U.S. patent application number 10/134271 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for building foundation form with integral drain.
Invention is credited to Parker, Alton F..
Application Number | 20030200707 10/134271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29249184 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030200707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker, Alton F. |
October 30, 2003 |
Building foundation form with integral drain
Abstract
A form for use with hardenable, flowable material such as
concrete, wherein the form is flexible along a first axis and rigid
along a second axis. The form may further include perforations in
one side of the form such that when the form is left in place the
form acts as a drain.
Inventors: |
Parker, Alton F.; (Clifton
Park, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARLEN L. OLSEN
SCHMEISER, OLSEN & WATTS
3 LEAR JET LANE
SUITE 201
LATHAM
NY
12110
US
|
Family ID: |
29249184 |
Appl. No.: |
10/134271 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 27/02 20130101;
E02D 31/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.5 |
International
Class: |
E02D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus comprising: a form for use with a hardenable, flowable
material, wherein said form is formable about a first axis of
rotation when rotated in a first direction, but rigid when rotated
in a second direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first axis is a vertical
axis and said form further comprises a second axis wherein said
second axis is a longitudinal axis.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said form includes at least
one flow channel for drainage.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flow channel is
longitudinal.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the form includes a front wall
and a back wall and a plurality of said flow channel positioned
therebetween.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said front wall includes a
plurality of perforations.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said front wall includes a
plurality of cuts.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the perforations are
transverse to the flow channels.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cuts are transverse to the
flow channels.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a porous material
surrounding said form.
11. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a porous material
surrounding said form and a spacer positioned between said
perforations and said porous material.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a porous material
surrounding said form and a spacer positioned between said cuts and
said porous material.
13. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a porous material
surrounding said form and a spacer and a filter positioned between
said perforations and said porous material.
14. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a porous material
surrounding said form and a spacer and a filter positioned between
said cuts and said porous material.
15. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said form further comprises a
portion of a corrugated pipe operatively attached to a panel.
16. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said corrugated pipe is
slidably attached to a panel.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the corrugated pipe is
slidably attached to each end of the panel.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the corrugated pipe is
slidable attached to slots on said panel.
19. A method comprising: providing a form which is flexible along a
first axis and rigid along a second axis; shaping said form about
said first axis; and pouring flowable, hardenable material within
said form.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of shaping further
comprises: bending the form about a corner, wherein said form is a
unitary piece.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of forms; and positioning the plurality of
forms in a spaced apart manner with form spacers.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: joining a plurality
of said forms together.
23. A method of fabricating a form for use with hardenable,
flowable material, said form being flexible along a first axis and
rigid along a second axis, comprising: extruding an extrusion
extending along said first axis, said extrusion having a top wall,
a bottom wall, a front wall and a back wall and containing at least
one longitudinal flow channel; cutting the extrusion to a
predetermined length; and forming perforations transverse to said
first axis in said top wall, said bottom wall and said front
wall.
24. The method of claim 24 wherein said extrusion further contains
at least one web formed between inner surfaces of said front wall
and said back wall and the step of forming perforations further
includes forming perforations in said web the perforation in said
web aligned with the perforations formed in said top wall, said
bottom wall and said front wall.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said perforations are slits and
the step of forming perforations includes cutting said slits with a
knife.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said perforations are slots or
shaped grooves and the step of forming perforations includes
cutting said slots with a saw or cutting said shaped grooves with a
shaped cutter.
27. A system comprising: a plurality of forms, operatively attached
together, for use with hardenable, flowable material, wherein at
least one of said forms is flexible along a first axis and rigid
along a second axis.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the forms are slidably attached
together.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein the forms are clipped
together.
30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said form further comprises
a portion of a corrugated pipe operatively attached to a panel.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the forms are slidably attached
together.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the forms are clipped
together.
33. Apparatus comprising: a plurality of spaced apart forms for
receiving a flowable hardenable material; and a spacer, wherein the
spacer is adhered to the forms by an adhesive.
