Floor Covering Patents (Class 33/527)
  • Patent number: 12084872
    Abstract: A unitary deck installation device is disclosed having first, second and third members joined together. All three members have a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, a first surface and a second surface, a thickness measured between the first and second surfaces, a width measured between the first and second sides, and a length measured between the first and second ends. The first end of the second member is secured to the first end of the first member and extends perpendicularly outward from the second surface of the first member. The first end of the third member is secured to the second surface of the first member and extends perpendicularly outward therefrom. A pair of spaced apart holes is formed through the third member and each of the pair of holes has a diameter large enough to allow a fastener to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Innovative Enterprises of Princeton, LLC
    Inventor: Travis M. Krakow
  • Patent number: 12006705
    Abstract: A tile spacing device and accompanying system and method are disclosed for spacing multiple tiles. In one embodiment, a central body has four arms extending therefrom with a releasably frangible connection. Each of the four arms has a cellular sheet structure defined by multiple cells, including at least one hexagonal cell. The central body and the four arms provide a four-tile engagement configuration. By selectively breaking and removing an arm, a three-tile engagement configuration may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Acufloor, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton D. Bunch, Joshua A. Bunch
  • Patent number: 10961723
    Abstract: A tile spacing tool is disclosed herein that spans a gap between tile rows where the gap is sized to receive a decorative insert or the like. The spacing tool spans the gap and transfers the weight of the upper tile rows across the gap to the lower tile rows, which are supported by a floor or ledge. As a result, the entire wall can be built including the decorative insert without waiting for the bottom tile rows to dry to support the weight of the tile rows above the decorative insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Gordon Williams
  • Patent number: 10604945
    Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses a single piece base and strap which is designed to break away from the base when sufficient pressure is applied and is also designed to stretch along a thin wall region before separation of the strap from the base occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: New Standards Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Michele Volponi, James P Hoffman, Ernest L Perry, IV
  • Patent number: 10465394
    Abstract: A tile-leveling spacer device comprising: a base having a lower surface and an opposite upper surface, wherein the upper surface comprises two opposite side portions with respect to a central portion and each defining a planar surface arranged at a second distance from the lower surface, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; a spacer bridge defining with the base a through opening adapted for being crossed by a pressing wedge, wherein: each leg of the bridge is connected to the base at a respective side portion of the base in a breakable manner through a predetermined fracture line arranged at a third distance from the intermediate lower surface with respect to the first distance and to the second distance, each side portion has a longitudinal axis parallel to the crossing direction of the pressing wedge and extends for the entire length of the base along such a crossing direction, and the second distance is comprised between 20% and 90% of the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: RAIMONDI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Sighinolfi
  • Patent number: 10407923
    Abstract: There is provided a device for tile edge setting and the method of operation thereof. The device comprises upper and lower clamping members and an elongate stem coupled to the upper clamping member by way of an offset adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ATR PLASTICS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andy Psaila
  • Patent number: 9863157
    Abstract: A reusable tile template for self installation of tile on a horizontal or vertical surface, each template being supplied in the same dimension as the large tile being laid, each tile template having an erasable marking surface and made of a bendable material, preferably a recyclable cardboard stock, the tile template being located over the spot where a complex cut tile is to be placed. A mark of fold is applied to the template of the proper size and shape of the next laid tile after which the template dimensions are transferred to the tile to be cut for installation. The tile template is subsequently restored to its flat origin and reused for the next tile as a template until the entire tile installation is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Terry Mack
  • Patent number: 9404276
