GB2567473A

GB2567473A - Cage connector device

Info

Publication number: GB2567473A
Application number: GB1716805.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neckoula Kamal; Osoja Meti
Original assignee: NGR Ltd
Current assignee: NGR Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-05
Filing date: 2017-10-13
Publication date: 2019-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-13
Also published as: GB201716805D0; GB2566106A; GB2567473B; GB201714255D0

Abstract

The cage connector 12 comprises first and second connector elements 14a, 14b and a fastener, the first connector element comprising a hook 16 for attachment to a structural component of a first reinforcing cage and a first connecting structure 28 for attachment to the second connector element, the second connector element comprising an attachment element for attachment to a structural component 10b of a second reinforcing cage and a second connecting structure complementary to the first and engagable therewith by movement in the connecting direction, the fastener being engagable with the first and second connecting structures to prevent their separation. One connecting structure may comprise a male pin and the other a female aperture 34 for receiving the pin. The fastener may be a cotter pin which engages a bore or groove 30 extending through the pin. The fastener may prevent separation of the connecting structures in an axial direction. Also claimed is a reinforcement structure comprising first and second reinforcing cages connected by the connector. Also claimed is a method of constructing the reinforcement structure. The second connector element may be welded to the second cage before the cages are arranged in a chosen arrangement.

Description

-1CAGE CONNECTOR DEVICE

The present invention relates to a cage connector device for connecting together (or splicing) reinforcing cages, for use in reinforced concrete. The invention also relates to a reinforcement structure comprising at least two reinforcing cages and one or more connector devices that connect the cages to one another. The invention also relates to a method of constructing a reinforcement structure.

The term “reinforcing cage” as used herein refers to a cage that may be made for example of steel, and is intended for use in a reinforced concrete structure, such as a pile or a diaphragm wall.

Typically, a reinforcing cage is made of welded or tied steel bars or wires, and may be either cylindrical, for example in the case of a concrete pile, or planar, if used for example in a diaphragm wall, or some other shape. The reinforcing cage may be made either on site or at a remote location and then transported to the building site when required.

Each reinforcing cage is generally of a limited size and to make a large structure it may be necessary to join together a plurality of reinforcing cages by a process known as “splicing” to create a larger reinforcing structure. For example, when constructing concrete piles it may be necessary to join a plurality of cylindrical reinforcing cages end to end, and for a wall a plurality of cages may need to be joined together edge to edge.

After connecting the cages together, it may be necessary to lift the assembled reinforcing structure and move it to a required location. The connector devices must therefore have sufficient strength to ensure that they do not fail when the structure is lifted. The connector devices must also be quick and easy to use, preferably without requiring the use of tools, and without requiring the operator place a hand or arm inside the cage, which could be hazardous.

-2GB2531376A describes a connector device for splicing together reinforcement cages, comprising a generally U shaped element that may be welded to a first cage, and a bolt or similar fastener that can be inserted through the legs of the U shaped element to capture a suspension band that is attached to a second cage. A plurality of such connector devices may be used to connect the first and second cages together.

One possible disadvantage with the connector device described in GB2531376A is that it is necessary to permanently attach the U shaped element to the first cage, for example by welding. This is time consuming and increases the construction cost. Also, it is not always possible to know in advance exactly where to place the U shaped element, and when assembling a reinforcement structure the U shaped element attached to a first reinforcing cage can sometimes get caught unintentionally on structural elements of a second reinforcing cage, making it difficult to position the cages correctly.

It is an objective of the present invention to mitigate one or more than the above mentioned problems.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a cage connector device for connecting together first and second reinforcing cages, the cage connector device comprising a first and second connector elements that are configured to be connected together by relative movement in an axial connecting direction, and a fastener for fastening together the first and second connector elements to prevent separation thereof, wherein the first connector element includes a first attachment element configured for attaching the first connector element to a structural component of the first reinforcing cage and a first connecting structure for connecting the first connector element to the second connector element, said first attachment element comprising a hook that is configured to be hooked over the structural component of the first reinforcing cage in a direction parallel to the connecting direction, wherein the second connector element includes a second attachment element configured for attaching the second connector element to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage and a second connecting structure that is complementary to the first connecting structure and engageable therewith by relative movement in the connecting direction, and

-3wherein the fastener is engageable with the first and second connecting structures to prevent separation thereof.

