Floor tile structure and method therefor

Abstract

A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

1 . A method for installing a tile comprising the steps of: 
 providing a support within the footprint of and proximate to the outer perimeter of the tile;    providing a first border along a first edge of the tile;    providing a second border along a second edge of the tile wherein the second edge is substantially orthogonal to the first edge.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising maintaining the position of the first border relative to the second border.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein maintaining the position of the first border relative to the second border comprises: 
 connecting a first end of the first border to a cross tie; and    orthogonally connecting a first end of the second border to the cross tie.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein maintaining the position of the first border relative to the second border comprises connecting a first end of the first border to a first end of the second border.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein maintaining the position of the first border relative to the second border comprises: 
 providing a connector at a first end of the first border;    providing a complimentary connector at a first end of the second border; and    connecting the complimentary connector to the connector.    
   
   
       6 . The method of claim I further comprising providing a fascia between the first border and the second border.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein providing a fascia comprises: 
 extending the first border to a tapered transition line; and    extending the second border to the tapered transition line.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a support within the footprint of the tile comprises the step of providing a ledge along the first border.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a border comprises providing a raised surface along a support ledge.  
   
   
       10 . A tile installation fixture, comprising: 
 a tile support rail; and    a border disposed collinearly with said tile support rail, said tile support rail including at least one substantially L-shaped ledge adapted to run along said border, said at least one substantially L-shaped ledge being lower in elevation than said border, said border incorporating a raised surface adapted to run along said tile support rail and at least one substantially tapered fascia extension projecting beyond said at least one substantially L-shaped ledge.    
   
   
       11 . The tile installation fixture of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one substantially tapered fascia extension includes on one side at least one groove connector.  
   
   
       12 . The tile installation fixture of  claim 14 , wherein said at least one groove connector is adapted to mate with at least one tongue connector on a cross-tie.  
   
   
       13 . The tile installation fixture of  claim 12  wherein the fascia extension extends to an imaginary tapered extension line extending outward from the end of the support rail.  
   
   
       14 . The tile installation fixture of  claim 10  wherein the support rail comprises a ledge along the border that is lower in elevation than said border.  
   
   
       15 . The tile installation fixture of  claim 10  wherein the border is a raised surface along the support rail.