Abstract: An instrument board (21) with a thin base (26) and top surface of base for placing tile to be measured for cutting, tracks (27) at front and rear atop base and tile placing surface between tracks, a pilot hole (31) in both ends of each track, a pair of measuring arms (23) that insert into pilot holes at sides of board with a peg (25) in each arm at measuring point (38), a straight edge (24) is placed at measuring points (38) on arms for a reference line (37) and a sliding member (22) that attaches to tracks, a measuring arm (23A) that installs into sliding member to measure uneven structure bases for tile laying and a corner measuring arm (23B) that installs into sliding member to measure corner area for tile laying and alignment guides (28) to align board front and alignment marks (29) to align board sides with seams of laid tile and a cutting surface (32) insert that installs atop base for cutting vinyl flooring tile, a spacer (33) and a spacer (34) for reducing width of tile placing area atop base, to prov

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing tile or other rigid floor or wall coverings around obstacles in irregularly shaped areas includes a foldable sheet of durable paper. The lower face of the foldable sheet includes a non-absorbent sealing layer of wax, plastic, or the like for allowing the foldable sheet to be placed against wet mastic adhesive without damaging the foldable sheet. The upper face of the foldable sheet is marked with a reference grid. The foldable sheet is formed to be of the same dimensions as a whole piece of tile. The foldable sheet is placed in the position where a tile is to be installed and folded away from obstacles which the tile must ultimately pass around. The fold lines are then marked to indicate the portions of a tile that must be cut away before such tile can be installed in such irregular space. A residue of wet mastic adhesive helps secure the template over the face of the tile to be cut. The template then serves as a guide for cutting the underlying tile.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for simultaneously aligning and installing multiple tiles. The adjustable frame contains a plurality of tile apertures. Each tile aperture is sized to accept a particular tile size. Tiles are inserted into each of the tile apertures to allow multiple tiles to be installed and automatically be aligned with one another during the installation process. The width of the grout area between the tiles is thus automatically set by the width of the adjustable frame segments. The adjustable frame is fabricated from independent frame segments which have internal adjustment rod channels. Adjustment rods are adjustably secured to two frame segments such that the distance between the frame segments can be selectably varied. By varying the distance between frame segments, the size of the tile aperture is varied, and therefore the tile size can be varied. The size of the tile apertures can be independently varied in a lateral direction or in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting tiles or similar items to size comprises a measuring device having first and second measuring members which are movable towards and away from each other to set a required size to which a tile is to be cut, a cutting device comprising a base, a cutter, and a guide for guiding movement of the cutter along a defined path across the base, and a formation on the base to receive the first measuring member of the measuring device and to position the same in alignment with the defined path, whereby a tile placed in edge contact with the second measuring member of the measuring device is automatically positioned for cutting substantially to the required size by the cutter. The formation preferably comprises a recess in the base, such that when received in the recess an upper surface of the first measuring member lies substantially flush with an upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A tile measuring device for use in laying tiles is disclosed comprising a support member, a reference member portion, and a measuring member portion. The reference member portion is slidably coupled to the support member for establishing a reference position for the device with respect to a tile and second tile. The measuring member portion is movably coupled to the support member at a distal end thereof for defining a portion for removal from the second tile relative to the reference position. Removal of this undesired portion from the second tile permits the second tile to fit properly adjacent an obstruction after the undesired portion is removed.

Abstract: A body, having a straight-edged rule fixed thereto, and transverse thereto, slidably receives a pair of blocks which also have straight-edged rules fixed thereto. All the rules are parallel, and one thereof is used to engage a proximate wall surface, while the other two are adjustably set to take the measure across a last-laid tile. Then, the first, which engages the wall surface is fully retracted, while the adjustably-set other two rules are advanced, with the body, to the wall surface. The outermost rule, then, along its straight edge, defines whereat a next tile is to be cut to fit an undersized space.

Abstract: Straight edge apparatus for setting a level, second row of tile in the tub splash above an upper side edge of a tub, and extendable straight edge apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus for setting the second row of tile comprises and elongate straight edge formed by a substantially flat, elongate member having at least one straight side edge and a width that is less than the side dimension of the tile being laid. A flat flange extending substantially perpendicular from a straight edge of the flat, elongate member, and at least two, spaced apart leg means of adjustable length extend from the flat, elongate member in a direction away from the float flange on the flat, elongate member. The flat elongate member can be set flatwise against a wall on which the tile of the tub splash is to be set, with distal ends of the leg means resting on the upper side edge of the tub and being adjusted in length so that the flat flange is level.

