FLOOR TILE

Abstract

 The invention relates to a floor tile (1; 21), such as a ceramic floor tile, for use in a sanitary space such as a shower space, which floor tile has a lower surface (2; 22) extending in a first plane (6; 26a, 26b), an upper surface (3; 23) extending in a second plane (7; 27) and an upright wall (5; 25) extending along the peripheral edge (4; 24) of the upper surface (3), wherein the floor tile (1; 21) has a discharge channel, which discharge channel (10; 30) extends from the upper surface (3; 23) to at least the lower surface (2; 22), wherein the upper edge (8; 28) of the upright wall (5; 25) lies in a third plane (9) which makes an angle (β) greater than 0° and smaller than 15° with the first plane (6; 26), and wherein the second plane (7; 27) makes an angle (α) greater than 0° and smaller than 10° with the first plane (6; 26) .

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor tile, such as a ceramic floor tile, for use in a sanitary space such as a shower space.

[0002] The use of floor tiles, such as ceramic tiles, more particularly gres porcellanato tiles, for covering shower spaces is widely known. Several tiles, optionally cut to size, are usually used to cover the surface of the shower space and to provide a slope toward an outlet drain or shower drain.

[0003] When placing tiles or shower boards in a bathroom, the ground surface must be pretreated in situ so that the desired slope is obtained after placing. In the case of known shower boards this means that the ground surface must be smooth and level. If the shower space will be tiled, the ground surface must contain a slope. When constructing new shower spaces, it is generally simple to be able to prepare the ground surface in the desired manner. In the case of a renovation however, it is often very laborious to achieve the necessary preparation of the ground surface. Unevennesses will often have to be eliminated, such as for instance height differences in the sub-floor at a location where a bathtub used to be, either by raising the floor as a whole or by cutting away the existing floor.

[0004] It is now an object of the invention to provide a floor tile wherein the above stated drawbacks are reduced or even obviated.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention with a floor tile, such as a ceramic floor tile, for use in a sanitary space such as a shower space, which floor tile has a lower surface extending in a first plane, an upper surface extending in a second plane and an upright wall extending along the peripheral edge of the upper surface, wherein the floor tile has a discharge channel, which discharge channel extends from the upper surface to at least the lower surface, wherein the upper edge of the upright wall lies in a third plane which makes an angle greater than 0° and smaller than 15° with the first plane, and wherein the second plane makes an angle greater than 0° and smaller than 10° with the first plane.

[0006] Because the lower surface makes an angle relative to the upper edge of the upright wall, the wedge shape present in the tile thereby can be used to even out height differences present in the ground surface. Because the upper surface also makes an angle relative to the lower surface, the slope present on the tile after installation can have a different direction than the wedge shape formed by the lower surface and the upper edge of the upright wall. The intersecting lines of respectively the first and third plane and the first and second plane need therefore not be parallel to each other, but for instance cross or intersect each other.

[0007] The resultant angle between the second and the third plane preferably corresponds with the slope between 1-3% desired in installed state. When the upper edge of the upright wall is then placed horizontally, the slope of the upper surface is correct.

[0008] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, in the context of this invention the angle between planes is understood to mean the smallest angle between the normal vectors of the respective planes.

[0009] The floor tile according to the invention has a flat lower surface, whereby it can be processed in simple manner and without deformations with existing machines, without deformations occurring.

[0010] The third plane, in which the upper edges of the upright wall lie, is preferably installed horizontally. Because the third plane lies at an angle to the first plane, the lower surface will then be able to bridge a height difference in the ground surface.

[0011] It can further be advantageous to provide the transition from the upper surface to the upright wall as a curved surface, for instance partially cylindrical. Dirt is hereby less well able to accumulate in the transition between upper surface and upright wall, and the transition is moreover easy to clean. Alternatively, the upper surface can be at least partially cambered, preferably convex.

[0012] In the upper surface around the opening of the discharge channel a recessed zone can optionally be arranged in the upper surface, which recessed zone is preferably elongate and preferably arranged parallel to an edge of the upper surface, whereby an additional slope toward the opening of the discharge channel can be obtained. This is particularly advantageous when the opening cannot extend along the whole width of the floor tile or when the opening cannot be arranged at the absolute lowest point of the floor tile after installation. Because the water can further accumulate in this recess, the water will spread over the surface of the floor tile less, which will result in a smaller pooling of water.

[0013] In an embodiment of a floor tile according to the invention the intersecting line of the first and the third plane lies outside the lower surface. It is advantageous, particularly when the upper edge of the upright wall continues up to the peripheral edge of the floor tile, for the intersecting line of the first and the third plane to lie outside the lower surface of the floor tile, so that the floor tile has sufficient thickness at the peripheral edge.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of a floor tile according to the invention the intersecting line of the first and the second plane and the intersecting line of the first and the third plane are parallel. Preferably, the intersecting line of the first and the second plane and the intersecting line of the first and the third plane are spaced apart from each other.

