WO2006038024A1

WO2006038024A1 - A tiling accessory

Info

Publication number: WO2006038024A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Harrison; Jasbir Gill
Original assignee: Quick Fix Tiling Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2004-10-08
Filing date: 2005-10-07
Publication date: 2006-04-13
Also published as: GB2418937A; GB0520462D0

Abstract

A method of applying a tile wherein a tiling accessory need not be attached to a tile before the tile can be attached to a support surface. A tiling accessory having a bevelled region to facilitate the insertion of the tiling accessory between a tile and a support surface. An applicator for adhesive in the form of a spade having a passage for adhesive extending through it.

Description

A TILING ACCESSORY

The present invention relates to methods of tiling and to a tiling accessory useful in such methods.

Background

International patent application number WO2004/106665 discloses a tiling accessory having at least one levelling member to directly contact a support surface onto which a tile is to be located and to define separation of the tile from the support surface when the tile adheres to said support surface by adhesive material between the support surface and the tile.

Such a tiling accessory may be used by first attaching it to a tile, perhaps with one accessory at each corner of the tile, before applying adhesive to the back of the tile and pressing the tile onto the support surface, such that the levelling members define separation of the tile from the support surface.

In addition, the accessories may include spacing members to define separation of the tile from any adjacent tiles or the periphery of the tiling area.

The accessory may be attached to the tile using a self-adhesive layer provided on the accessory, or by using the same adhesive used to attach the tile to the support surface, for example.

While such a tiling accessory provides many advantages over traditional methods involving the bedding of tiles in a layer of plaster, the attachment of one or more accessories to each tile tends to be laborious and time-consuming. Objects of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to improve further the advantages of the above-described tiling accessories over the traditional methods, and to mitigate the problems associated with those accessories.

It is another object of the invention to provide a tiling accessory which can be used without first attaching it to a tile.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a method of applying a tile comprising the steps of:

(a) applying adhesive to one or both of the back of a tile and a support surface;

(b) positioning the tile on the support surface;

(c) inserting at least one tiling accessory between the tile and support surface to define therebetween the separation of the tile from the support surface.

In one form, the method further comprises pressing the tile against the support surface, and then inserting one or more tiling accessories between the tile and support surface.

In a further form, the method further comprises pressing the tile against the support surface, then inserting one or more tiling accessories between the tile and support surface, and then pressing the tile against the support surface again.

Preferably the method comprises moving the tile to the desired position after application of the adhesive.

The method may comprise the steps of:

(a) applying adhesive to one or both of the back of a tile and a support surface; (b) pressing the tile onto the support surface approximately in a desired position, thereby spreading the adhesive between the tile and support surface, while retaining a separation between the tile and the support surface which is less than a maximum thickness of a levelling member of a tiling accessory; and (c) inserting levelling member(s) of one or more tiling accessories between the tile and the support surface so that the levelling members define the separation of the tile from the support surface, at least one levelling member having a bevelled surface to facilitate its insertion.

The present invention overcomes any need to attach the tiling accessories to the tiles before fixing the tiles to the support surface.

According to the invention, there is also provided a method of applying a tile comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a tiling accessory to a support surface;

(b) applying adhesive to one or both of the back of a tile and the support surface;

(c) positioning the tile on the support surface so that the tiling accessory defines the separation of the tile from the support surface.

According to the invention, there is also provided a tiling accessory having a levelling member which includes a bevelled region to facilitate the insertion of the tiling accessory between a tile and a support surface and a region of the accessory which defines the separation of the tile and support surface in use.

Preferably, the bevelled region is adjacent the region which defines the separation. The bevelled surface allows the tiling accessory to be inserted quickly and easily beneath the tile, in situations where a tiler has pressed the tile onto the support surface so firmly that the gap therebetween is less than a maximum thickness of a levelling member of the tiling accessory. Preferably, the region of the levelling member that defines the separation of the tile from the support surface has a flat surface, ie a surface that, in use, is parallel to the rear face of the tile and to the support surface.

