Method for providing multiple tile shapes or appearances of the same
US7320774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB28B17/0018
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and products are provided that use an S-shaped die mold and a scoring/knifing process to produce two types of dies (S-shaped tiles and C-shaped tiles) from the S-shaped tile mold. The scoring/knifing process forms one or more channels or other suitable shapes in the S-shaped tile. At least one of the channels creates the appearance that the S-shaped tile comprises two separate and cooperating tile sections, each having a generally C-shaped cross section. In a further embodiment, at least one of the channels may be painted, colored, or otherwise darkened to accent a “shadow” effect, further creating the appearance that the C-shaped portions of the S-shaped tile are separate. In another embodiment, a method is provided that allows the S-shaped tiles to be broken or not broken along one or more of the channels, depending on the installer's preference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.