Method and apparatus for providing multiple tile shapes or appearances of same
US8580172B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB28B17/0018
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method apparatus and product is provided which includes the use of an S-Tile mold, combined with a scoring/knifing process, which allows for subsequent controlled separation of what would normally be an S-Tile into two separate tile sections each having a general C-shaped cross section. This allows for two types of tiles (S-tiles and Two-Piece Mission tiles) to be made from one type of mold (S-tile). A method, apparatus and product is also provided which includes the use of an S-Tile mold, including or combined with a scoring, knifing, or forming process for providing a channel or other suitable shape, which allows for an S-Tile to be produced which appears to be two separate but cooperating tile sections having a general C-shaped cross section. The longitudinal channel 9 or other shape and or proximate area may also be painted, colored, or otherwise darkened in order to accent a “shadow” effect which causes the eye to better perceive separation of the two portions 6 and 7 of the tile 5. A method is also provided which allows for tiles to be broken or not broken depending on the installer's preference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.