Illumination – With static structure – Floor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2001-03-20
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
With static structure
Floor
C362S253000, C362S147000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203168
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention is floor, wall or cabinet tile installation and the invention relates more particularly to the laying of floor tile of the type which has a flat upper surface. In a construction project where new tiles are being laid, it is often difficult to place all the tiles at a common and equal height. It is important that the tile be laid at a uniform height so that the upper walking surface is free of any high or low spots. Most workers will utilize a level to help in determining whether all tiles are at the same height, but this has several drawbacks. First of all, some tiles are laid at a slight angle such as along a walkway where a level cannot be used. In the event the level is used simply to observe the relative position of two tiles, it is necessary for the worker to lower his eye level too close to that of the floor so that any gap can be observed. This is both time consuming and uncomfortable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for facilitating the leveling of tiles during installation.
The present invention is for a process for using an illuminating box for facilitating the level installation of tiles of the type which have a planar upper surface. The illuminating box has a housing having a top and four sides. The top and four sides are substantially opaque and form an interior chamber. A source of light is positioned within the interior chamber and is completely surrounded by the four sides and top. The four sides have bottom edges which are aligned in a single plane and define a footprint. The process comprises the steps of laying at least two tiles on a substrate, one of the tiles being a base tile. The light source is turned on and the housing is placed so that its bottom edges are co-planar with the base tile and the housing is positioned so that its footprint extends over at least a portion of the adjacent tile. This creates an observable light pattern. This light pattern is then observed to detect any lack of coplanarity between adjacent tiles. Preferably, the footprint is in the shape of an elongated rectangle. Also, the bottom surface is preferably covered by a transparent pane. The process is facilitated by the adding of at least two levels on the housing and observing the bubbles in the level during the installation process.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4543765 (1985-10-01), Barrett
patent: 5864956 (1999-02-01), Dong
patent: 5867965 (1999-02-01), Pitz et al.
patent: 5914778 (1999-06-01), Dong
Bahar Reuben
Ozeri Moshe J.
Averill, Jr. Edgar W.
Sember Thomas M.
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