Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. The connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. 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. 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. The tiles are assembled on a underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the under lying floor surface.

Abstract: A system for setting tiles using a number of tile assemblies, each assembly comprising a tile member and a support member connected to the underside of the tile member and provided with recesses for accommodating joining elements interconnecting adjacent tiles, whereby that the support member has a number of openings and/or projections extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the tile member, and that the joining element consists of a strip like member provided with openings and/or projections fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies.

Abstract: A system for enclosing different ornamental material into an acrylic or ether transparent case for mounting into a cut tile is provided. In particular, ornamental materials, such as beads, crystals, gem stones, pearls, metals, etc. are arranged into some type of pattern or design in order to define a 3-dimensional ornamental element. The ornamental element is then encased within the transparent case. The purpose of the case is to protect the ornamental element encases therein from environmental conditions. The ornamental element is fully visible from within the transparent case. In use, the transparent case housing the ornamental element is directly mounted into a cut tile already fixed on a wall surface. The transparent case is preferably installed so that its top surface is flush with the surface of the tile, facilitating tile cleaning. The tile insert may be used along the wall or ceiling of a room.

Abstract: The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising the reaction product of polyalkyleneamine compounds and polyalkylene polyether polyol modified polyepoxide resins. Amine-epoxy compositions and thick layer compositions produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing terrazzo tiles and tiles manufactured in accordance with the method is described. A resin, curing agent, filler, and pigment are poured into a mold. Stone chips are then poured into the mold to settle with the majority at the bottom of the mold. Thereafter, curing occurs to result in rough tiles which are ground and then polished with the upper surface being the resulting tile surface at which the majority of the stones settle. The tiles are assembled onto a floor with grout lines resulting from spacing of the tiles, one from another. Grout is then poured in and skived, and the floor polished to result in a sealed monolithic surface.

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: A tile is for installation with at least another tile on a wall surface having magnetic properties, the tile comprising a rear surface, a front surface and a peripheral edge. The tile rear surface has magnetic properties for magnetic adherence to the surface, and the peripheral edge of the tile defines first and second fastening means, the first fastening means of a given tile for releasable connection to the second fastening means of an adjacent tile.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and methods for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming an inside corner. One bracket embodiment includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, and a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip, wherein the tile strip is permanently secured in the receiving slot to form the tiled transition between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A floating floor tile installation and method of manufacturing the tile installation are provided. The floating floor tile installation contains tiles bonded together with a polymeric grout on an underlayment. The tile installation provides for a fast and economic method of installing a floating tile floor over an existing floor.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a floor-tile platform 12 that is used with freshly laid tile 16 to allow walking on the floor 30 while the adhesive dries prior to applying the grout. The tile-like platform 12 is suspended over the tiled floor 16 by means of posts 18 situated within the grout lines 20. The tile platform 12 is comprised of a planar sheet having a plurality of apertures 14 passing therethough for the selective placement of posts 18 selectively placed in the tile platform to coincide with the location of grout lines 20. The tile platform 12 is then placed over the tiled floor with the posts 18 within the grout lines 20 thereby suspending the tile platform above the tiled floor 16.

Abstract: A new and useful preformed, self supporting article is provided, which can function as a tile substrate. The tile substratum has inherent durability, strength and ease of application and reduces the installation process for building tile to such a degree as to be significantly easier and faster than built up substratum and in addition requires no other structural components such as wood or plywood. The tile substrate is formed of lightweight cast or preformed mixture of cement/expanded polystyrene and water, which individually or when assembled together, provide a complete, ready to tile substratum. Individually or in assembly the substratum units are self-supporting, and require a minimum of modification to complete their installation. The units are lightweight by design. Individual units are designed and manufactured to address the majority of common tiled counter top configurations with easy modification or cutting to size.

