Tile edge setting device and a method of operation thereof

There is provided a device for tile edge setting and the method of operation thereof. The device comprises upper and lower clamping members and an elongate stem coupled to the upper clamping member by way of an offset adjusting mechanism. The stem is releasably coupled to the lower clamping member by way of a releasable coupling mechanism wherein the lower clamping member defines an elongate connection recess having a lengthwise axis and having inner side walls defining opposing inwardly orientated recess mating formations and the stem defines an interstitial strap portion having a distal mating end for releasable coupling within the connection recess, the mating end defining opposing outwardly orientated strap mating formations for simultaneously engaging the respective inwardly orientated recess mating formations of the connection recess such that, the mating end is able to travel widthwise along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess until the opposing outwardly orientated strap mating formations disengage from the opposing inwardly orientated recess mating formations to release the mating end from the elongate connection recess.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tiling devices and apparatus and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to a tile edge setting device and a method of operation thereof.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1shows a prior art system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,429,879 B1 (hereafter D1) for mechanical edge setting system and method for setting tiles and tuning lippage.

D1 discloses a sub tile base member740is configured with a strap receiving void770for receiving therein a reusable strap800. The sub tile base member740is specially designed to allow the reusable strap800to be removed from attachment thereto by severing the various strap mating members.

FIG. D2 shows a further prior art system disclosed in US 20140325935 A1 (hereafter D2) being a tool-less swing arm mechanical edge setting system and method for setting tiles and tuning lippage.

D1 discloses an under tile detachable plate 206 which is configured with a strap receiving void for receiving therein an interstitial strap110. The under tile detachable plate 206 is specially designed to allow the interstitial strap110to be removed from attachment thereto by severing the various multi-diameter stepped plates to strap mating pins 602. These pins of D2 may be made so that they can be relatively easily broken and thereby facilitate removal of interstitial strap110by forcibly separating it from the multi-diameter stepped plate to strap mating pins 602.

In another embodiment, D2 discloses the plate to strap mating pin enlarged terminal portion604have a larger end, which is designed to facilitate ease of insertion followed by retention of interstitial strap110on the multi-diameter stepped plate to strap mating pins 602 during the process of using the system to reduce lippage. The insertion process can be reversed, and the plate to strap mating pin enlarged terminal portion604can be aligned with enlarged terminal portion receiving hole 702, so as to be easily removed through the enlarged portions.

The present invention seeks to provide a device for tile edge setting, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, there is provided a device for tile edge setting, the device comprising: clamping members comprising: an upper clamping member defining a downward acting clamping face; an under tile lower clamping member defining an upward acting clamping face; and an elongate stem for urging the clamping members together, wherein: the elongate stem is coupled to the upper clamping member by way of an offset adjusting mechanism configured for adjusting the relative offset of the stem with respect to the upper clamping member; and the stem is releasably coupled to the lower clamping member by way of a releasable coupling mechanism wherein: the lower clamping member defines an elongate connection recess having a lengthwise axis and having inner side walls defining opposing inwardly orientated recess mating formations, the inwardly orientated recess mating formations being symmetric along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess; and the stem defines an interstitial strap portion having a distal mating end for releasable coupling within the connection recess, the mating end defining opposing outwardly orientated strap mating formations being symmetric along the widthwise axis of the mating end and each outwardly orientated strap mating formation configured for simultaneously engaging the respective inwardly orientated recess mating formations of the connection recess, wherein, in use: the releasable coupling mechanism is configured such that, the mating end is able to travel along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess until the opposing outwardly orientated strap mating formations disengage from the opposing inwardly orientated recess mating formations to release the mating end from the elongate connection recess.

The lower clamping member may be substantially plate-like

The depth of the connection recess may be less than the adjacent thickness of the lower clamping member such that the connection recess may define a connection recess floor.

The length of the elongate connection recess may be less than the width of the lower clamping member along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess.

The connection recess may be substantially horizontally centrally located within the lower clamping member.