    Abstract: An aid for laying floor tiles on an adhesive bed applied to a floor surface including a support handle having a first and second end, as well as a supporting surface provided at each end, wherein each supporting surface can be supported on the floor surface and wherein each supporting surface is provided with several projections spaced apart such that a support is realized by means of which the tiler can be supported on the floor surface while carrying out work, so that the occurrence of injuries and other physical discomfort can be reduced as much as possible, and wherein furthermore undesirable disturbance of or damage to the adhesive bed on which the flooring tiles are to be placed is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: T1 PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Antoon Laurens Gerard Marie Geelen
  • Patent number: 9366041
    Abstract: A tool and method for marking dimensions for cutting a tile include a platform with a front wall defining an x axis, a side wall defining a y axis perpendicular to the x axis, and a front guideline defining an x? axis parallel to the x axis. A finger attached to the platform is manually extendable to a retained protracted position. A conformable member is disposed at the distal end of the finger and is configured to conformably match the contour of an obstruction. The platform is configured for superposed alignment with an installed tile adjacent to an area with the obstruction, and also for alignment with a loose tile to be cut. The conformable member provides a guide for marking the surface of the loose tile to accommodate the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Peter G Saravanos
  • Patent number: 9303415
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring cuts of a working material. The measuring apparatus may include: tracing sheets, one or more pins, or a jig member. The one or more transparent tracing sheets are configured for marking a cut area. The one or more pins are configured to engage the tracing sheets proximal to the cut area. In one embodiment, the jig member includes one or more cylinder mounts and one or more spring clamps. The one or more transparent tracing sheets are configured for receipt within the one or more spring clamps. The one or more pins are configured for receipt within the one or more cylinder mounts. In operation, the pins and jig member engage proximal to a cut area to facilitate marking an outline of the cut area on the tracing sheets which are subsequently cut and used in measuring and cutting of the working material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Chris Cipriano
  • Patent number: 8950079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) used as a laying aid for tiling work, comprising a base element (7, 8) having a support region (12) for laying flat on a surface to be covered with tiles (16), and a tile-supporting region (2) on which tiles (16) are placed. The tile-supporting region (2) has at least two web-like spacer elements (9) which extend perpendicularly with respect to a plane defined by the tile-supporting region (2) and which are arranged at an angle of an integer multiple of 90° relative to one another in said plane, and which have a thickness (10) corresponding to a desired joint spacing. To avoid the disadvantages of the known laying aids and to achieve uniform joint spacing and an even surface, whereby the laying aid is intended to be especially easy to handle, the base element (7, 8) is designed as a disk-like element having a base area that is smaller than a base area of the tiles (16) to be laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hillebrandt
  • Patent number: 8919076
    Abstract: An adjustable tile spacer is described. In one example, the tile spacer includes a first support bar connected to a first spacer arm. The first spacer arm has a top face to abut a wall and support a tile. A second support bar is movably connected to the first support bar. A second spacer arm is connected the second support bar. The first spacer arm has a bottom face to abut a wall and to support the second support bar against a tile. A lock fixes the first and the second support bars in a position with respect to each other when the lock is engaged to define a distance between the top face and the bottom face corresponding to a gap between two tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher S. Kitchens
  • Patent number: 8881418
    Abstract: A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: William E. Funk
  • Publication number: 20140283401
    Abstract: A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries. The locking assembly has flexible members adapted to exert a constant compressive force against the tiles during the tile leveling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Edward A. Kufner, Ralph Burgin
  • Patent number: 8793889
    Abstract: A carpenter's deck board and fastener positioning tool has a first, proximal part which rests temporarily on the top of a joist, and a second, distal part which rests temporarily on the top of a deck board to be installed. The first, proximal part has a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending tabs, one for extending along each side of the joist. This way, when the tool is placed on the joist, the tabs center the tool on the joist. The second, distal part is a longitudinal, substantially flat plate extending from the first, proximal part parallel to the joist, for resting on top of the deck board to be installed when the board is resting transversely on the joist. On or in the flat plate are fastener placements for enabling or indicating the proper location of fasteners for effectively connecting the deck board to the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: James D. Hovren
  • Patent number: 8683367
