HK1122085B - System for setting tiles, tile assembly and joining element for use in the system, method for setting tiles, and tile floor repair method - Google Patents

Description

System for installing tiles, tile assemblies and joining elements for use in such a system, method for installing tiles and method for repairing tile floors

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for installing tiles using a plurality of tile assemblies and joining elements interconnecting adjacent tile assemblies, each tile assembly comprising a tile member and a support member connected with the underside of the tile member and provided with a recess for receiving a portion of a joining element. The invention also relates to a tile assembly and a joining element for use in such a system. The invention also relates to a method for installing the tiles and a method for repairing the tiles.

Background

A system of the above type is known from US-A-5323575. In this known system, the support member is provided with a connection element designed in such a way that: one tile assembly comprises a tile member and the tile support portion is releasably connected to an adjacent tile assembly. In this way, a complete tile floor can be manufactured by interconnecting such tile assemblies. However, this construction is such that once the floor has been installed, it is very difficult to remove a single tile assembly without damaging the other tiles in an irreparable manner. This is due to the fact that the connection is achieved by alternating male and female elements used on each tile assembly. Thus, it is difficult to replace a single tile or a limited number of tiles without substantially damaging some tile assemblies.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a system as described above in which these problems can be avoided. This object is achieved in that the support member has a plurality of openings and/or projections extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tile member, and that the joining element comprises a strip-shaped member provided with openings and/or projections fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies.

By providing a separate joining element, one tile assembly can be removed from a position in the finished floor, e.g. for cleaning or replacement in case of damage, simply by lifting the tile assembly vertically, whereby the connection (e.g. by friction) between the projections and/or openings of the tile assembly and the openings and/or projections of the joining element is released. The same or another tile assembly can then simply be put in the same position to complete the floor again. In fact, the entire tile floor can be quickly installed and removed without altering or damaging the underfloor, the tile assembly or the joining elements. The amount of labour required is greatly reduced by the brick according to the invention. The tile assemblies and joining elements can be reused many times, making the system according to the invention particularly suitable for use in urban collections, exhibition spaces, flexible living or office spaces, etc.

In an embodiment, a portion of the tile assembly overlaps a portion of the joining element. Interconnecting projections and/or openings are located in the portions, near the edges of the assembly and the joining element, respectively.

In an embodiment the opening and/or the protrusion of the support member is located in a recess of the support member.

In an embodiment the recess is located below the tile member such that the joining element is located substantially below the tile member, whereby it may be at least partly or completely invisible when the floor consisting of the tile assembly and the joining element is finished.

In an embodiment, the openings and/or projections are arranged in rows along the edge of each support member and joining element. Thereby, a reliable connection along a line can be achieved with little material. The tile assemblies may be placed with all edges facing each other or shifted one or more opening and/or projection spacings relative to each other if the openings and/or projections are evenly spaced in said rows.

In an embodiment, the boss has a substantially cylindrical shape, the boss being configured to be insertable into an opening having a substantially cylindrical shape, the opening having an inlet portion having a substantially conical shape. During insertion of the projection, the wall of the conical inlet portion of the opening will guide the projection into the conical portion of the opening, thereby moving the projection transversely with respect to the extension direction of the projection, so that the tile assembly and the joining element move with respect to each other in this direction until the projection is in the cylindrical portion of the opening.

In an embodiment, the projection has a conical shape, the projection being configured to be insertable into an opening having a corresponding conical shape. During insertion of the projection, the walls of the conical opening guide the projection into the opening, thereby moving the projection transversely with respect to the direction of extension of the projection, also causing the tile assembly and the joining element to move relative to each other in this direction until the projection has fully entered the opening.

As discussed in more detail below, the coupling element may be fabricated from a resiliently deformable material and the support element may be fabricated from a substantially non-deformable material. In such an embodiment, the support member is provided with a projection and the coupling element is provided with an opening.

In an embodiment, the joining element is configured to extend along a portion of the periphery of the tile assembly. Wherein the coupling member has a plurality of edges, the coupling member extending along at least one of said edges.

