IL178518A

IL178518A - Tiled surface

Info

Publication number: IL178518A
Application number: IL178518A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Yosef Yosefi
Priority date: 2006-10-15
Filing date: 2006-10-15
Publication date: 2011-08-31
Also published as: WO2008047341A2; WO2008047341A3; IL178518A0

Description

178518 'T I 453530 mx TILED SURFACE TILED SURFACE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of construction. More particularly, the invention relates to a tiled surface and a tiling method.

Background of the Invention Nowadays floor tiles are commonly made of ceramic or stone. Floor tiles are typically set into mortar consisting of sand, cement and often a latex additive for additional strength. In the past, the spaces between the tiles were filled up with mortar, but nowadays, floor grout is used for this purpose. Grout is a thin plaster used to fill narrow crevices in masonry and woodwork.

Wall tiles are usually made of ceramic, but other materials such as mirrored glass or polished metal can also be utilized. Wall tiles are usually glazed, and are often ornamentally patterned by painting or embossing. Pictorial tiles, consisting of many tiles that the installer assembles like a jigsaw puzzle to form a single large picture, are available.

Modern wall tiles are fixed to a wall using a synthetic bonding agent tile adhesive for dry areas, or a cement-based mortar for areas prone to moisture, such as bath or shower walls. The spaces between the tiles are filled with fine cement called "unsanded grout".

Natural stone tiles are especially noted for their beauty. However, as a natural product they are often less uniform in comparison to ceramic tiles, and require more planning for use and installation.

Variations in tile thickness can be handled by adjusting the amount of mortar under each tile portion, by using wide grout lines that "ramp" between different thicknesses, or by using a cold chisel to knock off high spots. But this problem is also prevalent in ceramic tiles. Since ceramic tiles are more uniform than natural stone tiles, discrepancies in ceramic tiles are more highly visible than discrepancies in natural stone tiles.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for tiling, which produces a more uniform surface in comparison to the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for tiling, upon which the time required for tiling a certain area is reduced in comparison to the methods of the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for tiling, which is easier than tiling methods of the prior art, and therefore can be used also by inexperienced individuals.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method for tiling, which results with a decorative view.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which are meant to be merely illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for tiling a surface, the method comprising the steps of: - providing at least one profile comprising: one or more pairs of perpendicular zones wherein each pair comprises: - a first zone, for supporting the bottom of a tile when tiling; and - a second zone, for supporting an edge of the tile; - placing the at least one profile on the surface; and - placing at least one tile on the at least one profile such that the bottom of the tile is placed on the first zone of the profile, an edge of the tile is placed on the second zone of the profile, while the third zone remains uncovered.

The at least one profile may further comprises a third zone, to remain uncovered upon tiling, for separating between adjacent tiles.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of placing the at least profile further comprises the step of: - attaching the at least one profile to the surface.

The step of attaching the at least one profile to the surface may be carried out using an attaching material, using screws, and so forth.

The attaching material may be a bonding material, an adhesive material, and so forth. Such materials may be based ceramic, silicon (such as RTV, the acronym of Room Temperature Vulcanizer, which is a silicone glue used to secure connections.), and so forth.

The step of placing at least one tile on the at least one profile may further comprise the step of: - attaching the at least one tile to the surface.

The step of attaching the at least one tile to the surface may be carried out using attaching material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of placing at least one tile on the at least one profile further comprises the step of: - attaching the at least one tile to the profile.

The step of attaching the at least one tile to the surface is carried out using attaching material.

The method may further comprise the step of: - filling spaces between placed tiles with a filling material.

The filling material may be a fine cement, unsanded grout, and so forth.

The method may be used for tiling a surface such as of a wall, a floor, a stair, and so forth.

In some embodiment of the invention, the at least one profile is placed along a corner of a construction such as a wall, and a stair.

A profile may have an "L" form, a "T" form, a hollowed profile, a corner profile, and so forth.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a corner profile comprising: - a first pair of perpendicular supporting zones, for supporting a first group of at least one tile; - a second pair of perpendicular supporting zones, for supporting a second group of at least one tile; wherein at least one tile the first group of at least one tile is perpendicular to at least one tile the second group of at least one tile.

In one embodiment of the invention, the corner profile comprises a niche by which the profile is supported by a comer of a construction.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The disclosure, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a kitchen comprising a tiled wall, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a tiled wall 18 of Fig. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a corner between two substantially-perpendicular tiled walls, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a tiled floor, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a pictorial illustration of tiled surfaces which cover stairs, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the tiled stairs of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of tiled stairs, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Each of Figs. 8a to 8d schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Each of Figs. 9a to 9d is a sectional view which schematically illustrates a structure of a profile, according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view which illustrates a structure of a tiled surface, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 1 is a sectional view which illustrates a structure of a tiled surface, according to one embodiment of the invention.

It should be noted that all the cross-sections herein are widthwise the profiles.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for greater clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present disclosure.

