Patent Abstract:
A connector is disclosed for connecting together plies, or wythes, of pre-cast concrete wall or ceiling panels which have the necessity of being cast in several plies or layers. The connector joins together first and second concrete layers with an intervening insulation layer. Also disclosed is a method for creating these concrete panels using the connector and an insert tool for use in inserting the connector.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/098,882 filed Sep. 2, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. This invention relates generally to connectors for constructing laminated pre-cast concrete walls and ceilings where it is desirable to incorporate a layer of insulation within the wall or ceiling. Further, the invention relates to a method of constructing such a laminated pre-cast wall or ceiling and an insertion device for use in practicing the method. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Large buildings, especially warehouses or other such buildings having large wall and ceiling expanses, often make use of walls or ceilings constructed on location. These walls may be made from concrete block. However, such concrete block walls are time consuming to build and are highly labor intensive. To speed construction and lower costs, the walls may be constructed of reinforced concrete which is poured directly in the place where a wall is desired. However, such walls generally may only be poured to controlled heights and widths and require the use of expensive forming methods. Further, to insulate concrete block walls and poured in place walls, it is necessary to apply the insulation to the interior of the wall and to then frame around the insulation to form an interior wall which maintains the insulation in place while at the same time protecting the insulation and hiding it from general view. 
     To speed construction and lower costs, builders have resorted to walls which are poured flat on the ground, either on-site or at offsite locations. Likewise, concrete ceiling panels may be poured at ground level either on-site or at manufacturing facilities. These ceiling and wall panels are then lifted or tilted into place. 
     As energy costs have risen and the costs to heat and/or cool buildings has increased, the need to insulate buildings has increased dramatically. The principal solution to this need to insulate large wall and ceiling expanses in an esthetic manner has been the development of manufacturing wall sections in several plies. The lamination, or amalgamation of wythes or layers, generally consists of an outer non-structural concrete layer of minimal thickness next to which is placed an insulating board of the desired thermal barrier thickness. This lamination is then completed by the addition of a final concrete layer which is generally much thicker and steel reinforced. The added final ply thickness is the element that supports the wall section and incorporates it into the intended structure. To prohibit delamination, the several wythes or layers must somehow be fastened together into a solid immobile unit. 
     Previously, the fasteners used to connect the three layers have been rudimentary requiring intensive manual labor for insertion or use. Currently available commercial products require specially prepared insulating board materials that must be used in conjunction with their devices which are pre-drilled or pre-formed with the necessary holes through which the prior art connectors are inserted. Generally, the connectors and pre-holed insulation panels are sold by a common manufacturer which limits the user to a single source, generally higher priced, supplier. 
     The manufacture of such a wall typically is performed on a horizontal casting bed, some other firm flat surface, or the concrete floor of the building it is intended to be part of. The first operation is to cast a thin layer, or concrete wythe, of the panel within the containing formwork. While the concrete is still wet and in a soft plastic state an insulating board which has prearranged holes spaced in repeating order is quickly placed over the wet concrete. Construction workers then proceed to insert the prior-art connecting devices through the holes in the insulating board and into the lower concrete layer while leaving a portion of the connector standing above the insulating board. 
     The insertion of the prior art connectors requires much manipulation and working by the workers because of the connector&#39;s construction. Further, after insertion, it is generally considered necessary for the workers to return to each inserted connector and to manually hand rotate 90°, after full insertion through the insulation board, each connector. The purpose of the rotation is to embed the connector in the wet concrete below. The consistency of insertion is impaired by the inevitable variations that occur when the workers repeat this operation thousands of times for a given number of wall panels in a building. The human factor alone contributes to inconsistent results. To make embedment fully effective most all current systems compound the potential for variation of results by recommending that the workers walk over the entire surface of the insulating board. This is done to force the wet concrete into recesses in the connecting devices for fuller envelopment of the connector stem in the wet concrete. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connector is provided for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel. The connector comprises a generally rod-shaped member having at least one angular fin extending from the rod causing the connector to rotate during insertion of the connector into the insulation layer and the first concrete layer. The connector preferably is generally rod shaped and includes three distinct segments. The first segment includes a pointed terminal end. Preferably, the first segment further includes two of angular fins spaced on opposite sides of the first segment. Even more preferably, the first segment includes four angular fins spaced about the circumference of the first segment. 
     The first segment further preferably includes at least one flat area spaced approximately 90° around the exterior circumference of said first segment from one of the fins. The connector also preferably further includes at least one flat area spaced approximately 270° around the exterior circumference of the first segment from one of said fins. More preferably, the at least one flat area spaced approximately 270° around the exterior circumference of the first segment from one of the fins comprises two flat acutely shaped triangular areas. 
     A connector is also provided for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel where the connector is formed of glass filled nylon. The connector includes a first pointed end having sufficient sharpness to permit perforation of insulation board without the separation and displacement of an insulation plug. 
     A connector is also provided for use in forming a three ply concrete-insulation-concrete panel which comprises a generally rod-shaped member having a first end forming a sharpened point, a first body segment including four circumferentially spaced angled fins, a second body segment including at least two circumferentially spaced angled fins, and a third body segment having at least two circumferentially spaced flat segments. The connector preferably includes four circumferentially spaced angled fins on the second body segment and the connector is preferably formed from glass filled nylon. 
     A method of forming a multiply ceiling or wall panel is also provided. In the method, a first concrete face ply is poured at grade level. Unperforated insulation board is arranged on the uncured first concrete face ply in any desired arrangement. The insulation board is then perforated with a connector which passes through the insulation board and into the first concrete face ply such that a portion of the connector extends above the surface of the insulation board. A second concrete structural ply is then poured over the insulation board to engage the connector. In practicing this method, preferably, the connector comprises a generally rod-shaped member having at least one angular fin extending from the rod causing the connector to rotate during insertion of the connector into the insulation layer and the first concrete layer. The generally rod shaped member preferably includes three distinct segments of which the first segment of includes at least two angular fins, and more preferably four angular fins, evenly spaced about the first segment. 
     Preferably, in practicing the method, the connector is inserted into the insulation board using an insertion tool which releasably maintains the connector in an insertion position. 
