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 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: 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 brick veneer assembly having improved accommodation of brick tolerances, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a tapered locating surface are provided. A support panel includes horizontal rows of L-shaped retainers and corresponding rows of holes. Each L-shaped retainer further includes a leg portion extending away from the support panel, and a foot portion that depends downwardly away from the leg portion.

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: The present invention relates to a new plastic flooring that is assembled by concave portions and convex portions. The plastic flooring provides space between the concave portions and convex portions. The space absorbs the heat expansion of the plastic flooring such that the deformation of the plastic flooring is prevented. Also, the space stores an adhesive on a bottom floor such that crevices between the plastic flooring are prevented.

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 building block holder for securely holding thin bricks or other building blocks in a spaced relationship on a wall comprises a panel formed of sheet material that is adapted to be fastened to the side of a building. The panel has rows of spaced block support elements in the form of stamped, inclined, V-shaped prongs that extend outwardly from the panel such that when the gap between the blocks is filled with mortar, the mortar flows behind the prongs and thereby locks the building blocks on the panel. The panel also includes glue lock openings behind the blocks for more securely locking the bricks to the panel. A plurality of rearwardly deformed portions on the panel space the panel outwardly from a substrate and serve as water drains and recessed locations through which mounting screws can be extended. A lower edge of the panel is displaced outwardly from a rear surface of the panel such that an upper edge of the panel below will fit behind the lower edge.

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: The present invention relates to a novel ceiling panel that is used with a corresponding grid system to create a shingle-type ceiling structure. The panels, are arranged in the grid system to create various patterns including shingles, saw teeth, undulations, pin wheels, among others and are designed to enhance the appearance of retail and office space. The ceiling is comprised of a grid system made up of intersecting grid members suspended from the building structure with hangers. The grid members are rigid preformed members that include a base portion a bridge portion and a bulb portion. The base portion is perpendicularly oriented to the bridge member and is adapted to support the panels. The panels are square when viewed in plan view but have a tapered cross-section about all or part of the panels. The panels can be fabricated out of polycarbonate or metal and can be opaque or translucent.

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 brick veneer assembly having improved accommodation of brick tolerances, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a tapered locating surface are provided. A support panel includes horizontal rows of L-shaped retainers and corresponding rows of holes. Each L-shaped retainer further includes a leg portion extending away from the support panel, and a foot portion that depends downwardly away from the leg portion. The tapered locating surface of each brick is inserted into the L-shaped retainer thereby elastically deforming the foot portion away from the support panel such that the tapered locating surface is interferingly engaged by the foot portion of the resilient retainer. Mortar is applied between the bricks and flows through the holes in the support panel to interlock the bricks and support panel.

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 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: 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 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: An apparatus for the attaching of shingles to a roof and especially to the hip, ridge, and barge rafter edge portions of a shingled roof. The device can provide both a mounting guide to aid the user to achieve an in-line installation of conventional roofing shingles as well as a user determined uniform rise of the shingles so mounted to achieve a desired visual depth or thickness to the roof. The device features an elongated base strap for mounting to the roof line and a plurality of shingle fasteners mounted to the base strap at distances optimal for the shingles being used. Use of adhesives and mechanical mounts for the attached shingle further aids in maintaining a secure mount of the attached shingles in high winds and inclement weather.

Abstract: A view panel for a raised floor system is described which is constructed by an outer rigid frame, an upper plate of a tempered glass panel and a lower plate of an apertured steel panel for providing structural support of the view panel. The invention further describes a raised floor system that utilizes such view panels installed in floor panels in a semiconductor fabrication environment.

Abstract: A flooring device for aligning and laying tiles. The flooring device includes a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel is flexible. The upper surface has a plurality of recesses therein bounded by ridges. A plurality of tiles each has a shape substantially identical to the recesses. Each of the tiles is positionable in one of the recesses. Each of the tiles has an upper edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral edge extending between the upper and bottom edges.

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 decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connector provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said tile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular floor including a plurality of floor tiles having two sides with different functional characteristics so that one side has a regular checkered surface with protrusions of equal maximum height and on the same plane, comprising areas with open grids and blind areas, while on the other side are some areas with through openings and some with regularly spaced blind openings with protrusions of equal maximum height, all of which coincide with the counterpart of the first side, which are combined with flat sunken areas with respect to the maximum height of this side, which constitute grooves for the insertion of interlocking members and present a surface formed by the closed backs of the blind areas of the first face.

