| Claims: A tiling tool for use in levelling and/or spacing one or more tiles, said tiling tool including a body portion and protrusion means extending outwardly from said body portion, said protrusion means having dimension measurement means or comprising at least one predetermined dimensional measurement corresponding to a pre-determined measurement required for a correct or desired spacing and/or alignment of a tile in use, the protrusion means arranged so that a tile can be moved into abutment with at least part of the protrusion means and said body portion in use. 2. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the body portion comprises at least a first planar surface and the protrusion means are arranged to protrude from at least part of said at least first planar surface. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the tile is moved into abutment in use with the at least part of the protrusion means having the dimension measurement means or pre-determined measurement. A tiling tool according to claim 4 wherein the dimension measurement means or pre-determined measurement are the thickness and/or the depth of the at least part of the protrusion means. 5. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means is in the form of a fin extending outwardly from the body portion or at least a first planar surface of the body portion. 6. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means is of substantially even or equal thickness from a top edge to a base edge thereof. 7. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the front and rear surfaces of the protrusion means are substantially flat or planar. 8. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein a single protrusion means is provided on the body portion or at least a first planar surface of the body portion. 9. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein two or more protrusion means are provided on the body portion or at least a first planar surface of the body portion. 10. A tiling tool according to claim 9 wherein two or more of the protrusion means have different dimensions to allow different pre-determined thickness or spaces to be measured by the tool in use. 1 1. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means are arranged on the body portion or at least a first planar surface of the body portion so that at least one shoulder portion is defined between a top edge of the protrusion means and the body portion of first planar surface. 12. A tiling tool according to claim 1 1 wherein the shoulder portion is substantially planar or flat in form. 13. A tiling tool according to claim 1 1 wherein the protrusion means are arranged so that at least two shoulder portions are defined between a top edge or edges of the protrusion means, each shoulder portion defined on opposite sides of the protrusion means. 14. A tiling tool according to claim 1 1 wherein the shoulder portion defines a substantially right angled corner between the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion and the protrusion means. 15. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means is arranged substantially centrally between front and rear surfaces of the body portion of the tool. 16. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the protrusion means is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion or at least first planar surface of the body portion. 17. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means is sub stantially trapezoid in shape. 18. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the sides of the protrusion means have a narrowing taper from a top edge adjacent the body portion towards a free base edge. 19. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the thickness of the protrusion means is any of 2mm, 4mm or 6mm. 20. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the depth of the protrusion means is 10mm or 15mm. 21. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein the protrusion means includes two or more protruding members and said protruding members are provided at an angle relative to each other. 22. A tiling tool according to claim 21 wherein the two or more protruding members are arranged at 90 degrees to each other. 23. A tiling tool according to claim 21 wherein the protrusion means are sub stantially L-shaped, T-shaped or X-shaped. 24. A tiling tool according to claim 21 wherein the thickness of the two or more protruding members is 2mm, 4mm or 6mm. 25. A tiling tool according to claim 2 wherein the at least first planar surface corresponds to a part of or is a side, end, front and/or back surface of the body portion. 26. A tiling tool according to claim 25 wherein two or more surfaces of the side, edge, front and/or back of the body portion are provided with protrusion means thereon. 27. A tiling tool according to claim 26 wherein the protrusion means provided on each different surface of the body portion have different pre-determined dimensions. 28. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein a spirit level is provided on, associated with or in the body portion of the tool. 29. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein attachment means are provided to allow attachment of the tool to a user or other suitable item. 30. A tiling tool according to claim 29 wherein the attachment means includes an aperture through which a clip or a loop or length of material is provided. 31. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein at least one end of the body portion is substantially curved or rounded. 32. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein indication means are provided on the tool to indicate the one or more predetermined dimensions of the body portion or the protrusion means. 33. A tiling tool according to claim 32 wherein the indication means include any or any combination of visual indication means, an embossed indicator, moulded indicator, printed indicator, label, one or more numerals, letters, symbols or images. 34. A tiling tool according to claim 1 wherein said tool is a multi-functional tool and can be used to perform any or any combination or configuration of two or more of the functions of levelling tiles, fixing tiles, spacing tiles, preparing tiling, removing adhesive or grout, or positioning tiles. 35. A tiling tool according to claim 34 wherein said multifunctional tool performs three or more of said functions. . A method of using a tiling tool for levelling and/or spacing one or more tiles, said tiling tool including a body portion and protrusion means extending outwardly from said body portion, said protrusion means having dimension measurement means or comprising at least one predetermined dimensional measurement corresponding to a pre-determined measurement required for a correct or desired spacing and/or alignment o f a tile in use, said method including the step of moving a tile into abutment with the protrusion means so that the tile abuts with at least part of the protrusion means and said body portion. |
This invention relates to a tiling tool and method of use thereof.