    Abstract: A method for differentiating between variations of an apparatus design is provided. The method includes digitally characterizing at least two aspects of a first expression wherein the at least two aspects include at least logical data and physical data relating to the first expression, and digitally characterizing the at least two next aspects of at least one next expression other than the first expression wherein the at least two next aspects include at least logical data and physical data relating to the at least one next design expression. The method further includes identifying selected differences between the at least two aspects and the at least two next aspects and displaying the first expression and at least one of the at least one next expression in a visual display wherein the selected differences are presented using at least one visually identifiable distinction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brent Louis Hadley, Patrick J. Eames, Michael Patrick Sciarra
  • Patent number: 8671628
    Abstract: An intake manifold (2) of comburent air is presented for an internal combustion engine (1) provided with a recirculating conduit (60) of exhaust gases. The intake manifold (2) includes a first inlet mouth (213) of the comburent air, a second inlet mouth (214) in communication with the recirculating conduit (60) of the exhaust gases, and a plurality of outlet mouths (201), having a wall (7) positioned in front of each of the outlet mouths (201) and configured for dividing the internal volume of the intake manifold (2) into two chambers (215, 204), the first chamber (215) being placed in communication with the first inlet mouth (213) and the second inlet mouth (214) and the second chamber (204) being placed in communication with the outlet mouths (201), the wall (7) defining an opening (70) adapted for placing the first chamber (215) and the second chamber (204) in communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Raimondi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Sighinolfi
  • Publication number: 20140069051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) used as a laying aid for tiling work, comprising a base element (7, 8) having a support region (12) for laying flat on a surface to be covered with tiles (16), and a tile-supporting region (2) on which tiles (16) are placed. The tile-supporting region (2) has at least two web-like spacer elements (9) which extend perpendicularly with respect to a plane defined by the tile-supporting region (2) and which are arranged at an angle of an integer multiple of 90° relative to one another in said plane, and which have a thickness (10) corresponding to a desired joint spacing. To avoid the disadvantages of the known laying aids and to achieve uniform joint spacing and an even surface, whereby the laying aid is intended to be especially easy to handle, the base element (7, 8) is designed as a disk-like element having a base area that is smaller than a base area of the tiles (16) to be laid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wolfgang HILLEBRANDT
  • Patent number: 8607468
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) used as a laying aid for tiling work, comprising a base element (7, 8) having a support region (12) for laying flat on a surface to be covered with tiles (16), and a tile-supporting region (2) on which tiles (16) are placed. The tile-supporting region (2) has at least two web-like spacer elements (9) which extend perpendicularly with respect to a plane defined by the tile-supporting region (2) and which are arranged at an angle of an integer multiple of 90° relative to one another in said plane, and which have a thickness (10) corresponding to a desired joint spacing. To avoid the disadvantages of the known laying aids and to achieve uniform joint spacing and an even surface, whereby the laying aid is intended to be especially easy to handle, the base element (7, 8) is designed as a disk-like element having a base area that is smaller than a base area of the tiles (16) to be laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hillebrandt
  • Patent number: 8561311
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for accurately measuring and cutting a stair tread. The apparatus has an length-adjustable bar to determine the width of a step and, at each end of the bar, sidewall adjustment assemblies that are pressed up against the sidewall and tightened into place. The sidewall assemblies have two or more movably coupled plates that accommodate out-of-square condition of a sidewall. A noseplate assembly on the front of the sidewall adjustment assembly allows an adjustment to accommodate the thickness of the tread material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Lee E. Richards
  • Publication number: 20130212892
    Abstract: A tool and method for marking dimensions for cutting a tile include a platform with a front wall defining an x axis, a side wall defining a y axis, with the y axis being perpendicular to the x axis, and a front guideline defining an x? axis parallel to the x axis. Also included are a plurality of extendable fingers which are manually extendable to releasably retained protracted positions. A conformable member is disposed at the distal end of each finger, and is configured to conformably match the contour of an obstruction. The platform is configured for superposed alignment with an installed tile adjacent to an area with the obstruction, and also for alignment with a loose tile to be cut. The conformable members provide a guide for marking the surface of the loose tile to accommodate the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Peter G. Saravanos
