Abstract:
A do-it-yourself kit assembly and installation method for mounting a tile assembly to a predetermined support surface, such as a kitchen backsplash. The kit assembly includes the tile assembly comprised of one or more tile sheets as well as all of the installation materials and installation tools required to accomplish the do-it-yourself installation in a timely manner. Each tile sheet includes a plurality of fixed tile pieces, which may comprise glass mosaic tiles, and a self-adherent adhesive layer, which facilitates the mounting of the tile sheets to virtually any kind of surface. A ready-to-use grout supply makes it easy to apply the optimal quantity of grout onto the mounted tile sheet(s), wherein the installation materials and tools are cooperatively provided to facilitate the installation method.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is currently in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 61/321,045 and a filing date of Apr. 5, 2010, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is directed to a “do-it-yourself” home remodeling kit specifically including a tile assembly which may be specifically, but not exclusively structured to be installed over a kitchen backsplash area in a minimal amount of time. The present invention is also directed to the do-it-yourself method of installation as well as certain structural features of one or more self-adherent tile sheets at least partially defining the tile assembly. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A method of installing glass mosaic tile or other tile material pieces by a “do-it-yourself” basis can be complicated, time-consuming, and costly. Typically, one has to obtain not only the tile materials but must frequently visit one or more supply or remodeling stores to buy many of the required installation materials and/or tools associated with the do-it-yourself technique. In addition, the individual must already possess sufficient skill or training to accomplish such an installation in a timely manner, wherein the final product is sufficiently pleasing in appearance and structure to resemble a professional installation. Moreover, if a professional contractor or like individual is not hired to do the installation then the individual involved in the do-it-yourself technique must be skilled in a variety of different techniques, procedures and structures to accomplish a professionally appearing installation. 
     The installation of various tiles including mosaic glass tiles, ceramic tiles, etc. is conventionally done with a cement or “mastic” applied to the surface being covered. Such cement or mastic may be preformed and purchased separately and applied separately over the entire surface area being covered. Accordingly, the cement or mastic may have a universal composition including a standard viscosity which may secure the tile material directly to the support surface. However, in many cases a standard adhesive composition, in particular such a composition intended for a “do-it-yourself” installation, is not sufficiently strong to maintain the tile being mounted on a substantial permanent basis. Also, the application of the mastic or cement to the surface being covered must be sufficient to distribute the cement or mastic over the area in a somewhat even or at least sufficiently ample basis to maintain the permanent adherence of the tile material to the support surface. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in this industry for a do-it-yourself installation kit and method of installation which facilitates the application of a tile assembly to the intended surface, such as that of the present invention which incorporates a tile assembly preferably including one or more self-adherent tile sheets. As such, the obtaining, preparing, and applying mastic or cement to the surface to be covered is thereby eliminated resulting in a saving of both time and effort by the individual. As a result, a preferred and proposed kit assembly, installation method and tile assembly should comprise a self-adherent tile assembly including the aforementioned one or more plurality of tile sheets each of which include a composite structure which eliminates many of the procedures and techniques typically included in conventional do-it-yourself tile installation assemblies and methods. 
     Moreover, a proposed do-it-yourself kit assembly, method of installation and tile assembly incorporating the self adherent feature, should include and utilize installation materials and installation tools cooperatively provided to eliminate the problems as generally set forth above. As a result the time consuming efforts of an individual including the necessity for going to one or more supply stores to obtain a variety of different installation materials, tools, tile materials, mastic, cement, etc., would be eliminated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to “do-it-yourself” kit assembly for installing a tile assembly on a support surface such as, but not limited to, a kitchen backsplash area. The present invention is also directed to a “do-it-yourself” method of installation as well as the structural and operative features of one or more tile sheets defining the tile assembly. 
     More specifically, the do-it-yourself kit assembly of the present invention includes at least one, but more practically a plurality of self-adherent tile sheets each comprising a backing sheet of predetermined configuration and dimension. A plurality of tile pieces are collectively and fixedly secured to an outer face of the backing sheet in spaced relation to one another. In addition, an adhesive layer is secured to a rear face of the backing sheet in opposing relation to the plurality of tile pieces. As such the adhesive layer is disposed and structured to fixedly secure the backing sheet to the support surface on a substantially permanent basis. Also, a cover sheet is removably disposed in overlying, confronting relation to a subsequently exposed surface of the adhesive layer. 