Abstract: A wall system includes a grid constructed of horizontal main support channels mounted on a fixed wall and a plurality of spaced vertical standards secured to the channels at the front thereof. Each channel has a U-shaped cross-section with rearwardly extending arms diverging slightly so that overlapping channels may nest, one in the other. Ears projecting outward from the ends of the arms and lie in a common plane are used for securing the channel in place. The web of each channel is provided with a longitudinally extending row of equally spaced apertures. Each standard is provided with two longitudinally extending rows of holes with the rows being spaced by the distance between apertures and the holes in opposite rows being connected by lines that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the standard. Fasteners extending through holes in each row are received by adjacent apertures in the channel web to automatically secure the standard in a position at right angles to the support channel.

Abstract: A clad structure and method of cladding a structure with horizontally extending, elongate supports, each support having an upper flange with a downwardly extending lip defining an open-bottomed groove and a lower flange with a tile retention protrusion along its upper surface. The tiles have upper flanges extending upwardly from their upper edge and ribs extending horizontally along a lower region of their rear surfaces. The upper flanges are positioned into the support groove during assembly and the ribs are retained behind the retention protrusions following assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses an outdoor deck surface unit in which a plurality of boards, suitable for outdoor use, are secured to an underlying substrate. The deck units cover an area of from about 2 to about 6 square feet, such that they are large enough that an entire deck surface can be created relatively quickly, but are sufficiently small that a deck surface unit can be readily lifted, moved, placed and handled by a single individual.

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: An anchor rail and anchorage system for attaching ceramic refractory materials to a metallic substrate, or casing. Each anchoring rail (3) includes a web (9) and a retention structure. The retention structure of the rails includes a plurality of tabs (13) extending from the web to engage with alignment recesses on the edges of the tiles. The alignment structure on each tile (16) includes a slot (18) formed in each of two opposite sides of the tile (16). A method of building ceramic lined structures includes attaching an anchor rail (3) to a surface of the casing (5), fitting a row of tiles (4) in place with their alignment structures each fitting around the retention structures (13) of the anchor rail, and continuing on with another row of tiles, until a predetermined surface area of the structure is lined with tiles.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus, method, and system to arrange a deck or balcony with the use of pre-manufactured deck panels. The deck panels are inexpensive, easy to install, remove, or add to, and only requires common framing hardware.

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 wall element for a building, especially a lining element used as a facing panel, the front of which is formed of brick, ceramic or similar tiles (1), the joints of which are most advantageously filled with jointing compound. The panel body comprises vertical profiles (2) at a distance from each other and horizontal profiles (3, 8) at a distance from each other, forming a lattice when fixed together, and profiles (2, 3) furnished with guides (4, 5) to facilitate laying of tiles (1) on said profiles.

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 support panel for supporting external wall forming members such as bricks to form an external wall of a building structure. External wall forming members have elongated lateral extensions projecting on the side surfaces thereof. The support panel has a back plate and rows of engaging members with bent fingers arranged such that the external wall forming members can be inserted between two adjacent rows of engaging members and the lateral extensions are covered by the fingers. The support panel can be fabricated by pressing or bending a flat sheet metal, and the engaging members are integral with the back plate. Therefore, the support panel can be easily applied to a wall of a building structure and the external wall forming members can be easily laid to complete an external wall.

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 angular interlocking floor tile is provided with a generally flat top surface, a parallel bottom surface, wherein the tile includes two elongated sides which converge to a point or short inner side at one end and which sides diverge at an internal angle of less than 90.degree. to be joined at their other ends by a beveled outer edge surface. The elongated sides are formed with a plurality of female cavities located adjacent to each of the sides. Each of the female cavities is positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting member of a neighboring tile of a runner mat whereby the runner mat is able to make variety of turns. Alternatively, each of the elongated sides may be formed with an additional integral interlocking strip having male connecting members which may be used to mate with a corresponding female cavities of a neighboring tile. When the interlocking strip is not needed it may be removed.

Abstract: An interfacing floor tile in the form a right triangle with two adjacent sides of equal length is provided with elongated third side opposite the right triangle. Each side is formed with a row of female cavities located adjacent the sides and positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting members of a neighboring tiles. Additionally, each of the adjacent sides is integrally formed with an edge which slopes downward to a male interlocking strip which extends outwardly in order to mate with female cavities of neighboring tiles. Alternatively, each of the adjacent sides may be formed with vertical edges which rise from the interlocking strip to the surface of the tile. In another embodiment the female cavities are omitted from the elongated side which has a vertical edge and the adjacent sides may have either sloping or vertical edges.

