CA2132659A1 - Surface finishing element having pre-formed grout - Google Patents
Surface finishing element having pre-formed groutInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132659A1 CA2132659A1 CA002132659A CA2132659A CA2132659A1 CA 2132659 A1 CA2132659 A1 CA 2132659A1 CA 002132659 A CA002132659 A CA 002132659A CA 2132659 A CA2132659 A CA 2132659A CA 2132659 A1 CA2132659 A1 CA 2132659A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- finishing element
- side surfaces
- opposed edges
- opposed
- pairs
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02005—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips
- E04F15/02033—Joints with beveled or recessed upper edges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- B44F11/00—Designs imitating artistic work
- B44F11/04—Imitation of mosaic or tarsia-work patterns
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/08—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of stone or stone-like material, e.g. ceramics, concrete; of glass or with a top layer of stone or stone-like material, e.g. ceramics, concrete or glass
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C2201/00—Paving elements
- E01C2201/04—Paving elements consisting of natural stones and a binder
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C2201/00—Paving elements
- E01C2201/12—Paving elements vertically interlocking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
- Y02A30/60—Planning or developing urban green infrastructure
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
A brittle surface finishing element comprises a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, the first and second pairs of opposed edges circumferentially contiguous around the element; a finish layer overlaying a base layer disposed beneath the finish layer, the finish layer having a first thickness, the base layer having a second thickness, the base layer having circumferential side surfaces along the first and second pairs of opposed edges and extending across the second thickness; at least one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges having the base layer exposed there-along so as to form simulated grout lines along the at least one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges, wherein the side surfaces along the at least one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges are inclined side surfaces inclined at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the finish layer.
Description
213265~
æURFACE FINI8HING ELENENT HAVING PRE-FORNED GROUT
Field of the Invention The invention relates to the field of surface finishing elements and in particular to brittle surface finishing elements such as brick and tile or simulated surface finishing elements, and within that field to surface finishing elements having preformed simulated grout or mortar lines.
Background of the Invention A time consuming aspect when installing either tile or brick, and in particular with respect to brick applications for driveways, walkways and the like, is in performing the grouting or mortar work between the tile or brick.
In the prior art, Applicant is aware of sheet material having preformed tile and grout lines formed thereon which may be broken into individual tile elements for application of the individual tiles. Such sheets of material are, however, typically broken roughly along the centre of the grout lines.
Consequently, once installed, such individual tile elements have relatively exposed seams between adjacent tiles which are readily apparent upon inspection of the installed finish surface.
Applicant is also aware of United States Patent No.
4,912,902 which issued to Weaver for "Simulated Brick Covering and Wall Construction", United States Patent No. 3,613,326 which issued to Mollman for "Preformed Simulated Brick Panel Having Stepped Edges", United States Patent No. 3,936,987 which issued to Calvin for "Interlocking Brick or Building Block and Walls Constructed Therefrom", and United States Patent No. 3,968,610 which issued to Medow for "Facing Structures for Building".
Weaver teaches using brick simulated boards and a material which simulates mortar. Each of the brick-simulating boards is elongated and has a pair of opposite front and rear surfaces, a pair of opposite end surfaces, and a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal opposite side surfaces extending between and interconnecting the front and rear surfaces and opposite end surfaces. The side surfaces extend in opposite inclined relationship to the front and rear surfaces so as to provide the board in cross-section with a trapezoidal configur-ation wherein the front surface is wider than the rear surface.
Each brick simulating board has a plurality of spaced-apart grooves defined in its front surface and extending between its' side surfaces such that the front surface simulates the appear-ance of a row of spaced bricks. Mortar simulating material is disposed in the grooves in the front surfaces of the brick simulating boards and in gaps between brick simulating boards, when the boards are attached in side-by-side spaced apart relationship to wall board to simulate the appearance of mortar in a brick wall.
Mollman teaches preformed simulated brick building panels having stepped edges between top and bottom with comple-mentary interlocking tongue and groove mating. Each building panel is a unitary body having a decorative surface to simulate a masonry surface and simulated grouting, the grouting surface extending longitudinally beyond the brick surface in stepped relation at one longitudinal end of the panel.
