EP2016238A1 - A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like. - Google Patents

A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like.

Info

Publication number
EP2016238A1
EP2016238A1 EP06756285A EP06756285A EP2016238A1 EP 2016238 A1 EP2016238 A1 EP 2016238A1 EP 06756285 A EP06756285 A EP 06756285A EP 06756285 A EP06756285 A EP 06756285A EP 2016238 A1 EP2016238 A1 EP 2016238A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
slabs
plate
rest surface
predisposed
shaped
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
Application number
EP06756285A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2016238B1 (en
Inventor
Franco Stefani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
System SpA
Original Assignee
System SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by System SpA filed Critical System SpA
Publication of EP2016238A1 publication Critical patent/EP2016238A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2016238B1 publication Critical patent/EP2016238B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
    • E04F13/0803—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
    • E04F13/081—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements
    • E04F13/0814—Separate fastening elements with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements with additional fastening elements between furring elements and covering elements fixed by means of clamping action
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
    • E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
    • E04F13/0833—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable
    • E04F13/0839—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements not adjustable the fastening elements situated at the corners of the covering elements, not extending through the covering
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/14—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements stone or stone-like materials, e.g. ceramics concrete; of glass or with an outer layer of stone or stone-like materials or glass
    • E04F13/142—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements stone or stone-like materials, e.g. ceramics concrete; of glass or with an outer layer of stone or stone-like materials or glass with an outer layer of ceramics or clays
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/14—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements stone or stone-like materials, e.g. ceramics concrete; of glass or with an outer layer of stone or stone-like materials or glass
    • E04F13/145—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements stone or stone-like materials, e.g. ceramics concrete; of glass or with an outer layer of stone or stone-like materials or glass with an outer layer of glass

