Leveling machine for ceramic tiles

Abstract

A leveling machine capable of bringing two or more tiles in contact therewith to the same level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a leveling machine for ceramic tiles. More specifically, this invention relates to a leveling machine capable of bringing two or more ceramic tiles in contact with it to the same level. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, there are various types of tile leveling machines on the market, which are suitable for adjusting the top surfaces of multiple tiles to the same level.

[0003] One type of leveling machine involves the action of two connected elements (specifically, a support and a pressing body).

[0004] The support has a base and an elongated body extending orthogonally from the base and having threads.

[0005] The pressure body has a base with a threaded hole corresponding to the extended body.

[0006] The process of using this type of leveling machine involves placing the base on the adhesive and then placing two or more tiles on it.

[0007] Then, press the body to connect to the support, and due to the threaded connection, screw the base onto the extension body.

[0008] By twisting the base, the pressing body is pulled downwards until the base contacts the tile. By forcing the rotation, the base brings the upper surface of the tile it contacts, and thus the tile itself, to the same height.

[0009] Once the adhesive has dried and the tile is secured to the base support by the adhesive, the slender body is removed by forcing the support to break, i.e., the slender body separates from the support base that is permanently held under the tile, and the pressure body attached to it is removed.

[0010] The presence of a predetermined breakage invitation in the joint between the base and the extended body usually contributes to the fracture.

[0011] Of course, once the extension body is separated from the base, it is no longer reusable, thus making the support a so-called disposable element.

[0012] The pressure body is now restored by unscrewing it from the extension body.

[0013] This type of leveling machine has some problems, especially in terms of ease of use, speed, and comfort.

[0014] In particular, the first question concerns the time required to bring the pressure body to the tile.

[0015] In fact, even before the pressing body has come into contact with the tile, the pressing body must be screwed onto the extension body along its entire length.

[0016] Therefore, the operation time of this type of leveling machine is quite long.

[0017] Another problem with the leveling machine according to known technology and as described above is the duration of the disengagement phase when the pressing body separates from the extension body, so that the pressing body can be reused. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide a leveling machine that solves these and other problems of known systems.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a leveling machine that can be used easily and quickly.

[0020] According to the invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a leveling machine suitable for use by a user to lay and level at least two adjacent tiles on a floor.

[0021] The leveling machine includes a support and a pressing body, the support being adapted to be constrained beneath the tiles. The pressing body is disposed above the tiles, adapted to be movably constrained to the support, and adapted to abut and press against the abutting surface of at least one of at least two tiles.

[0022] The support includes a base adapted to be disposed under at least two adjacent tiles, and a threaded pin extending orthogonally to the base and having threads.

[0023] The pressing body includes a gripping element and a release device, the release device being received in a through opening formed in the gripping element.

[0024] The gripping element has a longitudinal central axis and an outer side surface that the user can grip; the release device includes a first mating element and a second mating element.

[0025] The first mating element includes a first thrust body and a first threaded portion; the second mating element includes a second thrust body and a second threaded portion.

[0026] The release device can be arranged according to a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion face each other to form a single nut screw with a pitch corresponding to the thread of the threaded pin. In the second configuration, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are spaced apart by pushing the first thrust body and the second thrust body.

[0027] In particular, the leveling machine according to the invention is characterized in that the first mating element includes a first elastic band, and the second mating element includes a second elastic band, wherein in the first configuration, the first elastic band abuts against the first thrust body and the second elastic band abuts against the second thrust body, and in the second configuration, the first elastic band is bent and pressed against the second thrust body, and the second elastic band is bent and pressed against the first thrust body.

[0028] In this way, the user can easily screw the pressing body onto the support so that the pressing body can be pressed onto the tile to be leveled.

[0029] On the other hand, in order to quickly insert / remove the threaded pin into / from the pressing body, it is sufficient to push on the pressing body so that the two threaded portions move away from each other, thereby avoiding connection with the threaded pin.

[0030] Therefore, the second construction is useful when it is desirable to bring the press body, in which the support has already been inserted, closer to the tile, or when it is desirable to quickly release the press body from the threaded pin of the support.

[0031] Essentially, by conveniently acting on the thrust body, the leveling machine according to the invention provides quick and easy connection and disconnection of the pressing body from the support, allowing the pressing body to translate freely relative to the support, or by releasing the thrust body, the pressing body can be screwed to apply regular and easy pressure on the tile to be leveled.

[0032] Advantageously, the press body includes a rubber ring body at the bottom to improve the grip when dealing with leveled tiles.