     In at least one preferred embodiment, the plurality of tile pieces comprises a plurality of mosaic, glass tile pieces which are preferably, but not necessarily, equally dimensioned and configured. Further, each of the tile pieces are disposed in equally spaced relation to next adjacent ones of the plurality of tiled pieces, wherein the spaces between the tiled pieces define grout channels or grout junctions. Other components of the kit assembly include a plurality of containers of grout sufficient in quantity to cover the exterior exposed surfaces of the plurality of the tile pieces, once fixedly secured to the support surface and/or kitchen backsplash. As such, the grout will be sufficient to fill the grout junctions between the plurality of tile pieces as set forth above. 
     In order to provide an efficient, effective “do-it-yourself” kit assembly, a plurality of installation materials and installation tools are included and are cooperative to facilitate the do-it-yourself method of installation. More specifically, the kit assembly includes at least one but more practically a plurality of tile sheets preferably, but not necessarily, structured and dimensioned to have a 12 inch by 12 inch or one square foot dimension. The installation tools include a pair of gloves to be worn by the user during the installation. Also, a cutting blade is provided so as to form/modify/adjust one or more segments of the one or more tile sheets to correspond to the dimension and configuration of the support surface and/or backsplash area to be covered. 
     Also, a “grout float” may be utilized to apply the supply of grout over the exposed surface of the plurality of the tile pieces as well as fill the grout junctions between the tile pieces. The grout float is also structured to be manipulated in a manner which applies a sufficient degree of pressure to the exposed surface of the one or more tile sheets. The result of applying a sufficiently greater pressure is to fixedly secure the one or more tile sheets and more specifically the adhesive layer associated therewith in a substantially permanent manner to the support surface. Other installation tools may include a plurality of spacers which may be inserted between adjacent ones of the tile pieces associated with the same tile sheet or adjacent or contiguous ones of the plurality of tile sheets so as to accomplish an accurate and effective alignment thereof. 
     Informational and/or instructional material, such as a printed brochure, DVD or other viewable media, etc. can also be included in the kit assembly so as to further facilitate the “do-it-yourself” method of mounting or installation. The kit assembly further includes other portions of the tile assembly which may comprise at least one, but preferably a plurality of elongated liner tiles each of which includes a one-piece construction and an adhesive layer on a rear or outer surface thereof. The adhesive layer of the liner tiles, may be the same as that associated with that one or more of the tile sheets, and is sufficient to fixedly secure the liner tiles about the periphery of the installed tile sheets. In addition, a plurality of loose tile pieces are also included in the tile assembly so as to facilitate replacement or repair of damaged or missing tile pieces which would normally be fixedly secured to the backing sheet of the corresponding tile sheet. 
     The do-it-yourself tile assembly kit and the various components of the kit, as generally described above, facilitate an easy, efficient and quick method of do-it-yourself installation or mounting of the tile assembly in the manner generally set forth hereinafter. 
     More specifically, the support surface or the backsplash area on which the tile assembly is to be mounted is cleaned at least to the extent of removing any grease, dust or other debris which would affect the installation and/or appearance to the installed tile sheets. Once the affected are of the support surface and/or backsplash has been sufficiently prepared proper measuring is done in order to coordinate the dimension and the configuration of the one or more tile sheets with the area on which the tile sheets are to be mounted. This coordination may include the cutting or severing of portions of the tile sheet to form at least one tile sheet segment which corresponds in dimension and configuration to the portion of the support surface on which it is to be mounted. 
     A “dry fitting” of the tile sheet is next accomplished by at least partially removing a lower portion of the cover sheet from the adhesive layer thereby exposing a corresponding portion of the adhesive layer. This exposed portion of the adhesive layer is applied to the backsplash area on which the tile sheet is to be mounted by applying only a first predetermined or minimal amount of pressure to the tile sheet. This minimal amount of applied pressure enables the removal and/or adjustment of the adhesive and tile sheet form the support surface. Once accurately aligned and positioned the remainder of the cover sheet may be removed from the adhesive layer thereby exposing the entire adhesive layer and allowing the entirety of adhesive layer to confront the area of the support surface on which it is to be mounted. A second predetermined greater pressure is then applied to the exposed face of the plurality of tile pieces, such as by using the grout float, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The second, greater predetermined amount of pressure is sufficient to fixedly and substantially permanently secure the tile sheet to the backsplash or other area of the support surface. 
