CA2983483A1 - Device for installing tiles - Google Patents
Device for installing tiles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2983483A1 CA2983483A1 CA2983483A CA2983483A CA2983483A1 CA 2983483 A1 CA2983483 A1 CA 2983483A1 CA 2983483 A CA2983483 A CA 2983483A CA 2983483 A CA2983483 A CA 2983483A CA 2983483 A1 CA2983483 A1 CA 2983483A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- knob
- tiles
- neck
- base
- adjacent
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011440 grout Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000109 continuous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000012447 hatching Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F21/00—Implements for finishing work on buildings
- E04F21/0092—Separate provisional spacers used between adjacent floor or wall tiles
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F21/00—Implements for finishing work on buildings
- E04F21/18—Implements for finishing work on buildings for setting wall or ceiling slabs or plates
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
A two part device is used in leveling and spacing tiles. The device includes two parts, a rotatable portion called a knob-cam and a fixed portion called hook-base. The hook-base includes ribs for spacing and separating tiles, and a neck portion extending through a slot opening in the knob-cam. In use, the hook-base portion is set down and tiles are laid down and spaced by the ribs cf the base portion. The neck portion extends upwardly above the tiles, and is adapted to be broken away upon application of sufficient upward force or sideways force. The knob-cam includes two diametral opposed frontal action cam surfaces that engage portions of the hook when the knob-cam is rotated. The knob-cam is rotated until the tiles are secured between the knob-cam and the hook-base. This device clamps the corners or edges d the tiles, making coplanar upper surfaces.
Description
DEVICE FOR INSTALLING TILES
This invention provides a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a problem in the art, when laying tiles on a surface, to equally level the tiles to be coplanar and space evenly the tiles. This is applicable to laying tiles on surfaces in general, including floors, walls, ceilings, and on other surfaces which can support tiles.
The term tiles should be understood as including panels, sheets, boards, paving stones, and other materials capable of being laid out in a pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets these requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a device for leveling and spacing tiles.
The present invention provides a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles.
The device, in the embodiment illustrated, includes two parts, a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The rotatable portion referred to hereinafter as a knob includes a partially tronconical portion, two helical diametral opposed frontal action cams, a central opening, a knurled or ribbed portion and an annular seating and clamping surface portion at the bottom. The fixed portion referred to hereinafter as a base includes a bottom supporting portion, hereinafter referred as a base with flat upper supporting surfaces for seating the tiles and protruding ribs for spacing and separating tiles, a neck portion extending through the central opening in the knob and a tongue portion with
This invention provides a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a problem in the art, when laying tiles on a surface, to equally level the tiles to be coplanar and space evenly the tiles. This is applicable to laying tiles on surfaces in general, including floors, walls, ceilings, and on other surfaces which can support tiles.
The term tiles should be understood as including panels, sheets, boards, paving stones, and other materials capable of being laid out in a pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets these requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a device for leveling and spacing tiles.
The present invention provides a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles.
The device, in the embodiment illustrated, includes two parts, a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The rotatable portion referred to hereinafter as a knob includes a partially tronconical portion, two helical diametral opposed frontal action cams, a central opening, a knurled or ribbed portion and an annular seating and clamping surface portion at the bottom. The fixed portion referred to hereinafter as a base includes a bottom supporting portion, hereinafter referred as a base with flat upper supporting surfaces for seating the tiles and protruding ribs for spacing and separating tiles, a neck portion extending through the central opening in the knob and a tongue portion with
2 of 17 bottom edges which will engage with the ascending ramps from the double cam.
The installation does not require tools.
In use, the base portion is inserted from the side underneath adjacent tiles and spaced by the protruding ribs in between adjacent tiles. After insertion of the base portion, will be installed all surrounding tiles, and then the knob will be inserted. The tongue portion and partially the neck portion extends upwardly above the tiles, and the neck portion is adapted to be broken away after the adhesive sets upon application of sufficient upward force or sideways force. The knob is placed against the tiles such that the neck portion extends through the central opening. The knob includes two diametral opposed frontal action cams with ascending ramp surfaces that engage the bottom edges of the tongue portion when the knob is rotated. The knob is rotated until the tiles are clamped and temporary secured between the knob and the bottom supporting base portion.
Adhesive is used to permanently secure the tiles in place. The device evenly holds the tiles in correct position during the curing process. When the adhesive is set, the neck and tongue portions can be removed by breaking them away from the bottom supporting base portion. Clamping is provided from opposite directions, fastening the tiles in such a way that the upper surface of the tiles will be coplanar.
Optionally the device may be used in conjunction with regular spacers, wider than the ribs and the device is providing just clamping force.
In an embodiment the invention provides a rotatable knob said knob having a partially tronconical portion which has an upper surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral outer wall, a central opening, said central opening having a central cylindrical hole opening at its ends, a first slot and a second slot, wherein said first slot and said
The installation does not require tools.
In use, the base portion is inserted from the side underneath adjacent tiles and spaced by the protruding ribs in between adjacent tiles. After insertion of the base portion, will be installed all surrounding tiles, and then the knob will be inserted. The tongue portion and partially the neck portion extends upwardly above the tiles, and the neck portion is adapted to be broken away after the adhesive sets upon application of sufficient upward force or sideways force. The knob is placed against the tiles such that the neck portion extends through the central opening. The knob includes two diametral opposed frontal action cams with ascending ramp surfaces that engage the bottom edges of the tongue portion when the knob is rotated. The knob is rotated until the tiles are clamped and temporary secured between the knob and the bottom supporting base portion.
Adhesive is used to permanently secure the tiles in place. The device evenly holds the tiles in correct position during the curing process. When the adhesive is set, the neck and tongue portions can be removed by breaking them away from the bottom supporting base portion. Clamping is provided from opposite directions, fastening the tiles in such a way that the upper surface of the tiles will be coplanar.