A well known problem in the laying of tiles onto a surface, whether it is the laying of tiles onto a floor surface or a wall surface, is for the fitter to ensure correct lateral and/or depth spacing of the tiles and/or to ensure the top of the tiles are sub stantially flush with adjacent tiles and/or a horizontal surface, line or level. This is a particularly difficult problem if the tiles being laid are of differing thicknesses and/or sizes, which is often the case with natural and/or hand made tiles.
A variety of tile spacing tools and/ or tile levelling tools are available in the marketplace to try and solve the abovementioned problems. Such tile spacing and/or levelling tools can include individual spacer members which are typically cross shaped and which are located between every adjacent tile being laid. These spacer members are typically left between the tiles when tile adhesive is applied. As such, these types of spacer members are non-reusable and a user requires a plentiful supply to allow fitting of a plurality of tiles. A further example of a tile levelling device is disclosed in the applicant's co-pending application GB2455408. This device is typically located behind the tiles being fitted and is therefore also non-reusable.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a tile spacing and/or levelling tool that it is reusable and which can be used from the front side of the tile rather than a rear side of the tile.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a tile spacing and/or levelling tool. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tiling tool for use in levelling and/or spacing one or more tiles, said tiling tool including a body portion and protrusion means extending outwardly from said body portion, said protrusion means having dimensional measurement means or comprising at least one pre-determined dimensional measurement corresponding to a pre-determined measurement required for a correct or desired spacing and/or alignment of a tile in use, the protrusion means arranged so that a tile can be moved into abutment with at least part of the protrusion means and said body portion in use.
Preferably the body portion comprises at least a first planar surface and the protrusion means are arranged to protrude from at least part of said at least first planar surface.
Preferably the tile is moved into abutment with the at least part of the protrusion means having the dimensional measurement means or pre-determined dimensional measurement in use.
In one embodiment the dimensional measurement means or one or more pre-determined dimensional measurements of the protrusion means are or equate to the thickness and/or depth of at least part of the protrusion means, and preferably sub stantially the entire thickness and/ or depth.
In one embodiment the protrusion means is in the form of a fin extending outwardly from the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion.
Preferably the thickness of the fin or protrusion means corresponds to a pre-determined thickness or space that the side walls of two adjacent tiles are required to be laterally positioned with respect to each other in use or when fitted. The thickness of the fin or protrusion means is typically defined between a front and rear surface of the fin or protrusion means.
Preferably the front and rear surfaces of the fin or protrusion means are sub stantially flat or planar in form.
Preferably the protrusion means or fin is of substantially even or equal thickness from a top edge of the protrusion means or fin to a base edge of the protrusion means or fin.
Preferably the depth or length of the protrusion means or fin corresponds to a pre-determined depth that a tile is required to be spaced above a surface on which a tile is to be laid in use. The pre-determined depth or length of the protrusion means or fin is preferably measured from a top edge of the protrusion means or fin to a base edge of the protrusion means or fin. The top edge of the protrusion means or fin is typically integrally formed with or attached to the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion and the base edge is typically a free edge provided a spaced distance apart from, and preferably opposite, the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion.
In one embodiment a single protrusion or fin can be provided on the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion. The single protrusion or fin can be provided along a part of the length of the body portion or the at least first planar surface or along sub stantially the entire length of the body portion or at least first planar surface.
The body portion is typically of such a shape and dimensions to allow a user to easily grip the same in use. Gripping means can be provided on the body portion if required. In one embodiment two or more protrusion means or fins are provided on the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion. The two or more protrusion means or fins can be provided a spaced distance apart as required.