Abstract: Artificial stones (10) are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate (20) is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses (22) are molded integrally with the substrate (20) so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones (10). The artificial stones (10) are adhesively inserted into the corresponding receiving recesses (22) so that such insertion may serve to provisionally prevent the artificial stones (10) from scaling off or falling off before setting of adhesive agent. A protruding rib (21) bordering and defining the respective artificial stone receiving recesses (22) serves also as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary (23).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tile having a desired pattern. 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 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 slip-resistant floor covering system comprising, in accordance with preferred embodiments of apparatus of the present invention, a slip-resistant tile having a plurality of pyramidal-shaped ridges which support an individual's foot at an elevation above liquid and other slip-inducing substances which flow through a network of drainage troughs (each trough being defined between adjacent ridges) and channels in the upper surface of the tile. The ridges of the plurality of ridges are directionally oriented relative to the channels to encourage rapid flow of spilled liquid and other substances away from a spill site. The orientation of the ridges relative to the channels also induces air flow through the troughs and channels in order to reduce foot and leg fatigue which may be experienced by an individual standing on the tile for long periods of time. Protruding members, extending from the lower surface of the tile, contact a floor surface and limit relative movement between the tile and the floor surface.

Abstract: An adjustable template is illustrated having an elongated continuous guide (A) carrying a number of longitudinally spaced blocks (B) for accommodating floor tiles 25 of various widths, lengths and thicknesses. The blocks are manually adjustable on the longitudinal guides by adjustment of the threaded fasteners (C). The height of the legs (E) is vertically adjustable within receptacles (D) carried by a respective block on each side of the elongated guide (A). The method contemplates the laying of a single longitudinal row of tiles 30 while maintaining a next previously layed row of tiles 31 preparatory to laying and positioning of an additional row of tiles by movement of the apparatus across the previous longitudinal row of tiles.

Abstract: A versatile surround trim mounting device comprises an extruded metal surround trim piece formed as three separate legs and joined together to form a U-shaped frame structure. The extrusion comprises a pair of parallel trim edges that are separated from each other by a connecting recessed tile support therebetween. The recessed tile support is further provided with two side support structures. A spring bias force is placed against one of the side supports to urge a tile to lock it against the opposite side support so that the versatile surround trim appears to the eye be horizontal and vertical rows of decorative tiles surrounding a prefabricated fireplace.

Abstract: A fastening system for laths made of wood or similar material, serving to form a floor. The system makes it possible to fasten the laths so that they are juxtaposed without damaging them by using tongues in which bearings, provided with teeth, have been stamped. These tongues are placed on the subfloor and are either fastened directly, or secured in place by gravity using flexible rubber supports and alignment laths securing them at an equal distance from one another, thereby not damaging the subflooring. This fastening system makes it possible to easily install and remove laths and is very well adapted for its use with prevarnished wooden laths.

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: A structure such as a gate post, gate wing or fence of reduced weight to allow easier transportation and installation of the same, as well as to facilitate the fixation of artificial stones. Artificial stones are molded in a predetermined number of different shapes and a substrate is expansion-molded from foam plastics. Artificial stone receiving recesses are molded integrally with the substrate so as to be paired with the respective artificial stones, which are inserted into the corresponding recesses so that such insertion may serve as a provisional fixation to prevent the artificial stones from falling or scaling before setting of the adhesive agent bonding the artificial stones to their receiving recesses. A protruding rib bordering and defining the receiving recesses serves as a joint base adapted to support the overlying joint mortary.

Abstract: A mask to be used for grouting tile which when utilized eliminates washing and cleaning of the tiles, thereby saving the time and labor required for washing and clean-up of the grout material.

Abstract: A projection is formed on the back of the bed of an architectural panel used as a fence, a gate or a wall of a building, and a groove is formed in the same direction as the projection. The projection of one face member is fitted in the groove of another face member which makes a pair with the former face member. This prevents the projection from being broken during transportation or the like.

Abstract: A roofer's grid apparatus is provided for use in retaining shingles on a roof. The apparatus includes several mounting strips of support material which are secured together by horizontal connecting strips so that the mounting strips are parallel to and spaced from one another. A plurality of shingle retaining arrays are provided on the mounting strips for retaining shingles on the apparatus with the shingles arranged in horizontal courses and with each course overlapping the course beneath. Each array includes a pair of raised ears connected to the mounting strips and being spaced horizontally from one another by a distance adapted to be substantially equal to the length of a shingle, and a plurality of spurs protruding from the strips and adapted to penetrate the shingle when the shingle is positioned between the ears and pressed against the roof.

Abstract: A portable decking system formed from a plurality of flat panels adapted to be placed directly on the ground is provided with special clips that facilitate interconnection of adjacent edges of adjacent panels. The clips are generally W-shaped in cross-section to define a pair of channels each of which is receptive to a frame member of a flat panel. The clips are constructed to securely connect the panels together but in a manner that enables their ready detachment, all of which may be accomplished without tools or additional fasteners.

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.