Definitions

  • a Spacer Element for Flat Elements such as Slabs. Tiles and the like.
  • the invention relates to a spacer element for fixing slabs and the like.
  • the invention relates to spacers normally used in laying slab coverings, such as for example ceramic tiles, glass panes and the like.
  • spacers are mainly used which have the function of creating separation lines between the tiles.
  • the market offers cross-shaped elements having a determined number or arms.
  • a spacer is positioned at the corners of each tile so that the arms of the spacer are interpositioned between two tiles located side-by-side.
  • the interpositioning of the spacer arms enables space-lines to be made which are at least as wide as the arms.
  • the spacers can be sunk into the grout filling the lines or can be removed after the grout has hardened to a sufficient extent.
  • Known-type spacers have some drawbacks. Firstly, they have a stable shape and are therefore suited to a determined type of laying of the tiles (or slabs in general).
  • the main aim of the present invention is to provide a spacer which overcomes the drawbacks in the known-type spacers. This aim is attained by the spacer element of the first claim.
  • the spacer enables slabs of various forms to be laid, in patterns which are also various, while maintaining constant-width lines between the slab elements.
  • the spacer of the present invention can be usefully employed for fixing the slabs to a support structure.
  • a first type of fixture device is constituted by usually C-shaped hook elements, predisposed to hook to edges of the slabs in order in turn to be fixed to a support structure.
  • the devices of this type exhibit the advantage of not requiring any working of the slabs, but are exclusively suitable for fixing square slabs. In order to fix a slab, at least eight fixing elements (two for each side) are needed, leading to rather long and laborious mounting operations.
  • a second type of fixing device comprises shaped elements which are anchored to the slabs before being fixed to a support structure. Although this type of device exhibits the advantage of being usable with slabs of any shape, it is also true that the anchoring of the shaped elements to the slabs required working on the slabs, including possibly having to bore holes therein, and/or sinking channels therein. These operations lead to a certain increase in slab production costs.
  • the main aim of the present invention is to provide a spacer element which enables fixture of slabs to support structures in a way which obviates the drawbacks of known-type fixing devices. This aim is attained by the spacer element for fixing slabs according to the included claims. Disclosure of Invention
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the spacer element according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a section view of the element of figure 1, during use;
  • Figure 3 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the spacer element of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a section view of the element of figure 4 in a use condition
  • Figure 6 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the spacer element of the present invention. . .
  • Figure 8 is a section view of the element of figure 7 in a use condition
  • Figure 9 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 8.
  • the spacer further comprises shaped appendages 3 associated to the plate 2.
  • Each of the shaped appendages 3 is mobile with respect to the plate 2 between at least a first position, in which it does not project with respect to the rest surface 2a and at least a second position in which it projects from the rest surface 2a in such a way as to be interplaceable between two slabs 30 positioned resting on the rest surface 2a.
  • the shaped appendages 3 are preferably arranged on a peripheral portion of the plate 2.
  • the plate 2 preferably exhibits a circular shape.
  • the shaped appendages 3 are constituted by peripheral sectors of the plate 2, which appendages 3 are separated from one another by radially-developing cuts.
  • the shaped appendages 3 are mobile with respect to the plate 2, preferably by plastic deformation in the joint areas between the shaped appendages 3 and the plate 2.
  • the appendages 3 are co-planar to the rest surface 2a, so that the plate 2 is flat.
  • the appendages 3 are bent in order to project with respect to the rest surface 2a at least by a portion thereof.
  • the edges of two slabs 30 can be positioned in contact with two opposite sides of the projecting portion, with respect to the rest surface 2a, of a shaped appendage 3, so that the two slabs 30 are spaced one from another by the projecting portion of the shaped appendage 3.
  • some of the shaped appendages 3 are in the first position, while others are in the second position.
  • the different positioning of the appendages 3 can be organised on the basis of the conformation and type of positioning of the slabs 30.
  • the slabs exhibit various and different shapes. This means that the separation lines 31 between the slabs 30 do not meet up at equal angles. Consequently the shaped appendages 3 indicated by 3 a are brought into the second position in order each to be interplaced between two slabs 30 in order to account for the arrangement of the lines 31.
  • a plate 2 as in figure 3 can be positioned, but with shaped appendages 3 a in the second position which are different from those illustrated in figure 3, in order to take into account the various arrangements the lines 31 can exhibit at this position.
  • the slabs 30 exhibit a quadrangular shape, and the lines 31 are arranged in right-angles. Therefore, for all the plates 2 arranged at the ends of the lines 31, the shaped appendages 3a in the second position are separated by right angles.
  • a plate 2 is illustrated having a shape that is suitable for quadrangular slabs 30. In this example only four shaped appendages 3 are present, separated by right-angles and delimited by shaped cuts developing not necessarily radially.
  • the spacer can be usefully applied for laying ceramic tiles. In a first embodiment the spacer is arranged on the tile laying plane, where the tiles are laid in positions which overlie at least partially the spacer element itself. Thereafter the grout is spread to fill the lines between the tiles.
  • the spacer is consequently sunk into the grout.
  • the tiles are laid in succession on the laying plane.
  • the progressive laying of the tiles is added to by the use of one or more spacer, elements which are laid above the tiles already laid in order that the shaped appendages 3 arranged in the second position are applied at the edges of the already-laid tiles.
  • the tiles to be laid are then brought up to the shaped appendages 3 arranged in the second position so that the predetermined lines are formed.
  • the shaped appendages 3 are advantageously provided with a hooking portion 4.