Optionally the device may be used in conjunction with regular spacers, wider than the ribs and the device is providing just clamping force.
In an embodiment the invention provides a rotatable knob said knob having a partially tronconical portion which has an upper surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral outer wall, a central opening, said central opening having a central cylindrical hole opening at its ends, a first slot and a second slot, wherein said first slot and said
3 of 17 second slot extending diametrically in opposite directions from said central cylindrical hole, and said knob having a first and a second cam portions on said upper surface of the partially tronconical portion, diametrically opposite each other and extending peripherally around said central cylindrical hole, the first cam having a helically .. ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the first slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said second slot and the second cam having a helically ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the second slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said first slot; said peripheral outer wall of said knob having a gripping surface, and said bottom surface of the knob to having a flat bottom annular seating and clamping surface to level said adjacent tiles for coplanarity;
said ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a succession of teeth, each of said teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape;
a fixed base which has a bottom supporting portion having a flat upper supporting surface and protruding ribs on the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, and a neck portion extending perpendicular from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base, said neck being in alignment with two protruding ribs wherein said neck has a weakened breakable sector adjacent to the bottom supporting portion and a tongue portion located at the opposite
said ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a succession of teeth, each of said teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape;
a fixed base which has a bottom supporting portion having a flat upper supporting surface and protruding ribs on the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, and a neck portion extending perpendicular from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base, said neck being in alignment with two protruding ribs wherein said neck has a weakened breakable sector adjacent to the bottom supporting portion and a tongue portion located at the opposite
4 of 17 end of said bottom supporting portion, the tongue portion having a curved upper edge and a first and a second bottom edges adjacent to the neck having the first and the second bottom edges extending in opposite directions from the neck, said tongue being adapted to pass through said central opening in said knob by inserting said tongue and neck portions through the first slot, cylindrical hole and the second slot of said central opening, wherein the first and the second bottom edges of the tongue portion extend over in opposite directions from the neck and can be engaged by the teeth of the ascending ramps of said first and second cams as the knob is rotated around said base to seat and lock the bottom edges of the tongue portion.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings, which form a part of this specification, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles, the device having a knob portion and a base portion shown separated prior to assembly, and with some tiles in place.
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembly step.
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing another assembly step.
of 17 FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembled configuration.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings, which form a part of this specification, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for use in leveling and spacing tiles, the device having a knob portion and a base portion shown separated prior to assembly, and with some tiles in place.
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembly step.
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing another assembly step.
of 17 FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembled configuration.
5 FIG. 3a is a perspective section view of the device in the position shown in FIG. 2b wherein the neck and the tongue from the base portion are inserted through the central opening of the knob portion.
FIG. 3b is a view similar to FIG. 3a, and wherein the knob portion has been rotated and it) locked into place with the base portion, consequently clamping tiles.
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the knob portion and the base portion of FIG.
1, prior to assembly, and with the tiles omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the device having the knob portion and the base portion of FIG. 4a, following assembly and tightening, and with the tiles omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 5a is a front elevational view of the base portion.
FIG. 5b is a top elevational view of the base portion shown in FIG. 5a.
FIG. 5c is a right-side elevational view of the base portion of FIG. 5a.
FIG. 3b is a view similar to FIG. 3a, and wherein the knob portion has been rotated and it) locked into place with the base portion, consequently clamping tiles.
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the knob portion and the base portion of FIG.
1, prior to assembly, and with the tiles omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the device having the knob portion and the base portion of FIG. 4a, following assembly and tightening, and with the tiles omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 5a is a front elevational view of the base portion.
FIG. 5b is a top elevational view of the base portion shown in FIG. 5a.
FIG. 5c is a right-side elevational view of the base portion of FIG. 5a.
6 of 17 FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the base portion of FIG. 5a, for use with four tiles.
FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the base portion, for use with three tiles.
FIG. 6c is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the base portion, for use with two tiles.
FIG. 7a is a front elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7b is a top elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 7c is a side elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 7a as viewed from the right of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the knob portion of FIG. 1 showing a knurled portion for manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 8b is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob portion, having a plurality of separated rib portions for manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a knob portion, having a pair of cams, and pairs of radial valleys.
FIG. 9b is a top elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 9A, showing the pair of
FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the base portion, for use with three tiles.
FIG. 6c is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the base portion, for use with two tiles.
FIG. 7a is a front elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7b is a top elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 7c is a side elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 7a as viewed from the right of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the knob portion of FIG. 1 showing a knurled portion for manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 8b is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob portion, having a plurality of separated rib portions for manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a knob portion, having a pair of cams, and pairs of radial valleys.
FIG. 9b is a top elevational view of the knob portion of FIG. 9A, showing the pair of
7 of 17 cams, together with the pairs of radial valleys.
FIG. 9c is an enlarged section view of a portion of one of the cams, showing a close-up view of the radial valleys and teethed stepped profile.
FIG. 9d is an enlarged section view of an assembly formed by a bottom edge blade and an ascending ramp from a cam, showing a close-up view of a bottom edge blade engaging with one of the radial valleys.
io FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob portion which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, wherein the cams are shown, as well as a knurled outer surface portion for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob portion which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, wherein the cams are shown, as well as a plurality of spaced ribs portion for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 12a is a side sectional view showing a bottom supporting portion shown sliding under the tile which is previously disposed on adhesive applied on floor.
FIG. 12b is an enlarged sectional view of the downward oriented chamfer of the bottom supporting portion, wherein for the sake of clarity the hatching has been removed.
