WO2017115254A1

WO2017115254A1 - Assembly for applying a screed and method for applying a screed

Info

Publication number: WO2017115254A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/057980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tom VERSTAEN
Original assignee: Staenis Bvba
Priority date: 2015-12-30
Filing date: 2016-12-23
Publication date: 2017-07-06
Also published as: BE1024013A1; BE1024069A1; EP3397824B1; PL3397824T3; BE1024069B1; ES2891852T3; EP3397824A1; BE1024013B1

Abstract

Assembly (1) for forming a screed, wherein the assembly (1) comprises battens (2, 20a, 20b) and wherein, in the position of use of the assembly (1), flattening and levelling on the battens (2, 20a, 20b) can be effected, wherein the battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise complementary connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b) by means of which the battens (2, 20a, 20b) are connectable to each other in order to form a grid, and method for forming a screed which makes use of such an assembly (1).

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR APPLYING A SCREED AND

METHOD FOR APPLYING A SCREED

The present invention relates to an assembly for applying a substance to a surface, wherein the assembly comprises battens and wherein, in the position of use of the assembly, the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens in order to form a screed. The present invention also relates to a screed comprising a substance such as sand cement, insulating sand cement, grit, gravel and/or pebble. The present invention also relates to a method for applying a substance to a surface in order to form a screed, wherein battens are provided and placed on the surface and wherein the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens.

A screed is applied to a surface situated underneath in order to conceal unevenness and to bridge any differences in level. This surface situated underneath may be, for example, a concrete base which is optionally provided with a plastic film, spray-on insulation, insulating panels, etcetera. After a screed has been applied, for example tiles, laminate, parquet, vinyl or carpet are laid. Examples of types of screed are screeds made from the following substances: sand cement/stabilised sand and/or insulating materials (insulating sand cement) and/or grit and/or gravel and/or pebble with or without bonding agent.

At the moment, there are various ways of applying a screed to a surface. Which technique is employed also depends on the type of substance from which the screed is constructed. Thus, it is possible to place two small pieces of screed at height on the surface by means of for example a laser or a (digital) spirit level. The remainder of the substance can then be applied between these two small pieces of screed and this substance can then be flattened by means of these small pieces of screed. Optionally, it is possible to use two additional battens to be able to level and flatten the substance further. It is also possible to use only two battens which are placed on either side of the surface. These battens are then brought to the desired height, after which the substance is applied between these battens and is flattened to these battens with the aid of, for example, a screed batten.

The problem with the existing techniques is that it is not easy to produce an even and flat screed. Even for experienced screeders, it takes a considerable amount of effort to produce a screed which is sufficiently flat. With some substances, there is also an additional drying process, leading to deformation of the screed. In addition, this drying process takes time. If the screed is not sufficiently flat, it will be less easy to lay, for example, tiles, vinyl, parquet on the screed. Thus, more adhesive will have to be used, for example, in order to be able to achieve satisfactory tiling, as a result of which tiling will also take longer. It is possible to smooth the screed beforehand, but this takes time and effort.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for applying a substance to a surface in order to form a screed, wherein the screed can be applied in a simple and quick manner and so as to be sufficiently flat. It is also an object of the invention to produce an assembly by means of which a substance can be applied to a surface in order to form a satisfactory and flat screed. It is also an object of the invention to provide a flat screed.

These objects are achieved, on one hand, by providing an assembly for applying a substance to a surface, wherein the assembly comprises battens and wherein, in a position of use of the assembly, the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens in order to form a screed, wherein the battens comprise complementary connecting elements by means of which the battens are mutually connectable in order to form a grid on which the substance, during and/or after the formation of the grid, is flattened and levelled. Preferably, the upper sides of the battens of the formed grid extend virtually all in the same plane, so that it is very easy to produce a virtually completely even screed by flattening and levelling to these battens. This plane may extend virtually horizontally, but may also be slightly inclined. The latter may be of interest when it is desired to apply a slightly inclined floor, such as a shower floor or a terrace floor, on the screed. The term battens preferably refers to long, thin and narrow elements. These battens may be, for example, substantially bar-shaped battens, but these battens may also have a, for example, substantially I-shaped cross section. These battens are preferably placed on the surface in such a way that their length direction extends horizontally or slightly inclined. These battens also have a height direction and a width direction, with the width direction in that case extending horizontally or slightly inclined and the height direction extending virtually vertically.

The grid formed by the battens comprises several boxes which are each delimited by several of said battens. The battens may comprise full battens, so that the formed grid has a certain degree of strength. However, the battens may also comprise hollow battens in order to limit the weight of the assembly. Depending on the desired durability, lightness, etc., the battens may be made substantially from plastic, metal, wood, etc. The battens are preferably resistant to the ingredients of the substance. Thus, they may be resistant, for example, to the ingredients alkali sulphate and aluminium sulphate. If desired, one or several battens may be reinforced. Thus, they may comprise, for example, steel wire/spring steel, which extends along the length direction of these battens. With the aid of steel wire/spring steel, the battens are stronger and still sufficiently flexible. Metal fibres or carbon fibres may also be used to reinforce the battens. Reinforced battens can be narrower/less wide, so that they take up less space and their transport volume is limited.

