EP1059399B1 - Cross-shaped spacer - Google Patents

Abstract

The joining cross has three or more arms (1, 2, 3) projecting at angles from a common foot area with at least one (1) tapering towards the foot area to form an ideal break point (5) with the other two which are each set back at this ideal break point behind the fitting width. At least one of the arms has a hollowed area (10). At least one arm has a thickened area (6, 7) in the fitting width which can form a linear abutment for the tiles.

Description

The invention relates to a joint cross for fixing joints when laying Tiles or plates.

A joint cross, as the invention is not exclusive, but especially is known from DE-A-44 39 647. This joint cross is a plastic part and is used to define joints when laying tiles or panels, for example in Bonding process. It has four legs extending at right angles to each other, the one Have width according to the joint width between the tiles or slabs. To the Thighs is a handle integrally formed, which is perpendicular to two itself extending opposite leg of the joint cross. Laying down a smaller, second joint width are pin-shaped projections near the free ends of the legs provided on the grip surface remote areas. At least one of the four Leg of the joint cross is a predetermined breaking point formed by notching intended.

In a joint cross known from FR-U 2 561 290 is in the central region of the Leg feet each provided a round recess. The total of four recesses occur behind the groove width defining pass width of the joint cross back.

The object of the invention is to cancel a joint cross leg so to allow canceling of any disruptive material after canceling Leg remains.

The invention relates to a joint cross for fixing joints when laying Tiles or slabs with at least three legs, which in a common foot area protrude from each other at an angle and each have a pass width, the width of a joint between matches the tiles or panels. A first leg of the at least three legs is closed the foot area tapers, creating a predetermined breaking point to the other two Thighs is formed.

The joint cross is preferably made in one piece of plastic and serves preferably for laying in an adhesive or mortar method. Preferably The first leg is perpendicular from each of the other two legs, so that the joint cross has the shape of a "T". It remains after canceling the two in the flight lying other thighs, after all, still a fitting piece for Forming a joint in the passport width can form. In a preferred Embodiment, the joint cross four, at right angles to each other Thigh open, and it is by breaking the first leg of a T-shaped Joint cross obtained for the formation of a T-joint.

According to the invention, each of the two other legs is at the predetermined breaking point Formation of a notch tip withdrawn behind its pass width. This will ensures that after breaking off the first leg one at the breaking point possibly remaining material laces not above the level of the pass line or Pass width level can stand out, the cross on the side of the Predetermined breaking point forms.

Immediately at the predetermined breaking point is preferably only one leg, the should be canceled, tapered to achieve a notch effect, for example perpendicular or preferably straight obliquely to a longitudinal axis of this leg undercut. The first leg may preferably curved bulged in the Predetermined breaking point run in, whereby in the foot area a tip with a very sharp Angle and thus a particularly well-defined predetermined breaking point arises. Because the two other leg, to which the predetermined breaking point is formed, preferably no score have in the region of the predetermined breaking point, the predetermined breaking point is still more accurate at the formed first leg. Ultimately unavoidable material laces, which after the Abort in the area of the predetermined breaking point from the other two legs, are kept as small as possible in this way.

The exact laying of tiles or plates, it is contrary, if a leg of the Joint cross not uniform in the width of the pass is executed, but one Has thickening in the pass width. The thickening defines the pass width of the thigh. Since the leg thus has areas that are withdrawn from the thickening, may be the adhesive, generally an adhesive or mortar, in addition to the thickening in the withdrawn area or areas withdrawn at Pass the joint cross over the joint when the joint cross is positioned. If namely the adhesive usually applied before laying the tiles or panels Not evenly thick, it can be applied at a point where a joint cross is positioned, come to accumulations of adhesive mass, in which the joint cross in such a case is pressed. By the formation of a passbreitendicken only partially Joint cross is prevented from displaced by the joint cross adhesive mass pressed under adjacent tiles or plates and this can discard.

