CA1292883C - Tile mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A B S T R A C T

TILE MOUNTING SYSTEM

A synthetic plastics or other flexible but substantially inextensible tiling matrix 1 is provided defining an apertured portion 2 formed with openings 3, half-sized openings 5, and quarter-sized openings 4, one surface of the matrix portion 2 being provided with cruciform and rectilinear projections 9 between which tiles can be installed. The matrix 1 is secured to a wall or other surface that is to be tiled by use of an adhesive and the tiles are secured to that wall or other surface and to the matrix portion 2 by a conventional tiling adhesive following which grouting is installed between the regularly spaced apart tiles in a conventional manner. The projections 9 have a projecting extent that is less than the thickness of the tiles so that they will be concealed after grouting has been completed. Edges of each matrix portion 2 are provided with interlocking projections 6 and recesses 7 so that one matrix portion 2 can quickly and accurately be positioned in line relative to others. Projections 8 are provided to assist in alignment relative to the edges of walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces and any guide lines that may be marked thereon. Areas of the matrix 1 that incorporate a lip to finish the free edge of a tiled area and areas thereof that are hingedly interconnected to flank angular corners between walls or other surfaces are both described and illustrated.

Description

129;2883 T I LE MOUNT I NG SYSTEM

1 This invention relates to a system for the mounting of tiles on vertical, horizontal or oblique surfaces and can thus be employed in the tiling of walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces which are inclined 5 both to the vertical and the horizontal. It is conventional for tiles, and particularly glazed ceramic tiles, to be fixed to flat surfaces by an adhesive which is appropriate to the nature of the tiles themselves and the surface upon which they are to be mounted, the tiles 10 being uniformly spaced apart from one another by relatively short distances and the spacing between them being filled by so-called "grouting" to produce the neat and pleasing finish which is well known to everyone.
~ xperienced professional tilers can apply tiles to a 15 large area at a rapid rate and will produce the finish that has just been mentioned with very few, if any, blemishes or noticeable irregularities. However, when the amateur tiler attempts a similar job, he/she discovers that the work of the professional tiler is much ' 20 more difficult than it appears and cannot be easily duplicated without a lot of experience and the acquisition of "know-how" for which the mere reading of instructive literature is no substitute even though it may be of some help.
According to the invention, there is provided a tiling system characterised in that it comprises the provision of a matrix defining an apertured portion for adhesive attachment to a surface that is to be tiled, the apertured portion being either permanently provided with, 30 o~ being constructed to receive, a pattern of projections whose sizes and positions are such that, in use, tiles can fit between the projections and be adhesively secured to said surface by way of the apertured portion and the openin~s therein ~hilst b~ing regularly spaced apart from ` `` ` 35 one anothe-`bY~`8ald Fro~ec~ion~ to facIllt~te~ u i m lZ~Z8~3 ~ lA

grouting between the tiles.
The present invention provides a matrix defining an apertured portion for adhesive attachment to a surface that is to be tiled and whose apertures constitute a major portion of the area of the matrix. The apertured portion defines at least one central aperture of rectangular dimensions that substantially correspond to the size and shape of a full-size tile that is to register their width. The central aperture is flanked at each outer edge by at least one lateral aperture whose rectangular dimensions substantially correspond to the size and shape of half of a full-size tile and each corner of the central aperture or group of central apertures substantially coincides with the one corner of a corresponding corner aperture whose rectangular dimensions substantially correspond to the size and shape of one quarter of a full size tile. The apertured portion is provided with a pattern of projections whose sizes and positions are such that, in use, tiles can fit between the projections and be adhesively secured to the surface by way of the apertured portion and apertures therein whilst being spaced-apart from one another by said projections to facilitate uniform grouting between the tiles.

