Patent Publication Number: US-2004055236-A1

Title: Insulating connectors for securing insulation to an existing structure

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. The Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention is in the field of wall connectors and, more particularly, in the field of mounting brackets and wall embeds that are used to secure a layer of insulation material to an existing structure.  
       [0003] 2. The Relevant Technology  
       [0004] As new materials and compositions have been continuously developed, novel methods of synergistically combining apparently unrelated materials to form useful composites have also been developed. This is true of the area of building and construction in which high strength structural walls are laminated with highly insulative materials to provide a composite wall structure of both high strength and high insulation.  
       [0005] Concrete is one of the least expensive and strongest building materials found in the construction industry. Concrete is formed from a mixture comprising a hydraulic cement binder, water and a relatively low cost and high compressive strength aggregate material, such as rocks, pebbles and sand. Although concrete forms a relatively high strength, low cost building material, it also has the drawback of offering relatively poor insulation compared to materials such as fiberglass and polymeric foam materials. Brick is another common building material and is held together using cement-based mortar.  
       [0006] A commonly used measurement of the thermal insulating qualities of a material is the mathematical coefficient “R” which is a measure the thermal resistance of a material. The coefficient R is typically equal to the inverse of the coefficient “K” which is a measure of the thermal conductivity of the material. A “high R value” material or device is therefore understood by those of ordinary skill in the art as possessing a high thermal resistance or insulating ability.  
       [0007] While an 8.0 inch slab of concrete has an R value of 0.64, a 1.0 inch panel of polystyrene has an R value of 5.0. Accordingly, a 1.0 inch panel of polystyrene can provide nearly as much insulation as an 8.0 inch slab of concrete. Although polystyrene and other similar insulating materials exhibit superior insulating properties to concrete, it is impractical to construct structural walls entirely out of insulating materials because insulating materials offer little or no structural strength. Accordingly, whereas a wall composed of only concrete may not provide desired insulating properties, a wall composed of only insulating material may lack adequate structural support.  
       [0008] A composite wall overcomes the aforementioned limitations, by providing a structural layer that exhibit the desired structural properties and a layer of insulation that provides the desired insulating properties. For example, a concrete or brick wall that is structurally sound can be laminated with a layer of insulation that is capable of preventing, or at least slowing, the transfer of thermal energy through the composite wall structure. The composite wall structure may also include an outer layer that is placed over the insulating layer to protect the insulation and to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the composite wall structure.  
       [0009] Attaching the insulating layer to concrete, brick or other existing structures can be performed with various connecting devices. Existing connecting devices typically comprise anchoring bolts or brackets that are configured to penetrate the insulating layer and to mount the insulating layer to a metal stud or beam that is integrally attached to the structural layer. The insulating layer is secured against the structural layer of the composite wall by compressive forces that are applied when the connecting devices are secured to the metal stud or beam of the wall structure. The outer layer of the composite wall can also be secured to the structural layer of the composite wall when wire or other elements that extend away from the connecting devices are attached to the outer layer.  
       [0010] One problem with existing connecting devices, however, is that they are typically manufactured out of metal and can, therefore, compromise the insulation that is provided by the insulating layer. In particular, structural bridging of the composite wall layers with metallic connecting devices creates a conductive thermal bridge across which heat can readily flow, even when the connecting devices are surrounded by ample amounts of insulating material. As a result, heat can rapidly flow from a relatively warm inside wall to a colder outside wall during cold weather, for example, through the connecting devices. Therefore, although an insulating material may have a relatively high R value, the net R value of the composite wall structure can often be far less due to thermal bridging, thus negating or minimizing the effect of adding additional layers of insulation.  
       [0011] Another problem with certain existing connecting devices is that when they are attached to the anchoring support (e.g., metal beam) they can be driven entirely through the insulating layer, such that they are unable to support and hold the insulating layer in a desired placement against the structural layer of the composite wall. Additionally, even when the connecting devices do not pass entirely through the insulating layer, the connecting devices may still be tightened to such a degree that the insulating layer is excessively compressed, cracked, or otherwise damaged by the connecting devices, creating undesired passageways through which air and heat can flow, thereby compromising the integrity and insulating properties of the insulating layer.  
