Tile levelling clip stub removal device

Abstract

A tile levelling clip stub removal device comprises side skids for gliding over tile surfaces, a dislodging member extending beneath the skids to enter grout gaps, and a strike face above the skids for receiving applied force. When actuated, the device drives the dislodging member along the grout line to sever and dislodge remnant tile levelling clip stubs. The side skids stabilise movement and maintain consistent elevation, while an angled strike face enhances force transmission. The dislodging member may include a chiselled cutting tip, preferably metallic, for effective stub removal. The device may be operated by hand or foot and optionally includes a pole mount for guided use.

Description

Tile Levelling Clip Stub Removal DeviceField of the Invention

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to tile installation accessories. More particularly, it relates to a device for the post-installation removal of tile levelling clip remnants.Background of the Invention

[0002] Tile levelling systems are widely used in modern tiling applications to reduce tile lippage and ensure a flat, even surface across adjacent tiles. These systems typically comprise a clip that is inserted beneath adjacent tile edges and a wedge or cap that applies downward pressure during the curing of tile adhesive. Once the adhesive has cured, the wedge is removed and the clip is intended to snap cleanly at the grout line, leaving only the base of the clip embedded below the tile surface.

[0003] However, in practice, the stem of the clip often fails to break off cleanly, leaving remnant stubs protruding from the grout gap between tiles. These stubs can obstruct or interfere with subsequent grouting processes and may also cause uneven or cosmetically undesirable grout lines.

[0004] Conventional methods for removing these remnants typically involve manually scraping or cutting the stubs using tools such as utility knives, flathead screwdrivers, or oscillating blades. These approaches are time-consuming and ergonomically inefficient, particularly across large tiled areas. They also carry a high risk of damaging tile edges or surfaces, especially when the stub is tightly wedged or surrounded by brittle tile material. As such, there is a practical need for a purpose- built removal tool that enables efficient, safe, and consistent dislodgement of remnant tile levelling clip stubs following installation.Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] The disclosed tile levelling clip stub removal device comprises side skids configured to contact tile surfaces during use, a dislodging member protruding beneath the side skids and configured to enter a gap between adjacent tiles, and a strike face exposed above the side skids and configured to receive an applied force .The device is configured such that, in use, a force applied to the strike face drives the dislodging member along the grout line to sever and dislodge remnant tile levelling clip stubs located therebetween.

[0006] This arrangement allows the dislodging member to access and sever the clip remnants efficiently without damaging the tile surfaces. The side skids serve to elevate and stabilise the device above the tiles, guiding its movement along the grout line and maintaining a consistent working height. The configuration improves safety, consistency, and productivity compared with conventional hand tools, while reducing the risk of tile damage.

[0007] The system may comprise a dislodging member that includes a chiselled cutting tip configured to sever tile levelling clip stubs lodged between tiles. The chiselled cutting tip is preferably wider than the width of the clip stubs to ensure complete severance during dislodgement. In some examples, the cutting tip may angle upward from a lower cutting edge to maximise engagement with the stub near its base. The cutting tip may define a prominent point of the device to ensure effective forward exposure during use. In preferred forms, the device may be predominantly formed from plastic for cost-effective moulding, while the cutting tip is metallic to withstand repeated impact and retain a sharp edge.

[0008] The dislodging member may be elongate and planar, facilitating smooth travel between tile edges. Preferably, the dislodging member is dimensioned to be less than 3 mm in width, and in some cases, less than 2 mm or even 1 .5 mm, to suit narrower grout gaps.

[0009] The device may further include a planar upright, with the side skids extending laterally from both sides of a lower edge of the upright. A portion of the upright may also extend beneath the skids for added structural rigidity. The strike face may be defined by a strike plate orthogonally interfacing an upper end of the upright. In some forms, the upright, strike plate, and side skids may be monolithically formed of plastic. The strike plate may be circular to provide a large, ergonomic surface for foot or hand impact. For added structural support, the strike plate may include cross bracing, which may optionally be exposed at the strike face to improve grip. The strike platemay also define a planar bottom edge coplanar with the bottom surfaces of the skids to assist in maintaining stability during use.

