EP2989266B1

EP2989266B1 - Tile, tile assembly and facade or roof covering

Info

Publication number: EP2989266B1
Application number: EP14726417.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michaël Willem Jozef Maertens; Ludo Isidoor Marcel TANGHE; Ann Maria Cyriel Thierens
Original assignee: Wienerberger NV
Current assignee: Wienerberger NV
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2014-04-25
Publication date: 2017-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-25
Also published as: WO2014174488A1; EP2989266A1; BE1024828B1; PL2989266T3; DK2989266T3

Description

The present invention relates to a tile for covering a surface, such as a roof or a façade, comprising four lateral edges which extend substantially parallel to each other in pairs, a front face to be arranged facing away from the surface, and a rear face to be arranged facing towards the surface, in which the tile comprises, at the front side thereof, adjacent to its front face, a first edge which is stepped towards the rear side of the tile and, at the rear side thereof, adjacent to its rear face, a second edge which is stepped towards the front side of the tile.
The present invention also relates to a tile assembly comprising several tiles according to the present invention and a façade or roof covering comprising such a tile assembly. The tiles and tile assemblies according to the present invention are primarily intended to be used to cover roofs or façades. Of course, they can also be used to cover various types of other possible surfaces, such as an inner wall or a ceiling.
The front face and the rear face of such a tile do not necessarily have to be flat. The front face may, for example, be provided with a relief which may, for example, be in the form of a motif, etc.
The tiles according to the present invention are primarily intended to be incorporated in a rainproof façade covering, in which case these tiles ensure good rainproof properties. In certain circumstances, these tiles may also ensure a rainproof roof covering.
By means of specific embodiments of tiles according to the present invention, it is also possible to give a rainproof roof or façade covering a flat appearance on the front side of the tile, if a surface without relief is opted for.
With existing rainproof roof or façade coverings, the tiles are arranged in laterally adjoining rows and a rainproof joint is provided between every two tiles. In subsequent rows of tiles, the joints may be offset with respect to each other. In order to obtain a rainproof roof or façade covering, successive rows of tiles partly overlap each other. Adjoining tiles in the same row are also arranged so as to partly overlap each other. A tile comprising four lateral edges which extend substantially parallel to each other in pairs, a front face to be arranged facing away from the surface, and a rear face to be arranged facing towards the surface, in which the tile comprises, at the front side thereof, adjacent to its front face, a first edge which is stepped towards the rear side of the tile and, at the rear side thereof, adjacent to its rear face, a second edge which is stepped towards the front side of the tile, is, for example, illustrated in DE 20 2008 001 826 U1 , ES 2 146 131 A1 or in US 2,451,102 A in Figures 8^-9, 14^-15, in which, in a row of adjoining tiles, the second stepped edge of a first tile overlaps the first stepped edge of an adjoining tile.
A tile according to the preamble of claim 1 is illustrated in US 618,197 . The tiles of US 618,197 can be arranged either parallel or diagonally, but, when a rainproof roof or façade is to be assured, cannot be turned over a greater angle, such as e.g. 90°, in such a roof or façade.
Each of the known tiles has a specific design, which greatly determines the appearance of the roof which is covered therewith or the façade which is covered therewith. This design is partly determined by the need to achieve a rainproof roof or façade covering. If rows are desired in which the tiles extend further horizontally than vertically, different tiles will be used than if rows are desired in which tiles extend further vertically than horizontally. If joints are desired which adjoin each other vertically between the various rows, a different type of tile will be used than if joints are desired which are offset between the various rows.
It is an object of the invention to provide a tile with which a rainproof roof or façade covering can be achieved which is much more flexible with regard to positioning than the known tiles. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention for the joints between adjoining tiles to be positionable in different directions and to be displaceable with respect to each other. Furthermore, it is a more specific object to enable tiles in different rows to be arranged offset with respect to each other, so that they extend, for example, further horizontally than vertically in a first row, while they extend further vertically than horizontally in a second row.