In an embodiment, the joining element is configured to extend along half of the circumference of the tile assembly. Splicing a complete floor with one tile assembly and one joining element results in a low total number of components (joining element and tile assembly). The tile members and tile assemblies may be triangular, rectangular, square or substantially polygonal, such as hexagonal.

In an embodiment, the coupling element is made of an elastically deformable material. Such a material provides flexibility when the joining element and the tile assembly are joined, more ensuring a proper connection. Such material may also be used to generate forces in the connection between the projection and the opening by stretching the material in the direction of the main surface of the tile member. Such material may further create a frictional force against sliding of the joining elements relative to the underfloor (underfloor), thereby substantially fixing the tile assemblies interconnected by the joining elements against movement parallel to the tile members relative to the underfloor. Such a material may also provide a seal against the underfloor to prevent liquid from inadvertently reaching under the tile assembly, for example by cracks in the tile, from flowing from under one tile assembly to under an adjacent tile assembly, provided that the joining elements to which the tile assemblies are connected are in contact with each other to provide a tight peripheral seal.

In an embodiment, the openings and/or projections of the tile assemblies and joining elements are configured such that when the joining element is interconnected with an adjacent tile assembly, the joining element is deformed, thereby urging the tile members of the adjacent tile assemblies towards each other. If the edges of adjacent tile members are in contact with each other, the deformation of the joining element creates tension therein, urging the edges of adjacent tile members against each other. In this way, dimensional changes of the tile members, which may be made of wood, for example, are automatically compensated for, so that there are no gaps between adjacent tile members. The tile members can be urged against each other such that substantially no liquid can pass between the tile members, thereby making the floor liquid tight. Furthermore, the tile member may be provided with an elastically deformable material on its face in contact with the adjacent tile member to enhance the sealing effect against liquid.

In an embodiment, the joining element is provided with an upwardly extending joining portion configured to be arranged between two adjacent tile members. The joint fills at least a portion of the gap between adjacent tile members, thereby avoiding filling with conventional grout after splicing.

In order to achieve a sealing effect, in particular against liquids, in an embodiment the coupling part is made of an elastically deformable material. The system may be designed such that the joining parts are deformed after the tile assembly and the joining element are interconnected.

The binding portion of the binding member may be a separate portion, and means may be provided to attach it to the binding portion. However, in an embodiment the coupling part is integral with the coupling element.

In one embodiment, the top of the joining portion is tapered or rounded. Such an embodiment facilitates the replacement of one tile assembly in the finished floor.

In an embodiment, the openings and/or projections of the tile assemblies and joining elements are configured such that, when the joining element is interconnected with an adjacent tile assembly, the joining element is deformed, thereby urging the tile members of the adjacent tile assembly towards the joining portion. Thereby, the bonding portion, which may be provided with the sealing protrusion, is pressed, thereby providing excellent liquid-tightness to the tile floor.

In an embodiment, the joining element, in particular not only the joining portion thereof, is provided with a projection on one side, configured to face the tile member, which projection extends along the length of the joining element. The protrusion brings about a sealing effect against the liquid.

In one embodiment, the projections are compressible to enhance the sealing effect. The projection may be resiliently deformable.

In an embodiment, the joining element is configured to have an underside, substantially flush with the underside of the support member, thereby providing excellent support to the tile floor formed by the joining element and the tile assembly. Furthermore, in this way, high friction is achieved under the tile floor and the floor, thereby effectively preventing the tile floor from sliding relative to the floor.

In one embodiment, the tile members comprise substantially non-deformable tiles fabricated from, for example, stone, ceramic, wood, plastic, glass, metal, or any combination thereof. Substantially non-deformable tiles may work well with deformable joint portions to provide the required sealing.

In one embodiment, the tiles are tapered or rounded at their lower edges. Such an embodiment facilitates replacement of individual tile assemblies in the finished floor, for example when repairing damaged or worn tile assemblies/tiles.

In an embodiment, the tile member comprises a deformable tile, such as a rubber tile or a carpet tile. Adjacent deformable tiles may have their edges in contact with each other so that the joining element without a joining portion cannot be seen when the floor is finished.