34. Apparatus comprising: a form for use with hardenable, flowable
material, wherein said form is flexible along a first axis and
rigid along a second axis.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to structural
footing forms and footing drains and in particular to a permanent
footing/foundation form having an integral drain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Laying a form (e.g., a building foundation form) for the
construction industry is time consuming in that much preparation is
required before pouring flowable, hardenable material (e.g.,
concrete). A trench may be formed and the form constructed in the
bottom of the trench or the form may be constructed directly on the
ground. A form typically requires many cuts and is labor intensive
in the assembly. Forms that are made of plastic materials may or
may not be left in place after the material has hardened. Forms
that are made of metal are generally removed material after the
material has hardened because of the cost of the metal forms. Forms
made of wood which are not removed after the material has hardened
create an environment for vermin such as termites and carpenter
ants to attack the integrity of the structure built upon the
foundation.
[0003] In many cases, after the foundation is poured and the
material set and the forms removed or not removed, a drainage
system is next installed.
[0004] The containment and direction of drainage is an ongoing area
of concern to the construction industry, particularly that portion
of the industry which specializes in construction of foundations
for buildings roads and sidewalks. Numerous approaches and systems
have evolved to avoid and alleviate the problems associated with
unwanted groundwater and underground water flow caused by rain
runoff. These approaches include various applications of hydraulic
drainage systems, which are occasionally used in combination with
water barriers, surface grading, or underground piping.
[0005] Drainage control systems typically involve extensive
installation procedures which are both time-consuming and labor
intensive. Further, the materials used to control water flow
typically permit flow in a single direction, and are further
subject to the deleterious effects of silt accumulation. Existing
groundwater control systems are further limited by their methods of
implementation which typically require extensive set-up and removal
procedures involving many man-hours of labor and much material
waste.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists to reduce the manpower, time and
expense of installing forms and drains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore a feature of the present invention to reduce
the time and expense of installing forms and drains by providing a
form that may be left in place permanently and then functions a
drainage system or forms part of a drainage system.
[0008] The present invention may be adapted to a plurality of
applications which include, foundation drainage, footing drainage,
wide area (e.g., athletic field or golf green) drainage, roadway
drainage, footing formation, sidewalk formation,, and roadway
formation.
[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a form for use
with hardenable, flowable material, wherein the form is flexible
along a first axis and rigid along a second axis.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a method
comprising: providing a form which is flexible along a first axis
and rigid along a second axis; shaping the form about the first
axis; and pouring flowable, hardenable material within the
form.
[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a method of
fabricating a form for use with hardenable, flowable material, the
form being flexible along a first axis and rigid along a second
axis, comprising: extruding an extrusion extending along the first
axis, the extrusion having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall
and a back wall and containing at least one longitudinal flow
channel; cutting the extrusion to a predetermined length; and
forming perforations transverse to the first axis in the top wall,
the bottom wall and the front wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The features of the invention are set forth in the appended
claims. The invention itself, however, will be best understood by
reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative
embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a foundation form according
to first embodiment the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2A through 2C are partial top views of the foundation
form of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional end views of a first
foundation form assembly according to the first embodiment the
present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 4A through 4C are partial top views alternative
spacers illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of a second foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of spacer material
illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of a third foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of a fourth foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a subterranean
structure illustrating the use of the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is top view of a simplified foundation form
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial side view illustrating an exemplary
interconnection of forms according to the first embodiment of
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12A is a top view of a first alternative connector for
joining forms according to the first embodiment of present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 12B is a cross-section view through section 12B-12B of
FIG. 12A;
[0026] FIG. 13A is a top view of a second alternative connector for
joining forms according to the first embodiment of present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 13B is a cross-section view through section 13B-13B of
FIG. 13A;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an isometric view illustrating setup of a pouring
form utilizing the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a foundation form according
to second embodiment the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 16A through 16C are cross-sectional end views of a
alternative form assemblies according to the second embodiment the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of a subterranean
structure illustrating the use of the second embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0032] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating fabrication of
the form of the first embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a foundation form according