Although the advantage in principle already by training such a thickening only one leg can be achieved because the adhesive mass at least in its area can escape to the outside, are preferably all legs of the joint cross with at least each provided a thickening in the pass width of the respective leg, wherein Preferably, the pass width for all legs is the same. The passport width of each Leg is preferably by a thickening or more in the longitudinal direction of the Schenkel formed successively arranged thickening.

The thickening is preferably rounded. It is particularly preferred on all sides until Leak rounded in a recessed leg area. By this shaping is advantageously a line-shaped impact, i. a linear plant, for the tiles or plates formed. A linear push can basically, though less preferred to be formed by an edge.

By forming the pass width in the form of one or more thickenings and in particular by training a plant to become the tiles or slabs as a line Unevenness of the tile edges compensates or disturbs at least far less than at flat contact over the length or a substantial part of the length of a leg.

Already by the inventive design of the predetermined breaking point is a withdrawn Range and thus a thickening in the above sense of the two Formed legs, of which the break-off first leg protrudes.

In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, one forms the pass width of a Schenkel defining thickening of the type described above, a free end of this Leg.

The feature of thickening is particularly preferred in combination with the invention Predetermined breaking point realized. But also a joint cross according to the generic term of claim 1, which may not have its characteristic b), may, with Advantageous one or more thickening of the type described above. Such a joint cross for fixing joints when laying tiles or plates Accordingly, has at least three legs, which in a common foot area protrude from each other at an angle and each have a pass width, the width of a joint between matches the tiles or panels. At least one of the legs of this joint cross has a thickening in the passport width.

In an advantageous further development, at least one of the legs has a cavity educated. By forming the cavity material is saved. When the joint cross made of plastic in a plastic casting process, in particular in an injection molding process, as is preferred, so the cooling time is due to the cavity and thus reduces the tool life in comparison to a solid material leg.

Preferably, the thickening described above is in a cross-section in training the rounding cylindrical. It is particularly preferred in a further embodiment of the cavity hollow cylinder. The thickening can be done with a continuous cavity or one only be provided on one side of the thickening open cavity. If the cavity in an inventive Thickening is formed, it is hereinafter referred to as thickening of a first type or simply referred to as the first thickening.

The cavity is preferably used to form a plug connection with another joint cross, on which a plug-in extension is designed for this purpose. The other cross is preferred formed according to one of the claims. It can, however, in principle also by another joint cross is formed. In particular, it can by a generic Joint cross or a cross with only the feature a) of claim 1 are formed, advantageously further disclosed in connection with the invention Characteristics are realized.

The cross-section of the cavity and the cross-section of the plug-in extension are preferred for Forming a purely frictional connector adapted shaped. Preferably their cross sections are the same shape, the cavity has a slight excess, so that the plug-in extension in the cavity fits snugly, but slightly inserted into the cavity and again without danger of damage can be pulled out. In one preferred embodiment, the one joint cross several for a plug connection adapted to a plug-in extension shaped cavities. In another preferred Embodiment, the other joint cross several for a plug connection with a cavity adapted shaped plug extensions on. Even more preferred a joint cross has one or more cavities and one or more plug-in extensions at the same time.

The joint crosses are particularly suitable for mating a variety of joint crosses to a figure, for example an animal figure, which promotes sales in a sales room the attention of potential customers on themselves and thus on the crosshairs directed. The ability to connect several joint crossings also facilitates the Handling when laying the tiles or plates and also the storage of the cruciforms. For example, individual joint crosses are less likely to get lost.

In a preferred embodiment, lugs protrude from and out of the legs a plane spanned by the thighs. The approaches each have a pass width, which corresponds to a joint width between the tiles or slabs and smaller than that Pass width of the thighs is. Due to this design of the cruciforms, as such DE-A-44 39 647, joints in two different, defined Widths are formed.

The approaches have chaffered outer edges in a development at their free front ends. In a first embodiment, the approaches are straight cylindrical and only in Chamfered to its end. In a further embodiment, the approaches are over a large Part of its length tapered towards its free ends. To her respective Thighs, however, they run straight cylindrical. Due to the chamfered outer edge or Conical shape of the approaches is an especially easy insertion into the joint possible. Further Pulling the joint cross from the adhesive mass is facilitated because the adhesive mass less firm than stuck to blunt approaches. Finally, also chamfering the approaches to a material saving.