In one floor, it is possible to combine different types of tile members, using the same joining elements or, on the one hand, joining elements with joining portions (for example for floor portions fitted with stone or ceramic tiles) and, on the other hand, joining elements with joining portions (for example for floor portions provided with wood or carpet tiles).

If the joining element is provided with an upwardly extending joining portion configured to be arranged between two adjacent tile members, in an embodiment the tile members may comprise a layered structure of a lower substantially non-deformable tile and an upper tile, the upper tile overlapping at least a part of the joining portion. When two adjacent tile members are considered, each upper tile may overlap half of the joint portion.

In an embodiment, a liquid-tight material is provided between the tile member and the support member. Liquid-tight materials such as sheets can prevent liquid from passing under the tile assembly if the tile member loses its liquid-tight function, for example as a result of a breakage of the tile member.

According to the invention, a method for installing a tile comprises: providing a plurality of tile assemblies; providing a plurality of coupling elements; connecting at least one joining element with each tile assembly to provide a pre-assembled tile-mounting component; and interconnecting the pre-assembled tile-mounting parts to obtain a tile floor.

A method for repairing a tile floor comprising a plurality of tile assemblies interconnected with a plurality of joining elements, the method comprising: releasing the connection between the tile assembly and the corresponding joining element in the tile floor by lifting the tile assembly off the tile floor, leaving an opening in the tile floor; and inserting the tile assembly into the tile assembly opening, thereby connecting the tile assembly to the corresponding joining element.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a bottom of several tiles arranged by means of a system according to the invention;

figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of two tile assemblies and joining elements according to the invention before joining;

figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to figure 2 after joining the respective tile assemblies;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member, taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coupling member of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a coupling member according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of a floor panel having square tile assemblies according to the present invention having two different sizes and interconnected by a joining element having two different sizes, the joining element extending along half the perimeter of the respective tile assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupling member of FIG. 5;

figure 8 is a front view of two tile assemblies and joining elements according to the invention;

figure 9 is a top view of a part of a floor panel constructed with triangular tile assemblies according to the invention, said assemblies being interconnected by joining elements extending along the perimeter of half of the tile assemblies;

figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of two tile assemblies and a joining element without a joining portion according to the present invention;

figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of two tile assemblies and a joining element with a joining portion according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Referring to fig. 1-4, the tile assembly according to the invention comprises in principle two basic components, namely a tile assembly 1 and a joining element 2, so that a complete tile-formed floor can be manufactured in a suitable manner by joining each of these components.

The tile assembly 1 comprises a tile or tile member 3 and a support member 4 fixed to the underside of the tile. The tile members 3 may have any proportions and sizes in the present use in the tile assembly, the size of the joining elements 2 being adapted accordingly for use in combination. In the following description, it is assumed that square tiles are used, but rectangular tiles and even polygonal tiles, such as triangles or hexagons, may be used.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the tile member 3 has a customized shape and may be provided with a slightly inclined edge at the top in order to prevent damage during assembly of the tile and use of the floor formed thereby.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the support member 4 comprises a square plate 5 having a surface area slightly smaller than the area of the bottom of the tile member 3, for example attached thereto by gluing. The raised edge 6 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the square-shaped plate 5, which has a square shape when viewed in the direction of the plane of the tile member 3, with an outer dimension smaller than the dimension of the plate 5, thereby constituting a perimeter 7, which perimeter 7 extends beyond said edge 6. The edge 6 is provided with a substantially rectangular-shaped opening at regular distances between the plate 5 and a top edge 9, which protrudes slightly with respect to the outer surface of the edge 6. The edges 6 and 7 define a concave portion of the support member 4.

