WO2020245711A1

WO2020245711A1 - Levelling spacer device

Info

Publication number: WO2020245711A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/055107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Riccardo Sighinolfi
Original assignee: Raimondi S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-06-07
Filing date: 2020-05-29
Publication date: 2020-12-10
Also published as: IT201900008349A1

Abstract

A levelling spacer device (10) for the application of slab-type manufactured products (P) for covering surfaces, comprising: - a base (20) having a lower surface (21) and an opposite upper surface (22), able to be positioned behind an application surface of at least two slab-type manufactured products (P) that are adjacent and placed side by side with respect to a tiling direction (A); - a separator element (30), which rises up from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and is adapted to slot between facing side edges (P3) of said two slab-type manufactured products (P) placed side by side along the tiling direction (A), wherein the separator element (30) comprises two side faces (31) that are parallel to one another, perpendicular to the tiling direction (A) and square-angled with respect to the upper surface (22); - a threaded stem (40) that rises up from the separator element (30) with screwing axis (B) perpendicular to the base (20); - a pressing element (60) able to screw into the threaded stem (40); - at least one corner spacer (25) that rises up from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and is adapted to come into contact with edges perpendicular to the facing edges of the slab-type manufactured products (P) for the alignment thereof along a direction (D) perpendicular to the tiling direction (A), wherein the corner spacer (25) comprises two side edges (251) that are parallel to each other, square-angled with respect to the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and square-angled with respect to respect to the side edges at the separator element (30); characterised in that the corner spacer (25) is aligned along the tiling direction (A) with a through opening (35) made in the separator element (30), wherein the through opening (35) extends in height, along a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface (22), from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) up to a level higher than a maximum distance between a top wall (250) of the corner spacer (25) and the upper surface (22) of the base (20).

Description

LEVELLING SPACER DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a levelling spacer device for the application of slab-type manufactured products, such as tiles, slabs of natural stone or the like, for covering sur faces, such as walkable surfaces, floors, wall and ceiling coverings or the like.

PRIOR ART

In the field of installation of the tiles for covering surfaces, such as flooring, walls and the like, the use of spacer devices is known which, in addition to spacing the tiles, allow their planar arrangement, that is, they are such as to make the visible surface of the tiles substantially coplanar; said devices are commonly called levelling spacers.

The levelling spacer device of the known type generally comprise a base, able to be po sitioned below an application surface of at least two (three or four) adjacent tiles, from which at least one separator element rises, adapted to contact, through its side edges, the facing sides of the two (three or four) tiles to be placed side by side on the applica tion surface defining the width of the joint between the tiles.

The levelling spacer device is also provided with pressing means cooperating with a ris en portion of the separator element which rises above the plane defined by the surface in view of the tiles. The pressing means are essentially provided with a flat surface turned towards the base which is adapted to press the surfaces in view of all the manu factured products supported by the same base towards the base itself so as to level the surfaces in view.

There are various types among the levelling spacer devices of the known type, one of said types is the one of the so-called "screw" levelling spacer devices, which provides that the pressing element is essentially constituted by a knob equipped with a screw nut adapted to be screwed to a threaded stem (or similar) associated with the risen portion of the separator element.

Once the pressing element has been screwed onto the threaded stem and has carried out its task of levelling the tiles, having waited for the adhesive on which the application surfaces of the tiles are applied to have hardened, it is sufficient to separate - for exam ple thanks to pre-established fracture lines suitably made between the separator ele ment and the base - the separator element from the base, which will remain immersed in the concealed adhesive under the application surface of the tiles. The levelling spacer devices, when they have to separate three or four tiles from each other, or when they have to be arranged at the corners of the tiles, can have a corner spacer.

The presence of said corner spacer, especially in screw levelling spacer devices, com plicates the forming operations of the device, which is generally carried out by moulding plastic materials.

In particular, the realisation of said corner spacers requires the production of complex moulds which require means for moving parts (trolleys), which translate into an increase in costs and production times.

An object of the present invention is that of overcoming the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, within the context of a simple and rational solution and at a contained cost. Such purposes are accomplished by the characteristics of the invention given in the in dependent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advanta geous aspects of the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in particular, provides a levelling spacer device for the application of slab- type manufactured products for covering surfaces, comprising:

- a base having a lower surface and an opposite upper surface, able to be positioned behind an application surface of at least two slab-type manufactured products that are adjacent and placed side by side with respect to a tiling direction;

- a separator element, which rises up from the upper surface of the base and is adapted to slot between facing side edges of said two slab-type manufactured products placed side by side along the tiling direction, wherein the separator element comprises two side faces that are parallel to one another, perpendicular to the tiling direction and square angled with respect to the upper surface;

- a threaded stem that rises up from the separator element with screwing axis perpen dicular to the base;

- a pressing element able to screw into the threaded stem;

- at least one corner spacer that rises up from the upper surface of the base and is adapted to come into contact with edges perpendicular to the facing edges of the slab- type manufactured products for the alignment thereof along a direction perpendicular to the tiling direction, wherein the corner spacer comprises two side edges that are parallel to each other, square-angled with respect to the upper surface of the base and square angled with respect to respect to the side edges at the separator element;

wherein the corner spacer is aligned along the tiling direction with a through opening made in the separator element, wherein the through opening extends in height, along a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface, from the upper surface of the base up to a level higher than a maximum distance between a top wall of the corner spacer and the upper surface of the base.

Thanks to this solution, the levelling spacer device, that is the block of the same, can be of the type suitable to be positioned at the intersection of three or four tiles, defining their interspace in a regular, constant and controlled way and - at the same time - can be made, for example by injection moulding, simply and quickly, without requiring ex pensive and complicated arrangements.

According to an aspect of the invention, for the same purposes set forth above, the through opening can be extended in width, along a second direction parallel to the up per surface, for a width greater than or equal to a maximum thickness of the corner spacer defined by the distance between the two side edges of the corner spacer.

Advantageously, the corner spacer can be slotted with clearance inside the through opening.

Furthermore, the corner spacer can have opposite axial ends arranged on opposite sides with respect to the separator element.

Thanks to this solution, the device, that is the block of the same, globally has a confor mation, wherein the separator element and the corner spacer are substantially“X”- crossed, and is therefore destined to be positioned in support of four tiles P, at a corner of the same.

Alternatively, the corner spacer can have a first axial end distal from the separator ele ment and a second axial end proximal to the separator element, wherein the second ax ial end of the corner spacer is placed at the projection of the separator element on the upper surface of the base.