FIG. 9c is an enlarged section view of a portion of one of the cams, showing a close-up view of the radial valleys and teethed stepped profile.
FIG. 9d is an enlarged section view of an assembly formed by a bottom edge blade and an ascending ramp from a cam, showing a close-up view of a bottom edge blade engaging with one of the radial valleys.
io FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob portion which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, wherein the cams are shown, as well as a knurled outer surface portion for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob portion which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, wherein the cams are shown, as well as a plurality of spaced ribs portion for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
FIG. 12a is a side sectional view showing a bottom supporting portion shown sliding under the tile which is previously disposed on adhesive applied on floor.
FIG. 12b is an enlarged sectional view of the downward oriented chamfer of the bottom supporting portion, wherein for the sake of clarity the hatching has been removed.
8 of 17 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A device 1000 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, depicting a rotatable knob portion 2000 and a base portion 3000. The base portion 3000 includes a tongue portion 3130, a neck portion 3140 and a bottom supporting portion base 3200. Three tiles 4100 are shown mounted against the bottom supporting portion of the base 3000, and the tiles 4100 are shown as having side walls 4130.
There is room for a fourth tile 4100 against the bottom supporting portion 3200, which has been omitted for the sake of illustration. The device 1000 is provided for use in leveling and io spacing tiles. The rotatable knob portion 2000 is shown separated from the base portion 3000, prior to assembly.
As shown in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 4-6, the rotatable knob portion 2000 has a partially tronconical shape 2300 and includes a pair of cams 2100 (including a left cam is and a right cam 2120, the left cam 2110 having an engaging edge 2111, a helical teethed and stepped cam profile 2112, an uppermost edge 2117, and an outer wall 2118. The right frontal cam 2120 has an engaging edge 2121, a helical teethed and stepped cam profile 2122, an uppermost edge 2127, a central opening 2200, a central cylindrical hole 2210, a slot 2220, a peripheral outer wall 2128, a gripping surface 2330 20 formed by alternating raised portions 2331 and recesses 2332, a surface 2310, a surface 2320, and a bottom annular seating and clamping surface 2350.
The base portion 3000 is formed by a tongue portion 3130, a neck portion 3140 and a bottom supporting base 3200. The tongue portion 3130 has a central hole 3131 with a 25 chamfer 3132, a pair of blades with engaging bottom edges 3110 and 3120, and the
A device 1000 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, depicting a rotatable knob portion 2000 and a base portion 3000. The base portion 3000 includes a tongue portion 3130, a neck portion 3140 and a bottom supporting portion base 3200. Three tiles 4100 are shown mounted against the bottom supporting portion of the base 3000, and the tiles 4100 are shown as having side walls 4130.
There is room for a fourth tile 4100 against the bottom supporting portion 3200, which has been omitted for the sake of illustration. The device 1000 is provided for use in leveling and io spacing tiles. The rotatable knob portion 2000 is shown separated from the base portion 3000, prior to assembly.
As shown in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 4-6, the rotatable knob portion 2000 has a partially tronconical shape 2300 and includes a pair of cams 2100 (including a left cam is and a right cam 2120, the left cam 2110 having an engaging edge 2111, a helical teethed and stepped cam profile 2112, an uppermost edge 2117, and an outer wall 2118. The right frontal cam 2120 has an engaging edge 2121, a helical teethed and stepped cam profile 2122, an uppermost edge 2127, a central opening 2200, a central cylindrical hole 2210, a slot 2220, a peripheral outer wall 2128, a gripping surface 2330 20 formed by alternating raised portions 2331 and recesses 2332, a surface 2310, a surface 2320, and a bottom annular seating and clamping surface 2350.
The base portion 3000 is formed by a tongue portion 3130, a neck portion 3140 and a bottom supporting base 3200. The tongue portion 3130 has a central hole 3131 with a 25 chamfer 3132, a pair of blades with engaging bottom edges 3110 and 3120, and the
9 of 17 neck 3140 has two side surfaces 3141 and 3142. The neck portion 3140 is connected to the bottom supporting portion 3200 by a weakened breakable sector 3150, consisting in the edge 3151 and the corners 3152 which are disposed at a bottom region of the neck 3140, situated under the tiles' upper surface. The bottom supporting .. portion 3200 has a supporting flat wall 3210, a plurality of protruding ribs 3220, each of the ribs 3220 respectively including a slanted portion 3222 and a top portion 3221, and a plurality of flat upper surfaces 3211. The plurality of upper surfaces 3211 respectively receive bottom corner portions of the tiles 4100 which are to be spaced by the ribs 3220. The flat portions 3211 are provided between adjacent ones of the ribs 3220.
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembly step in which the knob portion 2000 is brought toward the upper surfaces 4110 of the tiles 4100 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow Dl.
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing the next assembly step in which the tongue portion 3130 and the neck portion 3140 of the base 3000 extends through the central opening 2200 of the knob portion 2000 and the bottom edges and 3120 extend above the cams 2110 and 2120. The bottom surface 2350 is touching the upper portion of tiles 4110. The knob portion 2000 is about to be rotated in the direction shown by the dashed arrow R1, the shown mechanism is unlocked and does not provide yet residual force.
FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, the shown assembly mechanism of 17 is locked. By rotating the knob 2000, the frontal cams act as circular wedges and will provide the clamping residual force to the tiles 4100, between the bottom annular seating and clamping surface 2350 of knob 2000 and flat upper supporting surface 3211 of the the bottom supporting portion 3200. When the knob is rotated beyond the 5 first engaging position, the bottom edges 3110 and 3120 will start climbing on the cams' teethed and stepped profiles 2112 and 2122, generating click sounds which can quantify the residual force necessary for proper clamping. It is important that the rotation is stopped after few clicks, to prevent breakage of the neck portion 3100 along the breakable portions 3151 and 3152. The clamping effect will self-level the upper to surfaces of the tiles 4110 until they all touch the bottom seating and clamping surface 2350 which creates a datum plane for leveling the tiles. The clamping effect is similar to the force provided by the jaws from a vice. The self-leveling effect propagates to all adjacent tiles found under the knob 2000. When the adhesive securing the tiles has been sufficiently set, the neck portion 3140 is adapted to be broken by fracture and can be removed, either by further rotation of the knob 2000 or by striking of the neck portion 3140 in a sideways direction. The breaking edges 3152 and 3151 will be below the upper surface of tiles 4110 and will be covered later with grout and hidden. The neck portion 3140 and tongue portion 3130 can then be removed and the knob can be reused.
FIG. 3a is a perspective section view of the device 1000 in the position shown in FIG.
2b wherein the neck portion 3140 and the tongue portion 3130 of the base 3000 are inserted through the central opening 2200 of the knob 2000. The mechanism is shown unlocked. Also, in this view, the bottom supporting portion 3200 has a bottom seating 11 of 17 wall 3210. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 3b is a view similar to FIG. 3a, and wherein the knob 2000 has been rotated and locked into place between the bottom edges 3110 and 3120 and valleys 2115 and 2125, consequently clamping surrounding tiles 4100 in place. The mechanism is shown locked.
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the device 1000 with the knob 2000 and the base 3000 of FIG. 1, prior to assembly, and with the tiles 4100 omitted for the sake of clarity. The io mechanism is shown unlocked. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the device 1000 having the knob 2000 and the base 3000 of FIG. 4a, following assembly and tightening. The device is shown locked. Here the tiles 4100 have been omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 5a is a front elevational view of the base 3000, showing the neck portion 3140, the tongue portion 3130 and the bottom supporting portion base 3200. Here, the bottom supporting portion base 3200 is shown having a chamfer 3212 and a flat supporting surface 3211. The central neck 3140 is perpendicular to the base's flat supporting surface 3211. The tongue portion 3130 is suitable for gripping by the user during the rotation of the knob 2000. The ribs 3220 from the bottom supporting portion base 3200 have continuous material with no gaps in between. The protruding ribs 3220 provide equidistant spacing between adjacent tiles and can be made in a plurality of colors, each color representing a different spacing distance between tiles. The remaining parts 12 of 17 are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 5b is a top elevational view of the base 3000 having the flat supporting surface 3211 of the bottom supporting portion 3200 as shown in FIG. 5a. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 5c is a right-side elevational view of the base portion 3000 having the bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the base portion 3000 having the bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with four tiles.
FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the base 3000 having the is bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with three tiles.
FIG. 6c is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the base 3000 having the bottom supporting portion base 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with two tiles.
FIG. 7a is a front elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 1, having a bottom seating and clamping surface 2350. Here, the cam 2120 is shown having respective engaging edge 2121 and uppermost edge 2127. By providing clamping force, the tiles will be self level guided by the datum plane created by the bottom seating and clamping surface 2350 of the knob. The knob 2000 can be reused. The remaining parts are as numbered 13 of 17 and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 7b is a top elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 7a. Here, the central opening 2200 is shown having a central cylindrical hole 2210, a slot 2220 and two slot ends 2221 and 2222. The central cylindrical hole 2210 has a diameter sufficient to accommodate and guide during rotation the neck portions 3141 and 3142 of base 3000. The two slot ends 2221 and 2222 are sufficiently wide to accommodate passage of the entire width of the tongue portion 3130 and neck portion 3140 of the base 3000.
FIG. 7c is a side elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 7a as viewed from the right of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob 2000, having a knurled portion 2330 for ease of gripping and rotating. The remaining parts are as described in the foregoing.
FIG. 8b is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob 2000, having a plurality of separated rib portions 2340 for ease of gripping and rotating.
The remaining parts are as described in the foregoing.
FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 of FIG. 1, having a bottom seating and clamping surface 2350. Here, the cam 2120 is shown having respective engaging edge 2121 and uppermost edge 2127. By providing clamping force, the tiles will self level guided by the datum plane created by the bottom 14 of 17 seating and clamping surface 2350 of the knob. The knob 2000 can be reused.
The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 9b is a top elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 9a, showing the cam and the cam 2120, together with the pairs of radial valleys 2115 and 2125. The pairs of radial valleys facilitate seating and locking of the bottom edges blade portions 3110 and 3120 during operation.
FIG. 9c is an enlarged frontal section of a portion of the cam 2120, showing a close-up HI view of the teethed stepped radial valleys 2125. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has a generally scalloped shape, and includes the edges 2121 which prevents the blade portion 3110 and blade portion 3120 from unlocking itself; a valley portion 2124 which co-operates with the edge 2121 to prevent the blade portion 3110 and blade portion 3120 from unlocking itself; and a hill portion 2126 which allows a smooth transition to is the next edge 2121 and provide residual force increase. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has an axial pitch hl, measured vertically between two consecutive edges 2121, and a depth h1a of the valley (which determines the base's sound pitch intensity during turning). Each of the radial valleys 2125 also has a total blade travel hi b from the bottom of a valley to the next edge 2121. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has a 20 perimeter pitch p1 (e.g., a length p1), a distance pia between and edge 2121 and the bottom of a valley, and a hill p1b which is a distance between the bottom of the valley to the next edge 2121, measured transversely. As seen in FIG. 9c, the radial valley 2125 has a concave portion 2124 where the locking ramp of the valley is located and a convex portion 2126 which leads smoothly to the next edge 2121. The cams have axial 25 and frontal action, and the orientation of the edges 2121 from the teethed and stepped 15 of 17 profile is in opposite direction from the tiles. In other words, the teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape.