The connection recess may have an end wall located to limit the travel of the mating end along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess so as to locate the stem substantially horizontally centrally with respect to the lower clamping member.

The lower clamping member may further may define a disconnection recess in line with the lengthwise axis of the connection recess and adjoining one end of the connection recess and wherein the disconnection recess may have a width greater than the width of the connection recess and a length equal or greater than the width of the mating end so as to allow for the disengagement of the outwardly orientated strap mating formations from the inwardly orientated recess mating formations.

The disconnection recess may be funneled towards the connection recess.

The depth of the disconnection recess may be less than the adjacent thickness of the lower clamping member such that the disconnection recess may define a disconnection recess floor.

The disconnection recess floor may be ramped away from the elongate connection recess.

The connection recess floor and the disconnection recess floor may be vertically aligned so as to allow for the correct alignment for the meshing of the outwardly orientated strap mating formations and the inwardly orientated recess mating formations when the bottom edge of the mating end bears against at least one of the connection recess floor and the disconnection recess floor.

The outwardly orientated strap mating formations may comprise teeth being symmetric along the widthwise axis of the mating end.

The opposite teeth may be respectively vertically staggered.

The teeth have an upwardly orientated saw tooth cross section configuration.

The interstitial strap portion may comprise a release direction indicator.

The outwardly orientated strap mating formations and the inwardly orientated recess mating formations may be directionally keyed such that the mating end can only be inserted into the connection recess in one direction.

The lower surface of the lower clamping member may be substantially convex.

The upper surface of the lower clamping member may be substantially planar.

The offset adjusting mechanism may comprise a screwing mechanism.

The stem may comprise a cylindrical threaded portion for screwing within a complementary threaded aperture portion of the upper clamping member.

The threaded aperture portion may comprise a nut outer profile.

The upper clamping member may define manual screwing facilitating gripping wings.

The lower clamping member may define at least one upwardly projecting grouting spacing member.

The at least one grouting spacing member may be elongate.

The at least one grouting spacing member may be aligned orthogonal the lengthwise axis of the connection recess.

The at least one grouting spacing member may be two grouting spacing members located adjacent the connection recess.

The at least one grouting spacing member may have a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the interstitial strap portion.

The lower clamping member may further may comprise adhesive ports.

The upper clamping member may have a height of approximately 35 mm.

The upper clamping member may have a width of approximately 45 mm.

The lower clamping member may have a width of approximately 45 mm.

The lower clamping member may have a with substantially the same as that of the upper clamping member.

The mating end may have a width of substantially 7 mm.

The mating end may have a width of substantially 12 mm.

The length of the connection recess may be substantially the same as the width of the mating end.

The interstitial strap portion may have a length of approximately 20 mm.

The interstitial strap portion may have a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for reducing tile lippage utilising a device as described herein, the method comprising: providing a tiling surface; smearing tiling adhesive on the tiling surface; placing a tile with one side of the lower clamping member of the device beneath an edge of the tile and with the elongate connection recess aligned in line with the edge of the tile; placing an adjacent tile with an opposite side of the lower clamping member beneath an edge of the adjacent tile; adjusting the offset of the upper clamping member of the device with respect to the stem of the device such that the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member bear oppositely against the respective edges of the tile and the adjacent tile so as to align the edges of the tiles; leaving the adhesive to substantially set; moving the stem laterally between the edges of the tiles such that the mating end of the stem travels from the connection recess of the lower clamping member so as to release the stem from the lower clamping member.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the tile edge setting device and a method of operation thereof are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Turning now toFIG. 3, there is shown a device1for edge setting. As will be appreciated from the ensuing description, the device1has application for aligning edges of adjacent tiles while setting in the manner described herein.

The device1comprises clamping members for clamping the opposing upper and underside surfaces of adjacent tile edges to align the tile edges while setting.

Specifically, the clamping members comprises an upper clamping member for defining a downward acting clamping face9for bearing downwardly on the upper surface of the adjacent tile edges. Furthermore, the clamping members further comprise an under tile lower clamping member20defining an upward acting clamping face14for bearing upwardly on the underside surface of the adjacent tile edges to align the tiles while setting.