The connector device may be used for connecting together first and second reinforcing cages to form a reinforcement structure. The first connector element includes a first attachment element comprising a hook that is configured to be hooked over the structural component of the first reinforcing cage in a direction parallel to the connecting direction. The first connector element can therefore be attached very easily to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage without requiring the use of tools. Also, because the first connector element is not permanently attached to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage it can be repositioned easily to ensure alignment with the second connector element. Because the first connector element is attached to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage by movement in an axial connecting direction, and is simultaneously connected to the second connector elements by the same relative movement, assembly is very quick and easy. The fastener can then be engaged with the first and second connecting structures to fasten the first and second connecting structures together and prevent separation thereof.

More generally, in an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cage connector device for connecting together first and second reinforcing cages. The cage connector device may include first and second connector elements that are configured to be connected together by relative movement in an axial connecting direction. The axial direction may for example be a direction in which the first and second connector elements are brought together, which may for example be substantially parallel to a direction in which the first and second reinforcing cages are brought together when assembling a reinforcement structure.

The cage connector device may include a fastener for fastening together the first and second connector elements to prevent separation thereof, for example by movement away from each other in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

The first connector element may include a first attachment element configured for attaching the first connector element to a structural component of the first reinforcing cage and a first connecting structure for connecting the first connector element to the second connector element. The first attachment element may comprise a hook that is configured to be hooked

-4over the structural component of the first reinforcing cage in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

The second connector element may include a second attachment element configured for attaching the second connector element to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage. It may also include a second connecting structure that is complementary to the first connecting structure and is engageable with the first connecting structure by relative movement in the connecting direction.

The fastener may be engageable with the first and second connecting structures to prevent separation thereof.

In an embodiment, one of said first and second connecting structures comprises a male connecting element and the other one of said first and second connecting structures comprises a female connecting element that is configured to receive the male connecting element in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

In an embodiment, the male connecting element comprises a pin having an axis that extends in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

In an embodiment, the female connecting element comprises a support member and an aperture that extends through the support member is configured to receive the male connecting element.

In an embodiment, the male connecting element has a free end that extends beyond the support member when the first and second connecting structures are connected, and said free end carries a fastening structure that is configured to receive the fastener to prevent removal of the male connecting element from the female connecting element.

In an embodiment, the fastener is configured to engage the support member to prevent removal of the male connecting element.

In an embodiment, the fastening structure comprises a bore or groove that extends through or around the male connecting element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction, and the fastener is configured to engage said bore or groove and extend

-5outwards therefrom to engage the support member, thereby preventing removal of the male connecting element from the female connecting element.

In an embodiment, the fastener includes a releasable retainer mechanism for retaining the fastener in engagement with the first and second connecting structures.

In an embodiment, the second attachment element is configured for permanently attaching the second connector element to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage. For example, the second attachment element may be configured to be attached to the structural component by welding.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a reinforcement structure comprising first and second reinforcing cages and at least one cage connector device according to any preceding statement of invention that connects the first and second reinforcing cages to one another, wherein the first attachment element is attached to a structural component of the first reinforcing cage and the second attachment element is attached to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage.

In an embodiment, the first and second reinforcing cages are pile cages and the structural components of the first and second reinforcing cage are suspension rings.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a reinforcement structure comprising first and second reinforcing cages and at least one cage connector device according to any one of the preceding statements of invention, the method comprising arranging said first and second reinforcing cages in a chosen arrangement, so that the respective structural components of the first and second reinforcing cages are brought into engagement with one another, attaching the first attachment element to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage by hooking the first attachment element to the structural component, attaching the second attachment element to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage, connecting the first and second connector elements together by relative movement in the axial connecting direction, and attaching the fastener to the first and second connector elements to fasten the first and second connector elements together and prevent separation thereof.

-6In an embodiment, the first attachment element is attached to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage by offering the first attachment element up to an external surface of the structural component and then hooking the first attachment element to the structural component.

In an embodiment, the second attachment element is attached to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage before the first and second reinforcing cages are arranged in the chosen arrangement.

In an embodiment, the second attachment element is attached to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage by a permanent attachment method, for example by welding

Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a reinforcement structure comprising two joined reinforcing cages;

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate a first cage connector device, wherein:

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a first connector component;

Figure 3 is a side view of the first connector component;

Figure 4 is a an isometric view of first and second connector components in a separated configuration, and

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the first and second connector components in a connected configuration, and

Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a second cage connector device, wherein:

Figure 6 is a side view of the cage connector device;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the cage connector device, and

Figure 8 is a front view of the cage connector device..