to first embodiment the present invention. In FIG. 1, form 100 has
a front wall 105, an opposite back wall 110, a top wall 115 and an
opposite bottom wall 115. A vertical axis 125 runs through top and
bottom walls 115 and 120 and a horizontal axis 130 is perpendicular
to vertical axis 125 and parallel to front and back walls 105 and
110. Horizontal axis 130 defines a longitudinal axis of form 100.
The length of form 100 is defined in the direction defined by
horizontal axis 130, the height of form 100 is defined in the
direction defined by vertical axis 125 and the width of form 100 is
defined in the direction defined by a Z-axis 135, the Z-axis being
mutually orthogonal to both vertical axis 125 and horizontal axis
130. Front and back walls 105 and 110 are optionally joined by webs
140. Webs 140 run the entire length of form 100 and partition the
interior of form 100 into flow channels 145. Flow channels 145
allow water that collects along a foundation wall or footing to be
channeled away from the building. While six flow channels 145 are
illustrated in FIG. 1, there may be as few a one flow channel 145,
in which case there are no webs 140, or as many flow channels 145
as desired. Besides forming flow channels 145, webs 140 impart
rigidity to form 100 along vertical axis 125.
[0034] A set of perforations 150 is formed in front wall 105 along
the entire height of front wall 105. Perforations 150 are
transverse to flow channels 145. Perforations 150 extend through
top and bottom walls 115 and 120 as well as webs 140. Perforations
150 provide flexibility of form 100 along horizontal axis 130 as
well as allowing entry of water to flow channels 145. Perforations
150 do not extend through back wall 110, and preferably terminate
at an inner surface 155 of back wall 110, however inner surface 155
may be scored to a fixed depth by the 910 process of forming
perforations 150 as illustrated in FIG. 18B and described
infra.
[0035] In one example, front and back walls 105 and 110, top and
bottom walls 115 and 120, and webs 140 are integrally formed and
form 100 is formed of extruded plastic such as polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene,(PP) polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile,
butadiene, styrene copolymer (ABS) or other suitable plastics or of
extruded structural foam.
[0036] FIGS. 2A through 2C are partial top views of the foundation
form of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, perforations 150 of FIG. 1, are slits
150A, which may be formed by cutting form 100A with a knife edge.
In FIG. 2B, perforations 150 of FIG. 1, are slots 150B, which may
be formed by cutting form 100B with a saw. In FIG. 2C, perforations
150 of FIG. 1, are "V" shaped grooves 150C, which may be formed by
milling form 100C with a shaped cutter. Grooves 150C decrease in
width from front wall 105 to back wall 110. The principal
functional difference between forms 100A, 100B and 100C is the
minium radius of curvature that may be obtained when back wall 110
forms the exterior surface of the bend, form 110C being the most
bendable and form 110A being the least bendable in that respect.
Perforations 150 may be covered by tear-away or wrap material such
as paper or plastic (not shown) for protection prior to use. An
advantage of the form of FIG. 2A is that the form is flexible along
a first axis 125 when bent in a first direction of rotation and
rigid along the first axis 125 when bent in a second direction of
rotation. In this manner the form may be deformed or flexible for
curves and bends when laying the form, yet rigid to receive
hardenable, flowable material.
[0037] Form 100 is particularly suited for use as a combination
form/drain when the building foundation or footing is used in a
very course rocky soil or gravel or in rock ledges. However, in a
soil containing fine particles such as clay and loam soils, the
fine particles may clog flow channels 145. The foundation form
assembly illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 8 and described infra,
address this soil condition, though these foundation form
assemblies may be used in any soil.
[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional end views of a first
foundation form assembly according to the first embodiment the
present invention. In FIG. 3A, a form assembly 160A includes form
100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 2C and described supra, and a
porous cover 170. Porous cover 170 allows water to enter flow
channels 145 through perforations 150 (not shown, see FIG. 1) but
filters out particulates. In one example, porous cover 170 is
formed from any porous material such as filter fabric.
[0039] In FIG. 3B, a form assembly 160B includes form 100 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 2C and described supra, porous cover
170 and spacers 175. Spacers 175 extend the length the form 100 as
does porous cover 170. Porous cover 170 allows water to enter flow
channels 145 through perforations 150 (not shown, see FIG. 1) but
filters out particulates. Spacers 175 have a front surface 180 in
contact with porous cover 170 and a back surface 185 in contact
with front wall 105 of form 100. Spacers 175 prevent porous cover
175 from being forced against front wall 105 and potentially
clogging perforations 150 (see FIG. 1) by providing voids 190
between front wall 105 and porous cover 170. While two spacers 175
are illustrated in FIG, 3B, any number of spacers 175 may be
employed and the spacers may be positioned vertically anywhere
along front wall 105.
