Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement – Tiling
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-02
2002-03-12
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
Tiling
C254S104000, C052S747110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06354058
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an improved method and apparatus for laying tile. In particular, this invention relates to a method of using tile regulators to provide both the proper grout spacing, and vertical and horizontal plumb levels, to enhance the ease of installing tile and the final appearance of newly laid tile. The tile regulators of the present invention vary in several characteristics, for example, shape, pitch and color that further simplify the tiling process.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
Tile provides not only an especially esthetically pleasing look, but also a durable surface for a variety of residential and industrial settings. Tile work is generally considered an improvement upgrade to a kitchen, floor, bathroom, and the like, where ceramic tile is installed on the underlayment of either a floor or wall, or both.
With the strong, present economy, individuals and businesses have generated a greater amount of disposal income that can be put toward general home and business improvements. A vast majority of these improvements comprise an element of new tile work to a kitchen and bathroom, as the walls and floors are reconditioned and upgraded to new ceramic tile surfaces. Even without the present robust economy, there has always been, and will remain, a large amount of ongoing tile work associated with new construction.
Further, there has also been a concurrent explosion in the construction of home improvement mega-stores which supply the every expanding class of do-it-yourselfers (those finding more pleasure in tackling home and business projects themselves than hiring outside contractors) with the parts and confidence to complete their own improvement jobs. This growth has, in turn, produced a large market of home and business improvement books, Internet services providing step-by-step instructions, and several new TV shows and video programs for the do-it-yourselfers.
The present invention provides novel tile regulators and a method of using them that is simple enough to be employed by one with little or no skill in laying tile. The present invention is further economically justified for use by experienced contractors since the present invention shaves valuable time off the average professional job, and produces a better aligned tile surface which lowers the repair cost of mislaid tile.
Conventional Tile Installation
Ceramic tile is an attractive and exceptionally durable material for walls and floors of a bathroom, kitchen or any room that needs a durable and easily maintained surface. Laying tile is not particularly difficult for the novice, but does require preparation and some time.
Several distinct steps are necessary between simply deciding to tile a specific surface, and a finished tiled wall or floor. These steps include, for example, choosing the type of tile, choosing the type of adhesive the preparation of the underlayment and surface, and various other steps to both layout and install the tiles.
Choosing the right ceramic tile is typically difficult part of a tile project for the homeowner business owner. There are literally thousands of colors, sizes, styles, shapes and grades of tile. Presently, white and almond color are the most common for tiles, although designs with more color have gained in popularity. Colors are getting warmer and brighter, as well as clearer and cleaner. The most popular tile sold is 4¼″ square wall tile. However, a current trend is towards larger tiles, for example, 8″×8″ to 12″×12″.
Small one-inch tiles also are common. These 1″×1″ tiles are sometimes referred to as mosaic tile because they can be mixed with different colors to create borders, patterns, and even pictures. Mosaic tile may be joined together in, for example, 12″×12″ or 12″×24″ sheets to make them easier and quicker to set.
The materials that makes up tile, and the methods of manufacturing, determine the tile's durability, appearance and absorption. Most ceramic tile is glazed. Glazed tile is produced from a mixture of clays that are pressed into a particular shape. A “glaze” is then applied to the top of the tile and baked on. Glazed tiles are typically available in high-gloss, matte, and abrasive, slip-resistant finishes. Glazed tiles also come in decorative styles with a pattern or hand-painted design. Since glazed tiles tend to get scratched frequently when used on floors and countertops, they are typically used on walls. Floor tile should have a finish that is not too slippery for walking on, and that does not show scratches easily. Small, mosaic tile is made up from different types of clay, with various color pigments added. Mosaics are suitable for almost any surface because they resist moisture, are stain-proof and will not chip easily.
Quarry tile is a broad classification for any tile made out of a mixture of clays. They are usually deep red in color and are left unglazed. These types of tile are frequently used for interior floors because of their porousness and irregular shapes. The surfaces of quarry tile may be sealed or unsealed, although they typically stain if left unsealed.
Natural materials like slate, marble, granite, and limestone, cut into thin pieces and installed like tile are also popular. Alternatively, natural-looking tiles that resemble marble, slate, limestone and granite are just as durable, and cost as much as 75 to 80 percent less than using the natural material.
Most lines of tile comprise some special tiles for creating borders and accents, and for finishing corners and edges. Sometimes, these special tiles, bullnose tiles, will be rounded at the edges. A single-edged bullnose tile can be used to finish off the top of a wall, like a bathtub surround, or the edge of a countertop. A double-out bullnose has two rounded edges for finishing off the corner of a tile section. Edge tile is used for around the overhang of a countertop. Further, the bottom row of wall tile is generally made up of special base tiles. Base tiles are flared at the bottom and make a smooth transition to the floor. The top of a base tile is square to butt up to the regular wall tile.
Pattern options available when laying tile are virtually endless. However, there are two basic patterns in common usage. The “jack-on-jack” pattern is the most common, where the tile is laid like squares on a checkerboard. A “running bond” pattern has offset grout lines for every other row. While both are fairly easy to set, the running bond pattern is generally the more difficult of the two.
After settling on a particular tile line, the proper adhesive for the job must be addressed. The type of adhesive used depends on the location of tiling, and the surface (underlayment) under the tiling. Thinset adhesive can support a lot of weight so it is often used for floor installations. Thinsets also can be used in wet areas as well as those exposed to heat. Thinset adhesives come in powder form and must be mixed with either water, liquid latex, or an acrylic additive depending on the type. Thinsets are considered harder to work with because they must be mixed to the right consistency before using. Thinsets have a stronger bond and are more flexible than organic mastics.
Organic mastics are the most commonly used adhesives by do-it-yourselfers. They are pre-mixed and ready-to-use, thus considered easier to work with and less time consuming than thinset adhesives. Mastics are good for setting wall tile because they start gripping the tile even before the mastic is fully cured. Mastics have their drawbacks, as should not be used in areas that will get wet or will be exposed to extreme heat.
The final preparatory step before the start of a tile job is selecting the tools needed for the job. Many different tools are used for preparing and setting tile. A tile cutter is the best tool for quick and accurate straight cuts. It holds the tile in a frame as a cut line is scored with a small wheel. For repeatable, clean cuts, the scoring wheel may be replaced often. Th
Deveau Todd
Friedman Carl D.
Schneider Ryan A.
Troutman Sanders LLP
Varner Steve M
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