       [0012] Damage that is caused to the insulating layer by the connecting devices can also compromise the “composite action” of the wall. Composite action, which is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art, generally describes how well a composite wall transfers shear forces between its different layers and behaves like a single composite wall. It is typically desirable to produce composite walls having high composite action so that they will remain intact when loads are applied to the wall. Accordingly, it is undesirable to damage the insulating layer with the connecting devices in a manner that may compromise the structural integrity and composite action of the resultant wall.  
       [0013] For at least the forgoing reasons, there is currently a need in the art for improved connecting devices configured to secure together insulating and structural layers of composite wall structures.  
       SUMMARY OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0014] Briefly summarized, the present invention is directed to improved connectors that are configured to secure a layer of an insulation material to an existing non-insulating structure.  
       [0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the connectors are composed at least partially out of a thermal insulating material, so as to reduce thermal bridging through the composite wall structure. The connectors may include one or more of high strength resins, fibers and fillers to impart sufficient strength to the connecting devices.  
       [0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the connectors include a body having an enlarged contact surface that is configured to engage an exposed surface of the insulating layer in such a manner as to help prevent the connectors from undesirably damaging or passing entirely through the insulating layer, thereby preserving the capabilities of the connectors to hold the insulating layer against the structural layer.  
       [0017] The connectors may also include means for separating the enlarged contact surface of the connectors from the structural surface by a predetermined distance to further help prevent the inventive connectors from damaging or passing entirely through the insulating layer. The predetermined distance will typically correspond to the thickness of the insulating layer.  
       [0018] In one embodiment, the separating means includes one or more stems that protrude away from the enlarged contact surface of the connectors. The stems are configured to pass through the insulating layer and to engage the structural layer of a composite wall when the connectors are positioned a predetermined distance from the structure surface. Upon engaging the structural layer, the stems effectively prevent the connectors from passing any further through the insulation layer.  
       [0019] In certain embodiments, the connectors also include sealing means such as washers or raised surfaces for improving the seal between the connectors and the insulating layer, so as to help preserve the insulating properties of the insulating layer.  
       [0020] The connectors may also include means for interconnecting another wall layer to the composite wall. Additional wall layers may include, but are not limited to, a wire mesh filament layer used for stucco walls and a brick wall layer. The means for interconnecting the additional wall layers may include mounting structures that protrude away from the connectors and that are configured to engage the additional wall layers or other objects such as brick ties and wires that are connected to the additional wall layers.  
       [0021] The connectors may also include coupling means for coupling the connectors to the composite wall and, more particularly, to the structural layer of the composite wall. For instance, the aforementioned stems may be hollow, and the coupling means may include a screw or a bolt that is disposed within the hollow stems and that is configured to securely couple with the structural layer of the composite wall. The coupling means may alternatively include threading that is disposed on the stems themselves, such that the stems are configured to threadably engage the insulation layer and structural layer of the composite wall.  
       [0022] In another embodiment, the coupling means may comprise embeds that are hollowed and configured to receivably and securely engage one or more stems of the connectors, or one or more screws or bolts passing through hollow stems. The embeds may engage the connectors with a bayonet-type connection or a snap-fit connection. The embeds may also be configured to threadably engage a corresponding threaded portion of the connectors. In certain embodiments, the embeds may include anchoring means such as ridges, tapers, and other structures for anchoring the embeds within the structural wall.  
       [0023] It will be appreciated that by strategically placing the embeds at a desired placement within the structural layer, it is possible to predetermine the distance in which the contact surface of the connectors will be separated from the structural layer. The embeds may, for example, be secured within the structural layer of the wall prior to the placement of the connectors within the wall. In one embodiment, the embeds are secured within the structural layer of the wall during formation of the structural layer, thereby becoming an integral part of the structural layer as the structural material (e.g, concrete or mortar) hardens. The embeds may also include structure that is configured to slidably engage and mount to a flat strap within the structural layer, such as a concrete tie.  
