COMPRESSION TRANSFER MEMBER

Abstract

Provided is a compression member for a thermally broken connector assembly, such as for a balcony. In one embodiment, the compression member includes an elongated body which extends into first and second independent concrete structural elements. The elongated body includes a cross-section. The cross-section may include at least two independent rounded surfaces. The cross-section may include at least one corner, which may be rounded. The cross-section may further include at least one leg. The first and second independent concrete structural elements may extend in horizontal planes when the independent concrete structural elements are in their service position. The compression member transfers compression forces between the first and second independent concrete structural elements. Furthermore, the compression member may be independent of the internal reinforcing, or rebar, of one or both independent concrete structural elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the construction industry. More specifically, the present invention is used in concrete construction where a balcony slab is attached to a main floor slab. When a balcony slab is attached to a main floor slab, a thermal bridge is created between the outside balcony slab and the inside floor slab. To avoid this problem, a thermal block is inserted between the slabs. The present invention is a compression transfer member which may be used in the thermal block for structural stability.

BACKGROUND

Balconies are a common feature in buildings, particularly residential buildings. For example, apartments and hotels often include balconies. In typical balcony construction, the interior floor slab is extended to the outside to create the balcony. The concrete and internal reinforcing, such as rebar, are extended from the interior slab to create a balcony slab. But, as energy requirements for buildings are becoming more stringent, more and more buildings are insulated on the outside. Due to structural requirements, the balcony slabs must be extended without any thermal break between the balcony slab and the interior floor slab, which is undesirable from an energy perspective. Recently, products have been introduced to provide a thermal break between balcony and floor slabs which meet the structural requirements necessary for balcony construction.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,938 to Bähr et al. discloses a structural element for thermal insulation. Specifically, disclosed is a complex system of insulation and compression elements which are located between main and projecting building parts. The compression elements end at contact plates or bars, which are located adjacent to the building elements. The plates or bars may include one or more projections which extend into the concrete slabs. The system of Bähr et al. has drawbacks. It is a complex system which must be arranged in a specific manner in the building to effectively transfer compression forces. Moreover, the Bähr et al. compression elements must extend the entire compression height of the junction between the building and projecting parts. Furthermore, because the compression members do not extend into the concrete elements, the compression members are likely to be displaced as the concrete expands and contracts. In addition, the Bähr et al. device is made of steel, which can be corrosive and also creates greater thermal bridge and, therefore, is undesirable.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,317 to Larkin discloses a thermal break for concrete slab edges and balconies. The thermal break includes a plate made of insulation that includes apertures. The apertures accept nipples which are used to extend the rebar of the main building to a projecting balcony slab for the transfer of compression and tension forces. The rebar which extends to the balcony slab is connected to the internal reinforcing or rebar network in both the main floor and balcony slabs, creating a complex system to be constructed.

Even though the thermal break between the concrete slabs is provided in the above examples, for purposes of structural stability, reinforcing is penetrating the thermal break at a number of places. The reinforcing creates a thermal bridge between the two concrete slabs. For example, research has shown that a thermal break's efficiency to resist thermal transfer can be reduced by as much as 40% due to penetrations from normal reinforcing.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an invention to address the above-identified drawbacks and problems. Therefore, the current invention provides a compression member that will replace the steel compression members that are currently employed. Moreover, the present invention accommodates the expansion and contraction of the concrete slabs while providing sufficient compression strength and anchorage in the concrete. Moreover, the invention is easy to manufacture, assemble, and install.

SUMMARY

A compression member for concrete is provided. The compression member may include an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements. The elongated body may have a cross-section including at least two independent rounded surfaces. Moreover, the first and second independent concrete structural elements may extend in horizontal planes when the concrete structural elements are in their service positions. The compression member transfers compression forces between the first and second independent concrete structural elements.

The compression member may be independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of the first and second concrete structural elements. For example, the compression member may be independent of both internal reinforcing networks. Moreover, the cross-section may include at least one corner, which may be rounded. The cross-section may further include a center and at least one leg extending from the center. In one embodiment, the cross-section may include at least three legs. Furthermore, the legs may taper away from the center. The compression member may further have a first end and a second end, with the first end embedded in the first concrete structural element and the second end embedded in the second concrete structural element. At least one of the first and second ends may include at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. Moreover, at least one of the first and second ends may include an end member. The compression member may be made of non-metal, composite material. In addition, one of the first and second concrete structural elements may be a balcony.

