EP0465394A1 - Improved double wedge for laying tiles - Google Patents

Abstract

Double wedge for laying tiles for a wall or floor tiling, characterised in that it consists of a body whose overall shape is in the form of a single or double arch (1, 26) each of whose legs comprising it has a thickness which decreases towards each end of the wedge. This invention is principally of interest to tilers. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a reusable double shim intended to allow the quick and easy laying of tiles with great regularity of the joints.

To achieve an alignment of sufficient quality, in many cases, even professional tilers still often use makeshift means imagined by them or known in the profession.

It is first of all the current cord or cord, used as a link for various uses. This bead is wedged, by a slight crushing, between the successive tiles as and when laying, to establish a constant width of the joint.

They are also pieces of corrugated cardboard or matches or any support of regular starting thickness supporting a certain crushing.

These means cannot provide the professional rigor desired in the search for maintaining an almost constant width for the joint precisely because of their irregularity and their variable resistance to crushing.

Also known are plastic parts with two perpendicular branches generally called "braces".

These crosspieces are arranged at the angles defined by four adjacent tiles and thus make it possible to achieve the angle perfectly. Unfortunately, the material constituting them is too rigid to admit a deformation to compensate for alignment or flatness defects. Indeed, a wall or a floor built in an artisanal way cannot be perfectly flat in practice and the tiler must carry out a real permanent work of successive adjustments to adapt to the flatness and squareness of the support. to be tiled in order to save a certain regularity of appearance.

Furthermore, to be effective, these crosspieces must have a minimum thickness which, when put in place, does not leave a sufficient depth in the groove of the intervals so that the material of the joints covers them sufficiently and durably.

Thus, in some cases, the braces reappear partially or completely after filling and smoothing the joints.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a recoverable double wedge, of great ease of use and of low cost, characterized in that it consists of a body of general shape in a single arch or double, each of the legs of the arch having ends making it possible to gradually decrease the thickness of wedging, that is to say of the joint.

• . elle admet une large tolérance permettant l'adaptation nécessaire dans tous les cas ;
• . elle est récupérable ;
• . elle ne glisse pas ;
• . elle permet de chevaucher le joint pour le calage simultané de deux carreaux adjacents ;
• . elle est réversible ;
• . son coût de revient est modique ;
• . elle assure une véritable garantie anti-éclat à l'extraction du joint en raison de ses zones de contact de faible surface.

Many advantages ensue from the use of the double block according to the invention:

• . it admits a wide tolerance allowing the necessary adaptation in all cases;
• . it is recoverable;
• . it does not slip;
• . it allows overlapping the joint for the simultaneous setting of two adjacent tiles;
• . it is reversible;
• . its cost is low;
• . it provides a real anti-splinter guarantee when extracting the seal due to its small contact areas.

• . la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une cale simple ;
• . la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une paire de cales doubles aptes à se chevaucher ;
• . les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues d'utilisation des cales posées se chevauchant ;
• . la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'une variante en caoutchouc de la cale double selon l'invention ;
• . la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'une cale double en tôle à effet de ressort ;
• . les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues illustratives de l'extraction de la cale double selon l'invention par pincement avec les doigts respectivement dans le cas des deux variantes ci-dessus.
• . la figure 9 est une vue en perspective montrant la partie supérieure d'une cale double non évidée ;
• . la figure 10 est une vue en perspective montrant la partie inférieure d'une cale double non évidée ;
• . les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues en plan de dessus et de dessous d'une première variante évidée ;
• . les figures 13 et 14 sont des vues en coupe respectivement longitudinale et transversale selon les lignes XIII-XIII et XIV-XIV de la figure 11 ;
• . les figures 15 et 16 sont des vues en plan de dessus et de dessous d'une deuxième variante évidée ;
• . les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues en coupe respectivement selon les lignes XVII-XVII et XVIII-XVIII de la figure 15 ;
• . la figure 19 est une vue en perspective schématique illustrative d'une application mettant en oeuvre une cale double à crans en marches d'escalier.

The technical characteristics and other advantages of the invention are set out in the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example on an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• . Figure 1 is a perspective view of a simple wedge;
• . Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pair of double wedges capable of overlapping;
• . Figures 3 and 4 are views of the use of overlapping wedges;
• . Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rubber variant of the double wedge according to the invention;
• . Figure 6 is a perspective view of a double block of spring effect sheet;
• . Figures 7 and 8 are illustrative views of the extraction of the double wedge according to the invention by pinching with the fingers respectively in the case of the two variants above.
• . Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the upper part of a double wedge not hollowed out;
• . Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the lower part of a double wedge not hollowed out;
• . Figures 11 and 12 are top and bottom plan views of a first hollowed out variant;
• . Figures 13 and 14 are views in longitudinal and transverse sections respectively along lines XIII-XIII and XIV-XIV of Figure 11;
• . Figures 15 and 16 are top and bottom plan views of a second hollowed out variant;
• . Figures 17 and 18 are sectional views respectively along lines XVII-XVII and XVIII-XVIII of Figure 15;
• . Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view illustrative of an application using a double block with notches in stair treads.