The substance may comprise, for example, sand cement/stabilised sand and/or insulating materials (insulating sand cement) and/or grit and/or gravel and/or pebble with or without bonding agent.

As it is intended to produce a grid using this assembly and to flatten the substance during formation of the grid and/or after the grid has been produced, the substance is here flattened to several battens. As a result thereof, the substance is flattened and levelled in different directions, as a result of which the end result is a flatter and more even screed. Flattening may be carried out, for example, with the aid of a screed batten. By using such an assembly, less experienced screeders are also able to produce a flat and even screed. By flattening in different directions, it is also possible to place the screed more quickly. When using this assembly, said battens are connected to each other via their complementary connecting elements, as a result of which these battens have a certain degree of strength and retain their position during flattening and levelling of the substance to these battens. Connecting battens with the aid of complementary connecting elements is also very simple and requires (virtually) no experience. After the screed has been produced, the battens are preferably left in place. This furthers the strength of the formed screed. In principle, it is not necessary in this case to use a reinforcement mesh.

An additional advantage is the fact that the screed formed with the aid of the assembly has a grid structure. After flattening, some substances harden and still deform a little. As the substance now also has this grid structure, it will harden more quickly, deform less, shrink less and there will be significantly less tension, as a result of which the end result is a flatter and more even screed. This screed will also have no, or hardly any, cracks. Since hardening proceeds more quickly, it will be possible to perform the subsequent operations, such as tiling or laying parquet, laminate, vinyl, etc. more quickly. With the aid of this formed grid, it will also be possible to apply the screed at a certain angle. As a result of the battens, there is also no need or less need for any capacity for expansion. Thus, it is possible to produce screeds having a relatively large surface without expansion joints. The formed screed here also has a good water permeability.

Preferably, the battens are connectable to each other with the sole aid of the complementary connecting elements. Here, no additional elements are required to connect the battens to each other. This reduces the risk of losing components and also makes connecting the battens with one another simple. The battens as such form the grid here. Obviously, it is possible to use additional elements to adjust, for example, the height and/or the inclination of the grid. Preferably, battens are used which are substantially identical. However, it is also possible to use one or several types of battens.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more of said battens comprise first connecting elements in order to connect at least two of said battens virtually at right angles to each other. With the aid of these first connecting elements, it is then possible to form a grid comprising several boxes which virtually have the shape of a rectangle. Preferably, all battens comprise such first connecting elements. The first connecting elements may comprise, for example, grooves, so that a groove of a batten can engage in a groove of a corresponding batten in order to connect these battens at right angles to each other. These grooves then preferably extend virtually according to the height direction of their respective batten. Here, the grooves of the battens to be connected are meshable with each other. This is a simple way of connecting several battens at the same height to each other, being that the upper sides of the battens extend virtually in the same plane. These grooves can bring about, for example, splice joints. Other possible joints are, for example, connecting the battens with the aid of dovetail joints.

Each batten furthermore preferably comprises at least two of said first connecting elements, wherein these first connecting elements extend, viewed along the length direction of the batten, at the location of opposite ends of the batten.

In a highly preferred embodiment, two or more battens comprise second connecting elements in order to connect at least two of said battens to each other in such a manner that they, viewed along their length directions, extend each other. In this case, the battens connected to each other with the second connecting elements then are in line with one another. In this way, it is possible to extend the battens in a simple manner along their length direction, thus enlarging the grid in this direction.

Furthermore preferably, the second connecting elements comprise:

- at least one recess, wherein a first end of said first batten, viewed along the length direction of this batten, comprises this recess and this recess is accessible from the outside along this length direction, and

- at least one receiving element which is slidable into the recess, wherein an end of said second batten, viewed along the length direction of this batten, comprises this receiving element,

in such a way that the second batten is partly slidable in its length direction into said recess of the first batten. As a result thereof, these battens can easily be pushed into one another along their length directions. The resulting connection between these battens is also a strong and reliable connection, as a result of which it is simple to flatten to the connected battens, and a strong grid is obtained. Pushing battens into one another is also possible if certain boxes have already been filled with substance. To this end, these second connecting elements allow substance to be introduced into the already formed boxes while the grid is being formed and, in addition, flattening and levelling may optionally already be carried out on the partially formed grid. Preferably, said receiving element forms the entire end of the second batten. Also preferably, several battens comprise both types of second connecting elements. The one end of these battens then comprises said recess while the other end comprises or forms said receiving element. In this way, it is possible to extend a batten several times. Still more preferably, said receiving element comprises one or more hooks and the first batten comprises corresponding engagement elements on the one or more hooks which are arranged at the location of the recess, so that the receiving element of the second batten hooks into the first batten. Since the one batten is hooked into the other batten, the risk of these battens detaching from each other during use of these battens is small. Preferably, these hooks and engagement elements form part of click-action elements or are click-action elements, so that these battens are engageable into each other by click action. This connection is also able to absorb tensions during the drying process of the substance.