     An insertion tool for inserting a connector into an unperforated insulation board is also provided. The insertion tool comprises a handle, a barrel, and a tubular holder for holding the connector in a releasable position. The insertion tool tubular holder preferably includes means for maintaining the connector within the insertion tool until release is desired. Preferably, the means for maintaining the connector within the insertion tool until release is desired comprises a spring. Also preferably, the insertion tool barrel is of sufficient length to permit insertion of the connector by a man in a standing position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 a  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 1 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 1 a.    
     FIG. 1 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 1 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 1 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 1 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 1 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 1 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 2 a  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 2 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 2 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 2 a.    
     FIG. 2 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 2 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 2 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 2 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 2 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 2 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 3 a  shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 3 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 3 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 3 a.    
     FIG. 3 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 3 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 3 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 3 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 3 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 3 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 4 a  shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 4 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 4 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 4 a.    
     FIG. 4 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 4 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 4 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 4 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 4 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 4 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 5 a  shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 5 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 5 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 5 a.    
     FIG. 5 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 5 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 5 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 5 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 5 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 5 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 6 a  shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a connector according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 b  shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6 a,  the connector having been rotated 180° about its long axis. 
     FIG. 6 c  shows a side view of the connector of FIG. 6 a.    
     FIG. 6 d  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 6 c,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis 90°. 
     FIG. 6 e  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 6 d,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 6 f  shows a further side view of the connector depicted in FIG. 6 e,  the connector having been rotated about its long axis a further 90°. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to the present invention in place in a three layer wall section consisting of upper and lower concrete plies and a central insulation ply. 
     FIG. 8 a  shows a perspective view of an insert tool for use in installing connectors made according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 b  shows a further perspective view of the insert tool of FIG. 5 a,  the device having been rotated 180° about its log axis. 
     FIG. 9 shows the insertion of a connector according to the present invention using the insert device of FIGS. 5 a  &amp;  b.   
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To lower costs in the preparation of pre-cast multi-ply walls using an inner ply of insulating material, it is desirable to make use of common off-the-shelf insulation board which does not require pre-treatment. To make use of such insulating material, a connector is needed which can easily penetrate insulation board while still achieving ready insertion into the first poured concrete layer and still have sufficient strength to hold together a complete three ply wall. 
     The connector of the present invention is preferably manufactured from plastic materials such as nylon reinforced fiberglass such as the 33% glass filled nylon marketed by ASTIC Materials Co., Inc. The connector of the present invention is preferably manufactured using an injection molding process although any appropriate manufacturing process resulting in the desired connector is suitable. Preferably, the entire connector is of one-piece unitary construction. The selection of plastic material as the medium for construction of the connector is based on plastics having lower coefficients of heat transfer than metals resulting in less heat transfer through the completed wall. Current plastic materials also develop great strengths permitting minimal cross-sections thus minimizing further the heat transfer through the connecting device. 
     A first connector embodiment I of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 1 a - 1   f.  Connectors of the present invention are preferably used in creating wall and ceiling three ply panels having a first (or face) concrete layer thickness of about 2-3″, an insulation ply layer of a thickness of about 2″ to 6″ and a second or structural concrete layer having a thickness of about 7-9″. Preferably, the connector 1 has a maximum diameter preferably of about 0.35″ to 0.40″, most preferably about 0.377 inches and a length of about 5.5″ to about 6″ although these measurements may vary depending upon the type and size of the three ply wall or ceiling panel to be constructed or the thickness of the insulating material used in forming the same. 
     As illustrated, the first connector  1  includes a first end  3  terminating in a point  5 . The point  5  is constructed such that it is of sufficient sharpness to pierce and penetrate insulation board such as board marketed by Dow under the Blueboard tradename or commonly available insulation board marketed by Dow and Owens Corning used in the construction of multi-ply concrete walls. The first end  3  is of sufficient length to transition from point  5  to a cross-sectional diameter suitable for use as the base diameter of the first connector  1 . Preferably, the first end is about 0.4″ to about 0.5″ in length and has a maximum diameter of about 0.2″ to about 0.3″ and most preferably about 0.262″ at the transition point  7  where the first end transitions to the first body segment  9  of the connector. 
     The first body segment  9  of the connector  1  is designed to engage the first concrete ply and a portion of the insulation board ply. Preferably, for a suitable overall wall thickness of about 11-12″, the first body segment  9  is about 1.75″ long. The first body segment generally comprises four face areas, which each take up a portion of the circumference of the connector. The face of the first body segment  9  includes a first portion which is followed by a second element followed by a third element followed by a fourth element when traversing around the exterior circumference of the first body segment. 
     The first portion of the first body segment  9  includes a round rod area having a diameter of about 0.25″ from which a first angled fin  13  extends. The first angled fin  13  extends from a first side of the first body segment  9  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  1  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  1  from the direction of the point  5 . The first angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  9  about 0.06″ and is about 1.5″ in length and 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  15  &amp;  17  to the first body segment  9 . 
     The next circumferential portion of the first body segment includes a first acute angled triangular shaped flat area  19  molded into the face of the first body segment  9  at its end adjacent the transition point  7 . The triangular area has a base  21  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 0.75″ At the first end  23  of the triangular area  19 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  7 . At the second end  21  of the triangular area  19 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  9  about 0.06″ creating a first right angle wall area  25 . A second acute angled triangular shaped flat area  27  is molded into the face of the first body segment  9  from a point adjacent the first wall area  25  extending along the length of the first body segment  9 . This second triangular area  27  is of a size and shape about equal to that of the first triangular shaped flat area  19  creating a sloped wall area  29  similar to that of the first wall area  25 . 
     Traversing further around the circumference of the first body segment  9 , a second fin portion includes a second angled fin  11  extending from the first body segment rod. The second angled fin  11  also extends from a first side of the first body segment  9  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  1  and the fin is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  1  from the direction of the point  5 . The second angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  9  about 0.06″ and is about 1.5″ in length and 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  15  &amp;  17  to the first body segment  9 . 