Thanks to this solution, the device, that is the block of the same, globally has a confor mation in which the separator element and the corner spacer are substantially arranged like a "T", and is therefore destined to be positioned in support of three tiles P, at a cor ner of the same. Advantageously, the separator element can have a pre-set fracture section or line adapted, in use, to be arranged below the level of a visible surface of the tiles to be spaced and levelled.

Advantageously, the pre-set fracture section or line can be arranged at a distance from the upper surface of the base less than a maximum distance between a top wall of the corner spacer and the upper surface of the base.

Thanks to this solution, the quantity of the block (and therefore plastic) that remains embedded between the tiles is limited once the device has completed its task.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the ac companying drawings.

Figure 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a levelling spacer device.

Figure 2 is a front view of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view along the trace of section Ill-Ill of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a raised side view of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view of the levelling spacer device of Figure 1 with the protection ring nut bound to the pressing element.

Figure 6 is a view of the levelling spacer device of Figure 6 with the pressing element screwed onto the threaded stem.

Figure 7 is an axonometric view of a base according to a first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a front view of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a side view of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a plan view from above of Figure 7.

Figure 1 1 is an axonometric view of the block of Figure 7 in an operative configuration. Figure 12 is a front view of Figure 1 1.

Figure 13 is a side view of Figure 1 1.

Figure 14 is a sectional view along the trace of section XIV-XIV of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an axonometric view of a block according to a second embodiment.

Figure 16 is a front view of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a side view of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a plan view from above of Figure 15. Figure 19 is an axonometric view of the block of Figure 15 in an operative configuration. Figure 20 is a front view of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a side view of Figure 19.

Figures 22-22d are an operating sequence of the levelling spacer device according to the invention.

Figure 23a is a schematic plan view of a first possible scheme of application of slab- type manufactured products, so-called "straight".

Figure 23b is a schematic plan view of a second possible scheme of application of slab- type manufactured products, so-called“staggered”.

Figure 23c is a schematic plan view of a third possible scheme of application of slab- type manufactured products, so-called“complex”.

BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

With particular reference to these figures, the reference number 10 generally designates a levelling spacer device adapted to facilitate the application of slab-type manufactured products, such as tiles and the like, generally indicated with the letter P, and adapted for covering surfaces, i.e. flooring, walls, ceilings and the like.

Each tile P, adapted for being laid to cover a surface, has a wide application surface P1 , for example lower, and an opposite wide surface in view P2, for example upper, prefer ably of homologous shape (for example polygonal, preferably quadrangular) with re spect to the application surface P1 .

Each tile P then comprises a plurality of side edges P3, generally square-angled (two by two together and individually square-angled) with the application surface P1 and the vis ible surface P2, which delimit the tile laterally.

The device 10 comprises a block configured to space the tiles P placed side by side and act as a tie bar to be able to level them following a suitable levelling action.

The device 10, that is the block of the same, comprises a base 20, which is adapted in use to be placed behind the application surface P1 of the tiles P.

The base 20 in the illustrated example has an enlarged shape, for example polygonal, circular or irregular in shape, defining a lower surface 21 , for example flat or "V"- shaped, adapted to be arranged distant from the application surface P1 of the tiles P in stalled, and an opposite upper surface 22, for example flat, adapted to be arranged proximal to the application surface P1 of the tiles P and, for example, in contact there- with.

The upper surface 22 of the base 20 is, in practice, destined to receive in support a por tion of the lower (application) surface 21 of one or more tiles P (side by side).

The base 20 is adapted to be immersed in a layer of adhesive placed on a screed which is destined to be covered by the tiles P, with the lower surface 21 turned towards the screed itself and the upper surface 22 turned towards the overlying tiles P.

In the example shown, the base 20 is defined by a monolithic body, for example made of a plastic material (obtained by injection moulding), which has a substantially polygo nal shape (in plan).

In the example shown, the base 20 has an irregular shape (in plan), for example sub stantially octagonal, elongated along a longitudinal axis.

The base 20 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a central plane orthogonal to the base itself, for example with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis C of the same.

The base 20 can have, for example, a thickness at the central plane (with symmetry or thogonal to the longitudinal axis of the same) which is greater than a thickness of the same at the axial (opposite) ends and, for example decreasing from the central plane towards the axial ends.

In practice, this thickness gradient of the base 20 facilitates the person in charge of lay ing the tiles P to slot the base 20 below the application surface P1 of the tiles P when these are already resting on the adhesive layer.

The device 10, i.e. the block of the same, furthermore comprises a separator element 30 which rises in a square-angled way up from the base 20, for example at the central (symmetry) plane of the same, which is adapted, in use, to slot between facing side edges P3 of at least two (or more) tiles P to be placed side by side along a tiling direc tion indicated in the figures with the letter A and contact them defining the width of the interspace (or joint) between the tiles P placed side by side.

In practice, the separator element 30 rises (vertically) up from the upper surface 22 of the base, in a square-angled way therewith.

The separator element 30 is a plate-shaped parallelepiped body, for example, with a rectangular base (very narrow and long, with a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longi tudinal axis of the base 20 or, in any case, lying on the central plane of the base itself) which defines a thin (and wide) separation wall that divides the upper surface 22 of the base 20 into two opposite portions (equal and symmetrical with respect to the separator element itself in the example).

The separator element 30 therefore comprises at least two opposite planar and parallel (to each other) faces 31 , the mutual distance of which defines the thickness of the sepa rator element 30 and, therefore, the width of the joint between the tiles P separated therefrom.

Each face 31 is orthogonal to the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

In practice, each tile P which rests on one of the two portions of the upper surface 22 of the base 20 is adapted to contact one of the faces 31 of the separator element 30.

Furthermore, the separator element 30 has a height (intended as the dimension along a direction orthogonal to the base 20) greater than the thickness of the tiles P to be ap plied, so that the top of the separator element 30, once the tiles P rest (with their own application surface P1 ) on the upper surface 22 of the base 20, protrudes superiorly (abundantly) with respect to the plane to be levelled defined by the visible surface P2 (more distant from the upper surface 22) of the tiles P.

The separator element 30 has a lower end 32 preferably joined to the base 20 and an opposite free end 33 distal from the base 20.

The free end 33 can have, for example, upper walls sloping from the centre towards the opposite longitudinal ends and, for example, an increased thickness with respect to the rest of the separator element 30.

Preferably, the block is made of a single body, that is, the separator element 30 is made of a single (monolithic) body with the base 20, for example obtained by plastic moulding together with the base itself.