[0033] Furthermore, the first mating element may include a first tongue with a first tooth, and the second mating element may include a second tongue with a second tooth. The first and second tongues are adapted to rest on a plane inside the through opening, and the first and second teeth are adapted to be received in a seat formed in the plane to prevent the release device from exiting the through opening.

[0034] Advantageously, the first thrust body and the second thrust body have cross sections of the same shape as the cross section of the through opening in which the receiving and releasing device is located, such that the first mating element and the second mating element can only translate within the through opening.

[0035] The shape connection can be further improved by the fact that the first mating element and / or the second mating element comprises a disc having the same cross-sectional shape as the through opening.

[0036] In addition, the pressing body may include a cup-shaped element, wherein the gripping element may include a first coupling device, and the cup-shaped element includes a second coupling device, such that the cup-shaped element can be coupled below the gripping element and can rotate relative to the gripping element via the first coupling device and the second coupling device.

[0037] Advantageously, the rubber ring body can be attached below the cup-shaped element.

[0038] The connection can be achieved because at least one through opening can be formed in the cup-shaped element, and the annular body can include at least one protrusion with a V-shaped top, such that the protrusion can pass through the opening and be arranged such that the V-shaped top beyond the opening secures the annular body to the cup-shaped element.

[0039] Furthermore, the cup-shaped element may include a hollow truncated cone at its center, in which a central hole is formed above, through which a threaded pin can pass. The hollow truncated cone facilitates the insertion of the threaded pin into the pressing body.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one first opening may be formed in the gripping element, and at least one slot may be formed in the cup-shaped element, such that the cup-shaped element and the area below the gripping element can be seen through at least one first opening and at least one slot. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Further features and details can be better understood from the following description given by way of non-limiting examples and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 This is an isometric drawing of a leveling machine manufactured according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of a leveling machine, with a portion of it removed to show its interior;

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded isometric drawing from a leveling machine;

[0045] Figure 4 and 6 yes Figure 1 Side view of the leveling machine;

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The leveling machine along Figure 4 The sectional view of plane AA shown;

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The leveling machine according to Figure 6 The sectional view of the BB plane shown;

[0048] Figure 8 and 9 They are arranged according to the first and second usage structures, respectively. Figure 1 Axonometric drawings of the components of the leveling machine;

[0049] Figure 10 and 11 This is an isometric view of two components of a leveling machine according to a variant of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 They are connected together. Figure 10 and 11 Axonometric view of the two components. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 7 10 indicates a leveling machine, which includes a support 12 and a pressing body 14.

[0052] The support member 12 includes a base 16 from which a lamella 18 extends orthogonally; a threaded pin 20 protrudes from the end of the lamella 18.

[0053] Special reference Figure 3 The pressing body 14 includes:

[0054] - Grip element 22, which opens downwards;

[0055] - Cup-shaped element 24, which is capable of closing the gripping element 22 at the bottom;

[0056] -Release device 26, which can be inserted into the upper through opening of the gripping element 22, and is formed by a first mating element 28 and a second mating element 28';

[0057] - An annular body 30, which can be connected to a cup-shaped element 24 at the bottom.

[0058] The gripping element 22 includes a cylindrical portion 32 that is hollow inside and is equipped with a protruding lower edge 34 and cavities 36 spaced at an angle on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0059] The truncated conical portion 38 extends upward from the cylindrical portion 32; the semi-cylindrical portion 40 rises from the truncated conical portion 38, and its extension axis is orthogonal to the extension axis of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0060] A through opening 42 is formed in the truncated conical portion 38 and the semi-cylindrical portion 40; the through opening 42 is adapted to accommodate the release device 26 and has an extending axis orthogonal to the extending axis of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0061] A circular hole 44 is formed in the upper part of the semi-cylindrical portion 40; the circular hole 44 has an axis that coincides with the extension axis of the cylindrical portion 32.

[0062] The cup-shaped element 24 includes a base disk 46 from which a raised edge 48 protrudes from the circular periphery. This raised edge is provided with four protruding elements 50, arranged at 90° to each other, and each includes a sliding tooth 52. Figure 3 The protruding elements and sliding teeth 52 are indicated only by the corresponding reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0063] The base plate 46 includes an annular forming part 54, in which four through rectangular openings 56 are obtained.

[0064] In addition, a truncated cone 58 is provided from the base plate 46, and a central hole 60 is provided in the truncated cone, which is coaxial with the longitudinal extension axis of the cup-shaped element 24.

[0065] The annular body 30 includes a ring 62 from which four protrusions 64 extend upward and are arranged at 90° to each other, and a V-shaped top 66 is provided above the protrusions, the V-shaped top extending beyond the width of the same protrusion from which it rises.

