AU2015207978A1 - Modular supports, flooring system and methods of installation of same - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present disclosure relates to a modular support adapted to receive a walk-on means, particularly tactile tiles or studs, and comprising engagement means for engaging the modular support with another modular support. The disclosure also relates to a flooring system and method of installation of the same. ___ a- cP~ T2- r~S t~Z~cKc W -~ 10 - >-~r~ ~ 9 (C ~c ~& NN Aa <N 5 N~Nt~ N. NN %~ N~ ~N .A~ -~ -~ 'WN~X N'>' ~ N N Nc~N ~ -~ ~NNAN *'>-'~~' -~' A '&~ N" N'.~ A *A~~ >'>. XX'.> A N 'Q<y N t' A 8 <N N <"<N '«N '. N~ '.7'. ~S%~,j7 NNNN \NQN N '.'. 4- A '~NN -c- ,~ 4,

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 DIVISIONAL STANDARD PATENT APPLICATION Name and Address of Applicant: Celestine Patrick McCuskey Unit 3 95 Jedda Road Prestons NSW 2170 Actual Inventor[s]: Celestine Patrick McCuskey Address for Service: 1Place Patent Attorneys + Solicitors PO Box A2039 Sydney South NSW 1235 FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: Modular supportsflooring system and methods of installation of same The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 5 COPYRIGHT NOTICE This document is subject to copyright. The reproduction, communication and distribution of this document is not permitted without prior consent from the copyright owner, other than as permitted under section 226 of the Patents Act 10 1990. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to modular supports for flooring, flooring systems 15 and methods of installation of the same. The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with modular supports that have industrial or external (outdoor) applications and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the 20 invention is not limited to use with industrial or outdoor flooring. BACKGROUND Various modular flooring systems are known. One well known form of modular flooring is that used in wooden laminate flooring in domestic housing. 25 Various modular flooring arrangements are also known. Modular flooring can be used to contain tactile indicators, used to guide people, such as the visually impaired, of danger areas or to identify a particular route or direction. Modular flooring containing tactile indicators typically comprises a plurality of frusto-conical 30 indicators designed to be sensed by the visually impaired. In locations such as public railway platforms where the substrate is unstable, it is difficult to install a tactile flooring system that will be hard-wearing and low maintenance on site without significant public inconvenience. Therefore, a 35 modular flooring system is required in such environments. 2 5 Known methods of modular flooring system such as the following have a variety of impediments including those described: (1) tactile mats have significant adhering issues when installed in outside environments and particularly on asphalt railway platforms; (2) discrete tactile systems have adhering and impact shearing issues when 10 installed into unstable substrates such as railway platforms; and (3) ceramic tiles, when installed to Australian standards, take a significant time to install (preparation and grout/cement drying time et cetera) and so present significant periods of public inconvenience. 15 The present invention seeks to provide modular supports and a flooring system which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. The present invention also seeks to provide a method of installing flooring systems 20 for general outdoor / commercial (industrial) use, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such 25 reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. SUMMARY 30 According to one aspect of the present invention, a modular support is provided that is adapted to receive a walk-on means and comprises: (a) engagement means for engaging the modular support with another modular support; and (b) a base region. 35 3 5 Preferably, the engagement means is an attachment means for attaching the modular support to another modular support. Preferably, the modular support further comprises a transversely extending flange to provide engagement with an adjacent structure. Preferably, the modular support further comprises a rebated insert to receive a 10 flange from an adjacent modular support or alternate adjacent structure such as a supporting side bar. Preferably, the attachment means is a complementary splice joint arrangement wherein the rebated insert of one modular support accommodates a flange from an adjacent modular support in reciprocal engagement. 15 Preferably, the modular support further comprises a base pad adapted to receive a walk-on means. Preferably, the base pad comprises a grout lines to receive the walk-on means in tight engagement. Preferably, the base pads comprise joining connectors to reversibly fix to one or 20 more side bars, adjacent base pad(s) or substrate. Preferably, each base pad comprises one or more fixation apertures there through for receiving support fixing means for mounting the modular support. Preferably, one or more fixation apertures are laterally elongated. Preferably, the modular support is made of a rubber compound. 25 Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. 4 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention provides one or more modular supports for flooring, flooring systems and methods and installation of the same that overcomes the difficulty of installing a flooring system that is hard-wearing and low maintenance without significant disturbance to the underlying substrate, which may be is unstable. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of modular supports 100 for flooring and the accompanying modular flooring system apparatus undergoing installation within a rebate cut into a substrate (alternatively, the modular flooring system including the modular supports may be installed into a non-rebated area) in 20 accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular support in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention including a walk-on means which may take the form of ceramic tiles, tactile tiles, iron plates, wooden or other flooring 25 surfaces for insertion into a base pad; Figure 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a modular support's base pad, including a plurality of bar reinforcements (shown in dashed lines in an exemplary arrangement) moulded within or inserted upon or under the 30 base pad in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3B is a perspective view of another alternative arrangement of the bar reinforcements than shown in Figure 3, in which the bar reinforcements are configured in a cross hatched arrangement; 35 5 5 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the modular support of Figure 3, including an exemplary flooring surface (here, shown as a tactile tile) installed on the modular support's base pad in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; 10 Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary flooring surface (shown as tactile tiles) for installation onto the modular support's base pad in accordance with an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the base pad is illustrated with grout lines (where the grout lines may take the form of pre-moulded discrete grout lines or integral with the base pad, or non-pre-moulded grout lines) that are 15 arranged to sit between tiles once installed on the base pad. Depicted are examples of tiles fitted onto the base pad, in which the tiles are ceramic tactile tiles; Figure 6A is a plan view of the modular support's base pad of Figure 5; 20 Figure 6B is a perspective view of 6A, which shows the modular support's base pad of Figure 5, without a tile; Figure 6C is a side view of the modular support's base pad of Figure 6B. The side of 25 the base pad (depicted facing the viewer) is the part of the base pad that sits adjacent to a side bar within, for example, a rebate cut into a substrate. An extending flange is shown under the base pad at the one end of the base pad and a rebated (e.g. bevelled) insert is seen at the opposing end of the base pad for use in forming splice joints when one base pad is placed end-to-end against a reciprocal 30 base pad (e.g. as illustrated within a rebated area); Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view of the "front" end of the base pad of Figures 6A to 6C. This is the part of the base pad that would sit adjacent a corresponding base pad when base pads are installed end to end. The rebated (e.g. beveled) inserts 35 that can be seen on both sides of the base pad would accommodate a side bar 6 5 running along each side of, for example, a rebate cut into a substrate - refer item 4 in Figure 1; Figure 7A is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a pre-moulded rebated section on bottom of the base pad, 10 which is constructed to accommodate a side bar support (not shown) beneath the pad, which enables the base pad to be seated flush on the substrate other than where it is supported at the rebated section by a side bar support. This is a preferred but not an essential feature since the base pad could, in the absence of a side bar support, sit directly on the substrate; however, with the side bar support 15 the base pad is aided from subsiding into the underlying substrate; Figure 7B is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a corner section of a base pad (upper right corner) recessed to receive a fastening means such as a screw (fixation apertures not shown) within 20 the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to a side bar underneath the base pad, to further assisting in holding the base pad in position. Figure 7C is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing the base pad of Figure 6A, 6B & 6C, where the side of the base 25 pad has an extending flange as shown under the base pad at the one end of the base pad and a rebated (e.g. beveled) insert is seen at the opposing end of the base pad for use in forming splice joints when one base pad is placed end-to-end against a reciprocal base pad; 30 Figure 7D is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a premoulded grout line integrated within the base pad to hold the walk-on means such as tiles in position on the base pad. Here, the premoulded grout line in cross section takes the form of a vertical grout line with the head to hold the walk-on means in position; 35 7 5 Figure 7E is also a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a premoulded grout line integrated within the base pad where the vertical grout line has no additional protuberance to hold the walk-on means in position other than the grout line itself; 10 Figures 7F and 7G show a cross sectional view of a premoulded grout line which is not integrated with the base pad where the vertical grout line has a head to hold the walk-on means in position (Fig. 7F) and another with no additional protuberance (Fig. 7G). Non premoulded and pre-moulded grout lines are also used in alternate embodiments, where the grout line takes the form of a flat 15 profile, semicircular or otherwise; Figure 8A is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad 5 (shown by cross hatching) showing a base pad region to receive a walk-on means 9 with a fixation aperture 11 to secure to a side bar, adjacent base pad flange or substrate. 20 Figure 8B is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad 5 (shown by cross hatching) showing a corner section of a base pad (upper right corner) recessed to receive a fastening means such as a screw (fastening means e.g. fixation aperture 11) within the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to a 25 side bar underneath the base pad, to further assisting in holding the base pad in position. Figure 8C is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad showing the base pad of Figure 7A, 7B & 7C, where the side of the base pad has an rebated area 30 17 to receive an extending flange (not shown), side bar (not shown) or additional bar reinforcements (not shown) under the base pad in addition to the bar reinforcements 16 moulded within the base pad 5; Figure 8D is a cross sectional view of a modular support's base pad 5 as an 35 alternative arrangement with bar reinforcements 16 moulded within the base pad 5; 8 5 Figure 8E is a plan view of a corner section of a modular support's base pad 5 showing a fastening means via a fixation aperture 11 within the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to a side bar underneath the base pad, for further assisting to hold the base pad in position. 10 Description of Specific Embodiments It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. The term "walk-on means" includes a supporting platform that may take the form 15 of one or more tiles formed from ceramic, metal or wood or another form of a physical supporting platform. The term "substrate" is used in a general sense and may include an anchouring surface which is not an underlying layer but alternatively an inclined, vertical or 20 other surface. The modular supports and flooring system 100, comprises: (a) a plurality of base pads 5 (see Figure 2) adapted to receive walk-on means 9; and 25 (b) one or more side bars 4 (see Figure 1) seated within a rebate cut into a substrate or within a non-rebated area and adapted to run along the perimeter(s) of the plurality of base pads, when the base pads are installed. 30 Referring now to Figure 1, which is a perspective view of a plurality of modular supports and flooring system 100 depicted as partially installed within a rebate cut into a substrate 1 (alternatively, the modular flooring system including the modular supports may be installed into a non-rebated area) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The substrate 1 may be any 35 material and not limited to industrial environments. The substrate may be concrete in a form that, when using alternate systems may need to be replaced, 9 5 such as when in the form of clay, indeterminate and/or of a non-homogenous nature. The modular supports 100 are enabled to be installed onto an existing substrate so as to sit or be anchoured onto existing substrate, where the edges of the 10 modular support may be made flush with the surrounding substrate by rising the surrounding material or alternatively, a rebate (partly depicted in Figure 1 at item 3) may be cut into the substrate 1 to receive the modular support 100. Installation into a non-rebated area may involve the building up of the surface of 15 surrounding substrate to the base pad. Alternatively the modular support may be installed over a specified area where it is held at only the edges such as on a wall, or take the form of a platform or as stair treads, where the modular supports are joined to the supports available. 20 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the modular support 100 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, including a walk-on means which may take the form of ceramic tiles, tactile tiles, iron plates, wooden or other flooring surfaces for insertion into a base pad. The base pad 5 (Figure 2) receives one or more walk-on means 9 (see Figures 1 and 2). 25 Typically the walk-on means 9 will take the form of a ceramic tile (as depicted in Figures 1 and 2); however, other suitable materials can also be used e.g. rubber, polyurethane, metal, timber, or any other material suitable for walking on (i.e. capable of handling the loads imposed by foot traffic or possibly light vehicular 30 traffic such as a scissor lift or other industrial machinery). In an embodiment, the modular support's base pad 5 is also able to receive walk on means 9 that provide tactile indicators 10. The tactile indicators may be discrete tactile indicators inserted directly into the base pad (in which case the 35 base pad itself is suitable as a form of walk-on means) or part of a walk-on means, for example, in the form of a sheet or ceramic tile that is then installed onto the 10 5 base pad 5. This embodiment allows the efficient installation, retro-fitting and/or replacement of tactile indicators such as for use along railway platforms, bus stops, footpaths and walkways. In a preferred embodiment, the modular support's base pad 5 is formed of 10 compressed rubber or other material suitable to absorb impact forces placed on the walk-on means held by the base pad 5. The base pad 5 may be made in a variety of arrangements - rebated, flat, with side walls or without side walls. The base pad 5 may be moulded with a flat (non-rebated) under-surface or with a rebate section (see item 13 in Figures 2, 3B and 5) so that it is capable of being 15 seated on side bars 4 (as shown in Figure 1) positioned along the sides of a rebate cut, which for example, is cut into a substrate 1 (Figure 1). In other arrangements one or more base pads may be held so that they are self-supporting, supported by, for example, a wall or another alternative support structure. 