The tiling accessory may include a cutout region, which reduces the amount of material required to produce the accessory, thereby reducing its cost.

According to the invention, there is also provided an applicator for tile adhesive, the applicator being elongate and including a handle having a first aperture at its distal end, and a blade having at least a second aperture at its edge, a passage extending from the first aperture to the second aperture through which adhesive may flow to be spread using the blade.

The handle may taper outwardly towards its distal end to engage with a conical applicator of an adhesive dispenser. Alternatively, or in addition, the handle may include a threaded region to engage with a corresponding threaded region of an adhesive dispenser.

The present invention also provides a system and/or a method and/or kit of parts for the tiling of a surface including any one or more of the elements and/or steps described and/or claimed in this patent application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a tile being attached to a support surface using a tiling accessory according to the present invention, and using a method of attachment according to a method of the invention;

Figure 2(a) is a plan view from above of a first embodiment of a tiling accessory according to the invention; Figure 2(b) is a side view of the tiling accessory of Figure 2(a);

Figure 3(a) is a view similar to Figure 2(a) of a second embodiment of a tiling accessory according to the invention;

Figure 3(b) is a side view of the tiling accessory of Figure 3(a); Figures 4(a)-(e) show plan views of modified forms of the tiling accessory of

Figure 2(a);

Figures 5(a)-(d) show plan views of modified forms of the tiling accessory of Figure 3(a);

Figure 6 is a plan view from above of two tiling accessories according to the invention, having interlocking features;

Figure 7(a) shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a tiling accessory according to the invention, suitable for use at a corner of a tiled area;

Figure 7(b) is a side view of the tiling accessory of Figure 7(a);

Figure 8(a) shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a tiling accessory according to the invention, of similar utility to that of Figure 7(a);

Figure 8(b) is a side view of the tiling accessory of Figure 8(a);

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a tiling accessory (a) in plan view, and (b) in side view when inserted beneath a tile;

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a tiling accessory, for leveling the corners of two adjacent tiles, (a) in plan view, (b) in side view, (c) being slid into engagement with two adjacent tiles, and (d) being slid into engagement with a single tile at the edge of a tiling area;

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a tiling accessory, (a) in plan view, and (b) in side view; Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a tiling accessory, (a) in plan view, and (b) in side view;

Figures 13(a)-(c) show in plan view three different forms of tiling accessory according to the invention, and (d) the manner in which those different accessories are applied to an area of tiling; Figure 14(a)-(c) shows another set of three different forms of tiling accessory according to the invention, and (d) the manner in which those different accessories are applied to an area of tiling; Figure 15 shows an adhesive applicator according to the invention, (a) in horizontal section, (b) in vertical section, and (c) in an end view, along the arrow C in Figure 15(a);

Figure 16 shows a refillable canister for tiling adhesive for use in assocation with the applicator of Figure 15, (a) in an exploded view, and (b) in cross-section; and

Figure 17 shows a schematic view of a cradle used to dispense tiling adhesive from the canister of Figure 16.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The general manner in which the tiling accessories according to the invention are used is illustrated in Figure 1 , which shows a tile 50 being attached to a support surface 52 using tiling accessories 200 of the invention, the method of attachment being according to a method of the invention.

Adhesive 54 is first applied to one or both of the back of the tile 50 and the support surface 52, before the tile 50 is then pressed onto the support surface 52 approximately in a desired position. The act of pressing again causes the adhesive 54 between the tile 50 and support surface 52 to spread.

According to the method, the tile 50 is pressed firmly onto the support surface 52, such that the separation between the tile 50 and the support surface 52 is less than a maximum thickness of the levelling member 202 of each tiling accessory 200.

The tile 50 is slid exactly into a desired position on the support surface 52. Then, levelling members 202 of four tiling accessories 200 (only two of which are shown in Figure 1) are inserted between tile 50 and support surface 52 at each corner of the tile 50, thereby increasing the separation of the tile 50 and support surface 52. Finally, the tile 50 is pressed against the levelling members 202 and the support surface 52 to ensure that the levelling members 202 define the separation of the tile 50 from the support surface 52.