[0066] In addition, the ring body 30 is made of rubber to increase the grip between the pressing body 14 and the tile.

[0067] The release device 26 is composed of a first mating element 28 and a second mating element 28' that are very similar to each other.

[0068] Each mating element 28, 28' implemented as a single unit includes a thrust body 68, 68', from which rods 70, 70' and discs 72, 72' protrude together.

[0069] The discs 72 and 72' are internally attached to the thrust bodies 68 and 68', and the surface of the thrust bodies has threaded portions 76 and 76'.

[0070] In addition, elastic bands 78 and 78' are connected to discs 72 and 72' at positions opposite to arched bodies 74 and 74'.

[0071] On the other side relative to rods 70 and 70', tongue-shaped members 80 and 80' are attached, and sliding teeth 82 and 82' are attached to the ends of the tongue-shaped members.

[0072] The first mating element 28 is connected to the second mating element 28', so that the elastic band 78 of the first mating element 28 impacts the rear of the thrust body 68' of the second mating element 28'.

[0073] At the same time, the arched body 74 of the first mating element 28 faces the arched body 74 of the second mating element 28.

[0074] The first mating element 28 includes a protrusion 84 extending laterally from the arched body 74. Similarly, the second mating element 28' includes a recess 86 obtained in the associated arched body 74'.

[0075] according to Figure 8 The first structure shown is defined as a threaded connection structure, in which elastic bands 78 and 78' push the arched bodies 74 and 74' to face each other, so that the threaded portions 76 and 76' together essentially form a nut.

[0076] In this structure, the protruding portion 84 of the arched body 74 of the first mating element 28 is accommodated in the recess 86 of the arched body 74' of the second mating element 28'.

[0077] When the two thrust bodies 68, 68' are pushed and brought closer together (as shown in the image) Figure 9 As shown), the arched bodies 74 and 74' retract. In the second configuration of the release device 28, referred to as the release configuration, no nut is formed.

[0078] The process of using the leveling machine 10 according to the present invention is described below.

[0079] First, install the pressing body 14.

[0080] Connect the gripping element 22 to the cup-shaped element 24: push the gripping element so that the lower edge 34 overcomes the sliding teeth 52 of the four protruding elements.

[0081] In this way, the holding element 22 can rotate freely relative to the cup-shaped element 24.

[0082] The annular body 30 is secured to the cup-shaped element 24 by inserting four protrusions 64 through the rectangular opening 56, thereby widening and holding the annular body 30 to the cup-shaped element 24 through the rectangular opening 56.

[0083] Finally, the first mating element 28 and the second mating element 28' are connected to realize the release device 26 inserted into the through opening 42.

[0084] Tongues 80 and 80' rest on the inner plane 81 in the opening 42, while teeth 82 and 82' are positioned in seats obtained in the inner plane 81, thereby preventing the release device 26 from disengaging from the opening 42.

[0085] However, pressure is allowed to be applied to the two thrust bodies 68, 68' so that the release device 26 can be arranged in a screw-on or release configuration.

[0086] For the actual use of the leveling machine 10 (i.e., pressing body 14 and support 12), it is first done by placing the first tile on top of the appropriate adhesive laid on the slats at the desired position.

[0087] The user positions the support 12 corresponding to the side edge of the second tile to be attached to the tile, such that the base 16 of the support 12 is positioned between the tile and the concrete strip.

[0088] The second tile is placed on the adhesive so that it is adjacent to the first tile and positioned above the base 16.

[0089] A slat 18 and a threaded pin 20 protrude from the gap between the two tiles. The distance between them is given by the thickness of the slat 18, thus determining the width of the joint. In practice, the two tiles are made to contact the slat 18 with a selected thickness.

[0090] Subsequently, press the body 14 close to and engage with the support 12, ensuring that the threaded pin 20 of the support 12 is inserted into the center hole 60 of the truncated cone 58 (which facilitates insertion).

[0091] At the same time, the user pushes the two thrust bodies 68, 68' of the release device 26 so that they can be arranged in the release structure.

[0092] Therefore, the threaded pin 20 passes through the space between the two arched bodies 74, 74' without having to be screwed into the nut formed when the release device 26 is in the threaded configuration.

[0093] In this way, a significant amount of time is saved.

[0094] Provided that the annular body 30 does not come into contact with the surface of at least one tile, the threaded pin 20 also passes through the round hole 44 of the semi-cylindrical portion 40.

[0095] In this first configuration of the release device 26, the pressing body 14 can freely translate in height relative to the support 12 without any specific constraints.

