Abstract:
A tile retaining device that secures a tile or other work piece for cutting is disclosed. The tile retaining device can be used in combination with a circular saw, a wet saw, a band saw, or any other type of mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device secures a tile and provides additional surface area for a user to grasp during the cutting process, which can aid in manually manipulating the work piece through a mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device can also provide cutting guides, and can be adaptable to a variety of shapes and sizes of tiles.

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/992,088, entitled “TILE RETAINING ARTICLE,” filed Dec. 3, 2007, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology disclosed herein is generally related to construction, more specifically to tile installation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tile is commonly used to cover various surfaces, including floors, walls, ceilings, table tops, and many other surfaces, and can be constructed from various materials including stone, ceramic, glass, clay, and metal, among other materials. In some situations, it can be convenient to cut one or more tiles. For example, depending on the size of the tiles relative to the surface on which they will be used, it can be desirable to cut one or more tiles for the purpose of matching the size of the collective tiles with the surface area being covered. In another example, it can be desirable to cut one or more tiles for the aesthetic reasons. 
     There are a variety of tools that can be used to cut tiles. For example, a wet saw is frequently used to cut certain types of tiles. The tiles are manually positioned proximate to the wet saw and guided through the saw blade. In positioning or manipulating the tile, a person&#39;s hands can get uncomfortably close to the blade, which can make the process more difficult or dangerous than would be appreciated. In addition, it is often very difficult to hold small tiles. Some tiles are less than an inch square, and such tiles are very challenging to hold while being cut. It can be hazardous to hold such tiles during cutting, because fingers and hands can be injured. Therefore, a need exists for an improved way to hold tiles during cutting processes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology disclosed herein is a tile retaining device that secures a tile or other work piece for cutting. The tile retaining device can be used in combination with a circular saw, a wet saw, a band saw, or any other type of mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device secures a tile and provides additional surface area for a user to grasp during the cutting process, which can aid in manually manipulating the work piece through a mechanical cutting or manipulating device. The tile retaining device can also provide cutting guides, and can be adaptable to a variety of shapes and sizes of tiles. 
     This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is perspective view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an implementation of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an implementation of the invention, showing a tile held within the tile retaining device. 
         FIG. 1C  is perspective view of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom plan view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3A  is a first end view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3B  is a second end view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3C  is a first side view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3D  is a second side view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 4A  is a first cross section of a support arm from an example embodiment, taken along lines A-A′ of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 4B  is a second cross section of a support arm from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4C  is a third cross section of a support arm from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4D  is a fourth cross section of a support arm from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a planar cross section of a first embodiment of the invention, taken along lines B-B′ of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 5B  is a planar cross section of an additional embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5C  is a planar cross section of an additional embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is perspective view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an implementation of the invention. Arms  110  having ledges  111  extend from a base  120 , which defines an opening  140  configured to at least partially receive a tile. Clips  130  are disposed along the each arm  110 . A grip  122  is partially disposed along a surface of the base  120  and a guard  121  is disposed along the inside of the base  120 . 
     The base  120  can be constructed from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the base  120  in constructed of a substantially rigid material. In one embodiment, the base  120  is constructed from a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a high molecular weight polyethylene; in another embodiment, the base  120  is constructed from an aluminum alloy or steel, for example. The base  120  can have grips  122  at least partially disposed on the top surface of the base  120 . The grips  122  can be designed to increase friction between the hands or fingers of a user and the base  120 . The grips  122  could be rubber or latex, for example, or can be ridges formed on the surface of the base  120  itself. The base  120  can also have a guard  121  at least partially disposed on a surface of the base  120 . The guard  121  can be constructed of almost any material, but in many embodiments will be a harder material than the base  120 , and be situated so that when a blade progresses through the opening  140 , it will encounter the guard  121  before contact is made with the base  120 . 
     In the depicted embodiment the arms  110  comprise a first arm  110  and an additional arm  120  that extend from the base  120 . The arms  110  can be constructed of any type of material discussed above that would be appropriate for construction of the base  120 . The arms  110  can be constructed of a substantially similar material as the base  120  or different material. The arms  110  in many embodiments will be constructed of substantially similar material as the base  120 , but this is not necessary for the realization of technology disclosed herein. The arms  110  are generally configured to engage a tile. In this embodiment, each arm  110  has a ledge  111  and a clip  130  that are configured to engage a tile there between. 
