Tie for composite wall system fitting between insulation sheets

Abstract

Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.

Claims

1. A tie for use in making an insulating composite wall structure including first and second structural layers comprising hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the first and second structural layers, the tie comprising: a body including first and second shaft bodies, each shaft body including a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment extending therebetween, such that the body includes a pair of penetrating segments, a pair of impact segments, and a pair of mesial segments, wherein the pair of mesial segments are joined together by a bridging web that bridges between the first and second shaft bodies; a pointed tip at an end of each of the penetrating segments configured to penetrate between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer; wherein at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie are generally planar, each having a maximum thickness that is no more than 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

2. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the pointed tip is generally planar in the same plane as at least the penetrating segments.

3. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is from about 0.0625 inch to 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

4. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is no more than 0.25 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

5. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments and the mesial segments is no more than 10% of at least one of a length or width of the tie.

6. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments and the mesial segments is no more than 5% of at least one of a length or width of the tie.

7. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is no more than 10% of at least one of a length or width of the tie.

8. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the impact segments each comprise a thickened portion having a thickness greater than the bridging web, both the thickened portion and the bridging web being planar but for vertical ribbing on the bridging web.

9. The tie as in claim 8, wherein each thickened portion further comprises a hole arranged to permit uncured concrete to flow therein, preventing pull out of the impact segment from the second structural layer after the second structural layer has hardened.

10. The tie as in claim 1, wherein the impact segments each comprise a flange stop at a distal end thereof, between the impact segment and the mesial segment.

11. The tie as in claim 10, further comprising a sliding spacer separate from a remainder of the tie, the sliding spacer including a channel sized and configured to slidably receive the generally planar mesial segment therein, the sliding spacer further including a recess above the channel that slidably receives the flange stop, coupling the sliding spacer to the remainder of the tie.

12. The tie as in claim 11, wherein the sliding spacer further comprises vertical grooves formed in the channel, the vertical grooves being spaced and sized to mate with vertical ribs formed on the mesial segment.

13. A tie for use in making an insulating composite wall structure including first and second structural layers comprising hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the first and second structural layers, the tie comprising: a body including left and right shaft body portions, the left and right shaft body portions each including a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment extending therebetween, such that the body includes a right penetrating segment, a right impact segment, a right mesial segment, a left penetrating segment, a left impact segment, and a left mesial segment wherein the left and right shaft body portions are joined together by a bridging web that bridges between the left and right shaft body portions; a pointed tip confined to the same plane as a plane defining the mesial and penetrating segments, at an end of each of the penetrating segments, configured to penetrate between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer; wherein at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie are generally planar, each having a maximum thickness that is no more than 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

14. The tie as in claim 13, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is from about 0.0625 inch to 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

15. The tie as in claim 13, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is no more than 0.25 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer.

16. The tie as in claim 13, wherein the maximum thickness of each of at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie is from about 0.0625 inch to 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer, the tie having an aspect ratio of width to thickness that is at least 10:1.

17. The tie as in claim 13, wherein the impact segments each comprise a flange stop at a distal end thereof, between the impact segment and the mesial segment, which flange stop extends out laterally from the plane defined by the mesial segment.

18. The tie as in claim 13, wherein each impact segment further comprises a hole arranged to permit uncured concrete to flow therein, preventing pull out of the impact segment from the second structural layer after the second structural layer has hardened.

19. An insulating composite wall structure comprising: a first structural layer of hardened high strength structural material; a second structural layer of hardened high strength structural material; an insulating layer comprising a material having a higher thermal resistance than the first and second structural layers disposed between the first and second structural layers, the structural layers being secured together by one or more ties as recited in claim 1.

