Spacing device for leveling ceramic tiles and leveling device

Abstract

A spacing device (1) for a leveling device (100) for leveling two or more adjacent tiles, the spacing device (1) comprising: a bottom base (10) comprising two or more surfaces (11, 12) for placing tiles to be leveled; an intermediate spacer element (20) vertically connected to the bottom base (10) and comprising an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22); and an elongated top body (30) connected to the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) and comprising a male connector (31) configured to be connected to an external female connector (2) of the leveling device (100); wherein the lower part (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) comprises two side posts (23, 24) and a central post (25) arranged between the two side posts (23, 24), said posts each comprising a main body (231, 241, 251) and a lower end (232, 242, 252).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spacing device for a leveling apparatus for leveling two or more ceramic tiles, and to a leveling apparatus including such a spacing device. Background Technology

[0002] Tile installation is a common process in the construction industry, and a key step in achieving both aesthetic and practical results is ensuring the tiles are level. Leveling devices have been developed to assist in this process, and various types of leveling devices have been proposed.

[0003] A typical leveling device usually includes a nut and a spacer for adjusting the height of adjacent tiles. The spacer typically includes a base, a spacer plate vertically connected to the base, and an upper threaded portion (e.g., a threaded rod or the like) connected to the upper part of the spacer plate. The threaded portion is usually positioned perpendicular to the base and configured to connect to the nut. The tile to be leveled is typically placed on the bottom base of the spacer, such that when the nut is screwed onto the threaded portion of the spacer, the lower surface of the tile is pressed against the base, while the upper surface of the tile is pressed against the nut, thus leveling the tile.

[0004] Therefore, the primary technical objective of a leveling device is to apply force and displacement to two or more tiles to make their surfaces flat and level. Furthermore, a second technical objective of a leveling device is to ensure that the spacing between one or more tiles remains constant, determined by the thickness of the spacer plate.

[0005] However, existing leveling devices have several drawbacks when it comes to achieving the two objectives mentioned above.

[0006] For example, in conventional leveling devices, the problem is attempted to be solved by providing a single part that aims to achieve two purposes. This single part typically corresponds to a spacer plate configured as a single column plate. In some cases, the spacer plate also includes a small opening in the spacer plate area that contacts the base of the spacer device, such that the spacer plate includes a body configured as a single column plate with two micro-columns connecting the body to the base. Because these known structures must address dual purposes, they are often designed to favor one over the other, leading to problems such as excessive mass, reduced performance under load, uneven tile leveling and / or poor spacing, etc. In particular, a typical problem with these known solutions is that as the nuts are tightened onto the threaded portion of the spacer device, undesirable torque is transmitted to the spacer plate, causing the spacer plate to slightly twist, resulting in gaps between tiles that are greater than the thickness of the spacer plate.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved leveling interval device for leveling devices to improve the efficiency of leveling tile installation and improve the control of the space between tiles. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention solves the problem of leveling one or more adjacent tiles and improves the control of the spacing between said adjacent tiles. This problem is solved by the spacing device for the leveling apparatus as described in claims, and by the leveling apparatus including said spacing device as described in claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a spacer device for a leveling apparatus for leveling adjacent tiles, wherein the spacer device is preferably made as a single integral component and may be made of plastic. The spacer device includes a bottom base for placing two or more tiles to be leveled, an intermediate spacer element perpendicularly connected to the bottom base, and an elongated top body. The bottom base includes one, two, or more surfaces for placing the tiles to be leveled. The intermediate spacer element is arranged between the bottom base and the elongated top body, wherein the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element is connected to the elongated top body, and wherein the lower portion (or at least a portion of the lower portion) of the intermediate spacer element is perpendicularly connected to the bottom base. The elongated top body is arranged longitudinally (i.e., the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction of extension of the elongated top body, corresponding to the height direction) along a central geometric axis (the geometric axis itself is not part of the invention but is an external auxiliary spatial reference), wherein the central geometric axis is perpendicular to the bottom base (i.e., configured to extend along a first direction perpendicular to the bottom base). The elongated top body may be configured as a rod. At least a portion (e.g., a rod) of the elongated top body is configured as a male connector (e.g., a threaded portion or locking teeth) to connect to an external female connector (e.g., a knob or nut of a leveling device, which includes the knob / nut and a spacer according to the invention).

[0010] The intermediate spacer element comprises two opposing surfaces or sides (e.g., a front side / surface and a rear side / surface) for separating tiles to be leveled (i.e., one or more adjacent tiles to be leveled). It should be noted that the two opposing surfaces or sides (e.g., a front side / surface and a rear side / surface) are applicable to / compatible with any sub-elements included in the intermediate spacer element (i.e., components included in the intermediate spacer element (e.g., side posts, center posts, and the upper and lower parts described below) may also have corresponding front and rear sides).

[0011] To clarify the terminology used in this disclosure, throughout the specification, the term "height" refers to a distance measured along a first direction (i.e., the direction in which the central axis extends), and the term "width" refers to a distance measured along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The term "thickness" itself does not indicate any direction but must be interpreted according to the specific circumstances. For example, the thickness associated with any part / element belonging to the intermediate spacer element is measured along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions (e.g., the thickness of the intermediate spacer element may be measured along a third direction between its front and rear (or front and rear sides), while the thickness of the base plate may be measured along the first direction (i.e., along the central geometric axis (C)).

[0012] The intermediate spacer element comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to an elongated top body. The lower portion comprises two side posts and a central post, the central post being arranged between the two side posts. Each post comprises a corresponding body and a corresponding lower end, wherein each body is configured to extend from the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element to the corresponding lower end of the corresponding post. The lower end of each post is connected to a bottom base such that the intermediate spacer element is connected to the bottom base via the corresponding lower ends of the two side posts and the central post. The lower end may be configured as a predetermined brittle zone such that when a predetermined force is applied to the upper portion and / or the elongated top body (e.g., by kicking the element after two or more tiles have been flattened), the lower end readily breaks, thereby separating the intermediate spacer element from the bottom base.