  • Publication number: 20130036620
    Abstract: The present invention includes a rip cut measuring device that provides for the accurate measurement of flooring to ensure a proper fit, and is particularly useful when installing flooring in non-square rooms, or rooms with curved walls. The rip cut measuring device of the present invention includes a handle formed with a slide channel marked with offset gauge sized to slidably receive a pencil receiver. The receiver slides along the handle within the slide channel and can be secured in place at a particular offset gauge position corresponding to the width of the flooring being installed. The handle has a slider plate on one end of the handle having wheels to minimize marking and friction on the walls, and on the other end a radius end for use on curved wall surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Terence John Chancellor-Maddison
  • Patent number: 8359760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a form aligner for concrete formwork, having a fastening part that extends along an axis (A), with a base for purposes of placement onto a structural component and having an opening with an abutment for a fastening element as well as at least one form alignment contact point for a formwork wall. With such a form aligner, several elongated form alignment contact points running coaxially to the axis (A) are provided, of which at least two form alignment contact points constitute form alignment pairs that are in a shared plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Foser
  • Patent number: 8307564
    Abstract: A deck building assist tool includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A first line is coextensive with the first edge and a second line is coextensive with the second edge. The first and second lines intersect each other and are orientated perpendicular with respect to each other. A spacing plate extends downwardly from the bottom side. A plane of the spacing plate is orientated parallel to the second line and is positionable between adjacent planks to indicate correct spacing between the adjacent planks. The panel has a pair of openings therein. The spacing plate has a front edge directed forward and spaced from the first edge. The front edge is spaced from the first edge to correctly position the openings over a joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Danny A. Heaton
  • Publication number: 20120266472
    Abstract: A tile cutting measurement tool used to measure tiles, marbles, and the like. The tile cutting measurement tool is easily maneuverable, easily transportable, inexpensive to manufacture, and lightweight. The tile cutting measurement tool comprises of a contour gauge and a contour gauge guide that is connected to the contour gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Liza
  • Patent number: 8127457
    Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to marking and/or measuring surfaces adjacent to the curved and/or off angle object's surface, positioned perpendicularly to the working surface or positioned on the same surface plane as the object's surface. Particularly, the present invention should and/or will be useful for the hardwood/laminate/parquet/engineering flooring installers and/or any kind of residential and/or commercial construction workers and/or for amateur performers. As the level of difficulty during the wood flooring installation around curved and/or off angle surfaces arises, and there are limited number of workers who can perform such trade, the TOOL, METHOD AND MARKING SYSTEM, will enable anyone who is familiar with the trade to perform the complicated assignment in a shorter period of time and without waste of material; moreover, it will allow performers to acquire the craftsmanship results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Anna Stoklosa
  • Patent number: 8127460
    Abstract: A tool suitable for holding a ruling tile for using in making a cutting line on a cutting tile. The tool comprises a tile receiving means and a support means for the tile receiving means. The tile receiving means is adapted to space the ruling tile at a desired distance from a boundary of an area to be tiled. The ruling tile overlies the cutting tile. Optionally a laid tile is provided beneath the cutting tile. A method of marking and cutting a tile using such a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: David Flude
  • Publication number: 20120023766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) used as a laying aid for tiling work, comprising a base element (7, 8) having a support region (12) for laying flat on a surface to be covered with tiles (16), and a tile-supporting region (2) on which tiles (16) are placed. The tile-supporting region (2) has at least two web-like spacer elements (9) which extend perpendicularly with respect to a plane defined by the tile-supporting region (2) and which are arranged at an angle of an integer multiple of 90° relative to one another in said plane, and which have a thickness (10) corresponding to a desired joint spacing. To avoid the disadvantages of the known laying aids and to achieve uniform joint spacing and an even surface, whereby the laying aid is intended to be especially easy to handle, the base element (7, 8) is designed as a disk-like element having a base area that is smaller than a base area of the tiles (16) to be laid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hillebrandt
  • Patent number: 7980921
