Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laying marble tile flooring utilizes a form and method for using the form. The form provides for applying layers of a sealant, mud and thin set to a height determined by the form for laying the first tile in a horizontally level position. Second and subsequent tiles are laid relative to the first laid tile by gauging off the first laid tile and fixing the height of sealant, mud, and thin set such that the second and subsequently laid tiles are level with the first tile and parallel to the edges of the first laid tile. The result is a completely horizontal tiled floor with each tile level to an adjacent tile and parallel and or perpendicular relative to each other tile.

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.

Abstract: A premixed composition is formed from modified polyacrylate polymer, silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and silane, that cures rapidly to form a composition that can be used as a grout or coating. The premixed composition includes a latex resin including an acrylic-based polymer, a silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and a silane, and optionally various fillers, pigments, and adjuvants. These components in the proper proportions form a stable viscous suspension that can be floated into tile joints, and cleaned from an adjacent tile surface. The composition rapidly cures to form a hard mass that is resistant to abrasion, in both dry and wet conditions, is color consistent, and is resistant to staining.

Abstract: A floor tile for a raised floor. The floor tile is defined by a shallow upwardly-opening metal pan defining a shallow compartment in which a main preformed one-piece concrete block is secured. The main concrete block is preferably formed from a plurality of one-piece preformed concrete sub-blocks which are adhesively adhered in sideward abutting relationship to define a plan profile corresponding to the main concrete block. The main concrete block is then adhesively secured within the compartment of the metal pan.

Abstract: A process for grouting floors using a two-part reactive epoxy grout formulation comprising two distinct components (parts) which can utilize a two-part cartridge for storing, metering and having a means of attaching a static mixer tube to the front of the cartridge for inline mixing of the epoxy components as they are being dispensed directly into the grout joint. The cartridge contains a resin and pre-colored hardener, which maybe heated to accelerate the cure speed in cold environments if necessary, mixed, and applied to an empty grout joint-line by means of a static mixer tube that acts as a mixer-nozzle. Masking tape or other protective material is placed on both sides of the joint-line prior to grouting to prevent epoxy contacting tile faces. The grout is dispensed directly into the grout joint by the applicator gun pressurizing the cartridge pistons to flow epoxy resin and hardener in the correct mix ratio through the static mixing nozzle.

Abstract: A tile leveling device is provided. The device includes a main member, a first section extending transversely from the main member for receiving a first tile and a second section extending transversely from the main member in a direction opposite the first section for receiving a second tile. A member is provided for penetrating the main member and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other. A method for leveling tiles is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.

Abstract: The process of tiling a floor is disclosed in which the leveling of the tile members being attached to a floor or counter top includes selecting and attaching a plurality of tile height spacers to each piece of tile. Each tile height spacer has a plurality of feet extending from one side thereof and an adhesive coating on the other side having a protective cover thereover. The adhesive cover is removed from the tile so that the tile height spacer can be attached to the bottom of a tile member for pressing the tile member and tile height spacers attached thereto into the tile bonding agent applied to the floor for leveling the tile.

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of first members (12) and a plurality of second members (14). First and second co-operating formations (16, 22) are provided on the first and second members. The co-operating formations can co-operate with one another to secure the first members to the second members. The first members include spaced alignment formations arranged to align the placement of articles on the surface. The first co-operating formations may constitute the alignment formations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for setting tiles on a substrate to which adhesive material has been applied. The method includes disposing a plurality of tiles on the substrate in a pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel rows of tiles, where each of the rows comprises a plurality of tiles in a side-by-side relationship. The method further comprises the step of inserting horizontal alignment strips of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the rows of tiles in the pattern to define spaces between the tiles in adjacent rows. The method further comprises the step of installing vertical alignment tabs of a compressible, semi-rigid material between the tiles in each row to define spaces between the tiles in each row. The disclosed method substantially increases the speed at which tile setting may be accomplished.

Abstract: A tile system includes a tile and at least one removable tile insert. One of the tile and the at least one tile insert has securing means for removably retaining the at least one insert within or to the tile. The tile is configured to be installed on a surface through conventional means. The insert may incorporate both decorative and/or functional features and may be removed, replaced and/or reused to change the appearance of a single tile, multiple tiles, mural, liner or decorative scheme.