Preferably the two or more of the protrusion means or fins are of different dimensions to allow different pre-determined thickness or spaces to be measured using the same.
Preferably the protrusion means or fin is arranged on the body portion or the at least first planar surface so that at least one shoulder portion is defined between a top edge of the protrusion means or fin and said body portion or said planar surface. The shoulder portion allows a tile to abut against both the top edge of the protrusion means or fin, the front or rear surface of the protrusion means or fin and the body portion or planar surface to correctly space the tile from a further surface and/or tile in use.
Preferably the shoulder portion is substantially planar or flat in form.
In a preferred embodiment the fin is arranged on the body portion or the at least first planar surface so that at least two shoulder portions are defined between a top edge or edges of the protrusion means or fin and the body portion or planar surface. Each shoulder portion is typically defined on opposite sides of the protrusion means or fin, such as for example, adjacent a front and rear surface of the protrusion means or fin.
Preferably the shoulder portion defines a substantially right angled corner between the body portion or the at least first planar surface and the protrusion means or fin. Preferably the protrusion means or fin is arranged substantially centrally between the front and rear surfaces of the body portion.
Preferably the longitudinal axis of the protrusion means or fin is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion.
In one embodiment the protrusion means or fin is substantially trapezoid in shape. The top edge of the protrusion means or fin is typically substantially parallel to the base edge of the protrusion means or fin, and the sides of the protrusion means or fin are tapered from said top edge to said base edge to form said trapezoid shape. Preferably the top edge of the protrusion means or fin is longer in length than the base edge of the protrusion means or fin, such that the sides of the protrusion means or fin have a narrowing taper from the top edge towards the free base edge.
It is noted that the protrusion means or fin could be any suitable size, shape and/or design.
Preferably the thickness of a fin or the protrusion means is any of 2mm, 4mm or 6mm. The thickness of the fin or protrusion means typically corresponds to a pre-determined lateral spacing that can be provided between the side walls of adjacent tiles in use and therefore could be any suitable thickness.
Preferably the depth of a fin or protrusion means is 10mm or 15mm. The depth of the fin or protrusion means typically corresponds to a pre-determined distance or height of a top surface of a tile from a top surface of a surface on which the tile is to be fitted in use and therefore could be any suitable depth. In one embodiment the protrusion means includes two or more protruding members and preferably said protruding members are provided at an angle relative to each other. This angle typically corresponds to the angle of two edges of a corner of a tile. As such, the corner of a tile can be brought into abutment between the two or more protruding members of the protrusion means, the front or rear surfaces of the protrusion means and the body portion or the at least first planar surface of the body portion, thereby providing correct lateral spacing or alignment of said tile corner or a top surface of a tile from a surface or further tile in use.
Preferably the angle between the two or more protruding members of the protrusion means is substantially 90 degrees.
The protrusion means can be substantially L-shaped, T-shaped, X-shaped (cross shaped) and/or the like. In a preferred embodiment the protrusion means is cross shaped and allows pre-determined spaced alignment of the corners of up to four tiles to be determined in use. The protrusion means also ensures the top of the tiles are substantially flush with each other when fitted.
Preferably the thickness of each of the two or more protruding members is 2mm, 4mm or 6mm. This thickness typically corresponds to a pre-determined lateral spacing that can be provided between the side walls of adjacent tiles in use and so could be any suitable thickness as required. The protrusion means could be any suitable length and/or width as required.
In one embodiment the at least first planar surface corresponds to at least part of or is a side, end, front and/or back surface of the body portion. In one embodiment two or more surfaces of a side, end, front and/or back of the body portion are provided with protrusion means thereon. This allows the tool to be multi-functional.
Preferably the protrusion means provided on each different surface of the body portion have different pre-determined dimensions, thereby allowing the tool to be used to measure different spacing and/or alignment of tiles using the same tool.
In one embodiment spirit level means are provided on, associated with or in the body portion of the tool. The spirit level can be provided on or in any surface of surfaces of said body portion as required.
In a preferred embodiment the spirit level means is viewable from at least a top and base surface of the tool, and further preferably the spirit level means can be viewed in any orientation of the tool or at any angle between 0-360 degrees relative to the tool.