Furthermore preferably, each batten comprises said first and second connecting elements, so that a grid can easily and quickly be formed along two directions which are at right angles to each other. The grid formed by the battens here then comprises some battens which extend virtually along a first direction and some battens which extend virtually along a second direction, wherein the first direction is virtually perpendicular to the second direction. The grid here then comprises several boxes of a rectangular shape. If all battens are identical in design, it is possible to produce a grid in which all boxes are virtually in the shape of a square. With the aid of one or more standard battens, it is simple to apply a screed to different types of surfaces of different sizes. Here, therefore, flattening takes place to battens which extend virtually at right angles to each other and battens which extend virtually parallel to each other, as a result of which the flattening can be carried out quickly and easily and the resulting screed is very even and flat. Connecting these battens in order to form the grid is also simple. When the assembly is used to place a screed in a room, these battens can be placed in such a manner that a first direction extends parallel to a first wall, while the second direction extends parallel to a second wall which is at right angles to the first wall. However, it is also possible to place the battens in such a way that both directions of the battens make an angle with the walls. Thus, both directions may form angles of, for example, 45° with the walls. By placing said directions at an angle to the walls, the grid will, together with the walls, form triangles so that the substance which is provided between the battens and the wall is held strongly and securely.

When the used battens have a certain degree of flexibility, not all battens have to be connected in such a manner that rectangular boxes are formed in each case. For example when forming a screed for a shower, in which the water has to run off to a grid, one or more of the battens of the grid can be bended and connected in such a manner that these battens do not form perpendicular connections.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more of said battens comprise at least one hole which is delimited by internal screw thread, wherein this internal screw thread extends around an axis, and the assembly comprises a leg with external screw thread, wherein this external screw thread corresponds to said internal screw thread so that the leg is rotatably fittable in the hole along the axis, and wherein this axis extends virtually along the height direction of the batten, so that the height of the respective batten with respect to the surface is adjustable by rotating the leg in the hole. Here, the formed grid is then configured to rest completely or at least partly on these legs. The further the legs are screwed into the batten, the closer the grid is with respect to the surface. The screw thread may optionally delimit the hole completely. This hole is at least accessible from the underside of the batten, so that the leg can protrude with respect to the batten at the location of the underside of the batten. Said internal screw thread and said leg here then form a height adjuster, so that the height and/or the inclination of the grid is adjustable. As a result thereof, the battens and thus the grid can be brought to the desired height and/or it can be ensured that the grid has the desired inclination. The legs may be fitted in the holes of the battens prior to or during flattening of the substance on the battens. Preferably, each batten comprises at least one such hole. Still more preferably, several battens comprise at least two such holes, so that each batten is well supported with the aid of the legs which are fitted in the holes. Thus, all battens of the assembly may have a height, for example, of +/- 4.5 cm. Here screeds having a height of between 4.5 cm and for example 9 cm may then be placed with the aid of this assembly. Obviously, the battens may also be designed to be higher when these are to be used mainly to place screeds having a height of more than 9 cm. If a screed of less than 4.5 cm is to be produced, the battens may obviously also be designed to be lower than 4.5 cm. Thus, the battens may have a height of, for example, between 2 and 4 cm.

Such a leg may comprise, for example, a notch or the like, in which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage, so that the leg is rotatable in the hole with the aid of a tool. The batten comprising the hole may comprise, for example, a hollow element comprising this hole, in which this hole is cylindrical. The internal screw thread may or may not extend along the entire height of the hole. If desired, extension legs may be provided which are connectable to said legs, so that the battens can be positioned even higher with respect to the surface. To this end, it is also possible to provide substance underneath said legs.