FIG. 9d is an enlarged view of FIG. 9c, which is representing an assembly formed by a bottom edge 3120 which looks like a V-Notch and the cam teethed and stepped profile 2122. The tip edge 3122 and two adjacent sidewalls 3121 seats and engages with the locking valley portions 2124 wherein the edge 2121 and the locking ramp 2124 prevent the tip blades 3122 from unlocking themselves. Upon further urging of the blade portion 3110 during rotation of the knob 2000, the tip 3122 slides upwardly along the hill portion 2126 which forms a smooth transition to the next edge 2121 whereupon the tip 3122 can slide into the next radial valley portion 2125. In this preferred embodiment, this sharp and central V shape is very effective in engaging with the teethed stepped profile on cams. Because the teeth have a radial pattern, i.e. are radially disposed, the blades and the bottom edges 3110, 3120 have to engage in a substantially exactly radial manner, and this determines that the sharp blades tips 3122 will be substantially exactly in the middle of the radial valleys 2125 and 2115.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, as well as a knurled surface 2330 for facilitating manual gripping and turning FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 which can be 16 of 17 used in the device of FIG. 1, as well as a plurality of ribs 2340 for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
In the foregoing description, the frontal cams have specified surfaces. It is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention that the frontal surfaces of helical cams can have any of: teethed and stepped surfaces;
textured surfaces; or smooth surfaces. This includes teethed stepped surfaces as described above.
to FIG. 12a is a frontal sectional view showing a bottom supporting portion 3200, shown sliding into engagement from the side under the tile 4100 in the direction indicated by an arrow D2. The tile 4100 is disposed on the adhesive 4200 which is covering the floor 4300.
FIG. 12b is an enlarged view of FIG. 12a with the chamfer 3212 portion. In this view the seating wall 3210 through the seating surface 3211 of the bottom sating base portion 3200 is supporting a tile 4100. The leading edge of the wall 3100 has the downward oriented chamfer 3212, wherein the chamfer 3212 assists in penetrating the adhesive A, along with an arrow labeled D2 showing a direction of insertion or movement. That is, the chamfer 3212 in this process will push down the adhesive 4200 so as to help rub and clean the lower seating surface 4120 of tile 4100 from the adhesive 4200 in the location adjacent to the base 3200. In this view, an arrow labeled D3 shows a direction in which the adhesive A is pushed down by the chamfer 3212, such that adhesive is cleaned from underneath the tile 4100, providing a clean supporting surface.
17 of 17 The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
The invention has several preferred embodiments but they are not exclusive.
The invention is susceptible of many embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. All the details may be substituted by other equivalent elements.
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing an assembly step in which the knob portion 2000 is brought toward the upper surfaces 4110 of the tiles 4100 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow Dl.
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing the next assembly step in which the tongue portion 3130 and the neck portion 3140 of the base 3000 extends through the central opening 2200 of the knob portion 2000 and the bottom edges and 3120 extend above the cams 2110 and 2120. The bottom surface 2350 is touching the upper portion of tiles 4110. The knob portion 2000 is about to be rotated in the direction shown by the dashed arrow R1, the shown mechanism is unlocked and does not provide yet residual force.
FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, the shown assembly mechanism of 17 is locked. By rotating the knob 2000, the frontal cams act as circular wedges and will provide the clamping residual force to the tiles 4100, between the bottom annular seating and clamping surface 2350 of knob 2000 and flat upper supporting surface 3211 of the the bottom supporting portion 3200. When the knob is rotated beyond the 5 first engaging position, the bottom edges 3110 and 3120 will start climbing on the cams' teethed and stepped profiles 2112 and 2122, generating click sounds which can quantify the residual force necessary for proper clamping. It is important that the rotation is stopped after few clicks, to prevent breakage of the neck portion 3100 along the breakable portions 3151 and 3152. The clamping effect will self-level the upper to surfaces of the tiles 4110 until they all touch the bottom seating and clamping surface 2350 which creates a datum plane for leveling the tiles. The clamping effect is similar to the force provided by the jaws from a vice. The self-leveling effect propagates to all adjacent tiles found under the knob 2000. When the adhesive securing the tiles has been sufficiently set, the neck portion 3140 is adapted to be broken by fracture and can be removed, either by further rotation of the knob 2000 or by striking of the neck portion 3140 in a sideways direction. The breaking edges 3152 and 3151 will be below the upper surface of tiles 4110 and will be covered later with grout and hidden. The neck portion 3140 and tongue portion 3130 can then be removed and the knob can be reused.
FIG. 3a is a perspective section view of the device 1000 in the position shown in FIG.
2b wherein the neck portion 3140 and the tongue portion 3130 of the base 3000 are inserted through the central opening 2200 of the knob 2000. The mechanism is shown unlocked. Also, in this view, the bottom supporting portion 3200 has a bottom seating 11 of 17 wall 3210. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 3b is a view similar to FIG. 3a, and wherein the knob 2000 has been rotated and locked into place between the bottom edges 3110 and 3120 and valleys 2115 and 2125, consequently clamping surrounding tiles 4100 in place. The mechanism is shown locked.
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the device 1000 with the knob 2000 and the base 3000 of FIG. 1, prior to assembly, and with the tiles 4100 omitted for the sake of clarity. The io mechanism is shown unlocked. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the device 1000 having the knob 2000 and the base 3000 of FIG. 4a, following assembly and tightening. The device is shown locked. Here the tiles 4100 have been omitted for the sake of clarity.