Abstract: A tile spacer is made from a pair of parallel planar members joined by a series of connectors forming a series of channels. The tile spacer is positioned between two adjacent tiles and sunk into the adhesive so that excess adhesive enters the channels and is subsequently removed. One or more appropriate cuts can be made to the tile spacer in order to open desired channels which allows the tile spacer to curve or otherwise bend from linear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying and mechanically connecting panels in rows parallel to one another. The method includes forming a super panel comprising a first plurality of panels in a first panel row, to be newly laid, the super panel being formed by connecting together second pairs of locking elements in adjacent panels of the first panel row. The method also includes connecting the super panel to a second plurality of panels in an already laid second panel row by working in sections, beginning at an end of the super panel, by utilizing a torsional flexibility of the super panel to engage the first pair of locking elements. During the connecting, the first plurality of panels do not move relative to each other along the second pair of edges.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface, a plurality of edge surfaces, and a plurality of interlocking member for attachment to adjacent tiles. One interlocking member may include a protrusion having a curved interlocking portion. Another interlocking member may include a recess having a curved pocket portion. An interface between the curved interlocking portion of one tile and the curved pocket portion of another tile may allow pivot movement between the tiles. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. Methods of forming a modular floor that includes a plurality of modular floor tiles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure joining method includes a hammer drill attachment device mountable within the chuck of a hand-held hammer drill. Using the hammer drill attachment, an operator installs flooring sheets onto a hook and loop flooring subfloor. The hammer drill attachment includes a shaft for mounting the attachment within the chuck. The hammer drill imparts vibration to the shaft when operated. An angled body member is attached to the shaft and extends downward toward a foot assembly having a foot pad means. The foot assembly vibrates when the hammer drill is actuated to cause the foot pad means to abut against the overlapping sheets of a flooring system and to press the sheets onto an underlying subfloor, thereby forming a seam between the edges of the floor sections.

Abstract: Floor element (1), which is mainly in the form of a board with triangular, quadratic, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape as seen from above. The floor element (1) is provided with edges (2), a lower side (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1), which are intended to be joined via tongue and groove are on at least two opposite edges (2), preferably on all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extends inwards from the edge (2) mainly parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged on a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and on a predetermined distance from a closest corner between two adjacent edges (2), whereby the holes (4) are intended to receive each one part of a guiding means (6).

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.

Abstract: The ceramic tile installation system includes a plurality of shaped inserts adapted to be insertably mounted inside an opening or a shaped recess of predefined depth in a wall niche preform; the plurality of inserts having shapes configurable, alone or in combination, to conform to the shape of the recess; each insert having an enclosed sidewall of a given width, the sidewall width being larger than the depth of the of the preform recess to thereby provide a ledge for supporting tiles as the tiles are being installed around the shaped recess. The inserts may include reinforcing ribbing disposed along the interior of the sidewall.

Abstract: A decorative tile or set of tiles is provided for use in swimming pools, bathrooms, kitchens and the like. Tiles are manufactured to have a glazed front surface of a first color, and one or more openings in said front surface in a pattern. Decorative grouts are used to fill the openings in the glazed tiles to produce the desired decorative effect. In use, the tiles are held in place by a conventional bedding grout, and finished with a finishing grout. The openings are preferably holes through the tile, having openings at front and back. In a preferred embodiment, some or all of the decorative grouting that is used to fill the openings is a phosphorescent grout that accumulates solar or other light energy, and glows in the dark.

Abstract: The installation system and method for installing an architectural covering material to a substrate surface utilizes an adhesive mat having layers of adhesive and release layers arranged to allow the covering material to be initially positioned, and later repositioned to be permanently set. The adhesive mat includes a planar carrier member, one or more adhesive layers on at least one planar side of the planar carrier member, and at least one release layer of material removably covering the one or more adhesive layers. In one form, the adhesive mat includes a carrier sheet, first and second adhesive layers on opposing planar sides of the carrier sheet, and first and second release layers of material removably covering the two adhesive layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tile installation method and devices. According to the invention, level guides (1) are provided on the ground and a pair of rules (2-2?) are disposed transversely thereon, said rules being separated from one another by a distance that is slightly greater than the size of the tiles (3). The tiles (3) are fixed in place by pouring mortar (4) into the space defined therebetween (3) and using a rake (5) to spread the mortar and level same, said rake being suitably dimensioned such that the ends thereof rest on the above-mentioned rules (2-2?). Subsequently, a line of tiles (3) is placed between the rules (2-2?), with each tile being installed individually and a groove being formed in the mortar on the shared free side between said tile and the next.