     The angular nature of the fins  11  &amp;  13  causes the connector to rotate as it is inserted into and through the insulation layer and into the concrete layer. This rotation permits the insertion of the connector made according to the present invention without the wallowing out of a large hole in the insulation or in the concrete resulting in better anchoring of the plies together and yielding a stronger structure. Further, it is not necessary after installation for the installer to walk over the area where the connector has been inserted to tamp down the concrete to push the still somewhat fluid concrete back into contact with the connector. As the first body segment  9  rotates and passes into the bottom concrete ply, the rotation continues into the concrete creating envelopment and embedment of the connector  1 . 
     Traversing around the final circumferential portion segment of the first body segment  9 , a third acute triangular flat area  31  is molded into the face of the first body segment  9 . The third acute triangular flat area  31  extends from the transition point  7  to the second sloped area  33 . The triangular area has a base  35  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 1.375″. At the first end  37  of the triangular area  31 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  7  right angle. At the base  35  of the triangular area  33 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  9  about 0.06″ creating the second sloped wall area  33 . 
     The first body segment  9  transitions to a second rod shaped body segment  40 . Where an overall panel thickness of about 2″ is desired, the second body segment  40  preferably has a length of about 1.5″. Preferably, the second body segment  40  has a diameter of about 0.25″. 
     The second body segment  40  transitions to a third body segment  50  at a fourth wall area  52 . The third body segment  50  engages the structural concrete ply of the three ply construction. The third body segment  50  preferably has an overall outside diameter of about 0.375″ resulting in the fourth wall area  52  extending outward from the termination of the second body segment  40  about 0.06″ around the entire circumference of the connector. The third body segment  50  preferably has a length of about 2.0″ and includes at least three and preferably four distinct areas. 
     The first section of the third body segment  50  is the transition area section  54  which forms the third wall area  52 . The transition area section  54  preferably has a length of about 0.125″. Continuing along the length of the connector  1 , the transition area  54  joins to the main body  56  of the third body segment. The main body  56  includes two large acute triangular flat areas molded into its face on opposite sides. The first large triangular flat area  58  is preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the first and second acute angled triangular shaped flat areas  19  &amp;  27  molded into the face of the first body segment  9 . The base  60  of the first large triangular flat area  58  terminates against the transition area section  54  and is inset from the outer diameter of the transition area preferably about 0.125″. The first large triangular flat area  58  preferably has a height of about 1.5″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.35″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  1 . 
     Also continuing along the length of the connector  1  from the transition area  54  a second large triangular flat area  64  is preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the third acute angled triangular shaped flat area  31  molded into the face of the first body segment  9 . The base  66  of the first large triangular flat area  64  terminates against the transition area section  54  and is inset from the outer diameter of the transition area preferably about 0.125″. The second large triangular flat area  64  preferably has a height of about 1.5″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.35″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  1 . 
     The first and second large triangular flat areas  58  &amp;  64  terminate at a second transition area segment  70 . The first and second large triangular flat areas  58  &amp;  64  traverse outward from their inset positions at their bases such that their end points  62  &amp;  68  terminate at the second transition area segment  70  outside diameter which is preferably about 0.375″. The second transition area may be formed in one of two ways. First (not shown) the second transition area may simply take the form of a rod preferably having a diameter of about 0.375″ and preferably having a length of about 0.25″ terminating at the end of the connector  1 . 
     Preferably, however, the transition area includes a structure for use in connection with an insertion device permitting easy use of the connector in the field. This structure permits loading the connector  1  into an insertion device and maintaining the connector in the insertion device until the connector is inserted into the insulation and concrete plies. Preferably, such structure includes a half-round area  80  which connects the second transition area segment  70  to a crown  82 . The half round area  80  creates a valley  84  of reduced diameter area. The reduced diameter area preferably has a diameter of about 0.25″. The crown then preferably has the full outside diameter of about 0.375″. Preferably, the half round area  80  has a length of about 0.125″ and preferably the crown  82  has a length of about 0.125. 
     A second embodiment  100  of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 2 a - 2   f.  The described preferred measurements are set forth for a three ply panel having a first (or face) concrete layer thickness of about 2-3″, an insulation ply layer of a thickness of about 2-6″ and a second or structural concrete layer having a thickness of about 7-9″. The connector  100  preferably has a maximum diameter of about 0.35″ to about 0.4″ and most preferably about 0.375 inches and a length of about 5.5″ to about 6″ and most preferably about 5.533″ although these measurements may vary depending upon the type and size of the wall or ceiling to be constructed. 
     As illustrated, the connector  100  includes a first end  103  terminating in a point  105 . The point  105  is constructed such that it is of sufficient sharpness to pierce and penetrate insulation board such as that described above and commonly used in the construction of multi-ply concrete walls. The first end  103  is of sufficient length to transition from point  105  to a cross-sectional diameter suitable for use as the base diameter of the connector  100 . Preferably, the first end is about 0.4″ to about 0.5″ in length and has a maximum diameter of about 0.2″ to about 0.3″ and most preferably about 0.62″ at the transition point  107  where the first end transitions to the first body, segment  109  of the connector. 
     The first body segment  109  of the connector  100  is designed to engage the first concrete ply and a portion of the insulation ply. Preferably, for a suitable overall wall thickness of about 11-12″, the first body segment  109  is about 1.75″ long. The first body segment generally comprises four face areas, which each take up a portion of the circumference of the connector. The face of the first body segment  109  includes a first portion which is followed by a second element followed by a third element followed by a fourth element when traversing around the exterior circumference of the first body segment. 
     The first portion of the first body segment  109  includes a round rod area having a diameter of about 0.25″ from which a first angled fin  113  extends. The first angled fin  113  extends from a first side of the first body segment  109  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  100  and is tilted at an angle of 40 clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  100  from the direction of the point  105 . The first angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  109  about 0.06″ and is about 2.25″ in length and 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  115  &amp;  117  to the first body segment  109 . The fin  113  including its second terminal end  115  extends past the end of the first body segment onto the second body segment  140  of the connector  100 . 
