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(11) | EP 1 726 736 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Tiling device and method without use of cement or adhesives |
| (57) Device and method of tiling without the use of cement, adhesive or the like to secure
the tiles. The device consists of a bearing surface (1) to locate tiles (12), the
bearing surface (1) being adhered to the wall or surface (13) to be covered and having
elongate elements (8) with an exterior in the shape of channel serving as aligning
rods for the tiles (12). The bearing surface further may have lines for cutting the
bearing surface to fit the surface that is to be covered. The method contemplates
the stages of presenting the bearing surface (1) on the wall or surface (13), adapting
the bearing surface (1) through its lines for cutting, leveling the bearing surface
(1) through the leveling bands, preparing the wall or surface (13) with the necessary
holes for the holding or fixing of the bearing surface (1), fixing the bearing surface
(1) to the wall or surface (13) through perforations for the fixing and if necessary
the leveling supplements, installing the wires through the channels for wiring, placing
the aligning rods (8) on the perforations for the fixing of the rods (8), placing
the tiles (12) between the aligning rods (8), placing the separators among the tiles,
and placing the lids (10) for the fixing of the tiles (12) and separators.
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[0001] This invention relates to a system for tiling with no use of cement and /or adhesives to secure the tiles to a wall or similar surface or filler such as grout for sealing joints between the tiles. This invention allows an easy and quick covering of walls with tiles as well as allowing tiles to be removed and replaced by new tiles or temporarily removed to make some repairs and then replaced in a more convenient manner. More especially, the invention concerns a device for use when tiling to secure tiles to a surface and a method of tiling a surface that does not require cement or adhesives to secure the tiles or grout to fill the joints between the tiles.
[0002] The traditional method of tiling consists in applying a layer of cement-mortar, cement adhesive or similar on which the tiles are placed. This requires experience, skill and knowledge of tiling techniques, as well as the tools to be used such as wood strips, plummet, bucket, bricklayer laddle, sponge, wood sticks, gloves, builder's level, tile cutters, trowels. With this method, the tiles are permanently secured to the surface and removal of the tiles, for example to gain access behind the tiles for repairs, nearly always results in the tiles breaking. Finding replacement tiles that match the remaining tiles can be a problem with the result that the design and/or decoration of the room can be affected.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for tiling without the use of cement or mortar or adhesive or similar such that unskilled people can very easily tile a surface that needs to be covered, including edges, terminations, internal and external right angles and other areas of the room to be decorated.
[0004] It is a further preferred object of the present invention to provide a system for tiling that allows the tiles to be removed if required, for example to repair a pipe leak, and replaced without breaking any tiles so as to avoid the difficulty of replacing broken tiles with tiles of the same design or pattern.
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a tiling system employing a base part for securing to a surface to be tiled, the base part locating an edge of a tile positioned on the base part, and a cover part to overlie the edge of the tile.
[0006] By this invention, the tile is secured without the use of cement or adhesive. Since this system does not require the cement or adhesive, different elements can be combined to decorate, such as: tiles, wood, mirrors, lit glass panels and the like allowing the marketing of such elements in a similar format to the tiles.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use when tiling a surface, the device comprising a base part for securing to a surface to be tiled, the base part locating an edge of a tile positioned on the base part, and a cover part to overlie the edge of the tile.
[0008] Preferably, the cover part is releasably secured to the base part such that the cover part can be detached to allow the tile to be removed, for example if it is necessary to gain access to services behind the tile for repair or maintenance, and replaced. Also, the tile can be replaced with a different tile allowing the colour and/or pattern to be easily changed, for example to match the other decoration in the room.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of tiling a surface comprising providing a base part for locating an edge of a tile, securing the base part to the surface to be tiled, positioning an edge of a tile against the base part, and providing the base part with a cover part to overlie the edge of the tile.