20. A method for manufacturing an insulating composite wall structure including first and second structural layers and an insulating layer disposed between the first and second structural layers in a desired configuration, the method comprising: providing a tie comprising: a body including first and second shaft bodies, each shaft body including a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment extending therebetween, such that the body includes a pair of penetrating segments, a pair of impact segments, and a pair of mesial segments, wherein the pair of mesial segments are joined together by a bridging web that bridges between the first and second shaft bodies; a pointed tip at an end of each of the penetrating segments for penetrating between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer; wherein at least the penetrating segments, the mesial segments, and the bridging web of the tie are generally planar, each having a maximum thickness that is no more than 0.4 inch, so as to fit between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer; forming the first structural layer from a hardenable high strength structural material; positioning an insulating layer comprising a material having a higher thermal resistance than the first structural layer against a surface of the first structural layer while the first structural layer is in a substantially unhardened state; advancing one or more of the ties between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer so that the ties do not substantially penetrate the sheets of the insulating layer; wherein the penetrating segments of each tie penetrate and are embedded within the first structural layer, such that the mesial segment is disposed substantially between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer, and such that a substantial portion of each impact segment extends outwardly from between sheets of the insulating layer; forming the second structural layer from a hardenable high strength structural material on an exposed surface of the insulating layer such that the substantial portion of the impact segment extending from between the sheets of the insulating layer is embedded within the second structural layer; and allowing the first and second structural layers to become substantially hardened, thereby forming the insulating composite wall structure in which the first structural layer, and the second structural layer are secured together by the one or more ties.

21. The method as in claim 20, wherein the method for manufacturing an insulating composite wall structure comprises a tilt-up method.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a generally planar insulating tie including features of the present disclosure.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary generally planar insulating tie including features of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 3A is an elevation cross-sectional view of a partially completed composite wall structure, showing the generally planar ties of FIG. 1 penetrating into a first structural layer, and with a mesial segment of the ties spanning the insulating layer, where the insulating layer is formed from sheets of insulating material laid on the first structural layer, with the ties positioned in gaps between adjacent insulating sheets of the insulating layer.

(5) FIG. 3B is an elevation cross-sectional view of a completed composite wall structure according to the present disclosure, similar to that of FIG. 3A, but in which the second structural layer has been formed over the impact segments of the ties, such that the impact segments are embedded within the second structural layer.

(6) FIG. 4A shows a perspective and partial cross-section view of the tie of FIG. 1, with the penetrating segments of the tie embedded within the first structural layer, shown with two insulating sheets of the insulation layer placed over the first structural layer, with a gap between the sheets, where the tie is positioned in the gap.

(7) FIG. 4B shows the same structure as in FIG. 4A, but after the second structural layer has been formed (e.g., poured) over the insulating layer, embedding the impact segments of the tie within the second structural layer.

(8) FIG. 5A shows an exploded perspective of the tie of FIG. 1, shown with a sliding spacer for accommodating differences in foam sheet thickness.

(9) FIG. 5B shows the tie and sliding spacer of FIG. 5A, with the spacer slid over the flange stops of the tie, and with foam sheets shown in phantom.

(10) FIGS. 6A-6F show various views of an alternative tie configuration, which is configured to be pressed between adjacent sheets of insulating layers, in substantially the same way as the tie of FIG. 1.

(11) FIGS. 7A-7B show yet another alternative tie configuration, which is configured to be pressed between adjacent sheets of insulating layers, in substantially the same way as the tie of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(12) I. Introduction

(13) The present invention relates to ties for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material (e.g., concrete) and an insulating layer having a higher thermal resistance than the structural layers, disposed between the first and second structural layers. The insulating layer is made up of sheets of insulating foam that are laid over the first structural layer, e.g., while the first structural layer is still not hardened. The tie is particularly configured so as to be generally planar, with minimal thickness as compared to its length and/or width, allowing the tie to easily be inserted between adjacent insulating sheets of the insulating layer. Because the tie is inserted into the wall structure between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer, no pre-drilling is required in preparing the insulating layer sheets to receive the ties. Furthermore, because the ties do not actually penetrate through the sheets themselves (but are rather positioned between adjacent edges of separate foam insulating sheets), there is reduced risk of damaging the foam insulating layer when installing the ties. Such reduced damage may provide an incremental improvement in insulating characteristics of the wall.

