Tile setting apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for setting tile, comprising, in combination, box means for holding and orienting a plurality of layers of tiles, and each layer of tiles comprising a plurality of tiles, including a first side wall of a predetermined length, a second side wall of a predetermined length substantially parallel to the first side wall and spaced apart therefrom, and an end wall extending between and substantially perpendicular to the first and to the second side walls, said side walls and end wall defining a compartment of a predetermined width and length for holding a plurality of layers of tiles in a predetermined orientation: tile setter means for securing a plurality of tiles comprising a layer of tiles and removing the plurality of tiles from the box means to set the plurality of tiles at a desired location and for releasing the plurality of tiles substantially simultaneously, including plate means including a portion having a predetermined width and length of substantially the same width and length as the compartment for insertion into the compartment, suction cup means including a plurality of suction cups secured to the plate means in a predetermined orientation corresponding to the orientation of the tiles in a layer of tiles in the box means for securing to the said tiles in a layer upon appropriate evacuation of air between the tiles and the suction cups, each suction cup having two concavities when not secured to a tile including an upper flange portion of a generally hemispherical configuration defining an inner concave portion, and a lower flange portion extending outwardly and downwardly from the upper flange portion defining an outer concave sealing lip portion, and each concave portion being substantially planar when secured to a tile; air chamber means in the plate means communicating with each cup of the plurality of suction cups; fastening means for securing the suction cup means to the plate means and including a shank extending from the plate means to each suction cup and an axially extending conduit in the shank communicating with each cup and an aperture extending radially from the conduit to the air chamber means for providing communication between the air chamber means and each cup; and valve means communicating with the air chamber means for selectively releasing air from and admitting air to the air chamber means.