     Subsequently, the grout is applied in overlying, covering relation to the plurality of tile pieces on the sheet or sheets which have been mounted on the support surface. A sufficient amount of time is allowed for the drying or curing of the grout and some of the aforementioned cleaning materials may be used to remove excessive grout from the disposed surface of the plurality of tiles, once a drying of the grout has occurred. 
     Therefore, the do-it-yourself kit assembly of the present invention may be specifically utilized to cover the kitchen backsplash area and as such the plurality of sheets are sufficient in quantity, dimension, configuration, etc. to cover at least a backsplash area or other support surface area of generally about 15 square feet. Utilizing the kit assembly, preferred method of installation and taking advantage of the structural and operable self-adherent features of the one or more tile sheets, a 15 square foot support surface area can be installed with the aforementioned tile assembly in as little as one hour. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the kit assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a collective view in perspective of the various installation materials and installation tools accompanying the kit assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a base portion of a “grout float” used to apply grout as well as pressure to the installed one or more tile sheets accompanying the do-it-yourself kit assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a handle portion of the grout float. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the handle portion and base portions of the grout float in a position to be assembled. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the base portion of the grout float as represented in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of the do-it-yourself method of installation of the kit assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another portion of the do-it-yourself method of installation of the kit assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another portion of the do-it-yourself method of installation of the tile assembly kit as represented in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another portion of the do-it-yourself method of installation of the kit assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a transverse sectional view of one of a possible plurality of tile sheets included in the do-it-yourself kit assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a tile liner piece of the tile assembly of the do-it-yourself kit assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a collective view of a plurality of tile liner pieces included in the do-it-yourself kit assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of one of a plurality of loose tile pieces included in the do-it-yourself kit assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed towards a do-it-yourself mounting or installation kit generally indicated as  10  in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the present invention includes the structural and operative details of a tile assembly including one or more tile sheets and the method of installing or mounting the tile assembly in an effective, efficient and time saving manner. 
     As indicated, the do-it-yourself installation assembly  10  comes in a packaged form utilizing an appropriately sized and structured container  12 . With primary reference to  FIG. 2 , the various components of the kit assembly  10  are collectively represented and include at least one but more practically a plurality of tile sheets  14  as well as a plurality of installation materials and installation tools. When combined and used as intended, the installation materials and tools facilitate the do-it-yourself method of installation of the one or more tile sheets  14  on a predetermined area of a support surface  16 , as generally represented in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . More specifically, the dimension, configuration and number of tile sheets  14  may be such as to facilitate the mounting or installation of the tile sheets on a predetermined area of the support surface  16 . By way of example only, an intended area for installation of the support surface  16  may be a kitchen backsplash area. As such, the size and quantity of the plurality of tile sheets  14  are sufficient to cover a typical surface area, such as being in the range of 15 square feet. However, it is emphasized that the versatility of the do-it-yourself installation kit  10 , attendant method and structural features of the tile sheets  14  are such that the present invention could be applied a variety of other support surfaces, having a variety of greater or smaller sizes other than the referred to kitchen backsplash area. Accordingly, the support surface  16  being a kitchen backsplash is referred to by way of example only. 
     Again with primary reference to  FIG. 2 , the installation tools included in the kit assembly  10  comprise a grout float  18 , described in greater detail in  FIGS. 3-6 ; a cutting blade  20 , a plurality of spacers  22 , a sponge  24 , as well as other cleaning materials; at least one pair of gloves  26  and informational and/or instructional material, such as a printed manual and/or a DVD or other viewable media; generally indicated as  28 . Yet additional installation tools may also include a screwdriver and tape measure. Installation materials included as part of the kit assembly  10  may include a supply of grout  30 , provided in sufficient quantity and in one or more easily accessible containers  32 . Use of the grout supply  30  will be explained with reference to at least  FIGS. 9-11 . Moreover, the supply of grout containers  32  are independently accessible so as to deliver the grout contained therein to the grout float  18  as generally indicated in  FIG. 9 , and described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As also represented in  FIG. 2 , the tile assembly includes the one or more tile sheets  14  as well as a plurality of additional tile pieces generally indicated as  34 . The tile pieces may include a plurality of elongated one piece liners  43  dimensioned, configured and structured to be mounted along and at least partially define the peripheral borders of the one or more mounted tile sheets  14 , when installed on the support surface  16 . Structural and operative details of the tile liners will also be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. In addition, the plurality of extra tile pieces  34  may include a plurality of loose, detached tile pieces  45  equivalent in dimension, configuration and coloring to the plurality of individual fixed tile pieces  42  formed on an exposed face or surface of each of the one or more tile sheets  14 , as explained in greater detail with regard to  FIGS. 11-14 . 