The term "tile" refers herein to a piece of ceramic, fired clay, stone, concrete, wood, and so forth, used especially for covering floors, walls and roofs. The most common form of tile is rectangular; however, there are also other forms of tiles, such as triangular and trapezoid. Tiles may be used also for ornamental work.

The term "profile" refers herein to wrought products of uniform cross-sections along the entire length.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention a tiled surface comprises at least one profile which is used as a supporting line (in contrast to a supporting spot) for one or more tiles. Since according to the present invention a tile is supported by at least one profile, the tile's position in the space is determined by the profile's position in the space. As such, tiling, which in the prior art is a work of experts since these methods use no supporting line to the tiles, becomes an easy procedure using the present invention, so that it can be performed even by unskilled persons.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a kitchen comprising a tiled wall, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a tiled wall 18 of Fig. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In Fig. 1 , kitchen 46 comprises closets 48, a sink 50 and a tiled wall 18.

The zoomed view 40 schematically illustrates the edge of a tiled wall 18.

The zoomed view 42 schematically illustrates a tiled wall "under construction", in which the components thereof are in full view.

According to this example, each two adjacent horizontal rows of the tiled wall 18 are supported by a profile 30. Thus, the position in the space of each tile 4 is determined by two adjacent profiles.

According to the example of Fig. 1, the lowest row 58 of the tiled wall 18 is separated from the board 52 by a profile 36. Thus, the edge of the tiled wall 18 ends with profile 36, which has an "L" form, in contrast to an "inner" profile 30, which has a "T" form.

In the tiled wall 18, each of the "inner" profiles 30 separates two rows of tiles 4. The bottom edge of the tiled wall 18 ends with a profile 36, and the sides of the tiled wall 18 end with a profile 38.

The profiles 30, 36 and 38 may be made of any rigid material, such as metal (e.g. aluminum), plastic, and so forth.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a corner between two substantially-perpendicular tiled walls, according to one embodiment of the invention. The zoomed view 24 focuses on an edge of a corner.

A profile 20 is placed at the corner of the wall 18. The profile 20 supports the two adjacent vertical columns 60 and 61 of tiles of the wall 18. The form of the profile 20 may be as that of the profile 20 in Fig. 6 or Fig 7.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in the event in which the tiles do not cover the entire wall, the edge of the tiled wall may be covered with a profile 22, which also provides an esthetic view to the edge of the tiled wall 18. The profile 22 may be of an "L" form.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a tiled floor, according to one embodiment of the invention. The zoomed view 34 illustrates the structure thereof.

A plurality of profiles 30 are placed on the surface of the floor 16. The profiles 30 are used as a support for tiles 4. The profile used at the point where the floor 16 and the tiled wall 18 connect is of an "L" form.

The space between tile 4 and floor 16 may be filled up with a material 10, such as gluing material, isolating material, attaching material, and so forth, or a mixture thereof.

Fig. 5 is a pictorial illustration of tiled surfaces which cover stairs, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 178518/3 - 1 1 - The zoomed view 28 focuses on a corner in which three surfaces meet. Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, a tiled surface can end with a corner in which two or three surfaces meet.

Profiles 20 are placed at the edge of two tiles 4. The structure of a profile is further detailed hereinafter.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the tiled stairs of Fig. 5. According to this embodiment of the invention, the new tiles 4 are used to cover the old tiles 17. The zoomed view 44 illustrates the structure of the profile 20, which is used as a supporting line to the newly added tiles 4.

The interior space between the new tiles 4 and the old tiles 17 (or existing wall / floor etc.) may be filled up with a material 10, such as gluing material, isolating material, attaching material, and so forth, or a mixture thereof.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, each profile 20 supports two perpendicular tiles 4.

Fig. 7 is a cross-section of tiled stairs, according to another embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment of the invention, each of the added tiles 4 is supported by two profiles, 20 and 36. Thus, according to this embodiment, profile 20 is used at an "exterior" corner, while profile 36 is used at an "interior" corner.

Each of Figs. 8a to 8d is a sectional view which schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement, according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 8a schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement in which a "T" profile is involved, according to one embodiment of the invention. This tiling model may be used for tiling horizontal surfaces, such as floors. "T" profiles are useful for the interior of a tiled surface. Profile 30 can be used, for example, as a support for tiles 4, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8b schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement in which an "L" profile is involved, according to one embodiment of the invention. This tiling model may be used for tiling vertical surfaces, such as walls. "L" profiles are useful for the edge of a tiled surface. An implementation of profile 36 is illustrated in Fig. 1. In this implementation, profile 36 is used as support for tiles 4, and as a base to a tiled wall 18, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8c schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement in which a "corner" profile is involved, according to one embodiment of the invention. This tiling model may be used for corners. Profile 20 can be used, for example, as support for tiles 4 at a corner, as illustrated in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8d schematically illustrates a tiling arrangement in which a "corner" profile is involved, according to another embodiment of the invention. This tiling model may be used also for corners. As seen, the profile 20 has a "niche" 21, which is used for supporting the profile 20 by the corner of the wall 16. Profile 20 can be used, for example, as support for tiles 4 at a corner, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

In Figs 8a to 8d, and 9a to 9d, the following elements have been marked: - "T" profile is marked as 30; - "L" profile is marked as 36; - Corner profile is marked as 20; - A "niche" in a corner profile is marked as 21; - Existing tiles / floor / wall is marked as 16; - Added tiles are marked as 4; - Filling material is marked as 10; and - The lower row of tiles of a wall is marked as 58.