  • the hooking portion 4 is predisposed to be positioned in contact with a front surface 30a of at least a slab 30 positioned in contact with the shaped appendage 3 to which the hooking portion 4 is associated.
  • Each of the hooking portions 4 extends preferably in a transversal direction with respect to the shaped appendage 3 to which it is associated.
  • the function of the hooking portion 4, illustrated schematically in figures 5 and 8, is to enable the slabs 30 to be constrained to the plate 2 to prevent direct movements perpendicularly to the rest surface 2a.
  • Each of the hooking portions 4 defines two undercuts 4a. Each undercut 4a faces towards the rest surface 2a in order to define a space in which a slab 30 can be inserted at a portion of edge.
  • the hooking portions 4 are preferably arranged and conformed in such a way that the slabs 30 insert by friction in the space defined between the undercuts 4a and the rest surface 2a, so that displacements of the slabs 30 in a plane parallel to the rest surface 2a are limited or prevented.
  • the function of the hooking portions is particularly advantageous as it enables blocking of the slabs 30 while enabling the lines 31 between the slabs 30 to remain empty.
  • a further important advantage is that the blocking of the slabs does not require the performing of any working operations on the tiles themselves.
  • the hooking portions 4 can be positioned in an application configuration, in which the undercuts 4a face the rest surface 2a, by a plastic deformation of the zone in which the hooking portions 4 are connected with the shaped appendages 3.
  • a single bend is sufficient, bringing the undercuts 4a into a parallel position to the rest surfaces 2a, while in the example of figure 8 two bends are needed to deform the shaped appendages 3 into an S shape so that the undercuts 4a are arranged in a parallel position to the rest surface 2a.
  • the spacer of the present invention comprises means for blocking predisposed to fix the slabs 30 to the rest surface 2a of the plate 2.
  • FIG. 2 A first example of the means for blocking is illustrated in figure 2.
  • the means for blocking comprise a small plate 5 predisposed to be placed in contact with the front surface 30a of the slabs resting on the rest surface 2a of the plate 2.
  • Means for fastening are predisposed to draw the small plate 5 towards the plate 2, and thus into contact with the front surface 30a of the slabs 30.
  • the small plate 5 enables blocking the slabs 30 without any special work operations being necessary.
  • the means for blocking preferably comprise a threaded element, for example a screw 6 arranged through the small plate 5 and predisposed for screwing into an anchoring element 7 associable to a support structure 32, 33.
  • a threaded element for example a screw 6 arranged through the small plate 5 and predisposed for screwing into an anchoring element 7 associable to a support structure 32, 33.
  • the support structure 32, 33 can be of any type, for example a scaffold of elements, a frame for ventilated walls or a brick wall.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a support structure in which elements 32 are connected to a wall 33.
  • the means for blocking and the means for fastening connect the slabs 30 to the elements 32 in such a way that the slabs 30 are not in contact with the wall 33.
  • the screw 6 might engage directly to .the wall 33 in a case in which no spacing is envisaged between the slabs 30 and the wall 33.
  • the slabs can be mounted in the following stages.
  • the plates 2 required for the fixing of a slab are each engaged to the support structure by means of the anchor element 7 and the screw 6.
  • the slabs 30 are then positioned with respect to the plates 2 and the small plates 5 are positioned with respect to the screws 6 and the slabs 30. At his point by tightening the screws 6 the slabs 30 are blocked to the support surface.
  • FIG. 5 A second embodiment of the means for blocking is illustrated in figure 5.
  • the means for blocking comprise the hooking portions 4, elastic means, predisposed to be interposed between the slabs 30 and the rest surface 2a, and means for fastening predisposed to fix the plate 2 to a support structure 32.
  • the elastic means are preferably constituted by elastic shaped appendages 3e located by the side of the hooking portions 4. This shaped appendages 3e are slightly inclined in order to project from the rest surface 2a.
  • the slabs rest on the shaped appendages 3e located by the side of the hooking portions 4 and are slightly distanced from the rest surface 2a.
  • the slabs 30 are thus elastically supported as the elastic shaped appendages 3e are elastically flexible.
  • the elastic rest for the slabs 30 can be obtained by using an elastic ring 8 positioned between the rest surface 2a and the slabs 30.
  • the presence of the elastic means guarantees an efficient absorbent effect against the impacts or vibrations that the slabs may be subject to.
  • the means for fastening also comprise threaded element or a screw 6 arranged through a small plate 5 and predisposed to tighten in an anchoring element 7 associable to a support structure 32.
  • the small plate 5, in this case, is placed in contact not with the front surface 30a of the slabs 30, but instead with the plate 2, as the fastening of the slabs 30 to the plate 2 is realised by means of the hooking portions 4.
  • the support structure 32 is, schematically described, a shaped element, though as previously mentioned the support structure could be of any type and might be arranged in any way.
  • assembly of the slabs can be performed in the following stages.
  • the plates 2 needed for fastening a slab are each engaged to the support structure by means of the hooking element 7 and the screw 6 and the small plate 5.
  • the slabs 30 are positioned with respect to the plates 2. At this point, by tightening the screw 6 the slabs are blocked to the support surface.
  • the spacer for fastening flat elements such as slabs, tiles and the like of the present invention offers important advantages, Firstly, as already described, it requires no particular working of the slabs to enable fastening.
  • the element also enables fixing slabs of any shape with the interpositioning of lines between the slabs, which can be kept free.
  • Realising an elastic rest surface for the slabs means providing absorbency for impacts and vibrations, to which the slabs can be subject during normal use. Interpositioning the shaped appendages between the slabs means allowing the slabs to dilate, preventing the development of deformation and tensions following variations in temperature.
  • the spacer of the present invention also enables fixing slabs to support structures of any type and in any position, in particular to the floor, the ceiling and the walls. All mounting and dismounting operations are extremely simple and rapid.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)
  • Panels For Use In Building Construction (AREA)

