DISPOSITIVO ESPAÇADOR E DISPOSITIVO DE NIVELAMENTO PARA NIVELAR LADRILHOS
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CORTAG INDA E COMERCIO
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
1 / 33 SPACER DEVICE AND LEVELING DEVICE FOR LEVELING TILES TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates to a spacer device for a leveling device for leveling two or more tiles, and to a leveling device comprising such a spacer device. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE
[002] Tile installation is a common process in the construction industry, and a crucial step in achieving an aesthetically pleasing and functional result is ensuring that the tiles are level. Leveling devices have been developed to assist in this process, and various types of leveling devices have been proposed.
[003] A typical leveling device typically comprises a nut and a spacer, which are used to adjust the height of adjacent tiles. The spacer typically comprises a base, a spacer plate connected perpendicularly to the base, and an upper threaded portion (e.g., a threaded rod or similar) connected to an upper part of the spacer plate, wherein the threaded portion is normally arranged perpendicularly to the base and configured to be connected to the nut. The tiles to be leveled are normally arranged on a bottom base of the spacer device, so that when the nut is screwed onto the threaded portion of the spacer device, the lower faces of the tiles are pressed by the base, while the upper faces of the tiles are pressed by the nut, leveling the tiles.
[004] Thus, the main technical objective of leveling devices is to apply force and displacement to two or more tiles to make their surfaces uniform and level. In addition, leveling devices Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 88 / 142 2 / 33 have the secondary technical objective of ensuring that the space between one or more tiles is kept constant and determined by the thickness of the spacer plate.
[005] However, existing leveling devices suffer from several disadvantages when it comes to achieving both of the above purposes.
[006] For example, in conventional leveling devices, the problem is solved by means of a single section that seeks to fulfill both purposes. This single section typically corresponds to a spacer plate configured as a single-column plate. In some cases, the spacer plate additionally comprises a small opening in an area of the spacer plate in contact with the base of the spacer devices, so that the spacer plate comprises a main body configured as a single-column plate with two mini-columns connecting the main body to the base. As these known configurations have to deal with a dual purpose, they are normally designed to favor one of them, causing some derived problems, for example, excess mass, reduced performance under load conditions, inadequate leveling and / or spacing of the plates, etc.In particular, a typical problem with these known solutions is that, as the nut is tightened more and more on the threaded part of the spacer device, an unwanted torque is transmitted to the spacer plate, so that the spacer plate twists slightly, causing a gap between the plates greater than the thickness of the spacer plate.
[007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved leveling spacer device for a leveling device with improved effectiveness to achieve a level tile installation with improved control over the space between the tiles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 89 / 142 3 / 33
[008] The present invention addresses the problem of leveling one or more adjacent tiles with improved control of the space between them. This problem is solved by a spacer device for a leveling device, as defined in the claims, and by a leveling device comprising said spacer device, as defined in the claims.
[009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a spacer device for a leveling device intended for leveling adjacent tiles, wherein said spacer device is preferably constituted of a monolithic piece and may be made of plastic. The spacer device comprises a bottom base for placing two or more tiles to be leveled, an intermediate spacer element connected perpendicularly to the bottom base, and an elongated top body. The bottom base comprises one, two, or more surfaces for placing the tiles to be leveled. The intermediate spacer element is disposed between the bottom base and the elongated top body, wherein an upper portion of the intermediate spacer element is connected to the elongated top body and a lower portion (or at least part of said lower portion) of the intermediate spacer element is connected perpendicularly to the bottom base.The elongated top body is arranged longitudinally (i.e., the term longitudinal indicates the direction of elongation of the elongated top body, which corresponds to a height direction) along a central geometric axis (a geometric axis not being part of the invention itself, but an external auxiliary spatial reference), wherein the central geometric axis is perpendicular to the bottom base (i.e., it is configured to extend along a first direction perpendicular to the bottom base). The elongated top body can be configured as a rod. At least a part of... Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 90 / 142 4 / 33 elongated top body (e.g., a rod) is configured as a male connector (e.g., threaded portion or locking teeth) configured to be connected to an external female connector (e.g., a button or nut of a leveling device, said leveling device comprising said button / nut and a spacer device according to the invention).
[010] The intermediate spacer element comprises two opposite surfaces or sides (e.g., a front face / surface / face and a back face / surface / face) to separate the plates to be leveled (i.e., one or more adjacent plates to be leveled). Note that said two opposite surfaces or sides (e.g., a front face / surface / face and a back face / surface / face) are applicable / compatible with any sub-element composed of the intermediate spacer element (i.e., the parts composed of the intermediate spacer element - such as the side columns, the center column, and the top and bottom portions described below may also have respective front and back faces).
[011] For the purposes of clarifying the terms used throughout this disclosure, throughout this description, the term height refers to a distance measured along the first direction (i.e., the direction along which the central axis extends), the term width refers to a distance measured in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The term thickness does not, by itself, indicate any direction, but must be interpreted on a case-by-case basis. For example, a thickness relating to any part / element belonging to the intermediate spacer element is measured along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions (for example, a thickness of the intermediate spacer element can be measured between its front and back faces / sides in the third direction), while a Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 91 / 142 5 / 33 thickness of the bottom plate can be measured along the first direction (i.e., along the central geometric axis (C).
[012] The intermediate spacer element comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the elongated top body. The lower portion comprises two side columns and a central column, the central column being disposed between the two side columns. Each column comprises a respective main body and a respective lower end, wherein each main body is configured to extend from the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element to the respective lower end of the respective column. The lower end of each column is connected to the bottom base, such that the intermediate spacer element is connected to the bottom base at least by means of the respective lower ends of the two side columns and the central column.The lower ends can be configured as predetermined breakable zones, so that when a predetermined force is applied to the upper portion and / or the elongated top body (for example, by kicking said elements after leveling two or more tiles), the lower ends are easily broken, thus separating the intermediate spacer element from the bottom base.
