Composite title systems and methods

Abstract

Composite floor tile systems and methods are disclosed. Embodiments of this disclosure can comprise a composite floor tile having a ceramic upper layer with one or more reinforcing layers. The reinforcing layer or layers can comprise a reinforcing material, such as fiberglass, and an adhesive. An under layer can be disposed under, or integrated with, the reinforcing layer, and can comprise a ceramic or a polymer laminate. A bottom layer can comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive, or other adhering system, that attaches to various substrates. Embodiments of this disclosure can improve ease of installation of tile, improve strength of tile, and reduce the weight of tile, among other advantages.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composite floor tile comprising:
 a ceramic upper layer defining the top of the floor tile;   an under layer disposed under the upper layer, wherein the under layer comprises a polymer laminate; and   a reinforcing layer disposed between the upper layer and the under layer.   
     
     
         2 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises fiberglass. 
     
     
         3 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises non-woven fiberglass. 
     
     
         4 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises fiberglass, an adhesive, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , the reinforcing layer is produced from organic polymer material. 
     
     
         6 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer is attached to the bottom of the upper layer by epoxy glue. 
     
     
         7 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom layer is attached to the bottom of the reinforcing layer by epoxy glue. 
     
     
         8 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer laminate is a rigid polymer laminate. 
     
     
         9 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer laminate comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinylchloride. 
     
     
         10 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer laminate comprises one or more fillers incorporated therein. 
     
     
         11 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the under layer is from about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters. 
     
     
         12 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer and the bottom layer are combined into an integrated second layer. 
     
     
         13 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the under layer comprises one or more extended edges that extend horizontally beyond the edges of the upper layer. 
     
     
         14 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , further comprising a bottom layer disposed under the under layer, the bottom layer comprising at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a cork-polymer, and an interlocking fabric. 
     
     
         15 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , having a thickness of about 2 mm to about 18 mm. 
     
     
         16 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , having a thickness of about 3 mm to about 15 mm. 
     
     
         17 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer is integrated into at least one of the upper layer and the under layer. 
     
     
         18 . The composite floor tile of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer is integrated into the upper layer.