Between the inner edges of each two opposite parts of the edge 6, several cross-connections in the form of intermediate walls 10 are provided, each parallel to the edge 6 and thus to the edge of the tile assembly 3. The height of the intermediate wall in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the tile assembly 3 is equal to the height of the edge 6. At the connection line between any intermediate wall 10 and the plate 5, a thickening 11 is provided, and on both sides of each intermediate wall a thickening is provided. These thickenings extend over the entire length of the intermediate wall 10 and have a rectangular or square cross-section, as viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the thickening 11. This results in the connection of the intermediate wall 10 to the plate 5 being reinforced.

On the perimeter 7 and in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate 5 or the underside of the tile assembly 3, a plurality of protrusions 12 in the form of hollow cylinders are provided. The projections 12 are arranged in rows and are evenly distributed over the contour of the support member 4, which means that the mutual distance between two successive projections 12 located along the same side edge of the plate 5 is always the same. As can be taken from fig. 1, there are no projections 12 at the corners of the connecting member, but the extreme projections 12 of the support member 4 are provided at the location of the edges of the edge 6. The entire support member 4, including the plate 5, the edge 6, the intermediate wall 10 with the thickening 11 and the projection 12, can be manufactured as one piece, but can be manufactured as separate units and subsequently connected in a suitable manner. The latter has the advantage of using different materials for the individual components, each material matching the function of the component as a whole. The plate 5 may or may not be provided with holes in the areas between the intermediate walls 10.

In use, the tile assembly 3 is placed on the ground by the edge 6 and the intermediate wall 10.

As seen in the longitudinal direction (and further explained by reference to fig. 5 and 6), the joining element 2 in fig. 1-4 comprises modules 20 in the form of "L" such that they can extend along both edges of the tile assembly 1 in connection with each other. However, the modules 20 may also be in the form of "I", extending along the edge of the tile assembly 1 or a part thereof.

The modules 20 have a "T" -shaped cross-section, which is normally used as a joining element between (two) tile assemblies 1, with an inverted "T" -shaped positioning, i.e. the cross beam 21 of the "T" is below the intermediate beam 22 (also called joining member). The cross beam 21 has a rectangular cross section and is provided with two recesses 23 and 24 close to the angular vertices of the cross beam 21, the function of which will be described later. The centre beam 22 also has a rectangular cross-section and is provided on each side with a projection 25, 26 which extends along the entire length of the joint part and has the form of a right triangle, the hypotenuse of which faces downwards in fig. 4.

In the vicinity of the connection between the cross beam 21 and the intermediate beam 22, on each side of the intermediate beam 22, there is provided a projection 27, 28, each having, in the embodiment shown, a cross section in the shape of a right-angled trapezium, the shorter of the parallel sides of which connects with the intermediate beam 22 and the oblique side being the top edge in normal use of the joining element.

Along the length of the joining element 2, a plurality of openings 30 are provided in the cross beam 21, on each side of the intermediate beam and at an average distance from each other. Typically, the opening 30 is cylindrical. Fig. 4 shows only one opening 30. Near the top end (inlet portion) of each cylindrical opening 30, a half wall portion 31 (the one farther from the intermediate beam 22) widens obliquely in the upward direction in such a way that, near the top end, the opening has a substantially oval shape, i.e. near the top end, the edges of the opening define two semi-circles connected to each other by two straight lines (portions). The distance between two adjacent openings 30 on the same side of the intermediate beam 22 is equal to the distance between two adjacent protrusions 12 of the support member 4.

The coupling element 2 is made of an elastic material, in particular a rubber-like material, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or a synthetic material having the properties of a rubber-like material, such as EPDM rubber or the like. Like the support member 4, the joining element 2 can be made in one piece or comprise different units connected to each other in a suitable manner.

The process of installing the tiles by means of the above-described components is described below. Initially, it is assumed that the user has as separate parts a different part, a tile assembly 1 and a joining element 2, which are available.