[013] The main bodies of the two side columns can be configured to be in contact with the main body of the central column. In preferred embodiments, the intermediate spacer element may additionally comprise at least one or two separation areas, wherein each separation area is disposed between one of the side columns and the central column (e.g., between the respective main bodies of the columns). Each area may be configured to extend along the first and second directions. Preferably, at least one of the separation areas Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 92 / 142 6 / 33 can be configured as an opening (e.g., an opening devoid of any material); and / or at least one of the separation areas can be configured as an opening being at least partially (i.e., partially or totally) covered by a cover layer (e.g., a layer of the same material as the remainder of the intermediate spacer element) with a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns. In some embodiments, said cover layer may have a thickness configured to be less than a thicker portion of the central column.
[014] The maximum thickness of each side column may be in the range of 0.5 to 4 mm (or 0.5 to 5 mm), preferably 1 to 3 mm and, more preferably, 1.5 to 2 mm. Note that the maximum thickness of a side column may correspond to the thickness of the respective main body or (when protrusions, according to the description given below, are arranged over a part of the respective main body) to the sum of the thickness of the respective main body with the thickness of an overlapping protrusion.
[015] The central column may be arranged so that a portion of the length of the central geometric axis is coincidentally arranged with the central column (for example, with the height of the central column), and preferably the central column may be centered with respect to the central geometric axis, so that the elongated top body is connected to a central portion of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element. The intermediate spacer element may be interpreted as extending along a height in the first direction, extending along a width in the second direction, and having a measurable thickness in the third direction.
[016] Preferably, at least part of the main body of Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 93 / 142 The 7 / 33 central column can be configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns. The said maximum thickness of each of the side columns can also be configured to be the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. The said thicknesses are measurable in the second direction, i.e., between the respective front and rear faces / sides. Preferably, the thickness of at least one part of the main body of the central column can be configured to be less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns, such that the thickness of said at least one part corresponds to a percentage of said maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 25 to 80%, more preferably 0.35 to 0.55%. Preferred thicknesses for said at least one part of the main body of the central column are in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.45 to 0.8 mm.
[017] Consequently, no part of the main body of the central column can be configured to have a thickness greater than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (i.e., any thickness of the main body of the central column can be configured to be less than or equal to the maximum thickness of each of the side columns, the maximum thickness preferably being the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element); and / or at least a part of the main body of the central column can be configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each side column (i.e., be less than a part of each of the side columns with the greatest thickness, the maximum thickness preferably being the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element). In some embodiments, a part / portion of the main body of the central column with maximum thickness (of said main body) can be configured to have Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 94 / 142 8 / 33 a thickness equal to a portion of the respective main body of each side column with a maximum thickness of the respective side columns, and at least a portion of the main body of the central column may be configured to have a thickness less than the aforementioned maximum thickness of the respective side columns. These attributes of the invention are broadly compatible with the embodiments described below.
[018] Therefore, having at least part of the main body of the central column configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns has the effect that the space between the two (or more) adjacent plates to be leveled (i.e., each plate being arranged on a respective opposite side of the intermediate spacer element) is determined / controlled by a thicker part (i.e., by a part having a maximum thickness) of each of the side columns, preferably with both side columns configured to have identical thicknesses (e.g., one column being a mirror image of the other). The part (or the whole) of the main body of the central column with a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns can therefore be (slightly) spaced from the plates (i.e., in the third direction), thus allowing a twisting movement of the central column.Thus, the central column can be configured in such a way that when an external node / nut with a female connector (e.g., a female threaded portion of a button / nut of a leveling device) is connected (i.e., engaged) to the male connection portion (i.e., male connector) of the elongated top body, such that the lower faces of the plates are pressed against the bottom base while the upper faces of the plates are pressed by the button / nut, thus causing a rotational / torsional force that is transmitted to the intermediate spacer element, then the central column can... Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 95 / 142 9 / 33 rotate slightly around the central geometric axis, thus minimizing the effect of rotational / torsional force on / against the side columns. This configuration has the effect of separating the technical purposes of the side columns and the central columns to obtain a synergistic technical effect, where the central column is configured to transmit (along a straight force path) a compressive force to level the slabs along the central geometric axis and dissipate at least partially the resulting rotational / torsional forces, while the side columns are configured to control / ensure that the space between one or more slabs is kept constant, despite the rotational forces received by the intermediate spacer element.
[019] In some embodiments, the intermediate spacer element can be configured as a plate (e.g., a flat plate), wherein this configuration is compatible with areas / zones of different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element can be configured to comprise at least a substantially flat part. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper portion can be configured as a substantially flat part (e.g., a plate).
[020] The intermediate spacer element can be arranged in a foreground perpendicular to the bottom plate, extending the foreground along a first direction perpendicular to the bottom plate (e.g., a longitudinal direction coinciding 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.
[021] The lower portion of the intermediate spacer element may be Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 96 / 142 10 / 33 configured to extend along a height along the central geometric axis (i.e., in the first direction) corresponding to a percentage of the total height of the intermediate spacer element in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 20 to 80%, more preferably 45 to 60% (where the range of 48% to 57% is especially advantageous). This has the effect of reducing the transmission of torsional stresses / forces to the side columns. Note that the total height of the intermediate spacer element is measured between its respective lower ends and the part of the upper portion to which the elongated top body is connected.
[022] In preferred embodiments, the lower end of at least one of the side columns and / or the center column may be configured to have lower torsional resistance (i.e., it may be configured to be a kind of soft zone) than the rest of the respective column. This lower torsional resistance may be achieved by configuring the lower end(s) to have a thickness and / or width smaller than the main body (for example, the respective lower end may have a thickness smaller than any part of the respective main body) of the respective column.
[023] Preferably, the lower end of the central column may comprise one or two lateral projections. The lateral projections may be arranged to increase the width (i.e., in the second direction, by arranging a projection on each lateral side of the central column) of said lower end. Thus, the projections are configured to locally increase the width of said lower end, thereby increasing the torsional strength of the lower end to reduce an undesirable transmission of torsional stresses to the bottom base.
[024] Preferably, at least part of the upper portion may be configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 97 / 142 11 / 33 each of the side columns, wherein the aforementioned maximum thickness of each of the side columns may also be configured to be a maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. Preferably, no part of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element may be configured to have a thickness greater than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns (i.e., any thickness of the upper portion may be configured to be less than or equal to the maximum thickness of each of the side columns); and / or at least a part of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element may be configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each side column (i.e., that a part of each of the side columns has a maximum thickness).