20 Ideally, the side bars 4 (see Figure 1) are angle bars, as depicted in Figure 1, with a first flange lying on the ground (upon which the base pad 5 (see Figure 2) is seated) and a second flange perpendicular to the first flange - to give vertical support and protection, and assist with alignment. 25 The weight of the modular supports and flooring system 100 is sufficient to secure it to the ground (substrate), particularly once installed within a rebate. However, system 100 may also include means to further assist in fixing the base pad to the side bar, flange of an adjacent base pad or substrate (e.g. with the use of adhesives, clips, corresponding fixing mechanisms, or fixation apertures to receive 30 a fastening means). Referring to Figure 2, one or more fixation apertures 11 (typically at each corner of the base pad; however, location in other regions is also envisaged) would receive reversibly engageable mechanical fastening means such as screws (not shown) that 35 further assist in securing the base pad 5 in reversible engagement with the side bars 4 or other suitable structure(s) that the pads pad may be fastened to. 11 5 The side bars 4 (as shown in Figure 1) are enabled to also have fixation apertures (not depicted in this Figure) so that the fastening means can pass down from the base pad 5 through the side bars 4 and into the underlying substrate 1 or other suitable structure(s). 10 Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, depicted as an alternative embodiment, the modular support's base pad 5 preferably has one or more bar reinforcements 16. These bar reinforcements 16 may be: (a) under or upon the base pad 5; or (b) moulded within the base pad 5. 15 Figure 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a modular support's base pad, including a plurality of bar reinforcements (shown in dashed lines in an exemplary arrangement) moulded within or inserted under the base pad in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3B is 20 also a perspective view of another arrangement of the bar reinforcements than shown in Figure 3A, in which the bar reinforcements are configured in a cross hatched arrangement. The bar reinforcements 16 in Figures 3A and 3B provide enhanced protection to 25 the base pads 5 of the modular support(s) and flooring system 100 which receive downward impact forces that compress the base pad 5. These impact forces will cause the walk-on means when it is in, for example, the form of a ceramic tile or like material, to break under a heavy load. 30 The bar reinforcements 16 ameliorate the stress (tensile or otherwise) produced by the impact forces so that the forces remain contained within the modular support and therefore reduce breakage of the modular support(s). These bar reinforcements 16 may be configured in a parallel (see Figure 3A); a cross hatched arrangement (see Figure 3B) or an alternative configuration. 35 12 5 One advantage of using the modular support and flooring system 100 is that its installation may take place onto a substrate, a vertical or inclined surface such as a wall, or be self-supporting. For example, where the substrate is in a poor and unstable condition, the system 100 does not require a concrete base to be poured (due to the drying time, additional weight of the concrete addition/removal and/or 10 the water required to cure the concrete) and then to have the walk-on means, such as tiles, directly adhered to it. Concrete curing also requires 28 days to meet specified strength standards, whereas the modular supports embodiment herein described may be implemented much more quickly. 15 Alternatively, the modular support and flooring system may be installed in the absence of a substrate. The modular supports are enabled to be interlinked so that a plurality of base pads are anchoured to each other so that the modular support and flooring system may take the form of an arch or stair structure forming, for example, a bridge, which may be anchoured to one or more walls or 20 rising from the ground. SIDE BAR MATERIAL AND PLACEMENT - FOR ALIGNMENT, VERTICAL SUPPORT / PROTECTION 25 Right angled side bar is typically known as angle iron and used with typical dimensions of 25 x 25 x 3 mm. Preferably, the right angled side bar is formed of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for its strength, durability and non-conductive nature (conductivity is problematic when used in close proximity to railway lines). Typically, PVC right angled side bar of the dimensions of 40 x 25 x 4 mm cut to 30 match the rebated lengths is used where the widest angle (here, the 40 mm side) sits on the sub-base 3, whilst the upper edge near the top of the rebate is covered with a sealer to remove any trip hazard. When a rebate has been cut into a substrate for housing a modular support and 35 flooring system, one or more side bars should be placed along the perimeter of the rebate. Ideally, a side bar should be placed on two opposing sides of the rebate. 13 5 Preferably all sides of the rebated area should have side bars placed end-to-end along each side of the rebate. This plurality of side bars, as inserted against the rebates, preferably takes the form of a rectangle such that when there are four (4) cut rebates configured to form a rectangle, then there will be four (4) side bars placed around the perimeter of the rebate. However, other configurations are 10 envisaged which may reflect the configuration of the rebated area. Side bar connectors The advantage of using a plurality of right angled side bars is that the horizontal flange of one right angled side bar is enabled to be configured to overlap with 15 another right angled side bar when connected at a corner or added inline. This allows each right angled side bar, where overlapping with another right angled side bar, to be fixed together (by any suitable fixing method as described above to help with alignment and, if required attached to other components including the bar reinforcements (discussed below), the base pad (discussed below) and the walk-on 20 means such as a ceramic tile (discussed below). This right angled side bar protects and supports the side walls of the modular support of the substrate (e. g. asphalt) against crumbling. These side bars also provide an additional structural linkage for the elements of the flooring system to be locked together. This limits movement and attempted vandalism such as trying to lift the walk-on means, when in the 25 form of tiles. Bar reinforcements In a further alternate embodiment, opposing side bars may have one or more bar reinforcements as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 8C and 8D as item 16, which optionally 30 link the side bars together. These bar reinforcements are available to receive the modular support's base pad 5 seated upon or above them or alternately be constructed within the base pad. Bar reinforcements provide support in tension, so as to provide a retaining function to the side bars and/or to the walk-on means e.g. ceramic tile, which is supported by the joining connectors and base pad (either 35 directly or indirectly). These bar reinforcements may take the form of a variety of materials such as reinforcing steel in the form of rods, bars, or mesh, which act to 14 5 absorb the tensile, shear, and sometimes the compressive stresses placed on the walk-on means, the modular support held within the side bars' retaining walls and/or upon the bar reinforcements. Alternatively, the bar reinforcements can be moulded within the base pads so that 10 they are integral with the base pads. Preferably, where the side bars are placed to support the sides of the modular support's base pad (for example, when placed into a rebate), the bar reinforcements may be joined to opposing side bars and/or to perpendicular side 15 bars, sitting on or within the sub-base material. In any