Abstract: A thin brick panel system and method of forming a thin brick wall includes an expanded polystyrene foam panel having a plurality of laterally extending channels formed therein for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded with an adhesive directly to the foam panel and the seams between adjacent brick are filled with a mortar that bonds to the foam panel. The foam panel may be attached to a substrate with an adhesive as well as fasteners. Strips of a mesh fabric may span several panels to bind the panels together to form a structurally sound thin brick wall.

Abstract: A polymeric floor tile of elongated shape having a top surface molded to simulate a section of wood flooring with a plurality of staggered boards. The tile is adhesive-free, made possible by novel mating interlocks formed so as to lie below the linear edges defining the top tile surface. A decorative layer of wood grain may be applied to the top surface during or after molding to enhance simulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support and/or drainage plate made of a foil-like plastic material, for use with a plate-lined floor structure or a wall so as to create a space between the ground and the surface lining to be applied onto the foil-like plate. The structure of the plate is such that cavities are created by means of, on the one side, projections extending substantially in one direction and, on the other side, raised areas at the same level between which chambers are embodied for receiving a hardening contact medium, such as mortar or adhesive, which forms a contact layer with the surface lining to be applied. According to the invention the structure consists of projections (N1, N2) or (S1, S2) which extend in at least two directions and intersect. The resulting chambers (M1) are delimited in their circumference by the projections (S1, S2), which are open towards the other side of the plate.

Abstract: Random-shaped tiles are joined in an arbitrary array onto a front plane of a metal plate having holes, the metal plate being fixed to a backing plate. The random-shaped tiles are supported by supporting pieces of attaching pieces attached to the metal plate. The weight of the random-shaped tiles is received at the lower edge portion thereof by the supporting pieces, and the movement thereof in the direction of peeling away (forwards) is restricted at the upper edge portion of the random-shaped tiles by the supporting pieces. The random-shaped tiles can be joined to the metal plate having holes in a free array, and work can proceed speedily without any sagging during the joining work. Following joining, the random-shaped tiles are shielded from a good deal of vibrations and movement applied to the building frame, while being held in a secure joining state to the metal plate having holes.

Abstract: A bridge for aiding in setting tile on a surface above a fireplace including a pair of horizontal elongated guide bars and a pair of vertical elongated support bars, each guide bar and support bar having an elongated slot, the guide pair bolted together through slots providing a single guide bar. Each end of the single guide bar is bolted to near an end of a support bar by a fastener through the slots so that the bridge is formed. In use, the bridge is positioned at the entrance to the fireplace with a lower end of each support bar supported on the floor of the fireplace. The single guide bar is positioned along the top edge of the entrance and a first course of files is set against a front surface of a wall above the fireplace with a lower edge of each tile arranged parallel to and along the horizontal edge. A marker clip is snapped onto the guide bar and moved along to position each successively laid tile.

Abstract: An improved structure of an assembly type floor or wall tile includes a face layer of stone or wooden material, and a bottom layer of plastic, which are injection molded and bonded integrally so that they will not disengage, and the stone face layer is not vulnerable to breaking. Besides, the present invention has the features of dampness and fire resistance, material savings, reduced costs, lightness, and easy transport. Besides, the periphery of the bottom layer is provided with projecting and indented retaining posts, the bottom side thereof being formed with a plurality of grooves that have a circular, square or any suitable shape, and that are narrow at the opening and wide at the bottom. The retaining posts are for assembly purposes to facilitate construction and permit repair and replacement. The grooves in the bottom side has the effects of shock-absorbing, ventilation, reinforced structure, plastic material savings, and lightness.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of prefabricated tiled panels for installation on walls, floors and counters and intended for both interior or exterior use. Panels are selected to each include a particular segment of the overall tiled array. Thus, when all the panels are installed in a previously laid out configuration and the installation is completed, the installation displays the entire tile design without unsightly breaks. Provision is made for fastening panels to framing studs or flat surfaces. Each panel comprises a single base member made from any of a selection of materials that do not need waterproofing, and any size and type of tiles. It is easy to install by any relatively unskilled person. Benefits to builders and homeowners include good quality control due to the controlled manufacturing of the panels, low cost due to methods and materials employed, and practical low cost installation, requiring substantially less skill than that required for present day on site tiling.

