Apparatus and method for removing flooring tile

Abstract

An apparatus and a method that is used to mechanically remove flooring tiles intact that have separated from the foundation and then after the foundation and tile surfaces have been prepared, the same tile is reset undamaged.

1 . An apparatus and method for removing a portion of a grouted tile floor where said portion has separated from the foundation comprising: 
 a. a means for removing grout and cementitious material around all sides of said tile without damaging said tile    b. a rigid material forming a base plate of a predetermined size    c. a plurality of clamps that secure said base plate to said tile that fit into evacuated grout spaces around said tile    d. a cleat attached to said base plate that fits into another evacuated grout space perpendicular to said clamps    e. an impact area on said cleat and base plate for a hammering force to be applied on said impact area used to drive said base plate and consequently said tile forward in the same direction of the impact force.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  of removing said grout around said tile is done using a circular abrasive blade saw to cut out said grout or a drill to bore multiple holes in a series in said grout.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of clamps are two opposing clamps that sandwich said tile.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said clamps sandwich said tile use a nut and bolt system to control the pressure exerted on said tile by said clamps.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said clamps have their lateral movement controlled by guide rods and a guide tube.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said clamps use a bolt and nut system to adjust the width of said clamps, the nut is attached to said base plate parallel to and above said guide tube.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said clamps use a nut and bolt system to adjust the width of said clamps, the bolts can be interchanged.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said base plate is secured to said tile on the side opposite said impact area through a tensioning means such as a spring.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus and method for removing a grouted floor tile where said tile has separated from the foundation comprising: 
 a. a means for removing grout and cementing material around all sides of said tile without damaging said tile    b. a rigid material forming a base plate of a predetermined size that is adjustable in length    c. a plurality of clamps that secure the base plate to said tile that fit into evacuated grout spaces around said tile    d. a cleat attached to said base plate that fits into another evacuated grout space perpendicular to said clamps    e. an impact area on said base plate for a hammering force to be applied on said impact area used to drive said base plate and consequently said tile forward in the same direction of the impact force.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  of removing said grout around said tile is done using a circular abrasive blade saw to cut out said grout or a drill to bore multiple holes in a series in said grout.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said base plate is comprised of a front half and a back half of a base plate to be connected by an adjustment plate and secured by a nut and bolt system.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said adjustable base plate consists of an adjustment plate of a similar material as said base plate having a slot so the bolts of said front half of said base plate and said back half of said base plate can freely move until a plurality of adjustment nuts are tightened.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said plurality of clamps are two opposing clamps that sandwich said tile.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said clamps sandwich said tile use a nut and bolt system to control the pressure exerted on said tile by said clamps.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said clamps have their lateral movement controlled by guide rods and a guide tube.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said clamps use a bolt and nut system to adjust the width of said clamps, the nut is attached to said base plate parallel to and above said guide tube.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said clamps use a nut and bolt system to adjust the width of said clamps, the bolt head can face inside or outside of said base plate.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said base plate is secured to said tile on the side opposite of said impact area through a tensioning means such as a spring.