U.S. patent application number 11/395533 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for combination lift and anchor connector for fabricated wall and floor panels.
Invention is credited to Harold G. Messenger.
Application Number | 20060236627 11/395533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37185396 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Messenger; Harold G. |
October 26, 2006 |
Combination lift and anchor connector for fabricated wall and floor
panels
Abstract
An apparatus and method for interconnecting concrete precast
floor and wall panels is provided. More specifically, one
embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustable
connector with a captive nut that is embedded into a wall panel. A
floor panel that includes an aperture integrated therethrough is
placed adjacent to the adjustable connector wherein the captive nut
therein may be positioned in line with the aperture. A threaded rod
is then placed through the aperture of the floor panel and a nut is
placed thereon thus providing a secure interconnection between the
floor panel and the wall panel.
Inventors: |
Messenger; Harold G.;
(Rehoboth, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
37185396 |
Appl. No.: |
11/395533 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60667590 |
Apr 1, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/04 20130101; E04B
1/4107 20130101; E04B 1/0007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/272 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of interconnecting a first prefabricated wall panel to
a floor panel, comprising: providing a wall panel having an upper
end, a lower end and an adjustable connection device embedded
proximate to said upper end; providing a floor panel having an
aperture positioned proximate to at least one of a first end and a
second end and including a metal sheath positioned therein that is
adapted for selective interconnection with a lifting mechanism;
placing said floor panel atop said upper end of said wall panel
wherein said aperture is generally aligned with said adjustable
connection device; inserting a threaded rod into said aperture
after removal of said lifting mechanism; and interconnecting said
threaded rod to said adjustable connection device, wherein said
floor panel and said wall panel are operably interconnected.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling said aperture
in said floor panel and said metal sheath with a particulate
matter.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said particulate matter is
sand.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling said aperture
in said floor panel and said metal sheath with at least one of an
epoxy or a cement.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjustable connection device
comprises a threaded nut slidingly engaged within a channel,
wherein said nut may be operably positioned to a plurality of
positions.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said threaded nut is biased
within said channel to allow vertical movement therein.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said lifting mechanism comprises
at least one of a threaded rod, bolt, strap or clamp.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said wall panel is comprised at
least partially of a low density insulation material.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising drilling a further
portion of said floor panel in alignment with said metal sheath to
create an aperture extending entirely through said floor panel.
10. A lift anchor adapted for lifting and securing at least one of
a prefabricated concrete floor panel to a prefabricated concrete
wall panel, comprising: a substantially hollow tube having a
distinct internal profile which is adapted for selective
interconnection with a lift pin, the hollow tube adapted for
placement in said at least one prefabricated concrete floor panel
and said prefabricated wall panel; and a securement pin operably
sized for positioning through said substantially hollow tube and
for penetration into at least part of said at least one
prefabricated concrete wall panel and said prefabricated floor
panel.
11. The lift anchor of claim 10, wherein said substantially hollow
tube is comprised of a metallic material.
12. The lift anchor of claim 10, wherein said securement pan is
comprised of at least one of a metallic material, a fiberglass
material and a ceramic material.
13. The lift anchor of claim 10, further comprising an adjustable
interconnection device positioned in said prefabricated concrete
wall panel proximate to an upper end which is adapted for
interconnection to said securement pin.
14. The lift anchor of claim 13, wherein said adjustable
interconnection device comprises a biased nut capable of traveling
between multiple positions.
15. The lift anchor of claim 10, wherein said at least one of said
prefabricated concrete wall panel and said prefabricated concrete
floor panel are partially comprised of a low density insulative
material.
16. A method for interconnecting a first prefabricated wall panel
to a second prefabricated wall panel, comprising: providing a first
prefabricated wall panel with an upper end and a lower end;
providing a connection device positioned proximate to an upper end
of said first prefabricated wall panel; providing a second
prefabricated wall panel with an upper end and a lower end, said
lower end comprising an access pocket and an aperture extending
downwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction which is
adapted to receive a rod; positioning said lower end of said second
prefabricated wall panel on said upper end of said first
prefabricated wall panel, wherein said aperture is positioned
proximate to said connection device; inserting said interconnection
device into said aperture; and interconnecting said rod to said
interconnection device; wherein said first prefabricated wall panel
is operably interconnected to said second prefabricated wall
panel.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising utilizing a lift pin
engaged to said interconnection device during said positioning of
said first wall.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a grout
material in said aperture after interconnecting the rod to the
interconnection device.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein said grout material is at least
one of a sand, an epoxy and a cement.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising interconnecting a
prefabricated floor panel to said first prefabricated wall and said
second prefabricated wall.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said connection device
comprises a receiver adapted to move between a plurality of
positions.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said receiver comprises a
threaded nut which is biased in a substantially vertical direction.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of pending U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/667,590, filed on Apr.
1, 2005, the application being incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to low density prefabricated
concrete building panels, and more specifically an apparatus and
method for interconnecting prefabricated concrete floor and roof
panels to wall panels, and which utilizes a selectively adjustable
connector. More specifically, one embodiment of the invention
employs an adjustable captive nut in conjunction with a threaded
rod to interconnect adjoining floor and wall panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Precast concrete panels are well known in the art and have
been used for decades as cost effective building components. More
specifically, Precast concrete panels are commonly found in office
buildings, parking garages, homes, bridges, etc., and are desirable
for their resistance to fire, wind, seismic activity and various
other occurrences that would destroy or severely damage common wood
or steel structures. Precast concrete structures are generally
inexpensive and quick to construct since the building members, i.e.
floor and wall panels, are prefabricated off-site and shipped to
the construction site to be erected. However, there are some
drawbacks of the method of assembling precast concrete walls and
floors found in the prior art.
[0004] One drawback of assembling precast concrete building panels
of the prior art is that the operation is often labor intensive.
More specifically, the construction of existing concrete structures
usually requires complicated alignments and connections of the wall
panels and the floor panels. Since the panels are heavy, often
weighing tons, and are placed by cranes, alignment and placement of
the concrete wall and floor panels may also be dangerous. In
addition, sometimes unintended collisions of the panels may lead to
damage thereto wherein new panels must be obtained, thus increasing
the time for construction.
[0005] Another related drawback of constructing concrete buildings
of the prior art is that the floor and wall panels often are
erected in a complicated interlocking scheme. More specifically,
cut-outs and/or protrusions that are designed to interlock and bear
upon each other are generally provided that must be carefully
aligned. Thus, the inherently customized panels of the structure
make the construction process limited wherein the
interchangeability of the panels is not possible. Further, also
increasing the time and expense and possible damage to the panels,
field drilling is often required to allow for the interconnection
of metal fasteners that tie adjacent panels together. After the
metal fasteners are inserted, grout or other ceiling materials are
used to seal the field drilled holes, thus increasing the time it
takes to erect the structure.
[0006] Still yet another drawback of concrete building structures
is that the interlocking joints of the prior art are often stable
and rigid. This may not seem at first glance as a drawback, however
it is often desirable to let a building "float" wherein vibrations
caused by high winds or seismic activity are compensated. Fixed
joints and size or simple bearing joints found in the prior art are
often too rigid or not rigid enough to withstand an earthquake or
hurricane, for example.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a significant need in the construction
and building industry to provide a precast concrete building panel
for use in modular construction that is lightweight, provides
superior strength and has high insulative values. Further, a method
for lifting, transporting and interconnecting building panels and
floor and ceiling panels needed that is inexpensive, utilizes
commonly known manufacturing equipment, and which can be easily
integrated into mass produced building panels for use in the
modular construction of warehouses, low cost permanent housing,
hotels and other buildings.