Abstract: A plate-like structural element substantially comprises a wooden material plate with a high water resistance and having a plastic coating on at least part of its top and/or bottom side. This element is constructed in the manner of a wall or floor tile. For fixing or joining several elements on the edge surfaces are provided grooves and tongues. Preferably the width of the tongues exceeds the depth of the grooves, so that a specific, uniform joint width is ensured between the elements.

Abstract: A prefabricated composite panel is disclosed of the type comprising a rigid sheet of cellular polymeric material, a covering layer on the outer face of the foam sheet made of a cementitious material and a plurality of rigid facing elements embedded in and to the outer face of the cementitious layer so as to define an outermost surface of the panel, the facing elements being attached to the outer face in a pattern similar to conventional brickwork. Support strips formed from a rigid material different from the cellular polymeric material engage the foam sheet, the cementitious layer and a plurality of the facing elements to provide support of the facing elements to resist downward sagging of the facing elements on the foam sheet, such sagging induced by heat, combustion or other environmental factors. The cementitious layer is a fire barrier, and can be supplemented with additional fire retardant elements. A method of manufacturing such building panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.

Abstract: A profiled web for arrangement between the underside of floor tiles and an upper surface of a support plate. The profiled web is based on a rigid plastic film formed to have a parallel series of successive channels, each of the channels being defined by first and second edge portions and a trough portion therebetween. The series of channels are open alternately to the upper surface of the support plate as a first group of channels and to the underside of the floor tiles when in an installed position as a second group of channels. First trough portions of the channels open to the support plate are parallel, and form an upper surface of the web; second trough portions of the channels open to the tiles are parallel and form a lower surface of the web. The web is provided with a plurality of through-openings which produce a liquid- and gas-permeable connection between successive channels.

Abstract: A method of forming a tiled floor without adhesive beneath the tiles comprises laying the tiles, applying filler between adjacent tiles after laying, and holding the tiles in relative position. A flexible sheet with apertures can be laid on a substrate and the apertures filled with grouting material and the tiles laid on the sheet, the spaces between the tiles receiving filler material. The tiles may have a groove in peripheral sides to provide a keying effect for the filler material. The filler material may be settable after application and hold the tiles in position.

Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.

Abstract: A base is provided for the installation of tiled coverings on unprepared underlying substrates and a method for using the base. The base has two substantially parallel surfaces, openings to permit the introduction of mortar between the base and the underlying substrate, fastening points for the use of mechanical fasteners to attach the base to the underlying substrate, and fixed or adjustable spacers to keep the base in proper alignment with the underlying substrate. One or more curved edges may be added to accommodate curved-edged tiled coverings, interlocking segments may be added to provide additional lateral support and a ledge may be added to assist in supporting the tiled coverings or for leveling purposes. Mortar may be introduced into the space between the lower surface of the base and the underlying substrate through openings in the base and the tiled coverings are attached to the mortar presented at the openings.

Abstract: A masonry construction aid that enables novice and professional masons to easily construct a masonry structure such as a sidewalk, patio, driveway or vertical wall. The aid allows its user to insert masonry into a pre-determined, pre-formed, soluble pattern that contains within it a bonding material. After applying a catalyst such as water to the pattern, the pattern will disintegrate, the bonding agent will activate and bond the masonry together and harden into a permanent structure. This will result in a masonry structure that does not require any special skills to construct. The user will not be required to prepare or apply mortar, or manually align the masonry.

Abstract: A support system (40) to support a plurality of bricks (42) which in combination with mortar (50) forms a wall. The support system (40) includes a sheet (43) provided with a plurality of generally parallel transversely spaced ribs (45), which ribs (45) are plastically deformed to provide a plurality of longitudinally spaced peaks (50 & 51). The bricks or tiles (42) are engaged between opposing peaks (50 & 51) to be retained in position thereby until the mortar (50) sets.