The object of the invention is achieved by providing a tile for covering a surface, such as a roof or a façade, comprising four lateral edges which extend substantially parallel to each other in pairs, a front face to be arranged facing away from the surface, and a rear face to be arranged facing towards the surface, in which the tile comprises, at the front side thereof, adjacent to its front face, a first edge which is stepped towards the rear side of the tile and, at the rear side thereof, adjacent to its rear face, a second edge which is stepped towards the front side of the tile. According to the invention, the first stepped edge is to this end continuous and extends partly along a first lateral edge, partly along a second lateral edge which adjoins said first lateral edge at a first corner, and along this first corner. In this case, the second stepped edge is also continuous and extends partly along a third lateral edge, partly along a fourth lateral edge which adjoins the third lateral edge at a second corner, arranged opposite the first corner, and along this second corner.
Furthermore, this tile according to the invention comprises:

along the first lateral edge, adjacent to the corner facing away from the first corner and adjoining the first stepped edge, a first intermediate step which is arranged between the front face and the first stepped edge;
along the second lateral edge, adjacent to the corner facing away from the first corner and adjoining the first stepped edge, a second intermediate step which is arranged between the front face and the first stepped edge;
along the third lateral edge, adjacent to the corner facing away from the second corner and adjoining the second stepped edge, a third intermediate step which is arranged between the rear face and the second stepped edge;
and along the fourth lateral edge, adjacent to the corner facing away from the second corner and adjoining the second stepped edge, a fourth intermediate step which is arranged between the rear face and the second stepped edge.

Such a tile may be positioned in such a manner that, in the fitted position, at least a part of the first stepped edge extends along the top side of the tile and, in the fitted position, at least a part of the second stepped edge extends along the bottom side of the tile in order to ensure good rainproof properties. The various parts of a tile preferably adjoin each other in a rainproof manner. By ensuring that the recessed second stepped edge of the tile overlaps the first stepped edge of adjoining tiles, it is possible to ensure, for example, with roof or façade tiles that similar tiles together can form a rainproof roof or façade covering. In this case, the intermediate steps ensure that precipitation which penetrates the joints between the tiles as far as the stepped edges is transferred from one tile to the other tile, without this precipitation penetrating underneath the tiles.
By rotating the tile, it is in each case possible to position a different part of the first stepped edge at the top, and the tile can be rotated in such a manner between a first position in which the first lateral edge extends along the top side and a second position in which the second lateral edge extends along the top side. This provides great flexibility with regard to possible arrangements.
The tiles can be placed in such a manner with respect to each other that the intermediate steps extend in the same plane between the stepped edges. The tiles can then in each case be displaced in different directions with respect to each other until intermediate steps of adjoining tiles touch each other. This further increases the flexibility with regard to possible arrangements.
With such tiles according to the invention it is furthermore also possible to place the tiles in vertical rows one below the other, in which case the horizontal joints between the tiles can be displaced with respect to each other between the vertical rows.
The first corner and the second corner of a preferred tile according to the present invention are corners of at least 90°. With such an embodiment, similar tiles which are placed next to each other in rows can thus also be rotated with respect to each other in subsequent rows. Thus, tiles in which the first lateral edge is, for example, longer than the second lateral edge, may extend further horizontally than vertically in a first row, in which the first lateral edge is placed on the top side of the tiles, while they extend further vertically than horizontally in a second row, in which the second lateral edge is placed on the top side of the tiles.
Still more preferably, the first corner and the second corner of a tile according to the present invention are corners of essentially 90°.
On its rear side, a tile according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one nose which projects with respect to the rear face in order to fasten said tile to a fastening structure. For roof or façade tiles, such a fastening structure will be a roof or façade structure. In the case of, for example, ceiling coverings, this fastening structure will be a ceiling structure. More specifically, such a fastening structure may comprise tiling battens onto which such tiles can be hooked by means of their nose.
In order to facilitate the positioning of a tile according to the present invention in several directions in a simple manner, said tile preferably comprises several noses which are arranged adjacent to the second stepped edge in rows along the third and the fourth lateral edge. By providing different noses on the same fastening structure, it is thus possible to achieve several positions of the tiles in a simple manner. However, it is also possible to in each case adapt the fastening structure in order to provide several possible arrangements for the tiles. Both can also be adapted to each other in order to increase the number of possible arrangements still further.