embodiment, bar reinforcements may be placed in a variety of selected configurations (e.g. parallel lines, mesh, cross hatching or other arrangements) to provide support and to keep the chosen configuration when loads and stresses are 20 placed onto a walk-on means in the form of a modular support, such as a ceramic tile. Figure 3B shows the bar reinforcements 16 in a cross hatched configuration. This is particularly advantageous when the walk-on means acts as a modular support and is made of ceramic and/or concrete, which has excellent qualities in 25 compression; however, poor performance in tension. Here the bar reinforcements aid by absorbing the tensile stresses and therefore protect the walk-on means from breaking. When installed with a plurality of walk-on means, the modular supports and 30 flooring system 100 are held in place by one or more of the following: 1. the side bars; 2. fastening means that further secure a base pad to another base pad through a splicing joint at corresponding ends of two adjacent base pads; 3. fastening means that further secure a base pad to one or more adjacent 35 side bars (and there through to the substrate); 4. the bar reinforcements when connected to the side bars; 15 5 5. the rebate walls (if applicable); The weight of the above provides a fixed configuration to receive, either directly or indirectly, a base pad 5, walk-on means and fastening means to optionally add weight to the installation, so that movement is limited from forces experienced: 10 1. through use (impact forces); 2. nature (soil movement with weather, heat and other external forces), and/or 3. human disruptions such as vandalism. 15 Base pad Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the base pads 5 of the modular support system 100 are preferably manufactured from a range and/or combination of materials such as such as recycled rubber, polyurethane or metal so that impact is absorbed without displacement or damage to the walk-on means (e.g. ceramic tile) and/or 20 indicators, which are seated above the base pad. In addition, the system 100 can be tailored according to specific requirements to meet, for example, engineering and/ or environmental specifications - e.g. through installation methods or by selection of base pad material. 25 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the modular floor of Figure 3, including an plurality of walk-on means 9, as four tactile tiles as the exemplary flooring surface, fixedly held by the base pad 5 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 30 Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the modular support system 100 showing an exemplary walk-on means 9 taking the form of tactile tiles for installation onto the base pad 5. In this alternative further embodiment, the base pad is illustrated with grout lines 8 (where the grout lines may take the form of pre-moulded discrete grout lines or integral with the base pad, or non-pre 35 moulded grout lines) that are arranged to sit between walk-on means 9 (e.g. tiles) once installed on the base pad 5. Depicted are examples of walk-on means 5 in the 16 5 form of tiles for fixedly fitting onto the base pad 5, where the tiles are ceramic tactile tiles, which are held fixedly in place by the grout lines 8. A modular support's base pad is preferably reversibly seated upon the side bars (and bar reinforcements if present) by a tight fit. Alternatively, the base pads 10 preferentially are rebated on their under-surface (see Figures 2, 3B and 5, item labelled 13) to be seated upon the horizontal edge of the side bar and/or bar reinforcements if present. Here, the base pad's rebated edge holds the base pad in position against an underlying horizontal flange and within the vertical flange of a right angled side bar or adjacent base pad, which may also be constructed with an 15 extending horizontal flange as shown in Figure 6D as item 17 in the form of a splice joint (other join constructions are also envisaged). This joining provides modular support's base pad support with sufficient flexibility owing to the floating/loose laid nature of the system for the installation to follow 20 any undulations in the substrate due to movement over time. However, if a tighter fit is required, then mechanical fastening means such as screws, rivets, nails or bolts may be passed through one or more of the following: 1. two right angled side bars connected at their ends to for a corner; 2. a base pad; and 25 3. a walk-on means (e.g. ceramic tile or vinyl tile), so as to join one or more of the above together through overlapping components so that they form one module. The modular support's base pad is also available to be formed of a number of 30 alternative materials, where for example, there may be a limited amount of bounce in the material, so that an impact absorbing materials may be required. Other qualities required include fatigue and chemical resistance along with high impact strength, vibration dampening, non-decomposable and able to settle onto the surface onto which it is laid without movement/creepage/compacting over 35 time. Additionally, environmentally suitable non-toxic and stable through 17 5 temperature extremes since paths can heat up in the Australian environment to temperatures sufficient to "fry an egg" (55oC+) or freeze. Referring back to figure 1, preferably the modular support's base pad sits on the top edge of the horizontal surface of the right angled side bar 4 so that one or 10 more mechanical fastening means such as screws, nails, rivets, bolts are available for insertion into the base pad corners through to adjacent base pad's flange (see Figure 6 item 17) or the underlying side bar's horizontal surface(s), so as to reversibly fixedly hold the base pad to the adjacent base pad(s) or side bars. This enables the base pad to be replaced should the need arise and, when in place, the 15 base pad may form a tight seal. This tight seal is advantageous in specific circumstances, for example, to prevent water egress into the underlying substrate. Referring back to Figure 5, the central portions of the modular support's base pad 5 are optionally recessed so as to provide a depression into which one or more 20 walk-on means 9 (e.g. ceramic tiles) are enabled to be seated, preferably with tactile indicators 10 inserted onto the surface of the walk-on means 9. With this embodiment one or more walk-on means 9 are fixed in place on one or more bases pads using any suitable form of adhesive and/or grout lines 8 in combination with the base pad 5 side walls. 25 An alternate embodiment of the invention tactile indicators preferentially inserted directly onto the modular support's base pads (in the absence of a walk-on means, since the base pad-tactile indicator combination effectively forms a walk-on means. The tactile indicators are inserted onto the base pad using a fastening 30 means such as a screw as the insertion and anchouring means along the axis of tactile indicator, where the tactile indicator's head is the exposed region, as analogous to a screw head. In the above arrangement, the modular support's base pad is higher and 35 configured so that it is not depressed below ground level, so that the base pad with the tactile indicators inserted, takes the role of the walk-on means to be 18 5 walked upon. These tactile indicator insertions may take place on site and/or at the factory prior to installation. Unlike the modular support's base pads of previous embodiments, the base pad in this embodiment does not comprise a recess but instead the top surface is 10 stippled, that is, it comprises a plurality of tactile indicators in an array. The tactile indicators alternatively are enabled to be push-fitted (e.g. by a tight interference fit), adhered or fastened (e.g. screwed) into the base pad. Advantageously, the tactile indicators can be attached to the base pad prior to 15 bringing them onsite, thus reducing installation time. Grout lines Pre-moulded grout lines 8, as shown in Figures 5, 6A, 6B & 6D, & 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, are preferably used to position each walk-on means 9 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6D), 20 such as a ceramic or vinyl tile, fixed and/or in alignment within the base pad 5, with adjacent walk-on means 9 and/or an adjacent side bar (not shown). The pre-moulded grout is preferably made of compressed rubber formed via compression moulding so as to form strips which can be placed between adjacent 25 walk-on means (e.g. tiles) and/or between a walk-on means and an adjacent side bar and fixed (e.g. by glue) to hold the adjacent components in position (i.e. in alignment) and to fill gaps around walk-on means (e.g. tiles) that can trap dirt or form a trip hazard. 