[0013] The bodies of the two side pillars can be configured to contact the body of the central pillar. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate spacer element may further include at least one or two dividing regions, each dividing region being arranged between one of the side pillars and the central pillar (e.g., between the respective bodies of the pillars). Each region can be configured to extend along first and second directions. Preferably, at least one dividing region can be configured as an opening (e.g., an opening without any material); and / or at least one dividing region can be configured as an opening at least partially (i.e., partially or entirely) covered by a covering layer (e.g., a layer made of the same material as the rest of the intermediate spacer element), the thickness of which is less than the maximum thickness of each side pillar. In some embodiments, the thickness of the covering layer can be configured to be less than the thickness of the thickest portion of the central pillar.

[0014] The maximum thickness of each side post can be in the range of 0.5 to 4 mm (or 0.5 to 5 mm), preferably in the range of 1 to 3 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2 mm. It is worth noting that the maximum thickness of the side post can correspond to the thickness of the corresponding body, or (in the case where the protrusions are arranged on a part of the corresponding body as described below) to the sum of the thickness of the corresponding body and the thickness of the superimposed protrusions.

[0015] The central post can be arranged such that a portion of the length of the geometric central axis coincides with the central post (e.g., coincides with the height of the central post), wherein preferably, the central post can be centered relative to the geometric central axis, such that the elongated top body connects to the central portion of the upper part of the intermediate spacer element. The intermediate spacer element can be interpreted as extending along the height in a first direction, along the width in a second direction, and having a thickness measurable in a third direction.

[0016] Preferably, the thickness of at least a portion of the body of the central pillar can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side pillar, the maximum thickness of each side pillar also being configured to be the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. The aforementioned thickness is measurable in a second direction, i.e., between the respective front and rear sides (or front and rear). Preferably, the thickness of at least a portion of the body of the central pillar can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side pillar, such that the thickness of the at least a portion corresponds to a percentage of the maximum thickness, which is in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 25% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 0.35% to 0.55%. The preferred thickness of the at least a portion of the body of the central pillar is in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.45 to 0.8 mm.

[0017] Therefore, the thickness of any portion of the body of the central column cannot exceed the maximum thickness of each side column (i.e., any thickness of the body of the central column is less than or equal to the maximum thickness of each side column, preferably the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element); and / or the thickness of at least a portion of the body of the central column can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side column (i.e., less than a portion of each side column having a maximum thickness, preferably the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element). In some embodiments, a portion / part of the body of the central column having the maximum thickness (of the body) can be configured to have a thickness equal to a portion of the corresponding body of each side column having the maximum thickness of the corresponding side column, and the thickness of at least a portion / part of the body of the central column can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of the corresponding side column. These features of the invention are widely compatible with the embodiments described below.

[0018] Therefore, constructing at least a portion of the thickness of the central column's body to be less than the maximum thickness of each side column will have the effect that the spacing between two (or more) adjacent tiles to be leveled (i.e., each tile arranged on the corresponding opposite side of the intermediate spacer element) is determined / controlled by the thickest portion of each side column (i.e., the portion with the maximum thickness), wherein, preferably, the two side columns are configured to have the same thickness (e.g., one column is a mirror copy of the other). Thus, a portion (or all) of the central column's body with a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side column can be (slightly) spaced apart from the tiles (i.e., in the third direction), thereby enabling the central column to rotate. Therefore, the center post can be configured such that when an external knob / nut with a female connector (e.g., the internally threaded portion of a leveling device's knob / nut) is connected (i.e., engaged) to the male connector portion (i.e., the male connector) of the elongated top body, such that the lower part of the tile is pressed against the bottom base while the upper part of the tile is pressed against the knob / nut, causing rotational / torsional forces to be transmitted to the intermediate spacer element, the center post is allowed to slightly twist about the central geometric axis, thereby minimizing the effect of rotational / torsional forces on the side posts. This configuration has the effect of separating the technical purposes of the side posts and the center post to achieve a synergistic technical effect, wherein the center post is configured to transmit (along a straight force path) the compressive force used to level the tile along the central geometric axis and at least partially dissipate the resulting rotational / torsional forces, while the side posts are configured to control / ensure that the space between one or more tiles remains constant, even though the intermediate spacer element receives rotational forces.

[0019] In some embodiments, the intermediate spacer element may be configured as a plate (e.g., a flat plate), wherein such a configuration is compatible with areas / regions of different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element may be configured to include at least a substantially planar portion. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper portion may be configured as a substantially flat portion (e.g., configured as a plate).

[0020] The intermediate spacer element can be arranged in a first plane perpendicular to the bottom base, the first plane extending along a first direction perpendicular to the base plate (e.g., a longitudinal direction consistent with the direction of the central geometric axis) and along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The intermediate spacer element can be configured to have a height (total height) in the first direction and a width in the second direction.

[0021] The lower portion of the intermediate spacer element can be configured to extend its height along the central geometric axis (i.e., in the first direction) by a certain percentage corresponding to the total height of the intermediate spacer element, wherein the percentage is in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 20% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 45% to 60% (of which the range of 48% to 57% is particularly advantageous). This has the effect of reducing the transmission of torsional action / torsional force toward the side pillars. Note that the total height of the intermediate spacer element is measured between the respective lower end and the upper portion connected to the elongated top body.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of at least one side post and / or center post can be configured to have a smaller torsional strength than the rest of the corresponding post (i.e., it can be configured as a soft region). This smaller torsional strength can be achieved by constructing the lower end to have a smaller thickness and / or width than the body of its corresponding post (e.g., the corresponding lower end can have a smaller thickness than any part of the corresponding body).

[0023] Preferably, the lower end of the central column may include one or two side shoulders. The side shoulders may be arranged to increase the width of the lower end (i.e., in the second direction, by arranging a shoulder on each lateral side of the central column). Thus, the shoulders are configured to locally increase the width of the lower end, thereby increasing the torsional strength / resistance of the lower end to reduce the undesirable transmission of torsional forces to the bottom base.