Furthermore, preferably each of said noses is configured as a foot having a substantially round cross section. Such a round cross section facilitates fastening the same nose with different possible fitting directions of the tile.
Such a nose may be of cylindrical design. If such a tile is, for example, made of clay, such a nose preferably has a frustoconical shape in order to facilitate manufacture thereof. Even when using other materials, such a conical shape may be preferred with a view to ease of manufacture.
In a particular embodiment of a tile according to the present invention, the corners in which the intermediate steps are situated are cut off, so that the intermediate steps comprise a cut-off corner.
Due to such cut-off corners, it then becomes possible to move the joints, which extend between similar tiles in the same row, between subsequent rows still closer together and it is even possible to make these joints adjoin each other if the dimensions of these cut-off corners are adapted accordingly.
In order to further improve water drainage with tiles according to the present invention, the first intermediate step preferably adjoins the first stepped edge with an upright edge, in which case said upright edge, between the first intermediate step and the first stepped edge, extends away from the front face at an acute angle in a direction towards the first corner and the second intermediate step preferably adjoins the first stepped edge with an upright edge, in which case said upright edge, between the second intermediate step and the first stepped edge, extends away from the front face at an acute angle in a direction towards the first corner. Precipitation which flows onto this first stepped edge, towards the intermediate step situated underneath, is thus passed to the inner side of the tile, away from the outer edge of the tile, as a result of which the risk of precipitation flowing underneath the tile is reduced further.
In order to improve water drainage still further, the first stepped edge preferably adjoins the front face with an upright edge, in which case said upright edge adjoins the first stepped edge at an obtuse angle, so that precipitation is passed back to the front side of the tile due to this angle. Such an obtuse angle will also offer additional advantages if such a tile is moulded in a mould. This is because, in this case, this obtuse angle forms a release angle to facilitate the demoulding of such a tile. Analogously, the second stepped edge preferably adjoins the front face with an upright edge, in which case this upright edge adjoins the second stepped edge at an obtuse angle.
In order to further increase the possible arrangement of tiles according to the present invention, the third intermediate step and the fourth intermediate step along the third lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge, respectively, extend less far with respect to the rear face than the second stepped edge.
The first intermediate step and the second intermediate step extend as far as the first stepped edge with respect to the front face with regard to watertightness along the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, respectively. As a result thereof, it becomes possible in specific embodiments to arrange tiles, whose fitting direction is alternated in subsequent rows (for example, alternately horizontal and vertical), in blocks which are delimited by straight lines.
The second stepped edge of a specific embodiment of a tile according to the present invention extends less far (is less wide) along the third lateral edge with respect to the rear face than the first stepped edge which extends along the first lateral edge with respect to the front face.
With a view to watertightness, the first stepped edge is preferably made at least as wide as the second stepped edge. By making the second stepped edge less wide on at least one lateral edge than the first stepped edge on the corresponding lateral edge, slots can be provided between adjoining tiles without this compromising the watertightness. Thus, it is possible, for example, when the front faces of the different tiles extend in the same plane, to provide slots between these front faces, in which, for example, cable ducts can be disposed or in which, for example, LED lighting may be fitted, etc.
The first intermediate step and the second intermediate step of a tile according to the present invention are preferably arranged at least as far from the front face as the second stepped edge is thick and the third intermediate step and the fourth intermediate step are also arranged preferably at least as far from the rear face as the first stepped edge is thick in order to make it possible for the tiles to be displaceable, while still enabling positioning thereof in one plane.
The first stepped edge is furthermore preferably arranged essentially as far from the front face as the second stepped edge is arranged from the rear face.
Furthermore, the front face of a tile according to the present invention preferably extends further along the first lateral edge (viewed along the longitudinal direction of this first lateral edge) than the first intermediate step in order to further increase the positioning options. As a result thereof, it is possible, in specific embodiments, to place tiles whose fitting direction is alternated in subsequent rows (for example, alternately horizontal and vertical) in blocks which are delimited by straight lines.