At least one of the lugs, which can advantageously be chamfered, has a cross section which is in a cross-section of a cavity in one of the legs of another joint cross can be inserted and held frictionally in the cavity after insertion becomes. It can thus cross the frictional connection between two or more joints be formed. The cavity or preferably several cavities are to make the connector expediently to one of the approaches away facing side of the joint cross open.

In yet a preferred embodiment of the legs protrudes from a handle, the between two gripping surfaces has a free outer contour, at least a little way perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to a plane spanned by the legs plane. In particular, the outer contour in this piece in training a rest in a Angle to the perpendicular to the plane that is less than ten degrees. Through this form and Alignment of the outer contour makes it possible to use the handle as a support for a spirit level to use. A spirit level can so on only two grips of two in the horizontal spaced apart laid tile crosses and otherwise laid free become.

In a further development, at least one of the legs has a cavity of a second Kind of called in the following second cavity. The second cavity is preferably elongated. Preferably, it extends over two legs. Especially it extends over the two legs, which attaches to the first leg. If one or a plurality of first cavities are formed, the second cavity extends to close to the first cavity (s) in the two thighs. Preferably, it is one Bottom of the joint cross open. The second cavity is preferably as straight, simple longitudinal groove formed. It can also be advantageously designed as a passage slot be. Preferably, it is symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the or such gehöhlten leg arranged.

In the second cavity can advantageously a handle of another joint cross be recorded. Although preferred, the receptacle handle must be not to act a handle with an outer contour of the type described above. The outer contour can basically also form a slope, as in the joint cross of the DE-A-44 39 647 is the case on which a free-lying spirit level, however, slips off. However, preferred is a handle with an outer contour, of which a spirit level does not slip without external influence.

The second cavity and the handle preferably have such matched to each other Cross-sections on that the handle in the second cavity after insertion frictionally is held, i. between the second cavity and the handle a frictional Plug connection is formed.

The second cavity may be the only cavity in the at least one leg or one form another cavity to the cavity in a thickening. Likewise, the cavity in a thickening may be the only cavity or cavity type. The combination of the two Hollows or cavities are preferred.

A single approach or multiple approaches may or may not involve the push-in process or the Form plug extensions. Also, the handle alone, the plug-in extension described Make kind of. The connector formed by the second cavity and the handle So, like the approach or approaches, the only way to put it together make two or more joints. Particularly preferred is a combination of both plug-in extensions and also of both possibilities for a plug connection.

Also, a joint cross only with the feature a) of claim 1 and in particular in combination with one or more of claims 2, 3 or 7 and / or one of the new ones Features of the handle provides a particularly advantageous embodiment of a joint cross which is further improved by means of further features disclosed in the application can be. The applicant reserves the right to request one or more divisional applications to judge.

Fig. 1

ein Fugenkreuz für mittelbreite Fugen in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 2

das Fugenkreuz der Fig. 1 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 3

ein Fugenkreuz für breite Fugen in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 4

das Fugenkreuz der Fig. 3 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 5

ein Fugenkreuz für schmale Fugen in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und

Fig. 6

das Fugenkreuz der Fig. 5 in einer anderen perspektivischen Ansicht.

Preferred embodiments are explained below with reference to figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a joint cross for medium width joints in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

the joint cross of Fig. 1 in another perspective view,

Fig. 3

a joint cross for wide joints in a perspective view,

Fig. 4

the joint cross of Fig. 3 in another perspective view,

Fig. 5

a joint cross for narrow joints in a perspective view and

Fig. 6

the joint cross of Fig. 5 in another perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows a joint cross in a perspective view on an upper side of the joint cross toward a wall, which is not shown. Fig. 2 shows that same joint cross in a perspective perspective towards a bottom to the joint cross.