The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists in allowing the realization of a simultaneous setting on either side of the joint gap between the four adjacent tiles by one and the same piece while keeping free the central space corresponding to the meeting of angles.

Several variants will be described below which proceed from the same general inventive idea set out above.

The basic version of the present invention shown in Figure 1 shows the following general conformation.

The double wedge according to the invention has a body 1 which has the general shape of a flat arch of small thickness having two straight legs 2 and 3 delimiting between them a free intermediate space 4 called crotch of sufficient width to overlap a vertical line 5 or horizontal 6 for example, of a joint and constitute support zones in spacing on either side near the line of the spanned joint.

Each leg is delimited in space by two longitudinal support planes such as 7 and 8 progressively approaching one of the other towards the end.

These planes are laterally limited by edges of edges 9 and 10 respectively inside and outside.

The ends of each leg are joined at the end by a junction 11 having a flat front part, limited for example by a transverse end plane 12 perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction.

For reasons of convenience of use, the junction 11 of the double wedge has an upper part with rounded corners 13 and 14 and with a curved intermediate line of junction between the slightly rounded corners.

As indicated, the wedge has identical legs, preferably straight, of constant width and decreasing thickness from top to bottom, so that a wedge of greater thickness is obtained by cutting the two legs at a determined distance from each end.

The two legs define the intermediate space 4 called crotch at entry interval 15 which ends upwards by a technical rounding 16 more or less high relative to the bearing surface.

In order to allow two double wedges to overlap, the junctions 11 have, according to a variant, an upper notch 17 cut in its upper part, for example in the middle position, to receive another overlapping wedge.

Conversely, the intermediate space 15 called the crotch has a more or less deep lower notch 18.

Thus, by superimposing two double shims and engaging the lower notch 18 of one in the upper notch 17 of the other, we arrive, with a slight offset to achieve the simultaneous setting on two crossed lines of joints.

This disparity can be eliminated by using shims of different heights making it possible to make up for the slight overlapping offset observed with identical shims.

In general, the technical qualities sought for this double wedge are those of flexibility so as not to break during installation and extraction and that of an anti-slip material so as not to slip under the pressure of the weight of the immediately superior tile.

We can adopt for example a flexible plastic material or a variety of metered polyurethane whose resistance is between 50 and 90 degrees of Shore hardness. We can also mention rubbers and elastomers.

Of course, the present invention does not depend on the material chosen.

However, certain materials such as those indicated above allow better practical results to be obtained.

Another variant of the wedge according to the invention is shown in FIG. 6. It is an equivalent shim by its technical effects and its advantages. According to this variant, the shim is metallic and uses the spring effect of the metal.

It is produced from a sheet metal cutout 19 with a central recess 20 making it possible to obtain, after folding, the general arch shape of the wedge according to the invention.

The folding is not completely covering, so as to obtain an open "V" profile having two branches 21 and 22 connected together at one end by a fold 23 and distant at their free end.

The branches thus benefit from a pinching spring effect thanks to the open metal profile.

In order to limit the amplitude of the pinching and to damp it, provision is made for the interposition between the two branches at their free end of a semi-elastic connection 24 in the form, for example, of a volume 25 of a putty of silicone or any other equivalent material working on crushing when pinching.

Due to their low price, the different double shims according to the invention can be used as a so-called "consumable" article, but their principle of use allows them to be recovered without damage and without loss of quality.

To facilitate the grip of the double wedge according to the invention, it will preferably include, at the junction between the legs of the arch, a hollow anatomical shape (not shown) which will allow the convenient grip of the wedge double for its installation or its removal.

We will now describe some variants of improved double shims having the general characteristics indicated above.

The non-hollowed out version represented in FIGS. 9 and 10 presents the general conformation next.

It has a body 26 which has the general shape of a double arch formed by two opposite arches 27 and 28 adjacent in extension of one another like the capital letter "H", each having two straight legs 29 , 30 and 31, 32 delimiting between them a free intermediate space 33 and 34 called a crotch, of sufficient width to overlap a vertical or horizontal line, for example of a tiling joint, and to constitute support zones in part spacing and other near the spanned joint.

Each leg is delimited in space by two longitudinal planes of front and rear face such as 35, 36 and 37, 38 progressively approaching one of the other towards the end.

These planes are bounded laterally by internal border sections 39, 40 and 41, 42 and by external border sections 43 and 44 in extension of one another constituting the longitudinal edges of the hold.

The upper ends of each leg join in longitudinal extension to form the opposite leg and are joined together by a transverse junction 45 common to the two arches having a front portion limited on each side for example by a transverse end plane 46, 47 perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction.

For reasons of convenience of use, the common transverse junction 45 of the double wedge has an upper face formed by a flat zone 48 and a central support and gripping bowl 49 as well as two connection zones 50 and 51 towards the legs.