The device20further comprises an elongate stem19for urging the clamping members together.

Now, specifically, the elongate stem19is coupled to the upper clamping member4by way of an offset adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the relative offset of the stem19with respect to the upper clamping member4.

In this manner, by adjusting the offset of the upper clamping member4with respect to the stem19the applicant be member4may be borne towards the lower clamping member20such that the downward acting clamping phase9and the upward acting clamping face14bear oppositely on the respective upper and underside surfaces of the adjacent tile edges so as to clamp the adjacent tile edges so as to align the tile edges while setting.

Furthermore, the stem19is releasably coupled to the lower clamping member20by way of a releasable coupling mechanism. Specifically, the releasable coupling mechanism comprises the lower clamping member20defining an elongate connection recess12configured for engaging a distal end of the stem19therein.

Reference is made toFIG. 4showing a top plan view of the lower clamping member20showing the elongate connection recess12.

Returning again toFIG. 3, the elongate connection recess12has a lengthwise axis and has inner sidewalls21defining opposing inwardly orientated recess mating formations13. The inwardly orientated recess mating formations13are symmetrical on the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12so as to facilitate the sliding of the distal end of the stem19along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12for connection and disconnection in the manner described in further detail below.

Considering the stem19now in further detail, the stem19defines an interstitial strap portion7having a distal mating end10for releasable coupling within the connection recess12.

The distal mating end10similarly defines opposing outwardly orientated strap mating formations8being symmetrical along the widthwise axis of the mating end10.

In this manner, each opposite outwardly orientated strap mating formation8is configured for simultaneously engaging the respective opposite inwardly orientated recess mating formation13of the connection recess12when the mating end10is located within the connection recess12.

As such, the releasable coupling mechanism is configured such that the mating end10is able to travel along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12until the outwardly orientated strap mating formations8disengaged from the inwardly orientated recess mating formations13to release the mating end10from the elongate connection recess12.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the mating end12has a width greater than that of the interstitial strap7for greater purchase surface area. However, in other embodiments, including that which is substantially shown inFIG. 9, the mating end10may have a width substantially the same as that of the interstitial strap7.

As can be seen fromFIG. 3, the under tile lower clamping member20is preferably substantially plate like so as to be generally suited for under tile location in use. In embodiments, the lower clamping member20may comprise a substantially square horizontal cross-section as substantially shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. However, other horizontal cross-sections may be applicable within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein.

Now, in a preferred embodiment, and as can be seen fromFIG. 3, the depth of the connection recess12is less than the adjacent thickness of the lower clamping member20such that the connection recess defines a connection recess floor22.

Specifically,FIG. 4shows a top plan view of the lower clamping member20wherein the connection recess12can be seen recessed into the upper surface of the lower clamping member20whereasFIG. 5shows a lower plan view of the lower clamping member20wherein, as can be seen, the connection recess5does not extend entirely through the lower clamping member20. In this manner, tile adhesive is substantially prevented from entering the connection recess12from beneath, such as were the connection recess12bottom open-ended, so as to prevent tile adhesive from hindering the sliding of the mating end12from the connection recess12.

As can be seen fromFIG. 4, in embodiments, the length of the elongate connection recess12is less than the width of the lower clamping member20along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12.

Furthermore, as can be seen, in a preferred embodiment, the connection recess12is substantially horizontally centrally located within the lower clamping member20such that, when the mating ended10is engaged within the connection recess12, the stem19is substantially horizontally centrally located with respect to the lower clamping member20.

In embodiments, the connection recess12may have an end wall24located to limit the travel of the mating ended10along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12so as to locate the stem19substantially horizontally centrally with respect to the lower clamping member20.

Now, in embodiments, the connection recess12may run to the edge of the lower clamping member20. However, in a preferred embodiment, so as to facilitate disengagement with a shorter run, the lower clamping member20further defines a disconnection recess11in line with the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12and adjoining one end of the connection recess12.

