No - Tile Assembly Systems is not a manufacturer. An exclusive partnership(s) with a global tile retailer, manufacturer, and/or Home Improvement corporation is currently being sought.
A USPTO patent for the original product design was issued late 2023. Two CIP patents for the latest product engineering improvements have been filed and is expedited, forthcoming. International patent coverage for the CIP is also available for the latest product designs via a PCT filing - until late 2027.
The majority of the product (all but the GROUT COLUMN) is made from PET plastic (Polyethylene Terephthalate). PET is a very strong and versatile plastic that is used in many industries. It's relatively inexpensive and works well within the injection molding process. Polypropylene is also an excellent choice for the frame material. The GROUT COLUMN is made from TPU (Thermoplastic Poly Urethane). TPU is an amazing material that is semi-flexible, impervious to moisture, and has high longevity in color retention, even in high UV settings.
The products represented in this website are all prototype designs, manufactured with 3D printing technologies (FDM). Adjustments in product engineering, part connections, adhesion methodologies, and product sizing are currently in design stages, for the purpose of maximum cost savings and efficiency within high volume injection molding manufacturing.
Please note that 3D printed prototypes do not represent final product tolerances or accuracy of the finished assembled system. Injection molded parts, manufactured with CNC machined tooling, will allow for part production with specified high tolerance and accuracy, producing a product system with watertight seams and precise assembled dimensions. The flexibility of the grout column (TPU) will allow for natural thermal dimensional changes in the flooring system as well as slight variations within tile manufacturing (.25 mm)
Yes. The tile is affixed to the tile frame. As needed, the installer trims the tile with an appropriate tile saw or a hand saw, cutting the plastic frame as well in the process. Additional grout column pieces can be utilized around unique settings (stairs, vertical locations without base...)
With size variance in mind, it is noted that rectified tiles, which can be produced with high accuracy of tolerance, will be the preferred product for this system, allowing injection molding tooling to be utilized for multiple colors, styles, and tile designs of the same family size. Tiles that are not rectified (pressed) can also be used within this system - though injection molding tooling may need to be frequently adjusted (slides and inserts can be designed into injection molding tooling for this purpose).
No. The integral grout column within this system is meant to replace the standard grouting process. The grout column can be manufactured in any color to amplify and enhance the beauty of the specified tile and flooring design.
The 3D printed prototypes are partially watertight. The production version will be completely watertight, designing injection molding tooling to exact tolerance, ensuring the necessary tight seal. The connection system is designed for a compression fit surrounding the perimeter of each unit - also noting the flexibility of the grout column.
Several connection concepts have been engineered for this system, with the latest version being the most efficient in assembly and the most affective in maintaining the needed high tolerances in part connections. Illustrations on this site will display several of the engineered designs - but it is noted that the pictures and videos representing the 12" x 24" version (half Off-Set Design) will be the preferred design for all product sizes and configurations.
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