    Abstract: A tool and method for marking dimensions for cutting a tile include a platform with a front wall defining an x axis, a side wall defining a y axis, with the y axis being perpendicular to the x axis, and a front guideline defining an x? axis parallel to the x axis. Also included are a plurality of telescopic fingers which are manually extendable, in parallel with the y axis, to releasably retained protracted positions. The platform is configured for superposed alignment with an installed tile adjacent to an area with an obstruction, and also for adjacent alignment with a loose tile to be cut. Distal ends of protracted fingers indicate points on the surface of the loose tile for marking guidemarks demarcating dimensions for cutting the loose tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Peter G. Saravanos
  • Publication number: 20110126416
    Abstract: A method preparing for tiling a surface generally includes the steps of: measuring the surface with a cable measuring device to produce a digitized plan of the surface; displaying a plurality of possible tile layout for the surface on a display of a computer containing the produced digitized plan and programmed to display tile layouts for the surface depending on parameters including tile size, grout width, and tile orientation; selecting a tile layout, and placing the selected tile layout on the surface with the device. The method may include using the device for placing cut lines on the tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: David W. Swanson, William Robert Swanson
  • Patent number: 7950165
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of first members (12) and a plurality of second members (14). First and second co-operating formations (16, 22) are provided on the first and second members. The co-operating formations can co-operate with one another to secure the first members to the second members. The first members include spaced alignment formations arranged to align the placement of articles on the surface. The first co-operating formations may constitute the alignment formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Hall
  • Patent number: 7946093
    Abstract: A system to aid in the setting of tile work comprising tile spacers located at the corner of a tile to keep a tile evenly spaced from other tiles. The tile spacers each comprise a circular-shaped disk with integrally-molded spacer tabs in a variety of orientations, thus allowing use of the spacer against another wall, in a corner or a similar location. Each tile spacer is designed to remain in place after the tile is set and be covered with grout, thus making it invisible after the installation is complete. Finally, the tile spacer is provided with a threaded center hole designed to accommodate a threaded stem with permanently attached wing nut. The user can then tighten or loosen the bolt to raise or lower the tile spacer and subsequently the adjacent tile to an equal elevation. The threaded stem is simply removed after the tile has set, making for an invisible and effective installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Sturino
  • Patent number: 7818923
    Abstract: A tile spacer that provides multiple grout line and/or adjustment dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: David J. Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20100252016
    Abstract: A tool suitable for holding a ruling tile (622) for using in making a cutting line on a cutting tile (628). The tool (600) comprises a tile receiving means and a support means (624) for the tile receiving means. The tile receiving means is adapted to space the ruling tile at a desired distance from a boundary (636) of an area (630) to be tiled. The ruling tile overlies the cutting tile. Optionally a laid tile (634) is provided beneath the cutting tile. A method of marking and cutting a tile using such a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: David Flude
  • Patent number: 7748132
    Abstract: A substrate has front and rear faces, short first and second end edges, long side edges and interior and exterior side edges. First and second setting slides have front and rear faces, short end edges, long side edges and interior and exterior side edges. A measuring slide has front and rear faces, short first and second end edges and long side edges. Couplers adjustably interconnect the measuring slide to the substrate. The side edges of the measuring slide are provided parallel with the end edges of the substrate. The two setting slides are adjustably interconnected to the substrate. The side edges of the setting slides are provided parallel with the side edges of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Tom Engala
  • Publication number: 20100088912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable tile spacer for enabling even spacing between a first tile and a second tile that are perpendicular to each other. The second tile has an end opposite the first tile. The removable tile spacer includes a first elongate member interposable between the first tile and the end of the second tile to provide spacing between the first tile and the second tile. The tile spacer includes a body. The first elongate member is connected to and extends away from the body at an angle relative to the body such that the body has at least a portion which is spaced-apart from both the first tile and the second tile when the first elongate member is interposed between the first tile and the end of the second tile. This thereby facilitates removal of the tile spacer when tile spacing is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: David John HIGGS, Davor Baros