Abstract

A spacer element for fixing flat elements such as slabs, tiles and the like comprising: a plate (2) exhibiting a rest surface (2a) predisposed for partial resting of one or more slabs (30) ; to make the spacer element suitable for laying slabs not having regular shapes, in particular for slabs of different shapes, laid in irregular patterns, there are shaped appendages (3) , each of which is mobile with respect to the plate (2) between at least a first position, in which it does not project with respect to the rest surface (2a) , and at least a second position, in which it projects from the rest surface (2a) in such a way as to be positioned between two slabs (30) positioned resting on the rest surface (2a) .

Description

Description
A Spacer Element for Flat Elements, such as Slabs. Tiles and the like.
Technical Field
The invention relates to a spacer element for fixing slabs and the like. In particular, the invention relates to spacers normally used in laying slab coverings, such as for example ceramic tiles, glass panes and the like. Background Art
In the laying of ceramic tiles spacers are mainly used which have the function of creating separation lines between the tiles. The market offers cross-shaped elements having a determined number or arms. A spacer is positioned at the corners of each tile so that the arms of the spacer are interpositioned between two tiles located side-by-side. The interpositioning of the spacer arms enables space-lines to be made which are at least as wide as the arms. The spacers can be sunk into the grout filling the lines or can be removed after the grout has hardened to a sufficient extent. Known-type spacers have some drawbacks. Firstly, they have a stable shape and are therefore suited to a determined type of laying of the tiles (or slabs in general). These known-type spacers, once more because of their stable shape, are not suitable for laying slabs not having regular shapes, in particular slabs of different shapes, laid in irregular patterns. The main aim of the present invention is to provide a spacer which overcomes the drawbacks in the known-type spacers. This aim is attained by the spacer element of the first claim. The spacer enables slabs of various forms to be laid, in patterns which are also various, while maintaining constant-width lines between the slab elements.
In an especially advantageous preferred embodiment, the spacer of the present invention can be usefully employed for fixing the slabs to a support structure.
Various devices for fixing slabs to support structures are known in the prior art. All the known device exhibit characteristics which are susceptible to improvement.
A first type of fixture device is constituted by usually C-shaped hook elements, predisposed to hook to edges of the slabs in order in turn to be fixed to a support structure. The devices of this type exhibit the advantage of not requiring any working of the slabs, but are exclusively suitable for fixing square slabs. In order to fix a slab, at least eight fixing elements (two for each side) are needed, leading to rather long and laborious mounting operations. A second type of fixing device comprises shaped elements which are anchored to the slabs before being fixed to a support structure. Although this type of device exhibits the advantage of being usable with slabs of any shape, it is also true that the anchoring of the shaped elements to the slabs required working on the slabs, including possibly having to bore holes therein, and/or sinking channels therein. These operations lead to a certain increase in slab production costs.
The main aim of the present invention is to provide a spacer element which enables fixture of slabs to support structures in a way which obviates the drawbacks of known-type fixing devices. This aim is attained by the spacer element for fixing slabs according to the included claims. Disclosure of Invention
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will better emerge from the detailed description made herein below with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, which are non-limiting and offered by way of example, and in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the spacer element according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a section view of the element of figure 1, during use; Figure 3 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 2;
Figure 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the spacer element of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a section view of the element of figure 4 in a use condition;
Figure 6 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the spacer element of the present invention; . .
Figure 8 is a section view of the element of figure 7 in a use condition;
Figure 9 is a simplified plan view of the element of figure 8.
With reference to the figures of the drawings, the spacer for fastening flat elements such as slabs, tiles and the like according to the present invention comprises a plate 2 having a rest surface 2a predisposed for partially contacting one or more slabs 30. The spacer further comprises shaped appendages 3 associated to the plate 2. Each of the shaped appendages 3 is mobile with respect to the plate 2 between at least a first position, in which it does not project with respect to the rest surface 2a and at least a second position in which it projects from the rest surface 2a in such a way as to be interplaceable between two slabs 30 positioned resting on the rest surface 2a. The shaped appendages 3 are preferably arranged on a peripheral portion of the plate 2.