     The next circumferential portion of the first body segment includes a first acute angled triangular shaped flat area  119  molded into the face of the first body segment  109  at its end adjacent the transition point  107 . The triangular area has a base  121  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 0.75″. At the first end  123  of the triangular area  119 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  107 . At the second end  121  of the triangular area  119 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  109  about 0.06″ creating a first slanted wall area  125 . A second acute angled triangular shaped flat area  127  is molded into the face of the first body segment  109  from a point adjacent the first slanted wall area  125  extending along the length of the first body segment  109 . This second triangular area  127  is of a size and shape slightly smaller than that of the first triangular shaped flat area  119  having a preferable height of about 0.5″. The base  128  of the second triangular flat area creates a second angular wall area  129  as the flat area intersects the rod shaped first segment  109 . 
     Traversing further around the circumference of the first body segment  109 , a second fin portion includes a second angled fin  111  extending from the first body segment rod. The second angled fin  111  also extends from a first side of the first body segment  109  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  100  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  100  from the direction of the point  105 . The second angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  109  about 0.06″ and is about 2.25″ in length with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  115  &amp;  117  to the first body segment  109 . The fin  113  including its second terminal end  115  extends past the end of the first body segment onto the second body segment  140  of the connector  100 . 
     The angular nature of the fins  111  &amp;  113  causes the connector to rotate as it is inserted into and through the insulation layer and into the concrete layer. This rotation permits the insertion of the connector made according to the present invention without the wallowing out of a large hole in the insulation or in the concrete resulting in better anchoring of the plies together and yielding a stronger structure. Further, it is not necessary after installation for the installer to walk over the area where the connector has been inserted to tamp down the concrete to push the still somewhat fluid concrete back into contact with the connector. As the first body segment  109  rotates and passes into the bottom concrete ply, the rotation continues into the concrete creating envelopment and embedment of the connector  100 . 
     Traversing around the final circumferential portion of the first body segment  109 , a third acute triangular flat area  131  is molded into the face of the first body segment  109 . The third acute triangular flat area  131  extends from the transition point  107  to the intersecting wall area  133  created at the intersection of the triangular flat area  131  and the rod shaped first segment  109 . The triangular area has a base  135  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 1.375″. At the first end  137  of the triangular area  131 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  107 . At the base  135  of the triangular area  133 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  109  about 0.06″ creating the intersecting wall area  133 . 
     The first body segment  109  transitions to a second body segment  140  through a transition area  141 . The second body segment is rod shaped. For an overall panel thickness of about 11-12″, the second body segment  140  has a length of about 1.5″. Preferably, the second body segment  140  has a diameter of about 0.312″. As noted in the discussion of the first body segment  109 , the fins  111  and  113  extend through a first sloped area  151  into a right angle onto the surface of the rod shaped second body segment  140 . Preferably, about one-half of the length of the second body segment  140  is finned and about one-half is finless. 
     The second body segment  140  transitions to a third body segment  150  wall area  152 . The third body segment  150  engages the structural concrete ply of the three ply construction. The third body segment  150  preferably has an overall outside diameter of about 0.375″ resulting in the third wall area  152  extending outward from the termination of the second body segment  140  about 0.033″ around the entire circumference of the connector from the first sloped area  151 . The third body segment  150  preferably has a length of about 2.0″ where the desired overall panel thickness is about 11-12″. 
     Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  152 , the main body  156  of the third body segment includes four acute triangular flat areas molded into its face, two each on opposite sides. The first triangular flat area  158  is preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the first and second acute angled triangular shaped flat areas  119  &amp;  127  molded into the face of the first body segment  109 . The base  160  of the first triangular flat area  158  forms a common base for the second triangular flat area  159 . The base is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  150  preferably about 0.625″. The first and second triangular flat areas  158  and  159  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  100 . 
     Also along the length of the connector  100  are third and fourth triangular flat areas  164  and  165  which are preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the third acute angled triangular shaped flat area  131  molded into the face of the first body segment  109 . Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  152 , the third triangular flat area  164  extends lengthwise to a base  116  which forms a common base with the fourth acute triangular area  165 . The base  165  is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  150  preferably about 0.625″. The third and fourth triangular flat areas  164  and  165  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  100 . 
     The second and fourth triangular flat areas  159  &amp;  165  terminate at a second transition area segment  170 . The second and fourth triangular flat areas  159  &amp;  165  traverse outward from their inset positions at their bases  160  and  166  such that their end points  162  &amp;  168  terminate at the second transition area segment  170 . The second transition area may be formed in one of two ways. First (not shown) the second transition area may simply take the form of a rod preferably having a diameter of about 0.375″ and preferably having a length of about 0.25″ terminating at the end of the connector  100 . 
     Preferably, however, the transition area includes a structure for use in connection with an insertion device permitting easy use of the connector in the field. This structure permits loading the connector  100  into an insertion device and maintaining the connector in the insertion device until the connector is inserted into the insulation and concrete plies. Preferably, such structure includes a half-round area  180  which connects the second transition area segment  170  to a crown  182 . The half round area  180  creates a valley  184  of reduced diameter area. The reduced diameter area preferably has a diameter of about 0.25″. The crown then preferably has the full outside diameter of about 0.375″. Preferably, the half round area  180  has a length of about 0.125″ and preferably the crown  182  has a length of about 0.125″. 
     A third embodiment  200  of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 3 a - 3   f.  The described preferred measurements are set forth for a three ply panel having a first (or face) concrete layer thickness of about 2-3″, an insulation ply layer of a thickness of about 2-6″ and a second or structural concrete layer having a thickness of about 7-9″. The connector  200  preferably has a maximum diameter of about 0.377 inches and a length of about 5.5″ to about 6″ and most preferably about 5.533″ although these measurements may vary depending upon the type and size of the wall or ceiling to be constructed. 
     As illustrated, the third connector  200  includes a first end  203  terminating in a point  205 . The point  205  is constructed such that it is of sufficient sharpness to pierce and penetrate insulation board such as described above and commonly used in the construction of multi-ply concrete walls. The first end  203  is of sufficient length to transition from point  205  to a cross-sectional diameter suitable for use as the base diameter of the connector  200 . Preferably, the first end is about 0.4″ in length and has a maximum diameter of about 0.262″ at the transition point  207  where the first end transitions to the first body segment  209  of the connector. 