       [0024] These and other benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0025] In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore 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:  
     [0026]FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a body, two hollow stems and a mounting structure;  
     [0027]FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 in order to better illustrate an enlarged contact surface on the face of the connector;  
     [0028]FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 in which screws have been preloaded into each of the two hollow stems;  
     [0029]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the connector of FIG. 3 connecting an insulating layer to a structural wall together with a connecting tie wire disposed within a mounting structure of the connector;  
     [0030]FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 in which seals have been placed over each of the stems;  
     [0031]FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the connector in FIG. 1 in which the enlarged contact surface includes raised surfaces surrounding each of the stems;  
     [0032]FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a single stem and a mounting structure configured to be connected with a brick tie wire;  
     [0033]FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a single stem and an enlarged contact surface, in which the single stem is configured to engage a structural layer and to separate the enlarged contact surface of the connector from the structural layer by a predetermined distance;  
     [0034]FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a single stem, an enlarged contact surface, and a mounting structure configured to be connected with a wire mesh filament for making a stucco wall;  
     [0035]FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a stem and an embed that are initially separated, wherein the stem is configured to snap-fit into the embed;  
     [0036]FIG. 11 illustrates the connector of FIG. 10 in which the stem is coupled to the embed with a snap-fit connection;  
     [0037]FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a connector according to the invention that includes a stem and an embed that initially separated, wherein the stem is configured to couple with the embed in a bayonet-type connection;  
     [0038]FIG. 13 illustrates the connector of FIG. 12 in which the stem is coupled with the embed in a bayonet-type connection;  
     [0039]FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment in which an inventive embed that is tapered is anchored within a structural layer and ready to receive a stem of a connector;  
     [0040]FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment in which an inventive embed has a tapered base that is anchored within a structural layer and that is threaded so as to receive a threaded bolt or screw of a connector;  
     [0041]FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive embed that includes wing structures that are configured to slidably engage a flat concrete tie;  
     [0042]FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view that shows the embed of FIG. 16 connected to a flat concrete tie within a structural layer of a wall; and  
     [0043]FIG. 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional bottom view that shows the embed of FIG. 16 connected to a flat concrete tie within a structural layer of a wall.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0044] A detailed description of the connectors of the invention will now be provided with specific reference to figures illustrating various embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that like structures will be provided with like reference designations.  
     [0045] The embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to improved connectors and embeds that are used for connecting the layers of a composite wall. The term “composite wall,” as defined herein, generally refers to a wall or layered structure that includes at least an insulating layer and a structural layer (e.g., a concrete or brick wall). The composite wall may also include other layers, such as, but not limited to a brick layer and a stucco layer. Each layer of the composite wall may also be composed of a plurality of layers. For instance, the insulating layer may comprise a plurality of laminated insulation layers.  
     [0046] In one embodiment, the connectors and embeds of the invention are composed of a thermally insulating material. The criteria used to select an appropriate material include concerns for strength, flexibility, insulation ability, cost and moldability. In general, thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics provide the advantages of low cost, low weight and ease of manufacturing.  
     [0047] Examples of suitable thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials that may be used to manufacture the connectors and embeds of the invention include, but are not limited to polyphthalamide, polyphenylsulfone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyketone, polyamideimide, polystyrenes, nylon, acrylic, and polyester. Other suitable materials also include polyamides, polycarbonates, polyphthenyl sulfones, aliphatic polyketones, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyfluorocarbons, polybutadienes, polybutylene terapthalates, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalates, polyphthenelyne ethers, polyphthenelyne oxides, polyphthenyline sulfides, polyphthalate carbonates, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorites, and polyxylenes, dialoyl phthalates, epoxy resins, furan resins and phenolic resins. Copolymers and blends of the foregoing materials may also be used.  
     [0048] The connectors of the invention are preferably injection molded from any appropriate resin or other high strength plastic material, such as those mentioned above, although they may also be molded by resin transfer molding, reaction injection molding, or any other molding process known in the art.  