[0010] According to a still further aspect, the invention is constituted by a bearing surface on which the tiles are placed. This is adhered to the wall or surface on which the tiles are to be placed. The location is preferably done with the help of a level for alignment and perforations for fixing. The bearing surface preferably has areas of anti-sliding material, typically of rectangular or other suitable shape, that prevents the movement of the tiles. The bearing surface preferably has lines for cutting through to adapt the bearing surface to the surface to be covered. The bearing surface preferably has elongate elements that serve as aligning means for the tile edge. These elongate elements may be integrated to the bearing surface or secured thereto. In addition to this, separators are preferably used and placed between the tiles to maintain the required spacing between adjacent tiles. Fitting lids or covers for the elongate elements overlie the tile edge. The elongate elements may include at least one channel to pass low ampere wiring and/or aids for the leveling of the bearing surface. An anchoring system may be employed to attach the tiles to the bearing surface. The anchoring system may comprise holders that are releasably secured to the bearing surface, preferably with the help of perforations in the bearing surface, and which have edge formations to secure the tiles.
[0011] The bearing surface, elongate elements and fitting lids are preferably of a flexible or semi-flexible material to accompany the movement of the building or tiling. A level band allows the bearing surface to be aligned with the surface to be covered. Such level band can optionally contain a bubble (bubble level).
[0012] The elongate elements can be placed on the bearing surface in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal way, and can be integrated to the bearing surface in any other preferred way.
[0013] The elongate elements do not include unevenness since it is integrated to the bearing surface and optionally its location is made on the perforations of the fixings of the elongate elements in the same way its base does not include unevenness.
[0014] The invention can be used with the standard tiles in the market. It is not required that the tiles should have special edges or fittings.
[0015] The lines for cutting allow the bearing surface to be adapted to the surface that is to be covered, i.e. if the surface to be covered is of smaller dimensions to the bearing surface, it will only be necessary to remove some of the vertical or horizontal elongate elements with the help of the lines for cutting so as to reduce the bearing surface of the tiles. If it is necessary, the reduced bearing surface will allow the location of tile sections. (1/2 tile, 1/4 tile or any other size)
[0016] The perforations of the bearing surface allow the fixing of the bearing surface on the wall with only the help of fixing elements such as screws. In addition to this, leveling supplements can be used to correct unevenness on the wall or surface to be covered. Once such bearing surface has been fixed, the location of the chosen tiles is done and the tiles are fixed through the corresponding fitting lids.
[0017] There is a possibility this invention can be applied on a pre-molded plate which could already have the perforations that will match those on the bearing surface leaving then only the location of the screws for their fixing.
[0018] These bearing surfaces can have anti-sliding areas that will permit a better fixing of the tiles that avoids the tiles sliding down from their original position.
[0019] As expressed before, the elongate elements guide the location of the tiles, allowing them to be placed in a parallel way one from the other.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, such elongate elements and fitting lids are made of transparent or translucent material.
[0021] Regarding the division between adjacent tiles, separators can be used. The separators can be placed between the tiles and along each of the tile columns. These separators can have a varied structure according to requirements and may be configured with a rectangular cross section of different sizes and height-width proportion.
[0022] The bearing surface may include channels for passing of low ampere wires for any purpose. For example to decorate or illuminate the tiles if the chosen style includes transparent or translucent tiles.
[0023] The fitting lids or covers overlie the edges of the tiles to conceal the tile edges such as between adjacent tiles on a flat surface or at internal or external corners or any other location. The fitting lids may provide the sole means of securing the tiles. Alternatively or additionally, an anchoring system may be employed including a tile holder for securing to the bearing surface behind the tiles. The tile holder has edge formations that extend around the edges of the tiles to the front face of the tiles to secure the tiles. The fitting lids or covers may be employed with such anchoring system to assist in securing the tiles and/or to conceal the anchoring system.
[0024] It will be noted from the foregoing that this invention is different from the traditional tiling systems in each one of the following points:
a. No cement or adhesives are used.
b. The bearing surface contains an anti-sliding surface or area..
c. The bearing surface contains a level band for its correct location
d. The tiles fully lie on the bearing surface, protecting them from possible breaks. That is to say, there are no empty spaces between the tiles and their bearing surface.
e. There are no empty spaces between the aligning slides and the tiles, firmly fixing the latter.
f. No special tiles are required. It eventually allows the manufacturing of tiles with flat posterior surfaces that do not require relieves for the fixing through with cement or adhesives thus making of this an inexpensive system.
