Back to results
US 12,179,457 B2Granted
Composite structure for applying tiles to a surface, and systems and methods of using same
AssigneeColumbia Insurance Company
InventorsThomas Odum, James Burns
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composite structure for use in tiling surfaces is disclosed. The composite structure can include a fiber matrix impregnated with a water-activated setting material. The composite structure can be wet and then compressed between a tile and an application surface. The composite structure can cure to provide a support surface for the tile.
Claims15
A composite structure having respective upper and lower surfaces and a circumferential outer surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the composite structure comprising:
- a fiber matrix having a first side, a second side, and a circumferential edge that extends between the first side and the second side of the fiber matrix;
- a water-activated setting material, wherein the fiber matrix is impregnated with the water-activated setting material;
- and
- a scrim that holds the water-activated setting material in engagement with the fiber matrix, wherein the scrim circumferentially surrounds and covers the circumferential edge of the fiber matrix and defines at least a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the composite structure,
- wherein the fiber matrix and water-activated setting material define the upper and lower surfaces of the composite structure,
- wherein the composite structure is deformable prior to setting of the water-activated setting material so that the lower surface of the composite structure conforms to an underlying application surface.
3 more elements
A tile assembly comprising:
- a tile defining a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the tile is a ceramic tile, a porcelain tile, a concrete tile, a natural stone tile, or a quartz tile;
- and
- a composite structure having respective upper and lower surfaces and comprising:
- a fiber matrix;
- and
- a water-activated setting material, wherein the fiber matrix is impregnated with the water-activated setting material,
- wherein the composite structure is deformable prior to setting of the water-activated setting material so that the lower surface of the composite structure conforms to an underlying application surface,
- wherein the tile is directly bonded, by the water-activated setting material, to the composite structure.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.