[0024] Preferably, the thickness of at least a portion of the upper part can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post, wherein the maximum thickness of each side post can also be configured to be the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. Preferably, the thickness of any portion of the upper part of the intermediate spacer element cannot be greater than the maximum thickness of each side post (i.e., any thickness of the upper part can be configured to be less than or equal to the maximum thickness of each side post); and / or the thickness of at least a portion of the upper part of the intermediate spacer element can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post (i.e., less than a portion of each side post having the maximum thickness).

[0025] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element, whose thickness is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of the side post (e.g., the maximum thickness is arranged in the body of the side post), extends along the width of the upper portion such that it extends at least partially over the upper portion connected to the respective side post. In other words, the upper portion extends outward from the central axis (i.e., along the second direction) such that the upper portion extends over a portion of the upper portion that is at least partially (in the first direction, i.e., in the direction of the central geometric axis) arranged above at least one side post (e.g., above the upper portion connected to the respective side post).

[0026] As an alternative or supplement to the foregoing embodiments, the portion of the upper part of the intermediate spacer element that is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side post may be further configured to have a thickness equal to the thickness of at least a portion of the body of the central post, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the body of the central post is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post.

[0027] In some embodiments, in a manner compatible with or alternative to the features of the upper portion described in the preceding four paragraphs, the portion of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element whose thickness is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post may be at least partially defined by the outer perimeter edge of the upper portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the body of at least one side post may include one or more protrusions disposed on at least one of the front or rear sides of the respective body of the intermediate spacer element, the protrusions being configured to selectively increase the thickness of the respective side post (i.e., in the region where the protrusions are disposed, the thickness of the side post in that region is the sum of the thickness of the body in that region and the thickness of the protrusions). Thus, the protrusions can be arranged to provide a maximum thickness for the side post. Preferably, the two side posts can be configured symmetrically, such that each side post includes a protrusion symmetrical with respect to the protrusions of the other side post. In some embodiments, the thickness of each protrusion can be configured to be in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion may be arranged only in front of the intermediate spacer element or only in the rear (and therefore only in front of the respective side post or only in the rear).

[0030] Each protrusion can be configured to extend at least a portion of the total length of the corresponding body, wherein the total length is included between the corresponding lower end and upper part. It should be noted that the length of the side post can differ from its height, as the side post can be arranged at an angle from the upper part toward the bottom base. Therefore, the total length can extend partly along a first direction and partly along a second direction. Preferably, each protrusion can be configured to extend a certain percentage of the total length of the corresponding body, the percentage being in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 30% to 80%, and more preferably in the range of 50% to 70%.

[0031] Each protrusion may be equidistant from its respective lower and upper ends. However, in a preferred embodiment, each protrusion may be configured to extend from the end (i.e., a portion) of the corresponding body (i.e., the portion near or even in contact with the corresponding lower end) toward the upper part of the intermediate spacer element, thereby reducing the undesirable transmission of torsional forces toward the protrusion. This allows for better stable control of the distance between two or more adjacent tiles to be leveled.

[0032] Furthermore, each protrusion may be configured to extend along at least a portion of the width of the corresponding body (i.e., along the second direction), wherein the width of the corresponding body is measured between the body edge near the central post and the body edge away from the central post. Preferably, each protrusion may be configured to extend from the body edge near the central post (or the area near that edge) to the body edge away from the central post; and / or wherein each protrusion extends along the width of the corresponding body by a certain percentage of the width, the percentage being in the range of 10% to 100%, preferably in the range of 20% to 85%, more preferably in the range of 35% to 70%.

[0033] At least one side post can be configured to extend from the upper part of the intermediate spacer element to the bottom base, such that the distance between the respective side post and the central geometric axis (which is arranged along a first direction) is greater in the portion of the side post near the bottom base than in the portion near the upper part (thus defining an angular configuration). This distance can be measured between the edge of the central axis and the corresponding side post near the central post (i.e., near the central geometric axis). Preferably, as the side post extends from the upper part towards the base plate, the distance between at least one side post and the central geometric axis gradually increases linearly or geometrically (or a combination thereof). As previously described, the space between the central post and each side post corresponds to a respective partition area.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one side post may be configured to extend from the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element to the bottom base, such that the width of the side post (i.e., measured along a second direction between the two corresponding edges of the side post) is greater in the upper portion of the side post than in the lower portion of the side post. Thus, the upper portion of the side post may be configured to have a greater width than the lower portion of the corresponding side post. This is advantageous because it provides greater torsional strength in the upper portion of the corresponding side post. Preferably, the width of at least one side post may be configured to gradually decrease as the side post extends from the upper portion toward the base plate (more preferably following a linear or geometric function or a combination thereof). Therefore, as the side post extends from the upper portion to the bottom portion, the width of the cross-section of the side post (i.e., the cross-section of the body of the side post) gradually decreases.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more surfaces of the base (i.e., the surface configured to hold one or more tiles to be leveled) is configured to have a downwardly recessed portion or depression. This recess or depression is a surface area having a thinner thickness (here, the thickness is measured in a first direction) than the rest of the surface. This feature is widely compatible with the embodiments of the invention described above. Preferably, the recess or depression is arranged at a central position relative to the width of the central post and / or at a distance from the lower end of the central post.

[0036] The spacer may further include a front low wall and / or a rear low wall to divide each of the original two surfaces for placing the tile to be leveled into two corresponding surfaces, thereby enabling the spacer to be used in leveling devices for more than two tiles (e.g., three or four tiles). The front low wall may be arranged perpendicularly to the front of the body of the central column (where the front low wall is connected to the bottom base) and optionally to the front of the body of the central column (where the front low wall may optionally be connected to the body of the central column), and the front low wall may also be configured to extend upwards from the bottom base along a portion of the height corresponding to the lower portion (i.e., along a first direction). The rear low wall may be arranged perpendicularly to the rear of the body of the central column (where the front low wall may optionally be connected to the body of the central column), and the rear low wall may be configured to extend upwards from the bottom base along a portion of the height corresponding to the lower portion.