g. It allows the multiple positioning of the aligning elements, not only vertically or horizontally, allowing them to be installed in multiple ways.
h. The bearing surface includes channels for the passing of low ampere wires that allows the installation of light systems.
i. This system allows adapting to multiple size tiles.
j. It allows the installation of tiles by unskilled/inexperienced people, and it is easy and quick to set up.
k. No filling is required for the joints or spaces between tiles.
l. An even distance between tiles is guaranteed.
m. The combination of multiple materials for decoration is permitted. There are certain materials (tiles, wood, mirrors, glass) whose location requires different methods. They use different amounts of adhesive, different number of trowels and other types of filling for joints.
n. In the event of an uneven surface, the use of leveling supplements to correct such unevenness is possible.
[0025] For a better comprehension of the present invention and a better understanding of its commercial advantages, a detailed description of some examples of the invention are now given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a view of the device of this invention for the location of tiles according to the first preferred way of location.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a wall with tiles applied according to the device in Figure 1.
Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d illustrate both views in section of the separators to use in the preferred modality of Figure 1.
Figure 4 shows one half of the bearing surface seen in Figure 1
Figure 5 is a section view of an angle or corner on which this invention has been applied according to the modality in Figure 1.
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate both section views, where it can be observed the application of this present invention according to Figure 1 in external corners and in the square and round edged versions respectively.
Figures 7a and 7b show both views in cut in the internal corners of the present invention according to the modality of Figure 1 in the square and round edged versions respectively.
Figure 8 illustrates a section view of the display of a number of tiles on a wall using the device of this present invention according to the modality of Figure 1.
Figure 9 shows a second modality preferred for the realization of this present invention in which the guiding rod is not an integral part of the bearing surface of the tiles.
Figure 10 shows a dismount of the set of rod, its lid, and bearing surface, being each of the pieces independent one from the other.
Figure 11 is a section view of a wall with tiles applied according to the modality on Figure 9.
Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e illustrate section cut views of the separators to be used in the preferred modality of Figure 9.
Figures 13a and 13b show section cut views of the set of rod and lid according the two modalities of realization of the lid.
Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d illustrate views of the cut where it can be observed the application of the second modality of the device of this present invention in external corners in the square and round edged versions respectively.
Figures 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d show both views of the cut of the application of the device in the second modality, in internal corners of the present invention in the square and round edged versions respectively.
Figure 16 illustrates a view of the cut of the display of a number of tiles on a wall using the device of this present invention, according to the modality in Figure 9.
Figure 17 shows a preferred third modality for the use of this present invention, in which each aligning rod is a double rod that has cross section cuts so as to allow the sliding and positioning of the lids in either a parallel or perpendicular position to the rod.
Figure 18 allows to observe the structure of the rod with its holding protuberances to the bearing surface of the device of this present invention applied according to the second and third preferred modalities for the realization of the present invention.
Figures 19a and 19b illustrate front and rear views of a rod lid to be used in the shown rods of Figures 20 and 21.
Figure 20 illustrates a view of the collocation of a tile on a double rod, which has notches all along its outer edges.
Figure 21 shows the positioning of the rod lids in a parallel as well as in a perpendicular position to the rods.
Figure 22 illustrates a section view of Figure 20.
Figures 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d show a cross section view of the separators to be used in the modality of Figure 20.
Figures 24a and 24b illustrate section cuts of a noxt-integral double rod with the bearing surface and its corresponding lid in the two preferred modalities of realization.
Figure 25 allows to observe the positioning of the aligning rod in angle.
Figure 26 shows the channels for wiring to place lighting elements.
Figure 27 shows a sheath/cover applied on the tile.
Figure 28 shows the perforations with threads on the rods and lids of the device of this present invention.
[0026] It is to be noted that in the following description the same reference number corresponds with the same element in each of the Figures.
[0027] In Figure 1 a bearing surface 1 is seen with its vertical and horizontal lines for cutting 5, the perforations or holes 3 for the fixing to the wall to be covered, an elongate element with its outer shape in the form of a channel, serving as aligning rod 8 for the tiles, the lid 10 of such rod, the tiles 12, for example ceramic tiles, and the tile separators 9. It can also be seen a channel for low ampere wiring 6 on the bearing surface 1.