[0015] The first and the third plane enclose a first wedge-shaped volume which runs outward in a wedge shape from the intersecting line. This wedge-shaped volume is intersected by a second wedge-shaped volume which is enclosed by the first and the second plane. The apex angle of each wedge-shaped volume is here equal to the angle between the planes enclosing the respective wedge-shaped volumes. Owing to the parallelism of the intersecting lines of the first plane with the respective second and third plane, these wedge-shapes run outward either in the same or in opposite direction. With such a floor tile a height difference in the direction of the intended direction of slope over the upper surface can be corrected in simple manner in that the combined effect of the two wedge shapes is oriented in the same, optionally opposite, direction as expected on the basis of the wedge shape of the floor tile in side view.

[0016] When the wedge shapes run outward in the same direction, the two intersecting lines thus lie on the same side of the floor tile. When the wedge shapes run outward in opposite direction, the two intersecting lines each lie on a side opposite relative to the other intersecting line.

[0017] In another embodiment of a floor tile according to the invention at least one side of the peripheral edge of the lower surface is parallel to the intersecting line of the first and the third plane, whereby it will be apparent that a component of the height correction of the floor tile is oriented at right angles to this side.

[0018] Another embodiment of a floor tile according to the invention is a floor tile wherein at least one point of the peripheral edge of the upper surface lies in the third plane, making it possible to connect from the at least one point to surrounding floor tiles or floor covering.

[0019] At least one side, of which the at least one point forms part, preferably lies in the third plane, whereby no upright wall is present on the at least one side.

[0020] The at least one point preferably coincides here with the peripheral edge of the floor tile, resulting on the at least one side in a walk-in edge which can be connected to the surrounding floor tiles or floor covering in simple manner. The slope of the upper surface of the floor tile will hereby also run from the peripheral edge of the floor tile when the floor tile is arranged on a ground surface.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the floor tile according to the invention the opening of the discharge channel in the upper surface lies adjacently of the part of the peripheral edge on a side of the upper surface opposite to the at least one point of the peripheral edge which lies in the third plane. Because the third plane runs away from the flat upper surface lying in the second plane from the at least one point, the part of the peripheral edge lying opposite the at least one point will be the lowest point, toward which the shower water will flow, when the first plane is placed horizontally. All the water falling onto the floor tile will be able to be discharged reliably by arranging the opening of the discharge channel at the lowest point.

[0022] In an embodiment of the floor tile according to the invention the upright wall extends along at least two edges of the upper surface. It is possible here that there is an interruption in the upright wall, along which the discharge channel runs or along which wall tiles can run to the upper surface. Preferably, the upright wall extends substantially vertically to the upper surface. Preferably, the upright wall has a substantially constant thickness, in particular a rectangular cross section. In principle, it would also be conceivable that the upright wall is at least partially formed concave or angled on a side of the upright wall facing the upper surface. For instance, it is possible that a rounding between the upper surface and the upright wall is provided, in particular in the area of the peripheral edge of the upper surface.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the floor tile according to the invention a pattern of protrusions is arranged on the flat lower surface, wherein the protrusions have a uniform height so that the plane running through the tops of the protrusions is parallel to the flat lower surface.

[0024] This pattern of protrusions of uniform height provides for a reduction in friction in the manufacturing machines and contributes to a better adhesion of the floor tile to the ground surface. Such a pattern is also applied in known flat tiles.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the floor tile according to the invention the lower surface is rectangular, particularly square.

[0026] The upright walls preferably protrude in substantially perpendicular direction to the peripheral edge of the lower surface. The upright walls preferably define the outer dimensions of the floor tile.

[0027] A floor tile according to the invention is thus formed, wherein the upright walls define the outer sides of the floor tile. Preferably, the outer sides of the upright wall are extending at least substantially vertically, in particular in the installed state of the floor tile.

[0028] The floor tile according to the invention can be embodied as ceramic tile, particularly a gres porcellanato, or be made of a suitable flexible material, a plastic or a solid surface material, such as Corian. Preferably, the floor tile is manufactured as one, in particular materially bonded, piece.

[0029] These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the floor tile according to the invention in perspective view.

Figure 2 shows the floor tile according to figure 1 in cross-sectional view through line II-II.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a floor tile according to the invention in perspective view, with a visually removed portion.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a floor tile 1 according to the invention. The floor tile 1 has a flat lower surface 2 and a flat upper surface 3. An upright wall 5 is arranged along the peripheral edge 4 of upper surface 3. In the present embodiment the upper surface 3 is laterally surrounded by the upright wall 5 on three of four sides.

[0031] The lower surface 2 lies in a first plane 6. The upper surface 3 lies in a second plane 7 which makes an angle α with the first plane 6. In this embodiment, the angle α is in a range of 1 to 8 degrees. The first plane 6 and the second plane 7 are not parallel to each other. A volume of the floor tile 1 between the lower surface 2 and the upper surface 3 has a wedge shape. The upper edge 8 of upright wall 5 lies in a third plane 9 which makes an angle β with the first plane 6. In this embodiment, the angle β is in a range of 1 to 5 degrees. In a final installation, the third plane 9 is arranged horizontal. In the present case, the outer sides of the upright wall 5 are extending substantially perpendicular to the first plane 6. It is also conceivable that the outer sides of the upright all 5 are extending substantially perpendicular to the third plane 9. This may depend on the manufacturing process.

