System and apparatus for installation of tile floor

Abstract

A tile floor system and apparatus, and manner of installation, uses ceramic and other rigid tiles, and a rubbery or polymeric mat or array of mats, providing a grid or pattern of receptacles that cooperatively receive and securely hold the tiles, with a removable grout securable between the tiles, so as to present a convincing appearance of a conventionally mortared and grouted tile floor, with the tiles and grout concealing the mats. The system and apparatus can be configured so as to be quickly and easily removed or replaced, Each mat can be configured for receiving one or multiple tiles, and the adjacent mats are joined together in the pattern or grid using suitable connectors, such as disk shaped biscuits receivable in slots along opposing sides of the individual mats.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 730,265, filed Nov. 27, 2012.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]This invention relates to a system and apparatus for temporary or permanent installation of ceramic and other rigid tiles on an existing floor or other surface, and, more particularly, that resides in a rubbery or polymeric mat system that provides an array or pattern of receptacles that individually cooperatively receive and securely hold rigid tiles, with a removable grout securable between the tiles, so as to present a finished appearance similar to a grouted tile floor, but all or portions of which can be quickly and easily removed or replaced.BACKGROUND ART [0003]U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 730,265, filed Nov. 27, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0004]Installation of rigid tiles, which here is intended to encompass ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and synthetic tiles, is a time consuming, laborious task. It invol...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a floor system that can be used for both permanent and temporary applications, is easy to install and remove, and can be transported and stored without damage. The floor system is made up of tiles that are placed on a mat and can be quickly and easily removed or replaced. This results in a floor system that is removable and reusable, which can be transported from one application to another. Additionally, this floor system reduces the labor and materials associated with traditional ceramic tile installation.

Problems solved by technology

Installation of rigid tiles, which here is intended to encompass ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and synthetic tiles, is a time consuming, laborious task.

It is also costly, and is usually considered to be permanent.

This step is relatively time consuming due to having to make each tile parallel and level to the tile next to it.

As evident from the numerous steps involved, installation of a natural or synthetic stone or ceramic tile floor is labor intensive and expensive.

And mortar and grout require skill to mix and apply.

Removal of an entire tile floor typically requires demolition of many or all of the tiles.

Resultant disadvantages include that installing, repairing, and removing tile floors is messy, and at least installation typically require professional or high do-it-your-self skill levels.

These factors also make it difficult and costly to replace outdated floors.

Also, because tile floors are considered permanent installations, they are not typically installed for temporary applications, such as for seasonal uses such as around outdoor pools, for patios, and the like, and for display or show purposes such as in trade shows and the like.

However, the joints typically have a less convincing natural grout appearance, and the materials are often not water proof or even water resistant so they would not be suitable for wet locations such as around outdoor pools, patios, and the like.

The tiles are also subject to easy breakage along their edges when assembled, disassembled, and transported.

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