     Additional structural features of each of the one or more tile sheets  14  is represented in  FIG. 11 . More specifically, each of the tile sheets  14  may be of a predetermined size and configuration based on the size and configuration of the area of the support surface  16  on which the tile assembly is to be installed. By way of example, when the kit assembly  10  is used to cover a kitchen backsplash area of the support surface  16  the plurality of tile sheets  14  may be 15 in number, wherein each sheet has a dimension of 12 inches by 12 inches, or one square foot. As such, each of the plurality of tile sheets  14  include a backing sheet  40  formed of an appropriate material such as, but not limited to, an open mesh material. In addition, the plurality of tile pieces  42  are fixedly secured to an outer surface of the backing sheet  40  in equally spaced relation to one another. In addition, each of the fixed tile pieces  42  may or may not be of an equivalent dimension and configuration. However, each of the tile pieces  42  is appropriately coordinated at least in terms of color, texture, etc. to provide an overall visually pleasing appearance when mounted on the support surface  16 . Moreover, in at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tile pieces  42 , as well as the one or more tile liner pieces  43  and the individual loose tile pieces  45  are formed of a mosaic, glass material. It is emphasized that other materials, such as ceramic material, can be used to form the individual tile pieces  42  as well as the liners  43  and loose tile pieces  45 . 
     Each of the plurality of tile sheets  14  also includes an adhesive layer  44  extending over the entirety of the corresponding opposed surface of the backing sheet  40 , relative to the placement of the plurality of tile pieces  42 . Finally, a cover sheet  46  is removably disposed in overlying, covering and somewhat protecting relation to the surface  44 ′ of the adhesive layer  44  so as to prevent any inadvertent adherence of the one or more sheets  14  to other objects. 
     While the composition of the adhesive layer  44  may vary, one preferred embodiment includes the adhesive layer comprising a cross-linked polyethylene foam, double-coated with a rubber based adhesive, composed of organic and synthetic elastomers. As such, the adhesive layer  44  is accurately described as being at least partially “pressure sensitive” as at least partially represented in  FIG. 8 . The pressure sensitive characteristics of the adhesive layer  44  is such that during the do-it-yourself method of installation each of the one or more tile sheets  14  may be “dry-fitted” to the support surface  16  in order to accomplish a proper alignment, orientation and/or positioning relative to one another and to the disposed area of the support surface  16  itself. More specifically, the adhesive composition is such that when a first predetermined or minimal pressure is applied to the adhesive layer  44 , it may be disposed in removable confronting engagement with the support surface  16 . This allows adjustment in the alignment or orientation of each of the plurality of sheets  14 . However when proper alignment or orientation has been accomplished, a second predetermined or significantly greater pressure is applied to the exterior or exposed portions of the plurality of tile pieces  42 , thereby fixedly securing the corresponding tile sheet  14  to the support surface  16  in a substantially permanent manner. 
     Further with regard to  FIGS. 12-14 , each of the plurality of liner tiles  43  may be of different lengths but have a solid, one piece construction of the mosaic, glass material corresponding to the material from which the plurality of fixed tile pieces  42  are formed. In addition, an adhesive layer, as at  44 ″, may be secured to the undersurface of each of the plurality of liners  43  so as to facilitate the fixed and substantially permanent positioning thereof about the peripheral borders of the installed tile sheets  14 . Similarly, the individual loose tile pieces  45  may include an adhesive layer backing as at  44 ″. The loose tile pieces  45  are used to replace any damaged or missing fixed tile pieces  42  when such is found necessary. Appropriate liner material may also be associated with the tile liner pieces  43  as well as the loose tile pieces  45 . 
     Other structural features of the do-it-yourself kit assembly  10  specifically relating to the grout float  18  are represented in  FIGS. 3-6 . More specifically, the grout float generally indicated as  18  includes a base  19  and a handle  21  connected to one another by connecting members  21 ′, as demonstrated in the exploded view of  FIG. 5 . Moreover, the base  19  is formed of an at least partially flexible material and includes an outer waterproof or water resistant covering  19 ′. One purpose of the grout float  18  is for the spreading and distribution of the grout supply  30  over the exposed surface of the plurality of fixed tile pieces  42 . In distributing the supply of grout  30  it is first delivered to and effectively spread over the exposed surface  19 ′ of the base  19  of the grout float  18 , as represented in  FIG. 9 . For convenience, the supply of grout  30 , including that retained within the various grout containers  32 , is in a ready to use form. Once applied to the grout float  18  the grout supply  30  is spread over the exposed surface or faces of the plurality of fixed tiles  42 . To this extent the grout is sufficient in quantity and texture to fill each of the grout junctions or channels  47  extending about the periphery of each of the fixed tile pieces  42  and specifically between adjacent ones of the tile pieces  42 . 