[025] In some embodiments, the said part of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element, configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of the side columns (for example, this maximum thickness being disposed in the main bodies of the side columns), extends along a width of the upper portion, so that it extends at least partially over a part of the upper portion connected to the respective side column. In other words, the said part of the upper portions extends outward from the central axis (i.e., along the second direction), so that the said part of the upper portion extends over a part of the upper portion that is at least partially disposed above (in the first direction - i.e., in the direction of the central geometric axis) at least one of the side columns (for example, above a part of the upper portion connected to the respective side column).
[026] Alternatively or in addition to the embodiment in the preceding paragraph, the said part of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element configured to have a thickness less than the thickness Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 98 / 142 The maximum thickness of each of the side columns can be additionally configured to have a thickness equal to the thickness of at least one part of the main body of the central column, which is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns.
[027] In some embodiments, in a manner compatible with or alternative to the attributes of the upper portion described in the four preceding paragraphs, the said part of the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns may be at least partially delimited by a peripheral edge of the upper portion.
[028] In some embodiments, the main body of at least one of the side columns may comprise a protrusion (or more than one protrusion) disposed on at least one of the front or rear faces of the respective main body of the intermediate spacer element, said protrusion being configured to selectively increase the thickness of the respective side column (i.e., in an area where a protrusion is disposed, the thickness of the side column for this area is the sum of the thickness of the main body for this area with the thickness of the protrusion). Thus, a protrusion may be disposed to provide the maximum thickness of a side column. Preferably, the two side columns may be configured to be symmetrical, so that each side column comprises a protrusion symmetrical with respect to a protrusion of the other side column.In some configurations, each protrusion can be configured to have a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and most preferably 1.5 to 2.0 mm.
[029] In preferred embodiments, the protrusions may be arranged only on the front face or only on the back face of the intermediate spacer element (and therefore only on the front face or only on the back face of Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 99 / 142 13 / 33 respective side columns).
[030] Each protrusion may be configured to extend along at least part of the total length of the respective main body, wherein the total length is comprised between the respective lower end and the upper portion. It should be noted that the length of a side column may be different from its height, since the side columns may be arranged at an angle from the upper portion towards the bottom base. Therefore, the total length may extend partially along the first direction and partially along the second direction. Preferably, each protrusion may be configured to extend along a percentage of the total length of the respective main body in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 30 to 80%, and most preferably 50 to 70%.
[031] Each protrusion can be arranged equidistantly with respect to its respective lower end and upper portion. However, in preferred embodiments, each protrusion can be configured to extend from an end portion (i.e., a part) of its respective main body (i.e., a part near its respective lower end or even in contact with said lower end) towards the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element, thus reducing an undesirable transmission of torsional forces towards the protrusions, which allows for better stability in controlling the distance between two or more adjacent plates to be leveled.
[032] Furthermore, each protrusion can be configured to extend along at least part of the width of the respective main body (i.e., along the second direction), wherein the width of the respective main body is measured between an edge of the main body proximal to the central column and a Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 100 / 142 14 / 33 edge of the main body distal to the central column. Preferably, each protrusion may be configured to extend from an edge (or an area close to that edge) of the main body proximal to the central column toward an edge of the main body distal to the central column; and / or each protrusion extending along a percentage of the width of the respective main body in the range of 10 to 100%, preferably 20 to 85%, more preferably 35 to 70%.
[033] At least one of the side columns may be configured to extend from the upper portion of the intermediate spacer element to the bottom base, such that the distance between the respective side column and the central geometric axis (arranged along the first direction) is greater in a part of the side column proximal to the bottom base than in a part of the side column proximal to the upper portion (thus defining an angular configuration). This distance may be measured between the central axis and the edge of the respective side column proximal to the central column (i.e., to the central geometric axis). Preferably, said distance between at least one side column and the central geometric axis increases progressively linearly or geometrically (or a combination of both) as the side column extends from the upper portion towards the bottom plate.The space between the central column and each of the side columns corresponds to a respective separation area, as described previously.
[034] In some embodiments, at least one of the side columns 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 column (i.e., measured along the second direction between two respective edges of the side column) is greater in a portion of the side column proximal to the upper portion than in a portion of the side column proximal to the base. Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 101 / 142 15 / 33 bottom. Thus, an upper portion of the side column can be configured to have a greater width than a lower portion of the respective side column. This is advantageous because it provides greater torsional resistance in the upper portion of the respective side column. Preferably, the width of at least one side column can be configured to progressively decrease (more preferably following a linear or geometric function, or a combination thereof) as the side column extends from the upper portion towards the bottom plate. Therefore, the cross-section of the side column (i.e., the main body of the side column) can have a decreasing width as the side column extends from the upper portion to the bottom base.
[035] In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more surfaces of the bottom base (i.e., the surfaces configured for the placement of one or more tiles to be leveled) is configured to have a recess or depression downwards. This recess or depression is an area of the surface with a smaller thickness (the thickness here is measured in the first direction) than the rest of the surface. This attribute is largely compatible with the embodiments of the invention presented above. Preferably, said recess or depression is arranged in a centralized position relative to the width of the central column and / or at a distance from the lower end of the central column.
[036] The spacer device may additionally comprise a front low wall and / or a rear low wall to divide each of the two original surfaces for the placement of the tiles to be leveled on two respective surfaces, thus allowing the spacer device to be used in a leveling device to level more than two tiles (e.g., three or four tiles). The front low wall may be arranged Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 102 / 142 16 / 33 perpendicularly in relation to the bottom base (with the front low wall connected to the bottom base) and, optionally, in relation to the front face of the main body of the central column (wherein the front low wall may optionally be connected to the main body of the central column), wherein the front low wall may also be configured to extend from the bottom base towards the upper portion (i.e., along the first direction) along a height corresponding to a partial height of the lower portion.The rear low wall can be arranged perpendicularly to the bottom base (the rear low wall being connected to the bottom base) and, optionally, to the rear face of the main body of the central column (where the front low wall can optionally be connected to the main body of the central column), in which the rear low wall can be configured to extend from the bottom base towards the upper portion along a height corresponding to a partial height of the lower portion.