     The ledges  111  can be constructed of substantially similar material as that of the arms  110  or different material. Materials that generally would be appropriate from which to construct the arms  110  would also be appropriate for the construction of the ledges  111 . In at least one embodiment the ledges  111  are formed by removing material from the arms  110  with a machining tool such as a mill. In multiple embodiments, the ledges  111  result from a mold that defines the ledges  111 . Such a mold could additionally define the arms  110  and the base  120  in one or more embodiments. 
     The clips  130  are configured to releasably secure a tile against the ledges  111 . When secured, a tile is prevented from substantially translating relative to the tile retaining device  100 . In the embodiment shown, the clips  130  comprise two components  131 ,  132  that meet at a joint  133  that allows pivoting motion of the components relative to each other. A spring or a similar component can be used to provide tension in the joint  133  between the first component  131  and the second component  132 . The first component  131  has at least one substantially planar surface that can be mounted on an arm  110  with, for example, an adhesive, epoxy resin, or the like or, in another embodiment, with screws, staples, or the like. The second component  132  has a tab for a user to releasably secure a tile, and a bottom surface that can be substantially planar to substantially increase surface area contact with a tile, which can increase frictional forces exerted by the bottom surface onto the surface of a tile. 
     In at least one embodiment, a relatively higher-friction material can be dispersed on surfaces to increase the frictional forces exerted on a tile, such as rubber, latex, or any other material that can realize similar benefits. When the tab is depressed, the second component  132  separates from the ledge  111 , defining an opening that is available to receive the tile. When the tab is released, the second component  132  secures the tile against the ledge. 
     In another embodiment, an alternative clips (not shown) are used that are pivotally mounted on the arms  110 . The clips can comprise at least one substantially flat bottom surface to rotate across at least a portion of an arm  110 , to partially extend into the opening  140  and to secure one or more portions of the surface of a tile against the ledge by applying a slight compressive force. Such an embodiment can include a plurality of such clips disposed along the top surface of the arms  110 , although this is not necessary in practicing the technology disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an implementation of the invention, showing a tile held within the tile retaining device. Each clip  130  and proximate, corresponding ledge  111  engages one end of the tile  150 . 
     It is generally understood that increasing the surface area of the tile that is in contact with either the ledge  111  or the second component  132  of the clip  130  increases the frictional forces exerted on the tile  150  to prevent translation of the tile  150  relative to the tile retaining device  100 . It is also generally understood that at least the portion of the tile  150  to be cut should be exposed. In some embodiments the ledges  111  can make contact with 5% to 90% of the surface area of the bottom of the tile  150 . In other embodiments the ledges  111  can make contact with 5% to 50% of the surface area of the bottom of the tile  150 . In some embodiments the second component  132  of the clip  130  makes contact with 2% to 10% of the surface are of the top of the tile. In one or more of those embodiments the second component  132  of the clip  130  makes contact with 1% to 20% of the surface area at the top of the tile. In one or more of those embodiments the second component  132  of the clip  130  makes contact with 5% to 90% of the surface area at the top of the tile. 
       FIG. 1C  is perspective view of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. There is a first arm and an additional arm  210  extending from a base  220 , which defines an opening  240  that is configured to at least partially receive a tile. Each arm  210  defines a channel  211  therein that is configured to at least partially receive a tile. Screws  230  are disposed along each of the arms  210 . 
     The channels  211  are configured to receive at least a portion of a tile. The channels  211  can be configured to exert frictional forces on at least a portion of the surface area of a tile. The channels  211  can be created through removing material of the arms with a machining tool such as a mill, for example, or in another embodiment can be created through the use of a mold. In various embodiments, the mold can define the arms  210 , channels  211  and the base  220 . Each channel  211  can be configured to receive at least one edge of a tile. In such embodiments a tile can be inserted into the channels  211  at the distal end of the arms  210 , and slid down the channels  211  until at least one channel  211  ends. In various embodiments at least a portion of the perimeter of the channels  211  can be coated with a material such as rubber or latex to increase frictional forces exerted on the surface of a tile by the arms. In another embodiment a felt or other type of fabric is at least partially disposed on the perimeter of the channels  211 . 
