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 device and method of producing a building panel with a compressed and curved edge including a press tool, a heat device and a lubricating device and a building panel with a curved edge produced by the device and method.

Abstract: A tile spacer that provides multiple grout line and/or adjustment dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination tool for use by an individual workman, without resorting to assistance by another workman, for laying out horizontal and plumb lines in a confined space, such as that found in a shower stall, bathtub enclosure, or fireplace. The invention has a body in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Centrally positioned referencing levels align with the centerlines of each leg of the triangle. The referencing levels are duplicated in order to provide better accuracy of measurement. The tool is of sufficient thickness to allow the removable attachment of a chalk line clip to one of two blunted ends of the tool so that a single workman can extend and snap chalk lines on a surface of interest. A tiler may use the tool of the present invention to practice an inventive technique of laying tile in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner.

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: 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. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that is used to mechanically remove flooring tiles intact from the foundation and then after the foundation and tile surfaces have been prepared, the same tile is reset undamaged.

Abstract: Renewing, washing, and/or recycling of used carpet tiles is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, carpet tiles are purchased or leased and installed with adjacent tiles being of a different pattern, design, color, shade, and/or the like so that no two identical tiles abut one another. This method of patterning and installing carpet tiles can eliminate the need for shade sorting and site mapping. Also, this method permits the ability to replace one or more damaged or severely stained tiles with new or renewed tiles and without worrying about tile-to-tile shading. The renewed carpet tiles are washed with a high-pressure fluid, and entangling of piles is removed and piles raised.

Abstract: A panel for forming a masonry wall on a building surface, comprising a back face for covering the building surface, opposite edges and a front face with a predetermined pattern of first and second depressions. The first depressions are shaped and sized for receiving masonry pieces as a whole whereas the second depressions, which intersect the opposite edges, are shaped and sized for receiving parts of masonry pieces, so that, when the panel is mounted side by side with a complementary panel, some masonry pieces bridge both panels by means of the second depressions. The panel makes it possible for an unskilled worker to build relatively rapidly a masonry work having a complex predetermined pattern of masonry pieces. Thanks to the second depressions that make it possible for some pieces of masonry to bridge panels mounted side by side, the general arrangement of pieces, when completed does not look like a series of individual panels but rather look continuous.

Abstract: A self-lifting vertically rising mast provides a possibility to be erected without use of high cranes. An improved self-lifting vertically rising mast includes at least three of a plurality of main frames and at least three of a plurality of main supports, wherein each main frame is rigidly connected to the appropriate main support and comprises the base, U-form directors, lifting shoe inserted into the U-slots of the U-form directors, the hydraulic jack installed on the base of the main frame, pusher including the rests, hollow upright leant on the sleeve of the bush, comprising the pivotable portion having the slots providing passage for the rests, the pair of the guiding shoes longitudinally movable along the auxiliary directors, the holder located between the auxiliary directors and fixing the appropriate upright in the vertical position, and the controllable supports, comprising the stand, the extendable screw, and the nut, which fixes the desirable position (extension) of the extendable screw.

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 system for laying and leveling a tile walking surface, i.e. indoor floor or outdoor patio or pathway, where the system relies upon the use of inserts embedded within the adhesive for securing the tile. A preferred insert is a single plastic member, preferably circular in configuration, and contains plural through openings for receiving and securing the insert into the adhesive. Optionally, removable space dividers may be provided where the space dividers are initially positioned in the openings for spacing adjacent tiles, then removed to allow grouting of the spaces. Alternately, the insert may be a two-piece member that can be vertically adjusted where needed to ensure a level substrate and hence a level walking surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor vinyl repair technique and tool. According to the present invention, the prior art repair technique is practiced, except a special domed-disc spacer is placed between the patch and the damaged piece to be removed before the cut through both layers with the knife. This way, the replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece. This slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter of the patch, and offsets the slight stretching of the patch during the cut, thereby resulting in a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl when the patch is installed.

Abstract: A floor board installation device comprises a cross bar, a wedge and two pins extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of, and through, the cross bar. The wedge comprises a top curved edge and a bottom edge including a groove therein. The pins typically are spaced from one another a distance slightly larger than the width of a joist. In use, the cross bar is placed on top of two adjoining joists so that the pins are positioned on either side of a single joist. The other end of the bar merely rests on top of the adjacent joist. A force is then applied to a side edge of the wedge in a direction parallel to the length of the sub floor boards. Due to the rounded shape of the top curved edge and the flat surface of the wedge that contacts the floor board, the wedge will rotate within the cross bar so that the edge of the wedge is flush against the sub floor board and so that the curved surface of the wedge will contact the cross bar at only one point.