The joint cross includes four legs 1, 2, 3 and 4 with lugs 12 and a handle 14. The joint cross is made in one piece of plastic in an injection molding process.

The four legs 1 - 4 protrude from a common foot area or crossing area right-angled and rigid from each other. They stretch a plane in their right angles on. From each of the legs 1 - 4 each protrudes a circular cylindrical projection 12 from the bottom of the respective leg perpendicular to the thigh plane. The handle 14 protrudes from the top of the legs 1 - 4 also perpendicular to the thigh plane. The two Legs 2 and 3 point along a common central longitudinal axis, which has a first axis of symmetry of the joint cross forms, away from the common foot area and form a solid cross carcass. The two legs 1 and 4 protrude along a common, second central longitudinal axis of the common foot area from each other path. The second central longitudinal axis forms a perpendicular to the first axis of symmetry second axis of symmetry of the joint cross. The joint cross altogether is achsymetrisch with respect to the two axes of symmetry.

The two legs 1 and 4 are each a predetermined breaking point 5 at the by the two formed on other legs 2 and 3 formed solid Fugenkreuzkorpus. The breaking point 5 is formed by an imaginary connecting line between two notched tips. In the notch tips or the predetermined breaking point 5 sets the leg 1 at the two legs. 2 and 3 on. The two legs 2 and 3 are not in turn in the region of the predetermined breaking point 5 notched. In the exemplary embodiment, the leg 2 and the leg 3 each run with axis-parallel, plan surface areas 9 in the respective notch reason. Another Course of the two surface areas 9 would also be conceivable, but should be an acute-angled Kerbgrund be guaranteed to the breaking point 5 in the desired shape, such as shown with dotted line to get. A notch effect on the part of the two But legs 2 and 3 should also in another form of the two surface areas. 9 be avoided. However, the leg 1 is in its cross section to the notch bottom rejuvenated. He runs in the embodiment on both sides straight obliquely tapered in the Notch base. To a particularly sharp and thus very well defined Kerbgrund too The taper could also be obtained by a bulbous outward arching shape of the Schenkels 1 be formed on his thigh foot. The notch bottom runs perpendicular to Longitudinal axis of the legs 2 and 3.

The predetermined breaking point 5 is located quite a distance behind a tangent or tangential plane to the longitudinal side walls of the two legs 2 and 3. The withdrawn Surface areas 9 of the legs 2 and 3 form relative to such an enveloping tangent or tangent plane a withdrawn area. If the leg 1 for training of a T-shaped joint cross broken off at its breaking point 5, so is safely avoided by this arrangement of the predetermined breaking point 5, that after breaking off not completely avoidable material tip, which at the break off point of the Thighs 2 and 3 protrudes, protruding beyond the imaginary tangent or tangential plane. For the opposite leg 4 is a predetermined breaking point 5 is formed in the same way, as can be seen in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 2 are representative of all legs 1 to 4 for one of these legs two Enter widths B 1 and B2. The widths B 1 and B2 define the width of one in use of the joint cross available and are therefore below as pass widths designated. The legs 1 - 4 define a first pass width B1 and the molded-on Approaches 12 a contrast, smaller, second pass width B2. By plugging the joint cross only to the bottom of the legs 1 - 4 is the joint width through the Approaches 12 defined. The tiles or plates that form the joint between them start off the lugs 12 and therefore have between them the joint width B2. Should the joint width B1, then the legs 1 - 4 are pressed into the adhesive mass. In this Fall the joints or plates to the side surfaces of the legs 1 - 4, and it will be the Groove width B 1 obtained. The side walls of the legs 1 - 4 are straight and have all perpendicular to the plane spanned by the legs 1-4. The imaginary tangent planes to the two longitudinal sides of each of the legs 1 - 4 are plane-parallel. Your distance corresponds to the pass width B 1.