Abstract: In the thin set laying of stone or ceramic tile, tiles are set by floating them over a uniformly applied screed of adhesive applied to a level substrate. In this invention combination spacing/levelling devices are used to equally space the corners of adjacent tiles and to maintain them at an equal elevation over the adhesive and substrate. The spacer/leveller device may comprise spacing fins and a guide for maintaining the corner of adjacent tiles flush while mortar is setting. The device works as a guide to facilitate level installation with uniform grout joints and it becomes part of the permanent fabric of the installation. Tiles are temporally supported by spacer/levellers at each corner (while adhesive is drying) and by virtue of the spacer/leveller design they are automatically flush to each other with equal joint spaces separating them. The invention substantially reduces the dependence on the skill of the tile layer to space tiles equally and set them on the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: A body, having a straight-edged rule fixed thereto, and transverse thereto, slidably receives a pair of blocks which also have straight-edged rules fixed thereto. All the rules are parallel, and one thereof is used to engage a proximate wall surface, while the other two are adjustably set to take the measure across a last-laid tile. Then, the first, which engages the wall surface is fully retracted, while the adjustably-set other two rules are advanced, with the body, to the wall surface. The outermost rule, then, along its straight edge, defines whereat a next tile is to be cut to fit an undersized space.

Abstract: The devices disclosed herein are designed for the purpose of properly spacing tile from each other to provide the desired width of space between tiles to give the desired grout line. The first device has a length sufficient to span the length or width of at least three tiles and likewise has a lip extending downward from a linear edge thereof. The second device has a lip extending downward from a flat rectangular plate having a length shorter than the length of the individual tiles. Both of these lips have identical thicknesses to give the desired grouting space between individual tiles. In preferred modifications of these first and second devices a second lip extends upwardly at the opposite parallel edge from the edge having the first lip. By having the thickness of this second lip of a different thickness from that of the first lip, the second lip can be converted to a downwardly extending lip by inverting the devices and used to give a different dimension to the width of the grout line.

Abstract: A tile spacer includes a platform (10) having opposite coplanar surfaces (11, 12) on which are disposed a straight spacer (13) and a corner spacer, either a cross-shaped spacer (14) or a tee-shaped spacer 15, respectively. One leg of the corner spacer (14, 15) is coaligned with the straight spacer (13) so as to assist in aligning either of the spacers while using the other spacer as a handle. The spacer (13) and the coaligned leg of the spacers (14, 15) may extend beyond the platform so as to assist aligning the spacer (13) when using the spacer (14, 15) as a handle.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the installation of fascia materials such as tile on bathtub walls, fireplace facings and feature walls includes a support member with arms that extend so as to fit between facing side walls and be self supporting. The support member contains spring loaded arms that are activated by the push of a button and are locked into position against the side walls. Side bar members are attached to the support member and leveled for installation of tile on the facing walls of a bathtub or shower stall. The support member and side bar members have spirit levels attached for an accurate and quick leveling adjustment. Fascia material designs such as tile patterns are centered by the use of calibrated scales on the arms activated to extend and lock against the side walls. By attaching a second support member to the support member, the device is configured for use in setting fireplace facing tiles.

Abstract: A tile cutting gauge comprises mainly a semi-circular protractor and a guide rod pivotally fastened to the protractor. A length ruler is slidably mounted on the straight side of the protractor, while a baffle means is slidably mounted to the guide rod in such a manner that it can be moved upward, downward, leftward, and rightward. The desired length and angle of the tile intended to be cut are measured respectively by means of the length ruler and the guide rod. The tile intended to be cut is held securely by the length ruler and a baffle means so as to permit an operator to make a cutting mark on the tile along the guide rod.

Abstract: A tile template comprises first and second opposed arms and third and fourth opposed arms disposed at right angles to the first and second opposed arms, the first and second arms having substantially equal lengths; and the third arm having a length of approximately 1/2 inch and being relatively short in comparison to the first, second, and fourth arms. The first and second arms define a straight edge having a middle, wherein the third and fourth arms are disposed opposite each other at the middle of the straight edge. Each of the arms has a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portions all having a first width, the bottom portions all having a second width, and the first width being greater than the second width. The arms are of uniform, equal height, without projections or indentations; and each of the arms has substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, the top surfaces being coplanar with each other and the bottom surfaces being coplanar with each other.

