Abstract: An insulated wall includes first and second spaced apart layers of concrete having a layer of insulating material sandwiched therebetween. Extending through the insulative layer are a plurality of spike connectors having their opposite ends protruding into the two concrete layers and having their central portions extending through the insulating material. One of the opposite ends of the spike connectors is pointed so as to permit it to be punched through the insulative layer. The opposite ends of the spikes each include a holding surface facing at least partially toward the central insulative layer and holding the concrete layers against movement away from the insulative layer. C-shaped connectors may also be used in a similar fashion with hook ends hooked over elongated cables extending within the two concrete layers so as to tie them together.

Abstract: A plastic shear connector for forming an insulated wall having an improved fiber composite or plastic shear connector which is used to form a composite wall formed of an insulating sheet and one or more concrete layers wherein the shear connectors are formed with tapered ends and have a holding portion injection molded and mounted on the center portion of the shear connector and which is inserted through the insulating board as the composite wall is formed.

Abstract: An improved snap lock retainer mechanism for insulated wall construction apparatus for pouring a composite wall structure which includes a pair of outer poured concrete layers separated by a high density foam insulating panel mounted between the concrete layers and which includes a number of tying mechanisms for holding the insulated layer in place while the concrete is being poured and hardened wherein the holding means are formed of plastic rods upon which two plastic receivers are directly injection molded onto the rod. One of the receivers has a single notch and the other receiver has multiple notches. One of two snap rings which are identical goes first over the single notch receiver and is locked in place and then the rod is extended through the insulating panel and a second snap ring is attached to the multiple notches in a ratchet effect on the multiple notches plastic receivers so as to lock the board in place so that the concrete can be poured.