In another embodiment of the invention, a compression member is provided. The compression member may have an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements. Furthermore, the elongated body may have a cross-section having at least one corner. The first and second independent concrete structural elements may extend in horizontal planes when the concrete structural elements are in their service positions. The compression member transfers compression forces between the first and second independent concrete structural elements.

Furthermore, the cross-section may include at least one leg, such as three legs. Moreover, the compression member may comprise non-metal, composite material. The compression member may be independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of the first and second concrete structural elements. Furthermore, the elongated body may include a first end and a second end. At least one of the first and second ends may include at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. In addition, at least one of the first and second ends may include an end member.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a compression member is provided. The compression member may include an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements. The compression member may be independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of the first and second independent concrete structural elements. The first and second independent concrete structural elements may extend in horizontal planes when the concrete structural elements are in their service positions. The compression member transfers compression forces between the first and second independent concrete structural elements.

The compression member elongated body may include a cross-section having at least two independent rounded surfaces. Furthermore, the cross-section may include at least one corner, which may be rounded. The cross-section may further include at least one leg, such as three legs. The compression member may comprise non-metal composite material. Furthermore, the elongated body may include a first end and a second end. At least one of the first and second ends may include at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. In addition, at least one of the first and second ends may include an end member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a section view of a building including a compression member of the present invention to transfer compression forces between two independent concrete structural elements.

FIG. 2A is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 5A including first and second end members.

FIG. 6A is a front plan view of a fifth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a cross-section of the compression member of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is a front plan view of the compression member of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a connector assembly including at least one compression member of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a cross-section of the connector assembly of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of a compression member 100 for transferring compression forces or loads between two independent concrete structural elements 102, 104, wherein the first 102 and second 104 concrete structural elements extend in horizontal planes from a wall 106 when the wall 106 and concrete structural elements 102, 104 are in their service positions in a building. It will be understood that the phrase horizontal planes includes planes which are truly horizontal and those which are nearly or intended to be horizontal, such as, sloped surface to drain water, construction inaccuracies, expansion, contraction, or slight design variations. For example, the compression member 100 of the present invention is useful for transferring compression forces and loads between a balcony and a main floor slab of a building. It should be appreciated that the compression members 100 may also be used in other horizontal applications known now or in the future. Furthermore, the embodiments discussed in detail should not be construed as limiting, but rather as exemplary, as the compression member and balcony connector assembly of the present invention may take on many embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a section of a building employing a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. Shown is the wall 106, which in the illustrated embodiment is a concrete sandwich panel having an interior wythe 108, layer of insulation 110, and exterior wythe 112. It will be understood that any type of wall, sandwich or otherwise, may be used in connection with a compression member 100 of the present invention. Also shown is a first independent concrete structural element 102, which in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is a floor slab of a building. The main floor slab is located on the interior of the building. The second concrete structural element 104 is located on the exterior of the building and, in the illustrated embodiment, is a balcony. A connector assembly 114, also known as a thermal block, is shown between the first 102 and second 104 concrete structural elements. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connector assembly 114 may be a balcony connector assembly. The connector assembly 114 includes at least one tension member 118 and at least one shear member 120 for transferring tension and shear forces, respectively. Further included in the connector assembly 114 is insulation 122, which may be the same or a different insulation material as in the wall 106 or same or different thickness insulation material as in wall 106. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the insulation is a different material but same thickness. Examples of balcony connector insulating material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, polystyrene, and mineral wool. Also shown is a compression member 100 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the compression member 100 extends into the first 102 and second 104 independent concrete structural elements. Furthermore, the compression member 100 transfers compression forces between the first 102 and second 104 independent concrete structural elements. Although not shown, the first 102 and/or second 104 concrete structural elements may include an internal reinforcing network, such as a network of steel rebar, as is known in the art. Unlike compression members of the prior art, the compression member 100 of the present invention is preferably not connected to the internal reinforcing network of either concrete structural element. In the case of a balcony, balcony slabs are typically cantilevered from the interior concrete floor slab, as the free end is preferred. The concrete and steel reinforcing is extended from the interior slab to provide the strength required to support the load on the balcony slab. The maximum stress occurs at the junction of the balcony slab to the interior floor slab. The top of the slab is in tension, while the bottom of the slab is in compression. Because the concrete is removed at this location, the compression resistance for the loads is removed. The compression resistance must be replaced and preferably with a member that is thermally efficient. In prior art devices and methods, the member is a steel member. However, steel is a highly thermally conductive material. Therefore, the compression member of the present invention preferably is composed of a fiber reinforced composite member. The fiber reinforced composite member may further include at least one fire resistant additive or at least one fire proofing exterior coating or all of the above.