Abstract: A method for installing tiles includes the steps of positioning a base in overlying relation to cementitious material. First and second spacer arms are formed on the base in normal relation to one another. Preselected corners of four tiles are positioned in overlying relation to the base and are spaced apart from one another by the spacer arms. A post having ratchet teeth is formed integrally with the base at the center of the base. A disc receives the post and a pawl formed in the disc prevents displacement of the disc away from the base. The disc is positioned in overlying relation to the four corners of the tiles so that it overlies and holds the tiles level between the base and the disc. After curing of the cementitious material, an installer twists the disc in a plane parallel to the tiles until the post breaks off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detachably fixing a surface component (16) to a background (18), especially a tile to a wall or on a bottom, whereby projections connected to the surface component when secured to the background and/or recesses engage with recesses connected to the background and/or projections, said recesses and projections being correspondingly embodied in such a way that they have deformable undercuts in the direction of the distance of said component from the background, the projections and recesses connected to the background being embodied on a forming film (4). The projections and recesses embodied on the surface component (4) are formed by a hardenable bonding material (22) which is applied to the forming film (4) joined to the background (18, 26) and/or to the surface component before it is pressed onto the forming film, said material bonding with the surface component when hardened.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide durable and substantially smooth surfaces comprised of a number of smaller pieces of surfacing material. For example, tiles of natural materials, such as marble or granite, are formed into larger unitary structures, wherein the surfaces of the tiles are substantially dead flat and the seams therebetween are diminished in size so as to minimize their visual impact. These unitary structures are preferably adapted to interconnection to thereby allow formation of substantially larger surfaces. Jig apparatus and methods for there use are disclosed for casting unitary structures of various shapes and configurations in such a manner that a dead flat surface with very little to zero lippage is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wooden floor, consisting of a hardenable adhesive (12) which is painted onto a floor base (10) in a continuous layer, and covering elements (16) consisting of wood or a wood material that are joined to the adhesive in its entirety by their surface (14) to be glued. According to the invention, the adhesive layer (12) has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm and the combined tension and shear strength of the adhesive (12), in its hardened state, is les than that of the floor base (10) and is at most 1.2 N/mm2, in order to obtain a floor covering with excellent dimensional stability.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.

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 to the channels in the foam panel and the seams between adjacent bricks 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 plurality of interlocking tile pieces form a generally flat traffic-carrying surface. The tile are locked together in a manner to form a plurality of non-bendable tile joints. The tile includes a hinge or fold line along a first axis and a hinge or fold line along a second axis. The hinges allow the multi-tile traffic carrying surface to be rolled up into a hollow tube from any direction along one of the axes, beginning at any edge of the traffic carrying surface. The rolled-up floor covering is made up of a plurality of tile panels.

Abstract: A tile application system having a trim guide and a field guide. The trim guide has a first, second, and third side, a a registration channel adjacent to the first side and perpendicular to the second side, a terminal end on the first side having a distance V from the second side. The field guide has a base, a first and second wall extending from the base, and a registration channel between each wall. Each wall has a length V from the base and a thickness X. The registration channels of each guide has a width Y. A leveler with a ledge of a thickness Y is insertable into any registration channel for aligning the guides vertically or horizontally or both. A support for the leveler has a channel and an extending ledge each with a width Y to accept the leveler and to insert into any registration channel.

Abstract: Cushion backed carpet tiles and carpet tile installations which can be installed without adhesives are described. The carpet tiles are manufactured according to rigid specifications in order that no corner of any of the individual tiles is 1/16? or greater off the floor due to curl, and no corner on the tile has cup of greater than 3/16?. In this way, a substantially to entirely adhesive-free carpet tile installation can be achieved, with the installation being capable of withstanding the rigors of a variety of typical types of wear, such as rolling traffic, etc., without shifting or snowplowing over adjacent tiles.

Abstract: Tiles are installed on a vertical wall by employing an elongate, straight device that includes a spirit level. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the wall and rotated until it is horizontal as indicated by the spirit level. A plurality of longitudinally spaced and vertically staggered slots is formed in the device. Each slot receives a fastener so that the device can be secured to studs behind the wall. A row of tile supported by the device is then installed on the wall. The fasteners are removed after the tile installation is complete so that the device can be moved and re-used. Opposite ends of the device are configured to releasably engage a device of the same structure so that multiple devices can be linked together. An alternative embodiment is notched along its extent to provide utility in the context of convex and concave walls.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip for a building board (2), exhibiting a board body (S) which is formed with a gripping stud (24). The strip (10) extends from the body (S) and from which are formed gripping elements (26, 28), which are bent round the gripping stud (24) for mechanical fastening of the strip (10) to the body (S), as well as a locking element (12) for enabling mechanical joining of the board (2) to similar boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying a floor covering that includes a flexible material containing a thermoplastic wear layer made from, in particular, plasticized PVC. The basic panels that form the covering are glued to the ground and cold welded in between on the site to be covered. After a panel has been positioned and glued to the surface to be covered, a continuous bead of mastic, which is made on the actual site by mixing a hardener and a polyurethane resin in aqueous phase, is applied laterally along the entire depth of the covering. The next panel is positioned on the ground which is covered with adhesive and the lateral edge thereof is pinned against the edge of the preceding panel comprising the bead of mastic, thereby causing the excess material to come to the surface, where it is removed by simply wiping with water.