Each of the legs 1 - 4 has in the direction of its longitudinal axis one behind the other two round outwardly bulging thickenings 6 and 7, between which a withdrawn Region 8 is formed in the manner of a constriction. The thickening 6 forms in each case the rounded free end of each of the legs 1 - 4. The thickenings 6 and 7 of Legs 1 - 4 should be cylindrical, in the embodiment, they are circular cylindrical. Rounded by the in the region of the thickening 6 and 7 to the imaginary tangent planes out Pre-curved shape of these thickenings 6 and 7 arise linienhafte editions or Shock lines for the tiles or plates which abut against the thickenings 6 and 7. bumps at the edges of the tiles and plates are thereby compensated. By the recessed areas 8 and 9 and the notch of the legs 1 and 4, respectively Room for the adhesive mass created. When pushing in the grout cross into the Häftmasse swells displaced adhesive mass in the area of the recessed areas 8 and 9 and the Kerbgrunds outward and can be easily removed there. By the facilitated Exiting the adhesive mass prevents the displaced adhesive mass under the adjacent Tiles or plates can be pressed and thereby distortions of the tiles or plates caused. Furthermore, the pull-out force for pulling out the joint cross reduced from the joint. A material saving results likewise by the Definition of the pass width B1 by means of the thickenings 6 and 7, namely in comparison to Legs that are made over the entire length in the pass width B1. After all Minimize the curves and the reset of the predetermined breaking points 5 the risk of injury at any sharp edges, and it can be due to the rounding Abrechenvorgänge perform lighter and more pleasant.

The lugs 12 are straight cylindrical over most of their lengths. At her free Ends, however, they are provided with a peripherally beveled outer edge 13. At the free Ends of the lugs 12 arise as truncated cones. By chamfering the outer edges the introduction into the adhesive mass is facilitated. Furthermore, by chamfering the Pull-out force when pulling out the joint cross in comparison to a blunt end the lugs 12 reduced. By chamfering eventually material for the Production of the joint cross saved, wherein the truncated cone area with the chamfered outer edge 13 also extended over the embodiment in the embodiment and thus the potential for material savings can be increased.

The legs 1 - 4 are provided with cavities. This results in a material saving in comparison to a joint cross made of solid material. In particular, the cooling time and thus reduces the service life of the joint cross in the mold. By the Reducing the service life results in an increase in productivity per tool and thus a cost reduction in the production.

In Fig. 1 first cavities 10 can be seen. Each first cavity 10 is in each of the Thickenings 6 formed, to which the lugs 12 are integrally formed. The first caves 10 each have the shape of a circular cylindrical bore. They end in either the type of blind hole in the thickening 6 or are into the lugs 12 into it extended. Each of the cavities 10 may also be formed offset with a large Cross-sectional area in the region of the thickening 6 and a contrast smaller cross-sectional area in the respective approach 12.

The cross section of each of the cavities 10 is in a first embodiment on the Cross-section of the lugs 12 of the same joint cross adjusted so that each of the Approaches 12 can be inserted into each of the cavities 10 and plugged in State frictionally and releasably held therein. By between two joint crosses a frictional connector by means of a cavity 10 of a joint cross and a neck 12 of another joint cross can be made and because of the additional Variation variety due to the number of cavities per joint cross 10 and lugs 12, it is possible by mating a plurality of joint crosses To form a figure of any size, such as an animal figure, with joints crosses. Such a figure can be issued as a promotional measure in a showroom become the attention of potential buyers to the rather inconspicuous To set up joint crosses. With joint crosses in different shades can the appearance Such a figure can be made particularly appealing.

Preferably, cross joints in different sizes, especially in different Passes, provided, and it will be each of the sizes in another Hue offered. By in a second embodiment, a cavity 10 of a Joint cross of a first size for the production of a plug connection with a Approach 12 of a joint cross another, smaller size is formed, a multicolored figure to be put together.

The cavities 10 and the lugs 12 may be formed so that the joint cross the same size can be plugged together, resulting in the formation of the cavity 10 in the thickening 6 is readily possible. The cavities 10 and the lugs 12 can also have such cross-sections, only for plug-in joints of joint crosses are suitable in different sizes, for example, if a simple straight cylindrical cavity to protrude into a projection 12. Through a cavity 10 with a larger cross section in the region of the thickening 6 and a smaller cross section in approach 12 are frictional connections of joints crosses in different Sizes can be produced.