Figure 1 illustrates a reinforcing structure 1 for a concrete pile. It should be understood however that the principles illustrated in figure 1 are also applicable to other reinforcing structures, for example for use in diaphragm walls.

The reinforcing structure 1 shown in figure 1 comprises a first reinforcing cage 2a and a second reinforcing cage 2b. In this example the first reinforcing cage 2a is the upper cage

-7and the second reinforcing cage 2b is the lower cage. However, it should be understood that the relative positions of the first and second cages 2a, 2b may be reversed.

Each cage 2a, 2b is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing bars 4a, 4b, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cage, and a frame 6a, 6b each comprising a wire 8a, 8b that is wound helically around the outside of the longitudinal bars 4a, 4b. The helical wires 8a, 8b are welded or tied to the longitudinal bars 4a, 4b of the respective cage to maintain the cylindrical shape of the cage.

It should be understood that the circumferential frames 6a, 6b may alternatively comprise a plurality of loops of wire or strips of steel that are spaced along the length of the cage, or multiple helically-wound wires.

In this example, each cage 2a, 2b includes six longitudinal reinforcing bars 4a, 4b (only four bars of each cage being shown for clarity). However, the cage may include more or fewer longitudinal reinforcing bars, the number of longitudinal bars usually being in the range 5-

12.

Each reinforcing cage 2a, 2b also includes a rigid steel suspension ring 10a, 10b. The longitudinal bars 4a, 4b are welded to the outside surface of the respective suspension ring 10a, 10b, to support and fix them in position. In this example the upper cage 2a includes a suspension ring 10a that is attached to the lower ends of the bars 4a, and the lower cage 2b includes a suspension ring 10b that is welded to the longitudinal bars 4b a short distance from the ends of the bars, so that the upper ends of the bars 4b extend beyond the ring 10b.

The first and second cages 2a, 2b generally have substantially the same outside diameter, However, the first suspension ring 10a, in this case the upper suspension ring, is slightly smaller in diameter than the second suspension ring 10b. This allows it to pass between the upper ends 4b of the second longitudinal bars 4b. The lower ends 4a of the upper longitudinal bars 4a are inclined slightly inwards (or “cranked”) as a result.

The difference in the diameters of the first and second suspension rings 10a, 10b is only small: for example, if the lower suspension ring 10b has an outside diameter of 600mm, the upper suspension ring 10a may have an outside diameter of about 595mm. These diameters

-8are only illustrative: in reality the suspension rings may typically have a diameter in the range of 300mm-2000mm, or in some situations even smaller/larger.

In the assembled reinforcing structure 1 the lower end of the upper reinforcing cage 2a is inserted into the upper end of the lower reinforcing cage 2b and it is positioned so that the lower face of the first suspension ring 10a abuts the upper face of the second suspension ring 10b. It should be noted that although the first suspension ring 10a is slightly smaller than the second suspension ring 10b, its outer diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the second suspension ring and it cannot therefore pass through the second suspension ring.

The first and second cages 2a, 2b are then connected to one another with one or more connector devices 12 which secure the first and second suspension rings 10a, 10b to one another to prevent axial separation of the cages. Preferably, a plurality of connector devices 12, typically 3, 4 or 5 connector devices, are used depending on the weight of the reinforcing structure 1 and the load bearing capacity of the connector devices 12. The connector devices are spaced approximately equidistantly around the circumference of the rings 10a, 10b.

A connector device 12 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in more detail in figures 2-5. The connector device 12 comprises first and second connector elements 14a, 14b, which are separable from one another. The first connector element 14a includes a hook 16 that is designed to be hooked over the first suspension ring 10a, as illustrated in figure 5. In this embodiment the hook 16 comprises an outer plate 18, an inner plate 20 and a bridging plate 22 which interconnects the outer and inner plates to form an inverted U shaped structure. However, it will be appreciated that the hook 16 may take other forms.

A support structure 24 is attached to the hook 16. In this embodiment the support structure 24 comprises a plate 26 that is attached to the lower end of the outer plate 18, for example by welding, and extends outwards therefrom. The support structure 24 supports a pin 28 that extends downwards from the lower surface of the support structure 24, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cage. In this embodiment the pin 28 is cylindrical although it will be appreciated it may take a different shape.

