Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6568651
-
Patent Number
6,568,651
-
Date Filed
Monday, February 26, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 27, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Friedman; Carl D.
- Nguyen; Chi Q.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 249 48
- 249 209
- 249 159
- 249 193
- 249 194
- 249 2191
- 249 34
- 249 47
- 249 44
- 249 45
- 249 191
- 249 192
- 249 216
- 249 218
- 052 294
- 052 5861
- 052 5881
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A concrete form system for receiving concrete includes a plurality of interlocking form panels having opposite side ends, and which capable of being selectively arranged in series as a wall of a form configured to receive concrete. A plurality of attachments are each disposed between adjacent form panels, and vertically engage the side ends of adjacent form panels to interlock the side ends of the adjacent form panels to resist lateral separation of the adjacent form panels. The attachments an include one or more channels or engagement walls, and an insert received withing the channels or engaging the engagement walls. Ties or brackets can extend between parallel, spaced-apart form panels to maintain a predetermined, spaced-apart distance. A gauge bar can moveably extend into the form to indicate a fill level.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a concrete form system, particularly well suited for footings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a footing form system with a plurality of free-standing, interlocking panels with attachments that vertically engage the ends to resist lateral separation.
2. Related Art
Houses and other buildings require footings upon which the house or building rests. The footings are typically formed of concrete poured at locations corresponding to points where the house or building applies its weight. Thus, the footings can be formed about the perimeter of the house and/or at discrete areas. Foundation walls can rest on the perimeter footings, while columns or posts can rest on the footings formed at discrete areas. The footings are often reinforced with rebar.
A common method for forming the footings includes creating footing forms with boards or planks, such as various lengths of 2×10s, or 2×12s. The boards or planks are arranged to form the perimeter of the forms, and stakes are driven into the ground adjacent the boards or planks to maintain their location. Rebar can be arranged in the form, and concrete is poured in the form. After the concrete cures, the boards or planks are removed, usually by impacting the boards or planks with a hammer, and removing the stakes. Such boards or planks often become damaged and must be replaced. In addition, arranging, staking, and removing the boards or planks is often time consuming, and thus costly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a concrete form system for receiving concrete. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a footing form system for forming footings. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a concrete form system which does not require stakes, is durable, and is easier to arrange and remove.
The invention provides a concrete form system configured to receive concrete. The system includes a plurality of interlocking form panels which have opposite side ends. The form panels are capable of being selectively arranged in series as a wall of a form to receive concrete. In addition, the system includes a plurality of attachments, each one disposed between adjacent form panels. The attachments vertically engage the side ends of adjacent form panels to interlock the side ends of the adjacent form panels to resist lateral separation of the adjacent form panels.
In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of attachments preferably extends along a majority of a length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock a majority of the length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together. More preferably each of the plurality of attachments extends along an entire length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock the entire length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, each attachment includes at least one channel and an elongated insert. The channel is formed along a length of one of the side ends of the form panels. The insert is securable to an adjacent form panel and removably receivable within the at least one channel.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, each attachment includes at least two channels and an elongated insert. The channels are each formed along a length of one of the side ends of the adjacent form panels. The insert is removably receivable within both of the at least two channels.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, each attachment includes at least two opposing engagement walls and an elongated coupler. The engagement walls are each formed along a length of one of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and are oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels. The coupler releasably engages the opposing engagement walls.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the system includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a co-linear orientation. Each of the at least two panels include an elongated opposing engagement wall extending along opposing ends, and oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels. A C-shaped coupler releasably receives the opposing engagement walls therein.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the system includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a perpendicular orientation. Again, each of the at least two panels include an elongated opposing engagement wall extending along opposing ends and oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels. A W-shaped coupler cooperates with the opposing engagement walls to releasably hold the panels together.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the system includes a tie coupled to and extend between parallel, spaced-apart form panels, to maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the tie has opposite ends, each attached to one of the plurality of attachments, to maintain the side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the system includes or tie includes a pair of brackets, each one configured to be coupled to one of parallel, spaced-apart form panels. Each of the brackets are adjustably coupled to the other one of the pair of brackets to adjustably maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, each of the brackets are attached to one of the plurality of attachments, to maintain the side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the system includes a gauge bar movably coupled to the tie or brackets, and extends downwardly between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels to indicate a fill level.