Abstract: A floor structure unit, comprising: a tray, a flooring material, a rubber grommet, and a rubber matrix is provided. The tray includes an upper and lower horizontal surface, at least one retaining wall, a first and a second set of contrapositive interlocking members. The flooring material is disposed on the tray upper horizontal surface such that the first set of interlocking members is substantially flush with the flooring material and the second set of interlocking members extends beyond the flooring material. The rubber matrix is disposed in the tray lower horizontal surface, and the rubber grommet is disposed about the perimeter of the at least one retaining wall. The rubber grommet and the rubber matrix are a unitary piece. Methods of manufacture and use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: A composite roofing board is provided, including a layer of bituminous core material having pieces or particles of shingles, rolled roofing, etc. that have been broken-up or comminuted therein, with the core material having layers of mat material on opposite surfaces thereof, also in layers, and with an adhesive applied to an outer surface of one of the layers of mat material, with a peelable and removable release liner layer covering the adhesive. The various layers are provided as a sandwich, to make the composite board. A plurality of composite boards may be applied to a roof deck or other roof structure, and they can be butt-joined and taped together with a joint tape. The method of making the composite board can be continuous.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and systems for forming tiled transitions between surfaces. One bracket embodiment for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface forming an inside corner includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip to form the tiled transition, and a channel for receiving a filler material adjacent to the receiving slot.

Abstract: A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of installing LED (light emitting diodes) for glass tiles and glass blocks. The LEDs can be housed in flexible strips having flexible bendable transparent housing sleeves with ends that can interconnect by male and female ends to one another with various types of interconnectors. Each separate sleeve can house up to 33 LEDs in a transparent plastic sleeve. A transparent connector sleeve can be slid over the interconnected ends and heat shrunk in place. The glass tiles can be laid out to uniform joints spacings between the glass tiles of approximately 3/16 of an inch. The LED strips can be placed on a surface layer of transparent grout that has been laid in the joint spacing, followed by a top layer of transparent grout. The transparent grout can be removable grout and include clear Silicon. The LED strips can have peel and stick back layers with adhesive backing that allows mounting to the lower surface.

Abstract: Metal tie straps create tension/compression connections between plywood or oriented strand board decking panels in portions or throughout the roof diaphragm of a typical panelized or built up roof system. Heat build up at such metal tie straps is minimized by installing a radiant reflective sheeting or cool seal over the metal tie strap before applying the roofing membrane over the sheeting and tie straps.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one laminar element (103; 104) with a first face of contact with a laying surface (F) and a second face of contact with at least one covering element (R). Strips (121) defining joints between covering elements (R) are arranged around the edges and corners of the covering elements (R) to define and fill the joints between mutually adjacent covering elements. Corner elements for mutual connection of said strips are further provide to retain the strips around the respective covering element.

Abstract: A corner bench for a shower is constructed by placing a beam diagonally between adjacent walls of the shower. The ends of the beam are supported on the upwardly facing edges of tile pieces which are attached to the shower walls. The tile pieces are placed on the walls such that their upper edges are horizontal and are coplanar with the top of the beam. A triangular platform is then placed on top of the beam and the upper edges of these tile pieces to create the bench. Tile is then placed on top of the platform and the front of the beam to finish the bench.

Abstract: A floor structure unit, comprising: a tray, a flooring material, a rubber grommet, and a rubber matrix is provided. The tray includes an upper and lower horizontal surface, at least one retaining wall, a first and a second set of contrapositive interlocking members. The flooring material is disposed on the tray upper horizontal surface such that the first set of interlocking members is substantially flush with the flooring material and the second set of interlocking members extends beyond the flooring material. The rubber matrix is disposed in the tray lower horizontal surface, and the rubber grommet is disposed about the perimeter of the at least one retaining wall. The rubber grommet and the rubber matrix are a unitary piece. Methods of manufacture and use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A tile guard for use in a method of installing a plurality of tiles on a floor surface includes a layer of film having opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a generally smooth texture and the bottom surface including an adhesive. The method of installing the tiles includes the steps of positioning the layer of film on a top surface of respective tiles of the plurality of tiles such that respective film bottom surface are in contact with respective top surfaces of the respective tiles. The method includes positioning the respective tiles on the floor surface such that the film top surface faces upwardly and such that predetermined gaps are left between the respective tiles. The method includes spreading grout over the positioned tiles and directing the grout into the gaps between the respective tiles and then removing the layer of film from the respective tiles.

Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a top plate with several spacer fins and a bottom plate. The plates are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the top plate so that the top plate is movable along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface.