-2- 129Z~83 For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the 5 accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan view of a relatively small areaof a tiling system matrix constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a section, to an enlarged scale, taken 10 on the line II-II in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view to substantially the same scale as Figure 1 showing an area of the tiling system matrix constructed and arranged for tiling around a convex corner interconnecting two relatively 15 perpendicular surfaces, Figure 4 is a view to a considerably enlarged scale as seen in the direction indicated by an arrow IV
in Figure 3 and shows the matrix area of Figure 3 in use together with the employment of an auxiliary member to 20 complete the tiling around the convex corner, and Figure 5 is a perspective view to substantially the same scale as that of Figure 2 showing one corner of an area of a matrix that may advantageously be employed along a free edge of a tiled region, part of one tile 25 also appearing in Figure 5.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a relatively small area of a matrix 1 is illustrated that is intended for use in fastening standard 150 millimetre square (approximately 6 30 x 6 inches) glazed ceramic tiles to the sur~ace of a vertical wall or, alternatively, to a horizontal or inclined surface. Such tiles conventionally have a thickness of approximately 5.0 millimetres but the thickness will vary with tile si~e and other factors.
. 35 The matrix 1 could, of course, be dimensioned to ". co-operate with square tiles of other dimensions and/or . . . . t~ rec.eive.el1es ln staygered rows-or other patter~s.

lZ92883 1 The matrix 1 is formed from a somewhat flexible, but substantially inelastic material which it is prefered should be a synthetic plastics material, an injection moulding grade of high impact polystyrene having been S found to be very satisfactory for this purpose although the employment of other synthetic plastics materials or of alternative somewhat flexible, but inelastic, materials is by no means excluded. The matrix 1 defines an apertured portion 2 that, when in use on a flat 10 surface, will be substantially planar, the portion 2 having a uniform thickness of substantially 1 millimetre and being formed throughout most of its area with a regular pattern of substantially square openings 3, at its four corners with four smaller substantially square 15 openings 4, and along its edges, between the four corners, with a plurality of regularly spaced apart substantially oblong openings 5 whose lengths are the same as the widths, in parallel directions, of the substantially square openings 3.
Figure 1 of the drawings shows that, at regular intervals along each of two relatively perpendicular free edges of the illustrated area of matrix l,-each such edge exhibits a plurality of extensions 6 of broad dove-tailed configuration whilst, along the other two relatively 25 perpendicular ree edges of the same area of matrix 1, a plurality of recesses 7 of broad dove-tailed shape are formed which recesses 7 exactly match the extensions 6 in size and shape. Each extension 6 and each recess 7 lies midway along the length of the outermost edge of the 30 opening 4 or 5 which it immediately neighbours.
In addition to the extensions 6 and recesses 7 that are formed along the free edges of the area of matrix 1, each of the openings 3 is formed, midway along the length of each of its four edges, with relatively 35 small V-shaped projections 8 and, similarly, each opening 5 Ls formed, m.idway along each..of its two opposite and . . .parallel longer. edges, with further-~exactly slmi1ar~

lZ92~3~3 1 projections 8. With this arrangement, there are straight rows of the projections 8 in exact alignment with the centres of extensions 6 and recesses 7 at opposite edges of the complete area of matrix 1, such rows thus being in 5 exact parallel relationship with opposite basically straight edges of the matrix area 1 itself.
It can be seen in Figure 1 of the drawings that each substantially oblong aperture 5 is a little less than half the size of each substantially square opening 3 10 and also that each smaller substantially square opening 4 is substantially one quarter the size of each larger substantially square opening 3.
One side of the matrix 1 is provided with a pattern of projections 9 that stand proud from said side 15 by substantially 2.5 millimetres which height, it will be noted, is less than the minimum thickness of a standard glazed ceramic tile that will co operate therewith.
Figure 1 of the drawings shows, at locations adjacent each corner of each substantially square opening 3, the 20 projections 9 in a cruciform disposition which is not, however, essential. Instead of the four limbs of each cross being joined together as illustrated, said four limbs may be spaced apart from one another by a distance leaving a central region of each cross open or blank.
25 Single projections 9 that correspond to one limb of one of the cruciform dispositions are arranged around the four free edges of the area of matrix 1 that is shown in Figure l of the drawings, each such single projection 9 being perpendicular to, and being disposed immediately 30 alongside, the edge concerned and having its length exactly in alignment with corresponding limbs of a row of the cruciform disposition projections 9.
In use, the flat side of the matrix 1 which is opposite to that bearing the projections 9 is secured to 35 a wall or other surface that is to be tiled by employing ` an adhesive which may-conveniently, but not essentially, ;b~ tbo me adhe8ive that i~ to be us~;fa te~l -be . - . ,: .
.

