Connector for concrete panels

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a connector for connecting concrete panels, of the type which is formed from a strip of metal, which has a center flange and two side flanges perpendicular thereto, and bent from their ends at a ninety degree angle to form a U shaped connector, for insertion into a concrete panel and, which abuts a like connector in an adjoining panel with the center flanges welded together to connect the panels.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Precast concrete panels are widely used in the construction industry to form the floor, walls or roof of buildings. These precast panels are usually formed offsite in a factory, where rebar is placed in a form and concrete is poured therein and left to harden. It is desirable to be able to accurately line up the panels for shear transfer between the panels. Typically weld plates or grout keys have been used to handle the shear transfer, which were embedded in the concrete, in the mold or immediately after casting. It is difficult to obtain the degree of accuracy or the desired holding power using these devices. Another proposed device uses wings embedded in concrete with an angled face plate at the edge of the panel, which is matched to a face plate on an adjoining panel. A round is placed between the face plates and they are welded together.

This structure is not entirely satisfactory, in that the wings are not well retained in the panel and are difficult to align.

The connectors of the invention do not suffer from the prior art problems, and provide many advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A connector for connecting concrete panels of U shape with a center flange and two side flanges extending therefrom carried in a concrete panel with the side flanges bent at an increasing angle along their lengths, to a ninety degree angle at their ends, with the center flange welded to a like flange in an adjacent panels.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a U shaped connector to connect precast concrete panels.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector, which is fabricated from a single strip of metal.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector which provides improved shear stress transfer.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector, which has provisions for insertion of reinforcing rods.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector which is simple and inexpensive to fabricate and which is sturdy and reliable in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector, which reduces the costs of assembling the concrete panels.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connector that can withstand relative movement between adjacent members without causing distress in the concrete.

Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part thereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a connector in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1A is a vertical sectional view taken on the line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the connector embedded in a concrete panel;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing two adjacent concrete panels connected together by the connectors of FIG. 1, and

x FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing a plurality of concrete panels connected together by the connectors of the invention.

It should of course be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative, and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures, and embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

When referring to the preferred embodiment, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Use of such terminology is intended to encompass not only the described embodiment, but also technical equivalents, which operate and function in substantially the same way to bring about the same result.

Preferring now more particularly to the drawings and FIGS. 1-4 thereof the connector 10 of the invention is therein illustrated. The connector 10 is of U shape, and includes a center flange 11 and two side flanges 12 and 14. The connector 10 is preferably formed by bending a flat strip of metal, preferably stainless steel, of two inch width, and one quarter inch thickness with an initial length of twenty inches. The side flanges are bent to an angle of 90°, six inches from the end of the strip, and the ends of the flanges are twisted at an angle of 90°; providing curved surfaces 16 and 17.

The side flanges 12 and 14 can be provided with two or more holes 15, of ¾ inch diameter, in surfaces 16 and 17, which can engage with the concrete panels or with reinforcing rods (not shown) for improved retention in the concrete panels (to be described).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2-4, portions of concrete panels 20 are illustrated with connectors 10 therein.

The connectors 10 are inserted into molds (not shown) with the center flanges 11 flush with the outer edges 22 of the panels 20. Concrete is poured into the molds (not shown), and after hardening the panels 20 are removed from the molds, and transported to the job site for assembly. After placement of the completed panels 20, bars 23 are inserted between adjacent flanges 11 to space the panels 20. The flanges 11 and bars 23 are welded together.

If desired, reinforcing rods (not shown) may be inserted into holes 15 of side flanges 12 and 14 for added retention of the connectors 10.

It will thus be seen that connectors have been provided with which the objects of the invention are attained.