At the lower end of the pin 28 there is provided a fastening structure 30. In this embodiment, the fastening structure 30 comprises a hole that extends through the pin 28 in a direction

-9perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. This hole can accommodate a fastener such as a cotter pin: however, many other types of fastening structure are possible. For example, the pin 28 may be threaded to receiving a fastening nut, or it may have an external groove to receive a circlip or similar fastener.

The second connector element 14b is designed to be permanently attached for example by welding to the second suspension ring 10b. In this embodiment the second connector element 14b comprises a plate 32 that extends outwards from the second suspension ring 10b. A bore 34 is formed in the plate 32, the bore 34 being sized and shaped to receive the pin 28 of the first connector element 14a. The bore 34 may for example be cylindrical and may extend through the plate 32 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing cage.

When the first and second connector elements 14a, 14b are assembled as shown in figures 1 and 5, the pin 28 extends through the bore 34 in the second connector element 14b, so that the lower end of the pin 28 and the fastening structure 30 protrude below the lower face of the plate 32. A fastener 31 can then be attached to the fastening structure 30 to prevent separation of the first and second connector elements 14a, 14b. For example, where the fastener 31 is cotter pin, it can be passed through the transverse hole that forms the fastening structure 30 in the end of the pin 28, to prevent the pin 28 being withdrawn from the bore

34.

The fastener 31 preferably has a retaining mechanism to prevent it from unintentionally disengaging the fastening structure. For example, if the fastener comprises a cotter pin, it may include a spring wire loop that may be positioned over the end of the fastener pin 31 to prevent it sliding out of the hole 30. Alternatively, the fastener may include a spring retaining portion that engages the side of the pin 30 (like an “R-clip”).

A method of assembling a reinforcing structure for a reinforced concrete pile will now be described, wherein the reinforcing structure comprises two reinforcing cages that are spliced together end to end.

Before assembling the reinforcing structure, one or more second connector elements 14b are attached to the suspension ring 10b of the second cage 2b, for example by welding. Usually,

-10a plurality of second connector elements (for example 2, 3, 4, 5 or more second connector elements) are attached to the suspension ring 10b at roughly equally spaced positions around the circumference of the suspension ring.

The first and second reinforcing cages 2a, 2b are then brought together end to end as illustrated in figure 1 so that the suspension rings 10a, 10b of the cages abut one another. In this embodiment, the first suspension ring 10a of the upper reinforcing cage 2a is slightly smaller than the second suspension ring 10b of the lower reinforcing cage 2b, which allows it to pass between the protruding ends 4b of the longitudinal reinforcing bars 4b of the second cage 2b.

In this embodiment a second cage 2b comprises the lower cage, and the first cage 2a comprises the upper cage. The lower cage 2b may for example be supported in a hole bored into the ground while the upper cage 2a may be lifted into position for example using a crane.

When the first and second cages 2a, 2b have been positioned correctly as illustrated in figure 1, a plurality of first connector elements 14a are hooked over the suspension ring 10a of the first reinforcing cage 2a, and are arranged so that the pin 28 of each first connector element passes through the bore 34 of a corresponding second connector element 14b. A fastener 31 is then secured in position to prevent separation of the first and second connector elements 14a, 14b. For example, if the fastener comprises a cotter pin, the cotter pin is passed through the hole 30 in the end portion 28 of the pin 28. If a retaining mechanism is provided, it may then be engaged to prevent the cotter pin 31 from falling out of the hole 30. This effectively splices the first and second cages 2a, 2b to one another, and allows the assembled reinforcing structure to be lifted and transported if necessary to the location where it is required.

It should be noted that the connectors 12 can be attached to the reinforcing cages from the outside, and the first and second connector elements 14a, 14b can be fastened together without requiring the use of tools, and also without the operator having to put a hand or arm into the interior of the reinforcing cage. Attaching the connectors is also very quick and simple, thus minimising assembly costs.

Numerous modifications of the cage connecting device described above are of course possible.

-11For example, the connector elements comprising in the above embodiment the pin 28 and the bore 34 may be reversed, so that the first connector element carries the bore and the second connector element carries the pin. Alternatively, one of the connector elements may carry a pin, while the other carries a tube into which the pin may be inserted telescopically. In that case a fastener such as a cotter pin may be passed the aligned holes in the tube and the pin, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pin. The pin may have a different cross-sectional shape: for example it may be square, hexagonal, rectangular or any other regular or irregular shape, and it may also be replaced by a hollow tube.