Abstract: A family of light-weight, durable, resilient tile spacers adapted for insertion into intersecting joint spaces between tile courses, and to be left in place after the spaces have been filled with grout. Each spacer has a plurality of thin-walled hollow limbs that project radially into the intersecting joint spaces. The side walls of the limbs are compressed by the tiles on either side of the joint spaces, the amount of compression being limited by the abutment of structural elements formed on the inner faces of the side walls with stops positioned within the limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, pairs of structural elements are mounted to the limbs' respective side walls. In another, pairs of structural elements are mounted to both of the limbs' side walls. Grout figs the submerged hollow limbs during the grouting process and upon curing permanently seals and immobilizes the spacer.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach at various angle to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hardscape surface sheet and a method of representing a hardscape surface. The hardscape surface sheet comprises a substrate or sheet bearing an image of a hardscape surface. The substrate allows an individual to temporarily display the image in the area where the hardscape surface is desired and evaluate the appearance of the hardscape surface in itself, and in relation to its surroundings.

Abstract: An elongate tile mounting strip that includes a center body with two extension edges, the extension edges being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another and positioned at opposite corners of the body. A first of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular mud face of the body define a first ledge, and a second of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular tile face of the body define a second ledge. The tile face is a reference surface for positioning a layer of adherent material along the first ledge in a predetermined thickness, the thickness being equal to a width of the mud face, and an inner surface of the second extension edge is a locating surface for aligning a plurality of tiles longitudinally therealong.

Abstract: A floor surface is described which involves a plurality of planks joined together using a 2-part adhesive system. Pre-applied adhesives on one or more floor panels are further described as well as methods of installing the floor panels to form a floor surface.

Abstract: A tile application system having a trim guide and a field guide. The trim guide has a first, second, and third side, a a registration channel adjacent to the first side and perpendicular to the second side, a terminal end on the first side having a distance V from the second side. The field guide has a base, a first and second wall extending from the base, and a registration channel between each wall. Each wall has a length V from the base and a thickness X. The registration channels of each guide has a width Y. A leveler with a ledge of a thickness Y is insertable into any registration channel for aligning the guides vertically or horizontally or both. A support for the leveler has a channel and an extending ledge each with a width Y to accept the leveler and to insert into any registration channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable and replaceable flooring matrix capable of providing various environmental cues for the safety of disabled persons. The flooring matrix may be installed and de-installed in sections, called sectionals, that are securely attached to the ground or an anchor box by two-part fasteners. In operation, one part of the two-part fastener, or ground anchor, engages an anchor box or the ground, while the other part of the two-part fastener, or matrix anchor, engages the flooring matrix sectional. Sectionals are interchangeable in part due to beveled edges, which create discernible pathways at the perimeter of each sectional for providing a pathway for the wheels of wheelchairs and the like. Flooring matrix sectionals may display a variety of detectable warnings or other environmental cues to alert disabled persons of conditions or hazards, or assist in their transgress.

Abstract: There is a mounting plate for a tile veneer cladding system. The plate 1 is adapted for attachment across the wall panels or frame members of a structure by driving nails or screws through longituninal channels 3. The plate is formed with a plurality of resiliently deflectable locking tabs 4 which are disposed in vertically spaced rows among the length of the plate. The vertical spacing of these rows is chosen so that the upper edge 5A and lower edge 5B of each cladding tile 5 placed between adjacent rows are gripped and held prior to application of grout or adhesive.

Abstract: A process is proposed for laying and mechanically jointing floorboards provided with tongue and groove engagements on all sides for horizontal attachment. The process involves a) jointing of a number of boards and making them engage on their transverse sides n order to lay a first row on the floor of a room, b) jointing of a first board for a second row and making it engage with one or two boards in the first row using the tongue and groove joint on the longitudinal side for the purpose of starting a second row, c) pushing the tongue (or groove) of a second board into the groove (or tongue) on the transverse side of the first board in the second row, with movement from the longitudinal side towards the boards in the first row, and d) making the second board engage with one or two boards in the first row.

Abstract: An elongate tile mounting strip that includes a center body with two extension edges, the extension edges being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another and positioned at opposite corners of the body. A first of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular mud face of the body define a first ledge, and a second of the extension edges and a substantially perpendicular tile face of the body define a second ledge. The tile face is a reference surface for positioning a layer of adherent material along the first ledge in a predetermined thickness, the thickness being equal to a width of the mud face, and an inner surface of the second extension edge is a locating surface for aligning a plurality of tiles longitudinally therealong.

Abstract: A tile (1) provided with lateral longitudinal fixed joinable lower elements (13) on an underlying surface (8) and upper (14), and at a front end of the tile, an antisliding detent (15) is present. A method and system for covering a roof using a tile (1) having a central curved portion whereby two or more tiers are formed by the tiles joined together by upper elements and lower elements, and adjacent tiers joined together with one tier overlying an adjacent tier and being locked together by the antisliding detent.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly having improved water drainage and integral brick retention. A substratum includes horizontal rows of dovetail-shaped projections with interruptions therein. Mortar ties having a flat plate portion, a substratum engagement extension, and mortar engagement extension are fastened to the substratum such that the mortar engagement extensions align with the interruptions in the projections. Bricks are snap-fit to the substratum over the mortar ties and between the projections. The bricks crush portions of the dovetail-shaped projections and lie flat against the mortar ties. Mortar is applied between the bricks and flows through apertures in the mortar engagement extensions of the mortar ties to interlock the mortar ties, the substratum and the bricks.