30 Alternatively, pre-moulded grout lines can be formed as an integral part of the pre moulded base pad 5 as shown in Figures 7A 7B. This allows so the walk-on means to be placed in alignment on a base pad by inserting the walk-on means between the fixed pre-moulded in without any alignment of the per-moulded grout required. 35 19 5 The pre-moulded grout 8 (refer Figures 7E and 7F) is not formed from commonly known grout, but is to be distinguished from traditional grout which is mixed as a wet material and placed in position between tiles that have been laid. After drying, traditional grout secures a walk-on means to its base and creates a waterproof seal between walk-on means when taking the form of tiles or other modular support(s). 10 In contrast, pre-moulded grout lines 8 do not require time to dry and can also assist in positioning (aligning) walk-on means prior to securing the walk-on means to the base pad. Once the walk-on means (e.g. tiles) are in place between pre moulded grout lines, a waterproof seal is provided immediately without any drying 15 or curing requirements. This is achieved through a tight fit and the rubber material of the pre-moulded grout, which grips the walk-on means and requires force to be applied in order to separate the pre-moulded grout from the walk-on means. The waterproof seal is enhanced by the shape of the pre-moulded grout lines 20 (refer Figures 7E and 7F) such as a tapered shape so that the upper "lip" of the grout lines sits over the edge of an adjacent walk-on means (tile) or an adjacent side bar, as applicable. The rubber material of the pre-moulded grout offers another advantage over 25 traditional grout, which provides no impact protection and is also prone to chipping and cracking. This may be exacerbated in temperature extremes (as may occur in outdoor environments) or when walk-on means (e.g. tiles) are placed under heavy, eccentric or shock loads. By contrast, pre-moulded rubber grout lines flex to accommodate extreme forces and also protect the edges of walk-on means 30 from chipping or grinding when a load is placed on them. The pre-moulded grout lines are able to be directly inserted without the use of any fluid. Preferably, they are able to be inserted a strips between the walk-on means when taking the form of tiles other forms of modular support(s) or, alternatively, 35 moulded onto the upper surface of the base pad. 20 5 Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary flooring surface where the base pad 5 is illustrated with grout lines 8 (where the grout lines may take the form of pre-moulded discrete grout lines or integral with the base pad, or non-pre moulded grout lines) that are arranged to sit between tiles once installed on the base pad. 10 Figure 7D shows a cross sectional view of a base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a premoulded grout line integrated within the base pad to hold the walk on means such as tiles in position on the base pad. Here, the premoulded grout line in cross section takes the form of a vertical grout line with the head to hold the 15 walk-on means in position both vertically and horizontally. Figure 7E also shows a cross sectional view of a base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a premoulded grout line integrated within the base pad where the vertical grout line has no additional protuberance to hold the walk-on means in position 20 other than the grout line itself, which holds the horizontal position (the walk-on means may be in the vertical plane using other fastening means such as glue). Figures 7F and 7G show a cross sectional view of a premoulded grout line which is not integrated with the base pad where the vertical grout line has a head to hold 25 the walk-on means in position (Fig. 7F) and another with no additional protuberance (Fig. 7G). Non premoulded and pre-moulded grout lines are also used in alternate embodiments, where the grout line takes the form of a flat profile, semicircular or otherwise; 30 Mechanical fastening means Mechanical fastening means such as screws are passed through fixation apertures 11, as shown in Figures 2, 8A, 8B and 8E, in the base pad edges and into the section of side bar and/or attached joining connectors, to hold the pad to the side bars/joining connectors in secure reversible engagement. 35 21 5 Other means of holding the base pads in position is shown in the following figures: Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary flooring surface where the base pad 5 is depicted with examples of walk-on means 9 in the form of tiles fitted onto the base pad 5, in which the tiles are ceramic tactile tiles. This is further illustrated in Figure 6A, which a plan view of the base pad of Figure 5 and in 10 6B, which is a perspective view of 6A, which shows the base pad of Figure 5, without a tile (see also Figure 6D which is a vertical view of a base pad 5 with a tile). Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view of the "front" end of the base pad of Figures 6A to 6C. 15 Figure 6C shows a side view of the base pad of Figures 5, 6A and 6B, where the side of the base pad (depicted facing the viewer) is the part of the base pad that sits adjacent to an adjacent base pad's rebated area or side bar within, for example, a rebate cut into a substrate. 20 Figure 6C shows an extending flange 17 under the base pad at the one end of the base pad and a rebated (e.g. bevelled) insert is seen at the opposing end of the base pad for use in forming joints (for example a splice joint; however, other joints are envisaged) when one base pad is placed end-to-end against a reciprocal base pad 5 (e.g. as illustrated within a rebated area) or side bar 4 (see Figure 1) 25 Figure 6D is an alternate arrangement, which takes the form of a cross-sectional view of the "front" end of the base pad of Figures 6A to 6C. This is the part of the base pad sits adjacent to a corresponding base pad 5 when base pads are installed end to end. The rebated (e.g. beveled) inserts that can be seen on both sides of the 30 base pad would accommodate a side bar or a bar reinforcement running along each side of, for example, a rebate cut into a substrate - refer item 4 in Figure 1 or a bar reinforcement running under the base pad. Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7A shows a cross sectional view of a base pad (shown 35 by cross hatching) showing a pre-moulded rebated section on bottom of the base pad, which is constructed to accommodate either: 22 5 a) a side bar support (not shown) beneath the pad, which enables the base pad to be seated flush on the substrate other than where it is supported at the rebated section by a side bar support; or b) a flange 17 (see Figure 6C) from an adjacent base. This is a preferred but not an essential feature since the base pad could, in the 10 absence of a side bar support, sit directly on the substrate or be self-supporting with adjacent base pads being fixedly joined in the absence of a rebated area and/or flange; however, with the rebated area and/or flange, the base pad(s) have aided support and ease of joining. 