FIG. 5a is a front elevational view of the base 3000, showing the neck portion 3140, the tongue portion 3130 and the bottom supporting portion base 3200. Here, the bottom supporting portion base 3200 is shown having a chamfer 3212 and a flat supporting surface 3211. The central neck 3140 is perpendicular to the base's flat supporting surface 3211. The tongue portion 3130 is suitable for gripping by the user during the rotation of the knob 2000. The ribs 3220 from the bottom supporting portion base 3200 have continuous material with no gaps in between. The protruding ribs 3220 provide equidistant spacing between adjacent tiles and can be made in a plurality of colors, each color representing a different spacing distance between tiles. The remaining parts 12 of 17 are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 5b is a top elevational view of the base 3000 having the flat supporting surface 3211 of the bottom supporting portion 3200 as shown in FIG. 5a. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 5c is a right-side elevational view of the base portion 3000 having the bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a. The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the base portion 3000 having the bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with four tiles.
FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the base 3000 having the is bottom supporting portion 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with three tiles.
FIG. 6c is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the base 3000 having the bottom supporting portion base 3200 shown in FIG. 5a, for use with two tiles.
FIG. 7a is a front elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 1, having a bottom seating and clamping surface 2350. Here, the cam 2120 is shown having respective engaging edge 2121 and uppermost edge 2127. By providing clamping force, the tiles will be self level guided by the datum plane created by the bottom seating and clamping surface 2350 of the knob. The knob 2000 can be reused. The remaining parts are as numbered 13 of 17 and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 7b is a top elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 7a. Here, the central opening 2200 is shown having a central cylindrical hole 2210, a slot 2220 and two slot ends 2221 and 2222. The central cylindrical hole 2210 has a diameter sufficient to accommodate and guide during rotation the neck portions 3141 and 3142 of base 3000. The two slot ends 2221 and 2222 are sufficiently wide to accommodate passage of the entire width of the tongue portion 3130 and neck portion 3140 of the base 3000.
FIG. 7c is a side elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 7a as viewed from the right of FIG. 7a.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob 2000, having a knurled portion 2330 for ease of gripping and rotating. The remaining parts are as described in the foregoing.
FIG. 8b is a perspective view of another embodiment of the knob 2000, having a plurality of separated rib portions 2340 for ease of gripping and rotating.
The remaining parts are as described in the foregoing.
FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 of FIG. 1, having a bottom seating and clamping surface 2350. Here, the cam 2120 is shown having respective engaging edge 2121 and uppermost edge 2127. By providing clamping force, the tiles will self level guided by the datum plane created by the bottom 14 of 17 seating and clamping surface 2350 of the knob. The knob 2000 can be reused.
The remaining parts are as numbered and described in the foregoing.
FIG. 9b is a top elevational view of the knob 2000 of FIG. 9a, showing the cam and the cam 2120, together with the pairs of radial valleys 2115 and 2125. The pairs of radial valleys facilitate seating and locking of the bottom edges blade portions 3110 and 3120 during operation.
FIG. 9c is an enlarged frontal section of a portion of the cam 2120, showing a close-up HI view of the teethed stepped radial valleys 2125. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has a generally scalloped shape, and includes the edges 2121 which prevents the blade portion 3110 and blade portion 3120 from unlocking itself; a valley portion 2124 which co-operates with the edge 2121 to prevent the blade portion 3110 and blade portion 3120 from unlocking itself; and a hill portion 2126 which allows a smooth transition to is the next edge 2121 and provide residual force increase. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has an axial pitch hl, measured vertically between two consecutive edges 2121, and a depth h1a of the valley (which determines the base's sound pitch intensity during turning). Each of the radial valleys 2125 also has a total blade travel hi b from the bottom of a valley to the next edge 2121. Each of the radial valleys 2125 has a 20 perimeter pitch p1 (e.g., a length p1), a distance pia between and edge 2121 and the bottom of a valley, and a hill p1b which is a distance between the bottom of the valley to the next edge 2121, measured transversely. As seen in FIG. 9c, the radial valley 2125 has a concave portion 2124 where the locking ramp of the valley is located and a convex portion 2126 which leads smoothly to the next edge 2121. The cams have axial 25 and frontal action, and the orientation of the edges 2121 from the teethed and stepped 15 of 17 profile is in opposite direction from the tiles. In other words, the teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape.
FIG. 9d is an enlarged view of FIG. 9c, which is representing an assembly formed by a bottom edge 3120 which looks like a V-Notch and the cam teethed and stepped profile 2122. The tip edge 3122 and two adjacent sidewalls 3121 seats and engages with the locking valley portions 2124 wherein the edge 2121 and the locking ramp 2124 prevent the tip blades 3122 from unlocking themselves. Upon further urging of the blade portion 3110 during rotation of the knob 2000, the tip 3122 slides upwardly along the hill portion 2126 which forms a smooth transition to the next edge 2121 whereupon the tip 3122 can slide into the next radial valley portion 2125. In this preferred embodiment, this sharp and central V shape is very effective in engaging with the teethed stepped profile on cams. Because the teeth have a radial pattern, i.e. are radially disposed, the blades and the bottom edges 3110, 3120 have to engage in a substantially exactly radial manner, and this determines that the sharp blades tips 3122 will be substantially exactly in the middle of the radial valleys 2125 and 2115.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 which can be used in the device of FIG. 1, as well as a knurled surface 2330 for facilitating manual gripping and turning FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a knob 2000 which can be 16 of 17 used in the device of FIG. 1, as well as a plurality of ribs 2340 for facilitating manual gripping and turning.
In the foregoing description, the frontal cams have specified surfaces. It is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention that the frontal surfaces of helical cams can have any of: teethed and stepped surfaces;
textured surfaces; or smooth surfaces. This includes teethed stepped surfaces as described above.
to FIG. 12a is a frontal sectional view showing a bottom supporting portion 3200, shown sliding into engagement from the side under the tile 4100 in the direction indicated by an arrow D2. The tile 4100 is disposed on the adhesive 4200 which is covering the floor 4300.