In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the formed by the two legs 2 and 3 Fugenkreuzkorpus with a second cavity 11 in the form of a straight, parallel-walled longitudinal groove is provided. If a handle 14 is not provided at the top of the joint cross is and the two legs 2 and 3 are made sufficiently wide, the second Cavity 11 also be enlarged to a through slot. The of the thighs 2 and 3 formed Kreuzkreuzkorpus encloses in this training as the passage slot formed second cavity box-shaped. A rounded through slot would be equally realizable. An advantage is that such a joint cross for remaining in the joint is particularly suitable. After fixing the joint, d. H. after fulfilling his primary Task, such a joint cross can be easily overgrown with a grout. The Fugenmasse takes place despite the joint cross or even just because of the so-trained Joint cross a secure hold in the joint.

However, as is also preferred, the seam cross has at its top Grip 14, after the formation of the joint, the joint cross again simply from Pull out the adhesive and reuse it. Basically, it would be possible to leave a joint cross without handle in the joint. The training of the Handle 14, however, adds a lot more practical over the allowed gripping addition Advantages.

The handle 14 has the shape of a thin plate with two opposing Grips. It can be firmly gripped between two fingers. In a middle area the handle 14 is provided with a slot 15. The slot 15 extends from a formed between the two gripping surfaces outer contour 16 perpendicular to the of the legs 1 - 4 clamped plane to. In the slot 15 a guide cord can be inserted become. For this purpose, the joint cross in the joint is positioned so that the two Legs 2 and 3 and thus the handle 14 form the vertical. With two such in one Horizontally spaced joint crevices can be a horizontal Straightening line. The guideline with a knot at one end is in the slot 15 of a joint cross pinched and through the slot 15 of the other Joint cross drawn and stretched. The drawn through the latter slot 15 Guideline is guided by the notch base of the underlying leg 1 or 4 and wrapped around this leg 1 or 4 and secured so. Should the thigh in Training a T-shaped joint cross to have been canceled, so can the guideline wrapped around one of the legs 2 and 3 and fixed in such a way. In any case comes the Richtschnurr due to the thickening 6 and 7 within a withdrawn Area 9 or in the two notch bases of the legs 1 and 4 to lie and therefore does not wear up.

The mutually facing, long edges of the slot 15 point perpendicular to the of the legs spanned plane or at an angle of less than 10 °, preferably less than 5 ° to the perpendicular to the thigh plane, so that even safer prevented is that the guideline, in particular the end with the node, out of the slot 15th from slipping out.

The outer contour 16 has at least a little way from the top of the joint cross perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the plane spanned by the legs 1-4. By this course of the contour 16, it is possible, at two spaced Positionserten Fugenkreuzen or on the handles 14 a spirit level in the horizontal align. In particular, the spirit level remains due to the course of the outer contour 16 lie on the two handles 14 and does not slip away from the wall from the grips 14. The user must position the spirit level for exact positioning do not permanently press the crosshairs horizontally against the crosshairs, on the one hand to ensure the accuracy of the alignment and on the other hand To prevent slipping of the spirit level. One to reduce a notch effect possibly existing slope of the outer contour 16 is in the area in which a spirit level is applied, at least not greater than 10 degrees to the vertical the plane spanned by the legs 1 - 4.

Finally, by an adapted shaping of the second cavity 11 and the Grip 14 obtained a second frictional connector for two joints cross. At least the second cavity 11 can receive a handle 14. The second cavity 11 and the handle 14 are provided in alignment with the joint cross. This second Possibility of joining of joint crosses is especially for the practical Handling of interest. Thus, by means of the cavities 11 and the handles 14th to a straight stack put together Fugenkreuze be handled easier as a loose variety of the same crosshairs.

The slot 15 has over its entire edge region to each of the two gripping surfaces towards a chamfered edge 17. In the embodiment, the chamfer of the edge is 17th formed as a landing. By chamfering the edge 17, the one end of the Guide with the said node more securely held in the bottom of the slot 15. Furthermore results in a further material savings.