[0040] FIGS. 4A through 4C are partial top views alternative
spacers illustrated in FIG.3. In FIG. 4A, a spacer 175A is a solid
spacer that may be formed, in one example from a flexible closed
cell foam such as foam rubber. In FIG. 4B, a spacer 175B is a
hollow tube that may be formed, in one example from a flexible
closed cell foam such as foam rubber. In FIG. 4C, a spacer 175C
includes a set of slots 195 extending partially through the spacer
from a front surface 180C. Spacer 175C may be hollow. In one
example, spacers 175A, 175B and 175C may be formed from foam
rubber, PE, PP, PVC, ABS or other plastics or rubbers.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view of a second foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention. In FIG. 5, a form assembly 200 includes form 100 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 2C and described supra, a spacer 205
and a filter 210. Spacer 205 is illustrated in FIG. 6 and further
described infra. Both spacer 205 and filter 210 are coextensive
with front wall 105 of form 100. Both spacer 205 and filter 210
must be flexible along horizontal axis 130 (see FIG. 1). Filter 210
allows water to pass through but prevents particulates from passing
through. Spacer 205 prevents filter 210 from being forced against
front wall 105 and potentially clogging perforations 150 (see FIG.
1). In one example, filter 210 is formed from [PLEASE FILL IN
GENERIC MATERIAL NAMES OR BRAND NAMES].
[0042] FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of spacer material
illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, spacer 205 is a lattice of spaced
apart upper strips 215 placed at an angle over spaced apart lower
strips 220 forming openings 225. Upper and lower strips 215 and 220
are attached to one another where they cross over. Alternatively,
spacer 205 may be an expanded lattice wherein openings 225 are
formed by stretching a single sheet of material having slots formed
therein or may be a stamped lattice. In one example, spacer 205 may
be formed PE, PP, PVC, ABS or other suitable plastics or
rubbers.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of a third foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention. In FIG. 7, a form assembly 230 is similar to form h
assembly 200 with the difference that form assembly 230 includes a
porous cover 170 that covers filter 210, a top edge 235 and a
bottom edge 240 of spacer 205, and top wall 115, bottom wall 120
and back wall 110 of form 100.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of a fourth foundation
form assembly according to the first embodiment the present
invention. In FIG. 8, a form assembly 245 is similar to form
assembly 200 with the difference that filter 210 covers top edge
235 and bottom edge 240 of spacer 205 and top wall 115 and bottom
wall 120 of form 100.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a subterranean
structure illustrating the use of the first embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 9, an outer form 250 and an optional
inner form 255 surround a footing 260. Back wall 110 of outer form
250 contacts an outer surface 265 of the footing and back walk 110
of inner form 255 contacts an inner surface 270 of the footing.
[0046] While inner and outer forms 250 and 255 illustrated in FIG.
9 are shown as form assemblies 245, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and
describes supra, inner and outer forms 250 and 255 may be any
combination of variations of form 100 and variations of form
assemblies 160A, 160B, 200, 230 and 245 as variously illustrated in
FIGS. I through 8 and described supra. Inner form 255 may be
entirely missing or may be a conventional form, such as a wooden or
non-draining plastic form. A foundation wall 275 is formed on a top
surface 285 of footing 260 and a floor 280 is formed over a top
surface 285 of footing 260 and contacts an inner surface 290 of
foundation wall 275. Outer gravel fill 295A is placed under floor
280 and inner gravel fill 295B over outer form 250. Backfill 300 is
placed against a lower portion of an outer surface 305 of
foundation wall 275 and covers outer gravel fill 295B. In one
example, footing 260, foundation wall 275 and floor 280 are
concrete.
