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US 12,558,872 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
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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.
Claims20
A composite structure having respective upper and lower surfaces, the composite structure comprising:
- a 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 composite structure is deformable prior to setting of the water-activated setting material so that the bottom surface of the composite structure conforms to an underlying application surface.
2 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 comprising:
- a fiber matrix;
- 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 bottom surface of the composite structure conforms to an underlying application surface, and
- wherein, prior to wetting of the water-activated setting material, the tile is bonded to the water-activated setting material of the composite structure.
4 more elements
A method of forming a finished flooring surface comprising:
- wetting a composite structure comprising:
- a 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 composite structure is deformable prior to setting of the water-activated setting material so that the bottom surface of the composite structure conforms to an underlying application surface;
- and
- compressing the composite structure between a tile and the underlying application surface.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.