Abstract: Complementary roof tiles for a staggered roof tile layout are provided by: (i) extruding and conveying a composite ribbon; (ii) demarcating the composite ribbon into an alternating succession of a first roof tile type and a second roof tile type by engaging the composite ribbon with an upstream cutting blade and a downstream cutting blade, such that each roof tile type is demarcated at an upstream tile edge by one of the cutting blades and at a downstream tile edge by the other of the cutting blades, and such that a selected one of the roof tile types includes a pair of cut-out portions demarcated along one of the upstream and downstream tile edges on opposite ones of the ribbon side edges; (iii) separating the succession of demarcated roof tile types into distinct roof tiles; and (v) curing the distinct roof tiles to form a set of cured roof tiles.

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: The present disclosure relates to an anti-fatigue flooring article having inherent properties of electrostatic dissipation. Further, this disclosure relates to flooring article having at least two layers, wherein a first layer (comprised of dense rubber) is calendered to a second layer (comprised of foam rubber). Each layer has a different electrical conductivity, thereby creating a mat having an appropriate range of conductivity when combined. The present flooring article may also include a layer of static dissipating scrim, a grounding means, and/or a colored marking.

Abstract: A temporary support device for installing sheet material in a building construction is provided with a multitude of perpendicular surfaces and a pair of offset surfaces for temporarily supporting a variety of sheet materials in a variety of orientations. Countersunk through holes integral to the support device accept standard screw hardware for temporarily mounting the support device to the building substructure. The pair of offset surfaces provide clearance for loosely supporting the sheet material before final securement of the sheet to the building substructure. The support device may be manufactured out of lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, wood, or plastic, and may include cored out sections, thereby enhancing the utility and handling of the device. Materials that can be temporarily supported by the support device include, but are not limited to, sheetrock, insulation board, plywood, and particle board.

Abstract: A securing assembly applies an elongated member to a flexible construction material, such as roofing felt or insulation, and holds the elongated member to the construction material in place on a building with a fastener, by feeding the elongated member through a fastening device under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A tile laying gauge and leveling assembly for preparing a recipient surface for the laying of tiles and for properly positioning the tiles on the recipient surface includes a plurality of elongated side members and a leveling assembly. Each of the side members has a first flange and a second flange whereby each side member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The leveling assembly has a substantially planar central panel and extension arms. The extension arms extend outward from opposite sides of the central panel and are designed to rest on the second flanges of the side members when the side members are positioned generally parallel with respect to each other. The central panel has a first longitudinal side that has a straight edge for determining if a plurality of tile has been properly positioned. In addition, the central panel has a second longitudinal side that has a plurality of notches designed for facilitating preparation of a recipient surface and for properly positioning tile.

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: The present invention overcomes several disadvantages in conventional tile installation by providing tile regulators and a method of using them that provide both the proper grout spacing between tiles and vertical and horizontal plumb levels of the tiles, which regulators enhance the ease of installing the tiles and the final appearance of the newly laid tile. The present tile regulators are designed to compensate for the existing limiting conditions associated with conventional regulating products.

Abstract: A concrete or other roofing tile is provided which simulates wood shake roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration. The simulated wood shake configuration includes an angled cut portion by means of a butt treatment, and also includes the use of an elongate medial slot which has a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plank top installation for a deck comprising two tools and their method of use. The method is capable of attaching a top plank material and a bottom plank material, typically the “Teck Deck” system from Heritage Vinyl Products, together in a quick and non-destructive manner without the use of hammers or mallets. The method comprises the use of a first plank top installation tool for placing most of said planks together and then uses a plank top end installation tool to place the remaining unattached planks. Each tool comprises a series of rollers and force application components for applying the necessary force between a top and bottom plank for attachment of said planks.

Abstract: A finished flooring underlayment is disclosed including a flexible membrane which is resistant to water, mold and deterioration under wet or dry conditions, and which has intertwined filaments bonded to the membrane surface that act as mortar reinforcement and as gauges to provide a uniform thickness of application for cementicious mortar. The mortar is provided separately and is mixed to a suitable consistency with either water or latex additive, then poured or placed on the mat, utilizing the gauges provided by the filaments to effect a uniform thickness of application. This mortar hardens to a strong, load bearing surface or slab suitable for application of finished flooring.