[0037] The front and / or rear low walls can be configured to extend a certain percentage of the total height (in the first direction) along the lower portion corresponding to the intermediate spacer element, preferably in the range of 5% to 70%, more preferably in the range of 15% to 50%, and even more preferably in the range of 25% to 30%. Preferably, the front and rear low walls can be configured to have the same height.

[0038] In some embodiments, in portions corresponding to the height of the front and / or rear low walls, the body of the central column may be configured to have a width (e.g., measured in a second direction) smaller than the rest of the body (and / or the lower end of the central column). This smaller width (e.g., a waist / portion) may be configured to include a notch or recess on each side of the central column (the central column comprises two sides that extend at least partially along a first direction and are separated along a second direction, thus defining the width of the column), such that each notch / recess is arranged at one of the two sides and configured to extend from the respective side toward a central geometric axis (e.g., forming a waist in the central column).

[0039] A second aspect of the invention relates to a leveling device for leveling two or more adjacent tiles. The leveling device includes a spacer according to any of the above embodiments and a female connector configured to engage with a male connector of the spacer such that, when the female connector engages (e.g., connects) with the male connector of the spacer and moves toward a bottom base, the respective undersides of the two or more tiles are pressed (e.g., abutted) by the bottom base of the spacer, and the respective upper surfaces of the two or more tiles are pressed by the female connector, thereby achieving tile leveling. In a preferred embodiment, the female connector may be configured as a knob and / or nut (or the like) with internal threads, and the male connector may be configured with external threads arranged around at least a portion of an elongated top body (e.g., the elongated top body of the intermediate spacer element may be configured as a threaded rod). Attached Figure Description

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 Four different views of the first spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 1 A to Figure 1 D).

[0041] Figure 2 Four different views of an element of the second spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 2 A to Figure 2 D).

[0042] Figure 3 Four different views of the third spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 3 A to Figure 3 D).

[0043] Figure 4 Four different views of the fourth spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 4 A to Figure 4 D).

[0044] Figure 5 Four different views of the fifth spacer element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 5 A to Figure 5 D).

[0045] Figure 6 Four different views of the sixth intermediate spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 6 A to Figure 6 D).

[0046] Figure 7 exist Figure 7 A and Figure 7Figure B shows two views of a female connector 2 that can be connected to an elongated top body 30 of a spacer 1 according to any embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 C and Figure 7 D illustrates a leveling device 100 comprising a female connector 2 and a spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 1 A shows a side perspective view of the spacer 1. Figure 1 B depicts the corresponding front view, while Figure 1 C and Figure 1 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0048] The spacer device 1 includes a bottom base 10 for placing two or more tiles to be leveled, an intermediate spacer element 20 vertically connected to the bottom base 10, and an elongated top body 30. The bottom base 10 includes surfaces 11, 12 for placing the tiles to be leveled. The intermediate spacer element 20 is arranged between the bottom base 10 and the elongated top body 30, wherein the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 is connected to the elongated top body 30, and wherein the lower portion 22 (or at least a portion of the lower portion) of the intermediate spacer element is vertically connected to the bottom base 10. The elongated top body is arranged longitudinally (i.e., extending height along a first direction, corresponding to the "z" direction) along a central geometric axis C (the geometric axis C is not part of the invention but is an external auxiliary spatial reference), wherein the central geometric axis C is perpendicular to the bottom base 10. The elongated top body includes a male connector configured to connect to an external female connector (e.g., a nut of a leveling device, which includes the nut and the spacer device according to the invention). Note that in Figure 1 In this design, the elongated top body is configured as a rod including a threaded portion. However, this invention is compatible with other types of male connectors.

[0049] Figure 1 The intermediate spacer element 1 includes two opposing surfaces or sides 201, 202 (e.g., front side / surface / face 201 and rear side / surface / face 202) for separating tiles to be leveled (i.e., one or more adjacent tiles to be leveled). Note that the two opposing surfaces or sides (e.g., front side / surface / face and rear side / surface / face) are applicable to / compatible with any sub-elements included in the intermediate spacer element (i.e., the components included in the intermediate spacer element may also have a front and a rear). The front 201 and the rear 202 extend along a height in a first direction "z" and a width in a second direction "y".

[0050] The intermediate spacer element 1 includes an upper part 21 and a lower part 22. The upper part 21 (see...) Figure 1 The dashed area in section B) connects to the elongated top body 30. The lower section 22 includes two side pillars 23, 24 and a central pillar 25, the central pillar 25 being arranged between the two side pillars 23, 24. Each pillar 23, 23, 25 includes a corresponding body 231, 241, 251 and a corresponding lower end 232, 242, 252, wherein each body 231, 241, 251 is configured to extend from the upper section 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 to the corresponding lower end 232, 242, 252 of the corresponding pillar. The lower ends 232, 242, 252 of each pillar 23, 24, 25 are connected to the bottom base 10, such that the intermediate spacer element 20 is connected to the bottom base 10 via the corresponding lower ends 232, 242, 252 of the two side pillars 23, 24 and the central pillar 25. Although in Figure 1 The middle part is not visible, but the lower ends 232, 242, 252 can be configured as predetermined fragile areas such that when a predetermined force is applied to the upper part 21 and / or the elongated top body 30 (e.g., kicking the element after two or more tiles have been leveled), the lower ends 232, 242, 252 break, thereby separating the middle spacer element 20 from the bottom base 10.

[0051] Despite Figure 1 While not visible in the center, the body 251 of the central pillar 25 can be configured to have a thickness smaller than the maximum thickness of each side pillar 23, 24. The maximum thickness of each side pillar 23, 24 can also be configured as the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element 20. These thicknesses are measurable in a third direction, i.e., between the respective front side / face 201 and rear side / face 202, i.e., along the third direction "x". In other compatible embodiments, the body 251 of the central pillar 25 can be configured such that at least a portion of the thickness of the central pillar body is less than the maximum thickness of each side pillar 23, 24, such that the thickness of the at least portion corresponds to a percentage of the maximum thickness, which is in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 25% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 0.35% to 0.55%. The preferred thickness of the at least portion of the body 251 of the central pillar 25 is in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.45 to 0.8 mm. The maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24 can be in the range of 0.5 to 4-5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 to 3 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2 mm.