As can be seen in particular in figures 1 and 4, the plate 2 preferably exhibits a circular shape. The shaped appendages 3 are constituted by peripheral sectors of the plate 2, which appendages 3 are separated from one another by radially-developing cuts. The shaped appendages 3 are mobile with respect to the plate 2, preferably by plastic deformation in the joint areas between the shaped appendages 3 and the plate 2. In the first position the appendages 3 are co-planar to the rest surface 2a, so that the plate 2 is flat. In the second position the appendages 3 are bent in order to project with respect to the rest surface 2a at least by a portion thereof. In the second position of the shaped appendages 3, the edges of two slabs 30 can be positioned in contact with two opposite sides of the projecting portion, with respect to the rest surface 2a, of a shaped appendage 3, so that the two slabs 30 are spaced one from another by the projecting portion of the shaped appendage 3.
As can be seen in. figures 2 and 5, some of the shaped appendages 3 are in the first position, while others are in the second position. The different positioning of the appendages 3 can be organised on the basis of the conformation and type of positioning of the slabs 30. In the case illustrated in figure 3, the slabs exhibit various and different shapes. This means that the separation lines 31 between the slabs 30 do not meet up at equal angles. Consequently the shaped appendages 3 indicated by 3 a are brought into the second position in order each to be interplaced between two slabs 30 in order to account for the arrangement of the lines 31. At the opposite end of each line 31 a plate 2 as in figure 3 can be positioned, but with shaped appendages 3 a in the second position which are different from those illustrated in figure 3, in order to take into account the various arrangements the lines 31 can exhibit at this position.
In the example illustrated in figure 6, the slabs 30 exhibit a quadrangular shape, and the lines 31 are arranged in right-angles. Therefore, for all the plates 2 arranged at the ends of the lines 31, the shaped appendages 3a in the second position are separated by right angles. In figure 7 a plate 2 is illustrated having a shape that is suitable for quadrangular slabs 30. In this example only four shaped appendages 3 are present, separated by right-angles and delimited by shaped cuts developing not necessarily radially. The spacer can be usefully applied for laying ceramic tiles. In a first embodiment the spacer is arranged on the tile laying plane, where the tiles are laid in positions which overlie at least partially the spacer element itself. Thereafter the grout is spread to fill the lines between the tiles. The spacer is consequently sunk into the grout. In a second embodiment the tiles are laid in succession on the laying plane. The progressive laying of the tiles is added to by the use of one or more spacer, elements which are laid above the tiles already laid in order that the shaped appendages 3 arranged in the second position are applied at the edges of the already-laid tiles. The tiles to be laid are then brought up to the shaped appendages 3 arranged in the second position so that the predetermined lines are formed.
In the illustrated embodiments in figures 4 and 7, at least some of the shaped appendages 3 are advantageously provided with a hooking portion 4. The hooking portion 4 is predisposed to be positioned in contact with a front surface 30a of at least a slab 30 positioned in contact with the shaped appendage 3 to which the hooking portion 4 is associated. Each of the hooking portions 4 extends preferably in a transversal direction with respect to the shaped appendage 3 to which it is associated. The function of the hooking portion 4, illustrated schematically in figures 5 and 8, is to enable the slabs 30 to be constrained to the plate 2 to prevent direct movements perpendicularly to the rest surface 2a. Each of the hooking portions 4 defines two undercuts 4a. Each undercut 4a faces towards the rest surface 2a in order to define a space in which a slab 30 can be inserted at a portion of edge.
The hooking portions 4 are preferably arranged and conformed in such a way that the slabs 30 insert by friction in the space defined between the undercuts 4a and the rest surface 2a, so that displacements of the slabs 30 in a plane parallel to the rest surface 2a are limited or prevented. In this case the function of the hooking portions is particularly advantageous as it enables blocking of the slabs 30 while enabling the lines 31 between the slabs 30 to remain empty. A further important advantage is that the blocking of the slabs does not require the performing of any working operations on the tiles themselves.