[0028] In the method of tile location of the present invention, the bearing surface will initially be placed on the wall or surface to be covered 13, prior leveling with the leveling supplements 11, if necessary, and with the help of the level band 6, fixed with elements such as screws.
[0029] Once such bearing surface 1 has been positioned, a surface with aligning rods 8 will be available to serve as aligning/locating surface for one of the edges of the tile 12. Such rod 8 will allow the aligning of a row of tiles 12.
[0030] There will then be a row of tiles 12 on each side of the rod 8. Among them and alongside the row, the before mentioned separators 9 will be placed. Likewise anti-sliding areas 4 of the bearing surface 1 will help prevent the sliding of the tiles 12 so that the tiles do not press too much on the separators 9 or rods 8.
[0031] Once the tiles 12 have been placed on each side of the rod 8, the final step will be to attach the lid 10 so as to overlie the edge of the tiles 12 to secure the tiles 12 in place without cement or adhesive and disguise/conceal the rods 8.
[0032] The rods 8 may be an integral part of the bearing surface 1. Alternatively, such rods 8 may be separate from the bearing surface 1 and attached by means of protuberances 14 which are inserted in holes or perforations 7 of the bearing surface. This will allow use of the same bearing surface for different tile sizes; that is to say, the aligning rod 8 will be attached to the bearing surface according to the size of the tile. The holes are preferably aligned and uniformly spaced apart although other arrangements may be employed. It will be understood that the arrangement of protuberances and perforations may be revised or replaced by any suitable means for attaching the aligning rods to the bearing surface. The fitting of aligning rods separate from the bearing surface may be releasable to allow the rods to be removed, for example when re-tiling with different tile sizes.
[0033] In addition to this, the rod 8 may have only one recess or channel, or may have more than one. If so, the rod lid 10 will have a shape co-operating with the rod to be covered. Such double rods can be seen in Figures 22, 24a and 24b.
[0034] As far as the corners are concerned, the location can be carried out in a similar way, having specific pieces for such purpose as can be seen in Figures 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d.
[0035] In Figures 6a and 7a a preferred embodiment is shown of a corner on which the tiles 12 are displayed and where the edges of such corner will allow the fixing of the tiles.
[0036] In Figures 14a, 14c, 15a and 15c a preferred embodiment is shown of a corner on which the tiles 12 are displayed, and where the lid is the element that allows the fixing of the tiles.
[0037] In a preferred way shown in Figures 6b, 7b, 14b and 15b, the fitting edges of the corner piece and the element used as corner edge are of a curved shape to conceal the edge of the corner.
[0038] Figure 8 shows the display of the tiles along a wall, the tiles 12 can be seen placed between the aligning rods 8 of a bearing surface 1, and fixed and held in place without cement or adhesive through the use of lids 10 secured to the rods. The internal corner is formed thanks to a bearing surface of the internal corner 15. On the other hand, the external corner uses a bearing surface 16 similar to the internal corner mentioned before.
[0039] Such as the case of the rod 8 of Figure 10, this rod not being an integral part of the bearing surface 1, there is the possibility that the corner fitting piece of the tiles 19 may not be an integral part of the bearing surfaces either, but an independent piece as can be seen in Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d. This characteristic can be found in interior as well as exterior corner pieces.
[0040] In Figure 5 there is a solution with bearing surfaces in the case there are no corners following the tiling. In such case, rod 8 should match the rib of the corner that is to be covered; similar to the previous cases such rod will be covered by a lid 10 for a better fixing of the tiles and better aesthetics.
[0041] In Figure 4 the bearing surface 1 can be seen, on which the lines for cutting 5 are placed, those will allow a smaller bearing surface 1 to be produced by cutting along the lines. As can be noticed in Figures 1 and 9, such lines 5 can be placed in either a parallel or perpendicular position to the rod.
[0042] The placement of all these lines for cutting allows the bearing surface 1 to be adapted to the shape of the surface that is to be covered.