[0052] exist Figure 1In the middle, the intermediate spacer element 20 includes two optional partition regions 234, 244, wherein each partition region 234, 244 is arranged between one of the side pillars 23, 24 and the central pillar 25 (e.g., between the respective bodies 231, 241, 251 of the pillars 23, 24, 25). Figure 1 In a specific embodiment, the two regions 234 and 244 are configured as corresponding openings (e.g., openings without any material). However, Figure 1 The configuration is also suitable such that at least one opening is at least partially (i.e., partially or entirely) covered by a covering layer (e.g., a layer of material identical to the remainder of the intermediate spacer element), the thickness of which is less than the maximum thickness of each side post. In some embodiments, the thickness of the covering layer is less than the thickness of the thickest portion of the body 251 of the central post 25. In other compatible embodiments, the bodies 231, 241 of the two side posts 23, 24 can be configured to contact the body 251 of the central post 25, thus not having partition regions 234, 244. The partition regions 234, 244 can be arranged such that the upper portions of the side posts contact the central post, while the lower ends of the three posts are spaced apart (e.g., in a second direction). In some embodiments, Figure 1 The spacer 1 can be configured such that there is no space between the side posts 23, 24 and the center post (e.g., the side posts 23, 24 and the center post 25 are in contact along their respective lengths).

[0053] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, the lower portion 22 of the intermediate spacer element 20 is configured to extend along the height of the central geometric axis C (i.e., in the first direction "z"), corresponding to a certain percentage of the total height of the intermediate spacer element 20, which is in the range of 50% to 60%, in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 20% to 80%, more preferably in the range of 30% to 60% (of which the range of 48% to 57% is particularly advantageous). The remaining percentage (i.e., up to 100%) corresponds to the height of the upper portion 21.

[0054] Despite Figure 1 While not visible in the center, the lower ends 232, 242, 252 of at least one of the side pillars 23, 24 and / or the center pillar 25 can be configured to have a smaller torsional strength than the rest of the respective pillars 23, 24, 25. This smaller torsional strength can be achieved by constructing the lower ends 232, 242, 252 to have a smaller thickness and / or width than the body 231, 241, 251 of their respective pillars 23, 24, 25 (e.g., the respective lower end may have a smaller thickness than any part of the respective body). Figure 1 (In B, side pillars 23 and 24 are indeed visible) to achieve this.

[0055] Figure 1 The embodiment also includes an optional recess 15 disposed on the surfaces 11, 12 of the bottom base 10. The recess 15 or depression 15 is a surface region having a smaller thickness than the rest of the respective surfaces 11, 12 (here the thickness is measured in the first direction).

[0056] Figure 1 The reference numerals shown also apply to those previously identified. Figure 1 The different parts correspond to the remaining numbers.

[0057] Figure 2 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 2 A shows a side perspective view of the spacer 1. Figure 1 B depicts the corresponding front view, while Figure 2 C and Figure 2 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0058] Figure 2 The spacer device 1 is based on Figure 1 The spacing device includes additional optional features that can be added independently of each other. Although the body 251 of the central column 25 is configured to have a narrower width (in the second direction "y"), it should be noted that all embodiments are compatible with a variety of widths.

[0059] Figure 2 An optional feature is shown in which the body 251 of the central pillar 25 (i.e., below the dashed line) is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side pillar 23, 24. The maximum thickness of each side pillar 23, 24 is configured to be the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element 20. Furthermore, the two bodies 231, 241 of the two side pillars 23, 24 are configured to have the same thickness (i.e., the maximum thickness of the spacer element 20), and the upper portion 21 is also configured to have the same thickness (i.e., the maximum thickness of the spacer element 20), and is also the same thickness as the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20.

[0060] The lower ends 232, 242 of the side pillars 23, 24 are configured (optional feature) to have a smaller torsional strength than the rest of the respective side pillars 23, 24. In this embodiment, this is achieved by configuring the lower ends 232, 242 to have a smaller thickness than the bodies 231, 241 of their respective pillars 23, 24 (e.g., the lower ends 232, 242 have a smaller thickness than any part of the bodies 231, 241). Figure 2 A and Figure 2 (visible in C) and width (this is in C) Figure 2 (This is indeed visible for side pillars 23 and 24 in section B) to achieve this lower torsional strength.

[0061] Furthermore, the lower end 252 of the central column 25 is also configured to have a smaller thickness (in Figure 2 A and Figure 2 (See C). Furthermore... Figure 2 In one embodiment, the lower end 252 of the central column 25 includes two side shoulders, which is an optional feature. The side shoulders are configured to increase the width of the lower end 252 (i.e., in a second direction). Thus, the shoulders are configured to locally increase the width of the lower end 252.

[0062] Figure 2 The embodiments do not include Figure 1 At least one optional recess 15 is shown. However, this embodiment is also compatible with this feature.

[0063] Figure 2 The spacing device 1 also includes two optional features (which can be considered independently optional), and these two optional features are also... Figure 1 As shown in (and in Figures 3 to 6 (shown in the figure), but not described in detail here. In particular, the manner in which the side columns extend from the upper part 21 to the bottom base 10, and the variations in the lengths of the side columns 23 and 24.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, side posts 23 and 24 are constructed to extend from the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 to the bottom base 10, such that the distance between the respective side posts 23 and 24 and the central geometric axis C is greater in the portion of the side posts 23 and 24 near the bottom base 10 than in the portion of the side posts 23 and 24 near the upper portion 21 (thus defining an angular configuration). As the side posts 23 and 24 extend from the upper portion 21 toward the base plate 10, the distance between each side post 23 and 24 and the central geometric axis C gradually increases. The space between the central post 25 and each side post 23 and 24 corresponds to the previously defined... Figure 1 The embodiments describe the partition spaces 234, 244.