Obviously, other types of height adjusters are also possible. These other types of height adjusters may be used on their own or in combination with the abovementioned height adjusters. Thus, the assembly may for example comprise panel-shaped elements, in which these panel-shaped elements are configured to be placed underneath the grid, for example underneath the battens at the location of the connection between at least two battens. These latter height adjusters may furthermore comprise height-adjusting means, by means of which the heights of the panel-shaped elements are adjustable and/or substance may simply be provided underneath the panel-shaped elements to adjust the heights of the panel-shaped elements. These panel-shaped elements may comprise one or more trench-shaped elements, into which the battens are fittable. With the aid of these one or more trench-shaped elements, the risk of the battens falling over during use of the assembly is small. These trench-shaped elements also facilitate the construction and height adjustment of the formed grid. Furthermore preferably, panel-shaped elements may have openings and/or relief, as a result of which they can be fitted more easily and securely. It is for example possible to fit connecting means through said openings in order to fit the panel-shaped elements in a secure and fixed manner. It is also possible to fit such panel-shaped elements underneath the abovementioned legs. By means of these panel-shaped elements, the legs are prevented from sinking into the surface on which the substance is to be applied. This also ensures that the entire leg is well supported. The height adjusters may be configured, for example, to be attached to the surface. This may be useful if the substance to be applied has a certain degree of flowability. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to just apply substance underneath the battens in order to give the grid the desired height/inclination.

Furthermore preferably, in the embodiment with holes and corresponding legs, the hole forms a passage, in which the leg, viewed along the axis, is insertable into the hole from two sides. The leg is then insertable into the hole from the upper side and is also insertable into the hole from the lower side. This has the advantage that it is possible to choose when to fit the leg in the hole. Here, it is possible to fit the leg in the hole prior to fitting the batten to the surface or already after the batten has been fitted to the surface. It is also possible to readjust the height of the batten when the batten with leg has already been fitted, since this leg is always accessible while the screed is being produced. As a result thereof, the height of the batten can be set and also adjusted in a simple manner during or after the batten has been placed and also during flattening of the substance to the batten.

In a preferred embodiment, several cross sections of the batten substantially have an I-shape. Each cross section of the batten does not per se have to have this I- shaped cross section at every position of the batten, viewed along the length direction of the batten. For example, there may be variations at the location of the abovementioned holes. Preferably, viewed along the length direction, at least 50% of the cross sections has this I-shape. As a result of this I-shape, viewed along the height direction, the batten is wider at the location of its upper side and lower side than at the portion situated between this top side and this bottom side. Consequently, these battens are readily able to make contact with the substance and to hold the substance securely after this substance has been flattened on the battens. As a result thereof, a strong screed is produced with the aid of this assembly. Due to this shape, it is also easy to flatten the substance to the top side of the battens. This I-shape also ensures that the battens have a certain degree of load-bearing capacity without having an excessive volume, as a result of which the resulting screed also has sufficient load-bearing capacity, if the grid is allowed to remain. Here, the narrowest portion of the batten is preferably at least 2 mm. In an alternative embodiment, several cross sections of the batten substantially have an H shape.

Preferably, the batten comprises one or more projections which are configured to engage in said substance. When the substance is placed between and flattened on the battens, these projections are situated in the substance, as a result of which these projections will help to keep the substance together securely. As a result thereof, the projections contribute to the strength and durability of the screed. Furthermore preferably, these projections extend within the dimensions of the rest of the batten, viewed along the height direction of the batten, so that these projections do not hamper the flattening of the substance to the batten and neither do they hamper placement of the batten.

Furthermore preferably, these projections extend virtually along the width direction of the batten. Normally, the upper side of the formed screed extends virtually parallel to the width direction of the batten. The projections therefore extend virtually parallel to the upper side of the formed screed, as a result of which the formed screed is very strong and durable. Here, the projections will not cause (vertical) cracks in the formed screed. When several cross sections of the batten substantially have an I-shape, viewed along the length direction of the batten, then these projections are preferably on the narrowest portion of the batten. These projections may be, for example, cone-shaped projections or projections having a certain degree of undulation.

The length of the battens is preferably between 40 and 60 cm. This easily makes it possible to form a grid with boxes having dimensions between 0.16 m and 0.36 m . At these dimensions, the boxes are still sufficiently large so that the substance can readily be applied between the battens. These boxes are not too small either, so that satisfactory flattening on the battens is simple and quick.

In a specific embodiment, the assembly comprises one or more carrying elements which are configured to be attached to the underside of one or more battens, wherein these carrying elements are configured to carry bars. These bars may be, for example, iron rods. Here, it is possible to attach bars to the grid at the location of the underside of the grid with the aid of these carrying elements. Thus, it is possible to form a strong base, as a result of which the resulting screed will adhere more strongly to each other and have an even higher load-bearing capacity. Thus, these carrying elements may comprise, for example, one or more openings, through which a bar is fittable. These carrying elements may be connectable, for example by click action, to the (underside of the) battens and may optionally also be slidably connectable on the battens. In an alternative embodiment, the battens comprise, at the location of the underside of the battens, one or more carrying elements which are configured to carry bars.