[0010] To enhance the operational motion, the strike face may be set at an angle relative to the plane defined by the undersurfaces of the side skids. The device may have a length greater than its height, with the height being defined by the strike face, thereby producing a low-profile form factor that resists tipping during use. Additionally, the forward edges of the skids may ramp upward to aid in transitioning over adjacent tile edges.

[0011] In certain configurations, the chiselled cutting tip may be defined by a metallic cutting blade. The device may define a slot for receiving an upper edge of the blade, and that edge may include a forward-oriented step keyed into a rearward-facing ledge to prevent longitudinal displacement. A securement rail may be provided to engage a lower edge of the blade, and may include upwardly extending protrusions received in corresponding slots in the blade. The rail may extend behind the blade and terminate freely at its forward end to allow full exposure of the cutting tip.

[0012] The system may further comprise a pole mount for remote actuation. The pole mount may include opposing stubs extending from the upright and pivotally engaged between bifurcated tines of a pole engager. The pole engager may in turn define a rearward socket for receiving a conventional broomstick or telescopic pole, enabling guided use across a tiled floor surface.

[0013] Use of the device may include positioning the dislodging member within a grout line and applying a strike force to the strike face to drive the member along the line and dislodge clip stubs. In a floor application, the strike force may be delivered by a boot toe, and the device optionally guided using the pole mount. In a wall application, the strike force may be manually applied using a hand or the base of a palm to achieve similar dislodging action.

[0014] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows a top front perspective view of a tile levelling clip stub removal device in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the tile levelling clip stub removal device.

[0018] Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the tile levelling clip stub removal device.

[0019] Figure 4 shows a front bottom perspective disassembled view of the tile levelling clip stub removal device.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the tile levelling clip stub removal device.

[0021] Figure 6 shows a rear elevation view of the tile levelling clip stub removal device.Description of Embodiments

[0022] Figure 1 shows a front top perspective view of a tile levelling clip stub removal device 100. The device 100 comprises side skids 101 and a dislodging member 103 protruding beneath the skids 101. The device 100 further comprises a strike face 102 exposed above the side skids 101. In use, the side skids 101 are configured to glide smoothly over the surfaces of adjacent tiles, maintaining the device 100 at a consistent elevation relative to the tile surface while stabilising its movement along the grout lines. This ensures that the dislodging member 103 is reliably guided between the tile edges without damaging the tile surface. The device 100 is driven along the tile edges via the strike face 102, thereby forcing the dislodging member 103 into the grout line to engage and dislodge any remnant tile levelling clip stubs located therebetween.

[0023] According to the configuration shown in Figure 1 , the device 100 is specifically adapted to be kicked along floor tiles after adhesion, using the toe of a construction boot, thereby facilitating relatively effortless removal of remnant tile levelling clipstubs. However, the strike face 102 can also be actuated by hand, such as by slapping the strike face 102 or striking it with the base of one’s palm, which is particularly useful in vertical applications where the device 100 is used to remove stubs between wall tiles, for example.

[0024] The dislodging member 103 preferably comprises a chiselled cutting tip 104. The chiselled cutting tip 104 preferably defines a laterally oriented cutting edge which severs the tile levelling clip stubs across their width, leaving the base portion beneath the tiles while removing the exposed stem from between them. The cutting edge is preferably wider than the tile levelling clip stubs to ensure complete severance.

[0025] With reference to the side view shown in Figure 3, the chiselled cutting tip 104 preferably angles upward from a lower cutting edge 1 14, thereby facilitating low- position severance of the stub stems and removing a greater portion of the stem from between the tiles. The device 100 is preferably formed predominantly from plastic, with the chiselled cutting tip 104 being metallic. As shown in Figure 5, the chiselled cutting tip 104 preferably defines the most prominent forward point of the device 100, thereby providing effective exposure for a cutting action.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the dislodging member 103 takes the form of an elongate and planar keel configured to fit between the tile edges and slide along them. The dislodging member 103 is preferably less than 3 mm wide to accommodate tiles spaced at or above this dimension, although in some embodiments it may be less than 2 mm or even less than 1.5 mm to suit tighter spacing.

[0027] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the device 100 defines a planar upright 105 from which the side skids 101 extend laterally from both sides at a lower edge of the upright 105. A portion of the upright 105 further extends beneath the side skids 101. The strike face 102 is defined by a strike plate 106 orthogonally interfacing with an end of the upright 105. This construction minimises material usage and cost while providing a structurally resilient frame capable of withstanding repeated strike forces during use.