In a first step the tile assembly 1 is pressed onto the joining element 2. In doing so, the boss 12 enters the opening 30. In this movement the inclined wall portion 31 in the opening 30 causes the tile assembly 1 to be pushed towards the centre beam 22 of the joining element 2. At the same time as the tile assembly 1 has been moved sufficiently towards the centre beam 22, the projection 26 is pressed and when the projection 12 of the assembly 1 has been pushed completely into the opening 30, the inclined edge of the cone-shaped projection 28 is also pushed away. Due to a suitable choice of the dimensions of the different parts of the tile assembly 1 and the joining element 2, the recess 24 is positioned behind the edge 9 of the opening 8. The tile member 1 and the joining element 2 are thus rigidly connected to each other, although they can be released from each other without force in case the joining element 2, in particular the cross beam 21, is made of a deformable material.

By pushing away the projections 26 and 28, a good water tightness is obtained between the joining element 2 and the tile assembly 1. The tile assembly 1 has been connected to the joining element 2 to form a pre-assembled tile installation part, whereby two seals along two mating edges of the tile member 3 have been provided, the tile assembly 1 can then be pushed into its place under a previously prepared floor or on the ground. Subsequently, the second tile assembly 1 and the second joining element 2 are connected to each other in the above-described manner to form a second pre-assembled tile-setting component.

When the second pre-assembled tile-setting component comprising the tile assembly 1 and the joining element 2 is completed, this second pre-assembled tile-setting component can be connected with the first pre-assembled tile-setting component by pressing the boss 12 of the support member 4 of the second pre-assembled tile-setting component (not along the edge of the tile assembly 1 provided with the joining element 2) into the opening 30 of the joining element 2 of the first pre-assembled tile-setting component, forming a fixed connection between the tile assembly of the second pre-assembled tile-setting component and the joining element 2 of the first pre-assembled tile-setting component in the same way as described above. By this method the entire floor area can be laid, taking into account that the user has to make the appropriate choice regarding the orientation of the installation elements with the assembled tiles.

Due to the L-shape of the joining element 2 in the longitudinal direction, the position at the corner is automatically in a suitable condition, i.e. a liquid-tight and mating connection of the two tile assemblies 1 can be ensured.

To ensure that the connection at the other corners is also correct, the design of the coupling element 2 at the distal end of each L-shaped leg is as follows.

As shown in fig. 1, the cross beam 21 of the joining element 2 does not extend further than the edge 6 of the support member 4. However, the central beam 22 of the same joining element 2 extends as far as the edge of the tile member 3, which edge is parallel to the edge 6, and the projections 27, 28 are slightly shorter than and in line with the edge of the plate 5, which is slightly smaller than the tile member 3, as described above. The end walls of the centre beam 22 are provided with triangular projections 35 having the same shape and orientation as the triangular projections 25, 26.

If a pre-assembled tile-setting component comprising a tile assembly 1 and a joining element 2 is added to an already installed pre-assembled tile-setting component in the next row, the joining element 2 of these added pre-assembled tile-setting components will abut against one end of the joining element 2 of the already installed pre-assembled tile-setting component. In case the tile assembly has been installed in a pattern with a continuous joint, the corners of the joint element 2 contact the end faces of the already existing joint element, so that the projection 35 is located opposite a part of the projection 25 and thus a watertight connection can be made, which is furthermore practically seamless. The same effect can be obtained in case a staggered pattern of the tile assemblies 1 is selected.

It is clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, but that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims without departing from the gist of the invention. Thus, in particular, the shape of the projections 12 and the openings 30 may be realized in different ways. In principle, they can be designed as vias and continuous trenches. Furthermore, a mechanical inversion may be applied here, wherein the opening has walls perpendicular to the plane of the tile assembly and the projection has tapered walls. Of course, it is also possible to give the projections 25, 26a different shape: the water-tightness requirements and smooth movement of the joining element and the tile assembly can be achieved. This can be achieved, for example, by designing the projections 25, 26 as triangular members in the form of isosceles triangles which have a large apex angle and whose base is connected to the central beam 22.

