Abstract
A covering element for floors includes a tile made of ceramic material and a reinforcing element attached to the tile. The covering element has a lining along an edge of the tile.
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A covering element for floors comprising a tile made of ceramic material, a reinforcing element attached to the tile, and wherein it comprises a lining of at least one edge of the tile.
22. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein the lining is provided on at least two subsequent edges of the tile.
23. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein the lining is made of a polymeric material.
24. The covering element as claimed in claim 23, wherein the lining is made of PVC, ABS or PE.
25. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein at the edges of the tile comprise a lower bevel.
26. The covering element as claimed in claim 25, wherein said lower bevel forms an angle with respect to the horizontal of less than 90°.
27. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein the edges of the tile comprise an upper bevel.
28. The covering element as claimed in claim 27, wherein said upper bevel forms an angle with respect to the vertical of less than 45°.
29. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a metal sheet which compresses the tile.
30. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein said metal sheet has a thickness of between 0.01 and 1 mm.
31. The covering element as claimed in claim 29, wherein said metal sheet comprises an anti-oxidation coating.
32. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein said reinforcing element is attached to a lower surface of the tile and wherein said reinforcing element is adapted to cover said lower surface only partially.
33. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein said ceramic material is porcelain.
34. The covering element as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tile has a thickness of between 5 and 25 mm.
35. A floor covering comprising a plurality of covering elements, wherein each covering element comprises a tile made of ceramic material and a reinforcing element attached to the tile, and wherein the covering comprises an underlay placed between the covering elements and a sub-base to be covered, wherein said underlay comprises an adhesive portion facing said covering elements.
36. A floor covering comprising a plurality of covering elements, wherein each covering element comprises a tile made of ceramic material and a reinforcing element of ferromagnetic material attached to the tile, and wherein the covering comprises an underlay placed between the covering elements and a sub-base to be covered, wherein said magnetic underlay is capable of magnetically attracting said reinforcing element.
37. The floor covering as claimed in claim 35, wherein said covering elements are spaced apart by a distance, said covering comprising a grout capable of occupying said distance and in that said covering may be configured to prevent adhesion between the grout and the underlay.
38. The floor covering as claimed in claim 37, wherein it comprises a physical barrier interposed between the grout and the underlay.
39. The floor covering as claimed in claim 37, wherein it comprises a substance capable of chemically and/or physically preventing adhesion between the grout and the underlay.
40. The floor covering as claimed in claim 37, wherein it comprises a gap between the grout and the underlay which impedes contact between said grout and said underlay.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a perusal of the following description, provided by way of example and in a non-limiting way, with the aid of the figures shown on the attached sheets.
[0061] FIG. 1 shows an axonometric view of a covering element according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane II-II of FIG. 1;
[0063] FIG. 3 shows an enlargement of the area F3 of FIG. 1;
[0064] FIG. 4 shows an axonometric view of a covering element according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 5 shows an axonometric view of a floor covering comprising a plurality of the covering elements of FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane VI-VI of FIG. 5;
[0067] FIG. 7 shows an axonometric view of an underlay for floor coverings according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 8 shows an axonometric view of an underlay for floor coverings according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 8, in a first embodiment option;
[0070] FIG. 10 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 8, in a second embodiment option;
[0071] FIG. 11 shows the cross section of FIG. 6 according to an alternative embodiment;
[0072] FIG. 12 shows the cross section of FIG. 11 according to a first variant embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 13 shows the cross section of FIG. 11 according to a second variant embodiment.
BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0074] FIG. 1 shows an axonometric view of a covering element 1 for floors. There is no reason why the covering element 1 should not be used for lining walls.
[0075] The covering element 1 comprises a tile 2 of ceramic material, for example porcelaneous stoneware, red body (single fired), monoporous ceramic or clinker. The tile 2 may be replaced in an equivalent manner by a tile made of hard and/or fragile material such as glass, glass-ceramic, cement, and/or natural stone.
[0076] The tile 2 has a substantially rectangular shape, square for example, and has edges 3 and a decorative upper surface 4. The upper surface 4 comprises a pattern 5 which, for example, simulates wood, natural stone or cement. Preferably, the pattern 5 is printed by digital printing.
[0077] FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane II-II of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the tile 2 of the example comprises a body 6 of ceramic material and a layer 7 covering the upper surface of the body 6. For example, the covering layer comprises at least a glaze, an engobe, a glazed engobe and/or a grog. The covering layer 7 substantially defines the la upper surface 4 of the tile 2. The pattern 5 is advantageously produced in, on top of, or under the covering layer. In the preferred embodiment, the body 6 has a color which is similar, or preferably identical, to that of the pattern 5, for example with the same color as the glaze.