FIG. 12b is an enlarged view of FIG. 12a with the chamfer 3212 portion. In this view the seating wall 3210 through the seating surface 3211 of the bottom sating base portion 3200 is supporting a tile 4100. The leading edge of the wall 3100 has the downward oriented chamfer 3212, wherein the chamfer 3212 assists in penetrating the adhesive A, along with an arrow labeled D2 showing a direction of insertion or movement. That is, the chamfer 3212 in this process will push down the adhesive 4200 so as to help rub and clean the lower seating surface 4120 of tile 4100 from the adhesive 4200 in the location adjacent to the base 3200. In this view, an arrow labeled D3 shows a direction in which the adhesive A is pushed down by the chamfer 3212, such that adhesive is cleaned from underneath the tile 4100, providing a clean supporting surface.
17 of 17 The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
The invention has several preferred embodiments but they are not exclusive.
The invention is susceptible of many embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. All the details may be substituted by other equivalent elements.
Claims (12)
1. A device used for installing tiles on flat surfaces, placed between two or more adjacent tiles, providing clamping, leveling and spacing for the adjacent tiles, comprising:
a rotatable knob said knob having a partially tronconical portion which has an upper surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral outer wall, a central opening, said central opening having a central cylindrical hole opening at its ends, a first slot and a second slot, wherein said first slot and said second slot extending diametrically in opposite directions from said central cylindrical hole, and said knob having a first and a second cam portions on said upper surface of the partially tronconical portion, diametrically opposite each other and extending peripherally around said central cylindrical hole, the first cam having a helically ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the first slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said second slot and the second cam having a helically ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the second slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said first slot; said peripheral outer wall of said knob having a gripping surface, and said bottom surface of the knob having a flat bottom annular seating and clamping surface to level said adjacent tiles for coplanarity;
said ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a succession of teeth, each of said teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape;
2 of 6 a fixed base which has a bottom supporting portion having a flat upper supporting surface and protruding ribs on the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, and a neck extending perpendicular from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base, said neck being in alignment with two protruding ribs wherein said neck-has a weakened breakable sector adjacent to the bottom supporting portion and a tongue portion located at the opposite end of said, bottom supporting portion, the tongue portion having a curved upper edge and a first and a second blade with tipped bottom edges adjacent to the neck having the first and the second bottom edges extending in opposite directions from the neck, said tongue and neck portions being adapted to pass through said central opening in said knob by inserting said tongue and neck portions through the first slot, cylindrical hole and the second slot of said central opening, wherein the first and the second tipped bottom edges of the tongue portion extend over in opposite directions from the neck and can be engaged by the teeth of the ascending ramps of said first and second cams as the knob is rotated around said neck to seat and lock the bottom tipped edges of the tongue portion.
a rotatable knob said knob having a partially tronconical portion which has an upper surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral outer wall, a central opening, said central opening having a central cylindrical hole opening at its ends, a first slot and a second slot, wherein said first slot and said second slot extending diametrically in opposite directions from said central cylindrical hole, and said knob having a first and a second cam portions on said upper surface of the partially tronconical portion, diametrically opposite each other and extending peripherally around said central cylindrical hole, the first cam having a helically ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the first slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said second slot and the second cam having a helically ascending ramp extending from the first end adjacent to the edge of the second slot to the second end adjacent to the edge of said first slot; said peripheral outer wall of said knob having a gripping surface, and said bottom surface of the knob having a flat bottom annular seating and clamping surface to level said adjacent tiles for coplanarity;
said ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a succession of teeth, each of said teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cam having a leading flank facing the first end of said ramp and a trailing flank facing the second end of said ramp, wherein the leading flank having a lower slope than that of the trailing flank and the leading flank further having a convex shape and the trailing flank having a concave shape;
2 of 6 a fixed base which has a bottom supporting portion having a flat upper supporting surface and protruding ribs on the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, and a neck extending perpendicular from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base, said neck being in alignment with two protruding ribs wherein said neck-has a weakened breakable sector adjacent to the bottom supporting portion and a tongue portion located at the opposite end of said, bottom supporting portion, the tongue portion having a curved upper edge and a first and a second blade with tipped bottom edges adjacent to the neck having the first and the second bottom edges extending in opposite directions from the neck, said tongue and neck portions being adapted to pass through said central opening in said knob by inserting said tongue and neck portions through the first slot, cylindrical hole and the second slot of said central opening, wherein the first and the second tipped bottom edges of the tongue portion extend over in opposite directions from the neck and can be engaged by the teeth of the ascending ramps of said first and second cams as the knob is rotated around said neck to seat and lock the bottom tipped edges of the tongue portion.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said knob has a partially tronconical shaped portion, a cams portion and a bottom annular seating and clamping surface, said knob being adapted for rotation to clamp and level the top surfaces of the adjacent tiles.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said base has a tongue which is a thin flat strip, a neck which is a thin flat strip and a bottom supporting portion with a flat upper supporting surface adapted to clamp the bottom surfaces of adjacent tiles and 3 of 6 protruding ribs adapted to space the adjacent tiles.
4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein rotation of said knob relative to said base causes audible feedback by clicking sounds which start only when the first and second portions of the bottom tipped edges of the tongue portion engage the teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cams and as the clamping force provided by the annular seating and clamping surface of the knob and the flat upper supporting surface of the base to the adjacent tiles increases, is providing an audible feedback to the user to know when to stop rotating the said knob, and wherein each consecutive clicking sound represents an increment of clamping force increase.