Abstract: A large-area protective covering system for installation in a staggered or grid configuration is provided comprised of a plurality of essentially identical large-area panels with honeycomb internal structures which have locking systems on the sides and ends for locking the panels in place. The panels, once locked together, have little movement along their x, y or z axis.

Abstract: An acid-resistant tile floor system for biologically clean environments. A tensile-load-bearing grid is placed on a floor substrate. A mixture of an epoxy resin and a resin set-up agent is poured over the grid. Ceramic tiles are adhesively bonded to the epoxy resin mixture. The epoxy resin mixture forms an acid-resistant barrier on the floor substrate and an uninterrupted adhesive surface for the tiles. The grid is made of fiberglass or other suitable material. The openings in the grid allow the epoxy resin mixture to flow down to the floor substrate. The set-up agent in the mixture ensures that the epoxy resin sets up completely around the grid, To form the uninterrupted bonding surface for the tiles.

Abstract: A system for tiling roofs employs rows of full-width tiles extending across a surface, each row of tiles interspersed with ? or other unconventional width tiles in an irregular, pseudo-random pattern that allows for proper drainage and also has a distinctive appearance.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of installing LED (light emitting diodes) for glass tiles and glass blocks. The LEDs can be housed in flexible strips having flexible bendable transparent housing sleeves with ends that can interconnect by male and female ends to one another with various types of interconnectors. Each separate sleeve can house up to 33 LEDs in a transparent plastic sleeve. A transparent connector sleeve can be slid over the interconnected ends and heat shrunk in place. The glass tiles can be laid out to uniform joints spacings between the glass tiles of approximately 3/16 of an inch. The LED strips can be placed on a surface layer of transparent grout that has been laid in the joint spacing, followed by a top layer of transparent grout. The transparent grout can be removable grout and include clear Silicon. The LED strips can have peel and stick back layers with adhesive backing that allows mounting to the lower surface.

Abstract: A wooden tile flooring system, kit and method of installing the same. In one embodiment, the invention is a wooden tile flooring system comprising: a plurality of wooden tiles having an edge defining a major surface, the wooden tiles positioned atop a floor surface in spaced relation to one another so that a grout line exists between the edges of adjacent wooden tiles; and a resilient grout at least partially filling the grout lines. The resilient grout provides a gasket seal about the wooden tiles that affords flexibility, allowing for natural expansion and contraction of the wooden tiles as needed without breaking the gasket seal. A cushion layer can be used underneath the wooden tiles if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for preparing a surface to receive a covering. A non-woven fabric is adhered to the surface using an adhesive, and a cementitious bondant is applied to the fabric, either before or after adhering it to the surface. The covering can thereafter be bound to the bondant. In this way, the covering is adhered to the surface by way of an underlayment that can improve the adhesion of the covering to the surface, simplify installation, prevent propagation of cracks from the surface to the covering, and prevent surface topography from affecting the smoothness of the covering.

Abstract: A tile for use in a synthetic grass system. The tile is intended to be laid in the center of an area upon which the synthetic grass assembly will be installed. This allows additional tiles to be installed in a faster amount of time by creating two areas from which the tiles may be installed.

Abstract: A spacer providing a substantially uniform space between adjacent tiles includes spacer legs extending radially from a common junction. The spacer legs, made from a porous material, are permanently adherable to a tile bonding material utilized to adhere the tiles to an underlying surface, and/or a grout material filling a gap between tiles. A process for making a tile spacer includes providing thinset material to which a liquid latex admix material is added. The materials are distributed evenly to a consistency of a damp fluffy sand-like mixture which is then placed into a mold of a desired shape and packed into the mold to bond the materials while still damp to form the tile spacer. The spacer is extracted from the mold and placed on a flat rigid sheet. The spacer is moist cured and dried at room temperature environment with 40-99% humidity.

Abstract: A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement/fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.

Abstract: Floor covering hard panels having at least on two opposite edges, coupling elements made in one piece with the panels, so that several ones of such panels can be mutually coupled, whereby these coupling elements provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges and parallel to the plane of the panels, and whereby these coupling elements are made such that the panels can be rotated into and/or out of one another at least along the above-mentioned edges. The panels are provided, at least on the above-mentioned edges, near the top side, with a part from which has been removed an amount of material such as by a bevel.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual purpose tile spacer and packing shim includes a body having a plurality of arms of equal width, wherein each arm extends radially from a common intersection, and each arm has a bottom edge and a top surface, wherein the respective bottom edges all reside in a common plane and the respective top surfaces do not all reside in a common plane.