15 Figure 7B shows a cross sectional view of a base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing a corner section of a base pad (upper right corner) recessed to receive a fastening means such as a screw (fixation apertures not shown) within the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to either a side bar underneath the base pad or a flange 17 (see Figure 6C) of an adjacent base pad, to further assisting in 20 holding the base pad in position. Figure 7C shows a cross sectional view of a base pad (shown by cross hatching) showing the base pad of Figure 6A, 6B & 6C, where the side of the base pad has: a) an extending flange (shown as item 17 in Figure 6C) under the base pad at 25 the one end of the base pad; and b) a rebated (e.g. bevelled) insert (see Figures 2, 3B and 5, item labelled 13) as seen at the opposing end of the base pad for use in, for example, forming splice joints when one base pad is placed end-to-end against a reciprocal base pad. 30 Figure 8A shows b) above preferably fixed where a base pad 5 (shown by cross hatching) showing a region to receive a walk-on means 9 with a fixation aperture 11 to enable a fastening means such as a screw to secure the base pad 5 to a side 23 5 bar (not shown) or flange (item 17 in Figure 6C), which is to be inserted into the internal rebated area (item 13 Figure 8A) or ridge underneath the base pad. Figure 8B also shows a cross sectional view of a base pad 5 (shown by cross hatching) with a corner section of a base pad (upper right corner) recessed to 10 receive a fastening means such as a screw (fastening means e.g. fixation aperture 11) within the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to a side bar (not shown) or flange (item 17 in Figure 6C) underneath the base pad, to further assisting in holding the base pad in position. 15 Figure 8C is also a cross sectional view of a base pad showing the base pad of Figure 7A, 7B & 7C, where the side of the base pad has a rebated area 13 to receive an extending flange (not shown), side bar (not shown) or additional bar reinforcements (not shown) under the base pad in addition to the bar reinforcements 16 moulded within the base pad 5. 20 Figure 8D is further a cross sectional view of a base pad 5 as an alternative arrangement with bar reinforcements 16 moulded within the base pad 5. Figure 8E is a plan view of a corner section of a base pad 5 showing a fastening 25 means such as a screw to be received within the fixation aperture 11 within the base pad so that the base pad can be secured to a side bar (not shown) or flange (item 17 in Figure 6C) underneath the base pad, for further assisting to hold the base pad in position. 30 Seal Walk-on means such as ceramic or vinyl tiles and side bar are required to be flush and continuous with the surrounds so as to reduce trip hazards and/or water egress channels. To perfect the join between the walk-on means such as a ceramic tile, along with a side bar and any surrounding substrate, the joint between each 24 5 pad and between pad and substrate should be sealed with a suitable construction sealant, a suitable construction sealant such as a tape seal may be placed over this join to form a join seal. The sealant in the form of a specific tape is enabled to be heated on application across the walk-on means, top of side bar and substrate edge to further perfect the join, as well as adding slip proof qualities to the join 10 and/or to provide an aesthetically improved outcome. Typically the sealant is applied in selected widths such as 50 mm widths; however, it may be used in the range of 5 mm to 300 mm if so required or alternatively as a covering treatment of any selected size. 15 Linkage The modular supports and flooring system 100 (base pads optionally with pre moulded grout and walk-on means in position) are linked selectively as required. Preferentially, the modular supports are linked end-to-end by means of splice joint 20 across the abutting ends of two base pads. The splice joint is formed by matching corresponding moulded portions on the under surface of adjoining base pads 5. A transversely extending flange 17 (see Figure 6C) on the base of one base pad 5 sits in a corresponding rebated region (see item 13 Figure 5) or recess on the base of an adjacent base pad 5. 25 The flange 17 receives and holds the adjacent base pad 5, which has a receiving rebated (e.g. bevelled) region (recess) reciprocal to the adjacent flange which is inserted. An underside half lap splice joint, illustrated as a flange 17, is shown in Figure 5, 6 and 7C. Preferably this enables each base pad to have an underside half 30 lap splice joint 17 (see Fig. 8D) on one end and an overside half lap splice joint, illustrated as a flange 17, on the opposing end of the base pad (see Fig. 8C) as shown together in Figure 7C. Further, each base pad has an underside half lap splice joint 17 on both sides as 35 shown in Figure 7D. This recess or rebated (e.g. bevelled) region is made to accommodate the horizontal flange of the side bar (the flange that sits along the 25 5 ground) and allows the base pad to be seated on a side bar on each side so that the base and side bars can sit flush with each other on the substrate below. In another embodiment, the right angled side bars may be positioned to also act as a linkage means forming a splice or alternative form of joint. For example, one side 10 bar's horizontal flange presents inwards to receive a first base pad, whilst the second right angled side bar's horizontal flange presents outwards to receive a second base pad (not shown). The splice joint usually takes the form of a half lap splice. Such linkage holds the 15 base pads which are floating loose laid together while also providing sufficient flexibility owing to the floating/loose laid nature of the system for the installation to follow undulations in the substrate. Linkages other than splice joints are also available to be configured into the base pad. 20 By connecting five or six base pads with the selected walk-on means (such as tiles in the form of ceramic, wood or iron) together, a large module is formed which is heavy enough to resist displacement by vandals. Advantages - standard substrate, on top of surface (any substrate where adjoining 25 substrate is brought up to suitable level), and suspended bridge construction (self containing - reinforcement bar in base pad or base pad). The aforementioned arrangement has been found to provide a sufficiently solid and stable foundation to prevent the walk-on means such as ceramic tiles 30 (including ceramic tactile tiles) from cracking under load; particularly in combination with one or more of the following: 1. bar reinforcements, which provide strength to limit walk-on means deformation and cracking with loaded with a downward force, such as when a human or heavy machinery (e.g. scissor lift, forklift, ride-on mower) 35 travels across the ceramic tile's surface; 26 5 2. base pads absorbing downward forces whilst still allowing walk-on means flex within an acceptable range, particularly if point forces are applied such as applied upon one or more tactile indicators, which are seated on the tile's surface; 3. grout lines which are a preferable means to additionally hold the walk-on 10 means in place; and/or 4. side bars holding the walk-on means in position when side forces are applied. The walk-on means, when taking the form of one or more typical tiles, has movement and breakage reduced with used in combination with the base pad and 15 supports. This combination of improvements provides substantial advantages over the prior art installation practice and procedure, which requires all ceramic tiles to be adhered down directly onto a substrate to prevent cracking under load. This prior 20 art adherence requirement has limitations due to its dependency on the stability and quality of the underlying substrate. The method of this invention thus saves the time and expense required for the prior art concrete base and adhesive. Another feature of the novel floating loose 25 laid installation method according to this invention is that it facilitates the repairing of unstable or damaged substrates cheaply and easily by lifting them out of the rebated area without the huge expense of pulling up pre-adhered tiles. Figure 4 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention where pre-moulded 30 walk-on means in the form of tactile tiles 9 are inserted into the upper flat surface of a base pad and, if required, into the underlying bar reinforcements attached to a one or more side bars. Alternatively, these tiles can be initially fitted to their respective base pads at the 35 factory prior to installation. Although not shown in the drawing, upon installation additional fastening means are also preferably extended down into the 27 5 aforementioned side bars along the sides of the rebate to connect a number of base pads, side bars and bar reinforcements together. This arrangement enables worn or broken tiles to be replaced without disturbing the underlying support structure of the installation. 