[0047] FIG. 10 is top view of a simplified foundation form
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
10, a foundation form 310 includes a continuous inner form 315 and
a continuous outer form 320 defining a footing space 325. Inner
form 315 includes first and second sections 330A and 330B joined at
joints 335A and 335B. Outer form 320 includes first, second and
third sections 340A, 340B and 340C joined at joints 345A, 345B and
345C. Forms 335A, 335B, 340A, 340B and 340C may be any combination
of variations of form 100 and variations of form assemblies 160A,
160B, 200, 230 and 245 as variously illustrated in FIGS. 1 20
through 8 and described supra. Back walls 110 of forms 335A, 335B,
340A, 340B and 340C face footing space 325. Inner form 315 bends
around corners 350A, 350B, 350C and 350D with joints 335A and 335B
away from corners 350A, 350B, 350C and 350D and outer form 320
bends around corners 355A, 355B, 355C and 350D with joints 345A,
345B and 340C away from corners 355A, 355B, 355C and 350D.
[0048] Optional flexible pipe connectors 360 connect inner form 315
to outer form 320 allowing water accumulating in an inner space 365
to be conveyed to the outer form and thence away from the outer
form by any one of drainage means known in the art. Punch outs in
back walls 110 may be provided for this purpose. Optionally, inner
form 320 may be a conventional form of wood or non-draining plastic
and connectors 360 would be eliminated.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a partial side view illustrating an exemplary
interconnection of forms according to the first embodiment of
present invention. In FIG. 11, form 350A and 350B are illustrated
where they join at joint 335A. Forms 350A and 350B are joined by
insertion of inserts 370 into respective and corresponding flow
channels 145 of the forms. This interconnection method is typical
of all other joints in foundation form 310.
[0050] FIG. 12A is a top view of a first alternative connector for
joining forms according to the first embodiment of present
invention and FIG. 12B is a cross-section view through section
12B-12B of FIG. 12A. In FIG. 12A, an insert 370A has the form of a
hollow bar having sidewalls 375. In FIG. 12B, sidewalls 375 define
a channel 380 in insert 370A. When inserted into a form, channel
380 communicates with flow channels 145 (see FIG. 11) in the
form.
[0051] FIG. 13A is a top view of a second alternative connector for
joining forms according to the first embodiment of present
invention and FIG. 13B is a cross-section view through section
13B-13B of FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13A, an insert 370B has the form of a
solid bar having slots 385 formed in outer surfaces 390 of the
insert. When inserted into a form, slots 385 communicate with flow
channels 145 (see FIG. 11) in the form.
[0052] FIG. 14 is an isometric view illustrating setup of a pouring
form utilizing the first embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 14, Form 400 includes a first(and outer) form 405 staked into
place using stakes 410 placed against front wall 105 (not shown,
see FIG. 1) of the first form and a second (and inner) form 415 is
staked into place using stakes 410 placed against front wall 105 of
the second form. First and second forms are spaced apart and
mutually support each other via form spacers 420 attached to upper
walls 115 of the forms. The spacers 420 may be any rigid or
flexible material. For example, spacer 420 may be a flexible strap,
such as nylon, have adhesive thereon or a rigid member such as
metal bar or Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) which may be attached by
interlocking, gluing, clipping or the like. The back wall 110 of
form 405 and the back wall 110 (not shown, see FIG. 1) of form 415
face each other and concrete will be poured into the space between
these back walls. Visible in FIG. 14 are perforations 150 in front
wall 105 of second form 415. First form 405 bends around an outer
corner 425 and second form 415 bends around an inner corner
430.
[0053] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a foundation form according
to second embodiment the present invention. In FIG. 15, form 500
includes a panel 505 slidably engaged with a corrugated pipe
section 510. Panel 505 and corrugated pipe section 510 extend in a
longitudinal direction defined by a horizontal axis 515. A vertical
axis 520 is orthogonal to horizontal axis 515. The height of form
500 is in the direction defined by vertical axis 520 and the length
of form 500 is in the direction defined by horizontal axis 515.