The connector elements may also take other forms: for example, instead of a pin and a bore, two plates may be provided that are located side-by-side when the connector device is assembled.

The connector device may be constructed from welded, forged or machined metal components, or it may be made of other materials that have sufficient strength.

The second connector element may be attached to the second cage by a permanent attachment method such as welding, or by any other suitable method, such as by bolting or by use of a hook mechanism.

A cage connector device 112 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in figures 6 to 8. Although only one cage connector device 112 is shown, it should be understood that normally a plurality of cage connector devices will be used, which will be spaced around the circumference of the reinforcing cages.

The connector device 112 comprises first and second connector elements 114a, 114b, which are separable from one another. The first connector element 114a includes a hook 116 that is designed to be hooked over the first suspension ring 110a, as illustrated in figure 6. In this embodiment the hook 116 has an inverted U-shape and comprises an outer part 118, an inner part 120 and a bridging part 122 that interconnects the outer and inner parts. However, it will be appreciated that the hook 116 may take other forms.

A support structure 124 is attached to the hook 116. In this embodiment the support structure 124 comprises a plate 126 that is attached to the lower end of the outer part 118 and extends

-12outwards therefrom. A hole 128 extends through the support structure 124 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cage.

The cage connector device includes a fastening element 130, which in this embodiment comprises a bolt that extends through the hole 128, and a nut that is attached to the bolt. Alternatively, the fastening element 130 may comprise for example a headed pin that is fastened in place with a fastener such as a cotter pin. Many other types of fastening structure are also possible.

The second connector element 114b is designed to be permanently attached to the second suspension ring 110b, for example by welding. In this embodiment the second connector element 114b comprises a top lug 132 and a bottom lug 133. The bottom lug 133 comprises a plate that is welded to the external surface of the suspension ring 110b and has a through hole 134 for receiving the fastening element 130 (in this case the bolt). The top lug 132 comprises another plate that is also welded to the external surface of the suspensions ring 110b. The top lug 132 has a mounting part 132a that is welded to the ring 110b and a clamping part 132b that extends tangentially from the mounting part 132a and is located directly above the bottom lug 133. The clamping part 132b has a through hole 135 that is aligned axially with the hole 134 in the bottom lug 133, which is configured to receive the fastening element 130. The clamping part 132b is displaced radially outwards from the periphery of the ring 110b, leaving a gap 136 between the ring 110b and the inner edge of the clamping part 132b.

When the first and second connector elements 114a, 114b are assembled as shown in figures 6 to 8, the hook 116 of the connector element 114a is hooked over the first suspension ring 110a, as illustrated in figure 6, and the plate 126 is located between the top lug 132 and the bottom lug 133. The outer part 118 of the hook 116 is accommodated in the gap 136 between the ring 110b and the inner edge of the clamping part 132b. The fastening element 130 (e.g. a nut and a bolt) extends through the holes 128, 134, 135 in the first and second connector elements 114a, 114b, thus fastening them together and joining the two reinforcing cages.

Although only one clamping device 112 is shown, a plurality of clamping devices (for example 2, 3, 4, 5 or more second connector elements) may be used, spaced at roughly equal intervals around the circumference of the suspension rings.

-13A method of assembling a reinforcing structure for a reinforced concrete pile will now be described, wherein the reinforcing structure comprises two reinforcing cages that are spliced together end to end.

Before assembling the reinforcing structure, one or more second connector elements 114b are attached to the suspension ring 110b of the second cage 2b, for example by welding. Usually, a plurality of second connector elements (for example 2, 3, 4, 5 or more second connector elements) are attached to the suspension ring 110b at roughly equally spaced positions around the circumference of the suspension ring.

The first and second reinforcing cages 2a, 2b are then brought together end to end as shown in figure 1 so that the suspension rings 110a, 110b of the cages abut one another. The first suspension ring 110a of the upper reinforcing cage 2a may be slightly smaller than the second suspension ring 10b of the lower reinforcing cage 2b, which allows it to pass between the protruding ends 4b of the longitudinal reinforcing bars 4b of the second cage 2b.

In this embodiment the second cage 2b comprises the lower cage, and the first cage 2a comprises the upper cage. The lower cage 2b may for example be supported in a hole bored into the ground while the upper cage 2a may be lifted into position for example using a crane.