~Z~83 1 tiles themselves, a solvent-based neoprene contact adhesive or some other adhesive compatible with the material from which the matrix 1 is formed. If desired, this flat side, and/or the side of the matrix 1 bearing 5 the projections 9, may be ribbed or otherwise roughened to improve its keying co-operation with any adhesive. It has already been emphasied that Figure 1 of the drawings shows a relatively small area of the matrix 1 and it is possible for it to be produced in much larger areas, such 10 as in sheets measuring 121.92 centimetres (4 ft.) long and 121.92 centimetres (4 ft.) wide. The inelastic flexibility of the matrix material is such that a sheet of the matrix having relatively large dimensions can be formed into a roll without permanent deformation but, for 15 transport and handling generally, a flat configuration is usually more convenient. The use of relatively small areas of the matrix 1 is advantageous in regard to handling and storage and larger areas can, of course, be accurately produced merely by entering the extensions 6 20 of one "smaller" area into the matching recesses 7 of a neighbouring area. Across the junctions between correctly aligned areas of matrix 1 that are joined together in this way, two substantially oblong openings 5 and the material of the matrix 1 between them will 25 effectively be equivalent to one of the larger substantially square openings 3 thus spacing apart cruciform disposition projections 9, across such a junction, by the same distance as the spacing between immediately neighbouring cruciform disposition 30 projections 9 on a single area of the matrix 1.
Similarly, two neighbouring smaller substantially square openings 4 effectively correspond to a single substantially oblong opening 5 and four such smaller substantially square openings 4 at the four adjoining 35 corners of four areas of matrix 1 are equivalent to a single larger substantially square opening 3. There will ne /~tably be plaçes a~ which ~oe ~shap-ng o- one ~or more~

12~383 .

1 areas of matrix 1 will be required to avoid obstructions on the surface to be tiled and this shaping can be quickly and easily effected using a strong and sharp pair of scissors.
The straight rows of projections 8 are very useful in lining up the areas of matrix 1 in parallel relationship with vertical and horizontal edges of walls, horizontal edges of floors and drawn or other lines relative to which the eventual rows of tiles must extend 10 in as parallel relationship as possible. Using adhesive and, sometimes, scissors, it is usually possible to cover a wall or other surface with the matrix 1 quite quickly.
If the tiling is to come to a free edge, then use may be made of an area of the matrix 1 such as that of which a 15 small por~ion is shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, such area being, if desired, in the form of a finishing strip of relatively narrow width. Whatever its formation, the area of matrix 1 that is shown in Figure 5 has a lip 11 defining an outer convexly curved surface which stands 20 proud from the apertured portion 2 of the matrix area 1 by a distance equal to the thickness of a tile 10, a part of one such tile 10 being shown in Figure 5. It will immediately be seen from Figure 5 that the lip 11 neatly finishes the free edge of the tiling without needing to 25 employ known tiles that are specifically made for that purpose and which, along one edge, have a rounded and glazed extension of the flat glazed surface thereof.
The area of matrix 1 exhibiting the lip 11 can, if it is in the form of a finishing strip, be furnished in a 30 width that will allow it to co-operate with one of the free edges of one matrix 1, such as that shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, to produce, along that free edge, the spacing between the lip 11 and a parallel row of limbs of the nearest cruciform disposition projections 9 that is 35 the same as the spacing between immediately neighbouring cruciform dis~osition projections 9 on the surface of a ingle area-o~ the _ tri~ nce~grouting l~ u~uall ,,~ . , , . - . .

