초록 ▼

A single piece spacer element is disclosed for insertion between spaces between tiles for uniform spacing of the tiles. The spacer element comprising a plurality of legs extending radially from a common juncture, with the legs being formed with beveled edges which facilitate their removal from the a

A single piece spacer element is disclosed for insertion between spaces between tiles for uniform spacing of the tiles. The spacer element comprising a plurality of legs extending radially from a common juncture, with the legs being formed with beveled edges which facilitate their removal from the adhesive material between the tiles once the adhesive has cured. The invention also comprises integrally formed cylindrical or U-shaped stems which extend from the surface of the spacer element and which aid in placement and removal thereof. The invention also comprises the method of using the spacer element to space and align tiles.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of laying tiles to maintain uniform spacing between rows and columns of the tiles, said method comprising spreading an adhesive material on a substrate to which said tiles are to be applied; placing said tiles in columns and rows on the substrate and in contact with said adhesive; placing s

A method of laying tiles to maintain uniform spacing between rows and columns of the tiles, said method comprising spreading an adhesive material on a substrate to which said tiles are to be applied; placing said tiles in columns and rows on the substrate and in contact with said adhesive; placing spacer elements into said adhesive material between the edges of adjacent tiles as the tiles are laid, said spacer elements consisting of a plurality of legs extending radially from a common juncture, each of said legs having a top surface, bottom surface, and an end surface, each of said bottom surfaces lying entirely in a single plane, at least one of said legs of each spacer element having a beveled edge which extends partially above the level of the adhesive material when the spacer is positioned between the edges of adjacent tiles in contact with the adhesive; allowing the adhesive to set and firmly adhere the laid tiles and the spacer elements to the substrate; applying a tool to the beveled edge of said at least one leg of the spacer elements to lift the spacer away from said adhesive and said tiles to form substantially open channels between the adjacent tiles; and filling the channels between the tiles with a grout.