[0065] also, Figure 2The side posts 23 and 24 are configured to extend from the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 (e.g., along their respective lengths) to the bottom base 10 such that the width of each side post 23 and 24 (i.e., measured along a second direction "y" between the two corresponding edges of the side post 23 and 24) is larger in the portion of the side post 23 and 24 near the upper portion 21 than in the portion of the side post 23 and 24 near the bottom base 10. Therefore, the upper portion of the side posts 23 and 24 is configured to have a larger width than the lower portion of the corresponding side posts 23 and 24. Preferably, the width of at least one side post 23 and 24 can be configured to gradually decrease (more preferably following a linear or geometric function or a combination thereof) as the side posts 23 and 24 extend from the upper portion 21 toward the base 10. Thus, as the side posts 23 and 24 extend from the upper portion 25 to the bottom base 10, the width of the cross-section of the side posts 23 and 24 (i.e., the cross-section of the bodies 231 and 241 of the side posts 25) gradually decreases.

[0066] However, it should be noted that the specific construction described above, in which the side pillars extend from the upper part 21 to the bottom base 10, and the variations in the lengths of the side pillars 23 and 24, represent only one embodiment. However, the embodiment depicted in the accompanying drawings is broadly compatible with other configurations disclosed in the above description of the invention.

[0067] Figure 3 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 3 A shows a side perspective view of the spacer 1. Figure 3 B depicts the corresponding front view, while Figure 3 C and Figure 3 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0068] Figure 3 An optional feature is shown where the thickness of at least a portion of the upper portion 21 is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24, wherein the maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24 can also be configured to be the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. Note that Figure 3 based on Figure 2 The example shown further introduces different thicknesses in the upper part 21; however, this feature also differs from... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiments are compatible.

[0069] The thickness of the intermediate spacer element 20 is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of the side pillars 23, 24. At least a portion of the upper portion 21 extends along the width of the upper portion 21 (i.e., in the second direction "y"), such that it extends at least partially over a portion of the upper portion 21 connected to the respective side pillars 23, 24. In other words, the portion of the upper portion 21 extends outward from the central axis C (i.e., along the second direction "y"), such that the portion of the upper portion 21 extends over a portion of the upper portion 21, which at least partially (in the first direction "z", i.e., in the direction of the central geometric axis C) is arranged above at least one of the side pillars 23, 24 (e.g., above a portion of the upper portion 21 connected to the respective side pillars 23, 24).

[0070] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the portion of the upper part 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20, which is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24, is also configured to have a thickness equal to at least a portion of the body 251 of the central post 25, which is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24. However, this is an optional feature.

[0071] also, Figure 3 Another optional feature of this embodiment is shown: the portion of the upper part 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20, whose thickness is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post 23, 24, is defined (at least partially) by the peripheral edge 210 of the upper part 21 (see...). Figure 3 B).

[0072] Figure 4 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 4 A shows a side view of the spacer 1. Figure 4 B shows the corresponding front view, and Figure 4 C and Figure 4 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0073] Figure 4 Optional features with protrusions 233 and 243 are shown for locally increasing the thickness of the side pillars 23 and 24. Note that... Figure 4 based on Figure 3 The example shown further incorporates protrusions 233 and 242. However, this feature also differs from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiments are compatible.

[0074] Each side post 23, 24 has a body 231, 241 including protrusions 233, 243 (although in some embodiments, this feature may be present in at least one of the bodies 231, 241) arranged on the front of the corresponding body 231, 241 of the intermediate spacer element 20. The protrusions 233, 243 are configured to selectively increase the thickness of the corresponding side post 23, 24 (i.e., in the region where the protrusions 233, 242 are arranged, the thickness of the corresponding side post 23, 24 in that region is the sum of the thickness of the body 231, 241 in that region and the thickness of the corresponding protrusion 233, 243). The two side posts 23, 24 are configured symmetrically (optional feature) such that each side post 23, 24 includes protrusions 233, 243 symmetrical with respect to the protrusions 233, 243 of the other side post 23, 24. The protrusions 233 and 243 are adapted to have a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

[0075] Two protrusions 233 and 243 are configured to extend along a portion of the total length of the respective bodies 231 and 241, wherein the total length is included between the respective lower ends 232 and 242 and the upper part 21. In addition, each protrusion 233 and 243 extends a certain percentage of the total length of the respective bodies 231 and 241, approximately in the range of 50% to 70%.

[0076] In addition, the two protrusions 233 and 243 are in Figure 4 The middle part is depicted as being constructed to extend from the ends of the corresponding bodies 231, 241 near the corresponding lower ends 232, 242 toward the upper part 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20.

[0077] Figure 4 The protrusions 233, 243 shown are also configured to extend along a portion of the width of the respective bodies 231, 241 (i.e., along the second direction "y"), wherein the width of the respective bodies 231, 241 is measured between the edges of the bodies 231, 241 near the central post 25 and the edges of the bodies 231, 241 away from the central post 25. Figure 4 The preferred embodiment shows that each protrusion 233, 243 is configured (optional feature) to extend from the edge of the body 231, 241 near the central post 25 (or the area near that edge) toward the edge of the body 231, 241 away from the central post 25.

[0078] The structure of protrusions 233 and 242 is not limited to Figure 4 The specific construction shown is not applicable, but is broadly compatible with any construction of the protrusion disclosed above in the summary of the invention (the construction of the protrusion is laterally compatible with multiple embodiments, as shown in the figures).

[0079] Figure 5 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 5 A shows a side view of the spacer 1. Figure 5 B shows the corresponding front view, and Figure 5 C and Figure 5 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0080] Figure 5 An optional feature with a front low wall 13 is shown. Note that in some compatible embodiments, the spacer 1 may include a front low wall 13 and / or a rear low wall (see...). Figure 6 It should also be noted that, Figure 5 based on Figure 3 The example shown further incorporates the feature of the front low wall 13. However, this feature also differs from... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The illustrated embodiments are compatible.