Furthermore, the separator element 30 has line or a pre-set fracture section 34 adapted, in use, to be arranged below the level of the visible surface of the tiles P to be spaced and levelled, for example substantially at the same level as the upper surface 22 of the base 20 or, like in the example, a little higher.

For example, the pre-set fracture section or line 34 is made on the separator element 30 near the base 20, for example slightly above the level defined by the upper surface 22.

It is not excluded that the pre-set fracture section or line 34 can be made at the junction line between the base 20 and the separator element 30. In practice, the separator element 30, that is the lower end 32 thereof, is joined to the base 20 by means of such a pre-set fracture section or line 34, which for example de fines a fracture line substantially parallel to the upper surface 22 of the base 20 itself. Thanks to this pre-set fracture section or line 34, all the emerging portion (from the tiles P) of the device 10, comprising the separator element 30, can be easily removed once the tiles P are installed and the adhesive supporting them has hardened, while the por tion immersed in the glue, that is the base 20 (and a small foot portion of the separator element 30), remains trapped (throwaway) in the adhesive itself below the application surface of the levelled tiles P.

The pre-set fracture section or line 34 develops longitudinally in a direction parallel to the upper surface 22 (and to the central plane) along the entire width of the separator element 30, whereby width means the direction orthogonal to the tiling direction A and parallel to the upper surface 22 of base 20.

The pre-set fracture section or line 34 comprises, for example, a longitudinal cut extend ing longitudinally with a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction orthogonal to the tiling direction A and parallel to the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

The longitudinal cut extends for a predetermined stretch of the width of the separator element 30, preferably for the entire width of the same, that is, with full development. Preferably, each longitudinal cut defines a (weakened) area having a reduced cross section with respect to the cross section of the entire separator element 30 on which the fracture of the same preferentially develops with respect to the base 20.

Each pre-set fracture section or line 34 may further comprise at least one fracture trig ger element, which is localized in a predetermined trigger area of the longitudinal cut along its longitudinal axis.

The trigger element defines the trigger area of the longitudinal cut having the minimum thickness of the entire separator element 30, i.e. having a thickness less than the thick ness of the weakened area of the longitudinal cut (outside the trigger area itself).

This minimum thickness (localized at the trigger element) can be comprised between the zero thickness (included) and the thickness of the weakened area of the longitudinal cut (not included).

Advantageously, the trigger element is localized near at least one axial end of the longi tudinal cut. Preferably, but not limited to, the trigger element is localized near at least one axial end of the longitudinal cut at a predetermined non-zero distance therefrom.

The trigger element comprises or consists of a hole passing from side to side for the en tire thickness of the separator element 30, in which the through axis of the hole is trans verse (and incident), preferably orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cut, i.e. it is parallel to the tiling direction A.

The hole is for example with a constant circular section, that is it has a substantially cy lindrical shape, however it is not excluded that this hole may have different shapes ac cording to the needs.

For example, the separator element 30 can provide a through opening 35 (or more), for lightening, for example in a (hidden) area of the separator element 30 (destined to be) located below the visible surface P2 (proximal to the upper surface 22) of the tiles P to be applied with the device 10.

For example, the separator element 30 has a central through opening 35, which is cen tred in the width of the separator element 30, i.e. in a direction orthogonal to the tiling direction A and parallel to the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

The through opening 35 preferably intersects the pre-set fracture section or line 34 by interrupting and dividing it into two (wherein each section of the pre-set fracture section or line 34 is placed on the side of the through opening 35 (in the direction orthogonal to the tiling direction A and parallel to the upper surface 22 of the base 20).

Each section of the pre-set fracture section or line 34 comprises a respective (single) trigger element placed near one (only) axial end of the respective longitudinal cut, pref erably the external axial end (distal from the through opening 35).

In the example, the through opening 35 develops in height, i.e. in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface 22 of the base 20, from the upper surface 22 itself, that is from a lower level equal to the level of the upper surface 22, to a higher upper level of the level at which the pre-set fracture section or line 34 is arranged.

The through opening 35 is laterally surrounded by two lateral edges, for example paral lel, and above by a top wall substantially parallel to (and at a non-zero distance from) the upper surface 22 of the base 20, for example connected with connection radii to the lateral edges.

The width of the through opening 35 is defined by the distance between the two lateral edges of the same and the height of the through opening 35 is defined by the distance between the upper surface 22 of the base and the top wall.

The device 10, i.e. the block of the same, further comprises a corner spacer 25, which is configured to come into contact with side edges P3 orthogonal to the facing side edges P3 of the tiles P, for the alignment of the tiles P along a direction D orthogonal to the til ing direction A and parallel to the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

In the example, the corner spacer 25 rises (above, that is from the same part of the separator element 30) up from the upper surface 22 of the base 20, for example along a direction orthogonal to the upper surface 22 of the same, for example in a central area of the same, that is lying on a median plane of the base 20 orthogonal to the median plane on which the separator element 30 lies.

The corner spacer 25, therefore, is defined by a parallelepiped block, which has a base end bound to (and made in a single body with) the base 20, that is defined at the upper surface 22 thereof, an opposite top free end 250, for example parallel to the upper sur face 22 of the base 20 and at a (non-zero) distance therefrom.

The top wall 250 is located at a distance from the upper surface 22 of the base 20 that is greater than the distance between the pre-set fracture section or line 34 from the up per surface 22 of the base 20.

The corner spacer 25, i.e. the parallelepiped block, is elongated along its own longitudi nal axis, which is parallel to the tiling direction A, that is, it is orthogonal to the faces 31 of the separator element 30.

The corner spacer 25 is centred on the base 20, i.e. its median longitudinal plane coin cides with the median plane of the base 20 parallel to the tiling direction A and orthogo nal to the upper surface 22 of the base itself.

The corner spacer 25, i.e. the parallelepiped block, comprises at least two opposite pla nar and parallel (to each other) side edges 251 , which are configured to come into con tact with the edges of two tiles P to be placed side by side along said direction D.

The mutual distance between the side edges 251 of the corner spacer 25 defines the thickness of the corner spacer 25 (in a direction parallel to the tiling direction A and to the upper surface 22) and, therefore, the width of the joint between the tiles P separated from it.

Each side edges 251 is orthogonal to the upper surface 22 of the base 20 and, moreo- ver, is square-angled with respect to the faces 31 to the separator element 30.

The side edges 251 are longitudinal, that is, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the cor ner spacer 25, for example with full development of the same.

Advantageously, the thickness of the corner spacer 25, which is preferably constant for the entire longitudinal development of the corner spacer 25, is substantially equal to the thickness of the separator element 30, so that the tiles P are spaced both along the di rection D and along the orthogonal tiling direction A by the same distance.

However, it is not excluded that the thickness of the corner spacer 25 is different from the thickness of the separator element 30 according to the different application needs of the tiles P.

The corner spacer 25 has two opposite axial ends 252, which are defined by two oppo site smaller faces, for example, orthogonal to the side edges 251 and to the top end 250.

The corner spacer 25 is aligned along the tiling direction A with the through opening 35 made in the separator element 30.

In practice, the corner spacer 25 or the projection thereof of the corner spacer 25 along the tiling direction A intersects (or, more in detail, crosses with radial clearance with re spect to its longitudinal axis) the through opening 35 (without contacting the lateral edg es and the top wall of the same).

The height of the through opening 35, from the upper surface 22 of the base 20 up to its top wall, is greater than the height of the corner spacer 25, i.e. the (maximum) distance between the top end 250 and the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

Furthermore, the width of the through opening 35 (distance between the lateral edges which delimit it) is greater than or equal to the (maximum) thickness of the corner ele ment 25, intended as the distance between the side edges 251 of the same.

In a first embodiment, shown in detail in figures 7-14, the corner spacer 25 crosses the separator element 30 through the through opening 35 from side to side, where it is slot ted with (abundant) clearance (i.e. at a distance from the wall top and lateral edges of the through opening 35).

In practice, the corner spacer 25 has the opposite axial ends 252 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the separator element 30, for example symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the base 20 orthogonal to the tiling direction A and orthogonal to the upper surface 22 (and parallel to the faces 31 ).

In the shown example, the opposite axial ends 252 are placed at or near the opposite axial ends of the base 20 (distal from said separator element 30).

In this first embodiment, the block, which globally has a conformation in which the sepa rator element 30 and the corner spacer 25 are substantially“X”-crossed, as shown in figure 11 , is destined to be positioned in support of four tiles P, at a corner of the same.

It is not excluded that, the device 10 may comprise two corner spacers 25, as described above and independent of each other, which are arranged on the opposite side with re spect to the separator element 30 and aligned along the tiling direction A.

In this case, the side edges 251 of the two corner spacers 25 are two by two substan tially coplanar and orthogonal to the side edges 31 of the separator element 30, so as to guarantee the effective alignment of the side edges P3 of the tiles P along the direction D.

In a second embodiment, shown in detail in figures 15-21 , the corner spacer 25 (which has a shorter axial length) has a first axial end 252 distal from the separator element 30 and a second axial end 252 proximal to the separator element, wherein the second axial end 252 of the corner spacer 25 is arranged at the projection of the separator element 30 on the upper surface 22 of the base 20, in particular - in the example - it lies on the median plane of the base 20 orthogonal to the tiling direction A and orthogonal to the upper surface 22 (and parallel to the faces 31 ).

In practice, in this embodiment, the corner spacer 25 enters/is only slotted (without crossing from side to side)) into the separator element 30 through the through opening 35, where it is slotted with (abundant) clearance (i.e. at a distance from the top wall and from the lateral edges of the through opening 35).

In the shown example, the first axial end 252 is arranged at or near one of the axial ends of the base 20 (distal from said separator element 30).

In this first embodiment, the block, which globally has a conformation in which the sepa rator element 30 and the corner spacer 25 are substantially arranged like a "T", as shown in figure 19, is destined to be positioned in support of three tiles P, at a corner of the same.

The device 10, i.e. the block of the same, then comprises a threaded stem 40, for ex ample equipped with a male thread 41 , which rises up perpendicularly to the base 20, preferably from the free end 33 of the separator element 30, axially extending the same. In practice, the screwing axis, indicated with the letter B in the figures, is orthogonal to the upper surface 22 of the base 20.

The male thread 41 extends, for example, substantially over the entire length of the threaded stem 40 and, for example, has a constant pitch.

The threaded stem 40 in the example has a substantially double length with respect to the height of the separator element 30.

Preferably, the threaded stem 40 is made in a single (monolithic) body with (the block, that is with) the separator element 30 (and the base 20), or for example obtained by plastic moulding together with the base itself.

The device 10 then comprises a pressing element 50 (defined by a separator body with respect to the block), which is adapted to be screwed onto the threaded stem 40 of the base.

The pressing element 50 comprises a knob 51 having a globally inverted cup or bowl shape, that is a concave shape (with concavity turned towards the base 20 installed). The knob 51 develops, for example, around a central axis C, adapted to be placed co axial with the threaded stem 40 when the pressing element 50 is screwed onto it, as will be better described below.

The knob 51 has, in the example, a substantially truncated-conical or dome shape, that is, it has an enlarged (lower) end and an opposite tapered top end.

It is not excluded that the knob 51 may have any other shape, such as for example cy lindrical, like a butterfly, a handle, or other suitable shape suitable for being gripped by a hand of a person in charge of the installation for screwing it.

In the example, the enlarged (lower) end of the knob 51 defines an inlet mouth or cavity 510, for example substantially circular (coaxial with the central axis C of the knob itself). The inlet cavity 510 has, for example, an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the male thread 41 of the threaded stem 40, so that the latter can be slotted axially with abundant radial clearance inside the inlet cavity 510 of the knob 51.

More preferably, the inlet cavity 510 has an inner diameter substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width (maximum length) of the separator element 30, so that the latter can be slotted axially with radial clearance inside the inlet cavity 510 of the knob 51 itself, when the pressing element 50 is screwed onto the threaded stem 40. In the shown example, the knob 51 comprises a substantially smooth inner shell and a shaped outer shell.

The outer shell of the knob 51 , for example, comprises projections 51 1 (or ridges), for example in number of 4, to facilitate the grip and the rotation actuation for screwing the knob itself.

Each projection 51 1 has, for example, a substantially triangular shape, preferably with a side orthogonal to the inlet cavity 510 of the knob 51.

Furthermore, the knob 51 can have one or more windows 512, for example through or transparent windows, made at the wall which joins the enlarged (lower) end of the knob 51 with its tapered top.

For example, each window 512 is made at an interspace (or recess) between two adja cent projections 51 1.

Each window 512, in the example, passes in a continuous way from the outer shell to the inner shell and forming a decreasing and connected ramp and, preferably, has a substantially ogival (rounded and elongated) shape, enlarged towards the (lower) en larged end of the knob 51.