     The first body segment  209  of the connector  200  is designed to engage the first concrete ply and a portion of the insulation ply. Preferably, for a suitable overall wall thickness of about 11-12″, the first body segment  209  is about 1.613″ long. The first body segment generally comprises four face areas, which each take up a portion of the circumference of the connector. The face of the first body segment  209  includes a first portion which is followed by a second element followed by a third element followed by a fourth element when traversing around the exterior circumference of the first body segment. 
     The first portion of the first body segment  209  includes a round rod area having a diameter of about 0.25″ from which a first angled fin  213  extends. The first angled fin  213  extends from a first side of the first body segment  209  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  200  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  200  from the direction of the point  205 . The first angled fin  213  preferably extends from the first body segment  209  about 0.057″ and is about 2.668″ in length and 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  215  &amp;  217  to the first body segment  209 . Preferably, the first angled fin  213  is divided into two separate segments, a first fin segment  213   a  and a second fin segment  213   b.  The break or deletion of a portion of the first angled fin  213  is provided to the fin  213  including its second terminal end  215  extends past the end of the first body segment  209  onto the second body segment  240  of the connector  200 . Preferably, the break  212  eliminates about 0.156″ of the fin. 
     The next circumferential portion of the first body segment includes a first acute angled triangular shaped flat area  219  molded into the face of the first body segment  209  at its end adjacent the transition point  207 . The triangular area has a base  221  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 0.75″. At the first end  223  of the triangular area  219 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  207 . At the second end  221  of the triangular area  219 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  209  about 0.0625″ creating a first slanted wall area  225 . Molded onto the face of the triangular shaped flat area  219  is a first short fin  220 . The first short fin angles across the face of the first triangular shaped flat area  219  at an angle to the axis of the length of the connector  200  about equal to that of the first angled fin  213 . The first short fin  220  preferably extends outward from the face of the first triangular shaped flat area  219  about 0.057″ and preferably is about 0.625″ long and 0.04″ in width extending from a sharpened point  222  beginning at the first end  223  of the triangular shaped area  219  and extending generally along one side of the first triangular shaped flat area  219 . The first short fin  220  terminates adjacent the first slanted wall area  225  of the first triangular shaped flat area  219 . 
     A second acute angled triangular shaped flat area  227  is molded into the face of the first body segment  209  from a point adjacent the first slanted wall area  225  extending along the length of the first body segment  209 . This second triangular area  227  is of a size and shape slightly smaller than that of the first triangular shaped flat area  219  having a preferable height of about 0.5″. The base  228  of the second triangular flat area creates a second angular wall area  229  as the flat area intersects the rod shaped first segment  209 . 
     Traversing further around the circumference of the first body segment  209 , a second fin portion includes a second angled fin  211  extending from the first body segment rod. The second angled fin  211  also extends from a first side of the first body segment  209  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  200  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  200  from the direction of the point  205 . The second angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  209  about 0.057° and is about 2.668″ in length and about 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  215  &amp;  217  to the first body segment  209 . Preferably, the first angled fin  211  is divided into two separate segments, a first fin segment  211   a  and a second fin segment  211   b.  The break or deletion of a portion of the first angled fin  211  is provided to the fin  211  including its second terminal end  215  extends past the end of the first body segment  209  onto the second body segment  240  of the connector  200 . Preferably, the break  212  eliminates about 0.1560″ of the fin. The fin  213  including its second terminal end  215  extends past the end of the first body segment onto the second body segment  240  of the connector  200 . 
     Traversing around the final circumferential portion of the first body segment  209 , a third acute triangular flat area  231  is molded into the face of the first body segment  209 . The third acute triangular flat area  231  extends from adjacent the transition point  207  to the intersecting wall area  233  created at the intersection of the triangular flat area  231  and the rod shaped first segment  209 . The triangular area has a base  235  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 1.375″. At the first end  237  of the triangular area  231 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  207 . At the base  235  of the triangular area  233 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  209  about 0.0625″ creating the intersecting wall area  233 . 
     Extending from the face of the third acute triangular shaped flat area  231  is a fourth short fin  232  of like shape and angled placement as the first short fin  220 . The second short fin  232  preferably extends outward from the face of the third triangular shaped flat area  231  about 0.0625″ and preferably is about 0.625″ long and 0.04″ in width extending from a sharpened point  232   a  beginning at the first end of the triangular shaped area  219  adjacent the transition point  207  and extending generally along one side of the third triangular shaped flat area  231 . The second short fin  232  terminates about mid-way along the length of the third triangular shaped flat area  231 . 
     The angular nature of the fins  211  &amp;  213  and the short fins cause the connector to rotate as it is inserted into and through the insulation layer and into the concrete layer. This rotation permits the insertion of the connector made according to the present invention without the wallowing out of a large hole in the insulation or in the concrete resulting in better anchoring of the plies together and yielding a stronger structure. Further, it is not necessary after installation for the installer to walk over the area where the connector has been inserted to tamp down the concrete to push the still somewhat fluid concrete back into contact with the connector. As the first body segment  209  rotates and passes into the bottom concrete ply, the rotation continues into the concrete creating envelopment and embedment of the connector  200 . 
     The first body segment  209  transitions to a second body segment  240  through a transition area  241 . The second body segment is rod shaped. For an overall panel thickness of about 11-12″, the second body segment  240  has a length of about 1.5″. Preferably, the second body segment  240  has a diameter of about 0.314″. As noted in the discussion of the first body segment  209 , the fins  211  and  213  extend through a first sloped area  251  into a right angle onto the surface of the rod shaped second body segment  240 . Preferably, about one-half of the length of the second body segment  240  is finned and about one-half is finless. 
     The second body segment  240  transitions to a third body segment  250  wall area  252 . The third body segment  250  engages the structural concrete ply of the three ply construction. The third body segment  250  preferably has an overall outside diameter of about 0.377″ resulting in the third wall area  252  extending outward from the termination of the second body segment  240  about 0.0325″ around the entire circumference of the connector from the first sloped area  251 . The third body segment  250  preferably has a length of about 2.012″ where the desired overall panel thickness is about 11-12″. 
     Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  252 , the main body  256  of the third body segment includes four acute triangular flat areas molded into its face, two each on opposite sides. The first triangular flat area  258  is preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the first and second acute angled triangular shaped flat areas  219  &amp;  227  molded into the face of the first body segment  209 . The base  260  of the first triangular flat area  258  forms a common base for the second triangular flat area  259 . The base is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  250  preferably about 0.625″. The first and second triangular flat areas  258  and  259  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  200 . 
     Also along the length of the connector  200  are third and fourth triangular flat areas  264  and  265  which are preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the third acute angled triangular shaped flat area  231  molded into the face of the first body segment  209 . Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  252 , the third triangular flat area  264  extends lengthwise to a base  216  which forms a common base with the fourth acute triangular area  265 . The base  265  is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  250  preferably about 0.625″. The third and fourth triangular flat areas  264  and  265  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  200 . 
     The second and fourth triangular flat areas  259  &amp;  265  terminate at a second transition area segment  270 . The second and fourth triangular flat areas  259  &amp;  265  traverse outward from their inset positions at their bases  260  and  266  such that their end points  262  &amp;  268  terminate at the second transition area segment  270 . The second transition area may be formed in one of two ways. First (not shown) the second transition area may simply take the form of a rod preferably having a diameter of about 0.375″ and preferably having a length of about 0.25″ terminating at the end of the connector  200 . 
     Preferably, however, the transition area includes a structure for use in connection with an insertion device permitting easy use of the connector in the field. This structure permits loading the connector  200  into an insertion device and maintaining the connector in the insertion device until the connector is inserted into the insulation and concrete plies. Preferably, such structure includes a half-round area  280  which connects the second transition area segment  270  to a crown  282 . The half round area  280  creates a valley  284  of reduced diameter area. The reduced diameter area preferably has a diameter of about 0.25. The crown then preferably has the full outside diameter of about 0.377″. Preferably, the half round area  280  has a length of about 0.125″ and preferably the crown  282  has a length of about 0.125″. 
     A fourth embodiment  500  of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 4 a - 4   f.  This connector is preferable when greater thickness of insulation ply are desired such as about 1½″ to about 4″ of insulation. The connector  500  preferably has a maximum diameter of about 0.377 inches and a length of about 7.5″ although these measurements may vary depending upon the type and size of the wall or ceiling to be constructed. 
     As illustrated, the fourth connector  500  includes a first end  503  terminating in a point  505 . The point  505  is constructed such that it is of sufficient sharpness to pierce and penetrate insulation board such as described above and commonly used in the construction of multi-ply concrete walls. The first end  503  is of sufficient length to transition from point  505  to a cross-sectional diameter suitable for use as the base diameter of the connector  500 . Preferably, the first end is about 0.4″ in length and has a maximum diameter of about 0.262″ at the transition point  507  where the first end transitions to the first body segment  509  of the connector. 
     The first body segment  509  of the connector  500  is designed to engage the first concrete ply and a portion of the insulation ply. Preferably, for a suitable overall wall thickness of about 11-12″, the first body segment  509  is about 1.613″ long. The first body segment generally comprises four face areas. The face areas of the first body segment  509  include a first element followed by a second element followed by a third element followed by a fourth element when traversing around the exterior circumference of the first body segment. 
     The first circumferential portion of the first body segment  509  includes a round rod area having a diameter of about 0.262″ from which a first angled fin  513  extends. The first angled fin  513  extends from a first side of the first body segment  509  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  500  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  500  from the direction of the point  505 . The first angled fin  513  preferably extends from the first body segment  509  about 0.057″ and is about 2.668″ in length and 0.04″ in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  515  &amp;  517  to the first body segment  509 . Preferably, the first angled fin  513  is divided into two separate segments, a first fin segment  513   a  and a second fin segment  513   b.  The break or deletion of a portion of the first angled fin  513  is provided to the fin  513  including its second terminal end  515  extends past the end of the first body segment  509  onto the second body segment  540  of the connector  500 . Preferably, the break  512  eliminates about 0.156″ of the fin. 
     The second circumferential portion of the first body segment includes a first acute angled triangular shaped flat area  519  molded into the face of the first body segment  509  at its end adjacent the transition point  507 . The triangular area has a base  521  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 0.75″. At the first end  523  of the triangular area  519 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  507 . At the second end  521  of the triangular area  519 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  509  about 0.0625″ creating a first slanted wall area  525 . Molded onto the face of the triangular shaped flat area  519  is a first short fin  520 . The first short fin angles across the face of the first triangular shaped flat area  519  at an angle to the axis of the length of the connector  500  about equal to that of the first angled fin  513 . The first short fin  520  preferably extends outward from the face of the first triangular shaped flat area  519  about 0.057″ and preferably is about 0.625″ long and 0.04″ in width extending from a sharpened point  522  beginning at the first end  523  of the triangular shaped area  519  and extending generally along one side of the first triangular shaped flat area  519 . The first short fin  520  terminates adjacent the first slanted wall area  525  of the first triangular shaped flat area  519 . 
     A second acute angled triangular shaped flat area  527  is molded into the face of the first body segment  509  from a point adjacent the first slanted wall area  525  extending along the length of the first body segment  509 . This second triangular area  527  is of a size and shape slightly smaller than that of the first triangular shaped flat area  519  having a preferable height of about 0.5″. The base  528  of the second triangular flat area creates a second angular wall area  529  as the flat area intersects the rod shaped first segment  509 . 