[037] The front low wall and / or the rear low wall may be configured to extend along a height (in the first direction) corresponding to a percentage of the total height (in the first direction) of the lower portion of the intermediate spacer element, said percentage being preferably in the range of 5 to 70%, more preferably 15 to 50% and even more preferably 25 to 30%. Preferably, the front and rear low walls may be configured to have the same height.
[038] In some embodiments, the main body of the center column may be configured to have a smaller width (e.g., measured in the second direction) than the rest of the main body (and / or the lower end of the center column) in a portion corresponding to the height of the front low wall and / or the height of the rear low wall. This smaller width (e.g., waisted portion) may be configured as a Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 103 / 142 17 / 33 indentation or recess in each lateral edge (the central column comprises two lateral edges that extend at least partially along the first direction and are separated along the second direction, thus defining the width of the column) of the central column, such that each indentation / recess is arranged in one of the two lateral edges and is configured to extend from the respective lateral edge towards the central geometric axis (for example, forming a waist in the central column).
[039] A second aspect of the invention relates to a leveling device for leveling two or more adjacent tiles. The leveling device comprises a spacer according to any of the embodiments described above and a female connector configured to engage with the male connector of said spacer so that, when the female connector is engaged (e.g., connected) to the male connector of the spacer device and moved towards the bottom base, the respective lower faces of the two or more tiles are pressed (e.g., against) the bottom base of the spacer device and the respective upper faces of the two or more tiles are pressed by the female connector, thus leveling the tiles.In preferred embodiments, the female connector may be configured as a button and / or nut (or similar) having an internal thread, and the male connector may be configured as an external thread disposed around at least part of the elongated top body (for example, the elongated top body of the intermediate spacer element may be configured as a threaded rod). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[041] Figure 1 illustrates four different views (Figures 1A to 1D) of a Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 104 / 142 18 / 33 first spacer device 1 according to the embodiments of the invention.
[042] Figure 2 illustrates four different views (Figures 2A to 2D) of a second element of the spacer device 1 according to embodiments of the invention.
[043] Figure 3 illustrates four different views (Figures 3A to 3D) of a third spacer device 1 according to embodiments of the invention.
[044] Figure 4 illustrates four different views (Figures 4A to 4D) of a fourth spacer device 1 according to embodiments of the invention.
[045] Figure 5 illustrates four different views (Figures 5A to 5D) of a fifth spacer element 1 according to embodiments of the invention.
[046] Figure 6 illustrates four different views (Figures 6A to 6D) of a sixth intermediate spacer device 1 according to embodiments of the invention.
[047] Figure 7 shows in Figures 7A and 7B two views of a female connector 2 connectable to the elongated top body 30 of a spacer device 1 according to any embodiment of the invention, and Figures 7C and 7D show a leveling device 100 comprising a female connector 2 and a spacer device 1 according to embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[048] Figure 1 illustrates four different views of a spacer device 1, according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 1A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 1B shows a front view, while Figures 1C and 1D show, respectively, a side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[049] The spacer device 1 comprises a bottom base 10 for placing two or more tiles to be leveled, a spacer element Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 105 / 142 19 / 33 intermediate spacer 20 connected perpendicularly to the bottom base 10 and an elongated top body 30. The bottom base 10 comprises 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 an upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 is connected to the elongated top body 30, and wherein a lower portion 22 (or at least a part of that lower portion) of the intermediate spacer element is connected perpendicularly to the bottom base 10. The elongated top body is arranged longitudinally (i.e., extending along a height in the first direction, corresponding to the z-direction) along a central geometric axis C (the geometric axis C not being part of the invention, but an external auxiliary spatial reference), wherein the central geometric axis C is perpendicular to the bottom base 10.The elongated top body comprises a male connector configured to be connected to an external female connector (for example, a nut of a leveling device, wherein said leveling device comprises said nut and a spacer device according to the invention). Note that, in Figure 1, the elongated top body is configured as a rod comprising a threaded portion. However, the invention is compatible with other types of male connectors.
[050] The intermediate spacer element 1 in Figure 1 comprises two opposite surfaces or sides 201, 202 (e.g., a front face / surface / front side 201 and a back face / surface / back side 202) for separating the tiles to be leveled (i.e., one or more adjacent tiles to be leveled). Note that the aforementioned two opposite surfaces or sides (e.g., a front face / surface / front side and a back face / surface / back side) are applicable / compatible with any sub-element composed of the element Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 106 / 142 20 / 33 intermediate spacer (i.e., the parts composed of the intermediate spacer element may also have a front face and a back face). The front face 201 and the back face 202 extend along a height in the first direction ze along a width in the second direction y.
[051] The intermediate spacer element 1 comprises an upper portion 21 and a lower portion 22. The upper portion 21 (see the dotted area in Figure 1B) is connected to the elongated top body 30. The lower portion 22 comprises two side columns 23, 24 and a central column 25, the central column 25 being disposed between the two side columns 23, 24. Each column 23, 23, 25 comprises a respective main body 231, 241, 251 and a respective lower end 232, 242, 252, wherein each main body 231, 241, 251 is configured to extend from the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 to the respective lower end 232, 242, 252 of the respective column.The lower ends 232, 242, 252 of each column 23, 24, 25 are connected to the bottom base 10, such that the intermediate spacer element 20 is connected to the bottom base 10 by means of the respective lower ends 232, 242, 252 of the two side columns 23, 24 and the central column 25. Although not visible in Figure 1, the lower ends 232, 242, 252 can be configured as predetermined breakable zones, such that when a predetermined force is applied to the upper portion 21 and / or the elongated top body 30 (for example, by kicking said elements after leveling two or more tiles), the lower ends 232, 242, 252 break, thus separating the intermediate spacer element 20 from the bottom base 10.