The object of the invention is also achieved by providing a tile assembly which comprises several tiles according to the present invention.
In addition, the object of the present invention is also achieved by providing a roof or façade covering, comprising a roof or façade structure and a tile assembly according to the present invention.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of tiles, tile assemblies and roof or façade coverings according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and features of these embodiments and can therefore not be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.
In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a tile according to the present invention, in which the first and the second corner are at 90°;
Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the tile from Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a façade covering with a tile assembly comprising tiles as illustrated in Figure 1 in a first laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which adjacent joints between the tiles are in each case in line with each other;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a second laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the horizontal joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in a stepped manner;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a third laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the horizontal joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in an offset manner;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a fourth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the horizontal joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other, so that the tiles arranged in a stretcher bond with respect to each other;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a fifth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other, so that the tiles are arranged in a stretcher bond with respect to each other;
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a sixth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in an offset manner;
Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a seventh laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in an offset manner, with a smaller step than in the sixth laying plan;
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in an eighth laying plan, in which in each case a row of substantially vertically extending tiles alternates with a row of substantially horizontally extending tiles and in which the tiles in the rows of substantially vertically extending tiles extend underneath one another in subsequent rows;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a ninth laying plan, in which in each case a row of substantially vertically extending tiles alternates with a row of substantially horizontally extending tiles and in which the tiles in the rows of substantially vertically extending tiles are displaced with respect to each other in subsequent rows;
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a tenth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially horizontally and in which adjacent joints between the tiles are in each case arranged in line with each other;
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in an eleventh laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially horizontally and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other, so that the tiles are arranged in stretcher bond with respect to each other;
Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a twelfth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially horizontally and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in an offset manner;
Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a thirteenth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially horizontally and in which the vertical joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in a stepped manner;
Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the façade covering from Figure 3 in a fourteenth laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially diagonally and in which the short joints between the tiles are displaced with respect to each other in a stepped manner, so that the tiles are arranged in a stretcher bond with respect to each other;
Figure 17 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a tile according to the present invention, in which the first and the second corner are greater than 90°;
Figure 18 shows a front view of a façade covering with a tile assembly comprising tiles as illustrated in Figure 17 in a first laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the joints between the tiles which are slightly oblique with respect to the horizontal are displaced with respect to each other in a stepped manner;
Figure 19 shows a front view of the façade covering from Figure 18 in a second laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which the joints between the tiles which are slightly oblique with respect to the horizontal are displaced with respect to each other in a stepped manner and are displaced with respect to the position in Figure 18;
Figure 20 shows a front view of the façade covering from Figure 18 in a third laying plan, in which the tiles extend substantially vertically and in which adjacent joints between the tiles are in each case arranged in line with each other.

The illustrated tiles (3) are illustrated as part of façade coverings (1). However, these could also serve as part of roof coverings or of all kinds of coverings for covering a surface.
The tiles (3) from the illustrated embodiments of façade coverings (1) according to the invention are in each case made of baked clay. Alternatively, tiles (3) for coverings (1) according to the invention may also be made of any other suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, concrete, metal, etc.
The first illustrated embodiment of a façade tile (3) according to the present invention is substantially rectangular in shape. The second illustrated embodiment of a façade tile (3) according to the present invention is substantially in the shape of a parallelogram. According to the present invention, a façade or roof tile (3) could, in a particular case of these embodiments, for example, also have a square shape or a diamond shape. A façade tile (3) with a square shape could, for example, be made similarly to the illustrated first embodiment, except for the fact that the corresponding dimensions in the horizontal and vertical direction of the tile (3) would then be chosen to be equal. A façade tile (3) having a diamond shape could, for example, be made similarly to the illustrated second embodiment, except for the fact that the corresponding dimensions along the different directions of the sides of the tile (3) would then be chosen to be equal.
Figures 3 to 16 show different arrangements for façade coverings using the first embodiment of tiles (3). Figures 17 to 20 shows different arrangements for façade coverings using the second embodiment of tiles (3). Obviously, these arrangements are not limiting. It will of course also be clear that tiles (3) according to the present invention can also suitably serve as a roof covering or covering of an alternative surface, in which case these can then at least be arranged in similar laying plans.