Referring to fig. 5 and 7, the coupling element 2a is an elongated member, which in one embodiment is in the form of an L when viewed in its longitudinal direction. The joining element 2a has a substantially T-shaped cross-section, comprising a cross-beam 21a and an intermediate beam 22a, which is positioned along the centre line of the cross-beam 21 a. Rows of openings 30a are provided along opposite longitudinal edges of the cross beam 21a, with adjacent openings 30a in a row being spaced apart by a constant spacing. Each opening 30a comprises a tapered portion, e.g. a conical inlet portion at one end thereof, facing the tile assembly. Each opening 30a has a cylindrical shape adapted to receive the projection of the tile assembly, in particular its support member, in a tight manner so as to retain the projection in the opening 30a by friction.

The ends of the intermediate beam 22a of the joining element 2a protrude from the cross beam 21a at both ends of the cross beam 21a of the L-shaped joining element 2a, so that the intermediate beam 22a extends along the length of both sides of the tile member, as further shown in fig. 6. At the same time the cross beam 21 is shorter than the length of the sides of the tile member to allow the ends of the cross beam 21 to rest against other parts of other cross beams 21 without interference.

The cross beam 21a may be formed integrally with the intermediate beam 22a from a deformable, in particular elastically deformable, material. However, the cross beams 21a may be formed as separate members from the center beam 22a and/or each may be formed of a different material so as to be detachably coupled, which will not be described in detail.

The intermediate beam 22a may be slightly tapered in a direction away from the cross beam 21a when viewed in cross section. At its end remote from the transverse beam 21a, the intermediate beam 22a is provided with lateral projections 25a, 26a having tapered free ends, while adjacent to the intermediate beam 22a and the transverse beam 21a, the projections 27a, 28a are provided substantially L-shaped with tapered free ends. At each end of the intermediate beam 22a, a projection 35a having a free end may be provided. The projections 25a, 27a and 28a extend substantially along the length of the center sill 22 a.

Referring to fig. 6, a plurality of tile assemblies 1a, 1b have been connected to each other by means of joining elements 2a and 2b, wherein the joining elements 2a each extend along two sides (i.e. half the circumference) of a rectangular tile assembly 1a and the joining elements 2b each extend along two sides (i.e. half the circumference) of a rectangular tile assembly 1b, and wherein the surface area of four tile assemblies 1b is substantially equal to the surface area of one tile assembly 1 a. The spacing, shape and size of the openings in the cross beams of the joining elements 2a and 2b are the same, so that the joining elements 2a and 2b can be joined to a floor with tile assemblies 1a, 1b each having tile members made of a different material.

When constructed as a tile floor, a part of which is shown in figure 6, each tile assembly 1a, 1b is first connected to a respective joining element 2a, 2b, respectively, to form a pre-assembled tile-setting part. These pre-assembled tile-mounting parts are then interconnected to form the tile floor. As shown in fig. 6, it is not necessary to ensure that the four corners of four adjacent tile assemblies are located at the same point; also, a staggered pattern of tile assemblies may be formed.

In fig. 6, which shows a part of the floor panel, a liquid-tight connection is obtained, as described with reference to fig. 8. Figure 8 shows that in the interconnection of the tile assembly 1a and the joining element 2a (by insertion of the projection 12a into the opening 30 a), the projections 25a, 27a are deformed and thereby pressed to form a liquid-tight seal between the joining element 2a and the tile member 3a at two lines along the periphery (part) of the tile member 3 a. As further shown in fig. 8, the height of the intermediate beam 22a is substantially slightly less than the height of the tile member 3a to provide a floor with a joint portion approximately level with the top surface of the tile member 3 a. As further shown in fig. 8, the horizontally extending peripheral part of the support member 4a of the tile assembly 1a, in the mounted position, rests against the top surface of the cross beam 21a, outside the area of the projections 27a, 28 a. However, it is possible for the peripheral portion of the support member 4a to rest on the projections 27a, 28 a.

As in other embodiments or discussed herein, between the tile member and the support member, a liquid-tight foil (liquid-light foil) is provided. In case the tile member should break such that liquid flows through the tile member, the lamellae will prevent liquid from entering under the tile assembly.

As in other embodiments or discussed herein, the tile members may be rounded or tapered at their lower edges, as shown in phantom in fig. 8, which design facilitates replacement of broken or damaged or worn tile assemblies in the completed floor by ensuring that the lower edges of the tile assemblies are readily accessible into the openings in the finished floor in which they are left after removal of the tile assembly.