  • Patent number: 7685730
    Abstract: A tile marking tool uses a probe mounted on a biased marking arm to engage and follow a contour of an obstruction, such as a wall, cabinet, or heat vent, adjacent which floor tile must be installed. As the tool is moved along the wall, a marking element on the other end of the marking arm marks or cuts the contour of the obstruction on a tile or tiles to be laid, facilitating cutting and/or placement of the tile in such a way as to fit well against the obstruction. Embodiments include a corner marking arrangement for marking tiles to be laid in reentrant corners. The corner marking arrangement includes a corner arm attachable to and orthogonal to the marking arm so that the tool is used in usual fashion as it approaches the reentrant corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Eula C. Dozier
  • Publication number: 20100050453
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tiling tool (10) for assisting with the alignment and marking of tiles to be cut comprises: a body portion (14) and a handle portion (16), in which said body portion (14) includes a first step (18) having a height H1 substantially equal to a gap G between already affixed tiles and into which it is insertable and a second step portion (20) adjacent thereto and having a height H2 substantially equal to or greater than the gap G and including an upper surface (22) onto which, in operation, a tile to be cut may be placed and located. In combination with a template, which may be a further tile, the tool allows an operator to position, mark and then cut a tile along a cut line which accurately reflects the angle of a boundary that is other than parallel to the line of tiles already positioned on a wall or floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Colin Bryce
  • Patent number: 7650700
    Abstract: A tile installation spacer includes a circular disk having opposed, parallel surfaces, and opposed cylindrical first and second spacers extend away from the respective surfaces of the disk. The disk, the first cylindrical spacer, and the second cylinder each have a diameter. The diameter of the disk is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical spacer and the diameter of the second cylindrical spacer, and the diameter of the first cylindrical spacer is greater than the diameter of the second cylindrical spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20090260244
    Abstract: An installation measurement device for the cutting and trimming of ceramic and/or marble floor tiles, and ceiling tiles in forming an edge border, employing a Speed Square with a lockable, removable tape measure set against an edge of the square as a reference to which measurements are taken by stretching out the tape the desired distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: John A. Carbone, JR.
  • Patent number: 7536802
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to tile-spacing devices for spacing tiles apart from one another during their installation, so as to create a space between the tiles, such as a space into which a grout, mortar, sealant, or other material can be inserted. Like previous tile-spacing devices, the devices described herein include one or more spacers disposed on a base. However, unlike previous devices, the devices described herein have a window that extends through the base, through which engagement of at least one of the tiles with the edge of a spacer can be visually observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Tavy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Armen Tavy, Keith Tavshanjian
  • Publication number: 20090126213
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to tile-spacing devices for spacing tiles apart from one another during their installation, so as to create a space between the tiles, such as a space into which a grout, mortar, sealant, or other material can be inserted. Like previous tile-spacing devices, the devices described herein include one or more spacers disposed on a base. However, unlike previous devices, the devices described herein have a window that extends through the base, through which engagement of at least one of the tiles with the edge of a spacer can be visually observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TAVY Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Armen Tavy, Keith Tavshanjian
  • Patent number: 7516558
    Abstract: A spacer providing a substantially uniform space between adjacent tiles includes spacer legs extending radially from a common junction. The spacer legs, made from a porous material, are permanently adherable to a tile bonding material utilized to adhere the tiles to an underlying surface, and/or a grout material filling a gap between tiles. A process for making a tile spacer includes providing thinset material to which a liquid latex admix material is added. The materials are distributed evenly to a consistency of a damp fluffy sand-like mixture which is then placed into a mold of a desired shape and packed into the mold to bond the materials while still damp to form the tile spacer. The spacer is extracted from the mold and placed on a flat rigid sheet. The spacer is moist cured and dried at room temperature environment with 40-99% humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Keith Frank, Scott Gerling
  • Publication number: 20080307663