[0032] The (in the drawing) front edge 4 of upper surface 3 lies in the third plane 9.

[0033] In the shown embodiment the intersecting line 11 of first plane 6 with third plane 9 and the intersecting line 12 of first plane 6 with second plane 7 are parallel to each other and to the front edge 4.

[0034] Further arranged in floor tile 1 is a discharge channel 10 which extends from upper surface 3 to lower surface 2. The discharge channel 10 is arranged at the lowest point of the upper surface 3 in a state of final installation of the floor tile 1. In the present case, the discharge channel 10 is directly adjacent to the upright wall 5. In principle, it would also be conceivable that the discharge channel 10 is slightly spaced apart from the upright wall 5.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a floor tile 21 according to the invention. This floor tile 21 has a flat lower surface 22 and a flat upper surface 23. An upright wall 25 is arranged along the peripheral edge 24 of upper surface 23.

[0036] The lower surface 22 lies in a first plane which is defined by broken lines 26a and 26b. The upper surface 23 lies in a second plane which is defined by broken line 27 and intersecting line 32. The upper surface 23 makes an angle α with the first plane. The upper edge 28 of upright wall 25 lies in a third plane which is defined by broken line 29 and intersecting line 31, which plane makes an angle β with the first plane.

[0037] In the (in the drawing) front corner of the floor tile 21 a portion of floor tile 21 has been removed, making the thickness variation in the floor tile is visible in both directions.

[0038] In the shown embodiment the intersecting line 31 of the first plane with the third plane and the intersecting line 32 of the first plane with the second plane are not parallel to each other.

[0039] Further arranged in floor tile 21 is a discharge channel 30 which extends from upper surface 23 to lower surface 22. The discharge channel 30 can also be situated in a zone which is recessed relative to upper surface 23, so that water on upper surface 23 flows toward discharge channel 30 more rapidly.

[0040] In principle, it would also be conceivable that the upper surface 3 or 23 is curved or cambered, preferably convex, over at least a section of the upper surface 3. In such an embodiment the front edge 4 could be curved, instead of linear in the first and second embodiments shown.

Claims

1. Floor tile (1; 21), such as a ceramic floor tile, for use in a sanitary space such as a shower space, which floor tile has a lower surface (2; 22) extending in a first plane (6; 26a, 26b), an upper surface (3; 23) extending in a second plane (7; 27) and an upright wall (5; 25) extending along the peripheral edge (4; 24) of the upper surface (3), wherein the floor tile (1; 21) has a discharge channel, which discharge channel (10; 30) extends from the upper surface (3; 23) to at least the lower surface (2; 22), wherein the upper edge (8; 28) of the upright wall (5; 25) lies in a third plane (9) which makes an angle (β) greater than 0° and smaller than 15° with the first plane (6; 26), and wherein the second plane (7; 27) makes an angle (α) greater than 0° and smaller than 10° with the first plane (6; 26).

2. Floor tile (1; 21) according to claim 1, wherein the intersecting line (11; 31) of the first (6; 26) and the third (9; 29) plane lies outside the lower surface (2; 22).

3. Floor tile (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intersecting line (12) of the first (6) and the second plane (7) and the intersecting line (11) of the first (6) and the third (9) plane are parallel.

4. Floor tile (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one side of the peripheral edge (4) of the lower surface (2) is parallel to the intersecting line (11) of the first (6) and the third (9) plane.

5. Floor (1; 21) tile according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one point of the peripheral edge (4; 24) of the upper surface (3; 23) lies in the third plane (9; 29).

6. Floor (1; 21) tile according to claim 5, wherein at least one side (4), of which the at least one point forms part, lies in the third plane (9; 29).

7. Floor tile (1; 21) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one point coincides with the outer peripheral edge (4; 24) of the floor tile (1; 21).

8. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims 5-7, wherein the opening of the discharge channel (10; 30) in the upper surface (3; 23) lies adjacently to the part of the peripheral edge (4; 24) on a side of the upper surface (3; 23) opposite to the at least one point of the peripheral edge which lies in the third plane (9; 29).

9. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the upright wall (5; 25) extends along at least two, preferably three, edges of the upper surface (3; 23).

10. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein a pattern of protrusions is arranged on the flat lower surface (2; 22), wherein the protrusions have a uniform height so that the plane running through the tops of the protrusions is parallel to the flat lower surface (2; 22) .

11. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the lower surface (2; 22) is rectangular, particularly square.

12. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the upright walls (5; 25) protrude in substantially perpendicular direction to the peripheral edge (4; 24) of the lower surface (2; 22).

13. Floor tile (1; 21) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the upright walls (5; 25) define the outer dimensions of the floor tile (1; 21).

Drawing