Device and method for connecting concrete plies in pre-cast wall and ceiling panels

Abstract

A connector is disclosed for connecting together plies, or wythes, of pre-cast concrete wall or ceiling panels which have the necessity of being cast in several plies or layers. The connector joins together first and second concrete layers with an intervening insulation layer. Also disclosed is a method for creating these concrete panels using the connector and an insert tool for use in inserting the connector.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A connector for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel, said connector comprising a generally rod-shaped member having at least one angular fin extending from said rod causing said connector to rotate during insertion of the connector into the insulation layer and the first concrete layer.  
     
     
         2 . The connector according to  claim 1  wherein said generally rod shaped member includes three distinct segments.  
     
     
         3 . The connector according to  claim 2 , wherein said first of said segments includes a pointed terminal end.  
     
     
         4 . The connector according to  claim 3 , wherein said first segment further includes two of said angular fins spaced on opposite sides of said first segment.  
     
     
         5 . The connector according to  claim 4 , wherein said first segment further includes at least one flat area spaced approximately 90° around the exterior circumference of said first segment from one of said fins.  
     
     
         6 . The connector according to  claim 5 , wherein said first segment further includes at least one flat area spaced approximately 270° around the exterior circumference of said first segment from one of said fins.  
     
     
         7 . The connector according to  claim 6 , wherein said at least one flat area spaced approximately 270° around the exterior circumference of said first segment from one of said fins comprises two flat acutely shaped triangular areas.  
     
     
         8 . A connector for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel, said connector comprising glass filled nylon and having a first pointed end having sufficient sharpness to permit perforation of insulation board without the separation and displacement of an insulation plug.  
     
     
         9 . A method of forming a multiply ceiling or wall panel comprising: 
 pouring at ground level a first concrete face ply;    arranging unperforated insulation board on the uncured first concrete face ply in any desired arrangement;    perforating said insulation board with a connector and passing said connector said insulation board and into said first concrete face ply such that a portion of said connector extends above the surface of said insulation board; and    pouring a second concrete structural ply over said insulation board and engaging said connector.    
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said connector comprises a generally rod-shaped member having at least one angular fin extending from said rod causing said connector to rotate during insertion of the connector into the insulation layer and the first concrete layer.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said generally rod shaped member includes three distinct segments.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein first segment of said connector includes two of said angular fins spaced on opposite sides of said first segment.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said connector is inserted into said insulation board using an insertion tool which releasably maintains said connector in an insertion position.  
     
     
         14 . An insertion tool for inserting a connector into an unperforated insulation board, said insertion tool comprising a handle, a barrel, and a tubular holder for holding said connector in a releasable position.  
     
     
         15 . The insertion tool according to  claim 14 , wherein said tubular holder includes means for maintaining said connector within said insertion tool until release is desired.  
     
     
         16 . The insertion tool according to  claim 15 , wherein said means for maintaining said connector within said insertion tool until release is desired comprises a spring.  
     
     
         17 . The insertion tool according to  claim 14 , wherein said insertion tool barrel is of sufficient length to permit insertion of said connector by a man in a standing position.  
     
     
         18 . A connector for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel, said connector comprising a generally rod-shaped member having a first end forming a sharpened point, a first body segment including four circumferentially spaced angled fins, a second body segment including at least two circumferentially spaced angled fins, and a third body segment having at least two circumferentially spaced flat segments.  
     
     
         19 . The connector according to  claim 18 , wherein least two circumferentially spaced angled fins on said second body segment is four circumferentially spaced angled fins.  
     
     
         20 . The connector according to  claim 18 , wherein said connector comprises glass filled nylon.