Fig. 9a illustrates a "hollowed" "T" profile, i.e., with an empty interior space 66, in contrast to the profile of Fig. 8a, in which its interior space is not empty.

Fig. 9b illustrates a "hollowed" "L" profile, i.e., the interior space 66 of which is empty, in contiast to the profile of Fig. 8b, in which its interior space is not empty.

Fig. 9c illustrates a "hollowed" "L" profile, i.e., in which its interior space 66 is empty, in contrast to the profile of Fig. 8c, in which its interior space is not empty.

Fig. 9d illustrates a "hollowed" "L" profile, i.e., with an empty interior space 66, in contrast to the profile of Fig. 8d, in which its interior space is not empty.

According to embodiments of the invention, a profile 30 has two substantially-perpendicular supporting zones: Zone 82 supports the bottom of a tile, and zone 80 supports the side of the tile 4. Thus, in this embodiment, a tile placed on a profile is supported by two perpendicular zones of the profile, which actually diminish the tile's freedom of movement. According to the example of Fig. 10, while the vertical position of a tile 4 is determined by zone 82, the horizontal position of tile 4 is determined by supporting zone 80.

Preferably supporting zones 80, 82, are planes; however, they need not necessarily be a plane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the tiling process zone 84, which is the "top" of the profile 30, remains uncovered.

A tiled surface is actually a construction. In order to attach the construction to the surface thereof, according to embodiments of the invention, each profile is attached to the tiled surface by attaching material smeared between a profile and the surface it is placed on. Additionally or alternatively, a profile may be attached to the surface thereof by nails 86, as illustrated in Fig. 1 1.

Attaching a tile to a profile can also be carried out by an attaching material.

Additionally or alternatively, a tile may be attached to the tiled surface by filling the space between a surface 16 and a tile 4 by attaching material 10.

In the case wherein a tiled surface must prevent water penetration, the spaces between the tiles and profiles between adjacent tiles may be filled with sealing materials.

While certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, the invention can be embodied in other forms, ways, modifications, substitutions, changes, equivalents, and so forth. The embodiments described herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

ABSTRACT In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for tiling a surface, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one profile comprising: one or more pairs of perpendicular zones wherein each pair comprises: a first zone, for supporting the bottom of a tile when tiling; and a second zone, for supporting an edge of the tile; (b) placing the at least one profile on the surface; and (c) placing at least one tile on the at least one profile such that the bottom of the tile is placed on the first zone of the profile, an edge of the tile is placed on the second zone of the profile, while the third zone remains uncovered. 178518/2

Claims

1. A four-sided corner profile comprising: - a first pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces forming an elongated notch along an intersection of a first side and a second side of the profile for supporting a first group of at least one tile; and - a second pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces forming an elongated notch along an intersection of a third side and a fourth side of the profile for supporting a second group of at least one tile; wherein at least one tile of said first group of at least one tile is perpendicular to at least one tile of said second group of at least one tile.

2. A corner profile according to claim 1 wherein the corner profile is an exterior corner profile.

3. A corner profile according to claim 1, wherein the corner profile includes a third pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces forming a niche along an intersection of said second and third sides by which the profile is supported by a corner of a construction.

4. A corner profile according to claim 1, wherein the corner profile includes a rounded edge at an intersection of said first and fourth sides.

5. A corner profile according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said perpendicular supporting surfaces includes a rounded edge.

6. A corner profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the corner profile includes a solid core. 178518/2 - 17 -

7. A comer profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the comer profile includes a hollow core.

8. A method for tiling a surface, the method comprising the steps of: - providing at least one four-sided comer profile comprising a first pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces forming an elongated notch along an intersection of a first side and a second side of the profile for supporting a first group of at least one tile, and a second pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces forming an elongated notch along an intersection of a third side and a fourth side of the profile, for supporting a second group of at least one tile; - placing at least one tile of said first group of at least one tile onto the surface so that an edge of said at least one tile is supported by said first pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces; and - placing at least one tile of said second group of at least one tile onto the surface so that an edge of said at least one tile is supported by said second pair of perpendicular supporting surfaces; wherein said at least one tile of said first group and said at least one tile of said second group are perpendicular to one another.

9. A method according to claim 8 including supporting the comer profile by a comer of a construction.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said comer of a constmction includes a column.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein said comer of a constmction includes a step. 178518/3 - 18 -

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein the surface includes a floor.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein the surface includes a wall. The Applicant,