Double ended connector / utility unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for connecting insulation panels of insulated concrete formwork. Each panel has opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first edge and female interconnecting means on a second edge. The device is a block with opposing edges wherein each opposing edge of the block has similar interconnecting means that mate with the interconnecting means on one of the edges of each of the panels.

1 . A device for connecting insulation panels of insulated concrete formwork, each panel having opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first said edge and female interconnecting means on a second said edge, comprising:
 a block with opposing edges wherein each opposing edge of the block has only male interconnecting means and said male interconnecting means can mate with said female interconnecting means on said second edge of each of said panels.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the block is rectangular. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the interconnecting means extend along the entire length of each opposing edge of the block. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein two rows of interconnecting means are aligned on each edge of the block. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is formed from polystyrene. 
   
   
       6 . A device for connecting insulation panels of insulated concrete formwork, each panel having opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first said edge and female interconnecting means on a second said edge, comprising:
 a block with opposing edges wherein each opposing edge of the block has only female interconnecting means and said female interconnecting means can mate with said male interconnecting means on said first edge of each of said panels.   
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the block is rectangular. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the interconnecting means extend along the entire length of each opposing edge of the block. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 6  wherein two rows of interconnecting means are aligned on each edge of the block. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the device is formed from polystyrene. 
   
   
       11 . A system for insulating concrete formwork, comprising:
 a plurality of insulation panels wherein each panel has opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first said edge and female interconnecting means on a second said edge; and   at least one block connecting two of said insulation panels wherein each opposing edge of said block has only male interconnecting means that can mate with said female interconnecting means on said second edge of each of said panels.   
   
   
       12 . A system for insulating concrete formwork, comprising:
 a plurality of insulation panels wherein each panel has opposing edges and male interconnecting means on a first said edge and female interconnecting means on a second said edge; and   at least one block connecting two of said insulation panels wherein each opposing edge of said block has only female interconnecting means that can mate with said male interconnecting means on said first edge of each of said panels.