As seen in Figure 1 , the levelling members 202 of tiling accessories 200 have respective bevelled surfaces 204 to facilitate their insertion between the tile 50 and the support surface 52.

Each levelling member 202 has a flat region 206 adjacent bevelled surfaces 204 and parallel to the base of the levelling member 202, the flat region 206 thereby defining the separation of the tile 50 and support surface 52 in use.

According to a second method of the invention, a tiling accessory is first attached to a support surface 52, the accessory being any of those described herein.

Adhesive is then applied to one or both of the back of a tile 50 and the support surface 52, before the tile 50 is positioned on the support surface 52 so that the tiling accessory defines the separation of the tile 50 from the support surface 52.

With any of the above methods, before tiling begins, a horizontal batten is fixed to the support surface 52. A vertical line may then be drawn at the centre of the tiling area using a spirit level, so that the batten and vertical line define a set square. Tiling then begins from this set square.

The first tile 50 is then positioned with one of its vertical edges aligned with the vertical line, with tiling accessories 200 at the bottom corners of the tile 50 bearing on the batten.

Other tiling accessories may then be inserted between the other corners of the tile and support surface 52, before tiling proceeds according to one of the above methods. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a tiling accessory 300 according to the invention, (a) in plan view and (b) in side view. The tiling accessory 300 is square in overall shape, and includes a levelling member 302, a bevelled region 304, a spacing member 306, and cutout regions 310.

The levelling member 302 has a generally flat upper surface, that is arranged, in use, parallel to the support surface and to the underside of the tiles with which the tiling accessory 300 is used. The cutout regions 310 reduce the amount of material required to produce the accessory 300, thereby reducing its cost.

The accessory 300 is used at the corners of four adjacent tiles. The accessory may be inserted, by sliding, under the corner of the first of the tiles to be laid, such that the two limbs of the cruciform spacing member 306 abut the edges of that tile, and the other three tiles being laid on top of the accessory 300. Alternatively, two tiles may be laid, and the accessory then slid into engagement with those two tiles, one limb of the spacing member 306 being inserted between them, and the other two tiles then being laid.

Figure 3 shows views similar to those of Figure 2, of a second embodiment of a tiling accessory 320 according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment (Figure 2) in that the overall shape is circular, rather than square. As for the first embodiment 300, the second embodiment comprises a generally flat levelling member 322, much of which is made up of cut away regions 330, and a peripheral bevelled region 324. A cruciform spacing member 326 extends a short distance upwards from the levelling member 322. The second embodiment 320 is used in the same manner as the first embodiment 300. The circular shape of the second embodiment 320, however, leads to further savings in material, and hence cost.

Figure 4 shows a number of variations on the general form of the first embodiment of a tiling accessory 300 described above (Figure 2). In particular: Figure 4(a) shows a plan view of a tiling accessory 340 generally similar to that of Figure 2, save that substantially all of the upper flat surface of the levelling member is absent. This embodiment thus comprises simply a square ring 342 with bevelled edges 344 and a cruciform spacing member 346.

Figures 4(b) and 4(c) show, in plan and side views respectively, a further embodiment 350 in which the quantity of material used is reduced still further. This embodiment comprises simply a square ring 352 with bevelled edges 354. Four lugs 356 are upstanding from the uppermost centre part of each side of the ring 352. These lugs 356 perform the function of the spacing member in the embodiments previously described.

The embodiment 360 of Figure 4(d) is similar to that of Figure 4(a), save that the limbs of the cruciform spacing member 366 are arranged diagonally. This embodiment is used in the same manner as that of Figure 4(a) but with a correspondingly different orientation.

Figure 4(e) shows a further variation 370, in which the spacer member is constituted by upstanding lugs 376 arranged at the corners of the accessory. Support bars 377 extend across the accessory 370 in the plane of the levelling member 372 and meet in the centre, which also serves as the injection point for plastics material in an injection moulding operation.