In both examples of figures.5 and 8, the hooking portions 4 can be positioned in an application configuration, in which the undercuts 4a face the rest surface 2a, by a plastic deformation of the zone in which the hooking portions 4 are connected with the shaped appendages 3. In the embodiment of figure 5 a single bend is sufficient, bringing the undercuts 4a into a parallel position to the rest surfaces 2a, while in the example of figure 8 two bends are needed to deform the shaped appendages 3 into an S shape so that the undercuts 4a are arranged in a parallel position to the rest surface 2a. In an especially advantageous embodiment, the spacer of the present invention comprises means for blocking predisposed to fix the slabs 30 to the rest surface 2a of the plate 2. A first example of the means for blocking is illustrated in figure 2. In this example the means for blocking comprise a small plate 5 predisposed to be placed in contact with the front surface 30a of the slabs resting on the rest surface 2a of the plate 2. Means for fastening are predisposed to draw the small plate 5 towards the plate 2, and thus into contact with the front surface 30a of the slabs 30. The small plate 5 enables blocking the slabs 30 without any special work operations being necessary.
The means for blocking preferably comprise a threaded element, for example a screw 6 arranged through the small plate 5 and predisposed for screwing into an anchoring element 7 associable to a support structure 32, 33.
The support structure 32, 33 can be of any type, for example a scaffold of elements, a frame for ventilated walls or a brick wall. Figure 2 illustrates a support structure in which elements 32 are connected to a wall 33. The means for blocking and the means for fastening connect the slabs 30 to the elements 32 in such a way that the slabs 30 are not in contact with the wall 33. Alternatively the screw 6 might engage directly to .the wall 33 in a case in which no spacing is envisaged between the slabs 30 and the wall 33. The slabs can be mounted in the following stages. The plates 2 required for the fixing of a slab are each engaged to the support structure by means of the anchor element 7 and the screw 6. The slabs 30 are then positioned with respect to the plates 2 and the small plates 5 are positioned with respect to the screws 6 and the slabs 30. At his point by tightening the screws 6 the slabs 30 are blocked to the support surface. Concerning the support structure 32, 33 in general, apart from being of any type, it can present any inclination between a vertical position and a horizontal position. In particular the support structure might be arranged horizontally above a space and the slabs 30 might be fixed, by means of the spacer element of the invention, below the support structure, facing onto the underlying space.
A second embodiment of the means for blocking is illustrated in figure 5. In this embodiment the means for blocking comprise the hooking portions 4, elastic means, predisposed to be interposed between the slabs 30 and the rest surface 2a, and means for fastening predisposed to fix the plate 2 to a support structure 32.
The elastic means are preferably constituted by elastic shaped appendages 3e located by the side of the hooking portions 4. This shaped appendages 3e are slightly inclined in order to project from the rest surface 2a. The slabs rest on the shaped appendages 3e located by the side of the hooking portions 4 and are slightly distanced from the rest surface 2a. The slabs 30 are thus elastically supported as the elastic shaped appendages 3e are elastically flexible. Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 8, the elastic rest for the slabs 30 can be obtained by using an elastic ring 8 positioned between the rest surface 2a and the slabs 30. The presence of the elastic means guarantees an efficient absorbent effect against the impacts or vibrations that the slabs may be subject to. In this second embodiment the means for fastening also comprise threaded element or a screw 6 arranged through a small plate 5 and predisposed to tighten in an anchoring element 7 associable to a support structure 32. The small plate 5, in this case, is placed in contact not with the front surface 30a of the slabs 30, but instead with the plate 2, as the fastening of the slabs 30 to the plate 2 is realised by means of the hooking portions 4. The support structure 32 is, schematically described, a shaped element, though as previously mentioned the support structure could be of any type and might be arranged in any way.
In this case assembly of the slabs can be performed in the following stages.
The plates 2 needed for fastening a slab are each engaged to the support structure by means of the hooking element 7 and the screw 6 and the small plate 5. The slabs 30 are positioned with respect to the plates 2. At this point, by tightening the screw 6 the slabs are blocked to the support surface.
The spacer for fastening flat elements such as slabs, tiles and the like of the present invention offers important advantages, Firstly, as already described, it requires no particular working of the slabs to enable fastening. The element also enables fixing slabs of any shape with the interpositioning of lines between the slabs, which can be kept free.
Realising an elastic rest surface for the slabs means providing absorbency for impacts and vibrations, to which the slabs can be subject during normal use. Interpositioning the shaped appendages between the slabs means allowing the slabs to dilate, preventing the development of deformation and tensions following variations in temperature.
The spacer of the present invention also enables fixing slabs to support structures of any type and in any position, in particular to the floor, the ceiling and the walls. All mounting and dismounting operations are extremely simple and rapid.