Turning to FIGS. 2A-2C, a preferred embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is illustrated. The compression member 100 includes an elongated body 124, a first end 126, and a second end 128. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, the compression member includes a cross-section 130. The cross-section 130 may include at least two independent rounded surfaces. The embodiment of FIG. 2B includes three independent rounded surfaces, 132a, 132b, and 132c. In addition, the cross-section 130 may include at least one corner 134. The corner 134 may be a rounded corner. The cross-section of FIG. 2B includes nine corners, which are labeled 134a through 134l. Corners 134a, 134c, 134d, 134f, 134g, and 134i are rounded corners, whereas corners 134b, 134e, and 134h are angled corners. Furthermore, the cross-section may include at least one leg 136. The cross-section of FIG. 2B includes three legs 136a, 136b, 136c. The legs 136a, 136b, 136c may extend from a center 138. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the legs 136 taper away from the center 138. As will be discussed hereinbelow, the legs 136 need not taper. Alternatively, the legs 136 may taper toward the center 138.

A compression member 100 of the present invention may take any shape and cross-section. An advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C is that the compression member 100 includes more surface area than some shapes, such as a cylinder. By having a greater surface area, the compression member 100 is able to withstand and transfer larger compression loads. In addition, the compression member 100 is better anchored in the concrete. Concrete is a non-homogeneous material. By increasing the surface area of the compression member 100, more concrete particles surround the compression member 100, thus providing the ability to transfer higher compression loads and better anchorage in the concrete. Moreover, as discussed above, the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C includes legs 136 which taper away from the center 138. The thicker center 138 further contributes to the capacity of the compression member 100 by withstanding bending and secondary moments.

Turning to FIGS. 3A-3C, a second embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment also includes an elongated body 124, a first end 126, and a second end 128. Further, the second embodiment also includes a plurality of independent rounded surfaces 132a, 132b, 132c. In addition, a number of corners 134a-134i are shown. A number of the corners 134 are rounded. Specifically, corners 134a. 134c, 134d, 134f. 134g, and 134i are rounded. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C includes three legs 136a, 136b, and 136c. FIG. 3B also shows the center 138 of the cross-section 130. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 3B, the second embodiment of the compression member 100 does not include legs 136 which taper away from the center 138. Advantageously, and as discussed in further detail above, the shape of the second embodiment also provides for increased surface area compared to a number of shapes, such as a cylinder.

Turning to FIGS. 4A-4C, a third embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The third embodiment also includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C. FIG. 4B illustrates the cross-section 130 of the third embodiment. The cross-section 130 includes four legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d. Further included are four independent rounded surfaces 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d. Furthermore, a plurality of corners 134a-134l are included along the cross-section 130. All of the corners 134a-134l of the third embodiment are rounded. However, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that the corners need not be rounded. The cross-section 130 further includes a center 138 from which the legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d extend. In the illustrated third embodiment, the legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d do not taper away from the center 138. However, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that the legs 136a, 136b, 136c. 136d may taper without departing from the scope of the invention.

Turning to FIGS. 5A-5C, a fourth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The fourth embodiment also includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Referring to FIG. 5B, a cross-section 130 of the fourth embodiment is shown. The cross-section 130 of the fourth embodiment includes a plurality of independent rounded surfaces 132a-132f, which in the illustrated embodiment are also corners 134a, 134c, 134e, 134g, 134l, 134k which are rounded. Accordingly, in any embodiment of the present invention, the independent rounded surfaces 132 may be a corner 134 and vice versa. Also included are corners 134b, 134d, 134f, 134h, 134l. The cross-section of FIG. 5B further includes six legs 136a, 136b, 136c. 136d. 136e, 136f. The legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, 136e, 136f extend from the center 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, 136e, 136f taper away from the center. However, as will be understood by one of skill in the art, in some embodiments the legs 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, 136e, 136f may not taper away from the center 138 without departing from the scope of the invention.

