Compression transfer member

Abstract

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

1 . A compression member for concrete comprising:
 an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;   said elongated body having a cross-section including at least two independent rounded surfaces;   said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and   said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.   
     
     
         2 . The compression member of  claim 1  wherein said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second concrete structural elements. 
     
     
         3 . The compression member of  claim 2  wherein said compression member is independent of said internal reinforcing network in both of said first and second concrete structural elements. 
     
     
         4 . The compression member of  claim 1  wherein said cross-section further includes at least one corner. 
     
     
         5 . The compression member of  claim 4  wherein said corner is rounded. 
     
     
         6 . The compression member of  claim 1  wherein said cross-section includes a center and at least one leg extending from said center. 
     
     
         7 . The compression member of  claim 6  wherein said cross-section includes at least three legs. 
     
     
         8 . The compression member of  claim 6  wherein said legs are tapered away from said center. 
     
     
         9 . The compression member of  claim 1  wherein said elongated body has a first end and a second end, said first end embedded in said first concrete structural element and said second end embedded in said second concrete structural element. 
     
     
         10 . The compression member of  claim 9  wherein at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. 
     
     
         11 . The compression member of  claim 8  wherein at least one of said first and second ends includes an end member. 
     
     
         12 . The compression member of  claim 1  comprising non-metal, composite material. 
     
     
         13 . The compression member of  claim 1  wherein one of said first and second concrete structural elements is a balcony. 
     
     
         14 . A compression member for concrete comprising:
 an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;   said elongated body having a cross-section including at least one corner,   said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and   said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.   
     
     
         15 . The compression member of  claim 14  wherein said at least one corner is rounded. 
     
     
         16 . The compression member of  claim 15  wherein said cross-section includes at least one leg. 
     
     
         17 . The compression member of  claim 16  wherein said cross-section includes three legs. 
     
     
         18 . The compression member of  claim 17  comprising non-metal, composite material. 
     
     
         19 . The compression member of  claim 14  wherein said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second concrete structural elements. 
     
     
         20 . The compression member of  claim 14  wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. 
     
     
         21 . The compression member of  claim 14  wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least of said first and second ends includes an end member. 
     
     
         22 . A compression member for concrete comprising:
 an elongated body extending into first and second independent concrete structural elements;   said compression member is independent of an internal reinforcing network in at least one of said first and second independent concrete structural elements;   said first and second independent concrete structural elements extending in horizontal planes when said independent concrete structural elements are in their service positions; and   said compression member transfers compression forces between said first and second independent concrete structural elements.   
     
     
         23 . The compression member of  claim 22  wherein said elongated body includes a cross-section having at least two independent rounded surfaces. 
     
     
         24 . The compression member of  claim 23  wherein said cross-section includes at least one corner. 
     
     
         25 . The compression member of  claim 24  wherein said at least one corner is rounded. 
     
     
         26 . The compression member of  claim 25  wherein said cross-section includes at least one leg. 
     
     
         27 . The compression member of  claim 26  wherein said cross-section includes three legs. 
     
     
         28 . The compression member of  claim 27  comprising non-metal, composite material. 
     
     
         29 . The compression member of  claim 22  wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least one of said first and second ends includes at least one of a beveled edge, outwardly extending surface, inwardly extending surface, convex surface, and concave surface. 
     
     
         30 . The compression member of  claim 22  wherein said elongated body includes a first end and a second end and at least of said first and second ends includes an end member.