Calvin discloses brick modules chamfered on the end and top corners on the forward and reverse sides to simulate the appearance of conventional mortar joints.
Medow describes rectangular panels having raised portions shaped to simulate brick and mortar lines. The top edges of the panels simulate a mortar line, the free ends of these edge portions bevelled along their inner surface to form a somewhat wedge-shaped or knife-edge portion along the full length of the panel. The lowest line of simulated bricks is undercut in a form of a bevelled open slot for receiving and 21326~9 engaging the wedge-shaped portion of the top edge of an adjacent panel.
Consequently, an object of the present invention, and that which is neither taught nor suggested in the prior art, is the use of individual brittle surface finishing elements, each element having two contiguous outwardly inclined side surfaces corresponding to opposed inwardly inclined side surfaces so that adjacent finishing elements once installed in close abutment will simulate continuous grout or mortar lines while hiding join lines between adjacent elements by means of the inclined mating engagement between those elements.
Summary of the Invention A surface finishing element comprises a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, the first and second pairs of opposed edges circumferentially contiguous around the element. In a first embodiment, an upper finish layer is bonded to or formed over a base layer disposed beneath the finish layer. In that embodiment, given that the finish layer has a first thickness and the base layer has a second thickness, and the base layer has circumferential side surfaces along the first and second pairs of opposed edges, then to form simulated grout or mortar lines at least one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges has the base layer exposed therealong through the finish layer. In one version of the first embodiment only one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges has simulated grout lines therealong, the corresponding side surfaces having inclined side surfaces inclined at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the finish layer. Advantageously, the side surfaces opposed to those inclined side surfaces are correspondingly parallel so that adjacent elements may be joined in snug mating engagement.
In alternative embodiments, the inclined side surfaces having simulated grout or mortar lines therealong may be inclined outwardly or inwardly from the simulated grout or mortar lines.
Further advantageously, the simulated grout or mortar lines may be depressed along a longitudinal line a depth greater than the first thickness, i.e. that of the upper finish layer.
As an example, the brittle surface finishing element or merely the upper finish layer may be brick or tile. Of course, the base layer may be ceramic coloured to simulate the appearance of grout or mortar. Otherwise the base layer may be adapted to accept a colourizing material applied thereto to simulate the appearance of grout or mortar.
An embodiment is contemplated wherein the upper finish layer and the base layer are unitary and homogeneous. A further embodiment is contemplated wherein the inclined side surfaces have opposed female cavities and corresponding protuberances for further mating engagement between adjacent elements.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is, in plan view, parallel arrays of surface finishing elements of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing an alternate embodiment of the present inven-tion.
Figure 4 is a plan view of an element of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in cross-sectional view in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a plan view of an element of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in cross-sectional view in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment As illustrated in Figure 1, surface finishing elements 10 may be installed onto an underlying substrate in parallel arrays such that the finished appearance is that of conventional tiles or bricks or other brittle surface finishing elements having hand-applied grout or mortar respectively applied therebetween. Thus, once installed, elements 10 are arranged so that simulated grout and mortar lines 12 appear to be continuous parallel lines where the boundaries between individual elements 10 are not readily apparent as will hereinafter be more fully described.
In one aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, elements 10 have an upper finished layer 14 and, disposed therebeneath, a base layer 16. Grout lines 12 may be formed by exposing base layer 16 through upper finish layer 14, and in particular, this method of forming grout lines 12 is useful when base layer 16 is of material coloured to simulate grout or mortar. Upper finish layer 14 is bonded or otherwise affixed to, or formed from, base layer 16 to form element 10.
Grout line 12 may also be formed by filling a channel exposed in base layer 16 through upper finish layer 14 with grout or mortar simulating material.
Alternatively, as better seen in Figure 6, upper finish layer 14 and base layer 16 may be unitary and homogeneous. As well understood in the art, colourization material may be incorporated, overlaid, or applied (for example, by painting) to grout lines 12 or to the upper surface of upper finish layer 14 to simulate a brittle surface finishing element 10. Likewise, the material of which element 10, or either of the upper finish layer 14 or the base layer 16, is formed may be non-brittle material such as plastic formed to simulate a brittle material such as brick or tiled.