[0081] The front lower wall 13 is arranged vertically relative to the bottom base 10 (to which the front lower wall 13 is connected) and to the front 201 of the body 251 of the central column 25 (optionally, the front wall 13 may be connected to the body 251 of the central column 25). The front lower wall 13 is configured to extend a certain height from the bottom base 10 toward the upper portion 21 (i.e., along the first direction "z") along a portion of the height corresponding to the lower portion 22. The front lower wall 13 may be configured to extend a certain percentage of the total height (in the first direction "z") of the lower portion 22 corresponding to the intermediate spacer element 20, preferably in the range of 5% to 70%, more preferably in the range of 15% to 50%, and even more preferably in the range of 25% to 30%.

[0082] Figure 5 The second optional feature shown in the diagram, namely, in the portion corresponding to the height of the front low wall and / or the height of the rear low wall, the body 251 of the central column can be configured to have a width 254 smaller than the rest of the body 251 (and / or the lower end 252 of the central column 25) (e.g., measured along the second direction "y"). This feature also corresponds to... Figures 1 to 4 The aforementioned embodiments are widely compatible. The smaller width 254 (e.g., waist 254) can be configured to include a notch or recess 254 on each side of the central pillar 25 (the central pillar 25 includes two sides that extend at least partially along a first direction "z" and are separated along a second direction "y", thereby defining the width of the pillar), such that each notch / recess 254 is arranged at one of the two sides of the central pillar 25 and is configured to extend from the respective side toward the central geometric axis C (e.g., forming a waist in the central pillar 25).

[0083] Figure 6 Four different views of the spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are depicted. Figure 6 A shows a side view of the spacer 1. Figure 6 B shows the corresponding front view, and Figure 6 C and Figure 6 D shows the side view and top view of the same intermediate spacer 1, respectively.

[0084] Figure 6 An optional feature with a front short wall 13 and a rear wall 14 is shown. Note that... Figure 6 based on Figure 4 The example shown further incorporates features of a front low wall 13 and a rear low wall 14. However, this feature also differs from... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments are compatible.

[0085] The rear low wall 14 is similar in characteristics to Figure 5 The front low wall 13 is shown, but faces the rear 202 instead of the front 201. Therefore, the rear low wall 14 is arranged perpendicularly to the rear 202 of the body 251 of the central column 25 relative to the bottom base 10 (to which the rear low wall 14 is connected) and optionally relative to the lower 22 of the body 251 of the central column 25, wherein the rear low wall 14 can be configured to extend a certain height from the bottom base 10 toward the upper 21 along a portion of the height corresponding to the lower 22. The front low wall 13 and the rear low wall 14 can be configured to extend a certain percentage of the total height (in the first direction "z") of the lower 22 corresponding to the intermediate spacer element 20, preferably in the range of 5% to 70%, more preferably in the range of 15% to 50%, and even more preferably in the range of 25% to 30%. Preferably, the front low wall 13 and the rear low wall 14 can be configured to have the same height.

[0086] Figure 7 Four different views of the second aspect of the invention are shown, relating to a leveling device 100 for leveling two or more adjacent ceramic tiles according to any of the embodiments described. Figure 7 exist Figure 7 A and Figure 7 Figure B shows two views of a female connector 2 that can be connected to the elongated top body 30 of the spacer 1 according to any embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 C and Figure 7 D illustrates a leveling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a female connector 2 and a spacer 1.

[0087] Figure 7 A and Figure 7The female connector 2 of B is configured to have a knob or nut with internal threads in its central portion (not visible). The female connector 2 is configured to engage / screw onto / around the male connector 31 of the spacer 1 (which may be configured as a threaded portion, such as a threaded rod).

[0088] Figure 7 C and Figure 7 The leveling device 100 for leveling two or more adjacent tiles includes a spacer 1 and a female connector 2, and is configured such that when the female connector 2 engages (e.g., connects) with the male connector 31 of the spacer 1, the respective undersides of the two or more tiles are pressed (e.g., abutted) by the bottom base 10 of the spacer 1, and the respective upper sides of the two or more tiles are pressed (by the lower / partial pressing of the female connector 2), thereby achieving leveling of the tiles.

Claims

1. A spacer (1) for a leveling device (100) for leveling two or more adjacent ceramic tiles, the spacer (1) comprising: The bottom base (10) includes two or more surfaces (11, 12) for placing the tile to be leveled. An intermediate spacer element (20), having a front (201) and a rear (202), and configured to separate tiles to be leveled, the intermediate spacer element (20) includes an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22), wherein the intermediate spacer element (20) is vertically connected to the bottom base (10) via the lower portion (22); and An elongated top body (30) is connected to the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20), such that the intermediate spacer element (20) is arranged between the bottom base (10) and the elongated top body (30), wherein the elongated top body (30) extends longitudinally along a central geometric axis (C) perpendicular to the bottom base (10), wherein at least a portion of the elongated top body (30) is configured as a male connector (31), which is configured to connect to an external female connector (2); The lower part (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) includes two side columns (23, 24) and a central column (25), the central column being arranged between the two side columns (23, 24). Each column (23, 24, 25) includes a body (231, 241, 251) and a corresponding lower end (232, 242, 252). Each body (231, 241, 251) extends from the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the corresponding lower end (232, 242, 252) of the corresponding column (23, 24, 25). The intermediate spacer element (20) is connected to the bottom base (10) via the two side columns (23, 24) and the corresponding lower ends (232, 242, 252) of the central column (25). Preferably, at least a portion of the thickness of the body (251) of the central column (25) is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side column (23, 24), the maximum thickness of each side column (23, 24) being preferably the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element (20).

