Planarizing panel clip and method of use

Abstract

A panel clip is disclosed for aligning precast Terrazzo panels to eliminate “lippage.” The clip comprises a rigid top portion screwed to an adjustable bottom portion, and adjacent panels are fixed therebetween. The rigid top portion fixes the top surfaces of the panels in the same plane, while the adjustable bottom portion automatically conforms to the bottom surfaces of the panels, even where the panels are of differing thicknesses. The bottom portion can be of a unitary flexible plastic design, of a pivoting multi-piece design, or of a thin deformable metal design. One or both of the portions can have a neck region for providing a desired offset between adjacent panels. Once an underlying setting compound has cured, the top portion can be removed, leaving the bottom portion in place to be grouted over. A method of use is also disclosed, as is a kit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates generally to a clip for use in installing panels to structures, and more particularly to a clip for use in installing pre-cast terrazzo panels to prevent lippage between adjacent panels. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Terrazzo is a form of mosaic flooring made by embedding pieces of quartz, granite, glass or other suitable chips in an epoxy or cement matrix. The mixed material is typically poured in place at the installation site, allowed to cure, and then ground and polished to achieve a uniformly textured surface. Metal or plastic dividers may be used to bound adjacent sections of terrazzo or to divide sections of terrazzo having different colors. These dividers are ground and polished along with the terrazzo to provide a smooth and planar floor surface, with no discernable vertical offset, or “lippage,” between adjacent terrazzo sections. [0003] Terrazzo can be used to finish floors, stairs or walls. Due to its light weight ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

With these benefits, however, the installation of traditional Terrazzo can be difficult and time consuming because it requires multiple wet polishing cycles to achieve the desired degree of planarity and finish.

As a result, the Terrazzo installation portion of a construction or renovation project can adversely impact the overall project schedule.

Successful Terrazzo installation also requires highly skilled craftsmen, the supply of which is dwindling.

Although this installation process is less time consuming than the traditional process, it can be nearly impossible to ensure that the top surfaces of adjacent precast panels all lie in the same plane.

Lippage can be undesirable from a purely aesthetic standpoint, or it can present serious safety and maintenance concerns.

Any or all can result in a rejection by the owner.

Lippage can be caused by an uneven sub-floor, inconsistent thicknesses of adjacent panels, or panel warpage due to differences in curing of the setting compound applied beneath adjacent panels.

These problems typically increase as the size of the precast panel increases.

Until now, however, lippage associated with such large panels has made their use impractical.

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