Figure 5 shows a number of variants of the second embodiment 400 of a tiling accessory, as shown in Figure 3. In particular:

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show, in plan and side views respectively, an embodiment 420 in which the cruciform spacer member is absent and the function of the spacer member is performed simply by four upstanding lugs 426 that are arranged equiangularly spaced around the periphery of the levelling member.

Figures 5(c) and 5(d) show, in plan and side views respectively, an embodiment 430 in which a cruciform member 436 is present but is of reduced thickness. The ends of the cruciform member 436 are enlarged to form lugs 437 that serve the function of a spacer member. The point at which the limbs of the cruciform member 436 meet, at the centre, serves as an injection point for plastics material in an injection moulding operation.

Figure 6 is a plan view from above of two of a further embodiment of the tiling accessory of the invention 400, each having an interlocking feature 414.

This embodiment 400 is generally triangular in shape and is intended to be applied at the corner of a tile. The interlocking feature 414 consists of a staggered region at one edge of the accessory 400, the staggered region allowing the accessory

400 to interlock with another accessory 400 having a corresponding staggered region at its edge.

Figures 7to 12 show various embodiments of tiling accessories according to the invention, each having a bevelled region indicated by hatching.

Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show, in plan and side views respectively, a generally triangular tiling accessory 700. The accessory 70O comprises a planar levelling member 702, the orthogonal edges of which are upstanding to form spacing members 704, 705 and the other edge 706 of which is bevelled.

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show a further embodiment that is generally similar to that of Figure 7, save that it is rectangular in form. This embodiment 710 also comprises a planar levelling member 712, two edges of which are upstanding to form spacing members 714,715 and the other edges 716,717 of which are bevelled.

Figure 9(a) shows another generally rectangular tiling accessory according to the invention. This embodiment 720 comprises a rectangular levelling member 722, one major edge of which is upstanding to form a spacing member 724 and the opposite edge 726 of which is bevelled. Figure 9(b) shows a side view of the tiling accessory 720 when fitted beneath a tile. Figures 10(a) to 10(d) show a tiling accessory 800 for levelling the corners of two adjacent tiles.

The accessory 800 is rectangular and includes a half-cruciform spacing member 802 and two levelling members 804. The levelling member 804 includes bevelled regions 806 on three sides.

The accessory 800 may be slid, using the bevelled regions 806, beneath adjacent corners of two tiles 50 where those corners are away from the edge of the tiling area, as illustrated in Figure 10(c).

The accessory 800 may also be slid beneath the corner of a single tile 50, where this corner is adjacent a wall or ceiling, indicated in Figure 10(d) by the numeral 51 and defining the edge of the tiling area. In this case, the direction of sliding is parallel with the edge of the tiling area. The accessory 800 then provides levelling and spacing members for an adjacent tile to be applied subsequently.

Importantly, the tiling accessory 800 is capable of levelling and separating tiles both at the edge of the tiling area and towards the centre of the tiling area (where two adjacent and abutting accessories define a frill cruciform). Thus, tiling accessory 800 obviates the need for other types of accessory.

Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) show a further embodiment 810, which comprises a generally rectangular levelling member 812 with a central linear spacing member 814 upstanding therefrom. All four edges of the levelling member 812 are bevelled.

Figure 12 shows a yet further embodiment 820, which again comprises a rectangular levelling member 822. In this case, a spacing mem ber 824 is upstanding along one major edge of the levelling member 822, the other three edges being bevelled. The manner in which different forms of tiling accessory according to the invention may be used in combination is illustrated in Figure 13. Figures 13(a) to (c) show three different forms of tiling accessory, viz those illustrated in greater detail in Figures 11 , 12 and 8 respectively, and which are indicated here by the reference numerals 1100, 1102 and 1104. Figure 13(d) shows these accessories when incorporated into a tiled surface.