[0078] The tile 2 has a thickness S1 of between 5 and 30 mm, preferably between 6 and 10 mm.
[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the edges 3 of the tile 2 comprise a lower bevel 8 and an upper bevel 9. In particular, the lower bevel 8 occupies a lower portion of the edge 3, for example two thirds of the thickness S1, while the upper bevel 9 occupies an upper portion del edge 3, for example one third of the thickness S1 of the tile 2. The lower bevel 8, in use, forms an angle a with the horizontal plane which is less than 90°, for example less than 85°. The upper bevel 9, in use, forms an angle β with a vertical plane which is less than 90°, for example less than 90°, or preferably less than 45°.
[0080] The covering element 1 further comprises a lining 10 of the edges 3 of the tile 2. In the preferred example shown in the figure, the lining 10 is configured to cover only the lower bevel 8. Preferably, the lining 10 is made of a polymeric material, preferably thermoplastic, for example PVC, PE or ABS. For example, the lining 10 is provided in the form of a strip of polymeric material glued to the edge 3. Advantageously, the lining 10 has a color capable of imitating, or preferably identical to, the color of the upper surface 4 and/or of the body 6 of the tile 2.
[0081] The lining 10 has a thickness S2 of less than 1.5 mm, or preferably less than 1 mm, for example 0.6 mm.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, the covering element 1 comprises a reinforcing element 11 configured to improve the mechanical strength of the tile 2; in particular, it is configured to increase the toughness of the tile 2. Even more particularly, the reinforcing element 11 is configured to improve the impact resistance of the tile 2.
[0083] Preferably, the reinforcing element 11 is fixed to a lower surface 12 of the tile 2 by means of an adhesive, preferably a thermosetting resin, for example an epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic and/or hotmelt glue.
[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcing element 11 has substantially the same shape as the tile 2. In particular, the reinforcing element 11 has a slightly smaller horizontal size (in plan view) than that of the lower surface 12 of the tile 2. For example, the reinforcing element 11 has edges 15 that do not project beyond the edges 3 of the tile 2. That is to say, the edges 15 of the reinforcing element 11 are contained within the perimeter defined by the edges 3 of the tile 2.
[0085] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a preferred embodiment in which the reinforcing element 11 comprises a metal sheet 13, made for example of steel, preferably galvanized or stainless steel. Preferably, the metal sheet 13 is configured to generate a compressive state in the tile 2, particularly starting from the lower surface 12 of the tile. Thus, as the tile 2 is in a compressive state, a significant improvement in the impact resistance is obtained, since the compressive state impedes crack propagation. To achieve this objective, the metal sheet 13 is initially put under tension (stretched or elongated) by means of mechanical or thermal stretching, and is then fixed under the tile 2 while still in the elongated state. The stretching is then released, by interrupting the mechanical stressing or cooling the metal sheet 13, so as to put the tile 2 under compression.
[0086] According to the preferred embodiment, the metal sheet 13 has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tile 2. As a result of this solution, the metal sheet can be stretched by heating so as to expand in a substantially uniform manner in all directions. After the sheet 13 is fixed under the tile 2, it may be cooled so as to contract and put the tile 2 under compression.
[0087] Preferably, the metal sheet 2 has a Young's modulus that is greater than the Young's modulus of the tile 2, being for example two or three times the Young's modulus of the tile 2. Thus, when the elongated state of the metal sheet 13 is released, the sheet can effectively put the tile 2 under compression. For example, said sheet 13 is applied according to the method described in the international application WO 2010/072704, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the metal sheet 13 has a thickness S2 of between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, or even more preferably between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, for example 0.12 mm.
[0089] Advantageously, the reinforcing element 11 may comprise one or more protective coverings 14, each capable of covering the metal sheet 13 at least partially, or preferably totally, so as to protect it from corrosion. According to a preferred embodiment, the protective covering 14 may comprise an enamel, a varnish or a sheath.
[0090] The reinforcing element 11 may also comprise on at least one of its surfaces a primer for promoting adhesion to the tile 2, preferably to the lower surface of the tile. In particular, the primer is configured to promote the adhesion of the glue to the surface of the reinforcing element 11.
[0091] It should be noted that, as shown by 2 and 3, the lower surface 12 of the tile 2 is usually smooth, that is to say free of relief structures, also known as a mark. Thus the adhesion between the reinforcing element 11 and the lower surface 12 of the tile 2 is improved so as to improve the reinforcing effect of the reinforcing element 11.