[052] Although not visible in Figure 1, the main body 251 of the central column 25 can be configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24. The said thickness Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 107 / 142 The maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24 can also be configured to be a maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element 20. These referred thicknesses are measurable in the third direction, i.e., between the respective front sides / faces 201 and rear faces 202 – i.e., along the third direction “x”. In other compatible embodiments, the main body 251 of the center column 25 can be configured to have a thickness of at least one part less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24, such that the thickness of at least one part corresponds to a percentage of the maximum thickness in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 25 to 80%, more preferably 0.35 to 0.55%. The preferred thicknesses for at least one part of the main body 251 of the central column 25 are in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.45 to 0.8 mm.The maximum thickness of each side column 23, 24 may be in the range of 0.5 to 4-5 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm and more preferably 1.5 to 2 mm.
[053] In Figure 1, the intermediate spacer element 20 comprises two optional separation areas 234, 244, wherein each separation area 234, 244 is disposed between one of the side columns 23, 24 and the central column 25 (for example, between the respective main bodies 231, 241, 251 of the columns 23, 24, 25). In the specific embodiment of Figure 1, both areas 234, 244 are configured as respective openings (for example, an opening devoid of any material). However, the configuration of Figure 1 is also compatible with the possibility of at least one of the openings being covered at least partially (i.e., partially or totally) by a cover layer (for example, a layer of the same material as the remainder of the intermediate spacer element) with a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns. In some embodiments, said cover layer may even have a thickness less than Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 108 / 142 22 / 33 a thicker part of the main body 251 of the central column 25. In other compatible embodiments, the main bodies 231, 241 of the two side columns 23, 24 can be configured to be in contact with the main body 251 of the central column 25, therefore having no separation areas 234, 244. The separation areas 234, 244 can be arranged so that the upper parts of the side columns and the central column are in contact, wherein the lower ends of the three columns are spaced (for example, in the second direction). In some embodiments, the spacer device 1 of Figure 1 can be configured so that there is no separation space between the side columns 23, 24 and the central column (for example, with the side columns 23, 24 and the central column 25 being in contact along their respective lengths).
[054] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the lower portion 22 of the intermediate spacer element 20 is configured to extend along a height along the central geometric axis C (i.e., in the first “z” direction) corresponding to a percentage of the total height of the intermediate spacer element 20 equivalent to a range of 50 to 60%, in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 20 to 80%, more preferably 30 to 60% (where the range of 48% to 57% is especially advantageous). The remaining percentage (i.e., up to 100%) corresponds to the height of the upper portion 21.
[055] Although not visible in Figure 1, the lower end 232, 242, 252 of at least one of the side columns 23, 24 and / or the central column 25 can be configured to have lower torsional strength than the rest of the respective column 23, 24, 25. This lower torsional strength can be achieved by configuring the lower end(s) 232, 242, 252 to have a smaller thickness and / or width (this is in fact visible in Figure 1B for the side columns 23, 24) than the main body 231, 241, 251 (for example, the respective Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 109 / 142 23 / 33 lower end may have a thickness smaller than any part of the respective main body) of its respective column 23, 24, 25.
[056] The embodiment in Figure 1 further comprises optional recesses 15 arranged on the surfaces 11, 12 of the bottom base 10. This recess 15 or depression 15 is an area of the surface that has a smaller thickness (the thickness here is measured in the first direction) than the remainder of the respective surface 11, 12.
[057] The reference signs shown in Figure 1 are also applicable to the remaining figures with respect to the different parts that correspond to those in Figure 1 that were previously identified.
[058] Figure 2 illustrates four different views of a spacer device 1, according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 2A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 1B shows a front view, while Figures 2C and 2D show, respectively, a side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[059] The spacer device 1 in Figure 2 is based on the spacer device in Figure 1, but includes additional optional features that can be added independently of each other. Although the main body 251 of the central column 25 is configured to have a narrower width (in the second y direction), it is observed that all embodiments are compatible with a plurality of widths.
[060] Figure 2 illustrates the optional attribute in which the main body 251 (as a whole) of the central column 25 (i.e., below the dotted line) is configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24. The aforementioned maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24 is configured as the maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element 20. Furthermore, the two main bodies 231, 241 of Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 110 / 142 24 / 33 two side columns 23, 24 are configured to have the same thickness (i.e., the maximum thickness of the spacer element 20), where the upper portion 21 is also configured to have the same thickness (i.e., the maximum thickness of the spacer element 20) and also being the same thickness as the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20.
[061] The lower ends 232, 242 of the side columns 23, 24 are configured (optional attribute) to have lower torsional strength than the rest of the respective side columns 23, 24. In the present embodiment, this lower torsional strength is obtained by configuring the lower end(s) 232, 242 to have a smaller thickness (visible in Figures 2A and 2C) and width (this is in fact visible in Figure 2B for the side columns 23, 24) than the main body 231, 241 (for example, the respective lower ends 232, 242 have a smaller thickness than any part of the respective main bodies 231, 241) of their respective column 23, 24.
[062] Furthermore, the lower end 252 of the central column 25 is also configured to have a smaller thickness (visible in Figures 2A and 2C). In addition, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the lower end 252 of the central column 25 comprises two lateral projections, this being an optional attribute. The lateral projections are configured to increase the width (i.e., in the second direction) of said lower end 252. Thus, the projections are configured to locally increase the width of said lower end 252.
[063] The modality in Figure 2 does not include at least one optional recess 15 shown in Figure 1. However, this modality is also compatible with this attribute.
[064] The spacer device 1 in Figure 2 additionally comprises two optional attributes (which may be considered optional). Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 111 / 142 25 / 33 independently) which are also shown in Figure 1 (and in Figures 3 to 6), but which were not detailed therein. In particular, the way the side columns extend from the upper portion 21 to the bottom base 10, and the variable width of the side columns 23, 24 along their respective lengths.
[065] In Figure 2, the side columns 23, 24 are configured 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 column 23, 24 and the central geometric axis C is greater in a part of the side column 23, 24 proximal to the bottom base 10 than in a part of the side column 23, 24 proximal to the upper portion 21 (thus defining an angular configuration). The distance between each side column 23, 24 and the central geometric axis C increases progressively as the side column 23, 24 extends from the upper portion 21 towards the bottom plate 10. The space between the central column 25 and each of the side columns 23, 24 corresponds to the separation spaces 234, 244 described previously for the embodiment of Figure 1.
