Patent Application
20240352753
The present invention relates to construction. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and systems for use when screeding concrete flooring and bedding mixes.
When preparing floors in wet areas, such as bathrooms, the floor must generally be graded to the waste. This ensures that any water on the floor flows to the waste, rather than flowing elsewhere or pooling.
This grading is generally performed by screeding concrete or bedding mix prior to tiling. In many cases, a fall of at least 1:100 is required, meaning that for each metre away from the waste, the screed height shall increase by 10 mm. This is generally performed manually using levels and measuring devices.
A problem with such screeding is that it can be technically challenging, particularly in large areas. If a fall is too large, it may cause height problems away from the waste. If a fall is too small, or inconsistent, water may pool. As such, screeding is generally performed by skilled workers, and is costly and time consuming.
Certain tools exist which simplify the process of creating a proper fall when screeding. These tools include height pins, which may be adjusted to a desired screed height prior to screeding.
A problem with such tools is that while they may simplify the screeding process somewhat, they are generally difficult to properly set up. As a base floor is not necessarily flat, it cannot be used as a true flat reference point, meaning that levels and measuring tools are required to set up the height pins in generally the same manner that a skilled person would perform traditional screeding.
It is clearly desirable to be able to simplify the screeding process further, to enable faster and more efficient work, and/or enabling less skilled labour to be used.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
The present invention relates to screed devices and systems, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a screed grading device comprising:
Advantageously, screed grading devices may be positioned on a floor and adjusted to suitable heights, to simplify the process of grading the floor when screeding and reduce the likelihood of error. The platform may support a level or straight edge, simplifying the process of measuring and configuring the screed grading devices.
Preferably, the base and platform are coupled by a threaded spacing mechanism. The height of the platform may be adjustable relative to the base by rotation of the platform relative to the base.
Preferably, a first threaded member extends upwardly from base, and a second threaded member extends downwardly from platform.
The first and second threaded members include inwardly and outwardly threaded spacing members. The outwardly threaded spacing member may be configured to be received in, and engage with, the inwardly threaded spacing member.
Preferably, the platform comprises a substantially planar upper surface. Preferably the platform is substantially planar.
Preferably, the platform is circular in shape. Alternatively, the platform may be rectangular, or any other suitable shape.
Preferably, the platform includes a screw drive, enabling the platform to be rotated by a tool. The use of a tool may significantly increase the speed in raising and lowering the platform, which is particularly relevant when many devices are used.
Preferably, the platform includes one or more notches for supporting string. Suitably, the platform includes notches around a periphery of the platform.
Preferably, the base includes a substantially planar lower surface. Suitably, the base is substantially planar.
Preferably, the base includes an adhesive on a lower surface thereof. Suitably, the base includes double sided tape on a lower surface thereof.
In some embodiments, the platform is pivotable relative to the base.
In some embodiments, the base includes one or more supports, for supporting rebar above the substrate.
Preferably, the device is formed of plastic. The device may comprise an upper member, unitarily formed of plastic, and a lower member, unitarily formed of plastic. Any suitable material may, however, be used.
Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.
The screed grading device 100 includes upper and lower members 100a, 100b, which may be engaged with each other at various spacings, thereby enabling the height of the screen grading device 100 to be adjusted. In particular, the upper and lower members 100a, 100b are threadedly engaged with each other.
The lower member 100b comprises a planar base 105, from which an internally threaded spacing member 110 upwardly extends. The upper member 100a similarly comprises a planar platform 115, from which an externally threaded spacing member 120 downwardly extends.
The internally and externally threaded spacing members 110, 120 engage with each other in a threaded arrangement, such that the externally threaded spacing member 120 is received in, and engages with, the internally threaded spacing member 110. The height of the planar platform 115 may be adjusted by rotation of the upper and lower members 100a, 100b relative to each other.
The lower member 100b includes an adhesive in the form of double-sided tape 125 attached to an underside of the planar base 105. The adhesive enables the lower member 100b to be attached to a floor (substrate). The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the lower member may be mechanically fixed to the substrate in any suitable way, including being set in adhesive paste, using a concrete anchor, nails or the like.
In use, multiple screed grading devices 100 will be adhered to a floor (substrate) at various locations and varying heights such that they are graded down towards a waste, channel or outlet. In particular, the platforms 115 are set to heights corresponding to a level of screed that would achieve the desired grading.
The platforms 115 are configured to support devices such as straight edges and levels, simplifying the process of configuring the screed grading devices 100. In particular, the platforms 115 enable straight edges and levels to be supported while the system is being used, simplifying the process of configuration by a single worker.
As the screed grading device 100 is easily configured by rotation of the upper member 100a relative to the lower member 100b, it may be also easily adjusted after installation, e.g. if fine-tuning or adjustment is required.
Once the screed grading devices 100 are installed across the floor (substrate) screeding may then be performed on the floor (substrate), using the platforms 115 as height guides. This enables the concrete mixture to be laid more rapidly and accurately, as the worker has height guides, rather than continually needing to check and measure. As the platforms 115 are relatively large and thus easily identifiable, the risk of mistakes is also reduced. This enables relatively unskilled labour to be used to at least initially lay the concrete or screed mix.
In large areas, and areas with uneven substrates, the heights of different screed grading devices 100 may vary significantly. In some embodiments, it is desirable to provide devices of varying different heights.
This enables the screed grading device 500 to be about half the height of the screed grading device 100.
This enables the screed grading device 600 to be about half the height of the screed grading device 500.
In use, the screed grading devices 100, 500 and 600 will be used together on different parts of a substrate when the screed thickness varies significantly.