5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein for each of said helically ascending ramps on the first and second cams, the convex portions on the leading flanks of each of the teeth engaged by the first and second portions of the bottom edges of the tongue portion allow smooth transitions to the following trailing flanks, and the concave portions on the trailing flanks of each of the teeth engaged by the first and second portions of the bottom edges of the tongue portion prevent the knob from rotating in the opposite direction.
6. The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the tongue portion of said base is adapted for gripping by the user while the knob is rotated by the user.
7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein each of the first and second portions of the bottom edges of the tongue portion narrows to tipped bottom edges which can 4 of 6 engage and be locked by the trailing flanks of the teeth to prevent the first and second portions of the bottom edges of the tongue portion from rotating in the opposite direction at the end of rotation of said knob.
8. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the bottom supporting portion of the base has a square shape with downwards peripheral chamfered edges to facilitate insertion underneath the tiles.
9. The device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein said base is made in different colours, each colour representing a different rib thickness.
10. The device of claims 1-9, wherein the protruding ribs from the bottom supporting portion of said base run diagonally across said bottom supporting portion, with no gaps.
11. The device of any one of claims 1-10, wherein said base can accommodate any specific number of adjacent tiles, said number of tiles being selected from among four, three or two.
12. A method of clamping, leveling and spacing adjacent tiles during installation on a flat surface using the device of claim 1, the method comprising:
(a) the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base of claim 1 is inserted under the bottom surfaces and the corners of two or more adjacent tiles with their corners against the protruding ribs of the bottom supporting portion, the said base becoming stationary in between adjacent said of 6 tiles;
(b) installing the knob by translating the said knob relative to the stationary base, the said tongue and neck being relatively inserted through the said first slot, the cylindrical hole and the second slot of the central opening of the knob;
(c) rotating the knob axially around the neck so that the bottom annular seating surface of the knob approaches the upper surfaces of said tiles to be clamped, without providing a clamping force and clicking sounds yet;
(d) Continuing to rotate the knob, so that the first and second portions of the bottom tipped edges of the tongue portion engage the teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cams and the bottom surface of the knob provides a compression force to the upper surface of the tiles and in conjunction with the opposite supporting force provided from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, applied to the bottom surfaces of the tiles, provides an incremental increase of the clamping force and provides clicking sounds;
(e) Stopping rotation of the knob after a pre-determined number of clicking sounds in order to not exceed a maximum allowed clamping force and not break prematurely the neck at the weakened breakable portion;
(f) Allowing adhesive used to install tiles to cure;
(g) Continuing rotation of said knob after the adhesive is cured and the tiles are secured, to break on purpose the neck at the weakened breakable portion at the bottom of the said neck and the bottom supporting portion below the breakable portion to remain embedded under the upper surface of adjacent tiles and between adjacent tiles;
(h) After the tongue and the neck are extracted from between the tiles after breaking the neck, the gaps between adjacent tines are filled with grout, covering the bottom 6 of 6 supporting portion of the base, embedded under the tiles;
(a) the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion of the base of claim 1 is inserted under the bottom surfaces and the corners of two or more adjacent tiles with their corners against the protruding ribs of the bottom supporting portion, the said base becoming stationary in between adjacent said of 6 tiles;
(b) installing the knob by translating the said knob relative to the stationary base, the said tongue and neck being relatively inserted through the said first slot, the cylindrical hole and the second slot of the central opening of the knob;
(c) rotating the knob axially around the neck so that the bottom annular seating surface of the knob approaches the upper surfaces of said tiles to be clamped, without providing a clamping force and clicking sounds yet;
(d) Continuing to rotate the knob, so that the first and second portions of the bottom tipped edges of the tongue portion engage the teeth on the ascending ramps of said first and second cams and the bottom surface of the knob provides a compression force to the upper surface of the tiles and in conjunction with the opposite supporting force provided from the flat upper supporting surface of the bottom supporting portion, applied to the bottom surfaces of the tiles, provides an incremental increase of the clamping force and provides clicking sounds;
(e) Stopping rotation of the knob after a pre-determined number of clicking sounds in order to not exceed a maximum allowed clamping force and not break prematurely the neck at the weakened breakable portion;
(f) Allowing adhesive used to install tiles to cure;
(g) Continuing rotation of said knob after the adhesive is cured and the tiles are secured, to break on purpose the neck at the weakened breakable portion at the bottom of the said neck and the bottom supporting portion below the breakable portion to remain embedded under the upper surface of adjacent tiles and between adjacent tiles;
(h) After the tongue and the neck are extracted from between the tiles after breaking the neck, the gaps between adjacent tines are filled with grout, covering the bottom 6 of 6 supporting portion of the base, embedded under the tiles;
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2983483A CA2983483C (en) | 2017-10-23 | 2017-10-23 | Device for installing tiles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2983483A CA2983483C (en) | 2017-10-23 | 2017-10-23 | Device for installing tiles |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2983483A1 true CA2983483A1 (en) | 2019-04-23 |
| CA2983483C CA2983483C (en) | 2020-09-08 |
Family
ID=66240226
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2983483A Expired - Fee Related CA2983483C (en) | 2017-10-23 | 2017-10-23 | Device for installing tiles |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2983483C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110326993A (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-15 | 海益（厦门）建材工业有限公司 | The adjustable toilet seat of height of foot pad |
-
2017
- 2017-10-23 CA CA2983483A patent/CA2983483C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110326993A (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2019-10-15 | 海益（厦门）建材工业有限公司 | The adjustable toilet seat of height of foot pad |
| CN110326993B (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2024-04-19 | 海益（厦门）建材工业有限公司 | Toilet seat with adjustable height of foot pad |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2983483C (en) | 2020-09-08 |
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