     Traversing further around the circumference of the first body segment  509 , a third circumferential portion includes a second angled fin  511  extending from the first body segment rod. The second angled fin  511  also extends from a first side of the first body segment  509  along the length of the first body segment crossing the body segment at an angle of about 5° off of the long axis of the connector  500  and is tilted at an angle of 4° clockwise off the vertical axis looking down the connector  500  from the direction of the point  505 . The second angled fin preferably extends from the first body segment  509  about 0.057° and is about 2.668° in length and about 0.04° in width with each terminal end of the straight fin transitioning down through transition portions  515  &amp;  517  to the first body segment  509 . Preferably, the first angled fin  511  is divided into two separate segments, a first fin segment  511   a  and a second fin segment  511   b.  The break or deletion of a portion of the first angled fin  511  is provided to the fin  511  including its second terminal end  515  extends past the end of the first body segment  509  onto the second body segment  540  of the connector  500 . Preferably, the break  512  eliminates about 0.156″ of the fin. The fin  513  including its second terminal end  515  extends past the end of the first body segment onto the second body segment  540  of the connector  500 . 
     Traversing around the final portion segment of the first body segment  509 , a third acute triangular flat area  531  is molded into the face of the first body segment  509 . The third acute triangular flat area  531  extends from adjacent the transition point  507  to the intersecting wall area  533  created at the intersection of the triangular flat area  531  and the rod shaped first segment  509 . The triangular area has a base  535  of a length of about 0.125″ and a height of about 1.375″. At the first end  537  of the triangular area  531 , the flat area is at a level about equal to the outer circumference of the transition point  507 . At the base  535  of the triangular area  533 , the flat surface has been cut into the surface of the first body segment  509  about 0.0625″ creating the intersecting wall area  533 . 
     Extending from the face of the third acute triangular shaped flat area  531  is a fourth short fin  532  of like shape and angled placement as the first short fin  520 . The second short fin  532  preferably extends outward from the face of the third triangular shaped flat area  531  about 0.057″ and preferably is about 0.625″ long and about 0.04″ in width extending from a sharpened point  532   a  beginning at the first end of the triangular shaped area  519  adjacent the transition point  507  and extending generally along one side of the third triangular shaped flat area  531 . The second short fin  532  terminates about mid-way along the length of the third triangular shaped flat area  531 . 
     The angular nature of the fins  511  &amp;  513  and the short fins cause the connector to rotate as it is inserted into and through the insulation layer and into the concrete layer. This rotation permits the insertion of the connector made according to the present invention without the wallowing out of a large hole in the insulation or in the concrete resulting in better anchoring of the plies together and yielding a stronger structure. Further, it is not necessary after installation for the installer to walk over the area where the connector has been inserted to tamp down the concrete to push the still somewhat fluid concrete back into contact with the connector. As the first body segment  509  rotates and passes into the bottom concrete ply, the rotation continues into the concrete creating envelopment and embedment of the connector  500 . 
     The first body segment  509  transitions to a second body segment  540  through a transition area  541 . The second body segment is rod shaped. For an overall panel thickness of about 11-12″, the second body segment  540  has a length of about 3.5″. Preferably, the second body segment  540  has a diameter of about 0.314″. As noted in the discussion of the first body segment  509 , the fins  511  and  513  extend through a first sloped area  551  into a right angle onto the surface of the rod shaped second body segment  540 . Preferably, the second body segment  540  has a second pair of angled fins  518  and  524  which begin about 1.25″ from the first body segment  509 . Each fin of the second pair is located on opposite sides of the connector  500 . The second pair of fins  518  and  524  begin on about the same longitudinal axis as the corresponding first angled fins  511  and  513 . Also, the second pair of angled fins  518  and  524  slope across the longitudinal axis and tilt along the vertical axis at about the same angles as the corresponding first pair of angled fins  511  and  513  and extend from the second body segment  540  about the same length. The second pair of fins  518  and  524  are about 2″ long and do not contain any breaks. Preferably, about one-half of the length of the second body segment  540  is finned and about one-half is finless. 
     The second body segment  540  transitions to a third body segment  550  wall area  552 . The third body segment  550  engages the structural concrete ply of the three ply construction. The third body segment  550  preferably has an overall outside diameter of about 0.377″ resulting in the third wall area  552  extending outward from the termination of the second body segment  540  about 0.0325″ around the entire circumference of the connector from the first sloped area  551 . The third body segment  550  preferably has a length of about 2.012″ where the desired overall panel thickness is about 11-12″. 
     Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  552 , the main body  556  of the third body segment includes four acute triangular flat areas molded into its face, two each on opposite sides. The first triangular flat area  558  is preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the first and second acute angled triangular shaped flat areas  519  &amp;  527  molded into the face of the first body segment  509 . The base  560  of the first triangular flat area  558  forms a common base for the second triangular flat area  559 . The base is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  550  preferably about 0.625″. The first and second triangular flat areas  558  and  559  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  500 . 
     Also along the length of the connector  500  are third and fourth triangular flat areas  564  and  565  which are preferably positioned in line along the same axis of the connector as the third acute angled triangular shaped flat area  531  molded into the face of the first body segment  509 . Beginning adjacent the right angle wall area  552 , the third triangular flat area  564  extends lengthwise to a base  516  which forms a common base with the fourth acute triangular area  565 . The base  565  is inset from the outer diameter of the third body segment  550  preferably about 0.625″. The third and fourth triangular flat areas  564  and  565  each preferably have a height of about 0.75″ and the base preferably has a width of about 0.25″, a small amount less than the maximum outer diameter of the connector  500 . 
     The second and fourth triangular flat areas  559  &amp;  565  terminate at a second transition area segment  570 . The second and fourth triangular flat areas  559  &amp;  565  traverse outward from their inset positions at their bases  560  and  566  such that their end points  562  &amp;  568  terminate at the second transition area segment  570 . The second transition area may be formed in one of two ways. First (not shown) the second transition area may simply take the form of a rod preferably having a diameter of about 0.375″ and preferably having a length of about 0.25″ terminating at the end of the connector  500 . 
     Preferably, however, the transition area includes a structure for use in connection with an insertion device permitting easy use of the connector in the field. This structure permits loading the connector  500  into an insertion device and maintaining the connector in the insertion device until the connector is inserted into the insulation and concrete plies. Preferably, such structure includes a half-round area  580  which connects the second transition area segment  570  to a crown  582 . The half round area  580  creates a valley  584  of reduced diameter area. The reduced diameter area preferably has a diameter of about 0.25″. The crown then preferably has the full outside diameter of about 0.377″. Preferably, the half round area  580  has a length of about 0.125″ and preferably the crown  582  has a length of about 0.125″. 