     Screws  230  disposed along the arms  210  can be configured to substantially secure a tile to prevent substantial translation of the tile relative to the tile retaining device  200 . The screws  230  can comprise virtually any material known in the art. One or more holes can be drilled along the arm to accommodate such screws  230 . In some embodiments the screws  230  are situated so that when a tile is inserted in the channels  211 , the screws  230  are manually screwed in by a user so as to secure the tile. 
     In at least one embodiment the screws  230  extend through the top layer of the arm  212 , through the channel  211 , to (or through at least a portion of) the bottom layer of the arm  213  to provide structural support to at least one edge of the tile to prevent translation of the tile across the channel. In at least another embodiment, the screws extend through the top layer of the arm  212  up to the tile within the channel  211  and exert a frictional force directly on the tile itself. In another embodiment, the screws  230  extend through the top layer of the arm  212 , through the channel  211 , and through at least a portion of the bottom layer of the arm  213  to exert a compression force on the top layer of the arm  212  and bottom layer of the arm  213 , which can increase the frictional force of the arm  210  on the tile. 
     In some embodiments multiple methods of using screws can be used, such as screws in combination with a wing nut, for example, to apply compression forces to the arms  210 . In some embodiments no screws are used. In some embodiments a clamp could be used instead of screws  230  to achieve similar results as just described. In at least one other embodiment a latch is used to engage the channels  211  to prevent translation of a tile. The latch can be disengaged before insertion of the tile, and then engaged after insertion of the tile. The arms  210  can be configured to receive one or more latches for such use. In an additional embodiment a rod is inserted into pre-defined openings in the arms  210  to abut a retained tile and prevent translation of the tile across the arms  210 . Also, stoppers can be used that are configured to be received by the channels  211  abutting the distal end of a tile after the tile has been placed in the tile retaining device  200 . The stoppers could be rubber or cork, for example. In other embodiments, additional or different means can be used to prevent translation of a tile. 
     It can be possible for the location of the screw  230  to be translatable relative to the arm. This can be possible in embodiments where one or more screw channel (not shown) is cut into the top layer of the arms  210  that allows linear translation of the screw  230  along the arms  210 . In this type of embodiment the screw  230  can be moved to accommodate tiles of various lengths, for example, or also tiles in different positions in the tile retaining device  200 , in another example. Multiple holes could be drilled in the arms  210  to accommodate the use of screws in different positions. Rods or latches could also be used in combination with pre-drilled holes or a channel to accommodate tiles of various sizes. 
       FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . This embodiment can be consistent with the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Two opposite corners of the tile  150  are secured by the tile retaining device  100 . This use of the tile retaining device  100  can be appropriate when preparing to make a diagonal cut along the tile  150 . In order to accommodate the tile  150  when placed on the tile retaining device  100  in preparation for a diagonal cut, the ledges  111  can extend under the first component  131  of the clip  130 , to allow for the length of the diagonal of the tile  150 . Such embodiments are described in more detail in the discussions of  5 A,  5 B, and  5 C, below. 
       FIG. 2B  is a bottom plan view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . The bottom of the tile retaining device  100  can be substantially planar so as to provide predictable and substantially straight cutting of the tile  150  when, for example, the tile retaining device  100  is set on a platform for a mechanical cutting or manipulating device. 
       FIG. 3A  is a first end view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . The tile  150  is held in place on two sides between the two ledges  111  each extending from the arms  110  and the two clips  130  disposed along the arms  110 . Behind the tile  150  is the guard  121  that is disposed on the proximal end of the base  120  (not shown).  FIG. 3B  is a second end view of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 1B . From this view the base  120  and the clips  130  are visible.  FIGS. 3C and 3D  are both side views of a tile retaining device in accordance with at least the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1B . In both of these views an arm  110  and tab of the clip  130  is visible. 