10 Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the base pad including pre-moulded grout lines that sit between walk-on means adhered or otherwise fixed to the base pad surface. The pre-moulded grout lines may be moulded as an integral part of the base pad or fixed (e.g. adhered) directly onto the base pads 16 on site or at the factory prior to installation. 15 It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiments disclosed provides a novel and improved floating/loose laid installation procedure system for tactile indicators or other floor tile products. 20 Clearly however the embodiments described are only the currently preferred forms of the invention and a wide variety of modifications may be made which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example while it is currently preferred to use base pads and tiles of 600 mm x 600 mm the invention is not limited to any particular size. Depending upon the degree of undulation in the 25 substrate the sizes of the pads and tiles may for instance be increased as appropriate to say 900 mm x 600 mm or 1200 mm x 600 mm. The invention is also not limited to any specific shape and configuration for the base pads and tiles. The invention further extends to means of flexible linkage other than the currently preferred splice joint arrangement and to materials other than the currently 30 described rubber and ceramic for the base pads and tactile indicator tiles. Referring to Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, a modular support is provided that is adapted to receive a walk-on means being, in this case, a plurality of ceramic tiles 1000. The modular support 100 comprises an engagement means In the form of an 35 attachment means for attaching the modular support 100 to another modular support 100. In this embodiment the attachment means is a splice joint 17 taking 28 5 the form of rebated (e.g. bevelled) regions, located at a first end of the modular support and located at a second end of the modular support, respectively. The splice joint is adapted for close fitting engagement with another adjacent modular support such that the modular supports can be attached end-to-end in a row. 10 In such an arrangement where adjacent modular supports are mechanically interlocked by splice joints so it is more difficult to remove one modular support 100 from the row, reducing the chance of the installation of modular supports 100 being tampered with. 15 In other embodiments, other attachment arrangements are provided such as complementary rib and groove arrangements or other monkey-grip type arrangements. In other embodiments fastening means such as longer screws can be used that 20 extend into the rebate or side bar mounted to the rebate to secure the adjacent modular supports in the rebate or to the side bar section, respectively, or to both. It should be noted that the modular support is not limited to supporting ceramic tiles, nor is it limited to supporting tactile type tiles. In this particular embodiment, 25 the ceramic tiles are about 10mm thick, but again, any suitable thickness tiles can be used. Advantageously, tiles can be adhered to the modular support prior to bringing them onsite, thus reducing installation time. 30 Advantageously, tiles can be attached to the modular support prior to bringing them onsite, thus reducing installation time. 29 5 First Exemplary Installation Procedure for Flooring System 1. The substrate is rebated to the required width & depth. The width cut is 606mm +/1mm. This tight tolerance keeps the system in alignment and makes it extremely difficult to lift up. 10 2. The depth is also important (normally 20mm deep), 5mm depth of paving 6:1 sand: cement is then applied and levelled to achieve a new overall depth for the rebate of 15mm. Two pieces of side bar are placed in the rebate at this stage adjacent to the walls of the rebated area and on top of the sub-base. This protects the side walls of the substrate from crumbling and it allows the base 15 pads of the modular supports to be fastened using a fastening means such as a screw to screw down to the side bar, hence the side bar becomes the link for holding all the modular tiles together and turning the system in to a bigger and heavier module. This feature then makes it extremely difficult for vandals to remove as the total weight of 5-6 modular tiles screwed together makes the 20 system well over 100kg in weight. Too heavy for one person to remove. 3. The modular supports are then laid into the tight rebated area on top of the side bar by clicking each one together using the splice joint slots. This also gives the modular supports support if (a) joints are walked on, (b) it allowing it to be 25 flexible to move up and down to follow the uneven area, (c) the rebated edge on top of the modular supports sits on top of the side bar eliminating water egress. 4. Tiles are adhered to the base pads of the modular supports, where the pre 30 mould grout is used to positon the tiles. This procedure is carried out on site or in the factory prior to bringing on site to save time. Advantageously: 1. The modular support gives the tactile ceramic tile a solid fixing substrate 35 stopping it from cracking when walked on. It also gives it very good compressive strength substrate.(similar and as good to what an in-situ concrete 30 5 base would give) 2. By keeping the size of the modular support and tile at a range of 100 to 2,000mm L x 100 to 2,000W, allows the system to bend and flex when installed on uneven asphalt / concrete surfaces. However, if the substrate is deemed 10 level the size of the system can be enlarged or take on other shapes. A metal cradle can also be used in conjunction with the tile. This gives added protection to the adjacent substrate if required. 3. The system is extremely difficult to remove because; (1) the splice joint slots 15 makes it difficult to lift up once all the modular supports are locked together, (2) the tight tolerance of the width of cut rebate makes it difficult for the system to be lifted from the side, (3) because each modular support is separately fastened to the side bar, this feature links by default 8-10 modular bases together making it very heavy and stable. 20 Second Exemplary Installation Procedure for Flooring System 1. A replaceable tactile tile uses a fastening means such as a screw fixed to the modular support. This procedure is carried out in the factory prior to bringing on site to save time. 25 2. The substrate (e.g. asphalt, concrete) is rebated to the required width & depth. The width cut is 606mm +/- 1mm. This tight tolerance keeps the system in alignment and makes it extremely difficult to lift up. The depth is also important (normally 20mm deep), 5mm depth of paving sand is then applied 30 and levelled to achieve a new overall depth for the rebate of 15mm. 3. Two pieces of side bar are placed in the rebate adjacent to the walls of the rebated area and on top of the sand base. This protects the side walls of the substrate from crumbling and allows the modular supports (once they are laid) 35 to be fastened (e.g. screwed down) on to the angle, hence the angle becomes the link holding all the modular tiles together and turning the system into a 31 5 bigger heavy module. This feature then makes it extremely difficult for vandals to remove as the total weight of 5-6 modular tiles screwed together makes the system well over 50-60kg in weight. 4. The modular supports are then laid into the tight fitting rebate area by clicking 10 each one together using the splice joint slots. This also gives the modular supports support when (a) joints are walked on, (b) it allowing it to be flexible too move up and down to follow the uneven area. The two edges of the modular support has a 3mm rebated lip that sits over the top 15 edge of the side bar protecting and eliminating water egress. Advantageously: 1. The modular support gives the replaceable tactile tile a solid fixing surface, stopping them from failing due to adhesion, substrate failure or tactile heads 20 shearing off. 2. The system allows the tile to be removed easily when worn out or damaged. 