Claims

Claims.
1). A spacer element for fixing flat elements such as slabs, tiles and the like wherein it comprises: a plate (2) exhibiting a rest surface (2a) predisposed for partial resting of one or more slabs (30); shaped appendages (3), each of which is mobile with respect to the plate (2) between at least a first position, in which it does not project with respect to the rest surface (2a), and at least a second position, in which it projects from the rest surface (2a) in such a way as to be positioned between two slabs (30) positioned resting on the rest surface (2a).
2). The element of claim 1 wherein the shaped appendages (3) are arranged on a peripheral portion of the plate (2).
3). The element of claim 2, wherein at least some of the shaped appendages (3) are provided with a hooking portion (4) predisposed to be positioned in contact with a front surface (30a) of at least a slab (30) positioned in contact with the shaped appendage (3) to which the hooking portion (4) is associated. 4). The element of claim 3, wherein the hooking portions (4) extend transversally with respect to the shaped appendage (3) to which the hooking portions (4) are associated.
5). The element of at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) exhibits a circular shape and the shaped appendages (3) are arranged on a peripheral portion of the plate (2) and are constituted by peripheral sectors of the plate (2).
6). The element of at least one of the preceding claims, comprising means for blocking predisposed to fix the slabs (30) to the rest surface (2a) of the plate (2). 7). The element of claim 6, wherein the means for blocking comprise a small plate (5) predisposed to be placed in contact with the front surface (30a) of the slabs (30), resting on the rest surface (2a) of the plate (2), means for fastening being predisposed for pressing the small plate (5) against the plate
(2).
8). The element of claim 7, wherein the means for fastening comprise a threaded element arranged through the small plate (5) and being predisposed to screw into an anchoring element (7) which is associable with a support structure (32, 33).
9). The element of claim 6, wherein the means for blocking comprise the hooking portions (4), means for fastening being predisposed for fastening and fixing the plate (2) to a support structure (32).
10). The elements of claim 9, wherein elastic means (3e, 8) are predisposed to be positioned between the rest surface (2a) of the plate (2) and one or more slabs (30) positioned resting on the rest surface (2a).
EP06756285A 2006-05-10 2006-05-10 A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like. Not-in-force EP2016238B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2006/000346 WO2007129343A1 (en) 2006-05-10 2006-05-10 A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2016238A1 true EP2016238A1 (en) 2009-01-21
EP2016238B1 EP2016238B1 (en) 2010-08-04

Family

ID=37667485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06756285A Not-in-force EP2016238B1 (en) 2006-05-10 2006-05-10 A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like.