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking near perfect cut lines during the tile setting process in a manner that is cost effective and efficient because it conforms with the unique contours and characteristics of fixed structures such as walls and cabinets while significantly reducing the amount time and wasted tiles due to its user friendly method of gleaning exact cut lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen H. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20080301955
    Abstract: Cross laser device for installing plate- or board-shaped floor covering elements, in particular tiles, on a flat substrate (17) with a housing (1) which can be positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26) of the cross laser device, within which housing at least one first and one second laser (2, 3) are disposed, by which first and second laser beams emerging through first and second front light exits (6, 7) of the housing (1) can be generated for the formation of first and second marking lines (4, 5) on the substrate (17), which marking lines intersect at right angles at an intersection point (8) spaced apart from the light exits (6, 7), wherein the housing (1) can be positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26) of the cross laser device, whereby an underside of the housing (1) is spaced apart from the substrate (17) after the housing (1) has been positioned on the substrate (17) by means of feet (24, 25, 26), wherein beneath the housing (1) from a first side edge (20) of t
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Wolfgang Scheyer
  • Publication number: 20080196261
    Abstract: A tile marking tool uses a probe mounted on a biased marking arm to engage and follow a contour of an obstruction, such as a wall, cabinet, or heat vent, adjacent which floor tile must be installed. As the tool is moved along the wall, a marking element on the other end of the marking arm marks or cuts the contour of the obstruction on a tile or tiles to be laid, facilitating cutting and/or placement of the tile in such a way as to fit well against the obstruction. Embodiments include a corner marking arrangement for marking tiles to be laid in reentrant corners. The corner marking arrangement includes a corner arm attachable to and orthogonal to the marking arm so that the tool is used in usual fashion as it approaches the reentrant corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Eula C. Dozier
  • Patent number: 7409773
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the correct measurement and placement of tiles having a transparent top plate for viewing indicia markings on bottom sliding plate, also having a channel for the setting of a rule that is angularly and spatially adjustable from the thin metal abutment edge through the loosening and tightening of a wing nut and washer attached to the ruler through said channel. Additionally the rule of the present invention is equipped with a stop which ends 1¼? from its side edges for the utilization of the present invention as a guide for correct placement of tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Constantine Michael Gioia, Valeska Nunziata Gioia
  • Publication number: 20080141617
    Abstract: A tile spacing tool is used to accurately space tile and comprises a first spacing rib having a top edge and a bottom edge and comprising a handle and a second spacing rib having a top edge and a bottom edge. The second spacing rib extends longitudinally along a perpendicular axis of the first spacing rib to form a generally cross-shaped horizontal spacing surface comprising the bottom edges of each of the first and second spacing ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher J. Joski
  • Patent number: 7373729
    Abstract: A device for laying floor and wall coverings in reentrant corners comprises an independent insert obtained from the same material as the flooring and having two dimensions before laying and being defined in three dimensions after laying and having, when flat, a geometrical configuration of irregular lines so that, after laying, said insert has a regular parallelepiped geometrical configuration. The insert includes, three triangular areas, of which two of the bases are part of the peripheral outline of the insert and the third inner base makes it possible, by consecutive juxtaposition, to obtain a central triangular part sloping, after laying, and situated in a forward plane away from the corner part where the successive walls and the floor meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Gerflor
    Inventors: Yves Mossot, Patrice Farine
  • Patent number: 6973736
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracing a contour onto a tile prior to cutting the tile includes a base member having a first longitudinal slot and a retaining lip disposed at one end thereof. A first extension member includes a second longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the base member by a fastener assembly that passes through the first and second longitudinal slots. A second extension member includes a third longitudinal slot and is pivotally attached to the first extension member by a second fastener assembly that passes through the second and third longitudinal slots. The second extension member includes a 45 degree angled end that terminates in a point, the point being useful for locating a point on an obstruction. The 45 degree end is used to orient the first and second extension members at a 45 degree angle with respect to a raised edge of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur Garcia