Abstract: A building material comprising, in layers, a thin waterproof membrane base of rigid plastic such as PVC, a mortar bed, a layer of cement, a metal lath, and a layer of ceramic tile, brick-veneer, granite tile or marble tile, which provides a pre-fabricated panel adapted to be attached to any flat surface, such as a wall or counter.

Abstract: A composite floor covering having an upper decorative layer, a stabilizing layer, and an optional cushioning layer is characterized in that the decorative layer itself comprises a fabric base and a plastic matrix having a transparent portion. The plastic matrix may include an opaque portion. At least the transparent portion of the plastic matrix has discrete fibrous structures embedded therein. The plastic matrix material is selected with melting and rheological characteristics such that the plastic matrix is prepared and applied to the fabric base in fluid form and solidifies under conditions at which the fabric base and embedded fibrous structures remain substantially intact. The fabric layer may be totally embedded within the plastic matrix or may form the lower surface of the plastic matrix. The decorative layer may include (i) fabric fragments, (ii) groupings of multi-oriented individual fibers, or (iii) mixtures of fragments and individual fibers.

Abstract: A prefabricated composite panel of the type comprising a supporting plywood board, a foamed sheet of polyurethane and a covering layer on the front face of the polyurethane comprising a plurality of brick slices with an aggregate in the spaces between the brick slices which is bonded into the front face of the foam is improved in its fire retardancy by providing a plurality of vertical support metal strips on the inside face of the brick slices at spaced positions across the width of the panel. Each metal strip includes a hanger element at the top which engages over a portion of the foam and a plurality of punched tabs each of which engages under a respective one of the brick slices. The support strips prevent sagging of the brick slices when heat is applied to the front face of the panel since that sagging can allow the heat to penetrate cracks in the covering aggregate.

Abstract: The welding rod is a laminate structure in which a print layer is disposed between a first thermoplastic layer and a second transparent thermoplastic layer. Preferably the welding rod is in the form of an elongated element having a half-round cross-sectional shape. The welding rod is used to join two pieces of thermoplastic sheeting, particularly flooring, together. If the welding rod has a pattern similar to the printed pattern of the sheeting the resulting surface covering looks seamless.

Abstract: A tile having a desired pattern is provided. The pattern goes through the tile in the thickness direction. For manufacturing such a tile, e.g. a partition plate 84 is disposed in a pressure forming die 91 so as to divide its inside space into an outer forming space 95 and an inner forming space 96. Light black granules and light red granules are filled respectively in the outer and inner forming spaces 95, 96. Then, the partition wall 84 is taken out from the die 91, and lining granules are filled over the colored granules. Thereafter, they are pressed into one body and burned.

Abstract: A modular building system including modules for a majority of structural elements making up a modem building. Modules include, floors, walls, elevator shafts, stairways, conduit assemblies. Facilities located on or off site are utilized to prefabricate most of the structural elements needed to construct a building. Finished floor modules are complete sections of floor including floor core, floor covering, insulation, ceiling beams and ceiling below. Wall modules include wall core, exterior wall covering, utility runs, wall beams and interior wall covering. Elevator modules include stackable elevator shells and guide tracks. Stairway modules include stackable stairway shells that may be stacked as many number of floors as needed. Utility conduit assemblies include all related utility meter gear and cabling, plumbing, etc. for gas, water, electricity, telecommunications, etc. services.

Abstract: Vinyl heat welding rod for seam sealing vinyl resilient flooring, whether in sheet or tile form, are used to obtain a homogeneous, monolithic appearing surface. This rod is specifically made to duplicate the appearance of the flooring material. For a chip-image flooring structure, a sheet of multicolored chips having a similar, but different formulation from that of the flooring material is prepared and the sheet is cut into suitable strips, heat pressed in a rod mold, end adhered or further molded to form the desired length, and used as a vinyl heat welding rod for sealing seams in flooring. Thus, the chip pattern is evident in the seam area and does not appear different when compared to the adjacent surface.