As can be seen in Figures 1 and 17, a tile (3) according to the present invention comprises a front face (12) which is intended to be arranged facing away from the roof or the façade. In the first embodiment (see Figure 1), this front face (12) is substantially rectangular in shape, so that its shape essentially corresponds to the shape of the tile (3) itself. In the second embodiment (see Figure 17), this front face (12) is shaped substantially like a parallelogram. This front face (12) can be of a flat design, as is illustrated. If this front face (12) then extends parallel to the surface of the roof or façade covering (1) in which the tile (3) is incorporated, it is possible to have all front faces (12) of the tiles (3) extend in the same plane when fitting the roof or façade covering (1). However, this front face (12) could also be arranged obliquely with respect to the surface of the roof or façade covering (1). Furthermore, this front face (12) may alternatively also be provided with a relief. This front face (12) may also optionally be provided with different colours and/or may be provided with motifs and/or may be provided with different hues.
Adjacent to its front face (12), each tile (3) comprises a continuous first edge (4) which is stepped towards the rear side of the tile (3). As seen in Figures 1 and 17, this first stepped edge (4) extends along the top side of the left-hand edge (18), along the upper left corner (21) and along the left-hand side of the top edge (17). This first stepped edge (4) adjoins the front face (12) with an upright edge (23). Preferably, this upright edge (23) is at an obtuse angle (release angle) with respect to the first stepped edge (4), with regard to drainage of precipitation and/or if this facilitates manufacture of the tile (3).
At the top edge (17), each tile (3) furthermore comprises, adjacent to its top right-hand corner (10) ^- seen in Figures 1 and 17 ^- and adjoining the first stepped edge (4) a first intermediate step (6) which is arranged between the front face (12) and the first stepped edge (4). On its left-hand edge (18) ^- seen in Figures 1 and 17 ^- each tile (3) furthermore comprises, adjacent to its bottom left-hand corner (10) and adjoining the first stepped edge (4), a second intermediate step (7) which is also arranged between the front face (12) and the first stepped edge (4). The first intermediate step (6) and the second intermediate step (7) are arranged at equal distances from the front face (12). Both (6, 7) are also arranged at equal distances from the first stepped edge (4).
As can be seen in Figure 2, the tiles (3) additionally comprise a rear face (13) which is intended to be arranged facing the roof or the façade. The rear face (13) of the first embodiment is substantially rectangular in shape, so that its shape substantially corresponds to the shape of the tile (3) itself. The rear side of the second embodiment has not been illustrated, but is analogous to the rear side of the first embodiment, except for the fact that it is substantially in the shape of a parallelogram. With a tile (3) according to the present invention, this rear face (13) does not necessarily have to be flat either. On its rear side, for example in the middle of the rear face (13), the tile (3) may be provided with a cavity in order to save on material and/or if this is required on account of manufacturing techniques and/or mechanical strength, etc.
Adjacent to its rear face (13), this tile (3) comprises a continuous second edge (5) which is stepped towards the front side of the tile (3). This second stepped edge (5) extends ^- seen in Figure 2 ^- along the bottom side of the left-hand edge (20), along the bottom left-hand corner (22) and along the left-hand side of the bottom edge (19). This second stepped edge (5) adjoins the rear face (13) with an upright edge (24). Preferably, this upright edge (24) is at an obtuse angle (release angle) with respect to the second stepped edge (5), so that adjacent upright edges (23, 24) can adjoin each other in the case of adjoining tiles (3). Optionally, such an obtuse angle may also facilitate the manufacture of the tile (3).
Along the bottom edge (19), the tile (3) furthermore comprises, adjacent to its bottom right-hand corner (10) ^- seen in Figure 2 ^- and adjoining the second stepped edge (5), a third intermediate step (8) which is arranged between the rear face (13) and the second stepped edge (5). On its left-hand edge (20) ^- seen in Figure 2 ^- the tile (3) furthermore comprises, adjacent to its upper left-hand corner (10) and adjoining the second stepped edge (5), a fourth intermediate step (9) which is also arranged between the rear face (13) and the second stepped edge (5). The third intermediate step (8) and the fourth intermediate step (9) are arranged at equal distances from the rear face (13). Both (8, 9) are also arranged at equal distances from the second stepped edge (5). Both (8, 9) extend along the third lateral edge (19) and the fourth lateral edge (20), respectively, less far with respect to the rear face (13) than the second stepped edge (5) (see Figure 2, side 15).