These objects are also achieved by providing a screed comprising a substance, such as sand cement, insulating sand cement, grit, gravel and/or pebble, wherein the screed comprises a grid composed of several battens connected to each other, wherein these battens comprise complementary connecting elements by means of which the battens are connected to each other, wherein the substance extends substantially between the battens, and the upper sides of battens and the upper sides of the substance extend in virtually the same plane. This screed is divided by the battens, which form the grid, into different boxes containing substance. Here, the substance is thus (partly) interrupted by the battens. The substances of a screed are susceptible to deformation, mainly during drying out thereof. However, since the battens provide interruptions, the substance is less susceptible to deformation and no or only few expansion joints have to be provided in the screed. As this screed comprises this grid, there is no need to provide a reinforcing mesh to provide load- bearing capacity to the screed either. In a highly preferred embodiment, the grid is formed with the aid of an assembly as described above. As a result thereof, the screed thus comprises this assembly.

These objects are also achieved by providing a method for applying a substance to a surface in order to form a screed, wherein battens are provided and placed on the surface and wherein the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens, wherein the battens comprise complementary connecting elements and these battens are connected to each other in such a manner at the location of their connecting elements prior to or during application of the substance, that a grid is formed. By means of this method, it is possible to produce a screed having an even and flat surface in a simple and fast way. As these battens comprise complementary connecting elements in order to connect them to one another, connecting these battens can be achieved quickly and in a simple manner. As a grid is formed before or during application of the substance, the substance can here be flattened to the connected battens. As a result thereof, the substance is flattened and levelled in different directions, as a result of which the end result is a flat and even screed. The flattening may be carried out with the aid of, for example, a screed batten. With this method, less experienced screeders are also able to place a flat and an even screed. By flattening in different directions, the substance can also be flattened more quickly. Since (most) battens are connected to each other via their complementary connecting elements, the battens have a degree of strength during flattening of the substance and maintain their position during flattening and levelling of the substance. Here, the formed grid comprises several boxes delimited by the battens.

An additional advantage of working with such a grid is that the formed screed will also have this grid structure. After flattening, the substance will usually harden and deform slightly. As the substance now also has this grid structure, it will harden more quickly and deform less, as a result of which the end result is a flatter and more even screed. Due to the fact that hardening is quicker, the subsequent operations, such as tiling or laying parquet, laminate, vinyl, etc., can be performed sooner. With this method, it is also possible to apply the screed at a certain angle.

An additional advantage is the fact that it is possible to stop at any time during the formation of the screed. Thus, it is possible to fill only a certain number of boxes and/or only to form part of the grid and fill the formed boxes and then decide when to continue the work. The fact is that hardening of the substance which is present in the different boxes does not have to take place at the same time. This is particularly expedient if screeds of relatively large surface areas are to be produced, as this can then be performed over several days and weekends/holiday periods do not cause any problem. In this way, it is also easier to work until a specific hour of the day, as it is possible to place only part of the screed in each case, whereas with existing methods screeders have to either stop working earlier by not starting on a new screed or have to work longer in order to finish placing the new screed.

Preferably, the formed grid comprises several boxes delimited by the battens, in which case the boxes formed by the battens are gradually filled with the substance during the formation of the grid. Filling takes place gradually in this case. By not waiting for the entire grid to be formed before filling the boxes, but gradually filling formed boxes, these boxes are still easily accessible as a result of which they can readily be filled. In addition, the substance is also preferably gradually flattened on the battens during formation of the grid. After one or more boxes have been filled with substance, the process of flattening the substance on the battens is started, so that the battens used for flattening are still readily accessible.

In an alternative embodiment, the entire grid is provided first and the substance is only then introduced into the boxes of the grid.

If the grid is placed on a surface delimited by walls or the like, the spaces which are delimited by one or more battens and these walls or the like are preferably also filled with substance, so that the entire surface is covered by the substance. In a specific embodiment, a grid may be formed in which the battens extend in two directions and the first direction is then parallel with, for example, a first wall and the second direction is then parallel with a second wall which runs at right angles to the first wall. In another embodiment, a grid may be formed in which the battens extend in two directions and both directions in each case form angles with the walls or the like. How the grid will then be placed will depend, inter alia on the type of surface and the dimensions of the surface.

Particularly preferably, the grid comprises several virtually parallel rows of adjacent boxes, in which the rows are successively formed and in which, following the formation of a said row, substance is introduced into the boxes of this row. In this case, work proceeds row by row. After one row of boxes has been filled, battens may be connected on the battens of the filled boxes in order thus to form a second row of boxes. Preferably, after filling a row boxes with the substance, the substance is also flattened on the battens before a second row of boxes is formed. In this way, it is possible to work quickly and in an organised manner. Preferably, the grid will also be brought to the desired height and/or be given the desired inclination. This may be effected during or after placement of the grid and is done, for example, by making use of said battens comprising height adjusters. With the aid of height adjusters, it is simple to bring the grid to the desired height and/or to set the desired inclination of the grid. By using height adjusters, it is also possible to provide standard battens of a well-defined height. These standard battens are then usable both for forming screeds of a height which virtually corresponds to the height of the battens and are also usable for forming screeds of a height which is a number of centimetres higher than the battens. One or more battens may comprise, for example, at least one hole with internal screw thread, in which this internal screw thread extends around an axis and in which the assembly comprises a leg with external screw thread, in which this external screw thread corresponds to said internal screw thread, so that the leg is rotatably fittable in the hole along the axis, and in which this axis extends virtually along the height direction of the batten, so that the height of the respective batten with respect to the surface is adjustable by rotating the leg in the hole.