Furthermore, as can be seen fromFIG. 4, the disconnection recess11has a width of equal or greater than the width of the connection recess12and a length equal or greater than the width of the mating end10so as to allow the disengagement of the outwardly orientated strap mating formations8from the inwardly orientated recess mating formations13.

Furthermore, in embodiments, and as can be seen fromFIG. 4, the disconnection recess11may be funneled towards the connection recess12so as to guide the mating end10to assist in the connection process. Also, as can be seen fromFIG. 3, in embodiments, the depth of the disconnection recess11is less in the adjacent thickness of the lower clamping member20such that the disconnection recess11similarly defines a disconnection recess floor23.

As can be seen, the disconnection recess floor23is ramped away from the elongate connection recess12so as to urge the stem19upwardly when travelling from the connection recess12.

As can also be seen, the connection recess floor22and the disconnection recess floor23may be vertically aligned so as to allow for the correct alignment for the meshing of the outwardly orientated strap mating formations8and the inwardly orientated recess mating formations13when the bottom edge of the mating ended10bears against at least one of the connection recess floor22and the disconnection recess floor23.

Turning now toFIGS. 7, 8 and 12, there is shown the mating end10in further detail.

Specifically, as can be seen in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the outwardly orientated strap mating formations8comprise teeth which, as alluded to above, are symmetric along the widthwise axis of the mating end.

It should be noted however that differing mechanical arrangements as opposed to teeth may be applicable within the purposive scope of substantially preventing the mating end10from being lifted from the connection recess12while allowing the mating end10to travel along the connection recess12such as that which is substantially shown inFIG. 11wherein the mating end10comprises a bar extending along the width of the mating ended8and having a depth greater than that of the mating end10so as to define opposite upwardly orientated ledges for engaging complimentary downward orientated ledges of the sidewalls of the connection recess12.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the opposing teeth8are preferably vertically staggered so as to avoid unduly thinning the mating end10.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the teeth8have an upwardly orientated sawtooth cross-section configuration so as to allow the insertion of the mating end10into the connection recess12along the elongate axis of the stem19. In this manner, the mating end10can be pushed into the connection recess12for connection wherein, once utilised, may be slid from the connection recess along the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12in the manner described herein.

The teeth may also bias the teeth8against being pulled from the connection recess12.

In embodiments, the vertical staggering of the opposite teeth8directionally keys the mating end10such that the mating end10can only be inserted into the connection recess12in one direction.

In this regard, the stem19may further comprise a release direction indicator indicating the direction for release such that, in use, the user is able to ascertain the appropriate direction in which to move the stem19for disengagement.

However, in alternative embodiments, two adjacent disconnection recesses7may be located at either end of the connection recess12so as to allow the stem19to be released in either direction. In this embodiment, the connection recess12may comprise an interference (such as a protrusion configured to locate within a complimentary notch of the mating end10) so as to bias or catch the mating end10at an appropriate location so as to substantially centrally locate the stem19and a substantial midpoint of the lower clamping member4.

Turning again toFIG. 3, in embodiments, the lower surface16of the lower clamping member20may be substantially convex so as to allow the lower clamping member20to glide across setting tile adhesive. Furthermore, the upper surface area of the lower clamping member20be substantially planar so as to define the upwardly acting clamping phase14.

In embodiments, the offset adjusting mechanism between the upper clamping member4and the stem19may comprise a screwing mechanism.

Specifically, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the stem19comprises a cylindrical threaded portion18for screwing within a complimentary threaded aperture of the upper clamping member4. In this manner, by rotating the upper clamping member4with respect to the stem19, the relative offset of the stem19with respect to the upper clamping member4may be adjusted such as which is illustrated further inFIG. 6.

In embodiments, the upper clamping member4may be manually rotated while the stem19remains statically fixed within the connection recess12. In this manner, the upper clamping member4may define gripping wings5for facilitating gripping of the upper clamping member4for screwing.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the upper threaded aperture portion3of the upper clamping member4may comprise a hex or other nut outer profile so as to allow the rotation of the upper clamping member14utilising an electric power tool.