In further alternate embodiments, a compression member 100 of the present invention may include at least one end member 140. Referring to FIG. 5C, a first end member 140a and a second end member 140b are shown attached to the ends 126, 128 of the fourth embodiment. The end members 140a, 140b may include a similar six-legged cross-section. However, in the illustrated embodiments, the end members 140a, 140b taper away from the elongated body 124 across a first portion 144a, 144b and taper toward the elongated body across a second portion 142a, 142b. However, the end members 140a, 140b may not taper in one or more directions without departing from the scope of the invention. An advantage of the tapered shaped shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C is that the end members 140, 140b include greater surface area, which provides increased anchorage in the concrete and compression capacity.

Turning to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a fifth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The compression member 100 includes an elongated body 124, a first end 126, and a second end 128. The compression member 100 of FIGS. 6A and 6B includes the same elongated body 124 and cross-section 130 as FIGS. 5A-5C. The compression member 100 further includes a first end member 140a and a second end member 140b. The end members 140a, 140b include at least one threaded piece 146a, 146b, which may be a threaded metal piece. The threaded metal pieces 146a, 146b may be attached to the compression member 100 with an epoxy adhesive. An epoxy layer 148 is shown in the cross-section of FIG. 6B, which also includes the first end 126 and first threaded piece 146a. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the threaded pieces 146a, 146b may be attached to the compression member 150 by any means known in the art, now or in the future. Furthermore, any number of threaded metal pieces 158, 160 may be employed, including one, two, or more. In addition, the threaded pieces 146a, 146b may be located at any position on the compression member 100. The threaded pieces 146a, 146b connected to the compression member 100 via epoxy adhesive provide additional compression capacity. In addition, the threaded pieces 146a, 146b may provide increased anchorage in the concrete. The threaded pieces 146a, 146b may further provide greater surface area in the concrete, which prevents the concrete from failing. A compression member 100 of the present invention may include any type of end member 140 without departing from the scope of the invention. Further examples of embodiments of end members 140a, 140b include the tapered end members 140a, 140b discussed above and shown in FIG. 5C, as well as caps including, but not limited to, a concrete block and rectangular steel tube. Further, it is anticipated that a compression member 100 of the present invention may use only one end member or a combination of types, shapes, and material of end members without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The compression member 100 ends 126, 128 may be finished in a number of ways to provide greater compression strength and/or anchorage in the concrete. For example, turning to FIGS. 7A-7C, a sixth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The compression member 100 includes an elongated body 124, a first end 126, and a second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is identical to the cross-section 130 in FIG. 2B. However, referring to FIG. 7C, the first end 126 and second end 128 each include a beveled edge 150a, 150b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the beveled edges 150a, 150b extend the entire cross-section of the first 126 and second 128 ends. However, the beveled edges 150a, 150b need not extend the entire cross-section of the ends 126, 128. In addition, it is anticipated that only one end may include a beveled edge. Furthermore, at least one of the beveled edges 150a, 150b could be cut in the opposite direction of those shown in FIG. 7C. The beveled edges provide greater surface area to receive more compression. As is known in the art, although concrete is non-homogenous, the lower side of a concrete slab may be more homogenous as the aggregate settles near the bottom of the slab. By providing the beveled edges 150a, 150b, the compression member 100 includes greater surface area along the better, more homogenous concrete. Doing so may provide greater compression capacity and also decrease point loading while utilizing the greater capability of the concrete and/or connector.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a seventh embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention. The compression member includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is shown in FIG. 8B. The cross-section 130 of the seventh embodiment is identical to that of the first and sixth embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 7B. Referring to FIG. 8C, the first end 126 and second end 128 each include an outwardly extending surface 152a, 152b, respectively, wherein the end 126, 128 tapers away from the elongated body 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the outwardly extending surfaces 152a, 152b extend the entire cross-section of the first 126 and second 128 ends. However, the outwardly extending surfaces 152a, 152b need not extend the entire cross-section of the ends 126, 128. In addition, it is anticipated that only one end may include an outwardly extending surface 152. The outwardly extending surfaces 152a, 152b provide greater surface area to receive more compression and anchor the compression member 100 in the concrete.