In a highly preferred embodiment, this method provides an assembly as described above. The battens used and optionally in addition the used height adjusters then come from this assembly. With the aid of this assembly, it is easy to form a grid to which a substance can easily and quickly be flattened and levelled.

Preferably, the formed grid remains in the substance after the substance has been applied and the substance has been flattened and levelled on the battens. This also contributes to the strength of the formed screed. In principle, no reinforcement mesh has to be used here.

Preferably, the substance comprises a sand cement, insulating sand cement, grit, gravel and/or pebble. In a specific embodiment, the substance is a cement- containing substance, such as sand cement. Sand cement is not liquid, as a result of which the grid will securely remain in place and the grid is very suitable to flatten this substance.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of an assembly and a method according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of this assembly and this method, and can therefore by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, in which the assembly forms a grid;

-Fig. 2 shows a representation in perspective of four battens from the first embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, in which these 4 battens together form one box of a grid;

-Fig. 3 shows a detail view of a representation in perspective of two battens from the first embodiment, while these battens are connected to each other at right angles;

-Fig. 4 shows a detail view of a representation in perspective of two battens from the first embodiment, while connecting these battens in such a manner that they are in line with each other;

-Fig. 5 shows a cross section of a leg of the first embodiment;

-Fig. 6 shows a representation in perspective of a batten from the first embodiment, in which legs and extension legs are connected to the batten;

-Fig. 7 shows a top view of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the invention in a position of use, in which not all of the height adjusters have been illustrated for the sake of simplicity;

-Fig. 8 shows a detail of a representation in perspective of the second embodiment in a position of use, in which not all of the height adjusters have been illustrated for the sake of simplicity;

-Fig. 9 shows a further detail from Fig. 8.

The figures show two possible embodiments of an assembly (1) according to the invention. Obviously, other embodiments are also possible. The assembly (1) comprising battens (2, 20a, 20b) is used for applying sand cement to a support surface in order to form a screed from sand cement. On such a screed, tiles, parquet, laminate, vinyl, etc. can be placed. During formation of the screed, the sand cement is flattened and levelled on the battens (2, 20a, 20b) of this assembly (1), in which case these battens (2, 20a, 20b) remain in the sand cement after the flattening and levelling on the battens (2, 20a, 20b), as a result of which the resulting screed comprises this assembly (1). This assembly (1) comprises battens (2, 20a, 20b). Depending on the embodiment, the assembly (1) may comprise one or more types and sizes of battens (2, 20a, 20b). In the first embodiment, illustrated here in Figs. 1 to 6, one type of batten (2) of different sizes is provided. In the second embodiment, illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9, several types of battens (20a, 20b) of different sizes are provided. Furthermore, the assembly (1) also comprises height adjusters (6, 9, 10, 1 1) in both embodiments in order to adjust the height of the grid. The battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise complementary connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b), by means of which the battens (2, 20a, 20b) are connectable to each other in order to form a grid. In a position of use of the assembly (1), the battens (2, 20a, 20b) form a grid, as is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 7.

This grid with height adjusters (5, 9, 10, 1 1) is placed on the surface. If the surface is surrounded by walls, the grid is preferably placed at a maximum distance of 25 cm from the walls.

In the first embodiment, each batten (2) comprises two first and two second connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b). These first connecting elements (3) are grooves (3) which are provided in the battens (2), in which case each end (13, 16) of the batten (2), viewed along the length direction (A) of the batten (2), comprises such a groove (3). These grooves (3) form splice connections, by means of which two battens (2) are connectable to each other at right angles. Fig. 3 shows how such a connection is brought about.

The second connecting elements (4a, 4b) make it possible to connect said two battens (2) to each other in such a way that these battens (2) extend virtually along the same length direction (A). Viewed along the length direction (A) of the batten (2), each batten (2) comprises a first end (13) having a recess (4a), and a second end (16) situated opposite the first end (13), said second end (16) comprising a receiving element (4b) which is slidable in said recess (4a) of another batten (2) in order to connect these battens (2) in such a manner that they extend each other along their length directions (A). These recesses (4a) and receiving elements (4b) form the second connecting elements (4a, 4b). The receiving element (4b) furthermore comprises four hooks and the first end (13) comprises on the one or more hooks corresponding engagement elements (14) which are positioned at the location of the recess (4a), so that the hooks of the second end (16) of said batten (2) hooks behind the engagement elements (14) of the first end (13) of said other batten (2). Here, the one batten (2) is then partly pushed into the other batten (2) with the aid of a click- fit connection. This is illustrated in Fig. 4. In this way, it is simple to form a grid by means of square boxes (12). It is also possible to remove certain battens (2) again or not to fit them, thus resulting in one or more relatively large boxes (12).