[0008] Still yet another drawback of concrete building construction
is that the interlocking joints of the prior art are often stable
and rigid. This may not seem at first glance as a drawback,
however, it is often desirable to let a building "float" wherein
vibrations caused by high winds or seismic activity may be
compensated therefor. The rigid joints or simple bearing joints may
often be too rigid or not rigid enough to withstand an earthquake
or hurricane, for example.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a significant need in the construction
and building industry to provide a composite building panel that
may be used in modular construction and which is lightweight,
provides superior strength and has high insulative values. Further,
a method for lifting, transporting and interconnecting building
panels and floor and ceiling panels needed that is inexpensive,
utilizes commonly known manufacturing equipment, and which can be
used to mass produce building panels for use in the modular
construction of warehouses, low cost permanent housing, hotels, and
other buildings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a
system for interconnecting a precast concrete wall panel with a
precast concrete floor panel, and alternatively to interconnect two
wall panels with or without a floor or roof panel. More
specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a
selectively adjustable connector with a captive nut that is adapted
for interconnection with a threaded rod that is placed through an
aperture provided in the floor panel. In addition, the floor panel
may include a steel sheath embedded within the aperture to provide
a location for a lifting device to be attached. More specifically,
one embodiment of the present invention is a concrete floor panel
having an internally positioned tube with a plurality of holes or
other preferred geometric profile integrated therein. Lifting
mechanisms such as a lift pin or bolt may be inserted into the
lifting tube of the floor panel for engagement with the apertures
or locking geometric profile. The lifting mechanism may then be
removed from the apertures of the sheath after the floor panel is
properly placed, and a connector rod or other attachment hardware
inserted into the sheath during interconnection of the floor/roof
panel to a wall panel.
[0011] As briefly mentioned above, the adjustable connector in one
embodiment includes a captive nut. Once the floor panel is placed
over the wall panel, with the aperture of the floor panel aligned
with the adjustable connector embedded in the wall panel, a
threaded rod is placed through the aperture. A nut is then threaded
onto the rod and secured, thus substantially fixing the fabricated
floor and wall panels together. Next, a combination of sand or
other granular material and/or epoxy may be added to fill the
aperture of the floor panel, thereby substantially preventing the
infiltration of fluids and further strengthening the
interconnection. Furthermore, the granular material has been found
to provide increased stability during a seismic disturbance or high
winds since rigidity between the floor panel and wall panel is
reduced.
[0012] Alternatively, a hole may be field drilled into the wall
panel prior to or after the floor panel is placed thereon. The
field drilled hole provides a location for the insertion of a
threaded or non-threaded rod, wherein epoxy is added therearound to
ensure that the rod remains fixed. Thus, a threaded rod is provided
that is fixed in the wall panel, and which resides in the floor
panel that allows the wall panel to be substantially secured to the
floor panel with a nut. This method of interconnecting the wall
panel to the floor panel is slightly more labor intensive, since
the hole must e drilled in the field because the odds of cracking
or otherwise changing the floor panel are somewhat increased.
[0013] It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide
an interconnecting mechanism that is simplistic and cost effective
to install. More specifically, the adjustable connector of one
embodiment of the present invention is placed in the wall panel
mold prior to the placing of concrete, wherein the connector is
embedded adjacent to the upper edge of the finished wall panel. In
addition, the lifting tube as previously described above, would be
also set in the precast mold of the floor prior to the placement of
concrete thus providing a finished product with the steel sheath in
its predetermined location.
[0014] Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a
method of interconnecting prefabricated wall and floor panels
comprising:
[0015] providing a wall panel having an upper end, a lower end and
an adjustable connection device embedded proximate to said upper
end;
[0016] providing a floor panel having an aperture positioned
proximate to at least one of a first end and a second end and
including a metal sheath positioned therein that is adapted for
selective interconnection with a lifting mechanism;
[0017] placing said floor panel atop said upper end of said wall
panel wherein said aperture is generally aligned with said
adjustable connection device;
[0018] inserting a threaded rod into said aperture after removal of
said lifting mechanism; and
[0019] interconnecting said threaded rod to said adjustable
connection device, wherein said floor panel and said wall panel are
operably interconnected.
[0020] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
lift anchor adapted for lifting and securing a prefabricated wall
panel to a prefabricated floor/roof panel, comprising:
[0021] a substantially hollow tube having a distinct internal
profile which is adapted for selective interconnection with a lift
pin, the hollow tube adapted for placement in said at least one
prefabricated concrete floor panel and said prefabricated wall
panel; and
[0022] a securement pin operably sized for positioning through said
substantially hollow tube and for penetration into at least part of
said at least one prefabricated concrete wall panel and said
prefabricated floor panel.
