Composite panel, connector and related method

Abstract

A composite panel comprising a layer of hardened settable material, at least one element bonded to and/or embedded in the settable material, and one or more connectors fixed to the at least one element, the or each connector comprises a coupling portion that is disposed at a surface of the panel and arranged to form one part of a load bearing coupling, wherein loading induced at the coupling is arranged to be transferred through the connector to the element.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A composite panel comprising a layer of hardened settable material, at least one element in the form of a sheet bonded to and/or embedded in the settable material, and one or more connectors fixed to the at least one sheet element, the or each connector comprises a coupling portion that is disposed at a surface of the panel and arranged to form one part of a load bearing coupling, wherein loading induced at the coupling is arranged to be transferred through the connector to the element. 
     
     
         38 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein the at least one sheet element is profiled and comprises a pan and at least one stiffening formation upstanding from the pan, the stiffening formation being embedded within the settable material. 
     
     
         39 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein the at least one sheet element is disposed along one major surface of the composite panel. 
     
     
         40 . A composite panel according to  claim 39 , wherein the sheet element is one of a plurality of sheet elements that are interconnected in edge to edge relation so as to extend across at least the majority of that major surface. 
     
     
         41 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein the coupling portion of the one or more connectors is exposed along an edge or side surface of the panel. 
     
     
         42 . A composite panel according to  claim 41 , wherein the coupling portion comprises a coupling body that extends to an edge or side of the panel, the body having a passage that incorporates an engaging formation. 
     
     
         43 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein the settable material is cementitious. 
     
     
         44 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein the at least one sheet element is formed of metal. 
     
     
         45 . A composite panel according to  claim 37 , wherein at least one of the connectors is fixed to the element by one or more mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         46 . A profiled panel member comprising a pan and at least one longitudinal stiffening formation projecting from the pan and extending between opposite ends of the panel, wherein the panel comprises one or more preformed holes along at least one edge margin of the panel, the preformed holes being configured to receive one or more mechanical fasteners to fix a member to said panel edge margin. 
     
     
         47 . A combination of a connector and element in the form of a sheet, the combination being arranged to be embedded in or bonded to a hardened settable material, the connector portion comprising a coupling portion arranged to form one part of a load bearing coupling, wherein loading induced at the coupling is arranged to be transferred through the connector to the sheet element. 
     
     
         48 . A combination according to  claim 47 , wherein the sheet element forms part of a deck on which the settable material is arranged to be cast. 
     
     
         49 . A connector for a composite panel of the type having a layer formed from a settable material and at least one sheet element bonded to and/or embedded in the settable material, the connector comprising an attachment portion arranged to be fixed to one or more of the at least one sheet element, and a coupling portion operationally coupled to the attachment portion and arranged to form one part of a coupling arranged to accommodate loading. 
     
     
         50 . A connector according to  claim 49 , wherein the attachment portion comprises a plate having one or more apertures therein arranged to receive respective mechanical fasteners to secure the connector to the sheet(s). 
     
     
         51 . A connector according to  claim 49 , wherein the coupling portion comprises a body incorporating one part of a threaded coupling. 
     
     
         52 . A connector according to  claim 49 , wherein the coupling body includes a passage to accept other lifting attachments. 
     
     
         53 . A connector according to  claim 52 , wherein the coupling body is generally cylindrical and comprises opposite first and second ends, the passage extending along the axis of the cylindrical body and opening to at least one of the first and second ends. 
     
     
         54 . A connector according to  claim 49 , wherein the connector is formed from a metal casting or machined from stock length. 
     
     
         55 . A connector according to  claim 49 , wherein the coupling portion is fixed to, or integrally formed with the attachment portion.