Tile leveler and method
First Claim
1. A device useful in the installation of fascia material to a wall tile, comprising:
- a support member;
means for affixing the support member to a wall, the affixing means including means for expanding the support member length and means for biasing the expanded support member against side walls adjacent to the wall;
means for aligning the fascia material with the support member and in a predetermined relationship with the wall; and
means for positioning the support member and centering a pattern of the fascia material on the wall.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for facilitating the installation of fascia materials such as tile on bathtub walls, fireplace facings and feature walls includes a support member with arms that extend so as to fit between facing side walls and be self supporting. The support member contains spring loaded arms that are activated by the push of a button and are locked into position against the side walls. Side bar members are attached to the support member and leveled for installation of tile on the facing walls of a bathtub or shower stall. The support member and side bar members have spirit levels attached for an accurate and quick leveling adjustment. Fascia material designs such as tile patterns are centered by the use of calibrated scales on the arms activated to extend and lock against the side walls. By attaching a second support member to the support member, the device is configured for use in setting fireplace facing tiles. The device geometry and specifications are configured to be used with fascia materials such as ceramic tile but it is appropriate for other wall installations requiring leveling of patterned designs. The device accommodates the use of long setting cements and adhesives that permit cost effective installations.
59 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A device useful in the installation of fascia material to a wall tile, comprising:
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a support member; means for affixing the support member to a wall, the affixing means including means for expanding the support member length and means for biasing the expanded support member against side walls adjacent to the wall; means for aligning the fascia material with the support member and in a predetermined relationship with the wall; and means for positioning the support member and centering a pattern of the fascia material on the wall. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. The device for installing fascia material such as wall tile along a feature wall and adjacent side walls such as in bathtub and shower stalls and for comprising:
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a support member having; an edge on the support member for establishing a spacing between fascia material components on the feature wall; means for extending end portions of the support member into engagement with the adjacent side walls; and means for positioning the support member and centering the fascia material pattern on the feature wall; a side bar member attached to the support member; means for aligning the support and side bar members respectively against the feature wall and one of the side walls; and means for installing the side bar member on a spigot wall. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. The device for installing fascia material on a facing fireplace wall comprising:
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a first support member having means for affixing the first support member to a fireplace box; a second support member affixed to the first support member; means for leveling the second support member used in aligning the fascia material; and means for locating the second support member and centering a pattern of the fascia material on the facing fireplace wall. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A device for facilitating the setting of tile, brick or a similar facing material on a wall having side surfaces adjacent and on opposite sides of the wall, comprising:
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an elongated support member with opposing ends and an upper supporting surface, the support member having a lengthwise dimension less than the width of the wall upon which the facing material is to be set; a pair of arms, each arm fitted at an end of the support member and means for holding each arm in a retracted position with the corresponding end and selectively biasing each arm to an extended position into engagement with an adjacent side surface. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A device useful int he installation on a wall of fascia material such as wall tile, brick, or a similar facing material comprising:
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an elongated support member with opposing ends and an upper supporting surface, the support member having; an edge on the support member for establishing a spacing between fascia material components such as wall tile grouting rows; a pair of arms, each arm comprising; a corresponding calibration scale; a dimension to fit inside the support member; a grooved slot in the arm; a stop affixed to the support member sliding inside the grooved slot; pin protruding from the end of the arm; and a holding block located inside the support member; a pair of compression springs, each positioned to bias against the holding block and a corresponding one of the arms longitudinally outward relative to the support member; a dowel passing through and affixed to the holding block and centered within the corresponding compression springs; a push button mechanism located along the support member for locking the arms in a retracted position and extended position, which push button mechanism comprises; a push button; a push pin affixed to the push button; and a push pin spring biasing the push pin against the push button; a spirit level affixed to the support member; and a pair of side bar members attaching to the support member comprising; wire pins located at an end of the side bar member for attaching to the support bar; holes along the side bar member set pins for affixing the side bar member to the wall; and a spirit level affixed to the side bar member; and a space cut out of the center top of the side bar - View Dependent Claims (24)
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25. A method for enabling a tile setter to align and center fascia material such as wall tile without assistance using inexpensive long setting cements comprising the following steps:
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providing a tile supporting device with a support member; affixing the tile supporting device on a wall by using arms attached and inside the support member; centering the tile supporting device by using a calibration on the arms located inside the support member; aligning the support member by using spirit levels affixed to the support member; and affixing the support member to the wall through the biasing of the extended arms and by using push pins. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification