Concrete slab attachment device

Abstract

An attachment device attaches adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, thereby forming a concrete piece attachment arrangement. The device includes an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions, and first and second lateral members securing to and respectively extending substantially perpendicularly from first and second ends of the base member. The first and second portions of the base member extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into the concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces. The first and second lateral member respectively extend through bore holes extending through the first and second concrete pieces and connecting with the respective first and second recesses. A method for attaching the concrete pieces to one another with an attachment piece is also described.

1 . An attachment device for attaching adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, said attachment device comprising:
 an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions opposed to one another, the first and second portions being adapted to extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into both adjacent first and second concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces;   a first lateral member securing to and extending substantially perpendicularly from a first end of the elongate base member, the first lateral member being adapted to extend through a bore hole extending through the first concrete piece and connecting with the first recess; and   a second lateral member securing to and extending substantially perpendicularly from a second end of the elongate base member, the second lateral member being adapted to extend through a bore hole extending through the second concrete piece and connecting with the second recess.   
     
     
         2 . The attachment device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said elongate base member and said first and second lateral members is adapted for attaching to one of the first and second concrete pieces. 
     
     
         3 . The attachment device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate base member includes an attachment tab extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom and adapted for attaching to one of the first and second concrete pieces adjacent a corresponding one said interfacing side surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . The attachment device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment device includes a top transverse member extending from adjacent a free end of said first lateral member to adjacent a free end of said second lateral member and connecting to at least one said first and second lateral members. 
     
     
         5 . The attachment device of  claim 4 , wherein the top transverse member is secured to at least one said first and second lateral members. 
     
     
         6 . A concrete piece attachment arrangement comprising:
 first and second concrete pieces positioned adjacent one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, the first and second concrete pieces having first and second recesses respectively formed therein and extending inwardly from a respective one of the first and second interfacing side surfaces, the first and second concrete pieces having first and second bore holes extending therethrough, respectively, and connecting with the first and second recesses, respectively; and   an attachment device for attaching the first and second concrete pieces to one another along the corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces, said attachment device including:
 an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions opposed to one another, the first and second portions extending within the first and second recesses respectively, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces; 
 a first lateral member securing to and extending substantially perpendicularly from a first end of the elongate base member, the first lateral member extending through the first bore hole; and 
 a second lateral member securing to and extending substantially perpendicularly from a second end of the elongate base member, the second lateral member extend through the second bore hole. 
   
     
     
         7 . The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein at least one said elongate base member and said first and second lateral members is adapted for attaching to one of the first and second concrete pieces. 
     
     
         8 . The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein the elongate base member includes an attachment tab extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom and attaching to one of the first and second concrete pieces adjacent a corresponding one said interfacing side surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein the attachment device includes a top transverse member extending from adjacent a free end of said first lateral member to adjacent a free end of said second lateral member and connecting to at least one said first and second lateral members. 
     
     
         10 . The arrangement of  claim 9 , wherein the top transverse member is secured to at least one said first and second lateral members. 
     
     
         11 . The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein the first concrete piece includes a reinforcing rod embedded therein and extending at least between the first bore hole and the first interfacing side surface. 
     
     
         12 . The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein, for each one of the first and second bore holes, a reinforcing rod is embedded in the corresponding one of the first and second concrete pieces and extends at least between the corresponding one of the first and second bore holes and the corresponding one of the first and second interfacing side surfaces.