When the first and second cages 2a, 2b have been positioned correctly as illustrated in figure 1, a plurality of first connector elements 114a are hooked over the suspension ring 110a of the first reinforcing cage 2a, and are slid around the ring until the outer part 118 of each hook 116 is located in the gap 136 between the ring 110b and the inner edge of the clamping part 132b of a corresponding second connector element 114b. This procedure automatically aligns the holes 128, 134, 135 in the first and second connector elements 114a, 114b. The fastening element 130 (e.g. a bolt) is then passed through the holes and secured (e.g. with a nut), thus fastening together the first and second connector elements 114a, 114b and connecting the two reinforcing cages. This effectively splices the first and second cages 2a, 2b to one another, and allows the assembled reinforcing structure to be lifted and transported if necessary to the location where it is required.

It should be noted that the connecting devices 112 can be attached to the reinforcing cages from the outside, and the first and second connector elements 114a, 114b can be fastened

-14together without requiring the use of tools (except a spanner or wrench), and also without the operator having to put a hand or arm into the interior of the reinforcing cage. Attaching the connectors is also very quick and simple, thus minimising assembly costs.

Claims

1. A cage connector device for connecting together first and second reinforcing cages, the cage connector device comprising a first and second connector elements that are configured to be connected together by relative movement in a connecting direction, and a fastener for fastening together the first and second connector elements to prevent separation thereof, wherein the first connector element includes a first attachment element configured for attaching the first connector element to a structural component of the first reinforcing cage and a first connecting structure for connecting the first connector element to the second connector element, said first attachment element comprising a hook that is configured to be hooked over the structural component of the first reinforcing cage in a direction parallel to the connecting direction, wherein the second connector element includes a second attachment element configured for attaching the second connector element to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage and a second connecting structure that is complementary to the first connecting structure and engageable therewith by relative movement in the connecting direction, and wherein the fastener is engageable with the first and second connecting structures to prevent separation thereof.

2. A cage connector device according to claim 1, wherein one of said first and second connecting structures comprises a male connecting element and the other one of said first and second connecting structures comprises a female connecting element that is configured to receive the male connecting element in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

3. A cage connector device according to claim 2, wherein the male connecting element comprises a pin having an axis that extends in a direction parallel to the connecting direction.

4. A cage connector device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the female connecting element comprises a support member and an aperture that extends through the support member is configured to receive the male connecting element.

5. A cage connector device according to claim 4, wherein the male connecting element has a free end that extends beyond the support member when the first and second connecting structures are connected, and said free end carries a fastening structure that is configured to receive the fastener to prevent removal of the male connecting element from the female connecting element.

6. A cage connector device according to claim 5, wherein the fastener is configured to engage the support member to prevent removal of the male connecting element.

7. A cage connector device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the fastening structure comprises a bore or groove that extends through the male connecting element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction, and the fastener is configured to engage said bore or groove and extend outwards therefrom.

8. A cage connector device according to claim 1, wherein said fastener for fastening together the first and second connector elements is configured to prevent separation of the first and second connecting structures in an axial direction.

9. A cage connector device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener includes a retainer mechanism for retaining the fastener in engagement with the first and second connecting structures.

10. A cage connector device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second attachment element is configured for permanently attaching the second connector element to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage, for example by welding.

11. A reinforcement structure comprising first and second reinforcing cages and at least one cage connector device according to any preceding claim that connects the first and second reinforcing cages to one another, wherein the first attachment element is attached to a structural component of the first reinforcing cage and the second attachment element is attached to a structural component of the second reinforcing cage.

12. A reinforcement structure according to claim 11, wherein the first and second reinforcing cages are pile cages and the structural components of the first and second reinforcing cage are suspension rings.

13. A method of constructing a reinforcement structure comprising first and second reinforcing cages and at least one cage connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising arranging said first and second reinforcing cages in a chosen arrangement, so that the respective structural components of the first and second reinforcing cages are brought into engagement with one another, attaching the first attachment element to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage by hooking the first attachment element to the structural component, attaching the second attachment element to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage, connecting the first and second connector elements together by relative movement in the axial connecting direction, and attaching the fastener to the first and second connector elements to fasten the first and second connector elements together and prevent separation thereof.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the first attachment element is attached to the structural component of the first reinforcing cage by offering the first attachment element up to an external surface of the structural component and then hooking the first attachment element to the structural component.

15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second attachment element is attached to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage before the first and second reinforcing cages are arranged in the chosen arrangement.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second attachment element is attached to the structural component of the second reinforcing cage by a permanent attachment method, for example by welding.