As seen in Figure 13(d), tiling accessory 1104 is used at the four extreme corners of the tiling area. Tiling accessory 1102 is used at the edge of a tile adjacent the edge of the tiling area, while tiling accessory 1100 is used between the edges of two adjacent tiles, towards the centre of the tiling area.

Tiling is carried out by first fixing a horizontal batten near the bottom of the tiling area, typically about 7cm from the lower edge of the tiling area. A set square is used to set a square angle at the centre of the tiling area. A vertical line may be drawn using a spirit level. A first tile is then placed in position, with a first tiling accessory 1100 located at the vertical edge of the tile that is aligned with the vertical line and a second tiling accessory 1100 positioned under the bottom edge of the tile and abutting the horizontal batten. Further tiling accessories 1100 are slid into position at the other edges of the first tile. A second tile is positioned adjacent to the first tile, in the same way that the first tile was positioned adjacent to the vertical line, then a third tile, and so on.

Once a row of tiles has been applied, the top edges of those tiles are not level. To level those edges, accessories 1100 are slid between the top edges of the tiles and the support surface, the sliding being facilitated by the bevelled edges of the accessories.

Those accessories 1100 provide a levelling member which is already affixed to the support surface, for levelling the bottom edges of the next row of tiles to be applied. Tiling of the next row up then proceeds by applying tiles to the support surface using the already-affixed accessories to level the bottom edges of the tiles, while sliding accessories between the top edges of the tiles and the support surface.

Once all rows of complete tiles have been fixed to the tiling area, the horizontal batten is removed, and the tiling area is completed by affixing cut tiles in the gap between the first row of tiles and the bottom of the tiling area, and in any gaps between the ends of the rows of complete tiles and the side edges of the tiling area. At the outer edges of the cut tiles, tiling accessories 1102 are used, and at the corners of the tiled area accessories 1104 are used. Accessories 1102 are also used at the top edges of the uppermost row of complete tiles.

Figures 14(a) to 14(c) show another set of three tiling accessories according to the invention which can be used in combination, while Figure 14(d) shows these accessories when incorporated into a tiled surface. The tiling accessories in this case are those previously illustrated in greater detail in Figures 2, 10 and 8, and which are denoted here by the reference numerals 1200, 1202 and 1204.

As seen in Figure 14(d), tiling accessory 1204 is used at the four extreme corners of the tiling area. Tiling accessory 1202 is used between the corners of two adjacent tiles along the edge of the tiling area, while tiling accessory 1200 is used between the corners of four adjacent tiles towards the centre of the tiling area.

The procedure for tiling is similar to that described above with reference to Figure 13 except that the accessories 1200 and 1202 serve to level corners of tiles, and not edges.

Clearly, the methods according to the invention require the application of adhesive to the support surface to which tiles are applied, and/or to the undersides of the tiles themselves. The conventional method of applying tile cement to a support surface is to use a notched trowel or a comb to spread the tile cement onto the support surface. This tile cement is of high viscosity, being a paste usually made of styrene-acrylic copolymer. Such tile cement is the best for tile fixing, is generally sold in tubs and can be used for grouting.

A more recent method of using tile cement involves filling cartridges with tile cement based on epoxy resin. However, this form of tile cement is costly for the user, as it must be purchased in tubes which are discarded after each use. Also, particularly when work is carried out in warm conditions, the epoxy cures very quickly, producing a thin skin on the fixed tiles that is hard to clean off where grouting has taken place.

For these reasons, it is preferred to use an adhesive applicator and refillable canister in accordance with the present invention. One embodiment of such an applicator and refillable canister is illustrated in Figures 15 and 16.

Figure s 15(a) to 15(c) show an adhesive applicator 1500 according to the invention.

The adhesive applicator 1500 is in the form of a spade, having a passage 1502 extending through it from a first opening 1504 in the distal end of its neck 1506 to four smaller openings 1508 that are arranged at intervals along the edge of its blade 1510.

The neck 1506 includes an internally threaded region 1514.

