provide an expedient means for installing an aesthetically pleasing surface covering having a mosaic appearance.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A surface covering element which can be installed onto a

surface with a plurality of like surface covering elements to provide a surface covering, wherein the surface covering element comprises: (i) a plurality of surface components; (ii) a base member to which said surface components are mounted and which is adapted to be located adjacent a surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering when installed; and wherein the surface components are mounted to the base member such that a face of each surface component is visible (hereafter "visible face") and at least one visible face differs in appearance from that of other visible faces such that the surface components produce a visible surface of the surface covering element having a mosaic appearance.

2. A surface covering element according to Claim 1, wherein one or more of the surface components comprises cork.

3. A surface covering element according to Claim 2, wherein each surface component consists of cork.

4. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein the difference in appearance between the visible face of at least one surface component and the visible face of one or more other surface components comprises a difference in colour.

5. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein said element comprises four or ore visible components.

6. A surface covering element according to Claim 6, wherein said element comprises one hundred or more visible components.

7. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein said element has a width of between 50 and 100mm, a length of between 50 and 1000mm and a thickness of between 4 and 20mm.

8. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member comprises a substantially rigid member.

9. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein the base member comprises a front face arranged to abut the surface components and an opposed rear face arranged, when installed, to abut a surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering.

10. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein said element comprises interlocking means arranged to cooperate with an adjacent like surface covering element, when installed, such that relative movement is restricted.

11. A surface covering element according to Claim 10, wherein the interlocking means of the surface covering element comprises first interlocking means on a first edge of the base member and second interlocking means on a second edge of the base member, wherein, the first interlocking means of the surface covering element is arranged, when installed, to interlock with a second interlocking means of an adjacent like surface covering element when the first edge of the surface covering element is located adjacent to a second edge of said like surface covering element.

12. A surface covering element according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the interlocking means comprises third interlocking means on a third edge of the base member and fourth interlocking means on a fourth edge of the base member, wherein the third interlocking means of the surface covering element is arranged, when installed, to interlock with a fourth interlocking means of an adjacent like surface covering element when the third edge of the surface covering element is located adjacent to a fourth edge of said like surface covering element.

13. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein each surface component comprises a visible member which comprises the visible face.

14. A surface covering element according to Claim 13, wherein the visible member comprises a reverse face which is opposed to said visible face and which abuts a front face of the base member.

15. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface components are mounted to the base member by means of an interference fit.

16. A surface covering element according to any preceding claim, where each surface component comprises an engagement means arranged to cooperate with an engagement means of the base member such that they can be mounted thereto.

17. A surface covering element accordingly to Claim 16, wherein the base member comprises a plurality of engagement means which are equal in number to the number of surface components which the base member is arranged to have mounted thereto.

18. A surface component according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein each engagement means of the base member comprises female engagement means and each surface component comprises male engagement means.

19. A surface covering element according to any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein one of said male and female engagement means comprises one or more teeth arranged to bite into and grip the other of said male and female engagement means.

20. A surface covering element according to any of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the element is such that when it is installed a part of the engagement member of each visible component abuts a surface for which the surface covering element provides a covering.

21. A surface covering element according to any of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the base member comprises one or more weight reducing cavities extending into the rear face thereof at one or more positions located between the engagement means of the base member.

22. A surface covering element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A packaged product comprising a plurality of surface covering elements according to any of Claims 1 to 22.

24. A surface covering comprising a plurality of surface covering elements according to any of Claims 1 to 22.

25. A surface covering according to Claim 24, wherein the surface covering elements are installed such that they are held in relative position adjacent a surface for which they provide a covering by means of interlocking engagement with one another.

26. A surface covering according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein said surface covering comprises a covering for a floor.

27. A surface covering according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein said surface covering comprises a covering for a wall.

28. A surface covering according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein said surface covering comprises a covering for an interior roof.

29. A surface covering substantially as described herein.

30. A method of manufacturing a surface covering element which can be installed onto a surface with a plurality of like surface covering elements to provide a surface covering, wherein the surface covering elements comprises: (i) a plurality of surface components; (ii) a base member to which said surface components are mounted and which is adapted to be located adjacent a surface to be covered; and wherein the surface components are mounted to the base member such that a face of each surface component is visible (hereafter "visible face") and at least one such visible face differs in appearance from one or more other of such visible faces such that the surface components produce a visible surface of the surface covering element having a mosaic appearance; said method comprising mounting a plurality of surface covering elements onto the base member by means of an interference fit.

31. A method according to Claim 30, wherein the surface covering element comprises a surface covering element according to any of Claims 1 to 22.

32. A method of manufacturing a surface covering element substantially as described herein.