     Another feature of the grout float  18  is its ability to apply a greater, predetermined pressure to the exposed face of the plurality of tile pieces  42  once properly positioned and secured to the support surface  16 . As set forth above, the second predetermined or greater pressure is applied to the tile sheet  14  by pressing the confronting surface  19 ′ of the base  19  over the exposed face of each of the plurality of fixed tiles  42  to a degree sufficient to fixedly adhere the adhesive layer  44  to the support surface  16  in a substantially permanent manner. Accordingly, the flexibility of the base  19  should be sufficient to be at least partially compressed against the exposed or outer face of the plurality of tiles  42 , without causing damage thereto. 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , the preferred do-it-yourself method of installation of the kit assembly  10  is sequentially represented. More specifically, the area of the support surface  16  to which the one or more tile sheets  14  are to be applied should be thoroughly cleaned so as to remove any grease, dust, debris, particles, etc. which would interfere with the adherence of the tile sheets  14  to the support surface  16 . Cleaning may be accomplished utilizing a plurality of different cleaning solutions to properly prepare the support surface  16 . 
     Thereafter, as represented in  FIG. 7 , the specific area of the support surface  16  is measured and compared with and/or coordinated to a first or subsequent one of the plurality of tile sheets  14 . This coordination may result in a determination of differences in the dimension and configuration of the support surface  16  and that of the tile sheets  14 . Upon such an occurrence, the cutting blade  20  included within the kit assembly  10  can be used to cut through the corresponding tile sheet  14  by directing the blade to pass through the backing sheet  40 , the adhesive layer  44  and the cover sheet  46 . In doing so, the cutting blade  20  may pass into appropriate ones of the grout channels or grout junctions  47  and between adjacently positioned ones of the fixed tile pieces  42 , as desired. 
     Once the dimension and configuration of the tile sheet  14  and the surface area  16  has been established, there may be a “dry-fitting” of the cover sheet to the surface area  16  as generally represented in  FIG. 8 . In doing so, the cover sheet  46  is at least minimally removed from preferably a lower end or periphery of the tile sheet  14  and the tile sheet is bent or folded into an orientation where the adhesive layer  44  may be disposed in confronting relation to the corresponding portion of the support surface  16 . In accomplishing this dry-fitting procedure, only a first predetermined or minimal amount of pressure is applied to the outer or exposed face of the tile sheet  14 . This will allow the adhesive layer  44  to removed from the support surface  16  at least one or two times, such that the corresponding tile sheet  14  can be properly aligned, oriented and positioned. Once the proper alignment has been established, the cover sheet  46  is completely removed thereby exposing the entirety of the adhesive layer  44  and allowing the exposed surface  44 ′ thereof to be disposed in confronting relation to the support surface  16 . Once so positioned, the grout float  18  is applied to the exposed frontal portions of the plurality of fixed tiles  42  in a manner which supplies a second predetermined or greater pressure to the tile sheet  14 . This greater pressure will be sufficient to accomplish a substantially permanent adherence of the tile sheet  14  and adhesive layer  44  to the support surface  16 . 
     As represented in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the supply of grout  30  is then applied to the surface  19 ′ of the base  19  and spread continuously over the entire surface area of the mounted tile sheets  14 . This is accomplished by a predetermined or preferred directional stroking in a manner which efficiently accomplishes the filling of each of the grout junctions or grout channels  47  with the grout material  30 . A sufficient time of generally about 30 minutes is provided to allow the grout to dry. Thereafter, a moistened sponge  24  is utilized, as well as possibly other cleaning materials, to remove any excessive grout from the face of the fixed tiles  42 . This cleaning of the excessive grout is accomplished in a manner which allows the at least partially dried grout within the grout junctions  47  to remain. Other features demonstrated in  FIG. 10  is the removal of any obstacles or objects from the support surface  16  using an included screwdriver, such as the removal of a face plate covering a socket. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,