GB2622225A - Levelling system - Google Patents

Levelling system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2622225A
GB2622225A GB2213004.1A GB202213004A GB2622225A GB 2622225 A GB2622225 A GB 2622225A GB 202213004 A GB202213004 A GB 202213004A GB 2622225 A GB2622225 A GB 2622225A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
base portion
tile
tiles
abutment portion
levelling system
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB2213004.1A
Other versions
GB202213004D0 (en
Inventor
Thompson Andrew
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.)
Ast Tile & Stone LLP
Original Assignee
Ast Tile & Stone LLP
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 Ast Tile & Stone LLP filed Critical Ast Tile & Stone LLP
Priority to GB2213004.1A priority Critical patent/GB2622225A/en
Publication of GB202213004D0 publication Critical patent/GB202213004D0/en
Publication of GB2622225A publication Critical patent/GB2622225A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F21/00Implements for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F21/0092Separate provisional spacers used between adjacent floor or wall tiles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F21/00Implements for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F21/18Implements for finishing work on buildings for setting wall or ceiling slabs or plates
    • E04F21/1838Implements for finishing work on buildings for setting wall or ceiling slabs or plates for setting a plurality of similar elements
    • E04F21/1877Leveling devices
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F21/00Implements for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F21/20Implements for finishing work on buildings for laying flooring
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08Coverings 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
    • E04F13/0889Coverings 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 characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections
    • E04F13/0892Coverings 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 characterised by the joints between neighbouring elements, e.g. with joint fillings or with tongue and groove connections with means for aligning the outer surfaces of the covering elements
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00Flooring
    • E04F15/02Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02005Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips
    • E04F15/02022Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips with means for aligning the outer surfaces of the flooring elements

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)

Abstract

A tile levelling system having a spacer 2 including a planar base portion 3 having at least one aperture 4 extending therethrough, and an abutment portion 5 upstanding from the base, also having an aperture 6, the abutment portion frangibly connected along a line of weakness to the base portion at a first end 7. The base portion may be an octagonal web or mesh including multiple triangular apertures aiding in the bonding of adhesive across the entire lower surface of a tile. In use the base portion is positioned below lower surfaces of adjacent tiles, such that the abutment portion extends between the tiles, the abutment portion being snapped off after adhesive dries, breaking at the line of weakness by application of force to a contact portion 9 at a second end 8. The system may include a wedge for receipt in rectangular aperture 6 for aiding in securing the spacer to a pair of tiles, clamping the tiles in the same plane during adhesive drying, ensuring a flat and level transition between adjacent tiles.