(14) The tie may include a generally planar body or body portions with first and second (e.g., left and right) generally planar shaft bodies or body portions. Each generally planar shaft body or body portion may include a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment extending therebetween. More particularly, at least the penetrating segments and mesial segments of the tie are generally planar, as these portions of the tie actually pass between adjacent insulating sheets. While the impact segment may also be generally planar, this is not necessary, as the impact segment does not pass between such sheets, but remains on the side of the sheet it began on, during use. In other words, the generally planar ties may include two penetrating segments, two impact segments, and two mesial segments. A bridging web is provided that bridges between the first and second planar shaft bodies or body portions, connecting for example the two mesial segments. In an embodiment, the two penetrating segments may not be connected to one another (but through the bridging web connecting the mesial segments). Similarly, the two impact segments may not be connected to one another (only through the bridging web that connects the mesial segments). In another example (e.g., FIGS. 6A-7), the bridging web may connect and bridge across two of the 3, or even all 3 corresponding portions, from left to right (e.g., connecting the left and right penetrating segments, the left and right mesial segments, and the left and right impact segments) II. Exemplary Ties

(15) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tie 100. Tie 100 may include a body 102 that is generally planar. In fact, the entire tie itself may be regarded as generally planar, so as to include a thickness that is far less than its length and/or width. This may be particularly true of the mesial and penetrating segments of the tie 100. For example, the tie (or at least these portions) may have a thickness of only less than inch, such as less than about inch, or even inch, while its length and width may be at least 6-10 inches. While the mesial and penetrating segments and bridging web of tie 100 may thus be quite thin, the tie 100 is shown as including a limited number of structures or components which are somewhat thicker, e.g., up to about 1 inch, or up to about 0.5 inch (e.g., up to 2, 3, or 4 the thickness of the planar mesial and penetrating segments, and the web). Tie 100 is shown as including generally planar body 102, which includes first and second generally planar shaft bodies 103a and 103b, e.g., positioned on opposite far sides (e.g., left and right) of body 102. Each generally planar shaft body 103a, 103b includes a penetrating segment (e.g., 104a, 104b), an impact segment (106a, 106b), and a mesial segment (108a, 108b) extending therebetween. The mesial segments 108a, 108b are joined to one another by a bridging web 110 that bridges between the first and second planar shaft bodies 103a, 103b. As shown, each penetrating segment 104a, 104b may include a flattened, generally planar pointed tip 112 (e.g., as opposed to a conical, non-planar pointed tip emanating from a cylindrical base).

(16) The thin, generally planar characteristics of the tie, particularly in the penetrating segments and mesial segments, facilitate insertion of the tie 100 between adjacent sheets of foam, of an insulating layer of the composite wall structure being constructed. For example, the mesial segments 103a, 103b and penetrating segments 104a, 104b may include no structures having a thickness greater than about 0.5 inch, 0.4 inch, or 0.25 inch, as these segments are advanced past (in the case of mesial segments 103a, 103b), or reside against (in the case of mesial segments 103a, 103b) the adjacent foam sheets of the insulating layer. The impact segments 106a, 106b may include greater width, and may include geometries that are not generally planar, as these segments do not pass or reside in the same plane as the insulating layer, but are always disposed above the insulating layer, so as to become embedded in the second structural layer of the composite wall structure being formed. That said, in an embodiment, even the impact segments may not be particularly thick relative to the length and/or width dimensions of the impact segments of the tie, but may have a thickness to structures included in these segments of no more than about 1 inch, or no more than 0.5 inch at their widest point (e.g., as compared to a width between from impact segment 106a to impact segment 106b that is at least 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches (e.g., 5 to 10 inches).