[0023] The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should
it be construed as being representative of the full extent and
scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth
in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well
as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the
Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of these
inventions.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view showing a precast floor
panel interconnected to a precast wall panel using an adjustable
connector;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the adjustable connector
of one embodiment of the invention which is designed for
positioning in an upper or lower portion of a wall panel;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adjustable connector
shown in FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of a wall panel and a floor
panel interconnected to a foundation panel and utilizing sand,
epoxy and depicting threaded and non-threaded interconnections;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of interconnected wall
panels and floor panels and utilizing two threaded rods and
adjustable connectors;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of
interconnected wall panels and floor panels similar to that shown
in FIG. 5;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of an
alternative embodiment of interconnecting wall panels and a floor
panel;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of
interconnected wall panels and a floor panel which are
interconnected with a non-threaded interconnection rod and a grout
or epoxy;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of
interconnected wall panel and a floor truss;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a floor
panel interconnected to structural framework for stairs; and
[0035] FIGS. 11A-11C depict cross-sectional front elevation views
of alternative embodiments of the interconnection of a plurality of
precast concrete wall and floor panels.
[0036] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a combination lift and anchor
connector for fabricated wall and floor panels is provided herein.
More specifically, an apparatus and method for interconnecting a
floor panel 4 to a wall panel 2 or two wall panels 2 constructed of
precast concrete and other materials is provided. One embodiment of
the present invention includes an adjustable interconnection device
6 that includes a slidable captive nut 10 or other mechanism. The
adjustable interconnection device 6 is integrated into the concrete
wall panel 2 during construction such that it will be located
adjacent to an aperture 26 integrated into the floor panel 4 after
assembly. Prior to the placement of the floor panel 4 over the wall
panel 2, minute changes to the location of the captive nut 10 may
be made such that a threaded rod 8 may be placed through the
aperture 26 integrated into the floor panel 4 to interconnect with
the captive nut 10. Once the threaded rod 8 is secured to the
captive nut 10, a second nut and associated washers are generally
threaded on to the rod and tightened, thus securing the floor panel
4 to the wall panel 2 or securing a wall panel 2 to another wall
panel 2. Grout, sand, epoxy, or other materials may further be
added to fill the aperture to thus seal it from the elements and
provide improved structural performance.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1, interconnected wall panels 2 and
floor panels 4 are shown. More specifically, the floor panel 4 with
the integrated adjustable connector 6 is shown placed adjacent to
the floor panel 4. The term "floor panel" or "wall panel" as used
herein refers to precast concrete panels that generally include low
density insulation material such as styrofoam, polyethylene, or
other materials that decrease the density thereof without
substantially affecting their strength and stiffness. Carbon fiber,
wire mesh, and steel strands such as rebar or other materials may
also be included for increased structural performance. Here, a
precast concrete floor panel 4, which includes an aperture 26
running therethrough adjacent to an edge, is placed on the wall
panel 2, wherein the aperture 26 and the adjustable interconnection
device 6 are generally aligned. Once the floor panel 6 is in place,
a threaded rod 8 is interconnected to the captive nut 10 within the
adjustable connector 6 and a nut with associated washers is
threaded onto the rod and tightened, thus securing the floor panel
4 to the wall panel 2. Then, in one embodiment grout may be added
to the aperture 26 to seal the system from the environment. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the floor panel 4 is about one
inch thick, the wall panel 6 is about 6 inches thick and the
portion of the floor width that meets the wall is about 31/2 inches
thick.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of an
adjustable connector 6 is shown. Here, the captive nut 10 is
secured within a channel 14 of the adjustable connector 6. The
captive nut 10 is biased against a top surface of the channel with
a spring 12 in one embodiment of the present invention, thus
ensuring that the nut is located adjacent to the top surface of the
adjustable connector 6. The captive nut 10 is adapted to slide
within the channel and is prevented from substantial rotation by
grooves machined into the nut that interface with the upper surface
of the channel. This selective movement allows minor movement and
adjustment during the interconnection of wall panels 2 and floor
panels 4. In addition, at least one leg may be included that
engages the concrete of the floor panel or wall panel to
sufficiently secure the adjustable connector 6 in the wall panel 2.
In operation, the adjustable connectors 6 are positioned at
predetermined locations in the wall panel 2 wherein after placement
of the concrete floor panel 4, the captive nut 10 is easily located
in alignment with the aperture 26 of the floor panel 4 prior to
floor placement.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment of the
present invention is shown wherein the floor panel 2 and the wall
panel 4 are not interconnected with an adjustable connector 6.
Here, a foundation wall 70 is provided that includes an adjustable
connector 6 embedded therein. A wall panel is placed on top of the
foundation wall panel 70 wherein a threaded rod 8 is utilized along
with a threaded nut 10 to secure the wall panel 2 onto the
foundation panel 70. In addition, the foundation wall panel 70 has
a width such that sufficient area is provided wherein a floor panel
4, often referred to as a stem deck is positioned. In order to
ensure that the floor panel 2 remains securely located on the
foundation panel 70, a hole is drilled post-placement of the floor
panel using the aperture 26 integrated into the floor panel 4 as a
guide. Then, a threaded or non-threaded rod is inserted through the
hole of the floor panel 2 and into the field drilled hole in the
foundation panel 70 and epoxy is used to secure the threaded rod in
place. Next, sand or other particulate matter 32 is used to
partially fill the aperture 26 of the floor panel 4. In one
embodiment, epoxy 34, concrete 36 or other adhesives material may
be used to cap the sand 32 and seal the aperture 26 from the
elements and provide improved structural performance during seismic
activity, high winds, etc. since the particulate matter 32 allows
slight movement at the interconnection of the wall panels 2 and
floor panels 6, thus reducing the rigidity of the structure and
improving structural integrity during seismic activity, etc. Thus,
a method of substantially securing the floor panel 4 to the wall
panel 2 is provided that is slightly more labor intensive than that
described above.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 5 & 6, other configurations
utilizing variations of the present invention are shown. Here, the
floor panel 4 and the wall panel 2 are interconnected to a precast
foundation wall 70 with adjustable connectors 6. The method of
insulation of these components are similar to that already
described above.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, yet another arrangement utilizing
the present invention is shown. Here, a wall panel 2 that includes
a recess or wall access pocket 28 for the receipt of the floor
panel 4 is provided. Once the floor panel 4 is put in place, yet
another wall panel 2 is placed atop the wall panel 2 and floor
panel 4 combination. An aperture 26 that runs from the upper wall
panel 2 down through the lower wall panel 2 and into the adjustable
connector 6 is also provided wherein an elongated threaded rod 8 is
interconnected along with a washer and nut to fasten the three
panels together. One skilled in the art will appreciate that as a
secondary step, the aperture 26 included in the floor panel 4 may
be filled with sand or epoxy prior to the placement of the upper
wall panel 2 to ensure that water or other elements do not enter
the aperture 26. Further, in one embodiment additional grouting or
sealant materials may be positioned between the floor panel 4 and
wall panels 2.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 8, an arrangement similar to that
shown in FIG. 7 is provided herein. More specifically, in this
embodiment of the present invention the lower recessed wall panel 2
is not provided with an adjustable connector. In operation, an
aperture is drilled to provide a location for the insertion of a
threaded or non threaded reinforcing rod with a diameter generally
in the range of 0.25-1.50 inches. Once the reinforcing rod is in
place, epoxy, grout, sand or combinations therein are used to fill
the hole that was bored into the lower wall panel, thus ensuring
that the rod remains in a predetermined orientation. Thereafter,
the floor deck 4 is placed over the rod and the aperture 26
included in the floor panel 2 is filled with a combination of sand
and epoxy. The other end of the rod penetrates through a wall
access pocket 28 provided in a portion of the upper wall panel 2
and secured with a series of washers and a nut or other hardware
known in the art. Alternatively, the reinforcing rod can be
positioned in the aperture 26 after the floor panel 4 and wall
panels 2 are properly oriented.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 9, yet another embodiment of the
present invention is provided herein. In this embodiment, the floor
panel 4 is not interconnected to adjoined wall panels 2. This
figure illustrates that the floor panels 4 may only be
interconnected at two ends, wherein the opposite ends are free to
float to compensate for thermal expansions and other slight
movement. Further, a lateral edge of the floor panel 4 may be
interconnected to the wall panel 2 in predetermined locations with
bolts or other attachment hardware (not shown).