Description

LEVELLING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a levelling system for tiles, in particular to a tile levelling system. The present invention also relates to a method of levelling tiles using the levelling system.
Background
Conventionally, tiles have been installed using tile spacers and a spirit level in order to create a flat, tiled surface on various substrates, whether or not the underlying substrate is perfectly flat. Irregularities in the tiles and/or underlying substrate can lead to problems after installation. One or more tiles may not have been properly set into the adhesive due to irregularities and as a result the tile may need to be replaced. For example, during drying of the adhesive, a tile may sink into the floor (for example settle into the floor) or may be raised at an edge creating a lip between adjacent tiles. When a tile settles into the floor, there may be a lack of substrate (or adhesive) under the tile which may lead to breakage of the tile. A lip formed between adjacent tiles can be unsightly and difficult to maintain. Tile replacement can increase time, manual labour and associated costs.
There is therefore a need for a levelling system for tiles which can be quickly 25 and effectively used to install tiles to provide a flat, tiled surface.
Prior Art
Raimondi Tile Levelling System https://www.raimondispa.com/en/r-l-s-levelling-system/ Vitrex LASH Tile Levelling System https://www.vitrex.co.uk/products/lash-tilelevelling-system/ ToppsTiles https://www.toppstiles.co. uk/fixing-finishing/toolsaccessories/spacers-wedges/dakota-2mm-leveling-cl ip.
Clip-It recycled tile levelling systems https://www.clipit.com.au.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a levelling system for tiles, 10 comprising: a spacer comprising: a substantially planar base portion configured in use to be positioned below a lower surface of a tile, the base portion comprising at least one first aperture extending therethrough; and a tile abutment portion upstanding from the base portion, in which the tile abutment portion is configured in use to be positioned between adjacent edges of tiles; in which the abutment portion comprises a second aperture extending through the abutment portion and located adjacent the base portion, and in which the tile abutment portion is frangibly connected along a line of weakness to the base portion.
The first aperture(s) provided in the planar base portion provide for improved 25 bonding between the tile and the underlying substrate (for example adhesive) across the entire lower surface of the tile, therefore reducing the risk of incomplete adhesion of the tile causing movement or breakage of the tile.
The first aperture(s) may also enable installation of the spacer and drying of the 30 adhesive to be carried out more efficiently.
The base portion is separated from the tile abutment portion, during use, along the line of weakness. The base portion therefore remains completely under the lower surface of the tile(s) The tile abutment portion may comprise a first end which is frangibly connected to the base portion, and an opposed second end providing a contact portion for receiving an impact to separate the abutment portion from the base portion.
For example, the tile abutment portion may provide one or more lines of weakness at or adjacent a first end thereof. In one embodiment, the line(s) of weakness may be provided by an area of reduced cross-sectional dimension. It is however to be understood that the line(s) of weakness may be provided by any suitable means, such as for example by scoring and/or by one or more perforations. The line(s) of weakness preferably extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the base portion and/or by the adjacent tiles.
The thickness of the abutment portion determines the spacing of the tiles. It is appreciated that spacers of different thicknesses are provided to allow a user to select the desired spacing of the tiles. For example the abutment portion 20 may be provided in a range of thicknesses such as 1.5mm, 2mm and 3mm.
It is appreciated that the base portion may also be provided in different thicknesses.
The second aperture of the tile abutment portion is preferably substantially square or rectangular in shape.
The spacer is preferably formed by injection moulding.
The base portion remains in position under the layer of tiles and as such is a consumable. The spacer is preferably formed from environmentally friendly materials. Preferably, the spacer is formed from plant based plastics, for example hemp based plastics, for example hemp polypropylene.
The base portion of the spacer may comprise a plurality of first apertures. The apertures may have any shape and/or dimensions. The location and/or shape and/or dimensions of each aperture may vary depending on the requirements of the spacer. For example, in one embodiment, the first apertures of the base portion are substantially triangular shaped. The base portion may provide a web defining a plurality of first apertures.
In one embodiment, the tile abutment portion of the spacer is preferably 10 substantially centrally located on the base portion.
The base portion may be substantially symmetrical about the plane defined by the tile abutment portion.
The levelling system may further comprise a wedge configured in use to be aligned with upper surfaces of adjacent tiles and to be received within the second aperture of the tile abutment portion.
The wedge may comprise a lower surface configured to be located on upper 20 surfaces of adjacent tiles. The wedge may further provide a tapered upper surface configured in use to be received within and to abut the second aperture of the tile abutment portion.
The tile levelling system of the present invention is configured to create a flat 25 transition and to remove lippage between adjacent tiles.
The use of the wedge to engage the tile abutment portion ensures that a correct downward pressure is applied to the underlying tiles and adhesive, and ensuring the passage of adhesive through the first apertures of the base portion, to provide an effective bond between the tiles and the adhesive. The use of the wedge also reduces fatigue caused when laying tiles in a large area by hand.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of levelling adjacent surfaces and/or edges of a pair of adjacent tiles using a levelling system as herein described, comprising: positioning the spacer such that the substantially planar base portion is 5 below the lower surfaces of the tiles and the tile abutment portion extends between the adjacent ends of the pair of tiles; optionally comprising inserting a wedge through the second aperture of the tile abutment portion to secure the pair of adjacent tiles between the base portion and the wedge; and separating the tile abutment portion from the base portion along the line of weakness such that the base portion remains beneath the lower surfaces of the pair of tiles.
The method may further comprise inserting the wedge into the second aperture 15 of the tile abutment portion subjects the one or both of the underlying pair of adjacent tiles to a downward force to level the pair of tiles.
The tile levelling of the present invention provides a flat transition between adjacent surfaces whilst saving time, labour and associated costs during 20 installation. The present invention can be used to provide a flat surface between tiles without the need for different sized spacers.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a spacer of the tile installation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a side view of the spacer of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a front view of the spacer of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the spacer of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a wedge of the tile installation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a view from above of the wedge of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a rear view of the wedge of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the wedge of 10 Figure 5; Figure 9 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the wedge of Figure 5; and Figure 10 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the wedge of Figure 5.
Detailed Description of Figures