The stepped edges (4, 5) and the intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) are preferably flat in order to allow adjoining tiles (3) in a roof or façade covering to adjoin each other as well as possible in a simple manner and to be able to drain off precipitation which falls onto these tiles (3) as well as possible.
As can furthermore be seen in Figure 2, the tile (3) comprises four noses (11) on its rear side in order to fasten the tile (3) to a façade or roof structure (2) (such as, for example, the illustrated tiling battens (2)). Two of these noses (11) are arranged along the top edge (17) of the tile at a distance apart, while three of these noses (11) are arranged at a distance apart along the right-hand edge ^- seen in Figure 2. In this case, one of the noses (11) is arranged in the top right-hand corner (viewed in Figure 2). By optionally using different noses (11) to rest the tiles (3) on tiling battens (2), said tiles (3) can be arranged in several laying plans, as can be seen in Figures 3 to 16 and 18 to 20. In order to make different laying plans possible, the tiling battens (2) are also arranged in different laying plans in order to enable the tiles (3) to be fastened in each case to the façade or roof structure (2) situated underneath in a satisfactory manner. It is clear that by modifying the position of the noses or by modifying the number of noses (11) and/or by modifying the position of the tiling battens (2), significantly more laying plans can be achieved than have been illustrated, in which case staggered joints between tiles (3) are displaced to a greater or lesser extent with respect to each other and/or in which case the tiles (3) are arranged at different angles between their straight position and their transverse position.
The noses (11) are configured as feet having a substantially round cross section, so that they can readily be used to rest on tiling battens (2) in several directions, so that the tiles (3) can also be fitted rotated at different angles in order to produce different laying plans. With one such nose (11), the tiles (3) can in principle be fitted in all kinds of directions. With the arrangement of four noses (11) shown in the illustrated embodiment, not all fitting directions are possible anymore, but the tile (3), in the illustrated laying directions and laying plans, can in each case be supported by at least two of its noses (11), which facilitates fitting of the tiles (3).
The tiles (3) can be rotated between a first limit position and a second limit position while retaining their watertight properties. In the first limit position, their top edge (seen in Figures 1 and 17) will in this case extend essentially horizontally, while, in the second limit position, their left-hand edge (seen in Figures 1 and 17) will extend essentially horizontally. The tiles (3) according to the first embodiment can thus be rotated through 90° between their straight position and their transverse position while retaining their watertight properties, as the first and the second angle are 90°. The tiles (3) according to the second embodiment can be rotated through a slightly greater angle than 90° between their limit positions while retaining their watertight properties, as the first and the second angle are greater than 90°. Tiles (3) in which the first and the second angle are less than 90° can only be rotated through this angle and by less than 90° between their limit positions while retaining their watertight properties.
In order to also attach the tiles (3) to the tiling battens (2) (or another suitable bottom structure to which the tiles (3) are fastened) during fitting, it is possible to use nails, clamps, etc. as is known.
With the various laying plans, the tiles (3) are in each case laid such that the second stepped edge (5) of a tile (3) is situated above the first stepped edge (4) of adjoining tiles (3). In order to make this possible without the tiles (3) being greatly offset respect to each other, the first stepped edge (4) is arranged at essentially the same distance from the front face (12) as the second stepped edge of the rear face (13). Furthermore, the first intermediate step (6) and the second intermediate step (7) are arranged at least as far from the front face (12) as the second stepped edge (5) is thick. In addition, the third intermediate step (8) and the fourth intermediate step (9) are arranged at least as far from the rear face (13) as the first stepped edge (4) is thick.