     [0049] Although not necessary in many instances, it may be desirable to incorporate within the resinous material or other plastic material fillers or fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, boron fibers, ceramic fibers, and the like in order to increase the tensile strength, bending strength, shear strength, and toughness of the connectors.  
     [0050] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate an embodiment of a connector  10  according to the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a back perspective view of the connector  10  and FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the connector  10 . As shown, the connector  10  includes a body having an enlarged contact surface  12  that is substantially planar. It will be appreciated, however, that the enlarged contact surface  12  may also be beveled, textured, or curved. The primary function of the enlarged contact surface  12  is to provide a suitable surface for engaging the insulating layer of a composite wall. The enlarged contact surface  12  helps to prevent the connector  10  from undesirably damaging or passing entirely through the insulating layer of a composite wall, as described below in reference to FIG. 4.  
     [0051] The connector  10  also includes one or more stems  14  that protrude away from the enlarged contact surface  12 . The stems  14  may be hollow, as shown, or they may be solid. One benefit of providing hollow stems  14  is that they can be used or preloaded with bolts or screws  16  (shown in FIG. 3), or other coupling means for coupling the connector to a composite wall.  
     [0052]FIG. 4 shows the connector  10  being used to secure an insulating layer  30  to a structural layer  40  (e.g., an existing concrete or masonry wall). As shown, the stems  14  are configured to pass through the insulating layer  30  until they engage the structural layer  40  of the composite wall. Upon engaging the structural layer  40 , the stems  14  function as a means for separating the enlarged contact surface  12  from the structural layer  40  of the composite wall. This helps to prevent the enlarged contact surface  12  from undesirably damaging, compressing, or passing through the insulating layer  30 . The length of the stems  14  can be predetermined at the time of manufacture to control the distance in which the enlarged contact surface  12  is spaced away from the structural layer  40 . Preferably, at least the stems  14  are composed of a thermally insulating material.  
     [0053] To secure the connector  10  to the structural layer  40  of the composite wall, a coupling means such as the illustrated screws  16  may be used. The screws  16  may be preloaded into the stems  14 , as shown in FIG. 3, prior to placing the connector  10  on the composite wall or the screws  16  may be supplied subsequent to placing the connector  10  in a desired placement on the wall. The screws  16  may be self-tapping (e.g., where the structural layer is relatively soft or unhardened) and/or configured to threadably engage holes within the structural layer  40  of the wall. The screws  16  or other coupling means may be configured to engage embeds or other structures disposed within the structural layer  40  of the wall.  
     [0054] According to yet another embodiment, the coupling means may include the stems of the connector when the stems are configured to engage embeds located within the structural layer  40  of the wall, as described below in reference to FIGS.  10 - 14 .  
     [0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the enlarged contact surface  12  is configured to engage the insulating layer  30  of the composite wall. The surface area of the enlarged contact surface  12  helps to support the connector  10  against the insulating layer  30  and to prevent the enlarged contact surface  12  from passing through the insulating layer  30 . The planar surface of the enlarged contact surface  12  also helps to seal the holes in the insulating layer through which the stems  14  and the screws  16  may pass.  
     [0056] To further seal the enlarged contact surface  12  with the insulating layer  30 , and to help preserve the insulating properties of the insulating layer  30 , the connector  10  may also include sealing means, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.  
     [0057]FIG. 5 illustrates a connector  10  with rubber seals  22  that are disposed around the stems  14  of the connector  10 . The use of rubber seals  22 , gaskets, and other similar sealing means can help to create a seal between the enlarged contact surface  12  and the insulating layer  30  around the holes that are formed in the insulating layer  30 , when the connector  10  is properly secured to the composite wall. Another example of a suitable sealing means includes the raised surfaces  23  that protrude out of the enlarged contact surface  12  around the stems  14  of the connector  10  shown in FIG. 6. The raised surfaces  23  may be flattened, as shown, or else they may be tapered.  