[0096] Therefore, the user can easily and quickly bring the pressing body 14 into contact with the tile through the annular body 30 without having to screw the pressing body 14 onto the support 12.

[0097] The user then releases it by placing the release device 26 into the threaded connection structure.

[0098] The thread 76 of the first mating element 28 and the thread 76' of the second mating element 28' thus form a single continuous thread that connects to the threaded pin 20.

[0099] In this second configuration of the release device 26, the leveler 10 is effectively used to level the tiles resting on the annular body 30.

[0100] In practice, the user can screw the pressing body 14 onto the support 12, specifically screwing the gripping element 22 onto the threaded pin 20.

[0101] Once the press body 14 comes into contact with one of the two tiles, the user can rotate the press body 14 by holding it with the help of the cavity 36.

[0102] When doing so, screwing the pressing body 14 onto the threaded pin 20 of the support 12 causes the annular body 30 to be pressed down onto the tile with a higher surface area.

[0103] The reduced pitch generated by the two arched bodies 74, 74' not only improves adjustment but also allows pressure to be applied to the tile without the user having to expend considerable effort to rotate the extrusion body 14.

[0104] When the annular body 30 abuts against the two ceramic tiles, the user can terminate the threaded connection.

[0105] When the edges of the two tiles are at the same height, and when this operation is performed on all the leveling machines placed on the surface of the tiles being manufactured, the adhesive is allowed to dry, allowing the tiles to be firmly fixed to the floor.

[0106] Subsequently, the user removes a portion of the pressing body 14 and the support 12, and applies a kick or a violent blow to the pressing body 14.

[0107] In fact, the impact on the pressing body 14 causes the strip 18 and the threaded pin 20 fixed to the pressing body 14 to detach from the base 16 held under the tile.

[0108] This is possible because the thickness of the connection between plate 18 and base 16 is reduced.

[0109] Subsequently, by separating the threaded pin 20 from the pressing body 14, the various pressing bodies 14 used for laying tiles can be recycled for their new uses.

[0110] To perform the operation quickly, instead of unscrewing the threaded pin 20 from the pressing body 14, the two thrust bodies 68, 68' of the push release device are sufficient to move the two arched bodies 74, 74' away from each other and easily release the threaded pin 20.

[0111] According to a variation of the invention, the leveling machine (not shown in general) comprises:

[0112] - Grip element 122 with lower opening;

[0113] - A cup-shaped element 124, which is capable of closing the gripping element 122 at the bottom;

[0114] -Release device 26, as described above and adapted to be inserted into the upper through opening of gripping element 122;

[0115] - As previously described, the annular body 30 can be connected to the cup-shaped element 124 at the lower part.

[0116] The gripping element 122 includes an internally hollow cylindrical portion 132, which has a protruding lower edge 134.

[0117] The elongated portion 138 extends upward from the cylindrical portion 132, and the semi-cylindrical portion 140 rises from the elongated portion and has an extension axis orthogonal to the extension axis of the cylindrical portion 132.

[0118] On both sides of the gripping element 122, a first opening 133 and a second opening 135 are obtained between the cylindrical portion 132 and the elongated portion 138, and the first opening and the second opening are separated by a rib 137.

[0119] The elongated portion 138 and the semi-cylindrical portion 140 have a through opening 142 adapted to accommodate the release device 26 and have an extending axis orthogonal to the extending axis of the cylindrical portion 132.

[0120] In the semi-cylindrical portion 140, a circular hole 144 having an axis that coincides with the extended axis of the cylindrical portion 132 is obtained.

[0121] The cup-shaped element 124 includes a base disk 146, and a raised edge 148 extending from the circular periphery of the base disk is provided with four sliding teeth 152 positioned at 90° to each other. Figure 11 In the figure, only the sliding tooth 152 is indicated by the corresponding reference numerals.

[0122] Rib 159 (in Figure 11 (Only one of them is indicated by reference numerals in the figures) rises from the center of the base plate 146 and connects to the central neck 158 where the central hole 160 is located, which is coaxial with the longitudinal extension axis of the cup-shaped element 124.

[0123] Between the ribs 159, in the space between the base plate 146 and the central neck 158, a groove 157 is thus created that allows the lower part of the cup-shaped element 124 to be seen.

[0124] The gripping element 122 is received into the cup-shaped element 124; in particular, the cylindrical portion 132 is inserted into the raised edge 148 until the protruding lower edge 134 has reached below the four sliding teeth 152, which serve as stops for the gripping element 122 in the vertical direction, but still allow it to rotate relative to the cup-shaped element 124 itself.