Fig. 9 shows a part of a floor consisting of a triangular tile assembly 1c and a joining element 2 c. Each joining element 2c extends substantially along half the circumference of the corresponding tile assembly 1c, i.e. along the entire side edge of the tile assembly 1c and half the adjacent side edge of the tile assembly 1 c. For clarity, the opening in the cross beam 21c of the joining element 2c has been omitted. The intermediate beams 22c of the joining element 2c form the joint between the tile assemblies 1 c. The projections may be provided similarly to projections 25, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 35 and 35a, as shown and explained above.

Figure 10 shows a system comprising a joining element 2d interconnecting two tile assemblies 1 d. Each tile assembly 1d comprises a tile member 3d and a support member 4 d. The support member 4d is provided with rows of projections 12d which engage with the rows of openings of the joining element 2 d.

According to fig. 10, the joining element 2d comprises essentially only the cross beam 21d, and no intermediate beam as shown in the previous figures. Thereby, the adjacent edges of the tile members 3d abut. The joining element 2d is provided with two projections 27d, 28d, each of which is pressed by the tile member 3d placed thereon. The projections 27d, 28d may act as a liquid seal against entering between abutting edges of the tile assembly 3d to prevent access to the underside of the tile assembly 1 d.

Figure 11 shows a system comprising a joining element 2e interconnecting two tile assemblies 1 e. The joining element includes a cross beam 21e and a middle beam 22 e. Each tile assembly 1e comprises a tile member 3e and a support member 4 e. The support member 4e is provided with rows of projections 12e which engage with the rows of openings of the coupling element 2 e.

The tile member 3e comprises two different types of tiles: tile 3e1 made of a substantially non-deformable material, and tile 3e2 made of a substantially non-deformable material or made of a deformable material. The adjacent edges of the tiles 3e1 of the tile member 3e abut opposite sides of the intermediate beam 22e of the joining element 2 e. The adjacent edges of the tiles 3e2 of the tile member 3e abut each other. The engaging element 2e is provided with two projections 27e, 28e, each of which is pressed by the tile 3e1 placed thereon. The central beam 22e and the projections 27e, 28e may act as a seal preventing liquid from entering between the abutting edges of the tile 3e2 and reaching the underside of the tile assembly 1 e.

With reference to the previous figures, it will be appreciated that the bottom side of the cross beam of each joint element acts as a seal against the floor underside to prevent liquid from inadvertently reaching from under one tile assembly to under an adjacent tile assembly, for example through cracks in the tiles.

The tile assembly and the joining element may not be marketed as separate units but as pre-assembled tile installation components, since they are still used without exception in practical situations.

It should be noted that the present invention allows for the removal of individual tile assemblies from an already spliced floor without the need to remove adjacent tile assemblies or break the entire floor for this purpose, which could result in significant defects or damage. With the present invention, the tile assembly can be accurately disassembled and easily replaced.

Although the above description has focused on the use of the system for constructing a tile floor according to the invention, in particular a horizontally extending tile floor or an inclined tile floor, it should be noted that the same or similar system may be used for constructing a tile wall (e.g. extending substantially vertically), wherein the tile assemblies and/or the joining elements are adhered to the wall in a suitable manner.

The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, defines two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