~.Z9ZB83 1 white in colour, it is desirable that any finishing strip or other area of matrix 1 that exhibits the lip 11 should be produced in that colour so that the eventual visibility of the lip 11 will not be inharmonious. Each 5 finishing strip or other area of matrix 1 incorporating one of the lips 11 is provided with extensions 6 and/or recesses 7 to enable it to co-operate with the recesses 7 and/or extensions 6 of neighbouring areas of matrix 1.
If desired, the lip 11 may define a shape other than the 10 cylindrical convex curvature which is illustrated.
It may be that tiling is to be continued round, for example, a 90 convex angle between two vertical walls or between a vertical wall and a horizontal surface and it is possible to provide areas of the matrix 1 15 specifically adapted for that purpose. Figure 3 of the drawings shows one such area, said area comprising two permanently interconnected sections that are moulded together with a relatively thin, and therefore relatively flexible, junction 12 between them which junction 12 will 20 bend readily around any corner rendering the use of, for example, an adhesive tape unnecessary, such adhesive tape being employable, as an alternative, to join together two straight, or straightened by scissors, edges of two initially separate areas of matrix 1 that are to be 25 secured to relatively inclined surfaces flanking an angular corner between those surfaces. It will be seen from Figure 3 o the drawings that, alongside the flexible junction 12 between the two relatively inclined sections or areas of matrix 1, there are a plurality of 30 T-shaped projections with the crossbar of each T
extending along the free edge and the upright thereof perpendicularly away from that edge. Thus, tiles 10 can fit between cruciform disposition projections 9 and T-shaped projections 9 at either side of the junction 12 35 to locate those tiles 10 properly in much the same way as has already been described.
F~gure ~of tho dr~wi~n~s shows Oh matr~ n u-e - . . .

` l;Z9Z~83 1 around a 90 angle formed between two flat surfaces and shows the crossbars of T-shaped projections 9 standing proud from the matrix portions 2 at the adjacent edges of those portions 2 which flank the interconnecting flexible 5 junction 12. A tile quadrant 13 may be secured by tile adhesive and/or grouting around the corner between the tiles 10 flanking that corner. Alternatively, an extruded synthetic plastics quadrant 13 may take the place of ceramic quadrants 13 having glazed cylindrically curved 10 surfaces. The angular junction between two walls or other surfaces might not be a 90 junction and glazed ceramic or synthetic plastics filling strips subtending angles of 45, 60 and so on at their centres of curvature can be provided for employment in such 15 situations. It is not, of course, essential that the exposed surface of each quadrant 13 or equivalen~
finishing strip should be a cylindrically curved surface and an oblique flat surface, an angular finish or some other desired shape can equally well be provided.
Once a wall or other surface that is to be tiled has been covered with the matrix 1, the tiles 10 will fit between the various projections 9 with a light frictional engagement or can be retained by a small, easily removable, quantity of adhesive, either arrangement 25 allowing at least some of the tiles to be temporarily placed in their final positions before actually using a tiling adhesive to fix them permanently in those positions. This is particularly useful if a pattern of tiles is to be produced since it enables the tiles which 30 bear the pattern elements or decorations on their surfaces to be temporarily installed to ensure that their relative spacing, clearance from the floor and the ceiling and so on, is exactly correct before finally fastening them in position together with the surrounding 35 "plain" or contrast tiles. The tiles are installed in a substantially conventional manner merely by applying a prop~ietoFy ~U ing -dh ive oneo She`ir~.rear ~urtaces and 2~Z8~3 g 1 pressing them into position to spread that adhesive onto the wall or other surface itself, through the openings 3 and/or 4 and/or 5 and onto the exposed surface of the matrix 1 that surrounds those openings. The various 5 projections 9 ensure that a substantially exactly uniform spacing between the tiles is automatically produced and this spacing is filled with proprietory or other grouting in a conventional manner by "wiping" it into the spaces between the tiles and using a damp cloth or the like or a 10 proprietory tool to remove any excess left on the glazed surfaces of the tiles. It will be remembered that the projections 9 have a height which is less than the minimum thickness of the tiles 10 so that the grouting over the projections 9 will conceal them.
At a 90 angular corner between two walls, as discussed above, the crossbars of the T disposition projections 9 both provide the correct spacing, and act as a guide, for the installation of the ceramic tile quandrants 13 (Figure 4) or an equivalent synthetic 20 plastics extrusion either of which may be provided in a range of different colours to match, or contrast with, the colours of the neighbouring tiles 10. - Alternatives to the use of the thin synthetic plastics junction 12 that flexibly interconnect two matrix portions 2 include 25 the employment of the previously mentioned thin flexible adhesive tape to join said portions 2 together in the manner of a hinge or providing small projections along the edge of one portion 2 and recesses of matching widths along the co-operating edge of the other portion 2 so 30 that, when the two portions 2 are disposed in a manner equivalent to that illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the projections along one edge will fit in the recesses along the other edge to provide a correct location of the matrix 1 around the angular corner. A
35 still further possibility is to provide alternate projections and recesses along one edge to co-operate wlth al~etnate recesses and Frojecti~ons along the Qthe .; ~ ~
' ,, ': . ... - . ..