Turning to FIGS. 9A-9C, an eighth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The compression member includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is shown in FIG. 9B. The cross-section 130 of the eighth embodiment is identical to that of the first, sixth, and seventh embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 7B, and 8B. Referring to FIG. 9C, the first end 126 and second end 128 each include an inwardly extending surface 154a, 154b, respectively, which creates a recess 156a, 156b in the ends 126, 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly extending surfaces 154a. 154b extend the entire cross-section of the first 126 and second 128 ends. However, the inwardly extending surfaces 154a, 154b need not extend the entire cross-section of the ends 126, 128. In addition, it is anticipated that only one end may include an inwardly extending surface. The inwardly extending surfaces 154a. 154b provide greater surface area to receive more compression and anchor the compression member 100 in the concrete.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, a ninth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is illustrated. The compression member includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is shown in FIG. 10B. The cross-section 130 of the ninth embodiment is identical to that of the first and sixth through eighth embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 7B, 8B, and 9B. Referring to FIG. 10C, the first end 126 and second end 128 each include an convex surface 158a, 158b respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the convex surfaces 158a, 158b extend the entire cross-section of the first 126 and second 128 ends. However, the convex surfaces 158a, 158b need not extend the entire cross-section of the ends 126, 128. In addition, it is anticipated that only one end may include a convex surface. The convex surfaces 158a. 158b provide greater surface area to receive more compression and anchor the compression member 100 in the concrete.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate a tenth embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention. The compression member 100 includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is shown in FIG. 11B. The cross-section 130 of the tenth embodiment is identical to that of the first and sixth through ninth embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 7B, 8B, 9B, and 10B. Referring to FIG. 11C, the first end 126 and second end 128 each include an concave surface 160a, 160b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the concave surfaces 160a, 160b extend the entire cross-section of the first 126 and second 128 ends. However, the concave surfaces 160a, 160b need not extend the entire cross-section of the ends 126, 128. In addition, it is anticipated that only one end may include a concave surface. The concave surfaces 160a, 160b provide greater surface area to receive more compression and anchor the compression member 100 in the concrete.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, an eleventh embodiment of a compression member 100 of the present invention is shown. The compression member 100 includes an elongated body 124, first end 126, and second end 128. Furthermore, the compression member 100 includes a cross-section 130, which is shown in FIG. 12B. The cross-section 130 of the eleventh embodiment is identical to that of the first and sixth through tenth embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12C, the compression member 100 elongated body 124 includes a twisted body 162. The twisted body 162 has the advantage of providing greater surface area and especially greater anchorage in the concrete. The twisted body 162 also helps prevent displacement or slippage of the compression member 100 in the completed structure, as the concrete cures around the twists.

Although a number of exemplary embodiments are discussed above, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that any number of embodiments of a compression member 100 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that a compression member of the present invention may be any shape. In one example of shape which is not illustrated or discussed in detail above, the cross-section may be a rectangle, such as a rectangle having rounded corners. For example, a compression member of the present invention may have any cross-section or length. In addition, the compression member of the present invention may or may not include end portions, or may include only one end portion. In addition, one or both ends may be finished in any way and have any shape. Furthermore, the compression member of the present invention may be made of any material known in the art, now or in the future. Although certain materials, including non-metal composite, are preferable, any material may be employed.

Moreover, it is anticipated that the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of example only, it is anticipated that a compression member 100 could be employed having four legs 136, a twisted body 162, one end member 140, and one concave surface 160. Therefore, the specific embodiments discussed above should not be construed as limiting. An advantage of the above-described embodiments is that the compression member 100 includes more surface area than some shapes, such a cylinder. By having a greater surface area, the compression member 100 is able to withstand and transfer larger compression loads. In addition, the compression member 100 is better anchored in the concrete.