Abstract: A stain resistant grout composition comprises a mixture of an acrylic latex, an aliphatic urethane and a paraffin. Preferably, the composition is an aqueous composition and is a low volatile organic compound (VOC) composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a medium bed mortar for setting of large tiles. The mortar comprises from 25 to 75 parts by weight of a mortar base composition and 1 part by weight of expanded vermiculite. The presence of the vermiculite in the mortar base supports the trowel ridges of the medium bed mortar of more than 3/8 inch to 5/8 of an inch in height and increases the open time of the medium bed mortar to allow longer working times. In an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for setting of tile on a supporting surface. The method comprises trowelling onto the supporting surface a medium bed mortar composition comprising from about 25 to 75 parts by weight of a mortar base composition and 1 part by weight of expanded vermiculite by means of a ridged trowel to produce ridges of the medium bed mortar composition of greater than 1/4 inch in height and setting the tile in the medium bed mortar to adhere the tile to the supporting surface.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly for forming a brick facing on a building structure. The brick panel assembly includes a backing member formed from a single sheet of material, which is adapted to properly retain individual thin brick tiles. The backing member has a generally uniform cross-section throughout its entire length, providing channels which allow the thin brick tiles to lay uniformly across each row. The channels are defined by retaining bars which hold the thin brick tiles in place. The retaining bars include mortar lock notches, which are adapted to provide a dovetail connection between the mortar and the backing board, as well as a path for moisture and water to escape from the brick panel assembly.

Abstract: A floor including a plurality of tiles inter engaging each other by tongue and groove engagement. The tiles include a cement base portion cut to a desired size for a floor tile and being coated with a waterproof coating to substantially maintain the moisture content of the cement at a constant level. The tile also includes a veneer layer on top of the base portion having a combination of wood and vinyl to provide a thin layer having the appearance of wood and a vinyl surface facing up from the layer. In a preferred embodiment the cement base portion includes a pair of parallel sides having tongue and groove cuts along opposite parallel sides to provide interlocking engagement with an adjacent tile. The underside of the groove is angled at an angle sufficient to provide a relief space at the engagement of a groove in an adjacent tile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying cementitious material onto a floor surface while screeding it and producing varying depths of ridged impressions in a longitudinal direction within the cementitious material, from deep ridges to flat surfaced material, all formed with a levelled surface, adapted to receive tile components and other flooring products. The apparatus includes a base adapted for displacement on the floor surface and provided with a container to receive the cementitious material. The container is adapted to discharge a required amount of cementitious material on the floor surface. The base defines an opening which screeds the material onto the floor surface and trails the discharged cementitious material from the container on the floor surface when the apparatus is operatively displaced. A gate is moveably mounted to be vertically displaced for selectively reducing the opening and for evenly spreading the cementitious material passing therethrough.

Abstract: A mounting section (10) securable to a structure to enable mounting of a panel edge (21) to the structure. A base portion (16) is secured to the structure and a channel portion (11) receives the panel edge, the channel portion having a mouth (12) and two jaws (13, 14) defining the mouth and which are mounted to the base portion while the panel edge is being laterally moved into position. One jaw (13 or 57) is mounted to the base portion (16) by a hinged mounting (51, 52 or 58) enabling hinging movement during or subsequent to the location of the panel edge within the mouth. Retaining means (57 or 56) later retains the jaw against hinging movement. The retaining means forms a snap fit connection which is operable when the hinged jaw has been moved into its operative position confining the edge of the panel in the mouth of the channel portion. The retaining member is formed integrally with the hinged jaw with a flexible connecting portion between the retaining member and the hinged jaw.