(17) Stated another way, by generally planar, it may be that an average, or even a maximum thickness dimension within the tie, or within given segments of the tie, may be no more than 20%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, no more than 4%, or no more than 3% of the width and/or length of the tie. For example, the maximum thickness in the penetrating and mesial segments may be no more than 0.4 inch, or no more than 0.25 inch (e.g., typically about 0.125 inch to 0.35 inch thick). The length and/or width of the tie may be at least 4, 5, or 6 inches (e.g., 5 to 10 inches). In such a case, the maximum thickness (e.g., 0.35 inch, or 0.25 inch) is only about 4%, and the average thickness (e.g., just over 0.125 inch, such as 0.15 inch) may only be about 2% of the width and/or length. A tie as illustrated in FIG. 2 may have a width that is about twice that of FIG. 1, with the same thickness dimensions, such that the percentages for the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be about half those described above.

(18) As seen in FIG. 1, impact segments 106a, 106b may include stops or flanges 114 at the boundary between each mesial segment 108a, 108b and each impact segment 106a, 106b. Such a flange or other protruding ridge acts as a stop against further advancement of tie 100 between the sheets of the insulating layer. In other words, the user may easily insert (e.g., axially press) the tie 100 between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer until the flange stop 114 contacts the face of the insulating layer, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A. The flange 114 thus limits penetration, acting as a stop to ensure that the impact segments 106a, 106b proximal to flanges 114 remain outside (but adjacent to) the plane defined by the insulating layer, so that the impact segments 106a, 106b can become embedded within the second structural layer of the composite wall structure.

(19) As will be apparent from FIG. 1, the flange 114 may be the most prominent laterally extending feature of the tie (i.e., extending laterally outward, in the thickness dimension, to the greatest degree). For example, flange 114 may have a lateral thickness relative to the plane defined by the tie that is about 0.5 inch (e.g., protruding about 0.25 inch laterally outward relative to both faces of the plane defined by tie 100). Because the flange 114 does not pass between the sheets, it may of course be wider than such 0.5 inch lateral extension into and out of the wall plane. In any case, flange 114 is configured to stop advancement of tie 100 relative to the insulating layer.

(20) Because tie 100 is configured as a planar tie that is pressed axially into the composite wall construction (e.g., as it is being assembled, layer by layer), rather than rotated or screwed therein as some ties, the tie 100 may not include any driving head shaped and sized for receipt into a corresponding socket of a powered drill or other rotating driving tool.

(21) In addition to flange stops 114, each impact segment is also illustrated as including a structure defining a recess, configured to fill with concrete, so as to resist pull-out of the tie 100 from the second structural layer once second structural layer hardens around such recesses. For example, impact segments 106a and 106b are shown as including a hole 116 passing through the thickness of a thickened portion 118 at the proximal end of impact segment 106a, 106b. Thickened portion 118 may have a thickness (e.g., about 0.25 inch) approximately double that of the bridging web 110 (e.g., 0.125 inch) and the other thin portions of tie 100. In addition to hole 116, each impact segment may further include a top flange 120, which may include at least a portion thereof that runs parallel to flange stop 114. Top flange 120 may extend laterally to the same or a similar amount as flange stop 114 (e.g., a thickness of about 0.5 inch total, 0.25 inch from each face of the plane defined by tie 100). A recess 122 for filling with concrete so as to resist pull out (similar to hole 116) is also defined between top flange 120 and flange stop 114

(22) Returning to penetrating segments 104a, 104b, such segments may also include recessed portions 124 defined on either side of an oval-shaped or other widened base from which pointed tip 112 extends. It will be appreciated that other generally planar recessed portions or similar anchoring means for anchoring the penetrating segment 104a, 104b within the first structural layer, once that layer has hardened, may be provided. By way of explanation, concrete or other hardenable material may enter into recessed portions 124 (on either side of each widened base 126. Once hardened, concrete in these recessed portions 124 will prevent pull-out of segments 104a, 104b from the first structural layer. Because these structures of the penetrating segment are generally planar (i.e., they include little thickness relative to the overall length and width of the tie) they do not interfere with the ability to pass this segment of the tie through a narrow gap (e.g., about 0.125 to about 0.25 inch) provided between adjacent foam sheets that make up the insulating layer. For example, the widened base 126 may have a width of about 1 to 2 inches, as compared to the thickness which may only be 0.125 to 0.25 inch. Widened base 126 and/or pointed tip 112 may be tapered towards tip 112, so that the proximal end of widened base 126 adjacent planar shaft portion 105 may be the thickest portion of penetrating segment 104a, 104b, and narrowing in thickness towards pointed tip 112.

