Tile installation method and devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a tile installation method and devices. According to the invention, level guides ( 1 ) are provided on the ground and a pair of rules ( 2 - 2 ′) are disposed transversely thereon, said rules being separated from one another by a distance that is slightly greater than the size of the tiles ( 3 ). The tiles ( 3 ) are fixed in place by pouring mortar ( 4 ) into the space defined therebetween ( 3 ) and using a rake ( 5 ) to spread the mortar and level same, said rake being suitably dimensioned such that the ends thereof rest on the above-mentioned rules ( 2 - 2 ′). Subsequently, a line of tiles ( 3 ) is placed between the rules ( 2 - 2 ′), with each tile being installed individually and a groove being formed in the mortar on the shared free side between said tile and the next. Once the tiles have been installed and leveled, one of the rules ( 2 ′) is moved away such as to form a space together with the line of tiles ( 3 ) which is similar to that previously defined between the rules, in order to repeat the operation, i.e. to pour a new mass of mortar ( 4 ′) between the rule ( 2 ′) and the line of tiles ( 3 ) and to spread and level same with the rake ( 5 ) which rests on the rule ( 2 ′) and on the line of tiles ( 3 ) already in place. Said cycle is repeated until the floor has been completed.

1 . A method for installing tiles, specifically for installing and fixing them upon forging or any other type of flooring, characterised in that it consists of the following operating phases:
 The classic level guides ( 1 ) are established parallel to one another on the ground.   A pair of rules ( 2 - 2 ′) is established transversally upon said level guides ( 1 ), separated by a distance slightly greater than that of the size of the tiles ( 3 ) that are to be placed parallel to one another.   The mass of mortar ( 4 ) or fastening material chosen for the tiles ( 3 ) is then poured between the rules ( 2 - 2 ′) and spread with the aid of a rake ( 5 ) that slides upon the rules ( 2 - 2 ′) and determines the homogeneous spreading of the mortar, its levelling and its distance with respect to the upper plane of the rules ( 2 - 2 ′) according to the thickness of the tiles ( 3 ) to be placed.   Positioning the tiles ( 3 ) between said rules ( 2 - 2 ′), after having performed a groove on the mass of mortar according to the free edge between said tile and the next, with the aid of a grooving device.   Levelling the aligned tiles ( 3 ) with the aid of a paviour's hammer and a level, both level to one another and to the rules ( 2 - 2 ′) that frame them.   Separating one of said rules ( 2 - 2 ′) and placing it parallel to the free edge of the aligned tiles ( 3 ) with a distance with respect to this edge that is notably equal to the initial distance between the rules ( 2 - 2 ′).   Pouring the mortar between the moved rule ( 2 ′) and the already placed aligned tiles ( 3 ).   Placing a tile ( 3 ), grooving, defining a new line of aligned tiles ( 3 ) and levelling these.   Indefinite repetition of the second cycle until completing the flooring.   
   
   
       2 . The devices used to put into practice the method of  claim 1 , characterised in that they consist of a set of toothed rakes suited to different kinds of tiles, according to the size of the tiles, their thickness, the flooring arrangement and the type of fastening material used, and a grooving device that is able to define a groove in the mortar next to said free common edge. 
   
   
       3 . The devices according to  claim 2 , characterised in that each rake ( 5 - 5 ′- 5 ″- 5 ′″) adopts a dihedral and obtuse configuration, such that a handgrip or handle ( 8 ) is attached to one of its branches, whereas the other branch ends in an operative end provided with a plurality of triangular teeth ( 10 ′), alternating with other larger teeth ( 13 ) with a truncated free edge ( 14 ), and to which blades ( 20 ) are added to act as runners depending on the type of paving arrangement, and in any case incorporating staggered notches ( 11 - 11 ′) on its ends so that they rest on the rules ( 2 - 2 ′) or on a rule ( 2 ′) and a line of aligned tiles ( 3 ), and where the inner side of said notches ( 11 - 11 ′) is closed with a parting ( 12 ) that prevents the mortar from spilling out sideways. 
   
   
       4 . The devices, according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the grooving device is materialised as a grooved body ( 6 ) with a trapezoidal profile and a handle ( 15 ) integral to one of its ends, one of the side branches ( 16 ) of which forms a right angle with its middle branch ( 6 ) and defining in the area where they converge a protruding section ( 17 ) that in turn defines the groove or channel on the mortar, said side branch ( 16 ) incorporating a pair of openings ( 18 ) for the selective coupling of a pin, intended to rest and slide upon the tiles to generate a suitably sized groove upon the mortar independently of whether the tiles are thick or thin.