Abstract: A poured concrete wall construction. In forming the wall construction, a back panel is mounted on a foundation and a plurality of generally rectangular thin-walled blocks formed of crushed stone bonded with a thermosetting resin are stacked to form a wall that is spaced from the back panel with a cavity being defined between the stack and the back panel. A tubular frame is positioned outwardly of the stack, and a plurality of connecting members connect the back panel and the frame and extend through mating notches in the edges of adjacent the blocks. Clamps are connected to the outer ends of the connecting members to connect the connecting members to the frame. Concrete is subsequently poured into the cavity between the backing panel and the block stock to form the wall construction with the stack of blocks forming an outer decorative face for the wall.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly for forming a brick facing on a building includes a backing member formed from of a single sheet of material which is adapted to properly retain individual thin brick tiles, and support clips utilized in supporting the completed brick facing. The backing member has a uniform cross-section throughout its entire length, and provides channels which allow the thin brick tiles to lay uniformly across each row. Support clips secure the completed brick facing to an underlying support structure of the building.

Abstract: A shower liner for use with ceramic tile consisting of a shell for polymer plastic body having a substantially flat bottom and a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom.

Abstract: A method of applying porous building plates includes applying plate-like porous building plates having pores on the surfaces and then jointing them by means of a coated joint method. In the method, the pores on the surfaces of the porous building plates are packed with an acid soluble substance and then the plates are joined by means of a coated joint method. Subsequently, the surfaces of the porous building plates are washed with an acid.

Abstract: A system is provided for firmly attaching roof tiles to a building. The system includes an underlayment, a layer of adhesive overlying the underlayment and a plurality of ceramic slabs for mounting on the adhesive layer. Anchors are employed for securing the ceramic slabs in a contiguous manner to the adhesive layer. These anchors include a substantially planar first flange which is embedded within the ceramic slab. A web is fixed to the first flange and extends transversely away from the first flange and beyond the ceramic slab. A substantially planar second flange is fixed to the web at a location distant from the first flange and is embedded within the adhesive layer. The first and second flanges are generally parallel and are generally symmetrical relative to the web and are substantially coextensive. In another construction, the first and second flanges define first and second perimeters and the web is attached to both of the flanges at locations substantially central of the perimeters.

Abstract: Wooden tiles including a plurality of smaller rectangular blocks, flat grain or preferably end grain, are made by providing in each block at least one lateral groove extending parallel to and spaced inwardly from the end edges of the block, at least one longitudinal groove extending parallel to and is spaced inwardly from the side edges of the block and intersecting the lateral groove(s) at a right angle. When the blocks are aligned in abutting relationship, either side by side, side to end or end to end, to form a tile of the desired pattern, the grooves are aligned to form a grid-like network of continuous, rectilinear channels. The channels are substantially filled with a relatively flexible, synthetic plastic material capable of becoming flowable upon being heated to a predetermined temperature and hardening upon subsequent cooling.

Abstract: A brick panel construction apparatus including a stiff backing member such as a polystyrene insulated board is laminated to a water impermeable sheet which is primarily planar in shape. A plurality of integrally formed projections are disposed in a plurality of horizontal rows on the impermeable sheet whereby these projections and the sheet constitute a one-piece structure. A plurality of spaced apart thin bricks are adhesively attached to the sheet and the bricks are disposed between the rows of projections. Grout is then applied to the spaces between the bricks and covers the rest of the sheet, including the projections. Brackets are utilized to attach the thin sheet and backing member to a vertical sub-straight and these brackets have a planar portion for allowing the fastener to pass through it, through the thin sheet and through the backing member to a vertical structural member.