The above description relates to embodiments of the invention, and it will be apparent that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the main inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A system for installing tiles using a plurality of tile assemblies and a joining element interconnecting adjacent tile assemblies, each tile assembly comprising a tile member and a support member connected to the underside of the tile member and provided with a recess beneath the tile member for receiving some portion of the joining element, the support member having a plurality of openings and/or projections located in the recess of the support member and extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the tile member, the joining element comprising an elongate strip-shaped member provided with openings and/or projections which fit into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies, whereby the tile assemblies are removably connected to the joining element, and wherein the joining element is provided with an upwardly extending joining portion configured to be arranged between two adjacent tile members, and wherein the opening and/or projection of the tile assembly and the joining element is configured to: when the joining element is interconnected with an adjacent tile assembly, said joining element is deformed, thereby urging the tile members of the adjacent tile assemblies towards each other.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein portions of the tile assembly overlap portions of the joining element.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the openings and/or projections are arranged in rows along the edges of each support member and joining element.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the boss has a generally cylindrical shape, the boss configured to be insertable into an opening having a generally cylindrical shape with an inlet portion having a generally conical shape.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the boss has a tapered shape, the boss configured to be insertable into an opening having a corresponding tapered shape.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the support member is provided with a boss and the coupling element is provided with an opening.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the joining element is configured to extend along a portion of the periphery of the tile assembly.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the joining element is configured to extend along half of the perimeter of the tile assembly.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling element is fabricated from an elastically deformable material.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the bonding portion is made of an elastically deformable material.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling portion is integral with the coupling element.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the top of the coupling portion is tapered or rounded.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the joining element is provided with a protrusion on one side configured to face a tile member, the protrusion extending along a length of the joining element.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the protrusion is compressible.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling element is configured to have a bottom side that is substantially flush with a bottom side of the support member.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the tile member comprises a substantially non-deformable tile made from stone, ceramic, wood, plastic, glass, metal, or any combination thereof.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the tile is tapered or rounded at its lower edge.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the tile member comprises a rubber tile or a carpet tile.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the tile member comprises a layered structure of a lower substantially non-deformable tile and an upper tile, the upper tile overlapping at least a portion of the bonded portion.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein a liquid sealing material is disposed between the tile member and the support member.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the material is a sheet.

22. A tile assembly for use in the system of claim 1, the tile assembly comprising a tile member and a support member, the support member is connected to the underside of the tile member and has a recess below the tile member for receiving a portion of a joining element, the coupling element comprises an elongated band-shaped member provided with openings and/or protrusions, the openings and/or projections of the strip-like member fit into corresponding projections and/or openings in the recesses of the support member and extend in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the tile member, whereby the tile assembly is removably connected to a joining element, which joining element is provided with an upwardly extending joining portion, the joining portion is configured to be arranged between members of two adjacent tile assemblies, and wherein the openings and/or protrusions of the tile assemblies and joining elements are configured to: when the joining element is interconnected with an adjacent tile assembly, said joining element is deformed, thereby urging the tile members of the adjacent tile assemblies towards each other.

23. A joining element for use in a system as claimed in claim 1, comprising an elongate strip-shaped member provided with openings and/or projections, the joining element being configured for interconnection with adjacent tile assemblies, each tile assembly comprising a tile member and a support member connected to an underside of the tile member and provided with a recess below the tile member for receiving portions of the joining element, the support member having a plurality of openings and/or projections in the recess of the support member and extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the tile member, the openings and/or projections of the joining element fitting into corresponding projections and/or openings of the support members of two adjacent tile assemblies, whereby the joining element can be removably connected to the tile assemblies, and wherein the joining element is provided with an upwardly extending joining portion configured to be arranged between the tile members of two adjacent tile assemblies, and wherein the openings and/or protrusions of the tile assemblies and the joining element are configured to: when the joining element is interconnected with an adjacent tile assembly, said joining element is deformed, thereby urging the tile members of the adjacent tile assemblies towards each other.

24. A method for installing a tile, comprising:

providing a plurality of tile assemblies according to claim 22;

providing a plurality of binding members according to claim 23;

connecting at least one joining element to each tile assembly to provide a pre-assembled tile-mounting component; and

the pre-assembled tile-mounting parts are interconnected to obtain a tile floor.

25. A method for repairing a tile floor comprising a plurality of tile assemblies according to claim 22 interconnected with a plurality of joining elements according to claim 23, the method comprising:

releasing the connection between the tile assembly and the corresponding joining element in the tile floor by lifting the tile assembly from the tile floor, leaving an opening in the tile floor; and

inserting the tile assembly into the opening of the tile assembly, thereby connecting the tile assembly to the corresponding joining element.