Abstract: A tool for the spacing of tiles during installation includes a central body with radially projecting prongs that are fitted between adjacent tiles to control the spacing thereof.

Abstract: A tile and frame flooring system consisting of uniform frame elements joined together so as to create a support frame upon which a tile rests. The frame elements combine to form a lattice of support frames covering the surface to be tiled. The tiles are nestled into the frames to complete the flooring. The wood frame and tiles merge in appearance to form an aesthetically pleasing and continuous floor surface that is easy for the user to install.

Abstract: A repeating series of tiles has at least three tiles in a series. Each tile within the series has at least two sides capable of interfacing with adjacent tiles within the series. Each of the two sides of each tile within the series has a different shape in the pile direction than the other tiles within the series such that the last tile within the series is capable of interfacing with the first tile of the next series. Further, each tile within the series has at least one side capable of interfacing with at least one tile within another series in order to have adjoining rows of series of tiles. The present invention further includes both a method for producing and assembling a repeating series of tiles.

Abstract: A tile with a transparent glass body having a smooth front face and a three-dimensional design impressed on the rear face that is viewed through the front face. The impressed design is further defined by a layer of decorative glass materials fused to the impressed design as well as some or all of the rear face. An overlay of glass material is fused to and follows the topography of, the decorative glass materials layer and/or the rear face of the glass tile body, sandwiching the decorative glass materials layer between the glass tile body and the glass material overlay. Once fused; the glass material overlay, the decorative glass materials layer and the glass tile body meld to become one homogenous glass layer, comprising the tile, that cannot delaminate. The resulting glass tile is similar in use and durability to ceramic tile while adding the ability to carry a protected, three-dimensional design.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing building panels, particularly flooring planks is described. The tool is shaped with an arcuate outer surface and is provided with a groove which can be placed over the edge of the floor planks. The tool and method facilitate the installation of the planks by one person.

Abstract: A tool for the spacing of tiles during their installation includes a central body with radially projecting prongs that are fitted between adjacent tiles to control the spacing thereof.

Abstract: Methods for attaching solid plank hardwood floor boards to a concrete floor surface with no wood layer between the boards and the concrete floor surfaces yield floors including a concrete floor surface with such floor boards adhesively attached and with no wood layer between the boards and the concrete floor surface.

Abstract: The joint thereshown has two stainless steel side plates (21, 22) which are rolled from a single strip and are bent double at the bottom of the lower limb (23) of the Y. The plates have rolled in ridges (24) at the top of this limb (23) and diverge above the ridges (24) as upper Y limbs (26). Between the limbs (26) a core is captivated at a relatively hard, necked lower core-portion or rib (31) by the ridges (24). Above these, a relatively softer upper core-portion or strip (32) fills the space between the upper limbs (26), tapering out with them. The core is a co-extrusion of the two portions (31, 32) joined by a neck (33). It is held in place by the ridges (24) being rolled around lower portion (31). This joint is fitted between tiles at a gap of the width of the ridges (24), by driving it between the tiles to compress the divergent upper Y limbs (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laying and mechanically joining panels, especially floor panels. In a first step a first panel is already located in a first row. A second panel is positioned in a second row in a first position in relation to the first panel. A third panel is now brought into the second row and into the first position in relation to the first panel. In this position, there is a mutual distance between the adjacent edges of the second and third panel. In a second step the second and third panel are angled into the third mutual position in relation to the first panel. Thereby, the second and third panel each achieve the possibility of easy displacement in the third direction in relation to the first panel. In a third step one or both of the second and third panel are moved in relation to the first panel. By this displacement the second and third panel get in a second position in relation to each other.

Abstract: An improved waterproofing system for the concrete slab of a flat roof on a building is disclosed. The waterproofing system uses hollow plastic panels of designed size, different thickness, and groove and tongue joints for interconnecting the panels. A supplementary waterproofing layer may be installed using sheet membrane materials such as asphalt sheet, metal sheet and other sheets on vertical surfaces, especially the parapet of the roof. The invention further concerns a construction method for applying a fiber mesh reinforcement on the connection joint and for applying fluid-applied materials on the substrate with sheet membrane layers on vertical surfaces. The waterproofing layer of sloped step type, hollow plastic panels of different thickness, permits fast drainage of stagnant water, which inhibits weather damage to the waterproofing layer.