In the laying plans as illustrated in Figures 3 to 9 and 18 to 20, the tiles (3) are in each case arranged straight, i.e. in their position as illustrated in Figures 1 and 17, with their top edge (seen in Figures 1 and 17) on the top side. In this position, they extend further vertically than horizontally. In this case, precipitation which falls onto these tiles (3) and penetrates between the joints between adjoining tiles (3) as far as the tile (3) situated underneath ends up on the first stepped edge (4) of this tile (3) situated underneath and is drained off to the first stepped edge (4) of the tile (3) situated underneath via the part of this first stepped edge (4) on the left-hand edge (seen in Figures 1 and 17) and via the second intermediate step (7).
In the laying plans as illustrated in Figures 12 to 15, the tiles (3) are in each case arranged transversely, i.e. rotated through 90° with respect to the position as illustrated in Figure 1, with their left-hand edge (seen in Figure 1) at the top side. In this position, they extend further horizontally than vertically. In this case, precipitation which falls onto these tiles (3) and penetrates between the joints between adjoining tiles (3) as far as the tile (3) situated underneath ends up on the first stepped edge (4) of this tile (3) situated underneath and is drained off to the first stepped edge (4) of the tile (3) arranged underneath via the part of this first stepped edge (4) at the top edge (seen in Figure 1) and via the first intermediate step (6).
In the laying plans in Figures 10 and 11, rows of tiles (3) arranged in a straight manner alternate with rows of tiles (3) which are arranged transversely. With successive rows of tiles (3), precipitation is thus drained off alternately via the left-hand edge (seen in Figure 1) of the tiles (3) and the second intermediate step (7) (with the straight tiles) and via the top edge (seen in Figure 1) of the tiles (3) and the first intermediate step (6) (with the transverse tiles) to a tile (3) arranged underneath.
In the laying plan in Figure 16, the tiles (3) have been rotated (in a position between their straight position and their transverse position). In this case, precipitation may be drained off via the left-hand edge (seen in Figure 1) and the second intermediate step (7) as well as via the top edge (seen in Figure 1) and the first intermediate step (6) to a tile (3) arranged underneath.
In Figures 3, 11, 12 and 20, the tiles (3) have been laid in such a manner that the joints of four adjoining tiles (3) are arranged in the shape of a cross. Both the joints in a first direction and the joints in a second direction between these tiles (3) adjoin each other in line with each other. Laying the tiles (3) with joints which adjoin each other at a certain point, both in the first direction and in the second direction, is made possible by the fact that in the embodiment of the tiles (3) illustrated here, the corners (10) of the tiles (3) in which the intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) are provided, have been cut off, so that these intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) comprise a cut-off corner (10).
In order to be able to ensure that precipitation is drained off to the tiles (3) situated underneath despite these cut-off corners (10), the upright edges (14) by means of which the first intermediate step (6) and the second intermediate step (7) adjoin the first stepped edge (4) are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the front face, in a direction towards the first corner (21), so that precipitation can be conducted away towards the upright edge (23) between the first stepped edge (4) and the front face (12). Conducting precipitation away towards this upright edge (23) can obviously also be used with tiles (3) in which the intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) do not comprise cut-off corners (10).
In Figures 10 and 11, the tiles (3) have been laid in such a manner that three vertically placed tiles (3) together with two horizontally placed tiles (3) from a subsequent row can form a rectangle. This is made possible, on the one hand, by the fact that the third intermediate step (8) and the fourth intermediate step (9) on the third lateral edge (19) and the fourth lateral edge (20), respectively, extend less far with respect to the rear face than the second stepped edge (5) (see Figure 2, side 15). On the other hand, this is possible due to the fact that the front face (12) on the first lateral edge (17) extends further than the first intermediate step (6). A further requirement for three vertically arranged tiles (3) and two horizontally arranged tiles (3) from a next row to form a rectangle is that the width of the front face of these tiles (3) is 2/3 of the height of the front face of these tiles (3).