Abstract: A vinyl tile spacing gauge and cutter for the measuring and scoring of an edge floor tile, such device having a heated plate surface on which the tile is positioned and a pair of extendable measuring arms adapted to extend from the base of the device from the edge of a central flooring tile to an adjacent wall to determine the dimensions to cut the tile and a scoring arm positioned above the heated surface slideably adjustable to cut the tile at a selected position, such heated surface having a measurement grid delineated thereon for the positioning of a tile in relation thereto and in relation to the dimensions obtained from the measuring arms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for marking tiles having a predetermined thickness, so that the tiles may be cut precisely to enable them to be placed adjacent each other and spaced apart a predetermined, uniform, distance corresponding to the thickness of a desired grouting thickness. The tool includes a generally flat, elongated, rectilinear bar having a pair of opposed ends, a pair of opposed sides, and generally flat top and bottom opposed faces. A plurality of different sized slide elements are selectively used with the bar depending of the desired thickness of the grouting. Individual ones of the slide elements are adapted to be carried by the bar and movable along the length of the bar between the ends and removed from the bar by sliding off an end. Each of said slide elements have a body member which is supported by the top face and has a pair of opposed arms extending along and bearing against the sides. The arms have a height less than the thickness of the tile.

Abstract: A ceramic tile gauge for determining the shape of a space between a fixed tile and an adjacent fixed member and for enabling a tile to be cut to the shape of the space comprises a body member having an abutment surface thereon and a pair of arm members extending rearwardly of the body member. A pair of engagement means are slidably mounted one on each arm member to be selectively and releasably lockable to the arm members whereby, with the abutment surface engaging the fixed member and with the engagement means located and locked in operative positions on the arm members and in engagement with the bounding edge of the fixed tile, the abutment surface and a straight line through the engagement means define opposed edges of the space.

Abstract: A spacer for use in maintaining a uniform joint area during installation of wall tiles and the like is constructed from a general U-shaped figure having an intermediate cross web member to provide additional strength. The web member also protects the installed wall tiles during removal when using an extraction tool which engages the web member to provide leverage. The depending legs of the U-shaped figure have uniform thickness. A wedged-shaped extension is arranged extending from the figure and terminates in a tab of uniform thickness. The spacers may be stacked back to back to accommodate different joint area thicknesses and the wedge-shaped extension may be utilized in leveling irregular tiles where non-uniform joint areas are required.

Abstract: Stone Scribe is such that enables the skilled stone mason (specifically one who lays flagstone) to do accurate and precise markings when cutting the stones to fit with tight joints. The Stone Scribe is an uncomplicated set of metal bars set up to be sturdy enough to actually trace the edge of one stone on to another. This tool enables the worker to do professional jobs, minimizing the time spent.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to properly cut to size the carpet tiles which are used to complete the carpeted areas adjacent walls, doors, etc. in an area to be carpeted. The apparatus encompasses a machine which is placed against a carpet tile already in position and has spring loaded arms which extend therefrom to a point abutting the wall or door structure to fix the position of a cutter on the apparatus so that it cuts the actual size necessary to fill the gap between the previously laid tile and the wall or door sensed by the spring loaded arms.

Abstract: A tile squaring device comprising: a distance rod; an anglehead having a first connector means and a second connector means disposed in such a way that a first straight edge extension and a second straight edge extension may be attached to the first and second connector means, respectively, at a right angle to each other; and a squaring means for connecting the anglehead to the distance rod such that the anglehead is positioned at a right angle off of the distance rod.

Abstract: A template for cutting floor-covering tiles or the like. The template comprises a deformable frame having five flat strips which are fixed together end-to-end, said strips comprising: (a) a thrust strip (1) provided with a positioning abutment (10); (b) two side strips (2, 3) capable of sliding perpendicularly to the thrust strip (1); and (c) a set of two line-of-cut strips (4, 5) which are hinged to each other, and which are also hinged to the ends of the two side strips (2, 3) by means of shafts (21, 31) capable of longitudinal sliding relative thereon; locking members (15, 16) being provided to enable the set of strips (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to be locked in any desired mutual position. This instrument is used for cutting peripheral tiles when laying a covering on a floor, a wall, or a ceiling. The invention is particularly applicable to carpet tiles.

Abstract: A chalk line framing square is provided to aid in placing right angle intersecting chalk lines upon a floor so that tiles can be properly installed on the floor. The framing square can check the squareness of the tiles as they are installed without being placed in the adhesive.

Abstract: The template described herein comprises one that is adjustable to be suitable for use with tile of various sizes. A first series of parallel longitudinal bars are dovetailed with a second series of lateral bars positioned perpendicularly to the bars in the first series. The positioning of the bars can be adjusted to give the desired individual spacing for each tile and the bars can be fixed to each other to give sufficient rigidity for use as a template and sufficient rigidity to allow lifting of the template.