In another aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, side surfaces 18 which correspond to the edges of element 10 along which the two contiguous grout lines 12 are formed, are inclined undercut surfaces beneath grout lines 12 having corresponding parallel side surfaces 20 in opposed relation thereto.
In an alternative embodiment depicted in Figures 3 and 5, side surfaces 18 extend outwardly from grout lines 12 and corresponding opposed side surfaces 20 are inclined inwardly beneath upper finish layer 14.
The angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 and corresponding opposed parallel side surfaces 20 merely has to be sufficiently inclined to mask the outward appearance of seam line 22 in the mating interface between side surfaces 18 and side surfaces 20 when elements 10 are installed in adjacent arrays as illustrated in Figure 1. On the other hand extreme angles of inclination should be avoided due to the subsequent possible weakening of the brittle base layer 16, which structurally supports upper finish layer 14 and grout lines 12. In particular structural weakening may occur in the event of voids or other imperfections in the mating abutment of side surfaces 18 against side services 20 of adjacent elements lo.
Structural weakening may occur due to excessive angle of inclination in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, as too sharp an angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 beneath grout lines 12 results in the thickness of base layer 16 between grout lines 12 and side surfaces 18 becoming unnecessarily thin and thus prone to cracking and chipping. Decreased structural capacity beneath grout lines 12 in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, when the angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 is not extreme, is compensated for by the fact that, in use, the magnitude of the compressive and shearing forces applied to base layer 16 between grout lines 12 and side surfaces 18, is less than the magnitude of those forces applied to upper finish layer 14 and the portion of base layer 16 acting as a supporting substrate for upper finish layer 14. This results from the depression of grout lines 12 being below the level of the upper surface of upper finish layer 14.
Thus the surface of grout lines 12 is removed from immediate impact during use of elements 10 once installed, for example by people walking on such a surface.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in installing elements 10 to form abutting adjacent arrays as illustrated in Figure 1, it is preferred that in the mating interface between side surfaces 18 and side surfaces 20 on adjacent elements 10, that is, in the interface beneath seam lines 22, an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer compound would be applied as adjacent tiles are installed. Such an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer, or combination of those materials, could either be clear or coloured to match the grout colour or coloured to match the tile or brick colour (depending on the finish used for upper finish layer 14). The application of such an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer would act to fill any gap or void created in the interface beneath seam lines 22 due to surface imperfections on either side surfaces 18 or side surfaces 20.
Additionally, such adhesive or bonding agent or sealer would, advantageously, assist in blending and concealing grout join line 22a, that is, along the intersections of seam 22 with grout lines 12. Thus such adhesive material could be coloured to blend with the grout colour or be clear or translucent to assist in blending, possibly by hand, join line 22a between slightly mis-aligned grout lines 12 of adjacent elements 10. Such adhesive or bonding agent or sealer might be, for example, for exterior use epoxy, thin-set, concrete or polymerized concrete, or for interior use acrylic or latex acrylic adhesives. Of course, when installing an element 10, the bottom surface of base layer 16 is also adhered to the substrate beneath base layer 16 by conven-tional means.
It should be further understood that, although grout lines 12 are shown in cross-section as concave depressions, it may be that the linear depressions formed in element 10 to simulate grout or mortar lines 12 may take other cross-sectional shapes including a "V" shape, a "U" shape, or any other channel-like shape. Similarly the illustrations of the preferred embodiments should not be taken to limit the relative size or depth of grout lines 12. Applicant is aware of applications where it is desired to have minimal, for example thin, visible grout lines 12, possibly in a non-contrasting colour. It is an object of the invention to also provide for such applications.
Further, the arrangement of elements 10 depicted in Figure 1 may be altered to that of running bond or other pattern without affecting the interlocking utility of the present invention.