`` 129ZB83 1 edge. The projections may be of such an extent that they will stand proud of the surface of the matrix portion 2 having the edge recesses into which said projections are entered so that the latter can then serve a similar 5 function to the crossbars of the T-shaped projections 9 although, with this arrangement, the shape of the ceramic quandrants 13 or equivalent synthetic plastics extrusions will need to be modified to co-operate correctly therewith.
The described and illustrated arrangement of the extensions 6, recesses 7 and projections 8 is by no means essential; the extensions 6 and recesses 7 may be given other co-operating shapes but it is preferred that those shapes should be arranged to interlock with one another.
15 The projections 8 serve merely for alignment purposes and any alternative shapes which will satisfactorily accomplish this may equally well be used. The spacing between the projections 9 and the shapes and sizes of the openings 3, 4 and 5 can readily be changed to enable 20 oblong or other tiles to be used instead of square tiles or for co-operation with square tiles of sizes which differ from the frequently employed wall t,ile size that is mentioned above.
Although rarely employed, even tiles of shapes 25 other than rectangular could be used, needing only to co-operate with appropriate shapes and dispositions of the projections 9 and of the openings in the portions 2 of the matrix 1. Purely as examples, triangular, hexagonal or circular tiles could advantageously be 30 mounted by a system in accordance with the invention.
Clearly, the shapes of the openings 3, 4 and 5 that are shown in the drawings are far from being essential although the illustrated shapes are probably the most ecomomic as regards use of the material from which the 35 matrix 1 is formed. Nevertheless, circular, octagonal or other openings could bè used i,n place of the openihgs 3 - ' ; and 4 and,oval or irregular octago~nal'opening6 in~,'place ~ . .