[0028] The device 100 may further comprise bracing elements that interface with both sides of the upright 105 and the rear face of the strike plate 106.

[0029] Preferably, the upright 105, strike plate 106 and side skids 101 are monolithically formed from plastic to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0030] With reference to Figure 6, which shows a rear view of the device 100, the strike plate 106 is preferably substantially circular, thereby maximising the cross- sectional area of the strike face 102 and providing a rounded, ergonomic interface for manipulation by boot or hand. The strike plate 106 may be reinforced with cross bracing 107. As shown in Figure 2, this cross bracing 107 may be exposed across the strike face 102 to enhance grip.

[0031] Further referring to Figure 6, the strike plate 106 may define a planar bottom edge 109 that is coplanar with the bottom surfaces defined by the skids 101 . This planar bottom edge 109 may extend laterally beyond the reach of the skids 101 to slide across tile surfaces and provide improved lateral stability.

[0032] With reference to Figure 3, the strike face 102 may be angled relative to the plane defined by the undersurfaces of the side skids 101. In other words, the device may define a substantially acute angle at the strike face 102. This angled orientation converts a horizontally applied strike force into a downward force vector, thereby driving the dislodging member 103 more effectively into the grout line between tiles for improved cutting action.

[0033] The device 100 further defines a length and a height, with the height defined by the strike face 102 and the length extending longitudinally along the direction of intended motion, wherein the length is preferably greater than the height. This length- to-height aspect ratio provides a low profile for improved stability during operation, minimises tipping or rocking when struck, and allows the device to maintain consistent contact along the tile surface, thereby enhancing control and cutting precision when removing tile levelling clip stubs.

[0034] Further referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the forward edges of the skids 101 may ramp upward, facilitating smooth transition over orthogonal tile edges and contributing to a slight downward motion of the cutting tip 104 when severing tile levelling clip stubs.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment wherein the device 100 is entirely plastic, except for a metallic cutting blade 1 10 that attaches to a remainder plastic body of the device 100 and which defines the chiselled cutting tip 104.

[0036] To secure the metallic cutting blade 1 10, the device 100 may define a slot 1 1 1 for accommodating the upper edge of the blade 1 10. As further shown in Figure 4, the upper edge of the blade 1 10 may define a forward-oriented step 1 12 that keys into a corresponding rearward-oriented ledge within the slot 1 1 1 , thereby resisting longitudinal movement of the blade.

[0037] The device may further define a securement rail 1 13 positioned opposite the slot 1 1 1 to engage the lower edge of the blade 1 10. As shown in Figure 4, the securement rail 1 13 may include a plurality of upwardly extending protrusions that fit into corresponding slots along the lower edge of the blade 1 10, thereby further resisting longitudinal movement. The securement rail 1 13 may extend behind the blade 1 10 and terminate freely at its forward end to fully expose the chiselled cutting tip 104.

[0038] Preferably, the device 100 is monolithically formed from plastic — preferably by injection moulding — including the securement rail 1 13, with the exception of the metallic cutting blade 1 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a pole mount (not shown) for manipulation via a pole, such as a telescopic pole or broomstick. The pole mount may include stubs extending from both sides of the upright 105, which are pivotally engaged between bifurcated tines of a pole engager. The pole engager may define a rearward socket for receiving the end of the telescopic pole or broomstick. In a preferred embodiment, the socket is configured to accept a conventional broomstick. Thus, when removing tile levelling clip stubs from a floor surface, the device 100 can be kicked along between the tiles and manoeuvred using the broomstick. The pivoting engagement between the pole mount and pole engager does not impede the effective operation of the device 100.

[0040] In use, the device 100 according to the preferred embodiment may be employed in a horizontal floor application by positioning the dislodging member 103at a grout line between adjacent tiles, such that the side skids 101 rest on the upper surfaces of the tiles on either side. The user may then apply a forward strike to the strike face 102 using the toe of a construction boot. Due to the angled orientation of the strike face 102 relative to the plane defined by the undersurfaces of the skids 101 , the horizontal strike is translated into a downward and forward motion, driving the chiselled cutting tip 104 of the dislodging member 103 between the tiles. The laterally oriented cutting edge of the chiselled cutting tip 104 severs the exposed stems of the tile levelling clip stubs at a low position, leaving the bases trapped beneath the tiles while clearing the gap of any protruding remnants. The side skids 101 guide the device 100 in a stable, linear path along the grout line, maintaining proper orientation and elevation throughout the cutting operation and preventing contact with the tile faces.