In addition, the illustration of side surfaces 18 and corresponding opposed parallel side surfaces 20 as planar should not be taken to restrict the scope of the present invention. It is the mating overlap between adjacent elements 10 so as to minimize the overt appearance of seam lines 22 which governs, subject to structural limitations above described and also subject to installation considerations. For example, the use of an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer in the interface between seam lines 22 means that snug fitting tongue and groove mating surfaces so as to mate side surfaces 18 against side surfaces 20 may be advantageously employed if the snug fitment or tongue-and-groove, or, for example, of peg-and-hole or any like male/female mating between adjacent tiles (i.e. between sides surfaces 18 and 20), combined with the use of the adhesive bonding agent or sealer does not act to produce an air lock in the groove as the mating male portion is inserted into the female mating 213~659 receptacle. Such air-locks might prevent full insertion of the tongue or male portion into the groove or female receptacle.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifica-tions are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
æURFACE FINI8HING ELENENT HAVING PRE-FORNED GROUT
Field of the Invention The invention relates to the field of surface finishing elements and in particular to brittle surface finishing elements such as brick and tile or simulated surface finishing elements, and within that field to surface finishing elements having preformed simulated grout or mortar lines.
Background of the Invention A time consuming aspect when installing either tile or brick, and in particular with respect to brick applications for driveways, walkways and the like, is in performing the grouting or mortar work between the tile or brick.
In the prior art, Applicant is aware of sheet material having preformed tile and grout lines formed thereon which may be broken into individual tile elements for application of the individual tiles. Such sheets of material are, however, typically broken roughly along the centre of the grout lines.
Consequently, once installed, such individual tile elements have relatively exposed seams between adjacent tiles which are readily apparent upon inspection of the installed finish surface.
Applicant is also aware of United States Patent No.
4,912,902 which issued to Weaver for "Simulated Brick Covering and Wall Construction", United States Patent No. 3,613,326 which issued to Mollman for "Preformed Simulated Brick Panel Having Stepped Edges", United States Patent No. 3,936,987 which issued to Calvin for "Interlocking Brick or Building Block and Walls Constructed Therefrom", and United States Patent No. 3,968,610 which issued to Medow for "Facing Structures for Building".
Weaver teaches using brick simulated boards and a material which simulates mortar. Each of the brick-simulating boards is elongated and has a pair of opposite front and rear surfaces, a pair of opposite end surfaces, and a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal opposite side surfaces extending between and interconnecting the front and rear surfaces and opposite end surfaces. The side surfaces extend in opposite inclined relationship to the front and rear surfaces so as to provide the board in cross-section with a trapezoidal configur-ation wherein the front surface is wider than the rear surface.
Each brick simulating board has a plurality of spaced-apart grooves defined in its front surface and extending between its' side surfaces such that the front surface simulates the appear-ance of a row of spaced bricks. Mortar simulating material is disposed in the grooves in the front surfaces of the brick simulating boards and in gaps between brick simulating boards, when the boards are attached in side-by-side spaced apart relationship to wall board to simulate the appearance of mortar in a brick wall.
Mollman teaches preformed simulated brick building panels having stepped edges between top and bottom with comple-mentary interlocking tongue and groove mating. Each building panel is a unitary body having a decorative surface to simulate a masonry surface and simulated grouting, the grouting surface extending longitudinally beyond the brick surface in stepped relation at one longitudinal end of the panel.
Calvin discloses brick modules chamfered on the end and top corners on the forward and reverse sides to simulate the appearance of conventional mortar joints.
Medow describes rectangular panels having raised portions shaped to simulate brick and mortar lines. The top edges of the panels simulate a mortar line, the free ends of these edge portions bevelled along their inner surface to form a somewhat wedge-shaped or knife-edge portion along the full length of the panel. The lowest line of simulated bricks is undercut in a form of a bevelled open slot for receiving and 21326~9 engaging the wedge-shaped portion of the top edge of an adjacent panel.
Consequently, an object of the present invention, and that which is neither taught nor suggested in the prior art, is the use of individual brittle surface finishing elements, each element having two contiguous outwardly inclined side surfaces corresponding to opposed inwardly inclined side surfaces so that adjacent finishing elements once installed in close abutment will simulate continuous grout or mortar lines while hiding join lines between adjacent elements by means of the inclined mating engagement between those elements.