With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the levelling system 1 for tiles, comprises a spacer 2 comprising a substantially planar base portion 3 configured in use to be positioned below a lower surface of a tile. The base portion 3 has an octagonal perimeter edge and comprises a plurality of triangular shaped first apertures 4 extending therethrough. It is to be understood that the base portion 3 may comprise any suitable number of apertures having any shape (or combination of shapes) and dimensions.
The spacer 2 further comprises a tile abutment portion 5 upstanding from the base portion 3. The tile abutment portion 5 is configured in use to be positioned between adjacent edges of tiles.
The abutment portion 5 comprises a rectangular shaped second aperture 6 extending therethrough. The second aperture is located adjacent the base portion 3.
The tile abutment portion 5 is frangibly connected along a line of weakness to the base portion 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the line of weakness extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the base portion 3. The line of weakness is an area of reduced thickness of the abutment portion 5. It is however to be understood that the line of weakness may be provided by any other suitable means, such as for example by scoring and/or by the provision of perforations.
The tile abutment portion 5 is substantially centrally located on the base portion 10 3. The tile abutment portion 5 extends substantially perpendicular to the base portion 3.
The tile abutment portion 5 comprises a first end 7 which is frangibly connected to the base portion 3, and an opposed second end 8 providing a contact portion 15 9 for receiving an impact to separate the abutment portion 5 from the base portion 3.
The spacer 2 formed by injection moulding. The spacer is formed from hemp polypropylene, such as for example H25CPP1 which is a 25% hemp filled 20 polypropylene.
It is however to be understood that the spacer 2 may be formed by any suitable means and is not to be limited to injection moulding. Furthermore, the spacer may be formed of any suitable materials, preferably environmentally friendly 25 materials such as plant based polymers or plastics.
The system 1 further comprises a wedge 10 as shown in Figures 5 to 10. The wedge 10 is configured in use to be aligned with upper surfaces of adjacent tiles and to be received within the second aperture 6 of the tile abutment portion 30 5 The wedge 10 comprises a lower surface 11 configured to be located on upper surfaces of adjacent tiles. The wedge 10 further provides a tapered upper surface 12 configured in use to be received within and to abut the second aperture 6 of the tile abutment portion 5.
The first apertures 4 provided in the planar base portion provide for improved 5 bonding between the tile and the underlying substrate (for example adhesive) across the entire lower surface of the tile, therefore reducing the risk of incomplete adhesion of the tile causing movement or breakage of the tile.
The first aperture(s) may also enable installation of the spacer and drying of the 10 adhesive to be carried out more efficiently.
The base portion is separated from the tile abutment portion, during use, along the line of weakness. The base portion therefore remains completely under the lower surface of the tile(s) In use, the user positions the spacer 1 such that the substantially planar base portion 3 is below the lower surfaces of the tiles and the tile abutment portion 5 extends between the adjacent ends of the pair of tiles. The wedge 10 is then placed such that the lower surface 11 is adjacent upper surfaces of the tiles.
The wedge 10 is inserted through the second aperture 6 of the tile abutment portion 5 to secure the pair of adjacent tiles between the base portion 3 and the wedge 10. The wedge 10 abuts the abutment portion 5 transmitting sufficient downward pressure to the underlying tiles and adhesive to provide a secure bond therebetween. In particular, the adhesive passes through the apertures 4 of the base portion 3 with minimum interference to form a strong bond with the overlying tile.
The user then places a force on the contact portion 9 of the abutment portion 5 to cause the tile abutment portion 5 to break away from the base portion 3 along 30 the line of weakness such that the base portion remains beneath the lower surfaces of the pair of tiles.
Although in the illustrated embodiment, a wedge 10 is used, it is to be understood that the method could be carried out without using a wedge.
The tile levelling of the present invention provides a flat transition between adjacent surfaces whilst saving time, labour and associated costs during installation. The present invention can be used to provide a flat surface between tiles without the need for different sized spacers. The tile levelling system of the present invention is configured to create a flat transition and to remove lippage between adjacent tiles.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A levelling system for tiles, comprising: a spacer comprising: a substantially planar base portion configured in use to be positioned below a lower surface of a tile, the base portion comprising at least one first aperture extending therethrough; and a tile abutment portion upstanding from the base portion, in which the tile abutment portion is configured in use to be positioned between adjacent edges of tiles; in which the abutment portion comprises a second aperture extending through the abutment portion and located adjacent the base portion, and in which the tile abutment portion is frangibly connected along a line of weakness to the base portion.
  2. 2. A levelling system as claimed in claim 1, in which the tile abutment portion comprises a first end frangibly connected to the base portion, and an opposed second end providing a contact portion for receiving an impact to 20 separate the abutment portion from the base portion.
  3. 3. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second aperture of the tile abutment portion is substantially square or rectangular in shape.
  4. 4. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the spacer is formed by injection moulding.
  5. 5. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base portion of the spacer comprises a plurality of first apertures.
  6. 6. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tile abutment portion of the spacer is substantially centrally located on the base portion.
  7. 7. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first apertures of the base portion are substantially triangular shaped.
  8. 8. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base portion provides a web defining a plurality of first apertures.
  9. 9. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tile abutment portion has a reduced cross-sectional dimension at or adjacent the first end thereof.
  10. 10. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a wedge configured in use to be aligned with upper surfaces of adjacent tiles and to be received within the second aperture of the tile abutment portion.
  11. 11. A levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spacer is formed from hemp based plastics.
  12. 12. A levelling system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the spacer is formed from hemp polypropylene.
  13. 13. A method of levelling adjacent surfaces and/or edges of a pair of adjacent tiles using a levelling system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: positioning the spacer such that the substantially planar base portion is below the lower surfaces of the tiles and the tile abutment portion extends 30 between the adjacent ends of the pair of tiles; optionally comprising inserting a wedge through the second aperture of the tile abutment portion to secure the pair of adjacent tiles between the base portion and the wedge; and separating the tile abutment portion from the base portion along the line of weakness such that the base portion remains beneath the lower surfaces of the pair of tiles.
  14. 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, in which inserting the wedge into the second aperture of the tile abutment portion subjects the one or both of the underlying pair of adjacent tiles to a downward force to level the pair of tiles.
  15. 15 20 25 30
GB2213004.1A 2022-09-06 2022-09-06 Levelling system Pending GB2622225A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2213004.1A GB2622225A (en) 2022-09-06 2022-09-06 Levelling system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2213004.1A GB2622225A (en) 2022-09-06 2022-09-06 Levelling system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202213004D0 GB202213004D0 (en) 2022-10-19
GB2622225A true GB2622225A (en) 2024-03-13