       FIG. 4A  is a first cross section of a support arm from an example embodiment, taken along lines A-A′ of  FIG. 1B . The ledges  111  extend from the arms  110  and provide support for the tile  150  from the bottom. The first components  131  of the clips  130  are coupled to the arms  110  while the second components  132  of the clips  130  can provide a compression force on the tile  150  resulting from tension in the joint  133  of the clip  130   
       FIG. 4B  is a second cross section of arms from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. Each arm  310  defines a channel  311  that is configured to at least partially receive a tile. The surface area of the material surrounding the channel  311  can have material disposed thereon to increase the frictional force on the tile and/or enable insertion of the tile through the channel  311 . Such material can include felt cloth, rubber, latex, or any other material that can offer such benefits. 
       FIG. 4C  is a third cross section of arms from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the clips  430  have a longer profile than those previously shown in  FIG. 4A , for example, and can potentially increase the frictional forces exerted on a tile because of increased contact between the clip and the surface area of the tile. Additionally, the ledge has a longer profile as compared to those previously shown, such as in the example depicted in  FIG. 4A , which can also increase the surface area in contact with the tile and, as a result, potentially increase frictional forces exerted on the tile. 
       FIG. 4D  is a fourth cross section of arms from an example embodiment consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. Similar to the example depicted in  FIG. 4B , each arm  510  defines a channel  511  that is configured to at least partially receive a tile. Screws  530  are located in the arms and can be used to prevent translation of the tile relative to the tile retaining device. In one embodiment the tile is inserted into the channel into a position, and the screws  530  are inserted abutting one or more ends of the tile, as necessary to prevent relative translation of the tile with regard to the tile retaining device. “Ends” refers to two sides of the tile, the first end being the side of the tile closest to the base, and the second end of the tile being the distal side. In some embodiments screws  530  can abut both ends of the tile. Screws and similar devices can also be used as described above in the explanation of  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 5A  is a planar cross section of a first embodiment of the invention, taken along lines B-B′ of  FIG. 1A , slightly above a plane concurrent with the ledges  111 . The tile retaining device  100  and the ledges  111 , specifically, are configured to at least accommodate a tile having a width X. Generally the tile can be a square, each side having width X, but it is also within the scope of the technology disclosed herein that the tile can be rectangular having width X. It can be possible for the tile to have a width less than X, in some embodiments. The profiles of the ledges  111  extend to the base in this embodiment, although this is not necessary for realization of the technology disclosed herein. In many embodiments the ledges  111  can extend partially down the arms  110 . In embodiments where a channel (not shown) is used to engage a tile, the channels can have a similar profile to the ledges  111  shown in  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 5B  is a planar cross section of an additional embodiment of the invention. The tile retaining device  600  and the ledges, specifically, are configured to at least accommodate a tile having a width X, including a square tile having a width X, positioned in the tile retaining device  600  at an angle in preparation to make a diagonal cut, similar to the tile position depicted in  FIG. 2A . In use, the tile can be progressed down the ledges  611  into position for cutting, etc., or, the tile can be progressed down the ledges  611  and turned so that the corners fit into ledge extensions  612 . 
       FIG. 5C  is a planar cross section of an additional embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the ledges  711  (or channels) are configured so that a tile having width X, can be received by tile retaining device  600  with the corners inserted in the ledges  711 , progressed down the arms  710  toward the base  720 , and positioned for a diagonal cut, similar to the position of the tile depicted in  FIG. 2A . 
     In some embodiments the tile retaining device can be configurable to accommodate a wide range of tile sizes.  FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with such an embodiment of the invention. A base  820  is coupled to a first arm  810  and second arm  812 . The first arm  810  and second arm  812  have ledges  811  and clips  830  as a means of securing at least a portion of a tile (although other means of securing tile, as described above, can be used). At least one arm  812  is slidably disposed along one side of the base  820 , so as to accommodate tiles of a wide variety of widths. A latch  813  can be coupled to the second arm  812  and be used to fasten the second arm  812  in a particular position. The base  820  can have a ruler  824  and a cutting guide  823  disposed thereon. 