In alternative embodiments, alternative arrangements may be utilised to adjust the offset of the stem19with respect to the upper clamping member4as opposed to the screwing mechanism as substantially shown inFIGS. 3 and 9.

For example,FIG. 10shows a further embodiment comprising an alternative offset adjusting mechanism configured for adjusting the relative offset of the stem19with respect to the upper clamping member4.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the offset adjusting mechanism comprises a worm drive15comprising a threaded portion configured to mesh with complimentary meshing of a substantially planar stem19. In this embodiment, the upper clamping member20need not be rotated when adjusting the offset of the stem19.

A cross-sectional elevation view of such a planar stem is substantially provided inFIG. 11wherein the angled meshing27for meshing with the thread of the worm drive25as shown.

The worm25drive may further comprise a coupling portion extending therefrom for coupling with a screwdriver, spanner, or other tool for the purposes of rotating the worm drive25so as to adjust the relative offset of the planar stem19.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling portion comprises a hex nut profile or similar so as to allow for ease of engagement by an electric power tool.

Also, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the upper clamping member4may further comprise additional peripherally located manual screwing facilitating gripping wings28which may be used in addition or alternative to the above-described manual screwing facilitating gripping wings5.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the interstitial strap portion of the stem19may be widened by way widened portion26. In this regard, trial and experimentation has found that the widened portion26confers bending and twisting resistance of the stem19during engagement and disengagement.

In further embodiments, the upper clamping member4may comprise a spring member or the like which may be loaded with force so as to comprise potential energy for acting on the stem19and bearing against the upper tile surface. For example, in one embodiment, the spring member may comprise a coiled spring acting on the stem19to force the stem19vertically with respect to the upper clamping member4.

FIG. 13shows an alternative embodiment wherein the upper clamping member4takes the form of a substantially C-shaped spring member portion which may be bent during engagement such that the lower clamping face9of the C-shaped spring member upper clamping member4bear5downwardly on the upper tile surface.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 13, the outwardly orientated strap mating formations8may take the angled sawtooth configuration as substantially shown inFIG. 7so as to allow the mating end10to be pushed into the connection recess12along the elongate axis of the stem19wherein, once the tile adhesive has set, the mating end10may be slid from the connection recess12in the manner described herein for disconnection.

As such, the mating end10may be pushed into the connection recess12prior to locating the lower clapping member20beneath the edge of the tile or alternatively the mating end10may be pushed into the connection recess12of the lower clamping member20once the lower clamping member20has already been located under one edge of a tile or both edges of adjacent tiles.

In embodiment shown inFIG. 13, the stem19may extend through an upper aperture of the upper clamping member4and comprise a handle or other engagement to bear downwardly on the upper surface of the upper clamping member20so as to allow the upper clamping member20to act on the handle or other engagement30and therefore to act on the stem19.

In embodiment, the upper clamping member4may be coupled to the stem19by way of a pivot so as to allow the upper clamping member4to be swung with respect to the stem19for connection and disconnection.

In embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the upper clamping member4may be substantially bell or cone shaped having the connection aperture portion3at the apex and reaching to lower skirting defining the downwardly acting clamping face9. Angled radial arms may extend between the upper threaded aperture portion3and the circular skirting including so as to define voids6therebetween which may be utilised as portals for viewing the interstitial strap7beneath the upper clamping member4.

In embodiments, the lower camping member20defines at least one upwardly projecting grouting spacing member7which may be utilised for appropriately spacing the tiles apart when setting.

Turning now toFIG. 4, there is shown the top plan view of the lower clamping member20showing the grouting spacing members17in further detail. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the at least one grouting spacing member70may be elongate. Furthermore, as is shown inFIG. 4, the lower clamping member20may define two grouting spacing members17aligned orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12and respectively located oppositely adjacent the connection recess12.

