Tile overlay system and method

Abstract

A tile overlay system and method for covering a defined base surface area with tiles of a predetermined size for placement in a predetermined pattern that forms a space between each tile. The tiles are placed according to a grid defined on the base surface area to form the predetermined pattern. Prior to placement of the tiles, a transparent liquid adhesive is applied over the base surface area which allows the grid to appear through the layer of liquid adhesive. While the adhesive is in the liquid form, a granular filler material is broadcasted in the space between the tiles. The granular filler material is absorbed into the liquid adhesive to integrally bond therewith wherein the adhesive layer cures after the placement of the tiles, and after placement of the granular filler material thereby bonding the tiles and the granular filler material to the base surface area. Subsequently, a continuous transparent top coat is applied in liquid form over the tiles and granular filler material to form a continuous top surface that seals the tiles and the granular filler material.

1 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system for covering a base surface area, the method comprising the steps: 
 providing a plurality of tiles having a predetermined size for placement in a predetermined pattern that forms a space between each tile;    marking the base surface area to define a grid thereon for positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern;    placing a transparent liquid adhesive over the base surface area to allow the grid to appear through the liquid adhesive layer thereby enabling placement of the tiles according to the grid;    placing the tiles according to the grid which can be viewed through the transparent adhesive, wherein the adhesive layer cures after the placement of the tiles in the predetermined pattern to bond the tiles to the base surface area;    broadcasting a granular filler material in the space between the tiles while the adhesive is in the liquid form so that the granular filler material is absorbed into the liquid adhesive to integrally bond therewith; and    applying a continuous transparent top coat in liquid form over the tiles and granular filler material to form a continuous top surface that seals the tiles and the granular filler material.    
   
   
       2 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising the step: 
 removing the excess granular filler material prior to applying the top coat.    
   
   
       3 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising the step: 
 preparing a tile surface on at least one tile so that the prepared tile surface can be seen through the transparent top coat.    
   
   
       4 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the tile surface is prepared by hand painting the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       5 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the tile surface is prepared by fixing a photograph to the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       6 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising the step: 
 marking the base surface area to define a grid thereon defined by a plurality of intersecting, crossing lines provided to assist in positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern.    
   
   
       7 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising the step: 
 marking the base surface area to define a grid thereon defined by a plurality of intersecting, crossing sets of parallel lines provided to assist in positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern.    
   
   
       8 . A tile overlay system for covering a surface area, the tile overlay system comprising: 
 a plurality of tiles having a predetermined size for placement in a predetermined pattern that forms a space between each tile;    a grid defined on the surface area for positioning the tiles over the surface area to form the predetermined pattern;    an adhesive layer applied in transparent liquid form over the surface area to allow the grid to appear through the liquid adhesive layer to enable placement of the tiles according to the grid, wherein the adhesive layer cures after the placement of the tiles in the predetermined pattern to bond the tiles to the surface area;    granular filler material placed. in the space between the tiles while the adhesive is in the liquid form so that the filler material is absorbed into the liquid adhesive to integrally bond therewith; and    a continuous transparent top coat applied in liquid form over the tiles and granular filler material to form a continuous top surface that seals the tiles and the granular filler material.    
   
   
       9 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 8  further comprising: 
 a tile surface prepared on at least one tile so that the prepared tile surface can be seen through the transparent top coat.    
   
   
       10 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 9  wherein the tile surface is prepared by hand painting the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       11 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 9  wherein the tile surface is prepared by fixing a photograph to the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       12 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 8  wherein the grid is defined by a plurality of intersecting, crossing lines provided to assist in positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern.  
   
   
       13 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 8  wherein, the grid is defined by a plurality of intersecting, crossing sets of parallel lines provided to assist in positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern.  
   
   
       14 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 8  wherein the tiles comprise a fabric backing disposed for contact with the liquid adhesive.  
   
   
       15 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system for covering a base surface area, the method comprising the steps: 
 providing a plurality of tiles having a predetermined size for placement in a predetermined pattern that forms a space between each tile;    marking the base surface area to define a grid thereon for positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern wherein the grid is defined by a plurality of intersecting, crossing sets of parallel lines provided to assist in positioning the tiles in the predetermined pattern;    placing a transparent liquid adhesive over the base surface area to allow the grid to appear through the liquid adhesive layer thereby enabling placement of the tiles according to the grid;    placing the tiles according to the grid which can be viewed through the transparent adhesive, wherein the adhesive layer cures after the placement of the tiles in the predetermined pattern to bond the tiles to the base surface area;    broadcasting a granular filler material in the space between the tiles while the adhesive is in the liquid form so that the granular filler material is absorbed into the liquid adhesive to integrally bond therewith;    removing the excess granular filler material prior to applying the top coat; and    applying a continuous transparent top coat in liquid form over the tiles and granular filler material to form a continuous top surface that seals the tiles and the granular filler material.    
   
   
       16 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 15  further comprising the step: 
 preparing a tile surface on at least one tile so that the prepared tile surface can be seen through the transparent top coat.    
   
   
       17 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 16  wherein the tile surface is prepared by hand painting the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       18 . A method for constructing a tile overlay system as recited in  claim 16  wherein the tile surface is prepared by fixing a photograph to the tile surface to exhibit a distinct appearance.  
   
   
       19 . A tile overlay system as recited in  claim 15  wherein the tiles comprise a fabric backing disposed for contact with the liquid adhesive.