Tile laying tool and method of using same
OwnerSteve Rossiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for shaping a graded surface of a fill material around a drain are disclosed. The apparatus provides an outer ring for positioning within a shower enclosure, an inner ring for positioning within the outer ring and around the drain, a rail assembly connected at each of two ends to the outer ring, and a carriage connected to the rail assembly and the inner ring. Each of the inner ring and outer ring provides a top edge to which the surface of the fill material can be brought flush.
Claims19
An apparatus for shaping a substantially conical graded surface in a fill material around a drain, the apparatus comprising:
- an inner ring and an outer ring, said inner ring and said outer ring each having a height and defining an enclosed area, wherein the height of said outer ring is greater than the height of said inner ring, and wherein the enclosed area of said outer ring is greater than the enclosed area of said inner ring;
- a rail assembly connected at each of two ends to diametrically opposed portions of said outer ring, wherein said rail assembly is located above the enclosed area defined by said outer ring;
- a carriage movably connected to said rail assembly, and pivotally connected to diametrically opposed portions of said inner ring below said rail assembly such that said inner ring may be adjustably moved along the direction of said rail assembly within a boundary defined above said outer ring.
A method of shaping an upper surface in a fill material around a vertical minimum using a blade, an inner ring having a first height, and an outer ring having a second height greater than the first height, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing the outer ring around the vertical minimum;
- positioning the inner ring around the vertical minimum and within a boundary defined above the outer ring;
- introducing a fill material into at least an enclosed area defined between the outer ring and the inner ring;
- placing the blade substantially radially to the vertical minimum to contact the top edge of the inner ring at a point proximal the vertical minimum and to contact the top edge of the outer ring at a point distal the vertical minimum;
- and
- working the fill material with the blade so that a lower edge of the blade defines the upper surface of the fill material as the blade is moved around the vertical minimum while contacting the top edge of the inner ring and the top edge of the outer ring.
An apparatus for shaping a graded surface in a fill material around a vertical minimum, the apparatus comprising:
- an inner ring and an outer ring, said inner ring and said outer ring each having a height and defining an enclosed area, wherein the height of said outer ring is greater than the height of said inner ring, and wherein the enclosed area of said outer ring is greater than the enclosed area of said inner ring;
- a plurality of adjustable legs attached to said outer ring;
- a rail assembly connected at each of two ends to diametrically opposed portions of said outer ring, wherein said rail assembly is located above the enclosed area defined by said outer ring, and wherein at least one end of said rail assembly is vertically adjustable with respect to said outer ring;
- a carriage movably connected to said rail assembly, and pivotally connected to diametrically opposed portions of said inner ring below said rail assembly such that said inner ring may be adjustably moved along the direction of said rail assembly within a boundary defined above said outer ring.
An apparatus for shaping a graded surface in a fill material, the apparatus comprising:
- a first ring having a first height and defining a first enclosed area;
- a second ring positioned within the first ring, said second ring having a second height and defining a second enclosed area, wherein the second height is less than the first height and the second enclosed area is less than the first enclosed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.