(23) Mesial segments 108a, 108b, as well as planar shaft portion 105, and at least a portion of bridging web 110 may include vertical ribs 128, as shown. Such ribbing is shown as extending over the planar portions of mesial segments 108a, 108b, and planar shaft portion 105, as well as a portion of bridging web 110 that is adjacent mesial segments 108a, 108b. A central portion 130 of bridging web 110 is shown as being unribbed. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate how tie 100 may be used in combination with a sliding spacer 132, that includes a horizontal channel 134 that may include vertical grooves 135 spaced and configured to mate with ribs 128. Such a spacer may be helpful when using tie 100 with foam sheets which are tapered or chamfered at their edges, as shown in FIG. 5B.

(24) Sliding spacer 132 is further shown as including a flange receiving through-hole or recess 136 that receives and slides over flange stop 114, from the outside edge thereof, allowing spacer 132 to slide inwardly (and outwardly), using flange stop 114 as a guide as flange stop 114 is received in through-hole recess 136. Channel 134 may receive the planar thickness of mesial segment 108a, 108b, and channel 134 may thus be about 0.125 inch wide (e.g., the same, or slightly wider than the planar thickness of segment 108a, 108b, so as to receive and slide over it). Vertical grooves 135 and vertical ribs 128 may be evenly spaced, e.g., about 0.5 inch apart from one another.

(25) A second flange stop 114 is shown as formed about horizontal channel 134, so as to provide a flange stop that is positioned lower than flange stop 114, so as to accommodate the tapering or chamfering of foam sheet 138. In an embodiment, when installed on flange 114, spacer 132 may position second flange stop 114 one inch below flange stop 114, accommodating a 1 inch taper or chamfer in the edge of foam sheet 138. Such a second flange stop and spacer could alternatively be used to accommodate a sheet that is simply thinner throughout (e.g., it may not be tapered or chamfered, but formed so as to have such thinner thickness throughout. For example, the tie may be sized to accommodate a foam sheet having a 4 inch thickness. If tapered or chamfered 1 inch on both faces, the foam sheet 138 would then have a thickness of only 2 inches at the edges. Spacer 132 with a 1 inch spacing between recess 136 (flange 114) and second flange 114 accommodates such a foam sheet. Such a spacer and tie would also accommodate foam sheets that are uniformly 2 inches in thickness. While described in the context of specific dimensions and examples, it will be appreciated that such a spacer could be configured to accommodate any such taper or chamfer (on 1 or both faces), or difference in foam sheet thickness.

(26) Returning to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates a tie otherwise similar to tie 100 of FIG. 1, but which is configured so as to cover approximately double the length. Such tie 100 similarly fits between adjacent sheets of insulation, and includes all the same features as described above relative to tie 100, although it includes three, rather than two, of the penetrating segments, mesial segments, and impact segments. The third set of these segments (located at the center) is designated 103c (the third generally planar shaft body), 104c (the third penetrating segment), 106c (the third impact segment), and 108c (the third mesial segment) in FIG. 2. The various other structures of FIG. 2 that are similar to FIG. 1 are labeled identically. Central planar shaft body 103c is in some respects somewhat differently configured as compared to bodies 103a and 103b, simply because it is centrally located in tie 100. Flange stop 114 is similar to flange stops 114, but is centrally located, rather than at the ends of tie 100, as are flange stops 114. Similarly planar thickened portion 118 is shown as including two holes 116 formed therethrough, rather than the single hole 116 included in each of thickened portions 118. Finally, top flange 120 is shown as entirely parallel with flange 114, not including any distally angled portions, as included in top flanges 120. Penetrating segment 104c may be identically configured as penetrating segments 104a and 104b, as shown.