In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the form panels are sized to form footings.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a concrete form system in accordance with the present invention shown in an exemplary configuration;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of a portion of the concrete form system of
FIG. 1
with various components removed for clarity;
FIG. 3
is a top view of an attachment of the concrete form system of
FIG. 1
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a top view of another attachment of the concrete form system of
FIG. 1
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a top view of another attachment of the concrete form system in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 6
is a partial perspective view of the concrete form system of FIG.
1
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
As illustrated in
FIG. 1
, a concrete form system, indicated generally at
10
, in accordance with the present invention is shown for receiving and forming concrete. The system
10
of the present invention is particularly well suited for forming footings, and thus the system
10
is described and illustrated as being configured as a footing form system for forming concrete footings. As stated above, structures such as houses and other buildings typically rest on, or are supported by, the footings. Thus, the footings typically are located at areas or points to support the weight of the structure. Therefore, footings are typically formed about a perimeter of the structure to receive foundation walls, and at other areas, such as to receive a column or pillar. Foundations are an example of a field which may benefit from the use of such a system
10
for forming concrete. It will be appreciated that the system
10
of the present invention also can be configured for use for forming other concrete, including for example, foundation walls.
FIGS. 1 and 2
show an exemplary configuration of the form system
10
of the present invention. It is, of course, understood that the system
10
of the present invention can be configured as desired to obtain the desired shape or layout of the footing, and that the configuration shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
is illustrative only. In addition,
FIG. 2
shows the system
10
with various components of the system removed for clarity.
The concrete form system
10
of the present invention includes a plurality of form panels
20
arranged in such a way so as to create a wall for a form or enclosure which receives concrete. Thus, the form panels
20
can be arranged about a perimeter of the desired area or location to receive concrete. The form panels
20
have opposite side ends
24
and
26
which can be abutted to opposing side ends of adjacent form panels. Thus, the form panels can be selectively arranged in series, or end-to-end, to form an enclosure or area
30
to receive concrete.
The form panels
20
advantageously interlock with one another to create a free-standing enclosure, or to make the panels
20
freestanding. Thus, the system
10
of the present invention advantageously does not require stakes or other methods for securing the panels
20
or enclosure to the ground.
The panels
20
also have a bottom end or edge
34
, which can be disposed on a support surface such as the ground, and a top or upper edge or surface
36
. In addition, the panels
20
have an inner surface
38
which defines the enclosure
30
or area for receiving concrete. Preferably the inner surface
38
is smooth or otherwise configured to be releasable from the concrete after the concrete cures.
The concrete form system
10
of the present invention can be modular, and the form panels
20
can include a plurality of various different panels of various different sizes and shapes which can be arranged together to create the desired form or enclosure
30
. For example, the form panels
20
may be provided in various different lengths, or sets of standard lengths. In addition, the form panels can be configured to form footings, as stated above. Thus, the form panels
20
may have a height appropriate for footings, for example preferably between 8 and 14 inches. The form panels
20
can be formed of metal, such as steel or aluminum. In addition, the form panels
20
can have a general C-shaped cross section to provide strength and rigidity to the form panel.
As stated above, the form panels
20
advantageously interlock and are free-standing. In addition, the side ends
24
and
26
of the panels preferably and advantageously interlock with the side ends of adjacent panels so that opposing side ends of adjacent panels are themselves interlocked together. The system
10
of the present invention advantageously includes a plurality of attachments, indicated generally at
42
and
46
, formed between adjacent form panels
20
. The attachments may include an attachment
42
for attaching adjacent form panels in a co-linear configuration, and attachments
46
configured to attach adjacent form panels in a perpendicular or corner configuration. The attachments
42
and
46
preferably and advantageously vertically engage the side ends
24
and
26
of adjacent form panels to interlock the side ends together and resist lateral separation of the adjacent form panels.
The attachments
42
and
46
preferably extend along a majority of a length or height of the side ends
24
and
26
to interlock a majority of the length or height of the side ends of the adjacent form panels. Most preferably the attachments
42
and
46
extend along the entire length or height of the side ends and interlock the entire length or height of the side ends of the adjacent form panels. Thus, a majority of the length or height, or the entire length or height, of the opposing side ends of adjacent form panels are interlocked to form a secure and free-standing enclosure.
For example, the attachment
42
may be formed between adjacent form panels
50
and
52
, which are arranged in a co-linear configuration. The adjacent form panels
50
and
52
have opposing side ends
56
and
58
, respectively. The attachment
42
interlocks the opposing side ends
56
and
58
of the adjacent form panels
50
and
52
. As stated above, the attachment
42
preferably extends along the entire length or height of the side ends
56
and
58
, and thus the panels
50
and
52
, to interlock the entire length or height of the side ends
56
and
58
.
Similarly, the attachment
46
is formed between adjacent form panels
60
and
62
which have opposing side ends
66
and
68
, respectively. The adjacent form panels
60
and
62
are configured in a perpendicular configuration to form a corner. Again, the attachment
46
preferably extends along the entire length of the side ends
66
and
68
.
Because the form panels
20
interlock together, the resulting enclosure can be free-standing, and thus require no further means for securing the enclosure to the ground, such as stakes. In addition, attaching the form panels
20
along the entire length or height of their side ends
24
and
26
advantageously makes the enclosure more secure, prevents concrete from seeping between adjacent form panels, and helps the enclosure to be free-standing.
The attachments
42
and
46
are shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, respectively. Referring to
FIG. 3
, the attachment
42
includes channels
72
and
74
formed along a length or height of the side ends
56
and
58
, respectively, of the adjacent form panels
50
and
52
. In addition, an elongated insert
78
is removably received within the channels
72
and
74
to interlock the form panels
50
and
52
. The channels
72
and
74
may include opposing engagement walls
82
and
84
, respectively, which extend along the side ends
56
and
58
, and which are oriented transverse to the inner surface of the form panels
50
and
52
. Thus, the opposing engagement walls
82
and
84
may form the most distal portions of the side panels
50
and
52
. In addition, the channels
72
and
74
can include openings
86
and
88
, respectively, which face outwardly from the side ends
56
and
58
, which allow the insert
78
to extend between the channels
72
and
74
. Thus, the channels
72
and
74
can be described as having a generally G-shaped cross section, or an enclosed rectangular shaped cross section with openings
86
and
88
.
The insert
78
may include insert portions
92
and
94
which are received within the channels
72
and
74
, respectively, and an interconnecting portion
96
formed between the insert portions
92
and
94
and extending between the channels
72
and
74
to interlock or interconnect the form panels
50
and
52
. Thus, the insert
78
can have a generally C-shaped or U-shaped cross section.
The attachment
42
shown in
FIG. 3
is configured for interlocking adjacent form panels
50
and
52
in a co-linear configuration. The attachment
46
shown in
FIG. 4
is configured for attaching adjacent form panels
60
and
62
in a perpendicular configuration. As shown in
FIG. 4
, form panels
60
and
62
are similar in most respects to the form panels
50
and
52
described above, and include channels
72
and
74
formed along the length of the side ends
60
and
68
, respectively. Again, the channels
72
and
74
include engagement walls
82
and
84
, and also openings
86
and
88
. The attachment
46
includes an insert
98
which is removably received within both of the channels
72
and
74
to interlock the adjacent form panels
60
and
62
in a perpendicular orientation. The insert
98
includes insert portions
102
and
104
, which are removably received within the channels
72
and
74
, respectively. In addition, the insert
98
includes an interconnecting section
106
formed between the insert sections
102
and
104
, and extending between the channels
72
and
74
to interconnect the form panels
60
and
62
. The insert
98
may have a generally W-shaped or M-shaped cross section, or the interconnecting section
106
may be formed at a right angle as opposed to linearly in order to form the perpendicular attachment.
In order to attach adjacent form panels
50
and
52
in a co-linear relationship, as shown in
FIG. 3
, the form panels
50
and
52
are arranged adjacent one another, and with the opposing ends
56
and
58
, or channels
72
and
74
, abutting to one another, and inserting the insert
78
into the channels
72
and
74
. Similarly, the adjacent form panels
60
and
62
are interlocked in a perpendicular orientation, as shown in
FIG. 4
, by arranging the form panels
60
and
62
adjacent one another and perpendicular with the inside edges of the opposing ends
66
and
68
, or channels
72
and
74
, generally abutting to one another, and inserting the insert
98
into the channels
72
and
74
.
While the attachments
42
and
46
have been described above with respect to a pair of channels
72
and
74
formed in the opposing ends of the adjacent form panels, it will be appreciated that different configurations of the attachments are possible. For example, referring to
FIG. 5
, an attachment
110
can include at least one channel
114
and at least one insert
116
. The at least one channel
114
can be formed along the length or height of the side end
118
of one of the form panels
120
, while the insert
116
is secured to the other form panel
122
. The channel
116
can be similar to the channel
72
and
74
described above. The insert
116
can include an insert portion
124
, removably received within the channel
114
and an interconnecting section
126
, coupled to and between the insert section
124
and the other panel
122
to extend from the form panel
122
and into the channel
114
. Thus, the form panels
120
and
122
can be interlocked together by aligning the insert
116
of the form panel
122
with the channel
114
of the form panel
120
, and vertically sliding the form panels
120
and
122
with respect to one another, and thus sliding the insert
116
into the channel
114
. The attachment
110
has been described as attaching form panels in a co-linear orientation, it is of course understood that a similar attachment can be formed to attach the form panels in a perpendicular configuration.
The inserts described above form couplers which can releasably engage the opposing engagement walls of the channels or side ends of the form panels to interlock the adjacent form panels.
Referring again to
FIG. 1
, the concrete form system
10
preferably includes one or more ties
130
coupled to and extending between parallel, spaced-apart form panels
132
and
134
. The tie
130
maintains the form panels
132
and
134
at a predetermined, spaced-apart width. The tie
130
prevents the form panels
132
and
134
from expanding or displacing away from one another as concrete is poured into the enclosure
30
. The tie
130
preferably is removably coupled to the form panels
132
and
134
. In addition, the tie
130
preferably is adjustable, or expandable and retractable, such that the predetermined, spaced-apart width may be adjusted.
In addition the tie
130
preferably and advantageously is coupled to and between the attachments
42
of the parallel, spaced-apart form panels
132
and
134
. Thus, the tie
130
maintains the side ends of the form panels
132
and
134
at the predetermined, spaced-apart width. The tie
130
can have opposite ends, each of which are attached to one of the attachments
42
. Thus, the tie
130
and attachments
42
can be simultaneously coupled to the form panels
132
and
134
, and simultaneously removed therefrom.
The tie
130
can include a pair of brackets
140
and
142
, each attached to one of the parallel, spaced-apart form panels
132
and
134
. The pair of brackets
140
and
142
are adjustably coupled together, and thus can be expanded or retracted to adjust the width between the form panels
132
and
134
.
The pair of brackets
140
and
142
preferably and advantageously are attached to opposite attachments
42
. Thus, the pair of brackets
140
and
142
, each attached to an attachment
42
, form a pair of attachment ties
146
and
148
, which work together to both interlock adjacent form panels, and maintain spaced-apart form panels at a predetermined width. Thus, adjacent form panels can be interlocked with the tie attachment
146
. Similarly, adjacent form panels spaced-apart therefrom can be interlocked with the tie attachment
148
. The spaced-apart form panels can then be tied together by securing the tie attachments
146
and
148
together.
The brackets
140
and
142
, or the tie attachments
146
and
148
, can include a plurality of holes or apertures
152
which may be aligned to receive a pin
154
or the like to secure the brackets
140
and
142
, or tie attachments
146
and
148
, together. The pin
154
itself may have an aperture which extends past the holes
152
and brackets
140
and
142
to receive a retaining pin
156
therethrough, and thus maintain the pin
154
.
Combining the ties
130
and attachments
42
advantageously reduces the number of parts required for the system
10
. In addition, combining the brackets
140
and
142
with the attachments
42
to form the tie attachments
146
and
148
advantageously allows the ties
130
to be arranged or formed simultaneously as the attachments
42
are made.
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 6
, the system
10
can include a gauge bar
170
, which extends downwardly into the enclosure
30
formed by the form panels
20
to indicate a fill level. Thus, the gauge bar
170
may be adjusted as desired, and concrete poured within the enclosed until the concrete reaches the bottom of the gauge bar
170
. The gauge bar
170
advantageously may be adjustably secured to the tie
130
. A vertically oriented opening
174
, may be formed on the tie
130
, one of the brackets
140
or
142
, or one of the tie attachments
146
or
148
, to moveably receive the gauge bar
170
therein. The opening
174
may be formed by a housing
176
extending thereabout. Holes or openings
178
may be formed in the housing
176
to receive an angled pin
180
therethrough. Thus, the angled pin
180
may be inserted through the openings
178
and engage the gauge bar
170
to force the gauge bar
170
against a portion of the housing
176
to maintain the gauge bar at a desired elevation.
The gauge
170
and housing
176
advantageously can be coupled to the pin
154
which secures the brackets
140
and
142
. Thus, the housing
176
and gage bar
170
are positioned over the enclosure as the pin
154
secures the brackets
140
and
142
.
Referring again to
FIG. 1
, the concrete panel system
10
also can include a corner panel
200
formed at a right angle to facilitate the formation of an inner corner of the form or enclosure.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.
Claims
- 1. A concrete form system configured to receive concrete, the system comprising:a) a plurality of form panels having opposite side ends selectively arrangable in series with opposing side ends of adjacent form panels being attached together to form a wall of an enclosure configured to receive concrete; b) at least one channel, formed along at least one of the side ends of the form panels; c) the at least one channel including an engagement wall, formed along the side end of the form panel, and oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panel; and d) an elongated insert, securable to an adjacent form panel and removably receivable within the at least one channel to releasably engage the engagement wall to attach the side ends of the adjacent form panels.
- 2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one channel and the insert are vertically oriented.
- 3. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one channel and the insert extend along a majority of a length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock a majority of the length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together.
- 4. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a) at least two channels, each one formed along a length of one of the side ends of the adjacent form panels; and b) wherein the insert is removably receivable within both of the at least two channels.
- 5. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a co-linear orientation; wherein the at least two panels each include a channel formed along opposing side ends of the form panels, the channels including elongated opposing engagement walls oriented transverse to a length of the form panels; and wherein the insert includes a C-shaped coupler, releasably receiving the opposing engagement walls therein.
- 6. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a perpendicular orientation; wherein the at least two panels each include a channel formed along opposing side ends of the form panels, the channels including elongated opposing engagment walls oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels; and wherein the insert includes a W-shaped coupler, cooperating with the opposing engagement walls to removably hold the panels together.
- 7. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a tie, configured to be coupled to and extend between parallel, spaced-apart form panels, to maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 8. A system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the tie has opposite ends each attachable to one of the plurality of inserts, to maintain side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 9. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a pair of brackets, each one configured to be coupled to one of parallel, spaced-apart form panels, and adjustably coupled to the other one of the pair of brackets, to adjustably maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 10. A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein each of the brackets are attached to one of the plurality of inserts, to maintain the side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 11. A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a tie, coupled to and extend between tops of parallel, spaced-apart form panels to maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width; and a gauge bar, movably coupled to the tie, to extend downwardly between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels, the gauge bar having a bottom to indicate a fill level between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels.
- 12. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the form panels are sized to form footings.
- 13. A concrete form system configured to receive concrete, the system comprising:a) a plurality of form panels having opposite side ends selectively arrangable in series with opposing side ends of adjacent form panels being attached together to form a wall of an enclosure configured to receive concrete; b) a plurality of channels, each one formed along a length of one of the side ends of the form panels; c) the channels including engagement walls, formed along the side ends of the form panels, and oriented transverse to inner surfaces of the form panels; d) a plurality of inserts, each one removably receivable within two channels of adjacent form panels, to releasably engage the engagement walls to interlock the side ends of the adjacent form panels; and e) at least one tie, configured to be coupled to and extend between parallel, spaced-apart form panels, having opposite ends each attachable to one of the inserts to maintain side ends of the form panels at a predetermined, spaced-apart width.
