Tile Guard

Abstract

A tile guard for use in a method of installing a plurality of tiles on a floor surface includes a layer of film having opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a generally smooth texture and the bottom surface including an adhesive. The method of installing the tiles includes the steps of positioning the layer of film on a top surface of respective tiles of the plurality of tiles such that respective film bottom surface are in contact with respective top surfaces of the respective tiles. The method includes positioning the respective tiles on the floor surface such that the film top surface faces upwardly and such that predetermined gaps are left between the respective tiles. The method includes spreading grout over the positioned tiles and directing the grout into the gaps between the respective tiles and then removing the layer of film from the respective tiles.

1 . A tile guard for use in a method of installing a plurality of tiles on a floor surface that protects said tiles from damage from or to surrounding grout, said tile guard comprising:
 a layer of film having opposed top and bottom surfaces, said top surface having a generally smooth texture and said bottom surface including an adhesive;   wherein the method of installing the plurality of tiles comprises the steps of:
 positioning said layer of film on a top surface of respective tiles of the plurality of tiles such that respective film bottom surface are in contact with respective top surfaces of said respective tiles; 
 positioning said respective tiles on the floor surface such that said film top surface faces upwardly and such that predetermined gaps are left between said respective tiles; 
 spreading grout over said positioned tiles and directing said grout into said gaps between said respective tiles; and 
 removing said layer of film from said respective tiles. 
   
   
   
       2 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said step of removing said layer of film includes peeling said layer of film such that said adhesive is separated from respective tile top surfaces. 
   
   
       3 . The tile guard as in  claim 2 , wherein the method of installing the plurality of tiles comprises the step of waiting a predetermined amount of time after spreading said grout before removing said layer of film, whereby to allow said grout to partially harden. 
   
   
       4 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said step of positioning said layer of film includes a width dimension that is substantially the same as a width of said respective tile to which it is applied. 
   
   
       5 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said layer of film is constructed of an acrylic polymer that is from 3 to 12 mils thick. 
   
   
       6 . The tile guard as in  claim 3 , wherein said layer of film is constructed of an acrylic polymer that is from 3 to 12 mils thick. 
   
   
       7 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said layer of film is a continuous roll of film. 
   
   
       8 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said layer of film is a liquid polymer coating that is sprayable. 
   
   
       9 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said top surface of said layer of film includes indicia from the group including alphanumeric, graphic, alignment markings, and tactile indicia. 
   
   
       10 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein the layer of film is applied to the plurality of tile at the time of manufacturing of the tile. 
   
   
       11 . The tile guard as in  claim 1 , wherein said layer of film is a plurality of pre-cut, peel and stick members.