     [0058] The connector  10  of the present embodiment may also include means for interconnecting another wall layer to the composite wall. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3- 4 , the connector  10  may include interconnecting means comprising mounting structure  18  that protrudes away from the connector  10 . The mounting structure  18  may include holes  20  for engaging and securing other objects such as brick ties and wires that are connected to the additional wall layers. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a brick tie is mounted to the connector  10  through a hole  20  formed in the mounting structure  18 . The illustrated brick tie may thereafter be embedded within the mortar of a brick wall. Auxiliary holes  19  may also be used to attach wire or other structures to the connector  10 .  
     [0059] Attention is now directed to FIG. 7, which illustrates another connector  100  according to the invention. As shown, the connector  100  includes a body with only a single stem  110  that is solid and threaded, and which protrudes away from an enlarged contact surface of the body. This threading is useful for helping to thread the connector  100  through the insulating layer of a composite wall. The threading also permits the stem  110  to threadably engage the structural layer. In other embodiments, the connector  100  may be configured with a hollow stem (not shown, but as generally described above with reference to FIG. 3), for receiving a screw or other coupling means.  
     [0060]FIG. 8 illustrates a stem  110  that is bifurcated into two distinct sections, a tip section  112  and a support section  114 . In this embodiment, the support section  114  has a greater diameter than the tip section  112 , such that when the stem  110 ′ is inserted through the insulation layer (not shown), the support section  114  abuts against the structural layer (not shown) and functions as a means for separating the enlarged contact surface  116  from the structural layer. The tip section  112  is configured to threadably engage the structural layer or embed that is placed within the structural layer.  
     [0061] The connector  100  shown in FIG. 7 includes means for interconnecting another wall layer to the composite wall. In particular, the connector  100  includes a mounting structure  118  that protrudes away from the connector. The mounting structure  118  is shown in the present embodiment as a closed loop that is configured to receivably engage a wire, a brick tie or other object that can be connected with another wall layer, as described above with reference to the mounting structure  18  of FIG. 1.  
     [0062] The mounting structure  118  can also be used to facilitate insertion of the connector  100  through insulating and structural layers. In particular, the mounting structure  118  can be held and turned with a tool or by hand while threadably inserting the connector  100  within the composite wall.  
     [0063]FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a connector  200  according to the invention. In this embodiment, the connector  200  includes mounting structures  218  that are configured to engage a wire mesh that may be used when applying stucco exterior to the composite wall. The connector  200  of this embodiment also includes an engagement structure  220  that may be grasped with a tool such as pliers or a wrench when placing the connector  200  within the composite wall. Although the engagement structure  220  is shown to protrude away from the connector  200 , it will be appreciated that the engagement structure  220  may also be recessed within the connector  200 . For instance, the engagement structure  220  may comprise a recess that is configured to receive an allen wrench or other tool for placing the connector  200  within the composite wall.  
     [0064]FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a connector  300  that includes a stem  310  that is configured to engage an embed  350 . More particularly, the stem  310  of the connector  300  includes a tip  312  that is configured to snap into a hollow interior  354  of the embed  350 . FIG. 10 also illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the embed  350  that is configured to receivably engage the tip  312  of the connector with a snap-fit type connection. As shown, the embed  350  includes a hollow interior  354  and ridges  360  that are configured to engage corresponding ridges  370  on the connector  300  when the tip  312  of the connector  300  is inserted within the hollow interior  354  of the embed  350 .  
     [0065]FIG. 11 illustrates how the connector  300  may be securely engaged within the hollow interior  354  of the embed  350  with a snap-fit type connection. As shown, the tip  312  of the connector  310  has been inserted within the embed  350  so that the ridges  360  of the embed  350  engage the ridges  370  of the tip  312 , thereby locking the tip  312  within the hollow portion  354  of the embed  350 .  