The knob 51 also has a planar end 513 adapted to be turned towards the base 20 (par allel thereto) when the pressing element 50 is screwed onto the threaded stem 40 and perpendicular to the central axis C of the knob 51.

The planar end 513 actually delimits (with full development) the inlet cavity 510 of the knob 51.

The planar end 513 is for example substantially shaped like a circular crown, preferably defined by the base of a cylindrical shank coaxial with the central axis C and deriving in teriorly from the cap (truncated-conical) portion of the knob 51.

In the example, the planar end 513 is defined by a pair of concentric circular crowns, for example each defined by the base of a cylindrical shank coaxial with the central axis C, as described above.

In practice, the planar end 513 is adapted to be turned, in use, towards the base 20 (or towards the tiles P resting on the base 20) and defines a perfectly planar annular sur face perpendicular to the central axis C of the knob 51.

The knob 51 comprises, for example at or near the planar end 513, an annular step 514 protruding radially towards the outside of the knob itself, for example of the outer shell thereof and (also) of the projections 51 1.

The annular step 514, for example, has a substantially circular shape (at least its outer perimeter) and is coaxial with the central axis C (and with the inlet cavity 510).

The annular step 514 therefore defines a cylindrical (external) surface concentric with the central axis C of the knob 51.

Furthermore, the annular step 514 defines a lower annular surface concentric with the central axis C of the knob 51 , and for example orthogonal thereto, and an opposite up per annular surface, for example it being also planar and parallel to the planar end 513 (and arranged at a higher level, that is closer to the top of the knob 51 ).

The pressing element 50 particularly comprises a screw nut 515 (female thread) config ured to couple (with a helical coupling) with the male thread 41 of the threaded stem 40. The screw nut 515 has, for example, a screwing axis coinciding with the central axis C of the knob 51.

The screw nut 515 is, for example, made at (or near) the tapered top of the knob 51.

For example, the screw nut 515 is defined at an upper shank 516 which rises up from the top of the knob 51 , for example having a substantially truncated-conical (or cylindri cal or prismatic) shape.

The screw nut 515 passes axially from side to side said upper shank 516 and, for ex ample, at its internal end (i.e. the one that opens up into the internal shell of the knob 51 ) is equipped with a lead-in taper to facilitate the axial insertion and the alignment of the threaded rod 41 with the screw nut 515.

The screw nut 515 is, advantageously, defined by a continuous helix, preferably of a plurality of turns.

The pressing element 50 in the example shown is defined, as a whole, by a monolithic body, for example made of a plastic material (obtained by injection moulding).

The device 10 can further comprise a protection ring nut 60 (made in a body separate from the pressing element and the block), which is adapted to be axially interposed - when installed - between the base 20 and the pressing element 50, that is between the pressing element 50 and the visible surface P2 of the tiles P resting on the base 20.

In detail, the pressing element 50 is rotatable (during its screwing rotation around the screwing axis B), in operation, with respect to the protection ring nut 60, which is held stationary (as will be better explained below) with respect to the visible surface P2 of the tiles P.

The protection ring nut 60, in this case, comprises a plate-shaped body 61 , for example with a thin thickness, preferably with an annular shape (or with any shape depending on the needs) provided with an upper face (turned towards the pressing element 50, when in use) and an opposite lower face (turned towards the base 20, when in use).

The protection ring nut 60, that is the plate-shaped body 61 of the same, comprises - at the upper face thereof - a first (upper) surface 610 destined to be turned towards the pressing element 50, when in use, and - at the lower face thereof - an opposite second (lower) surface 61 1 , which is destined to be turned towards the base 20 (i.e. facing on the upper surface 22 of the base itself), when in use (i.e. when the protection ring nut 60 is axially interposed between the base 20 and the pressing element 50 themselves). More particularly, the second surface 611 of the protection ring nut 60 is destined to be turned towards the surface in view P2 of the tiles P placed side by side and resting on the upper surface 22 of the base 20 and is configured to come into contact with the sur face in view P2 of the tiles P themselves.

The first surface 610 and the second surface 61 1 are, for example, singularly planar and substantially parallel to each other; preferably the first surface 610 and the second surface 611 , in use, are substantially orthogonal to the screwing axis B of the screw nut 515 on the threaded stem 40.

For example, the first surface 610 is substantially annular with a circular shape.

The first surface 610 is adapted to come into contact (sliding, for example along a circu lar sliding trajectory) with the planar surface 513 of the pressing element 50, during the screwing rotation of the pressing element 50 on the threaded stem 40.

In the example, the protection ring nut 60 has a first surface 610 for each planar surface 513 provided in the pressing element 50.

The first (planar) surface 610 could affect (occupy) the entire area of the upper (annular) face of the protection ring nut 60 or only a portion (annular or annular in some sections) of the same.

The protection ring nut 60 could provide one or more centering projections or grooves 612 placed at the upper face (surrounding the first surface 610, for example concentri cally thereto), for example with an annular shape or in any case adapted to define an annular track, which can be engaged by the pressing element 50, for example to guide their mutual rotation.

For example, the second surface 61 1 can be substantially annular, for example with cir cular (or any) shape.

Alternatively, the second surface 61 1 can be defined by a plurality of portions of discrete planar surfaces (distinct from each other) and coplanar and/or portions of discrete point surfaces (distinct from each other) and coplanar which together form a planar surface. The second surface 61 1 is adapted to come into contact (substantially by adhesion) with the visible surface P2 of the tiles P resting on the (upper surface 22 of the) base 20 (and to remain substantially braked/adherent during the screwing rotation of the press ing element 50 on the threaded stem 40).

The second surface 61 1 , in use, is adapted to come into contact with the visible surface P2 of the tiles P remaining substantially integral (firm, without sliding) therewith during the screwing rotation of the pressing element 50 on the threaded stem 40.

The second (planar) surface 61 1 could affect (occupy) the entire area of the lower (an nular) face of the protection ring nut 60 or only a portion (annular or annular in some sections or in any case distributed) of the same.

In practice, the second surface 61 1 of the protection ring nut 60 is defined by the portion of the lower face of the protection ring nut 60 more distal from the upper face of the pro tection ring nut itself, on which the protection ring nut 60 rests when it is resting on the lower face itself.

The protection ring nut 60 is configured so as to remain stationary resting on the visible surface P2 of the tiles P during the screwing rotation of the pressing element 50 on the threaded stem 40.

In the example shown, this effect is obtained by conforming the protection ring nut 60 so that the second surface 61 1 has a sliding (static or dynamic) friction coefficient greater than the sliding (static or dynamic respectively) friction coefficient of the first surface 610.