[0041] For vertical wall applications, the same device 100 according to the preferred embodiment may be manually actuated by aligning the dislodging member 103 with the grout line between wall tiles and striking the strike face 102 with the base of one’s palm or by slapping the strike face. The ergonomic shape of the strike plate 106, in particular its rounded and reinforced design, facilitates comfortable and controlled manual impact. As with the horizontal application, the angled strike face 102 converts the manual force into a downward vector, pressing the chiselled cutting tip 104 between the tiles to sever any remnant clip stubs. The skids 101 again serve to stabilise the device 100 against the tile surfaces, enabling controlled gliding movement along the vertical grout lines while the dislodging member 103 clears the stubs. This dual-mode operation enables versatile use of the device across both floor and wall tile installations, simplifying post-adhesion clean-up and reducing manual effort.

[0042] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A system comprising a tile levelling clip stub removal device, the device comprising: side skids configured to contact tile surfaces during use; a dislodging member protruding beneath the side skids and configured to enter a gap between adjacent tiles; and a strike face exposed above the side skids and configured to receive an applied force; wherein the device is configured such that, in use, a force applied to the strike face drives the dislodging member along between adjacent tiles to dislodge remnant tile levelling clip stubs located therebetween.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dislodging member defines a chiselled cutting tip.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a tile levelling clip stub, wherein the chiselled cutting tip is wider than the tile levelling clip stub.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the chiselled cutting tip angles upward from a lower cutting edge.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the device is predominantly plastic and the chiselled cutting tip is metallic.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the chiselled cutting tip defines a prominent point of the device.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dislodging member is elongate and planar.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the dislodging member is less than 3 mm wide.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a planar upright, the side skids extending laterally from both sides of a lower edge of the upright, a portion of the upright extending beneath the side skids, and the strike face being defined by a strike plate orthogonally interfacing an end of the upright.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising bracing interfacing both sides of the upright and a rear face of the strike plate.1 1 . The system of claim 9, wherein the upright, strike plate and side skids are monolithically formed of plastic.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the strike plate is substantially circular.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the strike plate defines cross bracing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the cross bracing is exposed at the strike face.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the strike plate defines a planar bottom edge coplanar with bottom surfaces of the side skids.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the strike face is set at an angle with respect to a plane defined by undersurfaces of the side skids.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device defines a length and a height, the height being defined by the strike face, and wherein the length is greater than the height.

18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the side skids ramp upward at their forward edges.

19. The system of claim 2, wherein the chiselled cutting tip is defined by a metallic cutting blade.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the device defines a slot accommodating an upper edge of the metallic cutting blade.21 . The system of claim 20, wherein the upper edge of the metallic cutting blade defines a forward-oriented step keyed by a respective rearward-oriented ledge defined within the slot.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the device further defines a securement rail opposing the slot and keying a lower edge of the metallic cutting blade.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the securement rail transitions behind the metallic cutting blade and is free at its forward end to expose the chiselled cutting tip defined by the metallic cutting blade.

24. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a pole mount.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the pole mount comprises stubs extending from both sides of the upright, the stubs being pivotally engaged between bifurcated tines of a pole engager.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising the pole engager, wherein the pole engager defines a rearward socket for insertion of a pole.

27. A method of dislodging remnant tile levelling clip stubs, the method comprising:positioning a tile levelling clip stub removal device such that a dislodging member protruding beneath side skids of the device is aligned with a grout line between adjacent tiles; applying a force to a strike face exposed above the side skids; and driving the dislodging member along the grout line to sever and dislodge tile levelling clip stubs located therebetween.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the device is positioned on a tiled floor surface and the force is applied by striking the strike face with the toe of a boot to drive the dislodging member along the grout line.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further comprises a pole mount engaged with a pole, and the device is guided along the grout line using the pole during the dislodging operation.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the device is positioned on a tiled wall surface and the force is applied manually by slapping or striking the strike face with a hand or the base of a palm to drive the dislodging member along the grout line.

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