Abstract: Masonry landscaping modules and methods for landscaping using the modules are disclosed. The masonry modules each have an upper portion comprising a plurality of masonry elements bonded to an upper surface of a lower portion. The masonry elements, preferably clay brick, are arranged in predetermined patterns and spaced from each other on the upper surface of the lower portion to define masonry joints between them. The lower portion comprises a concrete base having side walls which taper inwardly toward a bottom surface of the lower portion to define a trapezoidally shaped lower portion. Either steel reinforcing bars or fiberglass fibers are embedded in the lower portion. In completed products such as patios and walkways where multiple modules are placed adjacent to each other, inverted Y-shaped or "key" paving joints are formed between modules. Methods of laying the modules to form a variety of masonry products such as paving and other decorative arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: Flooring structure having a rigid horizontal base and a tile or terrazzo top flooring layer. This flooring structure also has a crack isolation layer between the base and the top flooring layer. The crack isolation layer comprises a hard, essentially rigid material which is in load bearing relationship with the base and the top flooring layer and which extends over about 50 percent to about 80 percent of the surface area of the crack isolation layer as measured in the horizontal direction. The crack isolation layer may be in the form of a fracturable sheet or in the form of pilings. The remaining portion of the crack isolation layer may be occupied by a deformable material.

Abstract: A tile structure and method for applying tiles to the floor surface of offices, corridors and various rooms in which the surface of a floor to be tiled is covered with a sheet and peripheral side of tiles to be applied are surrounded with an elastic joint material. The tiles are applied side by side in sequence on the sheet with the elastic joint material forming a joint between adjacent tiles and in a compressed condition so as to prevent such applied tiles from moving each other. The sheet prevents the tiles from sliding along the floor surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated tile is disclosed which comprises providing a sheet of natural stone having opposed first and second major surfaces and providing a plurality of ceramic substrates, each having opposed first and second major surfaces. An adhesive material is provided on at least one of the first and second major surface of the sheet of natural stone and the first major surface of each of the plurality of ceramic substrates. The plurality of ceramic substrates and the sheet of natural stone are assembled to form a laminated assembly such that the first surface of each of a portion of the plurality of ceramic substrates faces the first major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween, and the remainder of the ceramic substrates face the second major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween.

Abstract: Artistic tile designs are mass produced with precut tile pieces from commercially available square tile units. An initial tile design is created with the tile pieces to serve as a pattern. Thereafter the tile designs are reproduced by placing a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent sheet-type substrate or backing over the initial design, and by securing matching tile pieces to the substrate, as viewed through the substrate. The substrate is of the type that is sufficiently rigid to substantially maintain its shape while handled. The tile design can be repeated on the reverse side of the substrate using the design on the front side as the pattern to provide a double-sided design. If an opaque substrate is to be used, the front faces of the tile pieces are temporarily secured to a readily removable substrate, and the adhesive is thereafter applied to the back of the tile pieces to be permanently mounted.

Abstract: The flooring structure herein comprises a rigid base or substrate (typically wood or concrete), an outer course of ceramic tile or other fracturable material, a high impact strength crack isolation sheet interposed between the base and the tiles. The crack isolation sheet is a thin rectangular sheet, typically of plastic material such as high impact polystyrene, having a flat base portion and a plurality of dimples arranged in a regular geometric pattern and projections extending in one direction (i.e., upwardly) from the base portion. Both the base portion and the projections have holes. The base portion of the crack isolation sheet is adhesively bonded to the base or substrate. A substantially incompressible compression bed material, e.g., mortar or concrete, fills the space between the crack isolation sheet and the tiles but not the space beneath the projections of the crack isolation sheet. The latter space is essentially an unfilled air space.

Abstract: A fast-setting magnesium phosphate one-component adhesive/grout is used to bond tiles, e.g. ceramic tiles, to a substrate, e.g. sheet-rock. The grout comprises an activator prepared by e.g., mixing diatomaceous earth with at least a sufficient amount of an ammonium phosphate solution to form a paste then heating the paste to coat the pores of the diatomaceous earth and result in a dry solid which is then milled to yield the activator, magnesium oxide, diammonium phosphate, boric acid, and sufficient water to form a paste. This grout is applied to the surfaces to be bonded which are then brought together to form a composite which is allowed to set at ambient temperatures forming a durable bond in about three hours.