Family

ID=83933372

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2213004.1A Pending GB2622225A (en) 2022-09-06 2022-09-06 Levelling system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2622225A (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130118115A1 (en) * 2011-11-15 2013-05-16 New Standards Manufacturing, Co. Mechanical edge setting system and method for setting tiles and tuning lippage
CN207538410U (en) * 2017-04-17 2018-06-26 彭程 It is a kind of to be used for levelling screeder
US20190309531A1 (en) * 2016-12-18 2019-10-10 Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd. Ceramic tile leveling bracket, pushing and clamping pliers and ceramic tile leveling and laying system
CN209603456U (en) * 2018-12-05 2019-11-08 杭州巨星科技股份有限公司 Ceramic tile smoothing pad and its auxiliary tool
US20200149295A1 (en) * 2018-04-05 2020-05-14 Eventile, Inc Tile leveling device
US20210071432A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-11 Progress Profiles Spa Device for leveling tiles
US20210131124A1 (en) * 2019-11-05 2021-05-06 Clinton D. Bunch Leveling Clip and Tile Leveling Device for Use of Same

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130118115A1 (en) * 2011-11-15 2013-05-16 New Standards Manufacturing, Co. Mechanical edge setting system and method for setting tiles and tuning lippage
US20190309531A1 (en) * 2016-12-18 2019-10-10 Hangzhou Great Star Industrial Co., Ltd. Ceramic tile leveling bracket, pushing and clamping pliers and ceramic tile leveling and laying system
CN207538410U (en) * 2017-04-17 2018-06-26 彭程 It is a kind of to be used for levelling screeder
US20200149295A1 (en) * 2018-04-05 2020-05-14 Eventile, Inc Tile leveling device
CN209603456U (en) * 2018-12-05 2019-11-08 杭州巨星科技股份有限公司 Ceramic tile smoothing pad and its auxiliary tool
US20210071432A1 (en) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-11 Progress Profiles Spa Device for leveling tiles
US20210131124A1 (en) * 2019-11-05 2021-05-06 Clinton D. Bunch Leveling Clip and Tile Leveling Device for Use of Same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202213004D0 (en) 2022-10-19

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