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, the versatility of the floor
panels 4 are shown. More specifically, structural components may be
added to the floor panels in any conceivable manner to create
common building structures. Here, a steel "L" plate is
interconnected to the floor panel 4 to provide a location for the
structural foundation to support a landing and/or a plurality of
steps or an attic entry. The "L" plate 56 provides a location for
the interconnection of a plurality of 2''.times.8'' floor joists 54
that provide a location for the integration of a plywood landing. A
wall stringer 50 and gypsum board 48 or other similar materials may
also be interconnected adjacent to the plywood landing 52 to create
a location for the stairs.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, a combination of
interconnected wall panels and floor panels is shown that forms a
building structure and which depicts the precast wall and
floor/roof structure starting from the foundation wall in FIG. 11C
and moving upward to the roof as depicted in FIG. 11A. More
specifically, with reference to FIG. 11C, a precast foundational
wall 70 is provided that is positioned on the ground at a building
site. Once secured in place, the precast floor panel 4 is erected
on the foundation wall 70 wherein the wall panel 2 is placed
adjacent thereto and interconnected as necessary. As shown, both
the wall panel 2 and the floor panel 4 include a section of
insulative material 24 within predetermined cavities, thus
increasing the heat transfer properties of the system and reducing
the overall density of the structure. In this embodiment, the wall
panel 2 includes double hung windows which are precast as folds in
the wall panel 2 during fabrication.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 11B, adjacent to the windows 66, yet
another shorter wall portion is provided that includes a location
for the engagement of yet another floor panel 4. Atop this floor
panel 4, another wall panel 2 is provided. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that the inside of the wall panels may include
insulation and/or other items, such as gypsum, drywall,
wonderboard, and or cementious materials in finishes and to provide
locations for the interconnection of wood or other items generally
found in the interior of a home.
[0048] Finally, with reference to FIG. 11A, yet another portion of
a wall panel is provided. As depicted, a final shorter wall member
is placed atop the window 66, which provides a location for the
interconnection of a precast floor panel 4 that acts as the roof of
the structure. This final floor/roof panel may also be insulated
with EPDM rubber and other materials known in the art to provide
superior heat transfer and sealing properties between the interior
and exterior of the structure and thus improve thermal efficiency.
The interconnection of the roof panel 4 onto the wall panel 2 may
also provide a lip for the engagement of a cornice 62 or other
architectural accessory.
[0049] To assist in the understanding of the invention, the
following is a list of the components and numbering depicted in the
drawings: TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Wall panel 4 Floor/ceiling
panel 6 Adjustable interconnection device 8 Threaded rod 10
Threaded nut 12 Spring 14 Channel 16 Leg 18 Groove 20 Metallic rod
22 Bearing pad 24 Low density foam material 26 Aperture 28 Wall
access pocket or recess 30 Washer 32 Particulate or sand 34 Epoxy
36 Concrete 38 Wall panel floor ledge 40 Wall panel bearing pad 42
Floor/ceiling panel utility hole 44 Floor panel leg 46 Shim 48
Gypsum board 50 Wall stringer 52 Plywood landing 54 Floor joists 56
L plate 58 Roof membrane 60 Rigid roof insulation 62 Cornice 64
Window trim 66 Window 68 Finished grade 70 Foundation wall 72 Wall
panel upper end 74 Wall panel lower end 76 Floor/ceiling panel
first end 78 Floor/ceiling panel second end 80 Utility opening
[0050] While an effort has been made to describe various
alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will
readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it
should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. Present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to
the details given herein.
* * * * *