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2016238B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101421472B (en)
AT (1) ATE476567T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006016020D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2349694T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2016238E (en)
WO (1) WO2007129343A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, ā€  Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5756366B2 (en) * 2011-07-28 2015-07-29 惋惁惏ę Ŗ式会ē¤¾ Body edge fastening member, construction structure and construction method using the same
ITUB20161153A1 (en) * 2016-02-29 2017-08-29 Mascagni S P A JUNCTION GROUP FOR PANELS PARTICULARLY FOR CEILINGS, COUNTERSHAFT, WALLS, COMPLEMENTARY FURNISHING AND SIMILAR FLOORING.

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, ā€  Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2110097A5 (en) 1970-10-31 1972-05-26 Taddei Silvio
DE3225651A1 (en) 1982-07-09 1984-01-12 Betonwerke Heinrich HeƟ KG Zweigniederlassung NĆ¼rnberg, 8500 NĆ¼rnberg Connecting element for establishing a bond between panel-shaped building elements
EP0931943B1 (en) * 1998-01-22 2003-08-20 Syma Intercontinental Ag Fixing device for flat elements
EP1431477A1 (en) 2002-12-19 2004-06-23 Lummel GmbH & Co. KG Device and method for fixation of cladding elements
CN2743446Y (en) * 2004-11-03 2005-11-30 ę¶‚åŽå±± Decorative plate/brick dry hanging curtain wall structure
CN1314870C (en) * 2004-11-29 2007-05-09 åŗ·ēŽ‰čŒƒ Method of dry construction of energy saving walls with 3D adjustment

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, ā€  Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007129343A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2016238B1 (en) 2010-08-04
CN101421472B (en) 2011-11-16
DE602006016020D1 (en) 2010-09-16
ATE476567T1 (en) 2010-08-15
ES2349694T3 (en) 2011-01-10
WO2007129343A1 (en) 2007-11-15
PT2016238E (en) 2010-10-04
CN101421472A (en) 2009-04-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20180135309A1 (en) Panel veneer systems
KR890010381A (en) Attachment plate and tile block wall structure for tile block laying
KR102122685B1 (en) A Finishing Material Fixing Assembly For Building Wall
UA75103C2 (en) Fixation system for fastening plates and / or facing tiles
KR101565601B1 (en) The ceiling finishing panel and ceiling finishing apparatus
KR20090117289A (en) Coupling system of deck-materials for using channel clip
EP2016238B1 (en) A spacer element for flat elements, such as slabs, tiles and the like.
DE502004009090D1 (en) PLATE FOR LAYING ON FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS, FAƇADES OR DGL
KR20150088967A (en) Flooring support used on keel
CA3086420C (en) A facade unit mounting apparatus
CN110952746B (en) Plug-in type decorative plate mounting structure and mounting method thereof
US1874790A (en) Building material and retaining means therefor
KR200462385Y1 (en) fixing structure of ceiling panel
JP2002506149A (en) Equipment for covering walls with flat members
JPH0452344Y2 (en)
RU172001U1 (en) FASTENING ELEMENT
CN214402554U (en) Building fastener device
CN220688693U (en) Bracket structure suitable for multiple intervals
JP2771868B2 (en) Construction method of decorative panel for concrete retaining wall
RU2645309C1 (en) Device for fixing hinged facing plates from ceramic granite on ventilated building facade by visible method
JPH06229054A (en) Ceiling structure
KR20020028103A (en) The fixing method and its device for construeting board
JP7329315B2 (en) Ceiling material installation method
WO2023054015A1 (en) Panel installation structure
JPH063061B2 (en) Wall surface using precast concrete board with tile support

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20080922

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090330

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602006016020

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100916

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20100804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Effective date: 20101227

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20100804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101204

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101104

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101105

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110506

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602006016020

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110506

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110510

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110531

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20120131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110510

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110510

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20120508

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110510

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20130423

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20130423

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20130503

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20130507

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20141110

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006016020

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141110

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006016020

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140510

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141202

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20150731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140511

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140510