[066] Furthermore, the side columns 23, 24 of Figure 2 are configured to extend (e.g., along their respective lengths) from the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 to the bottom base 10, such that the width of each side column 23, 24 (i.e., measured along the second y direction between two respective edges of the side column 23, 24) is greater in a portion of the side column 23, 24 proximal to the upper portion 21 than in a portion of the side column 23, 24 proximal to the bottom base 10. Thus, an upper portion of the side column 23, 24 is configured to have a greater width than a lower portion of the respective side column 23, 24. Preferably, the width of at least one side column 23, 24 may be Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 112 / 142 26 / 33 configured to progressively decrease (more preferably following a linear or geometric function or a combination thereof) as the side column 23, 24 extends from the upper portion 21 towards the bottom plate 10. Therefore, the cross-section of the side column 23, 24 (i.e., of the main body 231, 241 of the side column 25) may have a decreasing width as the side column 23, 24 extends from the upper portion 25 to the bottom base 10.
[067] However, it is noted that the specific configuration above, relating to the way the side columns extend from the upper portion 21 to the bottom base 10, and the variation in the length of the side columns 23, 24 along their respective lengths, represents only one embodiment. However, the embodiments represented in the figures are largely compatible with other configurations disclosed in the invention summary above.
[068] Figure 3 illustrates four different views of a spacer device 1, according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 3A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 3B shows a front view, while Figures 3C and 3D show, respectively, a side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[069] Figure 3 illustrates the optional attribute of having at least part of the upper portion 21 configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24, wherein the said maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24 can also be configured to be a maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element. Note that Figure 3 is based on the example shown in Figure 2 to additionally incorporate the different thicknesses in the upper portion 21; however, this attribute is also compatible with the embodiment shown in Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 113 / 142 27 / 33 Figure 1.
[070] At least a portion of the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of the side columns 23, 24 extends along a width (i.e., in the second “y” direction) of the upper portion 21 such that it extends at least partially over a portion of the upper portion 21 that is connected to the respective side column 23, 24. In other words, said portion of the upper portion 21 extends outward from the central axis C (i.e., along the second “y” direction) such that said portion of the upper portion 21 extends over a portion of the upper portion 21 that is disposed at least partially above (in the first “z” direction – i.e., the direction of the central geometric axis C) at least one of the side columns 23, 24 (e.g., above a portion of the upper portion 21 that is connected to the respective side column 23, 24).
[071] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20, configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24, is additionally configured to have a thickness equal to the thickness of at least one part of the main body 251 of the central column 25, which is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24. However, this is an optional attribute that can be isolated.
[072] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows another optional attribute of the embodiment: the said part of the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20 configured to have a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns 23, 24 is (at least partially) bounded by a peripheral edge 210 of the upper portion 21 (see Figure 3B).
[073] Figure 4 illustrates four different views of a device Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 114 / 142 28 / 33 spacer 1, according to the embodiments of the invention. Figure 4A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 4B shows a front view, while Figures 4C and 4D show, respectively, a side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[074] Figure 4 illustrates the optional attribute of having protrusions 233, 243 to locally increase the thickness of the side columns 23, 24. Note that Figure 4 is based on the example shown in Figure 3 to additionally incorporate protrusions 233, 242. However, this feature is also compatible with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[075] The main body 231, 241 of each side column 23, 24 (although in some embodiments this attribute may be present in at least one of the main bodies 231, 241) comprises a protrusion 233, 243 disposed on the front face of the respective main body 231, 241 of the intermediate spacer element 20. Said protrusions 233, 243 are configured to selectively increase the thickness of the respective side column 23, 24 (i.e., in an area where a protrusion 233, 242 is disposed, the thickness of the respective side column 23, 24 for this area is the sum of the thickness of the main body 231, 241 for this area with the thickness of the respective protrusion 233, 243). The two side columns 23, 24 are configured to be symmetrical (optional attribute), so that each side column 23, 24 comprises a protrusion 233, 243 that is symmetrical with respect to a protrusion 233, 243 of the other side column 23, 24.Protrusions 233 and 243 are compatible with configurations that allow for thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.
[076] The two protrusions 233, 243 are configured to extend along a portion of the total length of their respective main body 231, 241, wherein the total length is comprised between their respective Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 115 / 142 29 / 33 lower end 232, 242 and the upper portion 21. In addition, each protrusion 233, 243 extends along a percentage of the total length of the respective main body 231, 241, approximately in the range of 50 to 70%.
[077] Furthermore, the two protrusions 233 and 243 are represented in Figure 4 as being configured to extend from an end portion of the respective main body 231, 241 being proximal to the respective lower end 232, 242 towards the upper portion 21 of the intermediate spacer element 20.
[078] The protrusions 233, 243 shown in Figure 4 are additionally configured to extend along a portion of the width of the respective main body 231, 241 (i.e., along the second “y” direction), wherein the width of the respective main body 231, 241 is measured between an edge of the main body 231, 241 proximal to the central column 25 towards an edge of the main body 231, 241 distal to the central column 25. The preferred embodiment of Figure 4 shows that each protrusion 233, 243 is configured (optional attribute) to extend from an edge (or an area near that edge) of the main body 231, 241 proximal to the central column 25 towards an edge of the main body 231, 241 distal to the central column 25.
[079] The configuration of the protrusions 233, 242 is not limited to the specific configuration shown in Figure 4, but is broadly compatible with any of the configurations for the protrusions disclosed above in the summary of the invention (the configurations of the protrusions are transversely compatible with a plurality of embodiments, such as those shown in the figures).
[080] Figure 5 illustrates four different views of a spacer device 1, according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 5A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 5B shows a front view, while Figures 5C and 5D show, respectively, a view Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 116 / 142 30 / 33 side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[081] Figure 5 illustrates the optional attribute of having a front low wall 13. Note that, in some compatible embodiments, the spacer device 1 may comprise a front low wall 13 and / or a rear low wall (see Figure 6). Note also that Figure 5 is based on the example shown in Figure 3 to additionally incorporate the front low wall 13 feature. However, this attribute is also compatible with the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.