In other embodiments, a telescopic mechanism may be used to enable a single device to be used having a wide range of heights. As an illustrative example, a telescopic mechanism may be provided comprising threaded members, which are nested within other threaded members to providing a telescoping arrangement. In such case more than two threaded members may engage with each other, including at least some members which are both internally and externally threaded.
While the screed grading devices 100, 500 and 600 have been illustrated with a circular platform 115, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the platform 115 may take other shapes, and may include notches for supporting string.
The notches 705 enable string to be attached between adjacent screed grading devices 700, as outlined in further detail below.
The screed grading device 700 further includes a screw drive 720, much like an enlarged screw head, which enables a tool, such as a screwdriver (or electric driver), to be used to turn the platform 715. The screw drive 720 is generally cross shaped, but any suitable shape or size of drive may be used. As an illustrative example, a Phillips drive, a slot drive, a hex drive, a square drive, a Torx drive, or any other suitable drive may be used.
The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitably shaped platform may be used.
Once a number of screed grading devices 800 are configured, intermediate screed grading devices may be provided therebetween, and configured using string.
The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that several screed grading devices 800 may be positioned between the first and second screed grading devices 800 with the string 1005 extending therebetween.
In some embodiments, the lower member may be configured to support reinforcing (rebar) in the concrete. This is particularly useful when large areas are being screeded, to prevent cracking in the concrete.
The rebar support member 1105 comprise cross members that extend upwardly from the base, and include semi-circular receiver portions for receiving the rebar and supporting the rebar above the substrate.
This alleviates the need for other rebar supports to raise the rebar from the substrate.
Finally, as the screeding process generally involves a fall to a waste or similar, the platforms of the grading devices may be able to pivot.
The pivotable platform 1205 includes a pivot member 1210 at a base thereof, pivotally coupled to an upper end of the externally threaded spacing member 120. This enables the platform to be sloped according to a gradient of the floor.
The pivotable platform 1205 is also useful in scenarios where the substrate is angled or uneven, as it enables the substrate and platform to be angled relative to each other.
While the above illustrate the upper members having an externally threaded member, and the lower members having an internally threaded member, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that such configuration may be reversed.
When the internally threaded member is provided in the upper member, the internally threaded member of the lower member may extend through the upper member. Such configuration alleviates the need for a long internally threaded
The lower member 1400 includes a base 1405, from which an externally threaded spacing member 1410 upwardly extends. The upper member 1300 includes an internally threaded aperture 1305, for receiving the externally threaded spacing member 1410.
As the internally threaded aperture 1305 extends through the upper member 1300, the externally threaded spacing member 1410 may extend through the upper member 1300. The externally threaded spacing member 1410 may then be cut to size, e.g. using a grinder or hand saw. Alternatively, the externally threaded spacing member 1410 may be cut to size prior to installation, or be provided in various lengths.
As will be readily appreciated by the skilled addressee, any of the embodiments outlined above may be combined. As an illustrative example, the rebar support member 1105 of
The screed grading device 1500 is similar to the screed grading device of
The rebar support member 1505 may be integrally formed with the base 1405.
Alternatively, the rebar support member 1505 may comprise a separate threaded member, that may be threaded onto the spacing member 1410. This enables the rebar support member 1505 to be selectively used by threading it onto the spacing member 1410 when desired.
While only one two or three devices 100, 500, 600, 700, 800 are illustrated together, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that many devices 100, 500, 600, 700 and/or 800 will be used together on a floor, typically in a matrix across a length and width of the room.
While the embodiments are illustrated as being used together with manual tools such as levels and straight edges, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that in other scenarios, laser scanners and the like may be used.
In one embodiment, a laser scanner is configured to scan a surface of the substrate. A desired screed level is then either input or determined for the floor. Instructions may then be made for the placement of a variety of devices on the substrate at defined heights.
The laser scanner may then be used to rescan the surface with the devices, and identify a height of each of the devices and compared to the input or determined floor height. Instructions may then be made to adjust the height of one or more of the devices. This may be repeated until all of the devices are appropriately configured, upon which screeding may take place.
In some embodiments, the upper surface of the devices (i.e. the upper surfaces of the platforms) may include a code or identifiers (e.g. similar to QR codes) to simplify identification of devices and measurement thereof.
In other embodiments, the devices may include sensors, microprocessors, or the like, to enable each device to determine its height. This height may then be provided to a portable computing device or the like. This may in turn be used to document an installation, verify that each device is appropriately configured, to generate digital (3D) maps for approval or certification, or calculate a volume of screeding material required.
The devices described above may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic. The upper and lower members may be unitarily formed, e.g. by injection moulding. The material used may be recycled and/or recyclable. As an illustrative example, the material may comprise recycled plastic.
Similarly, the adhesive may comprise any suitable adhesive, including double sided tape adhesive, adhesive pastes, glues or the like. Alternatively, any suitable form of mechanical fastening may be used in place of the adhesive.
The device and adhesive may be formed of non-corrosive, stable materials, that may stay in the concrete without corroding, and without affecting moisture barriers, rebar or anything else of or associated with the floor.
Advantageously, the screed grading devices provide an efficient way of grading floors when screeding, which alleviates the need for constant measurement and thereby the need for skilled workers in this regard. The devices may be positioned on a floor and adjusted to suitable heights, prior to screeding, to simplify the process of grading the floor when actually screeding.
The relatively large platforms make the devices easy to see, which is particularly important when screeding, which is generally quite messy, and where small height pins (or similar) may not be easily visible. Being easily visible, the devices are also less likely to be damaged (e.g. by being stood on) when screeding.
In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021902641 | Aug 2021 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2022/050951 | 8/23/2022 | WO |