     The latch  813  that can be used to fasten the second arm in a particular position along the base  820  can be a spring latch, for example, that engages teeth (not shown), or the like, disposed along the length of the base  820 . A user can withdraw the latch  813 , position the second arm  812  at a proper point along the base  820 , and then advance the latch  813 , which engages teeth disposed along at least a portion of the base  820 . When the latch  813  is a spring latch, withdrawing the latch  813  can comprise a user lifting the latch  813  and advancing the latch  813  can comprise the user letting go of the latch  813 . The latch  813  can engage teeth by advancing between teeth, for example, which disallows relative movement of the latch  813  across teeth, and therefore disallows movement of the second arm  812  across the base  820 . In some embodiments, the base  820  can be configured to have a track (not shown) that allows the second arm  812  to be slidably disposed across the base above the teeth, although this is not necessary for realization of the technology disclosed herein. 
     Other types of latches can also be used that are known in the art. In some embodiments, a latch  813  and tooth combination is not used at all, such as in an example embodiment where is draw latch is used to secure the second arm  812  to the base  820 . In such an example embodiment one side of the draw latch is anchored to the second arm  812 , and slidably disposed along at least one surface of the base  820 . In other embodiments a latch is not used to secure the second arm  812  in one position on the base  820 . In such embodiments the second arm  812  can be secured with screws and pre-drilled holes or slots, clamps, clips, or the like. 
     The ruler  824  can be disposed along the edge of the base to provide guidance in adapting the tile retaining device  800  for use with particular-sized tiles. The ruler  824  can be an adhesive-coated print that is applied to the base  820 , for example or, in another example, a ruler can be carved, stamped, or painted onto the base  824 . Any other method known in the art to provide a ruler on the base  824  of the tile retaining device  800  can also be used. In some embodiments, instead of a ruler, lengths along the base  820  can be designated to correspond to particular tile sizes. Such designations can be applied to the base through any method known in the art, including carving, painting, applying an adhesive-coated print, or the like. 
     A guide  823  can be slidably disposed along one side of the base  820 . The guide  823  can provide guidance with regard to a location to make a cut on a tile. The guide  823  can be a battery powered laser pointer that projects light on the tile itself. In another example, the guide  823  can be a rod or grid to provide an ocular reference point to a user. In some embodiments the guide  823  will not be slidably disposed but, rather, fixed at a specific position on the tile retaining device  800 . In another embodiment, the guide  823  is extendable to one or more points in the opening  840  to provide guidance or a reference point. 
       FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of a tile retaining device constructed and arranged in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the arms  910  are distinct components that are not coupled to each other or a base. In this embodiment it is possible that grips  920  can be disposed along each arm. Such grips  920  can be similar to the grips used in combination with a base as described in the discussion of  FIG. 1A , above. While in the example shown ledges  911  and clips  930  are used to engage a tile, in other embodiments other methods of securing a tile can be used, as described above. 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. A bottom frame  1001  is designed to receive a top frame  1002  through the use of female  1005  and male  1006  components, in one embodiment. The arms  1010  define ledges  1011  that are collectively configured to receive a tile. In use a tile can be placed in the ledges  1011  defined by the bottom frame  1001 , and the top frame  1002  can engage the bottom frame  1001  to “sandwich” the tile. In some embodiments, when coupled, the top frame  1002  and bottom frame  1001  exert a compression force on the tile, although this is not necessary for practice of the technology disclosed herein. 
     In one embodiment the ledges  1011  are configured to substantially receive one particular size of tile in one position. In another embodiment, the ledges  1011  are configured to receive one particular size of tile in multiple positions, such as in preparation for a cut parallel to a diagonal of a tile and also in preparation for a cut parallel to a side of the tile. In at least one embodiment the ledges  1011  are configured to receive two or more particular tile sizes. As shown, the bottom frame  1001  and the top frame  1002  partially define ledges  1011  configured to receive a tile. In some embodiments, the ledges can be substantially defined by either the bottom frame  1001  or the top frame  1002 . In one embodiment the bottom frame  1001  can define a left ledge and the top frame  1002  can define a right ledge, or vice versa. 