3. By keeping the size of the modular support and tile at 600mm L x 600mm W, 25 the system can bend and flex when installed on uneven asphalt / concrete surfaces. However, if the substrate is deemed level the size of the system can be enlarged to, for example, 900mm L x 600mm W or 1200mm L x 600mm W. 4. The system is extremely difficult to remove because; (1) the splice joint slots 30 makes it difficult to lift up once all the modular supports are locked together, (2) the tight tolerance of the width of cut rebate makes it difficult for the system to be lifted from the side. The modular supports are fastened (e.g. screwed) to the side bar underneath which by default links 5-6 modular tiles together making it an overall bigger module. 35 32 5 Third Exemplary Installation Procedure for Flooring System 1. Tactile studs are inserted and fixed into the fixation apertures in the form of pre-drilled holes in the base pad. This procedure is carried out in the factory prior to bringing on to site, hence saving time. 2. The substrate is rebated to the required width & depth. The width cut is 10 606 mm +/1 mm, this tight tolerance keeps the system in alignment and makes it extremely difficult to lift up. The depth is also important (normally 20mm deep), 5mm depth of paving sand is then applied and levelled to achieve a new overall depth for the rebate of 15mm. 15 3. Two pieces of side bar are placed in the rebate adjacent to the walls of the rebated area and on top of the sand base. This protects the side walls of the substrate from crumbling and it allows the modular supports (once they are laid) to be fastened (e.g. screw down) on to the angle, hence the angle becomes the link for holding all the modular tiles together and turning the 20 system in to a bigger heavy module. This feature then makes it extremely difficult for vandals to remove as the total weight of 5-6 modular tiles screwed together makes the system well over 50-60kg in weight. 4. The modular supports are then laid into the tight fitting rebate area by clicking 25 each one together using the splice joint slots. This also gives the modular supports support when (a) joints are walked on, (b) it allowing it to be flexible too move up and down to follow the uneven area. 5. The 2 edges of the base has a 3mm bevel lip that sits over the top edge of the 30 side bar protecting and eliminating water egress. Advantageously: 1. The base pad gives the tactile "discrete "indicators a solid fixing surface, stopping them from failing due to adhesion, substrate failure, tactile heads 35 shearing off because the synthetic rubber modular support absorbs most of 33 5 any impact. 2. By keeping the size of the base and tile at 600mm L x 600mm W, the system can bend and flex when installed on uneven asphalt / concrete surfaces. However, if the substrate is deemed level the size of the system can be 10 enlarged to, for example, 900mm L x 600mm W or 1200mm L x 600mm W. 3. The system is extremely difficult to remove because; (1) the splice joint slots makes it difficult to lift up once all the modular supports are locked together, (2) the tight tolerance required for the width of cut rebate makes it difficult for 15 the system to be lifted from the side. The modular supports are fastened (e.g. screwed) and fixed to the side bar underneath which by default links 5-6 modular tiles together making it an overall bigger module. The modular supports 100 are made of a synthetic rubber compound. In other embodiments, the modular supports may be made of any other suitable 20 engineering material. It should be noted that none of the modular supports having a recess are limited to receiving a particular type of tile (e.g. a ceramic or vinyl tile) and can be equally used to support any suitable type of tile (e.g. wooden, steel or rubber tiles) or 25 other walking surface (whether tactile or otherwise). Furthermore the modular support 100C is not limited to receiving any particular type of stud, for example the modular support 100C may support rubber, plastic, steel, ceramic or wooden studs of any suitable shape. 30 In another embodiment, the modular supports are made of any elastically deformable material such that in the case where the walk-on means are studs or tiles, or otherwise something that can be damaged by impact, the chance of breaking when impacted is reduced since the modular support can absorb the impact. 35 34 5 Furthermore, the modular supports may be sized to receive any suitable number of walk-on means in the form of tiles in any array configuration where the size and spacing of the array can be varied according to manufacturing, installation, use related or any other requirements. 10 In yet another embodiment, the modular supports may not actually attach to each other but simply engage or fit together. Interpretation 15 Embodiments: Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in 20 an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 25 Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or 30 more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of 35 Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed 35 5 Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of 10 different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. 15 Different Instances of Objects As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, 20 in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced 25 without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology 30 In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such 35 as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", 36 5 and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except 10 where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 15 Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. 20 Scope of Invention Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of 25 the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described 30 within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. 35 37 5 Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the medical industries. 38

Claims (12)

1. A modular support adapted to receive a walk-on means and comprising: a) engagement means for engaging the modular support with another modular support; and 10 b) a base region.

2. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement means is an attachment means for attaching the modular support to another modular support.

3. A modular support as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a transversely 15 extending flange to provide engagement with an adjacent structure.

4. A modular support as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a rebated insert to receive a flange from an adjacent modular support or alternate adjacent structure such as a supporting side bar.

5. A modular support as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachment means is a 20 complementary splice joint arrangement wherein the rebated insert of one modular support accommodates a flange from an adjacent modular support in reciprocal engagement.

6. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base pad adapted to receive a walk-on means. 25

7. A modular support as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base pad comprises a grout lines to receive the a walk-on means in tight engagement.

8. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base pads comprise joining connectors to reversibly fix to one or more side bars, adjacent base pad(s) or substrate. 30

9. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, wherein each base pad comprises one or more fixation apertures there through for receiving support fixing means for mounting the modular support. 5

10. A modular support as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the one or more fixation apertures is laterally elongated.

11. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base region has plurality of bar reinforcements moulded within or inserted upon or under the base pad such that the bar reinforcements ameliorate the stress produced by the impact 10 forces so that the forces remain contained within the modular support.

12. A modular support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular support is made of a rubber compound. Dated this 3 August 2015 15 Applicant's Name: Mr Celestine Patrick MCCUSKEY By 1 Place Patent Attorneys + Solicitors 20 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 2