[082] The front low wall 13 is arranged perpendicularly to the bottom base 10 (the front low wall 13 being connected to the bottom base 10) and to the front face 201 of the main body 251 of the central column 25 (optionally, the front wall 13 may be connected to the main body 251 of the central column 25). The front low wall 13 is configured to extend from the bottom base 10 towards the upper portion 21 (i.e., along the first “z” direction) along a height corresponding to a partial height of the lower portion 22. The front low wall 13 may be configured to extend along a height corresponding to a percentage of the total height (in the first “z” direction) of the lower portion 22 of the intermediate spacer element 20, said percentage being preferably in the range of 5 to 70%, more preferably from 15 to 50% and additionally preferably from 25 to 30%.
[083] A second optional attribute shown in Figure 5, which is also largely compatible with the previous embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, is that the main body 251 of the central column can be configured to have a smaller width 254 (e.g., measured in the second “y” direction) than the remainder of the main body 251 (and / or than the lower end 252 of the central column 25) in a portion corresponding to the height of the front low wall. Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 117 / 142 31 / 33 and / or at the height of the lower rear wall. This smaller width 254 (e.g., a waisted portion 254) can be configured as a recess or indentation 254 on each side edge (the central column 25 comprises two side edges extending at least partially along the first direction ze and being separated along the second direction y, thus defining the width of the column) of the central column 25, such that each recess / indentation 254 is disposed on one of the two side edges of the central column 25 and is configured to extend from the respective side edge towards the central geometric axis C (e.g., forming a waist in the central column 25).
[084] Figure 6 illustrates four different views of a spacer device 1, according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 6A shows a side and isometric view of the spacer device 1, Figure 6B shows a front view, while Figures 6C and 6D show, respectively, a side view and a top view of the same intermediate spacer device 1.
[085] Figure 6 illustrates the optional attribute of having a low front wall 13 and a low rear wall 14. Note that Figure 6 is based on the example shown in Figure 4 to additionally incorporate the attribute of the low front wall 13 and the low rear wall 14. However, this attribute is also compatible with the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5.
[086] The rear low wall 14 is similarly characterized to the front low wall 13 shown in Figure 5, but is positioned facing the rear face 202 instead of the front face 201. Consequently, the rear low wall 14 is positioned perpendicular to the bottom base 10 (the rear low wall 14 is connected to the bottom base 10) and optionally to the rear face 202 of the main body 251 of the central column 25, wherein the rear low wall 14 can be configured to extend from the Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 118 / 142 32 / 33 bottom base 10 towards the upper portion 21 along a height corresponding to a partial height of the lower portion 22. The front low wall 13 and the rear low wall 14 can be configured to extend along a height corresponding to a percentage of the total height (in the first z direction) of the lower portion 22 of the intermediate spacer element 20, said percentage preferably being in the range of 5 to 70%, more preferably 15 to 50%, and additionally preferably 25-30%. Preferably, the front low wall 13 and the rear low wall 14 can be configured to have the same height.
[087] Figure 7 illustrates four different views of the second aspect of the invention, relating to a leveling device 100 for leveling two or more adjacent tiles, according to any of the embodiments described. Figure 7 shows, in Figures 7A and 7B, two views of a female connector 2 connectable to the elongated top body 30 of a spacer device 1, according to any of the embodiments of the invention. Figures 7C and 7D show a leveling device 100 comprising a female connector 2 and a spacer device 1, according to the embodiments of the invention.
[088] The female connector 2 of Figures 7A and 7B is configured as a button or nut with an internal thread in its central portion (not visible). The female connector 2 is configured to be engaged / threaded into / around the male connector 31 (which can be configured as a threaded portion, such as a threaded rod) of the spacer device 1.
[089] The leveling device 100 for leveling two or more adjacent tiles of Figures 7C and 7D comprises a spacer device 1 and a female connector 2, and is configured in such a way that, when the female connector 2 is engaged (e.g., connected) to the male connector 31 of the device Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 119 / 142 33 / 33 spacer 1, the respective lower faces of the two or more tiles are pressed (for example, against) the bottom base 10 of the spacer device 1 and the respective upper faces of the two or more tiles are pressed by the female connector 2 (by a lower part / portion of the female connector 2), thus leveling the tiles. Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pages 120 / 142
Claims
1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. Spacer device (1) for a leveling device (100) for leveling two or more adjacent tiles, the spacer device (1) characterized in that it comprises: a bottom base (10) comprising two or more surfaces (11, 12) for placing the tiles to be leveled; an intermediate spacer element (20) having a front face (201) and a rear face (202) and being configured to separate the tiles to be leveled, the intermediate spacer element (20) comprising an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22), wherein the intermediate spacer element (20) is connected perpendicularly to the bottom base (10) by means of the lower portion (22);and an elongated top body (30) connected to the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20), such that the intermediate spacer element (20) is disposed 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) being perpendicular to the bottom base (10), wherein at least a part of the elongated top body (30) is configured as a male connector (31) configured to be connected to an external female connector (2);wherein the lower portion (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) comprises two lateral columns (23, 24) and a central column (25), the central column being disposed between the two lateral columns (23, 24), wherein each column (23, 24, 25) comprises a main body (231, 241, 251) and a respective lower end (232, 242, 252), wherein each main body (231, 241, 251) extends from the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the respective lower end (232, 242, Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 134 / 142 2 / 8 252) of the respective column (23, 24, 25), wherein the intermediate spacer element (20) is connected to the bottom base (10) by means of the respective lower ends (232, 242, 252) of the two side columns (23, 24) and the central column (25);wherein the main body (251) of the central column (25) is configured to be thinner than each of the side columns (23, 24), such that the main body (251) of the central column (25) has a thickness less than a maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24), wherein preferably said maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24) corresponds to a maximum thickness of the intermediate spacer element (20).
2. Spacer device (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate spacer element (20) further comprises one or two separation areas (234, 244), wherein each separation area (234, 244) is disposed between one of the side columns (23, 24) and the central column (25), wherein preferably: at least one of the separation areas (234, 244) is configured as an opening; and / or at least one of the separation areas (234, 244) is configured as an opening being at least partially covered by a cover layer having a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24), preferably having a thickness configured to be less than a thicker part of the main body (251) of the central column (25).