Summary of the Invention A surface finishing element comprises a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, the first and second pairs of opposed edges circumferentially contiguous around the element. In a first embodiment, an upper finish layer is bonded to or formed over a base layer disposed beneath the finish layer. In that embodiment, given that the finish layer has a first thickness and the base layer has a second thickness, and the base layer has circumferential side surfaces along the first and second pairs of opposed edges, then to form simulated grout or mortar lines at least one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges has the base layer exposed therealong through the finish layer. In one version of the first embodiment only one edge of each of the first and second pairs of opposed edges has simulated grout lines therealong, the corresponding side surfaces having inclined side surfaces inclined at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the finish layer. Advantageously, the side surfaces opposed to those inclined side surfaces are correspondingly parallel so that adjacent elements may be joined in snug mating engagement.
In alternative embodiments, the inclined side surfaces having simulated grout or mortar lines therealong may be inclined outwardly or inwardly from the simulated grout or mortar lines.
Further advantageously, the simulated grout or mortar lines may be depressed along a longitudinal line a depth greater than the first thickness, i.e. that of the upper finish layer.
As an example, the brittle surface finishing element or merely the upper finish layer may be brick or tile. Of course, the base layer may be ceramic coloured to simulate the appearance of grout or mortar. Otherwise the base layer may be adapted to accept a colourizing material applied thereto to simulate the appearance of grout or mortar.
An embodiment is contemplated wherein the upper finish layer and the base layer are unitary and homogeneous. A further embodiment is contemplated wherein the inclined side surfaces have opposed female cavities and corresponding protuberances for further mating engagement between adjacent elements.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is, in plan view, parallel arrays of surface finishing elements of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing an alternate embodiment of the present inven-tion.
Figure 4 is a plan view of an element of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in cross-sectional view in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a plan view of an element of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in cross-sectional view in Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1 of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment As illustrated in Figure 1, surface finishing elements 10 may be installed onto an underlying substrate in parallel arrays such that the finished appearance is that of conventional tiles or bricks or other brittle surface finishing elements having hand-applied grout or mortar respectively applied therebetween. Thus, once installed, elements 10 are arranged so that simulated grout and mortar lines 12 appear to be continuous parallel lines where the boundaries between individual elements 10 are not readily apparent as will hereinafter be more fully described.
In one aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, elements 10 have an upper finished layer 14 and, disposed therebeneath, a base layer 16. Grout lines 12 may be formed by exposing base layer 16 through upper finish layer 14, and in particular, this method of forming grout lines 12 is useful when base layer 16 is of material coloured to simulate grout or mortar. Upper finish layer 14 is bonded or otherwise affixed to, or formed from, base layer 16 to form element 10.
Grout line 12 may also be formed by filling a channel exposed in base layer 16 through upper finish layer 14 with grout or mortar simulating material.
Alternatively, as better seen in Figure 6, upper finish layer 14 and base layer 16 may be unitary and homogeneous. As well understood in the art, colourization material may be incorporated, overlaid, or applied (for example, by painting) to grout lines 12 or to the upper surface of upper finish layer 14 to simulate a brittle surface finishing element 10. Likewise, the material of which element 10, or either of the upper finish layer 14 or the base layer 16, is formed may be non-brittle material such as plastic formed to simulate a brittle material such as brick or tiled.
In another aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, side surfaces 18 which correspond to the edges of element 10 along which the two contiguous grout lines 12 are formed, are inclined undercut surfaces beneath grout lines 12 having corresponding parallel side surfaces 20 in opposed relation thereto.
In an alternative embodiment depicted in Figures 3 and 5, side surfaces 18 extend outwardly from grout lines 12 and corresponding opposed side surfaces 20 are inclined inwardly beneath upper finish layer 14.
The angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 and corresponding opposed parallel side surfaces 20 merely has to be sufficiently inclined to mask the outward appearance of seam line 22 in the mating interface between side surfaces 18 and side surfaces 20 when elements 10 are installed in adjacent arrays as illustrated in Figure 1. On the other hand extreme angles of inclination should be avoided due to the subsequent possible weakening of the brittle base layer 16, which structurally supports upper finish layer 14 and grout lines 12. In particular structural weakening may occur in the event of voids or other imperfections in the mating abutment of side surfaces 18 against side services 20 of adjacent elements lo.