The applicator 1500 is formed, by injection moulding, in two halves that are joined by a living hinge along the edge that, in the assembled applicator 1500, constitutes the blade 1510 from which adhesive is dispensed. The applicator 1500 can therefore be assembled by folding the two halves together about that edge, and clipping them together. This allows for easy cleaning of the applicator after use.

The openings 1508 are approximately 4mm in diameter. In use, tile cement is forced through these holes and is dispensed onto the support surface. The interior of the applicator 1500 constitutes a hollow chamber that has rounded shoulders to help the tile cement flow freely.

In use, the applicator 1500 is attached to a refillable adhesive canister, an example of which is shown in Figure 16.

The canister is generally designated 1600 and has a generally square cross- section. The canister 1600 comprises a main body 1610 that incorporates three sides of the canister 1600 and a base 1612, the centre of which is formed with an externally-threaded outlet 1614. The canister 1600 is completed by a plunger plate 1616 that is dimensioned to have a close sliding fit within the main body 1610, and a lid 1618 that has a sliding engagement with the main body 1610. When so engaged, the lid 1618 constitutes the fourth side of the canister 1600, thereby enclosing the interior of the canister 1600. To facilitate engagement of the lid 1618 with the main body 1610, the rearmost part of the lid 1618 is formed with lateral extensions that are dimensioned to fit closely around the surface of the main body and have inwardly directed guides 1620 that engage in corresponding grooves 1622 formed in the external surface of the main body 1610.

The canister is used in conjunction with a cradle 1700 that is shown schematically in Figure 17 and which incorporates a trigger-operated dispensing mechanism. In terms of operation, the cradle is broadly similar to a conventional mastic gun, in that it receives the canister 1600, has a handle 1705 and incorporates a push rod 1710 that bears on the plunger plate 1616 and is driven by manual squeezing of a trigger 1720. Where the cradle 1700 differs from a conventional gun of this type, however, is that the part that receives the canister 1600 is of generally square cross-section.

The canister 1600 is fitted into the cradle 1700, with the lid 1618 disposed at the side of the cradle. When the cradle 1700 is laid on its side, the lid 1618 is uppermost, thereby facilitating filling of the canister 1600 with tiling adhesive, without the need to remove the canister 1600 from the cradle 1700. Once the canister 1600 is positioned in the cradle 1700, the applicator 1500 may be engaged with the outlet 1614, which protrudes from the end of the cradle 1700.

In use, to fill the canister 1600 with tiling adhesive, the lid 1618 is partially withdrawn such that the lid 1618 extends rearwardly across the upper part of the handle 1705. With the cradle 1700 laid on its side, the canister 1600 is then upwardly open and can be filled with a quantity of tile adhesive. The shape of the main body 1610 means that it can be filled simply, using only a scraper of the form available to all tilers. The lid 1618 is then slid back into its closed position.

In use, application of pressure to the plunger plate 1616, by squeezing of the trigger 1720, causes adhesive to move from the canister 1600 into the applicator 1500 under pressure, the adhesive being urged towards the openings 1508 in the blade edge. From those openings 1508, the adhesive may be spread onto a tile or support surface.

After tiling is complete, the canister 1600 can be removed from the cradle 1700 for cleaning, after first disconnecting the applicator 1500 from the canister 1600.

The application of adhesive in individual lines provides for a greater surface area of adhesive, resulting in a faster setting time due to increased contact with air.

Use of such an applicator facilitates the application of adhesive to floor tiles, which require greater amounts of adhesive in order to bed sufficiently well, and require this adhesive to be fairly uniformly applied. Typically, floor tiles are required to withstand greater pressures than wall tiles.

For grouting, the applicator 1500 can be replaced with another applicator having only a single outlet.

Apparatus for dispensing tile adhesive or the like, as described above, represents a further aspect of the invention, according to which there is provided apparatus for the dispensing of tile adhesive or the like, which apparatus comprises a refutable canister having a closure member that may be, in use, at least partially withdrawn to form a fill opening in the canister, a cradle adapted to receive the canister, and manually actuable pressure means by which adhesive held in the canister can be dispensed therefrom, wherein the canister and the cradle are of substantially square cross-section.