Figs. 3 and 4 show joints with all the features of the embodiment Figs. 1 and 2, but in a different size. The pass widths B 1 and B2 of the joint cross FIGS. 3 and 4 are larger than those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and 2. The cavities 10 and 11 and the handle 14 of the joint cross of Figs. 3 and 4 and at least the cavity 11 and the handle 14 of the joint cross of Figs. 1 and 2 are formed so that the joint cross of Fig. 1 and 2 and the joint cross of Fig. 3rd and 4 plugged together by means of the two connectors described above can be.

FIGS. 5 and 6 finally show another joint cross in a third size. The Joint cross of Fig. 5 and 6 has smaller pass widths B1 and B2 than that of FIG. 1st and 2 on. Furthermore, the joint cross of Fig. 5 and 6 does not have the second Cavity 11, since its pass width B 1 is already so small that a short cooling and durability is given in the mold from home. In the other constructive features However, it corresponds to the joint crosses of Fig. 1 to 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first leg

2

second leg

3

third thigh

4

fourth leg

5

Breaking point

6

thickening

7

thickening

8th

Surface area, constriction

9

Surface area, constriction

10

cavity

11

Cavity, longitudinal groove

12

approach

13

outer edge

14

grip

15

slot

16

outer contour

17

offset edge

Claims (10)

1. A jointing spider for defining joints when laying tiles or slabs,

   a) including at least three legs (1, 2, 3) protruding at an angle to each other in a common root region and each having a fitting width (B1) corresponding to a spacing between the tiles or slabs,

   b) a first leg (1) of the at least three legs (1, 2, 3) being tapered towards the root region, forming a predetermined breaking location (5) relative to the other two legs (2, 3), and

   c) each of the other two legs (2, 3) being relieved or waisted behind its fitting width (B1) at the predetermined breaking location (5),
   characterised in that

   d) the predetermined breaking location (5) is formed by an imaginary line connecting two tips of the notch, wherein the first leg (1) is tapered in its cross-section towards the bottom of the notch.
2. The jointing spider as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that in at least one of the legs (1, 2, 3), a hole or hollow (10, 11) is configured.
3. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the legs (1, 2, 3) comprises a thickened portion (6, 7) in the fitting width (B1).
4. The jointing spider as set forth in the preceding claim, characterised in that the thickened portion (6) forms a free end of the leg (1, 2, 3).
5. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding two claims, characterised in that the thickened portion (6, 7) forms a line or line-like joint for the tiles or slabs.
6. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding three claims, characterised in that the thickened portion (6, 7) is hollow cylindrical.
7. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

   projections (12) protruding from the legs (1, 2, 3) out of a plane spanned by the legs (1, 2, 3);

   each of the projections (12) having a fitting width (B2) corresponding to a spacing between the tiles or slabs and being smaller than the fitting width (B1) of the legs (1, 2, 3), for defining a second, smaller spacing,

   characterised in that

   the projections (12) comprise chamfered outer edges (13) at their free, front ends.
8. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

   projections (12) protruding from the legs (1, 2, 3) out of a plane spanned by the legs (1, 2, 3);

   each of the projections (12) having a fitting width (B2) corresponding to a spacing between the tiles or slabs and being smaller than the fitting width (B1) of the legs (1, 2, 3), for defining a second, smaller spacing,

   characterised in that

   at least one of the projections (12) comprises a cross-section which can be inserted into a hole or hollow (10) in one of the legs (1, 2, 3) of another jointing spider and is held in the hole or hollow (10) by friction contact.
9. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a handle (14) projects protrudes from the legs (1, 2, 3) and comprises a free outer contour (16) between two grip surfaces, said free outer contour (16) running at least in part perpendicularly or near-perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the legs (1, 2, 3).
10. The jointing spider as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the legs (1, 2, 3) comprises a hole or hollow (11) in which a handle (14) of another jointing spider can be received and is preferably held in it by friction contact.

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