Patent Application
20240183170
The present invention relates generally to construction methods and techniques, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tile assembly that is assembled off site from a construction project, wherein the present invention employs utilization of epoxy grout and other elements such as but not limited to metal edge members and wherein the tile assembly is shipped to the job site for installation.
Both commercial and residential structures utilize many different types of flooring material that is selected both for the application as well as the area of the structure. One of the most commonly utilized flooring materials is tile. Tile is typically provided in either a ceramic or porcelain version and conventionally available tiles can range in size from four square inches to several square feet. Regardless of the type of tile that is to be installed, the installation process is similar for most types of tile. Most often there is a backerboard that is installed first in the area that is to have tile applied thereto. The backer board is typically mechanically fastened to a subfloor or wall and the seams thereof are often grouted to ensure a smooth surface. The next step for tile installation is to mix a mortar wherein the mortar is applied to the backerboard and the tiles are then set in the mortar in the desired pattern. The laying and setting of tiles can often take a significant amount of time as spacers are typically utilized to ensure the proper spacing between the tiles.
Subsequent laying of the tiles, the mortar must be allowed to dry. After the mortar has dried, the grout will be applied which involves mixing of the grout which is typically a sanded or non-sanded product that is operable to fill the void between the adjacent tiles. The grout application will consume time not only for the mixing and application thereof but the careful cleaning of the area ensuing application of the grout. All of the aforementioned steps are time consuming and require a significant amount of labor hours as well as supervision to ensure proper installation. The traditional method of tile application can be cost prohibitive when combined with the raw material costs for some application.
It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a tile assembly that comprises of a preassembled tile portion comprised of a plurality of tiles wherein the preassembled tile portion is assembled offsite and requires significantly less labor hours and materials.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a method for assembling a plurality of tiles off site from the installation location wherein the present invention includes utilization of tiles of various types, sizes and shapes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tile assembly that is manufactured off site comprising of a plurality of tiles wherein the tile assembly can be provided in alternate sizes and shapes.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a plurality of tiles off site from the installation location wherein the method of the present invention includes utilization of epoxy grout.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tile assembly that is manufactured off site comprising of a plurality of tiles wherein the epoxy grout is intermediate each of the adjacent tiles and further is present on the rear side of the tiles adjacent to the seams of neighboring tiles.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a plurality of tiles off site from the installation location wherein the tile assembly is prefabricated on a suitable horizontal support surface.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a tile assembly that is manufactured off site comprising of a plurality of tiles wherein the tile assembly can be configured to have grooves in the rear side of the tiles wherein a support rod member can be secured therein.
Another object of the present invention is to a provide a method for assembling a plurality of tiles off site from the installation location wherein the tile assembly of the present invention is lightweight.
An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a tile assembly that is manufactured off site comprising of a plurality of tiles wherein adjacent tile assembly panels can incorporate metal edges therebetween.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a plurality of tiles off site from the installation location wherein the method of the present invention includes installation of a tile assembly panel at a job site.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a tile assembly panel 100 constructed according to the principles and method of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the tile assembly panel 100 is illustrated herein in Figure and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the illustrated shape of the tile assembly panel 100 herein is exemplary. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the tile assembly panel 100 could be manufactured employing the method of the present invention in numerous alternate shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the arrangement pattern of the tile members 10 illustrated herein is exemplary only and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the tile members 10 could be arranged in various different patterns and further employ tile members 10 of different shapes and sizes.
The tile assembly panel 100 includes a plurality of tile members 10 placed adjacent to each other. The tile assembly panel 100 includes a front surface 12 and a rear surface 14. The front surface 12 of the tile assembly panel 100 is the finished material surface while the rear surface 14 is unfinished. The edges 16 of the tile members 10 have applied thereto an epoxy grout during assembly process of the tile assembly panel 100 as is further discussed herein. During application of the epoxy grout to the edges 16 of the tile member 10 an amount of the epoxy grout is applied to the rear surface 14, in particular the tile member border area 22, of the tile assembly panel 100 immediately adjacent the edges 16 of the tile members 10. Application of the epoxy grout to the tile member border area 22, provides additional rigidity for the overall tile assembly panel 100 and assists in maintaining the structural integrity thereof during transport. The edges 60 of the tile assembly panel 100 can further include elements such as but not limited to a metal edge member for waterproofing and/or structural integrity.
The tile assembly panel 100 can further include grooves 30 wherein the grooves 30 have support rod members 40 secured therein. The grooves 30 are formed in the rear surface 14 of the tile assembly panel 100 utilizing suitable durable techniques. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the grooves 30 could extend partially or completely across the tile assembly panel 100 in various directions. The support rod members 40 are manufactured from lightweight rigid material and function to enhance the structural integrity of the tile assembly panel 100. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the support rod members 40 could be provided in alternate diameters and would not extend outward from the groove 30 so as to project past the rear surface 14. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the tile assembly panel 100 could be manufactured by the method of the present invention without the support rod members 40.
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In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