With any aspect of the invention so far described, when two or more tiles abut a bead defining the edge of a tiling area, a pin-shaped spacing member may be used to separate those tiles, the bead itself acting as a levelling member.

In addition, floor tiling using the accessories and methods of the invention, or those of the previous specification mentioned above, may be assisted by the application of a self-levelling compound.

Such a compound is a mixture of cements (or granite dust), fillers, additives, and a dispersible polymer, which after mixing with water provides a fast-setting, free- flowing mixture.

According to the invention, PVA (poly vinyl acetate) may be mixed with the self- levelling compound in order to improve its fluidity. As an example, 1 litre of PVA may be mixed with each 20kg bag of self-levelling compound.

In addition, a layer of PVA may be added to the compound once it has set to improve the adhesion of tiles or accessories to it, and to seal the surface of the compound.

Claims

1. A method of applying a tile comprising the steps of:

(a) applying adhesive to one or both of the back of a tile and a support surface; (b) positioning the tile on the support surface;

2. A method according to Claim 1 comprising pressing the tile against the support surface, and then inserting one or more tiling accessories between the tile and support surface.

3. A method according to Claim 1 comprising pressing the tile against the support surface, then inserting one or more tiling accessories between the tile and support surface, and then pressing the tile against the support surface again.

4. A method according to any preceding claim comprising moving the tile to the desired position after application of the adhesive.

5. A method according to any of Claims 1 to 4 comprising:

(b) pressing the tile onto the support surface approximately in a desired position, thereby spreading the adhesive between the tile and support surface, while retaining a separation between the tile and the support surface which is less than a maximum thickness of a levelling member of a tiling accessory; and

(c) inserting levelling member(s) of one or more tiling accessories between the tile and the support surface so that the levelling members define the separation of the tile from the support surface, at least one levelling member having a bevelled surface to facilitate its insertion.

6. A method of applying a tile comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching a tiling accessory to a support surface; (b) applying adhesive to one or both of the back of a tile and the support surface;

7. A tiling accessory having a levelling member which includes a bevelled region to facilitate the insertion of the tiling accessory between a tile and a support surface and a region of the accessory which defines the separation of the tile and support surface in use.

8. An accessory according to Claim 7 wherein the bevelled region is adjacent the region which defines the separation.

9. An accessory according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the region of the levelling member that defines the separation of the tile from the support surface has a flat surface.

10. An accessory according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the levelling member includes a cutout region.

11. An accessory according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, which has a circular overall shape.

12. An accessory according to Claim 7, wherein the levelling member is circular, having a bevelled edge, and wherein a cruciform spacing member is upstanding from the levelling member.

13. An accessory according to Claim 12, wherein openings are formed in the quadrants of the levelling member that are defined by the limbs of the cruciform spacing member.

14. An applicator for tile adhesive, the applicator being elongate and including a handle having a first aperture at its distal end, and a blade having at least a second aperture at its edge, a passage extending from the first aperture to the second aperture through which adhesive may flow to be spread using the blade.

15. An applicator according to Claim 14 which has a threaded region to engage with a corresponding threaded region of an adhesive dispenser.

16. Apparatus for the dispensing of tile adhesive or the like, which apparatus comprises a refillable canister having a closure member that may be, in use, at least partially withdrawn to form a fill opening in the canister, a cradle adapted to receive the canister, and manually actuable pressure means by which adhesive held in the canister can be dispensed therefrom, wherein the canister and the cradle are of substantially square cross-section.

17. A method of applying a tile substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A tiling accessory substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of Figures 1 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.

19. An applicator for tile adhesive substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, Figure 15 and/or Figure 16 of the accompanying drawings.

20. Apparatus for dispensing tile adhesive or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 of the accompanying drawings.