Abstract: A tile product is disclosed which comprises a ceramic substrate having opposed major surfaces, a layer of natural stone and an adhesive bonding the layer of natural stone to one of the major surfaces of the ceramic substrate. The layer of natural stone preferably comprises a plurality of strips made of fossilstone and the substrate is preferably made of an unglazed ceramic bisque.

Abstract: A method of installing facing bricks on the surface of an outer building wall including, as a first step, the attachment to the wall of chicken wire provided with parallel ridge configurations. These configurations are positioned to form horizontal barriers in the chicken wire which are spaced far enough apart to receive the facing bricks between them. The bricks are buttered on one side with mortar, then pressed into position between the barriers with their lower edges adjacent the lower of the two flanking barriers. When the mortar sets, grout is applied to the spaces between the bricks to embed the ridge configurations in the chicken wire. The result is a veneered wall having the bricks fastened to the wall surface with mortar and integrated into a cohesive veneer skin, along with the mortar, chicken wire and grout.

Abstract: A synthetic plastics or other flexible but substantially inextensible tiling matrix 1 is provided definning an apertured portion 2 formed with openings 3, half-sized openings 5, and quarter-sized openings 4, one surface of the matrix portion 2 being provided with cruciform and rectilinear projections 9 between which tiles can be installed. The matrix 1 is secured to a wall or other surface that is to be tiled by use of an adhesive and the tiles are secured to that wall or other surface and to the matrix portion 2 by a conventional tiling adhesive following which grouting is installed between the regularly spaced apart tiles in a conventional manner. The projections 9 have a projecting extent that is less than the thickness of the tiles so that they will be concealed after grouting has been completed. Edges of each matrix portion 2 are provided with interlocking projections 6 and recesses 7 so that one matrix portion 2 can quickly and accurately be positioned in line relative to others.

Abstract: In a ceramic wall or floor covering consisting of single tile-shaped elements which are designed to be electrically conductive, the electrical voltage is dissipated via the flanks of the tile-shaped ceramic element and via electrically conductive elements laid on the tile plane.

Abstract: For a tile-like ceramic element provided on its visible side with an electrically conductive surface glaze which, when the tile-like ceramic element is laid with a plurality of such elements to form a covering for lining walls or floors, communicates conductively with a substructure which diverts electricity and is to be provided below the covering, its laying to form a flooring can be performed utterly independently, so that a joint material can be selected which completely meets all requirements to be met by such a material in terms of its scuff resistance, its elasticity and hygienic properties, and allows for at least part of the side of the tile-like ceramic element facing away from the visible side to be coated with a material having good electrically conductive properties which communicates with the surface glaze in electrically conductive fashion.

Abstract: A synthetic plastics or other flexible but substantially inextensible tiling matrix 1 is provided definning an apertured portion 2 formed with openings 3, half-sized openings 5, and quarter-sized openings 4, one surface of the matrix portion 2 being provided with cruciform and rectilinear projections 9 between which tiles can be installed. The matrix 1 is secured to a wall or other surface that is to be tiled by use of an adhesive and the tiles are secured to that wall or other surface and to the matrix portion 2 by a conventional tiling adhesive following which grouting is installed between the regularly spaced apart tiles in a conventional manner. The projections 9 have a projecting extent that is less than the thickness of the tiles so that they will be concealed after grouting has been completed. Edges of each matrix portion 2 are provided with interlocking projections 6 and recesses 7 so that one matrix portion 2 can quickly and accurately be positioned in line relative to others.

Abstract: Vinyl heat welding rod for seam sealing vinyl resilient flooring, whether in sheet or tile form, are used to obtain a homogeneous, monolithic appearing surface. This rod is specifically made to duplicate the appearance of the flooring material. For a chip-image flooring structure, a sheet of multicolored chips having a similar, but different formulation from that of the flooring material is prepared and the sheet is cut into suitable strips, heat pressed in a rod mold, end adhered or further molded to form the desired length, and used as a vinyl heat welding rod for sealing seams in flooring. Thus, the chip pattern is evident in the seam area and does not appear different when compared to the adjacent surface.