In other words, the protection ring nut 60 (i.e. the first surface 610 and the second sur face 61 1 thereof) - and, for example, the pressing element 50 (i.e. the planar end 513 thereof - is configured so that the second surface 61 1 in contact with the visible surface P2 of the tiles P (whatever they are) has a sliding friction coefficient greater than the sliding (static or dynamic respectively) friction coefficient of the first surface 610 in con- tact with the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50.

In other words, the second surface 61 1 and the first surface 610 when they are in con tact with an identical (reference) surface, for example with the planar end 513, generate with said (reference) surface a sliding friction coefficient (i.e. a different friction-resistant force) and in particular, the second surface 61 1 in contact with said (reference) surface generates with it a sliding friction coefficient (i.e. a friction-resistant force) greater than the first surface 610 when in contact with the same (reference) surface.

In practice, the second surface 611 and the first surface 610 with the same conditions of contact with an identical (reference) surface, which could be defined by the planar end 513), generate with it a different friction-resistant force, such that the friction-resistant force exerted by the second surface 61 1 is greater than the friction-resistant force ex erted by the first surface 610.

That is, the second surface 611 is configured so as to exert a binding sliding reaction (in opposition to a torque which would cause it to rotate around an axis orthogonal to the second surface itself) on the visible surface P2 of the tiles P (whatever they are) greater (in the modulus) than a binding sliding reaction (in opposition to a torque which would cause it to rotate around an axis orthogonal to the second surface itself) that the first surface 610 exerts on the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50.

It is not excluded that the second surface 611 may be adhesive, for example by means of glue (of the stick-and-peel type) or by a suction cup effect or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the first surface 610 is made of a (plastic) material different from the (plastic) material of which the second surface 61 1 is made.

Preferably, the first surface 610 is made of a first substantially rigid (non-deformable) material, for example it is made of plastic (or at most of metal).

Advantageously, the second surface 611 is made of a second resilient and/or adhesive and/or yielding material, for example it is made of an elastomeric material, such as for example rubber (preferably rigid rubber) or silicone or another similar material.

In this case, the protection ring nut 60 could advantageously be obtained in a single body by co-moulding plastic materials.

For example, the protection ring nut 60 could be obtained by joining (indissolubly and stably) a first load-bearing body (made of the first aforesaid material), which also de fines - among other things - the first surface 610, and one or more second functional bodies (made of the second aforesaid material), which defines the second surface 61 1. For example, the second surface 611 could be defined by the lower surface of one or more second functional bodies (having a defined thickness), with an annular or any shape, which have an upper surface (opposite to the lower surface) in direct contact with stable adhesion to a surface portion of the interface of the first load-bearing body of the protection ring nut 60 (at the lower face of the protection ring nut 60 itself).

For example, a concave seat (with concavity turned downwards), for example annular, can be defined in the first load-bearing body of the protection ring nut 60, at the lower face thereof, within which seat a portion of root of the first functional body is received (and firmly adhered), which rises up axially from the concave seat so as to make the second surface 61 1 defined by it rise up with respect thereto (see Figure 3).

It is not excluded that the second functional bodies are made of a plurality of feet, for example with a hemispherical or prismatic shape or any other shape which define, on the whole, a (single) resting surface such as to constitute the second surface 61 1.

Yet, it is not excluded that the second functional body of the protection ring nut 60 is de fined by an annular body having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer di ameter of the first load-bearing body and an inner diameter for example substantially equal to an inner diameter of the first load-bearing body itself, wherein also the first load-bearing body is substantially annular in shape.

In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to provide that the second surface 61 1 can be removably associated with the protection ring nut 60.

For example, the protection ring nut 60 could be obtained by joining releasably a first load-bearing body (made of the first aforesaid material), which also defines - among other things - the first surface 610, and one or more second functional bodies (made of the second aforesaid material), which defines the second surface 61 1.

For example, the second surface 611 could be defined by the lower surface of one or more second bodies (having a defined thickness), with an annular or any shape, which have an upper surface (opposite to the lower surface) fixed (for example in direct con tact) with a surface portion of the interface of the first load-bearing body of the protec tion ring nut 60 (at the lower face of the protection ring nut 60 itself).

For example, a concave seat (with concavity turned downwards), for example annular, can be defined in the first load-bearing body of the protection ring nut 60, at the lower face thereof, within which seat a portion of root of the first functional body is received - for example by interference or snap-fittingly - which rises up axially from the concave seat so as to make the second surface 61 1 defined by it rise up with respect thereto.

For example, the second functional body could be made of a resilient ring of the type of an "O-ring".

It is not excluded that - also in this embodiment - the second functional bodies can be made of a plurality of feet associated snap-fittingly or in any case fixed in a removable way, to examples with a hemispherical or prismatic shape or any other shape that de fine, on the whole, a (single) resting surface such as to constitute the second surface 61 1 .

Again, as an alternative to the above, it is possible to provide that the first surface 610 can be made of a plastic material equal to (or again different from) the plastic material of which the second surface 61 1 is made.

In this case, the difference between the sliding friction coefficient between the first sur face 610 and the second surface 61 1 can be achieved by means of a different configu ration of the surface roughness between the first surface 610 and the second surface 61 1 themselves.

In particular, the protection ring nut 60 - which could be obtained in a single monolithic body by moulding a (single) plastic material - could be configured so that the second surface 61 1 has a surface roughness greater than the surface roughness of the first sur face 610 destined to come into contact with the pressing element 50.

The protection ring nut 60 also comprises a through hole 62 (passing in an axial direc tion), for example central (i.e. coaxial with the first surface 610), which crosses the plate-like body 61 from side to side and is open at the upper face and the opposite low er face of the protection ring nut 60.

In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the through hole 62 has a circular shape with a (inner) diameter greater than the maximum width of the separator element 30, which can then be slotted (with its threaded stem 40) axially (with radial clearance) in the through hole 62 of the protection ring nut 60.

In an alternative embodiment, the through hole 62 can have any shape with a minimum diameter however greater than the maximum width of the separator element 30.

Furthermore, it is not excluded that an anti-rotation (prismatic) connection can be de- fined between the protection ring nut 60 (i.e. the through hole thereof 62) and the sepa rator element 30 of the base.

Again, alternatively, the through hole 62 has an elongated shape like a slit with a longi tudinal axis radial with respect to the central axis of the protection ring nut 60 and pref erably, it crosses the centre of the protection ring nut 60. In practice, said through hole 62 shaped like a slit is centred on the axis of the protection ring nut 60.