[0092] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the covering element 1 in which the reinforcing element 11 projects beyond two consecutive edges 3 of the tile 2. In particular, the reinforcing element 11 is associated in an off-center way with the tile 2. The projecting portion of the reinforcing element 11 comprises an adhesive portion 17 provided with a glue or an adhesive. The adhesive portion 17, in use, faces upward. Thus, in use, the adhesive portion may glue a portion of the lower surface 12 of an adjacent covering element 1 that is free of the reinforcing element 11, preventing relative movements between the covering elements 1. Advantageously, the adhesive portion comprises an easy stick, easy remove glue, for example one having a tensile strength of less than 1000 N/m, preferably less than 700 N/m, or even more preferably less than 30 N/m, for example between 80 N/m and 270 N/m.
[0093] FIG. 5 shows an axonometric view of a floor covering 18 comprising a plurality of the covering elements 1 as shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the covering 18 comprises an underlay 19 arranged between the covering elements 1 and the screed or sub-base.
[0094] The underlay 19 is preferably configured to reduce the treading noise; for example, it is a sound-absorbing mat. The underlay 19 is also preferably configured to waterproof the sub-base and/or prevent the formation of fungus and/or mold.
[0095] In the example, the underlay is preferably in the form of a mat, foil or sheet, and is made of a polymeric material, for example an expanded polymeric material.
[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the underlay 19 comprises an upper surface 20, that is to say a surface that is capable, in use, of facing toward the covering elements 1, provided with an adhesive portion 21 which, in the example, covers substantially the whole upper surface 20. Advantageously, the adhesive portion 21 comprises an easy stick, easy remove glue having a tensile strength of less than 1000 N/m, preferably less than 700 N/m, or even more preferably less than 30 N/m, for example between 80 N/m and 270 N/m.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane VI-VI of FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown, the covering elements 1 are arranged in direct contact with one another. In particular, the linings 10 of the edges are in contact with one another, to prevent direct contact between the ceramic tiles 2 and prevent damage to the latter.
[0098] Preferably, the underlay 19 has a thickness S3 of between 1 and 5 mm, for example between 2 and 4 mm.
[0099] FIG. 7 shows an axonometric view of an underlay 19 according to another embodiment, in which the adhesive portion 21 does not cover the whole of the upper surface 20 of the underlay 19. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the adhesive portion 21 is arranged so as to mark out a lattice, or a plurality of adhesive portions 21 are arranged to form a lattice. Preferably, the distance between the adhesive portions 21 is a multiple or submultiple of the length of the edges 3 of the covering elements 1.
[0100] FIG. 8 shows an axonometric view of an underlay 19 according to a further embodiment. In this example, the underlay comprises a relief structure 22 comprising walls 23 for defining compartments 24 for receiving the covering elements 1, for example by substantially defining the design of grout gaps between the covering elements 1.
[0101] FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of the cross section taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 8, in a first embodiment option in which the walls 23 of the relief structure 22 have a height A1 which is less than the thickness S of the covering elements 1. In the illustrated example, the covering elements 1 are free of the lining 10. Additionally, but not necessarily, the edges 3 are substantially free of the bevels 8 and 9, or preferably free of at least the lower bevel 8. In this embodiment, the edges 3 of the covering elements 1 are in contact with the walls 23, so that the relief structure 22 prevents movements of the covering elements 1. In this embodiment, it is unnecessary to use adhesives between the covering elements and the underlay 19. The edges 3 of the covering elements are therefore spaced apart, and the space between the covering elements is occupied by a grout 25 to waterproof the covering 18.
[0102] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment option of the underlay 19 which differs from the embodiment option of FIG. 9 in that the walls 23 of the relief structure 22 have a height A2 which is substantially equal to or slightly less than the thickness S of the covering elements 1. In this embodiment option, the relief structure 22 is made of compressible material, for example an elastomeric material, so as to waterproof the covering 18.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in that the covering 18 comprises a magnetic underlay 26. The magnetic underlay 25 is configured to magnetically attract the metal sheet 13, which in this case is preferably ferromagnetic, of the reinforcing element 11.
[0104] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 10, in which the edges 3 of the covering elements 1 are free of the lining 10, and the space between the covering elements 1 is filled by a grout 26. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the covering comprises means for preventing adhesion between the grout 25 and the magnetic underlay 26. In particular, in the example, said means are represented by a physical barrier interposed between the grout 25 and the magnetic underlay 26, for example in the form of a bead 27 of polymeric material.
[0105] The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 differs from that shown in FIG. 12 in that the covering is free of the physical barrier 17 and in that the grout 25 adheres to the upper portions of the walls 23 of the edges 3 of the covering elements 10, forming a gap 28 that separates it from the magnetic underlay 26. In this case, it is preferable for the grout 26 to be in the form of a paste, a gel or other high-viscosity product, for example a thixotropic fluid. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the edges 3 between the covering elements 1 are placed at a distance D from one another equal to 2 mm, so as to promote the adhesion of the grout 25 to the walls 23.