     A fifth embodiment  600  of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 5 a - 5   f.  This embodiment is identical to that of FIGS. 3 a-f  except that each of the fins has been removed. In this embodiment, while the rotating fins have been removed many of the features such as ease of insertion, penetration through any smooth un-prepared insulation board and firm embedment of the anchoring ends in the concrete plies is achieved. 
     A sixth embodiment  700  of the connector constructed according to the present invention is seen in FIGS. 6 a-f.  This embodiment is identical to that of FIGS. 3 a-f  except that each of the fins has been removed except for the four short fins near the pointed end such that the connector presents a barbed shape. 
     In these fifth and sixth embodiments, while the rotating fins have been removed many of the features such as ease of insertion, penetration through any smooth un-prepared insulation board and firm embedment of the anchoring ends in the concrete plies is achieved. 
     The barbed end and/or deformed projections for embedment in the outer architectural face ply and the deformed upper portion for embedment in the structural ply remain. The one feature that contrasts with the original design is the lack of an agitating method so that the liquid or plastic concrete can envelope the device at the penetrating end. By removing the spiral vanes the unit no longer is forced to rotate into the wet concrete and force or flow the concrete material into the deformations to create anchorage. The ability of the connector to create its own entrance into the insulating foam board without benefit of a pre-drilled or pre-formed opening remains. Methods of insertion and the tools used are unchanged. The same selectivity of location for enhancement of the ability to carry specific loads is unchanged. 
     However, where the rotating fins are removed, preferably an alternate methodology must be employed to create envelopment of the penetrating end for anchorage in the liquid concrete face ply. This can be accomplished by several means. First, the workman&#39;s weight will cause lateral displacement of the wet concrete as he walks and maneuvers about the insulation board while installing the connector. This will force material into the deformations at the penetrating portion. Secondly, vibratory machines may be applied to the insulation board surface to agitate the liquid concrete, thus replacing the agitation originally provided by the connectors rotating vanes no longer present. 
     The connector made according to the present inventions is readily usable as a connector for construction of three ply wall and ceiling panels. Because of the simple shape and consistent cross-section of the connectors of the present invention, the connector may be machine fed as well as hand inserted into position, thus eliminating the labor intensive aspects of other systems. As seen in FIG. 7, a connector made according to the present invention is simply inserted with sufficient force to penetrate the insulation layer  302  and force the connector through the insulation and into the first concrete ply  304  to the appropriate depth while maintaining a loose control of the connector permitting rotation of the connector during insertion. The sharpness of the connector results in a smooth penetrating entry which does not force a plug of insulating material into the face concrete ply. Using such technique, where fins  306  are included in the connector of the invention, the connector rotates as it is driven into position through the insulating board  302  into the wet lower first concrete ply  304 . A second generally structural layer of concrete  308  is then poured over the insulation layer  302  and just covering the connector  300  to form the desired three ply panel  310 . 
     To insert the connector of the present invention, the connector is simply placed vertically over the point of insertion and forced into and through the insulation layer  302  and then into the first concrete ply  304  by a vertical downward load. Where fins are incorporated in the connector of the present invention, the rotation of the connector agitates the wet concrete and forces concrete into the retention voids and around the rotating fins. Because of the method of vertical insertion to its full depth by a vertical force, and no other required action, the insertion results are consistent from one placement to the next. 
     Given the piercing nature of the connectors of the present invention, the insulation layer used in constructing a three ply wall or ceiling panel is preferably continuous in nature without predrilled or otherwise formed holes through which the connector may be inserted. Since there is no need for pre-located holes in the insulation layer, the connectors of the present invention may be located in various patterns as dictated by the loading on the particular panel rather than in some preconceived location. Further, no elaborate plan for the spacing of pre-drilled insulation panels is necessary. The insulation panels to be used with the connectors of the present invention may be taken in any order from their storage location and placed on the first wet concrete ply in any scheme suitable to minimize the amount of insulating material needed. 
     Preferably, the connectors of the present invention are inserted into and through the insulation layer and into the concrete layer using the insert tool as seen in FIGS. 8 a  &amp;  b.  The insertion tool  400  includes a handle  402  of any suitable shape for easy gripping by a person&#39;s hand. The handle is connected to a long tube or rod  404  of suitable length to enable a workman to insert the connectors of the present invention without requiring undue bending motion or other back strain. Preferably, the insert device has an overall length of about 32″. The insert tool  400  terminates at a flanged area  408  similar to that used on ski poles and the like to present a large surface area to the insulation layer and prevent breaking and penetration of the insulation layer by the insert tool during normal operation. The insertion end  406  of the rod or tube  404  is hollow and of a diameter slightly larger than the maximum outside diameter of the connector of the present invention permitting insertion of the connector into the hollow insertion end. The hollow area of the insertion end  406  extends into the insert device to a depth suitable for the desired thickness of concrete and insulation plies. Generally, the portion of the connector which will extend into the insert tool is that portion which will reside in the structural concrete or second concrete ply. The portion of the connector that will ultimately reside within the insulation and first concrete ply will extend out of the end of the insert device  400 . 
     A spaced distance above the flanged area  408 , structure is included for releasably gripping a connector placed into the insert tool to hold the connector within the tool while the insert tool is pointed downward towards the installation point but prior to actual insertion. Preferably, this structure includes a hole through the insert tool. A spring is then placed around the hole which can then grip the half-round area  80 ,  180 ,  280  which connects the second transition area segment  70 ,  170 ,  270  to the crown  82 ,  182 ,  282  of the connector device made according to the present invention. In this manner, the connector is loosely held in the insert device while still allowing the connector to rotate during insertion into the first insulation layer and the first concrete ply. Easily seen in FIG. 9 is the operation of the insert tool by a workman. 
     Various additional modifications of the embodiments specifically illustrated and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the teachings of this invention. The invention should not be construed as limited to the specific forms shown and described, but instead is set forth in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5