(27) FIGS. 6A-6F and FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate alternative ties having a different configuration from that of FIG. 1, but which include similar generally planar features, so as to be particularly configured for sliding between adjacent foam insulation sheets in a wall being constructed. For example, the tie 200 of FIG. 6A similarly includes first and second (e.g., left and right) generally planar shaft body portions 203a, 203b, each including a penetrating segment (204a, 204b), an impact segment (206a, 206b), and a mesial segment (208a, 208b) disposed therebetween. In tie 200, rather than including a configuration where the first and second impact segments and first and second penetrating segments are not directly connected to one another (i.e., with a gap therebetween), the tie 200 is of a configuration where connections are made left to right across each corresponding segment of the two body portions 203a, 203b, through web 210. For example, the two impact segments 206a and 206b (left and right) may actually be continuous, connected to one another without any discontinuities therebetween. The two penetrating segments 204a, 204b are similarly configured, to be continuously connected to one another without discontinuity. Portions of the mesial segments 208a, 208b are shown also directly connected (e.g., through what may be termed a bridging web 210, that runs through all 3 segments). For example, the bridging web 210 may simply be considered to be the central portion of the tie 200, between the left and right portions 203a, 203b. The hole 225 provided in the mesial segment 208a/208b in web 210 may simply serve to conserve material, reducing the amount of resin used for each tie, without significantly affecting performance or strength characteristics of the tie. The flange 220 positioned in the impact segment resists pull out once the second layer of concrete hardens around this undercut feature, similar to the function provided by flange 120 of tie 100. Holes 216 similarly fill with concrete, increasing pull out strength (similar to holes 116). Flange 214 marks the boundary between the impact segment(s) 206a, 206b and the mesial segment(s) 208a, 208b. In a configuration such as that of FIGS. 6A-6F, it will be appreciated that the configuration could be described as including a very wide single shaft body 202, which is formed from both left and right shaft body portions 203a, 203b, given the continuity in the configuration, from left to right, across the 3 segments.

(28) FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate another configuration of a tie 300, in many ways similar to tie 200 of FIGS. 6A-6F. Tie 300 of FIG. 7 similarly includes first and second (e.g., left and right) generally planar shaft body portions 303a, 303b, each including a penetrating segment (304a, 304b), an impact segment (306a, 306b), and a mesial segment (308a, 308b) disposed therebetween. In tie 300, as in tie 200, the configuration is one in which connections are made left to right across each corresponding segment of the two body portions 303a, 303b, by web 310. For example, the two impact segments 306a and 306b (left and right) may actually be continuous, connected to one another without any discontinuities therebetween. The two penetrating segments 304a, 304b are similarly configured, to be continuously connected to one another without discontinuity. Portions of the mesial segments 308a, 308b are shown also directly connected (e.g., through what may be termed a bridging web 310, that runs through all 3 segments). For example, the bridging web may simply be considered to be the central portion of the tie, between the left and right portions 303a, 303b. Holes 324 positioned in the penetrating segment(s) may fill with uncured concrete, so as to resist pull out. The holes 325 and 327 provided in the mesial segment may simply serve to conserve material, reducing the amount of resin used for each tie, without significantly affecting performance or strength characteristics of the tie. The contours and flanges 320 positioned in the impact segment resist pull out once the second layer of concrete hardens around these undercut features, similar to the function provided by holes 116 and flanges 120 of tie 100. Flange 314 marks the boundary between the impact segment(s) 306a, 306b and the mesial segment(s) 308a, 308b. In tie 300, flange 314 is shown extending across the entire width of tie 300, rather than the short flanges 214, of tie 200 of FIG. 6A-6F. It will be appreciated that both such configurations provide a stop against further insertion of the tie once the entire mesial segment has been pressed into the space between insulating sheets. In a configuration such as that of FIG. 7A (as in FIG. 6A), it will be appreciated that the configuration could be described as including a very wide single shaft body 302, which is formed from both left and right shaft body portions 303a, 303b, given the continuity in the configuration, from left to right, across the 3 segments.