Structural weakening may occur due to excessive angle of inclination in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, as too sharp an angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 beneath grout lines 12 results in the thickness of base layer 16 between grout lines 12 and side surfaces 18 becoming unnecessarily thin and thus prone to cracking and chipping. Decreased structural capacity beneath grout lines 12 in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, when the angle of inclination of side surfaces 18 is not extreme, is compensated for by the fact that, in use, the magnitude of the compressive and shearing forces applied to base layer 16 between grout lines 12 and side surfaces 18, is less than the magnitude of those forces applied to upper finish layer 14 and the portion of base layer 16 acting as a supporting substrate for upper finish layer 14. This results from the depression of grout lines 12 being below the level of the upper surface of upper finish layer 14.
Thus the surface of grout lines 12 is removed from immediate impact during use of elements 10 once installed, for example by people walking on such a surface.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in installing elements 10 to form abutting adjacent arrays as illustrated in Figure 1, it is preferred that in the mating interface between side surfaces 18 and side surfaces 20 on adjacent elements 10, that is, in the interface beneath seam lines 22, an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer compound would be applied as adjacent tiles are installed. Such an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer, or combination of those materials, could either be clear or coloured to match the grout colour or coloured to match the tile or brick colour (depending on the finish used for upper finish layer 14). The application of such an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer would act to fill any gap or void created in the interface beneath seam lines 22 due to surface imperfections on either side surfaces 18 or side surfaces 20.
Additionally, such adhesive or bonding agent or sealer would, advantageously, assist in blending and concealing grout join line 22a, that is, along the intersections of seam 22 with grout lines 12. Thus such adhesive material could be coloured to blend with the grout colour or be clear or translucent to assist in blending, possibly by hand, join line 22a between slightly mis-aligned grout lines 12 of adjacent elements 10. Such adhesive or bonding agent or sealer might be, for example, for exterior use epoxy, thin-set, concrete or polymerized concrete, or for interior use acrylic or latex acrylic adhesives. Of course, when installing an element 10, the bottom surface of base layer 16 is also adhered to the substrate beneath base layer 16 by conven-tional means.
It should be further understood that, although grout lines 12 are shown in cross-section as concave depressions, it may be that the linear depressions formed in element 10 to simulate grout or mortar lines 12 may take other cross-sectional shapes including a "V" shape, a "U" shape, or any other channel-like shape. Similarly the illustrations of the preferred embodiments should not be taken to limit the relative size or depth of grout lines 12. Applicant is aware of applications where it is desired to have minimal, for example thin, visible grout lines 12, possibly in a non-contrasting colour. It is an object of the invention to also provide for such applications.
Further, the arrangement of elements 10 depicted in Figure 1 may be altered to that of running bond or other pattern without affecting the interlocking utility of the present invention.
In addition, the illustration of side surfaces 18 and corresponding opposed parallel side surfaces 20 as planar should not be taken to restrict the scope of the present invention. It is the mating overlap between adjacent elements 10 so as to minimize the overt appearance of seam lines 22 which governs, subject to structural limitations above described and also subject to installation considerations. For example, the use of an adhesive or bonding agent or sealer in the interface between seam lines 22 means that snug fitting tongue and groove mating surfaces so as to mate side surfaces 18 against side surfaces 20 may be advantageously employed if the snug fitment or tongue-and-groove, or, for example, of peg-and-hole or any like male/female mating between adjacent tiles (i.e. between sides surfaces 18 and 20), combined with the use of the adhesive bonding agent or sealer does not act to produce an air lock in the groove as the mating male portion is inserted into the female mating 213~659 receptacle. Such air-locks might prevent full insertion of the tongue or male portion into the groove or female receptacle.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifica-tions are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
Claims (22)
1. A surface finishing element comprises, a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, said first and second pairs of opposed edges circumferentially contiguous around said element, a finish layer overlaying a base layer disposed beneath said finish layer, said finish layer having a first thick-ness, said base layer having a second thickness, said base layer having circumferential side surfaces along said first and second pairs of opposed edges and extending across said second thickness, at least one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges having said base layer exposed there-along so as to form simulated grout lines along said at least one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges, wherein said side surfaces along said at least one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges are inclined side surfaces inclined at a non-orthogonal angle relative to said finish layer.