2. The spacer (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate spacer element (20) further includes one or two partition regions (234, 244), wherein each partition region (234, 244) is arranged between one of the side pillars (23, 24) and the central pillar (25), wherein preferably: At least one of the partition regions (234, 244) is configured as an opening; and / or At least one of the partition regions (234, 244) is configured as an opening at least partially covered by a covering layer, the thickness of which is less than the maximum thickness of each side post (23, 24), preferably, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the thickest portion of the body (251) of the central post (25).

3. The spacer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lower end (232, 242, 252) of at least one of the side pillars (23, 24) and / or the central pillar (25) is configured to have a smaller torsional strength than the rest of the respective pillar (23, 24, 25); Preferably, the at least one lower end (232, 242, 252) is configured to have a smaller thickness and / or width than the body (231, 241, 251) of the corresponding post (23, 24, 25), thereby providing less torsional strength.

4. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower end (252) of the central column (25) includes one or two side shoulders (253) configured to locally increase the width of the lower end (252); and / or The lower part (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) extends along the central geometric axis (C) and corresponds to a percentage of the total height of the intermediate spacer element (20) in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 20% to 80%, and more preferably in the range of 30% to 60%.

5. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of at least a portion of the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each of the side pillars (23, 24); Preferably: The portion of the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20), whose thickness is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post (23, 24), is further configured to extend outward from the central geometric axis (C), such that the portion of the upper part (21) extends over the portion of the upper part (21) that is at least partially arranged above at least one side post (23, 24); and / or The thickness of the portion of the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) whose thickness is configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each side post (23, 24) is equal to the thickness of at least a portion of the central post (25), the thickness of which is less than the maximum thickness of each side post (23, 24).

6. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body (231, 241) of at least one side post (23, 24) includes a protrusion (233, 243) arranged on at least one of the front and / or rear of the respective body (231, 241) of the intermediate spacer element (20), the protrusion being configured to selectively increase the thickness of the respective side post (23, 24); Preferably, the two side pillars (23, 24) are configured symmetrically such that each side pillar (23, 24) includes a protrusion (233, 243) that is symmetrical with respect to the protrusion (233, 243) of the other side pillar (23, 24).

7. The spacer (1) according to claim 6, wherein, Each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend at least a portion of the total length of the respective body (231, 241) of the respective side post (23, 24), wherein the total length is included between the respective lower end (232, 242) and the upper part (21); Preferably, each protrusion (233, 243) extends a certain percentage of the total length of the corresponding body (231, 241), the percentage being in the range of 10% to 90%, preferably in the range of 30% to 80%, and more preferably in the range of 50% to 70%.

8. The spacer (1) according to claim 6 or 7. in, Each protrusion (233, 243) is equidistant from the corresponding lower end (232, 242) and upper part; or in, Each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend from the end of the corresponding body (231, 241) near the corresponding lower end (232, 242) toward the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20).

9. The device spacer according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, Each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend along at least a portion of the width of the corresponding body (231, 241), wherein the width of the corresponding body (231, 241) is measured between the edge of the body (231, 241) near the central post (25) and the edge of the body (231, 241) away from the central post (25); Preferably: Each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend from the edge of the body (231, 241) near the central post (25) toward the edge of the body (231, 241) away from the central post (25); and / or Each protrusion (233, 243) extends a certain percentage of the width along the width of the corresponding body (231, 241), the percentage being in the range of 10% to 100%, preferably in the range of 20% to 85%, and more preferably in the range of 35% to 70%.

10. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one side post (23, 24) is configured to extend from the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the bottom base (10) such that the distance between the side post (23, 24) and the central geometric axis (C) is greater in the portion of the side post (23, 24) near the bottom base (10) than in the portion of the side post (23, 24) near the upper part (21); Preferably, the distance between the at least one side post (23, 24) and the central geometric axis (C) gradually increases as the side post (23, 24) extends from the upper part (21) toward the base plate (10), and more preferably, the distance increases linearly or geometrically as the side post (23, 24) extends from the upper part (21) toward the base plate (10).

11. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the side posts (23, 24) is configured to extend from the upper part (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the bottom base (10) such that the width of the side post (23, 24) in the portion of the side post (23, 24) near the upper part (21) is greater than that in the portion of the side post (23, 24) near the bottom base (10); Preferably, the width of the at least one side post (23, 24) gradually decreases as the side post extends from the upper part (21) toward the bottom plate (10), and more preferably, the width increases linearly or geometrically as the side post (23, 24) extends from the upper part (21) toward the bottom plate (10).

12. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of two or more surfaces of the bottom base (10) for placing the tile is configured to have a recess (15) or depression (15) that is recessed downwards. Preferably, the recess (15) or indentation (15) is arranged at the center position relative to the width of the central post (25), and / or at a certain distance from the lower end (252) of the central post (25).

13. The spacer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: A front low wall (13) is arranged vertically relative to the front of the bottom base (10) and preferably relative to the front of the body (251) of the central column (25), wherein the front low wall (11) is configured to extend a certain percentage of the height from the bottom base (10) toward the upper part (21) along the height corresponding to the lower part (22); and / or The rear low wall (14) is arranged vertically relative to the bottom base (10) and preferably relative to the body (251) of the central column (25), wherein the rear low wall (12) is configured to extend a certain percentage of the height from the bottom base (10) toward the upper part (21) along the height corresponding to the lower part (22).

14. The spacer (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The body (251) of the central column (25) is configured to have a smaller width (254) than the rest of the body (251) in the portion corresponding to the height of the front low wall (13) and / or the height of the rear low wall (14).

15. A leveling device (100) for leveling tiles, for leveling two or more adjacent tiles, said device (100) comprising: The spacer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and The female connector (2) is configured to engage with the male connector (31) of the spacer (1) such that when the female connector (2) engages with the male connector (31) of the spacer (1) and moves toward the bottom base (10), the underside of two or more tiles is pressed by the bottom base (10) of the spacer (1), and the topside of two or more tiles is pressed by the female connector (2), thereby flattening the tiles; Preferably, the female connector (2) is configured as a nut with internal threads, and the male connector (31) is configured as having external threads arranged around at least a portion of the elongated top body (31).

Images