(29) While FIG. 6A includes a plurality of pointed (but flat, and generally planar) tips 212, FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a single continuous chisel pointed tip 312, running the full width of tie 300. It will be apparent that various planar tip configurations may be suitable for use, so long as they are not generally conical, emanating from a cylindrical base, which does not permit a generally planar profile. The cut-outs and plurality of spear-shaped tips 212 of FIG. 6A may provide additional undercut surfaces 224 (analogous to recesses 124 of the tie of FIG. 1) in the penetrating segment that will resist pull-out once the concrete hardens.

(30) Each of the illustrated exemplary tie configurations advantageously do not include cylindrical body features in which the cylinder extends axially (i.e., along the height of the tiee.g., as running from the impact segment to the penetrating segment), particularly within the penetrating segment and mesial segment of the tie, as such cylindrical features would interfere with the desired thin, planar profile of the tie, which is configured to be slid between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer, rather than actually penetrating the insulating layer sheets themselves. For example, while Applicant's earlier ties of U.S. Design Patent D764,266 or FIG. 6 of U.S. Publication 2004/0118067 may superficially resemble some of the illustrated exemplary configurations, those earlier configurations include such cylindrical features, which may be expressly excluded from the current configurations, as they make the tie too thick for easy insertion between adjacent sheets of the insulating layer. Each of the above patent and published application are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(31) The ties may be injection molded from a suitable plastic material. Injection molding of the entire tie from a single, integral piece of molded material is particularly advantageous, as no assembly of individual parts is required, as is typical for many other existing ties. For example, assembly does not require any laying or threading of lengthy fiberglass or carbon fibers, where a an epoxy or similar curable matrix is then injected. Rather, exemplary materials are high strength (e.g., as opposed to inexpensive, weak plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), including but not limited to polyphenylsulfone (PPSF), polythalamide, or combinations of various suitable injection moldable materials. Various other suitable materials are disclosed in the patents referenced above, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,229, already incorporated by reference. Any such materials, or combinations thereof, may be used. Preferred materials exhibit resistance to alkaline environments, high melt temperatures (e.g., about 700 F. or more), high impact strength, no or minimal shear cracking, high tensile strength, etc. The material employed may be reinforced with glass fibers (e.g., short, discontinuous filler fibers, e.g., less than 5 cm, less than 3 cm, or less than 1 cm in length). In an embodiment, the interior of the mold surfaces may be textured (e.g., sandblasted) to provide a rough surface to the exterior of the tie. Such roughened surface provides for increased pull out strength relative to the concrete into which the tie becomes embedded. For example, an exemplary tie may have a pull out strength of 100 lbs or more.

(32) FIGS. 3A-3B, and 4A-4B further illustrate a method of using ties according to the present invention. For example, an insulating composite wall structure including first and second structural layers and an insulating layer disposed therebetween (e.g., sandwiched) may be formed. The method may include providing a tie (e.g., 100, 100, 200, 300) such as any of those described herein. A first structural layer 150 may be formed from a hardenable high strength structural material (e.g., concrete). An insulating layer 152 comprising a material having a higher thermal resistance than the first structural layer 150 is placed onto a surface of the first structural layer 150 while the first structural layer 150 is in a substantially unhardened state. The insulating layer 152 may be formed of expanded polystyrene sheets or any other suitable insulating material. In an embodiment, the insulating layer may be preformed, e.g., as one or more sheets 152a-152d positioned over the first structural layer 150. FIG. 3A shows how the ties 100 (or 100, or 200 or 300) are positioned not to penetrate through any of sheets 152a-152d making up layer 152, but are actually placed between narrow gaps between adjacent sheets. For example, ties are shown between sheets 152a and 152b, between 152b and 152c, and between 152c and 152d. No predrilling, forming holes, or otherwise damaging the sheets is thus needed. The generally planar geometry of the ties, particularly the penetrating segments and impact segments thereof facilitates such between the sheets placement.