In one embodiment attachment means are provided on the tool to allow attachment of the tool to a user or other suitable item. In one embodiment the attachment means includes an aperture through which a loop or length of material can be provided, thereby allowing the tool to be attached around a user's neck. The loop or length of material can include a chain, cord, necklace and/or the like. In a further embodiment the attachment means includes a clip.
In one embodiment the body portion is in the form of an elongate member having a front surface, rear surface, two side surfaces and two end surfaces. The tool is of such a size, shape and/or design to allow the same to be easily portable, to be located in a user's tool box, to be worn on the body of a user and/or the like.
Preferably at least one side or end of the body portion is sub stantially rounded or curved, thereby allowing said side or end to form a substantially rounded or curved surface in the grout or tile adhesive located between two or more tiles. For example, the rounded or curved side or end of the body portion can be gently pushed in the tile grout or adhesive and/or moved between over the grout or adhesive between two adjacent tiles to create a smooth finish in said grout or adhesive.
Preferably indication means are provided on the tool for indicating the one or more pre-determined dimensions of the body portion or protrusion means. The indication means typically include visual indication means, such as for example an embossed indicator, moulded indicator, printed indicator, label and/or the like. The indication means can include any or any combination of one or more numerals, letters, symbols, images and/ or the like.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a tiling tool for levelling and/or spacing one or more tiles, said tiling tool including a body portion and protrusion means extending outwardly from said body portion, said protrusion means having dimension measurement means or comprising at least one pre-determined dimensional measurement corresponding to a pre-determined measurement required for a correct or desired spacing and/or alignment of a tile in use, said method including the step of moving a tile into abutment with the protrusion means so that the tile abuts with at least part of the protrusion means and said body portion. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi-functional tiling tool and method of use thereof.
It will be appreciated that a tiling tool can be provided with any or any combination of the abovementioned features provided thereon.
The device of the present invention has the advantage that it is reusable and can be used from a location above the tiles being fitted rather than below the tiles as is the case with many prior art tool levelling devices.
The present invention has the advantage that it is a multifunctional tool which can be used on multiple tiles and for any or any combination or configuration of levelling tiles, fixing tiles, spacing tiles, preparing tiling, positioning tiles, remove adhesive or grout and/or the like. In a preferred embodiment two or more of the abovementioned functions are provided by the single tiling tool. In a yet further preferred embodiment three or more of the abovementioned functions are provided by the single tiling tool.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
Figures l a- l c show a front plan view, a perspective view from a first end and a perspective view from a second end of a tiling tool respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a first use of the tiling tool in figures l a-l c; Figure 3 shows a second use of the tiling tool in figures l a-l c; and
Figure 4 is a plan view of a tiling tool according to a further embodiment of the present invention
Referring firstly to figures l a- l c, there is illustrated a multifunctional tiling tool 2 for use in ensuring correct corner alignment, lateral spacing and/or depth spacing of tiles during the process of laying or fitting tiles to a suitable surface.
The tool 2 includes a body portion 4 which in this example is sub stantially elongate and rectangular in shape. The body portion 4 has a front surface 6, a rear surface 8, a first end surface 10, a second end surface 12, a first side surface 14 and a second side surface 16. A sub stantial part of the end and side surfaces of the body portion are substantially planar in form. In the illustrated embodiment, a recess is defined between the edges of the front and rear surfaces so as to reduce the amount of material used to form the tool. A substantial part of the front and/or rear surfaces are typically planar surfaces between the edges defining said recess.
Protrusion means in the form of a first set of fins 18, 20 are provided at spaced apart intervals along the longitudinal axis of first side 14. Protrusion means in the form of a second set o f fins 26, 28 are provided at spaced apart intervals along the longitudinal axis of the second side 16.
Fins 1 8-28 are substantially rectangular in shape having a top edge 32 joining the fin to the first side 14 or second side 1 6 and a base free edge 34 protruding outwardly from the side. The top edge 32 and base edge 34 are sub stantially parallel to each other. Side edges 36 of the fin are also substantially parallel to each other.