Claims

Tile (3), for covering a surface, such as a roof or a façade, comprising four lateral edges (17, 18, 19, 20) which extend substantially parallel to each other in pairs, a front face (12) to be arranged facing away from the surface, and a rear face (13) to be arranged facing towards the surface, in which the tile (3) comprises, at the front side thereof, adjacent to its front face (12), a first edge (4) which is stepped towards the rear side of the tile (3) and, at the rear side thereof, adjacent to its rear face (13), a second edge (5) which is stepped towards the front side of the tile (3), wherein the first stepped edge (4) is continuous and extends partly along a first lateral edge (17), partly along a second lateral edge (18) which adjoins said first lateral edge (17) at a first corner (21), and along this first corner (21), and in that the second stepped edge (5) is continuous and extends partly along a third lateral edge (19), partly along a fourth lateral edge (20) which adjoins the third lateral edge (19) at a second corner (22), arranged opposite the first corner (21), and along this second corner (22), wherein the tile (3) along the third lateral edge (19), adjacent to the corner (10) facing away from the second corner (22) and adjoining the second stepped edge (5), comprises a third intermediate step (8) which is arranged between the rear face (13) and the second stepped edge (5), and along the fourth lateral edge (20), adjacent to the corner (10) facing away from the second corner (22) and adjoining the second stepped edge (5), comprises a fourth intermediate step (9) which is arranged between the rear face (13) and the second stepped edge (5), characterised in that the tile (3), along the first lateral edge (17), adjacent to the corner (10) facing away from the first corner (21) and adjoining the first stepped edge (4), comprises a first intermediate step (6) which is arranged between the front face (12) and the first stepped edge (4), along the second lateral edge (18), adjacent to the corner (10) facing away from the first corner (21) and adjoining the first stepped edge (4), comprises a second intermediate step (7) which is arranged between the front face (12) and the first stepped edge (4).
Tile (3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first corner (21) and the second corner (22) of the tile (3) are corners (21, 22) of at least 90°.
Tile (3) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first corner (21) and the second corner (22) of the tile (3) are corners (21, 22) of essentially 90°.
Tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on its rear side, said tile (3) comprises at least one nose (11) which projects with respect to the rear face (13) in order to fasten said tile (3) to a fastening structure (2).
Tile (3) according to Claim 4, characterized in that said tile (3) comprises several noses (11) which are arranged adjacent to the second stepped edge (5) in rows along the third lateral edge (19) and the fourth lateral edge (20).
Tile (3) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that each of said noses (11) is configured as a foot having a substantially round cross section.
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corners (10) of the tile (3) in which the intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) are situated are cut-off, so that the intermediate steps (6, 7, 8, 9) comprise a cut-off corner (10).
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first intermediate step (6) adjoins the first stepped edge (4) with an upright edge (14), in that said upright edge (14), between the first intermediate step (6) and the first stepped edge (4), extends away from the front face (12) at an acute angle in a direction towards the first corner (21), in that the second intermediate step (7) adjoins the first stepped edge (4) with an upright edge (14), and in that said upright edge (14), between the second intermediate step (7) and the first stepped edge (4), extends away from the front face (12) at an acute angle in a direction towards the first corner (21).
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stepped edge (4) adjoins the front face (12) with an upright edge (23), and in that said upright edge (23) adjoins the first stepped edge (4) at an obtuse angle.
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third intermediate step (8) and the fourth intermediate step (9) along the third lateral edge (19) and the fourth lateral edge (20), respectively, extend less far with respect to the rear face (13) than the second stepped edge (5).
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second stepped edge (5) extends less far along the third lateral edge (19) with respect to the rear face (13) than the first stepped edge (4) which extends along the first lateral edge (17) with respect to the front face (12).
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first intermediate step (6) and the second intermediate step (7) are arranged at least as far from the front face (12) as the second stepped edge (5) is thick, and in that the third intermediate step (8) and the fourth intermediate step (9) are arranged at least as far from the rear face (13) as the first stepped edge (4) is thick.
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stepped edge (6) is arranged essentially as far from the front face (12) as the second stepped edge (7) is arranged from the rear face (13).
Tile (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front face (12) extends further along the first lateral edge (17) than the first intermediate step (6).
Tile assembly, comprising several tiles (3) according to one of the preceding claims.
Roof or façade covering (1), comprising a roof or façade structure (2) and a tile assembly according to Claim 15.