In the example, said through hole 62 shaped like a slit is narrow and long, with a length slightly greater than the length of the separator element 30 and with a width slightly greater (for example less than 2 times) the thickness of the separator element 30.

Said through hole 62 shaped like a slit is therefore configured to slot (with clearance) on the separator element 30 (and cause a prismatic connection therewith).

In practice, the separator element 30 (on the part of its free end provided with the threaded stem 40) can be slotted axially inside the through hole 62 shaped like a slit and, once the separator element 30 is engaged inside said through hole 62 shaped like a slit, mutual rotation is prevented (except for small oscillations due to the tolerances in volved and to the necessary clearance which allows the comfortable insertion of the separator element 30 into the slit 61 ) between the protection ring nut 60 and the separa tor element itself.

In this case, the through hole 62 shaped like a slit, for example, has substantially straight and parallel longitudinal side edges between which the separator element 30 is substantially received at its size (with reduced lateral clearance).

In this case, said through hole 62 shaped like a slit, for example, is sized in such a way that even the threaded stem 40 can be slotted axially (with abundant clearance) inside it.

Preferably, the protection ring nut 60 is rotatably associated with the pressing element 50, for example with respect to a rotation axis coinciding with the screwing axis of the screw nut 51 of the pressing element itself.

The protection ring nut 60 is adapted to be associated with the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50, i.e. with the end of the same facing towards the base 20, so as to interpose between the base 20 and said planar end 513 (and, in use, between the visi ble surface of the tiles P and the planar end 503 itself) when the pressing element 50 is screwed onto the threaded stem 40. Preferably, as shown in figures 5,6 and 22a-d, between the protection ring nut 60 and the pressing element 50, binding means are defined which are adapted to axially bind the protection ring nut 60 and the pressing element 50, allowing their (free) mutual rota tion with respect to the rotation axis (coinciding with the screwing axis when the protec tion ring nut 60 is bound to the pressing element 50).

The binding means are, for example, a snap coupling configured to axially bind, in a removable or semi-permanent way, the protection ring nut 60 and the pressing element 50 and leaving, as said, the mutual rotation between them free with respect to the mu tual rotation axis.

In this case, the protection ring nut 60 comprises a plurality of coupling teeth protruding, for example in the axial direction on the opposite side with respect to the second sur face 61 1 and aligned along an imaginary circumference coaxial with respect to the pro tection ring nut 60 itself and, for example, having a diameter substantially greater than the outer diameter of the annular step 514 of the pressing element 50.

Each coupling tooth has a leg rising up from the protection ring nut 60 (i.e. from its up per face), one end of which derives, for example in a single body therewith, from a pe ripheral portion of the protection ring nut itself and whose opposite free end it comprises a coupling head substantially shaped like a spike turned towards the rotation axis E of the protection ring nut 60 and defining a coupling, substantially planar, surface, turned towards the upper face (i.e. the first surface 61 1 ) of the protection ring nut itself.

The coupling surface is distant from the upper face (i.e. the first surface 61 1 ) of the pro tection ring nut 60 by a height substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the annular step 514.

The coupling tooth, for example the leg thereof, is elastically yielding, preferably in radi al direction, so that it can be snapped onto the pressing element 50, that is the annular step 514 thereof.

The coupling tooth, for example the leg thereof, has an arcuate shape (of a circular sec tor) in the direction of its circumferential width with a concavity turned towards the cen tral axis of the protection ring nut 60.

The coupling head also defines a surface opposite to the coupling surface which can be inclined with respect to the first surface 610 by an acute lead-in angle, such as to impart a radial thrust (towards the outside of the protection ring nut 60) to the coupling tooth following an axial compression thrust on the coupling head of the coupling tooth itself.

In practice, the snap coupling between the pressing element 50 and the protection ring nut 60 is defined by the coupling between the coupling teeth and the annular step 514. The coupling teeth by widening apart radially, following a mutual axial approaching translation between the pressing element 50 and the protection ring nut 60, allow the annular step 514 to enter between the coupling teeth themselves, in practice bringing the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50 in (circumferential sliding) contact with the first surface of the protection ring nut 60, and possibly the coupling surface of the coupling teeth in (circumferential sliding) contact with the opposite upper annular sur face of the annular step 514.

The legs of the coupling teeth, as a whole, can define a cylindrical (in some sections) surface coaxial with the protection ring nut 60 and within which the perimetric edge of the annular step 514 rotates.

It is not excluded that the binding means which mutually bind the protection ring nut 60 and the pressing element 50 in an axial direction, leaving the mutual rotation free, may be different from those shown, for example of the interference type or other suitable connection, both semi-permanent and removable or, at most, permanent, depending on the construction needs.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide - in a more simplified embodiment - that said binding means are not present. In this case, the protection ring nut 60 can be interposed from time to time between the pressing element 50 and the visible surface P2 of the tiles P, for example resting with the second surface 61 1 thereof on the visible surface P2 of the tiles P themselves. Even in this case, however, it is possible to provide that the protection ring nut 60 has centering projections or grooves 612 placed at the upper face (surrounding the first surface 610, for example in a concentric manner with it), for example with an annular shape or in any case adapted to define an annular track, which can be engaged by the pressing element 50, for example to guide its mutual rotation, once the first surface 610 comes into contact with the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50.

7ln light of the above, the operation of the device 10 is as follows.

To cover a surface with a plurality of tiles P, it is sufficient to spread a layer of adhesive over it and, subsequently, it is possible to lay the tiles P. In practice, where the first tile P is supposed to be placed, it is sufficient to position a first device 10, whose base 20 is destined, for example, to be placed under an edge and two corners of three respective tiles P (see figures 19-21 ) or four corners of respective four tiles P (see figures 1 1 -14), depending on the desired application pattern.

Once the base 20 has been positioned, it is sufficient to position the tiles P so that a portion of the side edge P3 is in contact respectively with one of the faces 31 of the separator element 30 and/or a portion of a further side edge P3 is in contact with one of the side edges 251 of the corner spacer 50.

In this way, the square-angled arrangement and the equidistance between the tiles P surrounding the device 10 is ensured. When, for example, the tiles P have particularly large dimensions and the arrangement of the tiles P allows it, then it is also possible to position a device 10 at a median area of the side edge P3 of the tile itself.

It is not excluded that, for example, firstly a tile P is laid and then at the corner or a side edge P3 thereof, a base portion 20 of the device 10 is inserted under it.