(33) Ties 100 (or 100, or 200 or 300) are axially pushed into the gaps 154 between such sheets 152a-152d. Such advancement of the penetrating segments 104a, 104b of illustrated ties 100 is performed while the first structural layer 150 has not yet fully hardened. As seen, penetrating segment 104a (and 104b) are positioned in first structural layer 150, while mesial segment 108a (and 108b) are positioned in the same plane as insulating layer 152, such that the segment and the plane of the insulating layer are co-extensive with one another. Impact segment 106a (and 106b) reside above insulating layer 152. Ties 100, 200 and 300 would be inserted in a similar manner.

(34) The second structural layer 156 is formed from a hardenable high strength structural material (e.g., concrete) on the exposed surface of the insulating layer 152 such that the substantial portion of the impact segment (e.g., 106) extending from the insulating layer 152 is embedded within the second structural layer (156). The first and second structural layers 150, 156 are allowed to harden, which forms an insulating composite wall structure 158 in which the first structural layer 150, the second structural layer 156, and the insulating layer 152 are secured together by the one or more ties (e.g., 100, or 100, or 200 or 300).

(35) FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view at a stage similar to that seen in FIG. 3A, where the tie 100 has been slid into narrow gap 154 between sheets 152a and 152b of insulating layer 152, before second structural layer 156 is poured (or where it simply is not shown). FIG. 4B shows the same configuration, but with second structural layer 156 in place, surrounding or encasing impact segment 106a (and 106b).

(36) Where the ties are used in a tilt-up construction scheme, the first structural layer 150 may be poured, followed by placement of insulating layer 152 thereover. While layer 150 is still unhardened, ties 100 may be advanced through layer 152, into layer 150. Once ties are in place, the second structural layer 156 may then be poured over insulating layer 152. Tilt-up construction schemes may be preferred.

(37) Where the ties are used in a cast-in-place construction scheme, the first and structural layers may be poured one after the other, or simultaneously. The ties may be advanced through the insulating layer 152 (between sheets thereof) either before, during, or after pouring of the concrete of structural layers 150, 156. In any case, the ties 100 are positioned within the structural layers 150 and 156 before layers 150 and 156 have hardened. For example, the casting forms could be assembled, sheets of insulating layer 152 could be inserted into the casting forms (with channels on either side for pouring of structural layers 150, 156). The ties could be inserted between narrow gaps (e.g., 0.125 to 0.5 inch) between sheets of the insulating layer at this point, before concrete is poured for structural layers 150, 156. Once ties (100, or 100, or 200 or 300) are in place, the structural layers 150, 156 could be poured (e.g., simultaneously), or one after the other.

(38) Ties may be spaced at any desired intervals to achieve a desired level of strength or composite action with the wall. The width of insulating sheets may be determined also based on the desired spacing between ties. Relatively closer spacing increases the composite action and/or strength of the resulting composite wall. Typically the first structural layer 150 may be relatively thin (e.g., about 3 inches), while the second structural layer 156 may be significantly thicker (e.g., 6 to 12 inches). In such configurations, the second structural layer provides the necessary strength, so that the first structural layer may simply be a fascia layer. In such instances, the ties may only need to provide a relatively small degree of composite action (e.g., 10-20% composite action, such as 15%).

(39) Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing process, and may include values that are within 25%, within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value. Furthermore, the terms substantially, similarly, about or approximately as used herein represents an amount or state close to the stated amount or state that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term substantially about or approximately may refer to an amount that is within 25%, within 20%, within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of, a stated amount or value.

(40) Ranges between any values disclosed herein are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., a range defined between any two values (including end points of a disclosed range) given as exemplary for any given parameter).

(41) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(42) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.