[0043] The lids 10, these are designed to fit safely on the rod so as to obtain a strong fixing of the tiles. The fitting of the lids 10 may be releasable so that the lids can be detached to enable tiles to be removed for any purpose. For example tiles may be removed to gain access for repairs or maintenance following which the tiles can be refitted. Alternatively, tiles may be removed and replaced with different tiles to change the colour or pattern of the tiling. Any suitable releasable connection may be provided to secure the lids to the rods.
[0044] In the other forms of the present invention, Figures 19a, 19b, 20 and 21 show an arrangement in which the aligning rod is double and has three edges perpendicular to the bearing surface, having both external edges 17 notches 18 along its length, defining portions of rod that will serve for the positioning of the lids 10 in either a parallel or perpendicular position to such portions of rod. Thus, the lids 10 may extend longitudinally of a rod or transversely between two rods. In this way, the lids 10 may conceal all edges of a rectangular tile 12 as shown in Figure 21
[0045] Additionally, and for all the preferred forms of this invention, in Figure 25, the positioning of the rod 8 can be seen placed at 45 degrees from the lines for cutting 5. Such characteristic is achieved by aligning the holes for the fixing of the rod 8.
[0046] Figure 26 illustrates the placement of the channels 6 for the lighting elements or lamps 22; connectors for the low amperage supply 23 and the positive and negative wiring 24.
[0047] Figure 27 shows the application of an anchoring system 20 applied to the bearing surface so as to enhance fixing of the tiles. The anchoring system has a holder with protuberances 21a on the rear face for locating in the perforations of the bearing surface 1 to attach the holder 21 to the bearing surface 1 and channel-shaped edge formations 21b that receive the edges of the tiles 12 to retain the tiles 12. On one side of the anchoring system 20, the aligning rods 8 and their lids 10 will be placed as illustrated in the previous Figures to overlie the edges of the tiles and the edge formations 21b to conceal the anchoring system and/or assist in retaining the tiles 12. It will be understood that the arrangement of protuberances and perforations for attaching the holder may be reversed or replaced by any other suitable means for securing the holder to the bearing surface. Preferably the holder is releasably attached to the bearing surface.
[0048] In a preferred form of use of this invention, as can be seen in Figure 28, the rods and lids have perforations with threads 25 so that lighting devices can be placed alongside and secured by screws (not shown). It will be understood that other means for securing lighting devices within the channels may be employed.
[0049] The placement of tiles using the device described above and using the methodology of the invention employs the following steps:
a) Present the bearing surface 1 on the wall or surface to be covered.
b) Adapt as necessary the bearing surface 1 to the wall or surface to be covered through its lines for cutting 5.
c) Level the bearing surface 1 through the leveling bands 2
d) Prepare as necessary the wall or surface to be covered with holes for holding or fixing the bearing surface 1.
e) Fix the bearing surface 1 to the wall or surface that is to be covered through perforations for the fixing 3 and if necessary the leveling supplements 11.
f) Install as required the wires through the channels for wiring 6, in case translucent or transparent elements are used.
g) Place the aligning rods 8 (horizontal/ vertical/ diagonal) on the perforations for the fixing of the rods 8, in case the aligning rods 8 are not part of the bearing surface 1.
h) Place the tiles on the areas where the anti-sliding material 4 is on the bearing surface, and between the aligning rods 8.
i) Place the separators 9 between the tiles 12.
j) Place the lids 10 for the fixing of the tiles 12 and separators 9.
a. Present the bearing surface on the wall or surface to be covered.
b. Adapt as necessary the bearing surface to the wall or surface to be covered through its lines for cutting.
c. Level the bearing surface through the leveling bands
d. Prepare as necessary the wall or surface to be covered with holes for the holding or fixing the bearing surface.
e.Fix the bearing surface to the wall or surface that is to be covered through perforations for the fixing and if necessary the leveling supplements.
f. Install if required the wires through the channels for wiring, in case translucent or transparent elements are used.
g. Place the aligning elements on the perforations for the fixing of the elements, in case the aligning elements are not part of the bearing surface.
h. Place the tiles on the areas where anti-sliding material is on the bearing surface, and between the aligning elements.
i. Place the separators among the tiles.
j. Place the lids on the aligning elements..