As discussed above, concrete is a non-homogeneous material. By increasing the surface area of the compression member 100, more concrete particles surround the compression member 100, thus providing the ability to transfer higher compression loads and better anchorage in the concrete. In addition, many embodiments described above provide greater surface area near the bottom of the concrete structural elements 102, 104 where the concrete is more homogenous and better able to transfer compression loads to the compression member 100. Furthermore, the above-described compression members 100 will withstand lateral movement of the first 102 and second 104 independent concrete structural elements. In one example involving a balcony slab, the balcony slab may move laterally, such as during expansion, contraction, and side-to-side movement of the balcony slab. The above-described compression members 100 are strong enough to withstand the compression forces but also ductile enough to compliment and allow lateral movement from one structural element to the other.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the compression member 100 of the present invention is part of a connector assembly 114, or thermal block, located between a first concrete structural element 102 and second concrete structural element 104. Turning to FIGS. 13A and 13B, further views of the connector assembly 114 are provided. The connector assembly 114 a tension member 118 and a shear member 120. Furthermore, insulation 122 is located between the two concrete structural elements 102, 104 through which the tension member 118, shear member 120, and compression member 100 extend. The tension member 118 and/or shear member 120 may be located near and/or connected to an internal reinforcing network 164 in one or both of the concrete structural elements 102, 104, although it need not be. The connector assembly 114 includes two compression members 100, although any number of compression members 100 may be used. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, the compression members 100 are staggered with respect to their orientation in the insulation 122. For example, one compression member 100 includes one leg 136a pointed upward, while the second compression member 100 includes two legs 136a, 136b pointed upward. It is anticipated that such a configuration will evenly distribute the compression forces transferred, anchorage in the concrete, and overall strength of the connector assembly 114. However, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that the compression members 100 may not need to be staggered, rotated, or oriented depending on the specific application.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A compression member for concrete comprising:

an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;

said elongated body having a cross-section including at least two independent rounded surfaces;

said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and

said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.

2. The compression member of claim 1 wherein said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second concrete structural elements.

3. The compression member of claim 2 wherein said compression member is independent of said internal reinforcing network in both of said first and second concrete structural elements.

4. The compression member of claim 1 wherein said cross-section further includes at least one corner.

5. The compression member of claim 4 wherein said corner is rounded.

6. The compression member of claim 1 wherein said cross-section includes a center and at least one leg extending from said center.

7. The compression member of claim 6 wherein said cross-section includes at least three legs.

8. The compression member of claim 6 wherein said legs are tapered away from said center.

9. The compression member of claim 1 wherein said elongated body has a first end and a second end, said first end embedded in said first concrete structural element and said second end embedded in said second concrete structural element.

10. The compression member of claim 9 wherein at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface.

11. The compression member of claim 8 wherein at least one of said first and second ends includes an end member.

12. The compression member of claim 1 comprising non-metal, composite material.

13. The compression member of claim 1 wherein one of said first and second concrete structural elements is a balcony.

14. A compression member for concrete comprising:

an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;

said elongated body having a cross-section including at least one corner,

said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and

said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.

15. The compression member of claim 14 wherein said at least one corner is rounded.

16. The compression member of claim 15 wherein said cross-section includes at least one leg.

17. The compression member of claim 16 wherein said cross-section includes three legs.

18. The compression member of claim 17 comprising non-metal, composite material.

19. The compression member of claim 14 wherein said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second concrete structural elements.

20. The compression member of claim 14 wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface.

21. The compression member of claim 14 wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least of said first and second ends includes an end member.

22. A compression member for concrete comprising:

an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;

said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second independent concrete structural elements;

said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and

said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.

23. The compression member of claim 22 wherein said elongated body includes a cross-section having at least two independent rounded surfaces.

24. The compression member of claim 23 wherein said cross-section includes at least one corner.

25. The compression member of claim 24 wherein said at least one corner is rounded.

26. The compression member of claim 25 wherein said cross-section includes at least one leg.

27. The compression member of claim 26 wherein said cross-section includes three legs.

28. The compression member of claim 27 comprising non-metal, composite material.

29. The compression member of claim 22 wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface.

30. The compression member of claim 22 wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least of said first and second ends includes an end member.