The wedge has for each arch identical legs, preferably straight, of decreasing thickness from top to bottom, so that a wedge thicker can be obtained by cutting the two homologous legs at a determined distance from each end.

The arches are not of identical height in order to benefit, for the same block, from two different end thicknesses and, consequently, to allow the confection of two widths of tiling joints with the same block.

In general, the technical qualities sought for this double wedge are those of flexibility so as not to break during installation or extraction and that of an anti-slip material or of anti-recoil form so as not to slip and then s escape under the pressure of the next higher tile weight.

We can adopt for example a flexible plastic or a variety of polyurethane or rubbers or elastomers formulated for this use or already having the desired characteristics.

Of course, the present invention does not depend on the material chosen. However, certain materials such as those indicated above allow better practical results to be obtained.

The desired effects can also be obtained by suitable technical forms, whether or not associated with material characteristics.

The same effect can be obtained by technical anti-recoil or contact forms, for example a succession of transverse edges in the form of stair treads such as 52 and 53. These, preferably in counter-slope, are that is to say with a descending plane towards the next higher step, they act as transverse linear support surfaces 54 and 55 represented by the nose of each step.

These technical forms in stair steps, will be present on one or simultaneously on both wedge faces (Figure 19).

The counter-slope makes it possible to limit the contact and support zones to only the transverse lines of the nosings of the steps. Thus, the risk of local breakage of the tile or of chip (s), for example on sharp edge (s) during the extraction of the wedge, even after the setting of the adhesive, turns out to be significantly reduced. .

Of course, all equivalent forms or structures are suitable.

In order to lighten the body of the double wedge according to the invention, and correspondingly to save material, provision is made to produce it in the form of a hollow body suitably hollowed out by cavities or longitudinal 56 and transverse chambers 57 open or successive closed (Figure 16) or two longitudinal chambers 58 and 59 and a transverse chamber 60 joined together (Figure 12).

The arrangement and depth of these are shown in Figures 12, 16, 17 and 18.

An additional advantage of making the body of the wedge partially hollow relates to the general flexibility imparted thereto which allows it to better adapt to the different local variations in shapes and dimensions caused by certain supports.

In order to facilitate adjustment, the double shim has, along its outer longitudinal edges 43 and 44, transverse recesses such as 61 and 62, for example bowls, notches or any equivalent shape.

To facilitate taking the double wedge according to the invention, it will comprise, preferably at the common transverse junction, an anatomical hollow shape, for example a bowl or a tab 63 which will allow efficient and convenient entry of the double wedge for its installation or extraction (Figures 9 and 19).

According to another variant, the hold may present, in excess thickness at the common transverse junction, a transverse relief in the form for example of a rib 64 with rounded upper profile allowing a setting by tearing, for example, after too long drying of the adhesive (FIGS. 11, 13, and 14).

A fluted structure 65, 66, in striations or also in staircase steps, is further provided on either side of the common transverse junction 45 at the level of the connection surfaces 50 and 51 with the legs (FIGS. 11 and 15 ).

Of course, the maximum thickness of the double wedge may vary, as well as the inclination of the slope or slopes that each of the legs has from its birth to its end.

Many variations of this form are possible while retaining the same technical effect.

Figure 19 shows an example of application of a double block with technical support structure. We note in this figure the small width support zones to obtain a horizontal joint 67 with very parallel edges between four adjacent tiles 68, 69, 70 and 71, as well as correlatively, a vertical joint 72 of good execution.

As already indicated, these also make it possible to obtain the desired maintenance effect as well as the extraction practically without risk of splinter (s).

It is understood that beyond the means described, various obvious modifications and simple variants fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

Wedge for laying a wall or floor tile, characterized in that it consists of a body (1, 26) of generally arched shape, each of the two legs of which is shaped so as to present a progressive decrease in the thickness, the junction zone thereof being provided for gripping. Wedge perfected for laying the tiles of a wall or floor tile, characterized in that it consists of a body (26) of general shape in a double arch in the manner of the capital letter "H", each of which of the legs the component has a thickness decreasing towards each of the ends of the wedge. Wedge according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it has recesses (63 and 64) along its longitudinal edges. Wedge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its body is hollowed out in the form of longitudinal and transverse cavities. Wedge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the common transverse junction between the legs has a support and gripping bowl on its upper face. Wedge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the common transverse junction carries a gripping relief in rib. Wedge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body has technical non-return or contact forms on its faces. Chock according to claim 7, characterized in that the technical non-return forms or of contact are conformations in staircase steps. Wedge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the junction between the legs has in its upper edge an upper notch (16) making it possible to receive another double overlapping shim and in that the junction between the legs has in its lower edge a lower notch (17) for overlapping another double wedge. Wedge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed by bending a "V" shaped piece of sheet metal cut according to the contours of the wedge. Wedge according to the preceding claims taken as a whole, characterized in that a wedge of greater thickness is obtained by cutting the two legs at a determined distance from their end.

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