1 of the oblong openings 5.
In addition to serving for alignment purposes, the projections 8 can be of considerable assistance in providing guidance for cutting of the matrix 1 where, 5 purely for example, a finishing strip is to be used alongside a portion of the matrix 1, the finishing strip being arranged as briefly described with reference to Figure 5 of the drawings. It is now conventional to produce new buildings, and t~ alter existing buildings, 10 employing pre-fabricated wall panels and one aspect of the invention involves incorporating areas of the matrix 1 of this tiling system into such pre-fabricated panels so that, after installation, the panels are immediately ready for tiling. Even when this work is to be done by 15 an experienced professional tiler, the use of the system is of considerable benefit, particularly if a pattern of tiles is to be installed or a number of "picture" tiles with a plain surround.
The system which has been described enables even 20 the rankest amateur tiler to produce large areas of finished tiling both relatively quickly and relatively easily with an absolute minimum of blemishes and irregularities, particularly as regards the grouted spacing between the instailed tiles.
Whilst the invention has been described principally in regard to the tiling of walls, it will immediately be apparent that it is used in substantially the same way, and with the same benefits, in the tiling of ceilings, floors and inclined surfaces. The system is 30 not confined to employment with glazed ceramic tiles and is of equal assistance when installing synthetic plastics, cork, non-glazed and other tiles. Since the matrix 1 is inextensibly flexible, it can be used in the tiling of both concave and convex curved walls or other 35 surfaces as well as for the tiling of strictly planar surfaces.
- Instead of the projection~ 9 being integral withj~
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.

`^ lZ9Z883 1 or fixedly secured to, the portions 2 of the matrix 1, each such portion may be formed with a pattern of relatively small, round, cruciform or other holes and initially separate projections 9 may be positioned on the 5 portions 2, using these holes, to suit the size of tiles to be installed by the system. With this arrangement, the projections 9 can be installed at different points enabling the same matrix 1 to be adjusted for use with tiles of various sizes. Provision may be made to produce 10 the matrix 1 in strip form to allow a continuous "spacer"
to be inserted between the matrix strips. The openings 3, 4 and 5 may receive portions of tile mosaic in which several relatively small tiles are secured to a backing sheet.

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- . ' . ' ' .

Claims (9)

1. A tiling system which comprises the provision of a matrix defining an apertured portion for adhesive attachment to a surface that is to be tiled and whose apertures constitute a major portion of the area of the matrix, the apertured portion defining at least one central aperture of rectangular dimensions that substantially correspond to the size and shape of a full-size tile that is to register therewith, said central aperture(s) being flanked at each outer edge by at least one lateral aperture whose rectangular dimensions substantially correspond to the size and shape of half of a full-size tile and each corner of the central aperture or group of central apertures substantially coinciding with one corner of a corresponding corner aperture whose rectangular dimensions substantially correspond to the size and shape of one quarter of a full-size tile, the apertured portion being provided with a pattern of projections whose sizes and positions are such that, in use, tiles can fit between the projections and be adhesively secured to said surface by way of the apertured portion and the apertures therein whilst being spaced apart from one another by said projections to facilitate uniform grouting between the tiles.

2. A tiling system according to claim 1, wherein said matrix comprises a plurality of separable rectangular matrix areas thereof, and wherein means are provided along free edges of each said matrix area to position said area relative to adjacent matrix areas.

3. A tiling system according to claim 2, wherein said positioning means along the free edge of one matrix area are arranged to co-operate interlockingly with the positioning means along the free edge of an adjoining matrix area.

4. A tiling system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein means is provided to assist in aligning the matrix in relation the edges of walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces that are to be tiled.

5. A tiling system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein areas of the matrix are provided which carry, along at least one free edge thereof, an integral lip that is adapted to remain exposed after tiling has been completed.

6. A tiling system according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein two areas of tiling matrix are provided which areas are integrally interconnected along a common edge by a relatively thin and flexible hinge-like junction to enable said two areas to flank an angle between two surfaces that are to be tiled.

7. A tiling system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said projections are initially separate from said matrix, said matrix and said projections being provided with co-operating means that enable said projections to be attached to said matrix in positions that are appropriate to the sizes of the particular tiles that are to co-operate with the matrix.

8. A tiling system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said projections extend from said matrix a distance which is less than the thicknesses of the tiles which are to co-operate therewith so that, upon introducing grouting between the mounted tiles, said projections are concealed.

9. A tiling system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said matrix, including said projections, is formed from a flexible but substantially inextensible synthetic plastics material.