The height and inclination of each batten (2) with respect to the surface, and thus the height of the grid is adjustable as follows: on each side, each batten (2) comprises, viewed along the length direction (A), two hollow cylinders (9) which extend along the height direction of the batten (2), in which case each cylinder (9) comprises a hole (5) delimited by internal screw thread which is accessible from the upper side and from the underside of the batten (2). This internal screw thread extends along an axis (B) which extends along the height direction of the batten (2). The assembly (1) furthermore comprises legs (6) comprising external screw thread (7) which corresponds to the internal screw thread, so that a leg (6) is rotatably fittable in said hole (5) along the axis (B), in order thus to regulate the distance of the batten (2) with respect to the surface. Each leg (6) comprises a notch (8) in which a tool, such as a screwdriver, can engage, so that the leg (6) is rotatable in the hole (5) with the aid of a tool.

As is illustrated in Fig. 6, additional extension legs (1 1) may be provided in order to be able to position the batten (2) even higher. Each leg (6) comprises a hole (15) into which the extension legs (1 1) are partly fittable. Furthermore, the cross sections of the batten (2) between the two hollow cylinders (9) are I-shaped. This assembly (1) is used to form a screed of sand cement. Forming this screed is carried out as follows:

Initially, a first row of adjacent boxes (12) is formed by connecting several battens (2) to each other with the aid of the first connecting elements (3). If necessary, one or more legs (6) are fitted in one or more holes (5) to bring the battens (2) to the desired height and/or to set the desired inclination. Thereafter, sand cement is introduced into these formed boxes (12) and the sand cement is flattened and levelled to the boxes (12). Then, a second row of boxes (12) is formed by inter alia pushing receiving elements (4b) of the battens (2) into freely accessible recesses (4a) of the first ends (13) of the battens (2) of the already formed row. If necessary, this second row is brought to the correct height/inclination with the aid of one or more legs (6). Subsequently, the second row is filled with sand cement and the sand cement is flattened on the battens (2). This continues until the entire screed has been formed. However, it is also possible to gradually fill the formed boxes (12) with sand cement during placement of the grid and to flatten the sand cement on the battens (2) which are already present, without working in rows. However, it is also possible to form the entire grid first and then to introduce the sand cement into the boxes (12) and flattening it to the grid.

The complementary connecting elements (3) of the second embodiment are grooves (3) which are provided in the battens (20a, 20b) and which allow perpendicular connections between the battens (20a, 20b). Thus, these are first connecting elements (3).

The long main battens (20a) are all virtually identical. They each comprise 7 pairs of two grooves (3), in which case these pairs extend at virtually the same intermediate distance from each other and two pairs extend at the location of the ends of the main battens (20a), viewed along the length direction (A) of the respective main batten (20a). In a position of use of the assembly (1), the grooves (3) of the main battens (20a) all end in the upper face of their respective main battens (20a). This ensures that the short battens (20b) can be connected thereto in a simple manner. The short battens (20b) illustrated here are inter alia used to connect two successive main battens (20a) to each other which extend parallel next to each other and are not in line with each other. They are also used to connect two main battens (20a) which are in line with each other to one another. To this end, they also comprise grooves (3). In this way, it is easy to form grids of different sizes.

In the second embodiment, a different type of height adjuster (10) is used. This type of height adjuster (10) can in principle also be used for the first embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, only one height adjuster (10) is shown in Figs. 6 and 7, but preferably there is a height adjuster (10) underneath the battens (20a, 20b) at the location of each connection between two battens (20a, 20b). The height adjusters (10) are plates (10). The height is regulated here by placing these plates (10) underneath the battens (20a, 20b) and by providing substance or legs to support these plates (10) at the correct height.

This assembly (1) is also used to form a screed of sand cement. Forming this screed is carried out as follows:

The various battens (20a, 20b) are connected to each other in order to form a grid of boxes (12) in the form of a square. When placing the grid, the height and inclination may, gradually or otherwise, be adjusted with the aid of the height adjusters (10). To this end, a laser or a spirit level may be used, for example. In this case, the entire grid is preferably formed first, after which the sand cement is introduced into the boxes (12) and the sand cement is flattened and levelled to the grid.