In the illustration, the longitudinal axis of the top edge of the fins 18-28 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first and second sides 14, 16 and also so as to be substantially central of the width of the sides (i.e. equi-distant from front and rear surfaces 6, 8) . This allows a shoulder portion 38, 40 to be defined between a front surface of each fin and the side 14 or 1 6 on which it is located, and a rear surface of each fin and the side 14 or 16 on which it is located.
The shoulder portion 38, 40 provides an abutment surface either side of each fin to allow the side surfaces of one or two tiles which are to be fitted laterally and adjacent to each other to be moved into abutment with the same to define a pre-determined spaced distance laterally between the two side surfaces of the tiles. The pre-determined distance is substantially equal to the thickness of the fin (i.e. the distance between the front and rear surfaces of each fin) . In addition, the shoulder portion 38, 40 provides an abutment surface to allow the top surface of one or two tiles which are to be fitted laterally and adjacent to each other to be moved into abutment with the same to define a predetermined spaced distance in depth between a top surface of each tile and the surface being tiled. This ensures the top of the tile surfaces are substantially flush with each other.
Thus, each fin can provide pre-determined lateral and/or depth spacing to allow the correct alignment and laying of tiles in use, as will be described in more detail below.
In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the fins 18-20 on first side 14 is 2mm, thereby providing lateral spacing of 2mm between laterally spaced adjacent tiles in use. The thickness of the fins 26-28 on second side 16 is 4mm, thereby providing lateral spacing of 4mm between laterally spaced adjacent tiles. The thickness of the fins on a particular side of the tool is typically substantially the same.
The depth or length of fins 1 8-20 on first side 14 (i.e. the distance between top edge 32 and base edge 34) is 10mm, thereby providing a depth spacing of 10mm of the top of a tile from a top surface on which the tile is to be laid. The depth of fins 26-28 on second side 16 is 1 5mm, thereby providing a depth spacing of 15mm from the top of a tile to a top surface on which the tile is to be laid.
A user can select which side or surface of the tool to use depending on the lateral spacing and/or depth they require between adjacent tiles and/or a tile and a surface on which the tile is to be adhered to in use.
Further protrusion means in the form of fin 42 protrudes from end 12 of body portion 4. This fin has a thickness of 6mm, thereby providing the user with an option of lateral spacing of 6mm between laterally spaced adjacent tiles in use. The depth or length of fin 42 can be used to determine a suitable depth spacing of a tile as required.
Yet further protrusion means are provided in the form of a first cross spacer 44 on front surface 6 and second cro ss spacer 46 on rear surface 8. Each cross spacer 44, 46 comprises 4 arm members 48, 50, 52, 54, either integrally formed or attached to each other, extending radially outwardly from a central point. Adjacent arm members are provided sub stantially perpendicular to each other. As such, four sub stantially right angled corners 56 or shoulder portions are defined between the arm members of the cross spacers 44, 46. Each corner 56 also forms a shoulder portion with front or rear surface 6, 8 on which the cross spacer is located. These four corners 56 provide abutment surfaces to allow corner alignment of the top edges and/or side edges of the corners of one, two, three or four adj acent tiles which are to be laid in use. The thickness of the members 48-54 defines the spacing between the sides of adjacent tiles when laid, as will be described in more detail below.
End 10 is typically provided with a substantially curved fin 1 1 in shape between front and rear surfaces 6, 8, thereby providing a rounded edge for smoothing grouting or tile adhesive laid between two adjacent tiles in use. The curved fin 1 1 can be pressed lightly against the grouting or adhesive located between the sides of two adjacent tiles and moved along the grouting (i. e. the longitudinal axis of the curved fin 1 1 is located in and moved parallel to the length of grouting or adhesive between the tiles) before the adhesive or grouting sets, thereby providing a smooth, slightly curved finish to the grouting or adhesive.
An aperture 58 can be defined at end 10 of tool 4 to allow a loop of material, such as a chain or cord, to be located therethrough to allow the tool to be placed around a user's neck in use. This ensures the tool is always easily accessible to the user. However, the tool can be attached to any suitable part of the user or other item, such as to a belt, tool box and/or the like.