     In one embodiment, the female components  1005  and male components  1006  are designed to provide a snap-fit between the bottom frame  1001  and the top frame  1002 . In other embodiments, there is not a snap-fit between the bottom frame  1001  and the top frame  1002 . In some embodiments female components  1005  and male components  1006  are not used and, rather, clips, clamps, screws, or other methods of coupling the bottom frame  1001  and the top frame  1002  are used. Such other coupling methods can also be used in conjunction with the female components  1005  and male components  1006 . 
       FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bottom frame  1102  is joined to the top frame  1101  through a hinge  1160 . The bottom frame  1102  and the top frame  1101  each define a ledge  1111  that, collectively, are configured to receive a tile. Female components  1105  and male components  1106  can be distributed on the matching surfaces of the bottom frame  1102  and the top frame  1101  to enable coupling. 
     The hinge  1160  can comprise any material known in the art for making hinges. In one embodiment the hinge  1160  comprises the same material as the bottom frame  1102  and the top frame  1101 , such as when the frames  1102 ,  1101  comprise a plastic, for example. In such an embodiment the plastic can be a relatively thinner as compared to the frames  1102 ,  1101  to enable flexibility. In other embodiments the hinge  1160  is distinct from the bottom frame  1102  and the top frame  1101  and is coupled to each frame  1102 ,  1101  with an adhesive, epoxy resin, screws, or the like. In such embodiments the hinge  1160  can comprise metal, for example and can be constructed through means known in the art. 
     As mentioned above, other means of coupling the bottom frame  1102  and the top frame  1101  can be used in conjunction with or in replacement of the female components  1105  and male components  1106 . As also mentioned above, the ledges  1111  that are defined by the top frame  1101  and the bottom frame  1102  need not be substantially similar, although the ledges  1111  can be in some embodiments. The ledges need be configured to receive at least one tile in one position. 
       FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tile retaining device consistent with at least one embodiment of the invention. A frame  1220  is configured to receive a first tile retainer  1201  and a second tile retainer  1204 . The frame  1220  can comprise any material that is suitable for constructing the base and arms (not shown) of a tile retaining device described in the description of  FIG. 1A , above. The first tile retainer  1201  defines a first opening  1211  configured to receive a first-sized tile, and the second tile retainer  1204  defines an second opening  1212  configured to receive a second-sized tile. In operation, a first tile is placed in the first  1211  opening configured to receive the first-sized tile; and a top frame  1202  is folded via a hinge  1260  over the tile to substantially make contact with a bottom frame  1203 . The first tile retainer  1201  is then inserted into slots  1221  defined by the frame  1220  that are designed to receive the first tile retainer  1201  and the second tile retainer  1204 . 
     When a second tile size need be cut or manipulated, a second tile retainer  1204  can be used that defines a second opening  1212  configured to receive second-sized tiles. Similar to use of the first tile retainer  1201 , the second-sized tile is placed in the second opening  1212  defined by the second tile retainer  1204 . The top frame  1205  is folded over the bottom frame  1206  to “sandwich” the second-sized tile. The second tile retainer  1204  can then be received by the slots  1221  defined by the frame  1220  in preparation for tile cutting or manipulation. 
     In the embodiment shown the frame  1220  can exert sufficient compression force on the first tile retainer  1201  and second tile retainer  1204  to prevent translation of the tile relative to the tile retaining device  1200 . In the embodiment shown the frame  1220  can exert sufficient compression force on the first tile retainer  1201  and second tile retainer  1204  to prevent translation of the first tile retainer  1201  or the second tile retainer  1204  relative to the frame  1220 . In some embodiments a securing means can be used to couple the first tile retainer  1201  and the second tile retainer  1204  to the frame  1220  such as clamps, clips, screws, female and male components, or the like. 
     For realization of the technology disclosed herein the top frames  1202 ,  1205  and the bottom frames  1203 ,  1206  need not be joined through hinges  1260 ,  1261 . In some embodiments the top frames  1202 ,  1205  and bottom frames  1203 ,  1206  can be discrete components as shown in a previous embodiment. In some embodiments a hinge can join the sides of the arms of the tile retainer rather than the front of the arms.