- 14. A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the channels and inserts are vertically oriented.
- 15. A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the channels and inserts extend along a majority of a length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock a majority of the length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together.
- 16. A system in accordance with claim 13,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a co-linear orientation; wherein the channels include elongated opposing engagement walls oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels; and wherein the insert includes a C-shaped coupler, releasably receiving the opposing engagement walls therein.
- 17. A system in accordance with claim 13,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a perpendicular orientation; wherein the channels include elongated opposing engagement walls oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panels; and wherein the insert includes a W-shaped coupler, cooperating with the opposing engagement walls to removably hold the form panels.
- 18. A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the at least one tie further comprises:a pair of brackets, each one configured to be coupled to one of the parallel, spaced-apart form panels, and adjustably coupled to the other one of the pair of brackets, to adjustably maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 19. A system in accordance with claim 13, further comprising:a gauge bar, movably coupled to the tie, to extend downwardly between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels, the gauge bar having a bottom to indicate a fill level between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels.
- 20. A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the form panels are sized to form footings.
- 21. A concrete form system configured to receive concrete, the system comprising:a) a plurality of form panels having opposite side ends configured to be selectively arranged in series with opposing side ends of adjacent form panels being attached together to form a wall of an enclosure to receive concrete; b) at least one channel, attached to at least one of the side ends of the form panels; and c) the at least one channel including an engagement wall, formed along the side end of the form panel, and oriented transverse to an inner surface of the form panel; d) an elongated insert, separate from the at least one channel, securable to an adjacent form panel and removably received within the at least one channel to releasably engage the engagement wall to attach the side ends of the adjacent form panels.
- 22. A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the at least one channel and the insert extend along a majority of a length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock a majority of the length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together.
- 23. A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the at least one channel and the insert extend along an entire length of the side ends of the adjacent form panels, and lock the entire length of the side ends of adjacent form panels together.
- 24. A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein:a) the at least one channel includes at least two channels, each one formed along a length of one of the side ends of the adjacent form panels; and b) the elongated insert is removably receivable within both of the at least two channels.
- 25. A system in accordance with claim 21,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a co-linear orientation; wherein each of the at least two panels include an elongated opposing engagement wall extending along opposing ends and oriented transverse to a length of the form panels; and further comprising a C-shaped coupler, configured to releasably receive the opposing engagement walls therein.
- 26. A system in accordance with claim 21,wherein the plurality of form panels includes at least two panels attached end-to-end in series in a perpendicular orientation; wherein each the at least two panels include an elongated opposing engagement wall extending along opposing ends and oriented transverse to a length of the form panels; and further comprising a W-shaped coupler, configured to cooperate with the opposing engagement walls to releasably hold the panels together.
- 27. A system in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:a tie, configured to be coupled to and extend between parallel, spaced-apart form panels, to maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 28. A system in accordance with claim 27, wherein the tie has opposite ends configured so that each can be attachable to one of a plurality of inserts, to maintain the side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 29. A system in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:a pair of brackets, each one configured to be coupled to one of parallel, spaced-apart form panels, and adjustably coupled to the other one of the pair of brackets, to adjustably maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 30. A system in accordance with claim 29, wherein each of the brackets are configured to be attached to one of the plurality of attachments, to maintain the side ends of the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width.
- 31. A system in accordance with claim 21, further comprising:a tie, configured to be coupled to and extend between tops of parallel, spaced-apart form panels, to maintain the form panels at a predetermined spaced-apart width; and a gauge bar, configured to be movably couplable to the tie, and configured to extend downwardly between the parallel, spaced-apart form panels to indicate a fill level.
- 32. A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the form panels are sized to form footings.
US Referenced Citations (19)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0062420 |
Mar 1982 |
EP |
6-307077 |
Apr 1993 |
JP |