3. Spacer device (1), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower end (232, 242, 252) of at least one of the side columns (23, 24) and / or the central column (25) is configured to have lower torsional resistance than the remainder of the respective column (23, 24, 25); wherein preferably said at least one lower end (232, 242, 252) is configured to have a thickness and / or width smaller than the main body (231, 241, 251) of the respective column (23, 24, 25), thus providing lower torsional resistance.
4. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: the lower end (252) of the central column (25) comprises one or two lateral projections (253) configured to locally increase the width of the lower end (252); and / or in that the lower portion (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) extends along the central geometric axis (C) corresponding to a percentage of the total height of the intermediate spacer element (20) in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 20 to 80%, more preferably 30 to 60%.
5. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least part of the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) is configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24); wherein preferably: said part of the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24) is additionally configured to extend outward from the central geometric axis (C), such that said part of the upper portion Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p.136 / 142 4 / 8 (21) extends over a part of the upper portion (21) being at least partially disposed above at least one of the side columns (23, 24); and / or said part of the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24) has a thickness equal to the thickness of at least a part of the central column (25) being configured to have a thickness less than the maximum thickness of each of the side columns (23, 24).
6. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main body (231, 241) of at least one of the side columns (23, 24) comprises a protrusion (233, 243) disposed on at least one of the front and / or rear faces of the respective main body (231, 241) of the intermediate spacer element (20), said protrusion being configured to selectively increase the thickness of the respective side column (23, 24); wherein preferably the two side columns (23, 24) are configured to be symmetrical, such that each side column (23, 24) comprises a protrusion (233, 243) being symmetrical with respect to a protrusion (233, 243) of the other side column (23, 24).
7. Spacer device (1), according to claim 6, characterized in that each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend along at least a portion of the total length of the respective main body (231, 241) of the respective side column (23, 24), wherein the total length is comprised between the respective lower end (232, 242) and the upper portion (21); wherein preferably each protrusion (233, 243) extends along Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 137 / 142 5 / 8 of a percentage of the total length of the respective main body (231, 241) in the range of 10 to 90%, preferably 30 to 80%, more preferably 50 to 70%.
8. Spacer device (1), according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each protrusion (233, 243) is arranged equidistantly with respect to the respective lower end (232, 242) and the upper portion; or in that each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend from an end portion of the respective main body (231, 241) being proximal to the respective lower end (232, 242) towards the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20).
9. Spacer device, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend along at least a portion of the width of the respective main body (231, 241), wherein the width of the respective main body (231, 241) is measured between an edge of the main body (231, 241) proximal to the central column (25) and an edge of the main body (231, 241) distal to the central column (25); wherein preferably: each protrusion (233, 243) is configured to extend from an edge of the main body (231, 241) proximal to the central column (25) towards an edge of the main body (231, 241) distal to the central column (25); and / or each protrusion (233, 243) extends along a percentage of the width of the respective main body (231, 241) in the range of 10 to 100%, preferably 20 to 85%, more preferably 35 to 70%.
10. Spacer device (1), in accordance with any of Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page.138 / 142 6 / 8 claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the side columns (23, 24) is configured to extend from the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the bottom base (10), such that the distance between the side column (23, 24) and the central geometric axis (C) is greater in a part of the side column (23, 24) being proximal to the bottom base (10) than in a part of the side column (23, 24) being proximal to the upper portion (21); wherein preferably the distance between at least one side column (23, 24) and the central geometric axis (C) increases progressively as the side column (23, 24) extends from the upper portion (21) towards the bottom plate (10), wherein more preferably said distance increases linearly or geometrically as the side column (23, 24) extends from the upper portion (21) towards the bottom plate (10).
11. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the side columns (23, 24) is configured to extend from the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) to the bottom base (10), such that the width of the side column (23, 24) is greater in a portion of the side column (23, 24) being proximal to the upper portion (21) than in a portion of the side column (23, 24) being proximal to the bottom base (10); wherein preferably the width of at least one side column (23, 24) decreases progressively as the side column extends from the upper portion (21) towards the bottom plate (10), wherein more preferably said width increases linearly or geometrically as the side column (23, 24) extends from the upper portion (21) towards the bottom plate (10). Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 139 / 142 7 / 8 12. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the two or more surfaces of the bottom base (10) for placing the tiles is configured to have a recess (15) or depression (15) downwards; wherein preferably said recess (15) or depression (15) is disposed in a centralized position relative to the width of the central column (25) and / or is disposed at a distance from the lower end (252) of the central column (25).
13. Spacer device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises: a front low wall (13) disposed perpendicularly with respect to the bottom base (10) and preferably with respect to the front face of the main body (251) of the central column (25), wherein the front low wall (11) is configured to extend from the bottom base (10) towards the upper portion (21) along a height corresponding to a percentage of the height of the lower portion (22); and / or a rear low wall (14) disposed perpendicularly with respect to the bottom base (10) and preferably with respect to the rear face of the main body (251) of the central column (25), wherein the rear low wall (12) is configured to extend from the bottom base (10) towards the upper portion (21) along a height corresponding to a percentage of the height of the lower portion (22).
14. Spacer device (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the main body (251) of the central column (25) is configured to have a smaller width (254) than the rest of the main body (251) in a part corresponding to the height of the front low wall Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 140 / 142 8 / 8 (13) and / or at the height of the rear low wall (14).
15. Leveling device (100) for leveling tiles to level two or more adjacent tiles, the device (100) characterized in that it comprises: a spacer device (1) defined in any of claims 1 to 14; and a female connector (2) configured to engage with the male connector (31) of the spacer device (1) such that, when the female connector (2) is engaged with the male connector (31) of the spacer device (1) and is moved towards the bottom base (10), then the lower faces of the two or more tiles are pressed by the bottom base (10) of the spacer device (1) and the upper faces of the two or more tiles are pressed by the female connector (2), thus leveling the tiles; wherein preferably the female connector (2) is configured as a nut having an internal thread and the male connector (31) is configured as an external thread disposed around at least part of the elongated top body (31).
16. Product, process, system, kit, means or use, characterized in that it comprises one or more elements described in the descriptive report, claims, drawings, sequence listing, or summary of this application, when applicable. Petition 870250082238, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 141 / 142