Locking concrete insert

Abstract

A locking insert is described for use in a poured concrete structure. The locking insert includes a hollow elongated body, a longitudinal channel with two configured side edges and a channel floor, a paired gear nut and locking plate that interengages said configured side edges, an attachment bolt, and a method to prevent concrete from seeping into the locking insert. The embedment of the locking insert into a concrete structure provides a positive locking, positional and anti-slip method of attachment for a structural or secondary element. The locking insert allows for vertical positioning and locking of the paired gear nut and locking plate to ensure a proper connection with a structural or secondary element through an attachment bolt. The locking insert with an attached outwardly projecting element transfers the load associated with the structural or secondary element throughout the concrete structure to allow for a high strength connection.

1 . A locking insert for embedment in one face of a poured concrete structure for attaching a structural or secondary element thereto, said locking insert comprising:
 an elongated body having a hollow interior and an exterior surface adapted, upon insertion into said concrete structure, to be substantially coplanar with said face thereof,   a longitudinal channel in said exterior surface of said elongated body providing an opening into said interior thereof, said longitudinal channel further comprising:
 a channel floor disposed opposite said opening; 
 two configured sides of the channel opening, said sides being parallel and coplanar the one with the other, and; 
   a paired threaded gear nut and locking plate for disposition in said longitudinal channel and upon installation and rotation interengages with said configured sides of said longitudinal channel to secure said locking insert;   whereby said locking insert provides a positional slip-free attachment site for said structural or secondary element.   
   
   
       2 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said elongated body further contains at least one attachment opening in said channel floor, said attachment opening adapted for attachment to formwork through the use of an attachment member. 
   
   
       3 . A locking insert as described in  claim 2 , wherein said attachment member is selected from a group consisting of nails, screws and bolts. 
   
   
       4 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein an outwardly projecting element extends from the exterior surface of the elongated body opposite the opening of the longitudinal channel, said outwardly projecting element adapted for insertion into the concrete structure to more fully transfer the load associated with said secondary or structural element. 
   
   
       5 . A locking insert as described in  claim 4 , wherein said outwardly projecting element is in the shape of a bolt. 
   
   
       6 . A locking insert as described in  claim 4 , wherein said outwardly projecting element is frustoconically shaped. 
   
   
       7 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said elongated body, said paired threaded gear nut and locking plate, and said outwardly projecting element are constructed of material selected from a group consisting of galvanized steel, hot dip galvanized steel, stainless steel, cast malleable iron, and bright basic steel. 
   
   
       8 . A locking insert as described in  claim 7 , wherein said elongated body is formed from a squared tube; 
   
   
       9 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said paired threaded gear nut and locking plate includes a gear nut portion configured to interengage said longitudinal channel edges to position said paired gear nut and locking plate. 
   
   
       10 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein the locking plate portion of said paired threaded gear nut and locking plate has a horizontal width greater than the width of said longitudinal channel, to lock said paired gear nut and locking plate within said longitudinal channel when an attachment bolt connects said gear nut and locking plate with a secondary or structural connection. 
   
   
       11 . A locking insert as described in  claim 10 , wherein said attachment bolt includes a bolt head attached to one end of said attachment bolt. 
   
   
       12 . A locking insert as described in  claim 10 , wherein said attachment bolt is attached to said paired threaded gear nut and locking plate by welding. 
   
   
       13 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said configured sides are shaped in a shark tooth manner. 
   
   
       14 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said configured sides are shaped in an arcuate manner. 
   
   
       15 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said elongated body has end plates adapted to restrict entry of concrete into said longitudinal channel. 
   
   
       16 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein said longitudinal channel contains a removable filler, adapted to restrict entry of concrete into said longitudinal channel, selected from a group consisting of foam, rubber or removable plastic. 
   
   
       17 . A locking insert as described in  claim 1 , wherein a force emitting object is affixed to said locking plate portion, whereby when said locking plate portion is inserted into said longitudinal channel, said force emitting object engages said channel floor and said paired gear nut and locking plate against said configured side edges, thereby restricting movement. 
   
   
       18 . A locking insert as described in  claim 17 , wherein said force emitting object is a spring. 
   
   
       19 . A locking insert for embedment in one face of a poured concrete structure for attaching a structural or secondary element thereto, said locking insert comprising:
 an elongated body having a hollow interior and an exterior surface adapted, upon insertion into said concrete structure, to be substantially coplanar with said face thereof,   a longitudinal channel in said exterior surface of said elongated body providing an opening into said hollow interior thereof, said longitudinal channel further comprising:   a channel floor disposed opposite said opening;   two configured sides of the channel opening, said sides being parallel and coplanar the one with the other; and,   a paired threaded gear nut and locking plate for disposition in said longitudinal channel which, upon installation and engagement, interengages with said configured sides of said longitudinal channel to secure said locking insert;   whereby said locking insert provides a positional slip-free attachment site for said structural or secondary element.   
   
   
       20 . A locking insert as described in  claim 19 , wherein said elongated body further contains at least one attachment opening in said channel floor, said attachment opening adapted for attachment to formwork through the use of an attachment member.