     [0066] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a tip  412  of a connector  400  is configured to be inserted and rotated within an embed  450 . However, instead of being configured with a tip that is suitable for a snap-fit type connection, the tip  412  of the present embodiment is configured to engage the embed  450  with a bayonet-type connection. In particular, the tip  412  is configured with a slightly oval cross-sectional back end  460  that is designed to be inserted into an oval opening  470  that is formed within the embed  450 . Once the tip  412  has been inserted within the oval opening  470  of the embed  450 , the connector  450  can be rotated to lock the tip  412  of the connector  400  within the embed  450  in a bayonet-type connection, as shown in FIG. 13. Notice that the connector  400  has been rotate about 90° from the position shown in FIG. 12, thereby locking the connector  400  with embed  450 .  
     [0067] In one embodiment, the embeds of the invention are placed within the existing structure prior to attachment of the insulating layer thereto. For instance, if the structural layer is formed of concrete then the embeds may be placed within the concrete before the concrete cures and solidifies. To help maintain the embed within the structural layer, the embeds may be configured with anchoring means, such as a taper, ridge, protrusion, or other structure that can help secure the embed within the structural layer. As a mater of example, and not limitation, the ridges  380  and  480  that circumferentially extend around the bases of the embeds  350  and  450 , respectively, comprise suitable means for anchoring the embeds within the structural layer of a composite wall.  
     [0068]FIG. 14 illustrates another example in which an embed  500  according to the invention includes means for anchoring the embed  500  within a structural layer. In particular, the embed  500  includes a tapered sidewall  510  that helps to anchor the embed  500  within the structural layer  520  when hardened or cured. The embed  500  is also configured to receivably engage a tip  530  of a connector, as described above in reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. It will be appreciated, however, that the embed  500  may also be configured to engage a connector with a bayonet-type connection or any other type of connection.  
     [0069]FIG. 15 illustrates how an embed  600  may also be configured with internal threading to threadably engage a tip  610  of a connector. The embed  600  in the present embodiment is also configured with a tapered base  620 , which functions as a suitable means for anchoring the embed within the structural layer  630  when hardened or cured.  
     [0070] Attention is now directed to FIGS.  16 - 18 , which illustrate yet another type of embed  700  that may be configured to be used in combination with the connectors of the invention. As shown, the embed includes wing structures  710  that protrude away from a hollow body  720  of the embed  700 . The wing structures  710  are specifically configured with edges  730  that are designed to slidably engage the edges of a flat strap, such as a concrete tie. It will be appreciated that this is useful for helping to secure the embed  700  within the structural layer of a composite wall at a desired placement. The wing structures  710  also provide additional anchoring means for anchoring the embed within the structural layer once it solidifies.  
     [0071]FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-sectional top view of the embed  700  after it has been mounted to a flat strap, such as concrete tie  740 , within a structural layer  750 . FIG. 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional bottom view of the embed  700  mounted to the concrete tie  740 . As shown, the edges  730  of the embed  700  slidably engage the sides of the concrete tie  740 . This helps to provide a desired alignment and stability to the embed  700 . It will be appreciated that the illustrated embed  700  may be configured to receivably engage any of the connectors that have described herein. In particular, the embed  700  may be configured with a hollow body designed for bayonet-type coupling, a hollow body designed for snap-fit coupling, or with threading for threaded coupling.  
     [0072] In summary, the connectors of the present invention help to maintain and preserve the thermal insulation that is provided by the thermally insulating layer of a composite wall. This is accomplished, according to one aspect of the invention, by manufacturing the connectors out of a thermally insulating material, thereby helping to prevent thermal bridging through the thermally insulating layer.  
     [0073] In certain embodiments, the connectors of the invention include enlarged contact surfaces that are configured to engage the insulating layer of a composite wall without undesirably damaging or passing through the insulating layer. The connectors may also include stems that are configured to separate the enlarged surface from a structural layer of the composite wall by a predetermined distance. In certain embodiments, the connectors are configured to securely couple with embeds that are placed within the structural layer of the composite wall. By securing the connector to the composite wall without damaging the insulating layer, the connectors of the invention are also able to help preserve desired composite action of the composite wall.  
     [0074] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that the present claimed 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, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.