[0125] The gripping element 122 and the cup-shaped element 124 are used, and they have the same function as the aforementioned gripping element 22 and cup-shaped element 24.

[0126] In addition, the first opening 133 and the second opening 135 in the gripping element 122, together with the groove 157, allow the user to see below, especially when the leveler is positioned at the intersection of four tiles, allowing for inspection of the alignment of the joints.

[0127] Various modifications may also be considered within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, a leveling machine according to the invention may include a connecting device between the support and the pressing body, rather than a threaded connection, to form a coupling.

Claims

1. A leveling machine (10) adapted for use by a user to lay and level at least two adjacent tiles on a floor, the leveling machine comprising a support (12) and a pressing body (14), the support being adapted to be constrained under the tiles, the pressing body being disposed above the tiles and adapted to be movably constrained to the support (12) and adapted to abut and press against the abutting surface of at least one of the at least two tiles; the support (12) comprising a base (16) adapted to be disposed under the at least two adjacent tiles and a threaded pin (20) extending orthogonally to the base and having threads; the pressing body (14) comprising a gripping element (22; 122) and a release device (26) received in a through opening (42; 142) formed in the gripping element (22; 122); the gripping element (22; 122) having The longitudinal central axis and the outer side surface that the user can grip; the release device (26) includes a first mating element (28) and a second mating element (28'); the first mating element (28) includes a first thrust body (68) and a first threaded portion (76); the second mating element (28') includes a second thrust body (68') and a second threaded portion (76'); the release device (26) is arranged according to a first configuration and according to a second configuration, in the first configuration, the first threaded portion (76) and the second threaded portion (76') face each other to form a single nut having a pitch corresponding to the thread of the threaded pin (20), in the second configuration, the first threaded portion (76) and the second threaded portion (76') are spaced apart by pressing on the first thrust body (68) and the second thrust body (68'); wherein, The first mating element (28) includes a first elastic band (78), and the second mating element (28') includes a second elastic band (78'). In the first configuration, the first elastic band (78) abuts against the second thrust body (68'), and the second elastic band (78') abuts against the first thrust body (68). In the second configuration, the first elastic band (78) bends and presses against the second thrust body (68'), and the second elastic band (78') bends and presses against the first thrust body (68). The first mating element (28) includes a first tongue (80) having a first tooth (82), and the second mating element (28') includes a second tongue (80') having a second tooth (82'); the first tongue (80) and the second tongue (80') are adapted to rest on a plane (81) within the through opening (42; 142), and the first tooth (82) and the second tooth (82') are adapted to be received in a seat formed in the plane (81) to prevent the release device (26) from exiting the through opening (42).

2. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing body (14) includes a rubber ring body (30) and a cup-shaped element, wherein the rubber ring body (30) is attached below the cup-shaped element.

3. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first thrust body (68) and the second thrust body (68') have cross-sections of the same shape as the cross-section of the through opening (42; 142), and the release device (26) is received in the through opening such that the first mating element (28) and the second mating element (28') can only translate within the through opening (42; 142).

4. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first mating element (28) and / or the second mating element (28') include a disc (72, 72') having the same cross-sectional shape as the through opening (42; 142).

5. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The pressing body (14) includes a cup-shaped element (24; 124), wherein the gripping element (22; 122) includes a first connecting device (32; 132), and the cup-shaped element (24; 124) includes a second connecting device (50, 52; 152), such that the cup-shaped element (24; 124) can be connected below the gripping element (22; 122) and can rotate relative to the gripping element (22; 122) via the first connecting device (32; 132) and the second connecting device (50, 52; 152).

6. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The rubber ring body (30) is attached below the cup-shaped element (24).

7. The leveling machine (10) according to claim 6, wherein, At least one through opening (56) is formed in the cup-shaped element (24), and the rubber annular body (30) includes at least one protrusion (64) having a V-shaped top (66) such that the protrusion (64) can pass through the through opening (56) formed in the cup-shaped element, and is arranged such that the V-shaped top (66) beyond the through opening (56) formed in the cup-shaped element secures the rubber annular body (30) to the cup-shaped element (24).

8. The leveling machine (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The cup-shaped element (24; 124) includes a central hollow truncated cone (58; 158), a central hole (60; 160) formed above the hollow truncated cone, and the threaded pin (20) can pass through the central hole.

9. The leveling machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, At least one first opening (133, 135) is formed in the gripping element (122), and at least one groove (157) is formed in the cup-shaped element (124) such that the cup-shaped element (124) and the bottom of the gripping element (122) can be seen through the at least one first opening (133, 135) and the at least one groove (157).

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