Litho-mosaic

Abstract

A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement / fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 729,678, filed 2005 Oct. 24 by the present inventor.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]The present invention relates in general to concrete products, and more particularly, to methods for creating a mosaic concrete product, specifically, a method of fabricating a module for use in creating a mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface and a method of installing the mosaic upon the concrete surface utilizing the module.[0004]As is well known in the building and construction trade, concrete is extensively utilized as a building material for industrial, commercial and residential applications. Due to its durability, water resistance, and cost economy, concrete has gained wide spread use in flooring applications. With this widespread use, the public is currently demanding variations in color, surface texture and overal...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]As mentioned above, the tile may be at least one of ceramic, glass, stone, shell, and brick tile pieces or combinations thereof. After the tile has been placed onto the concrete surface, the massaging step may include utilizing a float to massage the tile into the surface. Further, the method preferably includes the steps of: (a) pouring a concrete mixture over a subgrade, the concrete mixture defining the uncured concrete surface; and (b) finishing the uncured concrete surface to dispose the cement / fines paste derived from the concrete mixture at the uncured concrete surface thereof. Such preparation may enhance the massaging of the tile into the surface.

Problems solved by technology

Secondly, an adhesive, such as mortar or a tile adhesive, is spread upon the surface.

The resultant product is frequently very beautiful and may be very ornate and detailed.

However, due to the extensive amount of time and several additional steps that such a product requires in comparison to other flooring products, mosaic flooring are usually quite expensive.

Further, construction of mosaics in walls and other decorative structures and elements may also be quite laborious and expensive.

Although concrete and mosaic products have advanced significantly over recent years to meet the demands of customers and innovative builders, there is no current concrete product for use in flooring, walls, or other decorative structures and elements that makes the creation of mosaics more affordable or efficient than the basic process described above.

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