In a position of use of all embodiments, the one battens (2, 20a, 20b) are configured to extend virtually along a first direction and the other battens (2, 20a, 20b) are configured to extend substantially virtually along a second direction, with the first direction extending virtually perpendicular to the second direction. The grid thus comprises several boxes (12) in the shape of a square. All embodiments offer the advantage that it is possible to fill box (12) by box (12), as a result of which it is possible to stop placing the screed at any time and to continue later, so that breaks, the desired number of working hours, weekends, holidays, etc. do not form a problem. When the entire grid has been filled with sand cement and the sand cement is flattened and levelled on the battens (2, 20a, 20b), the sand cement is allowed to dry out. The grid is allowed to remain. This results in a strong and flat screed, with this screed comprising the grid. Here, the upper sides of the battens (2, 20a, 20b) extend in one plane, and the upper side of the sand cement also extends in this plane.

Claims

C L A I M S

Assembly (1) for applying a substance to a surface, wherein the assembly (1) comprises battens (2, 20a, 20b) and wherein, in the position of use of the assembly (1), the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens (2, 20a, 20b) in order to form a screed, characterized in that the battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise complementary connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b) by means of which the battens (2, 20a, 20b) are mutually connectable in order to form a grid on which the substance, during and/or after the formation of the grid, is flattened and levelled.

Assembly (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that two or more of said battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise first connecting elements (3) to connect at least two of said battens (2, 20a, 20b) virtually at right angles to each other.

Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more battens (2) comprise second connecting elements (4a, 4b) in order to connect at least two of said battens (2) to each other in such a manner that they, viewed along their length directions (A), extend each other.

Assembly (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the second connecting elements (4a, 4b) comprise

• at least one recess (4a), wherein a first end (13) of said first batten (2), viewed along the length direction (A) of this batten (2), comprises this recess (4a) and this recess (4a) is accessible from the outside along this length direction (A), and

• at least one receiving element (4b) which is slidable into the recess (4a), wherein an end (16) of said second batten (2), viewed along the length direction (A) of this batten (2), comprises this receiving element (4b), in such a way that the second batten (2) is partly slidable in its length direction (A) into said recess (4a) of the first batten (2).

Assembly (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that said receiving element (4b) comprises one or more hooks and the first batten (2) comprises corresponding engagement elements (14) on the one or more hooks which are arranged at the location of the recess (4a), so that the receiving element (4b) of the second batten (2) hooks into the first batten (2).

6. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of said battens (2) comprise at least one hole (5) which is delimited by internal screw thread (5), wherein this internal screw thread extends around an axis (B), and in that the assembly (1) comprises a leg (6) with external screw thread (7), wherein this external screw thread (7) corresponds to said internal screw thread so that the leg (6) is rotatably fittable in the hole (5) along the axis (B), and wherein this axis (B) extends virtually along the height direction of the batten (2), so that the height of the respective batten (2) with respect to the surface is adjustable by rotating the leg (6) in the hole (5).

7. Assembly (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the hole (5) forms a passage, in which the leg (6), viewed along the axis (B), is insertable into the hole (5) from two sides.

8. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several cross sections of the batten (2) substantially have an I-shape.

9. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the batten (2) comprises one or more projections which are configured to engage in said substance.

10. Assembly (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that these projections extend virtually along the width direction of the batten (2).

11. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly (1) comprises one or more carrying elements which are configured to be attached to the underside of one or more battens (2, 20a, 20b), wherein these carrying elements are configured to carry bars.

12. Screed comprising a substance such as sand cement, insulating sand cement, grit, gravel and/or pebble, characterized in that the screed comprises a grid composed of several battens (2, 20a, 20b) connected to each other, wherein these battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise complementary connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b) by means of which the battens (2, 20a, 20b) are connected to each other, wherein the substance extends substantially between the battens (2, 20a, 20b), and the upper sides of battens (2, 20a, 20b) and the upper sides of the substance extend in virtually the same plane.

13. Screed according to Claim 12, characterized in that the grid is formed with the aid of an assembly (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 1 1.

14. Method for applying a substance to a surface in order to form a screed, wherein battens (2, 20a, 20b) are provided and placed on the surface and wherein the substance is flattened and levelled on the battens (2, 20a, 20b), characterized in that the battens (2, 20a, 20b) comprise complementary connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b) and these battens (2, 20a, 20b) are connected to each other in such a manner at the location of their connecting elements (3, 4a, 4b) prior to or during application of the substance, that a grid is formed.

15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that the formed grid comprises several boxes (12) delimited by the battens (2, 20a, 20b), in which case the boxes (12) formed by the battens (2, 20a, 20b) are gradually filled with the substance during the formation of the grid.

16. Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that the formed grid comprises several virtually parallel rows of adjacent boxes (12), in which the rows are successively formed, and in which, following the formation of a said row, substance is introduced into the boxes (12) of this row.

17. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the formed grid remains in the substance after the substance has been applied and the substance has been flattened and levelled on the battens (2, 20a, 20b).

18. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, in order to form the grid, an assembly (1) as described in one of Claims 1 to 1 1 is provided.