Furthermore, the grouting spacing member17may have a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the interstitial strap portion7. In this manner, when utilising the device1at a tile quadrant intersection, the interstitial strap portion7may be utilised to space the tiles apart appropriately while the grouting spacing members17may be utilised to space the tiles apart along the other orthogonal edges.

In use, differing lower clamping members20and stems19may be utilised depending on the desired application. For example, differing lower camping members20may be selected having grouting spacing members having differing thicknesses or lower clamping members20devoid of grouting spacing members17. Similarly, differing stems19may be utilised having differing thicknesses depending on the desired grouting spacing.

As can also be seen fromFIG. 4, in embodiments, the lower clamping member20may comprise adhesive ports15allowing the tile adhesive to ooze from beneath the lower clamping member22adhere to the undersurface of the tiles.

Now, with respect to exemplary dimensions, the upper clamping member20may have a height of approximately 35 mm and a lower edge diameter of approximately 45 mm. Furthermore, the width of the mating end10and that of the connection recess12may be approximately 12 mm. For the embodiment as substantially shown inFIG. 9, the width of the mating end10and that of the connection recess12may be approximately 7 mm.

Furthermore, the length of the interstitial strap portion7may be approximately 20 mm.

Furthermore, the diameter of the upper cylindrical aperture portion3of the upper clamping member4may be approximately 10 mm.

Furthermore, the width of the interstitial strap7may be approximately 1 mm. As alluded to above, differing straps7having differing thicknesses may be utilised in accordance with desired grouting spacing.

Furthermore, the length of the cylindrical threaded portion18of the stem19may be approximately 30 mm.

Now, a method for tile edge setting utilising the device1described herein may be provided as follows.

Firstly, tile adhesive is smeared on a tiling surface such as a floor or wall surface.

Thereafter, a device1is selected for use. During selection, a device1having an interstitial strap7having an appropriate thickness in accordance with a desired grouting spacing may be utilised.

Furthermore, the lower clamping member20may be similarly selected in accordance with whether grouting spacing members17are required (such as for a quadrant intersection) and wherein, if so, grouting spacing members17similarly having an appropriate thickness in accordance with the desired grouting spacing.

Thereafter, the device1may be configured such that mating end10of the stem19is engaged within the connection recess12.

Thereafter, a tile is placed in the tile adhesive wherein one edge of the lower clamping member20is located or guided beneath an edge of the tile and wherein the lengthwise axis of the connection recess12is aligned in line with the edge of the tile.

An adjacent tile may then be placed next to the tile to rest upon the exposed edge of the lower clamping member20.

The adjacent tile may be pushed against the tile until such time that both the tile and the adjacent tile bear against the opposing side walls of the interstitial strap portion7so as to be appropriately spaced.

Thereafter, the upper clamping member4may be connected to the stem19and rotated so as to travel downwardly such that the edges of the tile and the adjacent tile are clamped between the lower clamping member20and the upper clamping member4. In embodiments, a power tool may be utilised to engage the hex nut profile of the stem aperture portion3, set using an appropriate torque setting.

Thereafter, the tile adhesive is allowed to set.

Once having set, the upper clamping member4or the stem19is pushed in line with the edges of the tiles so as to allow the mating end10to travel from the connection recess12into the disconnection recess11whereafter the interstitial strap7may be lifted from between the edges of the tile and the adjacent tile with the under tile lower clamping member20remaining in place.

Prior to removing, the upper clamping member4may be unscrewed slightly so as to reduce the fictional engagement on the upper surface of the tile and the adjacent tile.

Thereafter, grouting may be inserted between the adjacent edges of the tiles and wherein the clamping member4and the stem19may be reused.

Interpretation

Orientation

Reference to the widthwise axis of the mating end10should be construed in the manner substantially shown inFIG. 3wherein the stem19has a lengthwise axis (shown substantially vertically inFIG. 3) and a widthwise axis (shown substantially horizontally inFIG. 3). The thickness of the stem19may be referred to interchangeably as the depth.

Embodiments

Different Instances of Objects

Specific Details

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

SCOPE OF INVENTION

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the tiling industries.