Once the various bases 20 have been positioned with the respective separator ele ments 30 (and any corner spacers) as described above, as long as the adhesive has still not fully hardened, however, it is proceeded by fitting and screwing a pressing ele ment 50 into a respective threaded stem 40, so that the pressing element gradually de scending towards the visible surface P2 of the tiles resting on the base 20 pushes on them, locally in the various (median or corner) points, allows the perfect levelling of the visible surfaces P2 of the tiles affected by the same device 10.

In practice, for example after having joined the protection ring nut 60 and the pressing element 50 together by means of the binding means, it is sufficient to axially slot the free end of the threaded stem 40 of the through hole 62 and, from it, within the inlet cav ity 510 of the pressing element 50 until the male thread 41 enters the screw nut 51. Subsequently, in order to quickly approach the second surface 61 1 of the protection ring nut 60 to the visible surface of the tiles P, it is sufficient to impart a (right-handed) torque on the upper shank 516, so that the screw nut 51 engages the male thread 41 of the threaded stem 40 and, preferably spontaneously, the pressing element 50 quickly screws onto the threaded stem 40.

The axial (spontaneous) travel of the pressing element 50 is interrupted when the sec ond surface 61 1 of the protection ring nut 60 reaches the visible surface P2 of one or more of the tiles P axially superimposed on it.

At this point, the person in charge of the installation, by rotating the pressing element 50, for example holding the projections 51 1 with his fingers, screws the latter onto the threaded stem 40 so as to exert a gradual pressure, suitably calibrated and controllable, on the visible surface P2 of all the tiles P on which the second surface 61 1 of the pro tection ring nut 60 rests.

During said screwing/tightening rotation, the protection ring nut 60 remains stationary (integral with the tiles P and/or the threaded stem 40 and with the separator element 30) although it can slide axially.

In practice, the second surface 61 1 defines a resting (anti-sliding) surface adhering to the visible surface P2 of the tiles P on which it rests which prevents the protection ring nut 60 from being able to rotate even if it is subject to a torque due to the sliding contact between the planar end 513 of the pressing element 50 and the first surface 610 of the protection ring nut 60.

The planar end 513 of the pressing element 50, on the other hand, slides during the screwing rotation which allows the tightening of the pressing element 50 and - therefore - the levelling of the tiles P, on the first surface 610 of the protection ring nut 60, de facto not interfering with the visible surface P2 of the tiles P themselves.

Finally, when the adhesive has hardened and set on the laying surface of the tiles P, it is proceeded with breaking the separator element 30, for example with a kick, along the pre-set fracture section or line 34, thus removing the same separator element 30, with the pressing element 50 being screwed onto the threaded stem 40, in order to be able to fill the joints between the tiles P without the base 20 being visible on the finished sur face.

In order to be able to reuse the pressing elements 50, with the relative protection ring nuts 60, it is sufficient to remove the threaded stem 40 from the engagement with the screw nut 51 for example to impart a (left-handed) torque on the upper shank 516, so that the screw nut 51 is unscrewed from the male thread 41 of the threaded stem 40 quickly (and spontaneously).

The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A levelling spacer device (10) for the application of slab-type manufactured prod ucts (P) for covering surfaces that comprises:

- a base (20) having a lower surface (21 ) and an opposite upper surface (22), able to be positioned behind an application surface (P1 ) of at least two slab-type manufactured products (P) that are adjacent and placed side by side with respect to a tiling direction

(A);

- a separator element (30), which rises up from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and is adapted to slot between facing side edges (P3) of said two slab-type manufac tured products (P) placed side by side along the tiling direction (A), wherein the separa tor element (30) comprises two side faces (31 ) that are parallel to one another, perpen dicular to the tiling direction (A) and square-angled with respect to the upper surface (22);

- a threaded stem (40) that rises up from the separator element (30) with screwing axis

(B) perpendicular to the base (20);

- a pressing element (60) able to screw into the threaded stem (40);

- at least one corner spacer (25) that rises up from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and is adapted to come into contact with edges perpendicular to the facing edges of the slab-type manufactured products (P) for the alignment thereof along a direction (D) perpendicular to the tiling direction (A), wherein the corner spacer (25) comprises two side edges (251 ) that are parallel to each other, square-angled with respect to the upper surface (22) of the base (20) and square-angled with respect to respect to the side edges at the separator element (30);

characterised in that the corner spacer (25) is aligned along the tiling direction (A) with a through opening (35) made in the separator element (30), wherein the through opening (35) extends in height, along a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface (22), from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) up to a level higher than a maximum dis tance between a top wall (250) of the corner spacer (25) and the upper surface (22) of the base (20).

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the through opening (35) extends in width, along a second direction parallel to the upper surface (22), for a width greater than or equal to a maximum thickness of the corner spacer defined by the distance be- tween the two side edges (251 ) of the corner spacer (25).

3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the corner spacer (25) is slotted with clearance inside the through opening (35).

4. The device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the corner spacer (25) has opposite axial ends (252) arranged on opposite sides with respect to the separator element (30).

5. The device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the corner spacer (25) has a first ax ial end (252) distal from the separator element (30) and a second axial end (252) proxi mal to the separator element (30), wherein the second axial end (252) of the corner spacer (25) is arranged at the projection of the separator element (30) on the upper sur face (22) of the base (20).

6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the separator element (30) has a pre-set fracture section or line (34) adapted, in use, to be arranged below the level of a visible surface (P2) of the tiles (P) to be spaced and levelled.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the pre-set fracture section or line (34) is arranged a distance from the upper surface (22) of the base (20) less than a maximum distance between a top wall (250) of the corner spacer (25) and the upper surface (22) of the base (20).

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the pre-set fracture section or line (34) comprises a longitudinal cut developing longitudinally with a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction orthogonal to the tiling direction (A) and parallel to the upper surface (22) of the base (20).

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal cut extends over the en tire width of the separator element (30).

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the pre-set fracture section or line (34) further comprises at least one fracture trigger element, which is localized in a predeter mined trigger area of the longitudinal cut along its longitudinal axis.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the trigger element is localized near at least one axial end of the longitudinal cut, preferably at a predetermined non-zero dis tance from said axial end.

12. The device according to claim 1 , which comprises a protection ring nut (60) adapted to be axially interposed between the base (20) and the pressing element (50).

13. The device according to claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the corner spacer (25) is equal to a thickness of the separator element (30), so that the slab-type manufactured products (P) are spaced, both along the direction (D) and along the orthogonal tiling di rection (A), by the same distance.