2. The surface finishing element of claim 1 wherein said inclined side surfaces are one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges, said surface finishing element further comprising opposed side surfaces opposed to said inclined side surfaces, said opposed side surfaces correspondingly substantially parallel to said inclined side surfaces, whereby said inclined side surfaces may be snugly mated with said opposed side surfaces on other surface finishing elements adjacent said surface finishing element.
3. The finishing element of claim 2 wherein said inclined side surfaces are inclined outwardly from the simulated grout lines.
4. The finishing element of claim 2 wherein said inclined side surface of said first pair of opposed edges is inclined outwardly of a corresponding simulated grout line of said simulated grout lines and said inclined side surface of said second pair of opposed edges is inclined inwardly of a corresponding simulated grout line of said simulated grout lines.
5. The finishing element of claim 2 wherein said inclined side surfaces are inclined inwardly from said simulated grout lines.
6. The finishing element of claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein said surface finishing element is brittle and said simulated grout lines are depressed a depth greater than said first thickness.
7. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said surface finishing element comprises brick.
8. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said surface finishing element comprises tile.
9. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said brittle surface finishing element comprises concrete.
10. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said finish layer comprises brick.
11. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said finish layer comprises tile.
12. The finishing element of claim 6 wherein said finish layer comprises concrete.
13. The device of claim 6 wherein said base layer comprises ceramic .
14. A surface finishing element having a first thickness com-prises, a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, said first and second pairs of opposed edges circumferentially contiguous around said element, at least one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges having exposed upwardly there-along simulated grout lines, a finish layer overlaying a base layer disposed beneath said finish layer, said finish layer having a first thick-ness, said base layer having a second thickness, said surface finishing element having circumferential side sur-faces along said first and second pairs of opposed edges and extending across said first thickness, wherein said side surfaces along said at least one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges are inclined side surfaces inclined at a non-orthogonal angle relative to an upper surface of said surface finishing element.
15. The surface finishing element of claim 14 wherein said inclined side surfaces are one edge of each of said first and second pairs of opposed edges, said surface finishing element further comprising opposed side surfaces opposed to said inclined side surfaces, said opposed side surfaces correspondingly substantially parallel to said inclined side surfaces, whereby said inclined side surfaces may be snugly mated with said opposed side surfaces on other surface finishing elements adjacent said surface finishing element.
16. The finishing element of claim 15 wherein said inclined side surfaces are inclined outwardly from the simulated grout lines.
17. The finishing element of claim 15 wherein said inclined side surface of said first pair of opposed edges is inclined outwardly of a corresponding simulated grout line of said simulated grout lines and said inclined side surface of said second pair of opposed edges is inclined inwardly of a corresponding simulated grout line of said simulated grout lines.
18. The finishing element of claim 15 wherein said inclined side surfaces are inclined inwardly from said simulated grout lines.
19. The finishing element of claims 16, 17 or 18 wherein said surface finishing element is brittle and said simulated grout lines are.
20. The finishing element of claim 19 wherein said surface finishing element comprises brick.
21. The finishing element of claim 19 wherein said surface finishing element comprises ceramic tile.
22. The finishing element of claim 19 wherein said surface finishing element comprises concrete.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132659A CA2132659A1 (en) | 1994-09-22 | 1994-09-22 | Surface finishing element having pre-formed grout |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132659A CA2132659A1 (en) | 1994-09-22 | 1994-09-22 | Surface finishing element having pre-formed grout |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132659A1 true CA2132659A1 (en) | 1996-03-23 |
Family
ID=4154375
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132659A Abandoned CA2132659A1 (en) | 1994-09-22 | 1994-09-22 | Surface finishing element having pre-formed grout |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2132659A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2239117A1 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2010-10-13 | Berry Finance Nv | Machine for creating grout lines on boards and/or for cutting tiles from boards and corresponding methods |
-
1994
- 1994-09-22 CA CA002132659A patent/CA2132659A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2239117A1 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2010-10-13 | Berry Finance Nv | Machine for creating grout lines on boards and/or for cutting tiles from boards and corresponding methods |
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