Lateral and/or depth spacing indication means 60 can be provided on the tool, such as in the form of visual printed numbers (i.e. '6mm', '4mm' or '2mm'), to inform a user of the lateral or depth settings represented by each set of protrusion means on the tool. A spirit level 62 can be fitted in the body portion 4 of the tool 2 to allow a user to measure or check the level of tiles being fitted. The spirit level 62 is typically o f such a type and provided in such a location that it can be viewed easily by a user when the tool is used in any orientation.
Referring to figure 2, a cross spacer 44 of tool 2 is used by a tile fitter to ensure the top surfaces 64, 66 of the corners of adjacent tiles 68, 70 respectively are substantially level or flush with each other and the side surfaces 72, 74 of adjacent tiles 68, 70 are a pre-determined lateral spaced distance apart 'w'.
The tile fitter applies tile adhesive 76 on top of a suitable surface 78 on which the base of tiles 68, 70 are to be laid in use. The base of the tiles 68, 80 are then located on the tile adhesive. Tile fitter then positions the tool relative to the tiles so that the arm members 48-54 of the cross spacer 44 are located in the spaces at the corners between one, two, three or four adjacent tiles. The tile fitter than applies force to the tool by pushing the tool 2 towards the top surface of the tiles, as shown by arrow 80. This brings the top surface 64, 66 of the tiles into abutment with the shoulder portion 54 defined between the front surface 6 of the tool and the arm members 48-54 and ensures the top surfaces of the tiles are sub stantially level with each other. The tiles 64, 66 are also moved laterally into engagement with the front and rear surfaces of arm members 48-54, as shown by arrows 82, thereby ensuring the sides of the tiles abut the sides of the arm members 48-54 and ensuring correct lateral spacing between the tiles.
Referring to figure 3, a fin 1 8 of tool 2 is used by a tile fitter to ensure correct lateral spacing between adjacent tiles and correct depth spacing of a top of a tile from a surface on which the tile is to be laid in use. The tile fitter places the tiles onto tile adhesive on a suitable surface as described above. Fin 1 8 is located in the space between tiles 68, 70 and is pushed towards surface 78, as shown by arrows 84, until the free base edge of the fin engages with the top of surface 78 and the top surfaces 64, 66 of the tiles engage with the shoulder portions 38, 40 defined between the fin 18 and the side 14 of the tool. This ensures the top surfaces of the tiles are substantially flush with each other and the tiles are provided at the correct depth with respect to surface 78, corresponding to the length or depth of the fin 1 8. The tiles 68, 70 are then pushed towards each other, as shown by arrows 86 until the side edges of the tiles abut against the front and rear surfaces of fin 18. This ensure the lateral space between the tiles equals the thickness 't' of fin 18.
The user selects which protrusion means of the tiling tool they use according to the type of floor they are fitting, the spacing they require between the tiles when fitted, the depth of the tiles relative to a surface and/or the like.
The tool can be formed from any or any combination of suitable material, such as metal, plastic, rubber, wood and/or the like. The tool can be provided in any suitable size, shape and/or design. The tool can be integrally formed or can comprise two or more parts that are joined together.
It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the abovementioned features can be used on a single tool, thereby providing either a single measurement tile positioning tool or preferably a multi-measurement or multi-functional tile positioning tool.
The tool can be reused as often as is required simply by inserting and removing the tool from between tiles when fitting the same. The tool is used at the front or top surface of a tile or above the top surface of a tile. This is contrast to many prior art tile levelling devices which are used at a rear of the tile or are embedded permanently within the tile adhesive.
Referring to figure 4, there is illustrated a tool 102 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features as the earlier embodiment. Tool 102 has an adhesive or grout removal element 104 located at end 12 of the tool. The grout removal element 104 has a first end 106 joined to the body portion 4 of the tool and second opposite free end 108. Element 104 has a narrowing taper towards free end 108. Furthermore, free end 108 is provided at an acute angle with respect to end 12 to provide a knife like edge to aid the removal of grout and adhesive before it sets and whilst it is still pliable.
In one embodiment, fin 1 1 is in the form of a grout finishing element and can be provided in two or more different sizes. The grout finishing tool has a rounded end or corners to allow the grout to be smoothed between tiles.