Corrugated pipe section 510 is a longitudinal section of a whole
corrugated pipe with formed edges 530. More informally, corrugated
pipe section 510 may be thought of as similar to one part of a
whole corrugated pipe sliced lengthwise. Panel 505 engages channels
525 formed in edges 530 of corrugated pipe section 510. Channels
525 extend the length of corrugated pipe section 510. Panel 505 and
corrugated pipe section 510 define a single flow channel 535.
[0054] A set of perforations 540 in the form of slits or narrow
slots is formed in corrugated pipe section 510. Perforations 540
are formed parallel to vertical axis 520. Holes 545 formed in
corrugated pipe section 510 allow stakes 550 to be easily inserted
through form 500 to fasten the form in place on the ground.
[0055] In one example, panel 505 and corrugated pipe section 510
are formed of extruded plastic such as PE, PP, PVC, ABS or other
suitable plastics or of extruded structural foam. Panel 505 and
corrugated pipe section 510 may or may not be formed of the same
material. Multiple units of form 500 may be assembled together by
overlapping corrugated pipe sections 510. Panels 505 may also be
slid so the panel associated with a given form 500 may engage
channels 525 of an abutting form. Adjoining sections 510 and panels
510 may be attached by any manner such as clipped, slidably engaged
(such as press-fitted), welded, glued, riveted, interlocked or the
like.
[0056] FIGS. 16A through 16C are cross-sectional end views of a
alternative form assemblies according to the second embodiment the
present invention. FIG. 16A is a cross-section of through vertical
axis 520 of FIG. 16A and illustrates form 500 of FIG. 15.
[0057] In FIG. 16B, a form assembly 500A includes a corrugated pipe
section 510A and a panel 505A. Out-turned lip 555 is formed on each
edge 530A of corrugated pipe section 510A. Panel 505A includes
extensions 560 adapted to engage lips 555 of corrugated pipe
section 505A.
[0058] In FIG. 16C, a form assembly 500B includes a corrugated pipe
section 510B and a panel 505B. Corrugated pipe section 510B
includes "T" shaped edges 565. Panel 505B includes opposite facing
pairs of extensions 570 adapted to engage each "T" shape edge 565
of corrugated pipe section 505B.
[0059] FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of a subterranean
structure illustrating the use of the second embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 17, an outer form 575 and an optional
inner form 580 surround a footing 260. Panel 505 of outer form 575
contacts an outer surface 265 of the footing and panel 505 of inner
form 580 contacts an inner surface 270 of the footing. While inner
and outer forms 575 and 580 illustrated in FIG. 10 are shown as
form assemblies 500, as illustrated in FIG. 15 and describes supra,
inner and outer forms 575 and 580 may be any combination of
variations of form 500, 500A and 500B as variously illustrated in
FIGS. 15 through 16C and described supra. Inner form 580 may be
entirely missing or may be a conventional form, such as a wooden or
non-draining plastic form. A foundation wall 275 is formed on a top
surface 285 of footing 260 and a floor 280 is formed over a top
surface 285 of footing 260 and contacts an inner surface 290 of
foundation wall 275. Outer gravel fill 295A is placed under floor
280 and inner gravel fill 295B over outer form 575. Backfill 300 is
placed against a lower portion of an outer surface 305 of
foundation wall 275 and covers outer gravel fill 295B. In one
example, footing 260, foundation wall 275 and floor 280 are
concrete.
[0060] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating fabrication of
the form of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
18A, an extrusion 600 is being extruded through a die 605 attached
to an extrusion machine (not shown). Formed in extrusion 600 are
front wall 105 (facing the viewer in FIG. 18A), a back wall 110
(not shown, see FIG. 18B), a top edge 115, a bottom edge 120, webs
140 and flow channels 145. After the extrusion process, extrusion
600 is cut to a predetermined length by convention cutting means.
In FIG. 18B, perforations 150 are formed through front wall 105,
top wall 115 (not shown, see FIG. 18A) and bottom wall 120 by
cutting device 610. If perforations 150 are slits, cutting device
610 is a knife, which may be optionally heated. If perforations 150
are slots, cutting device 610 is a saw. If perforations 150 are
shaped grooves, cutting device 610 is a milling cutter.
[0061] It should be understood that combinations of all variations
of the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be
used in combination with each out, with conventional form systems
and with conventional drain systems.
[0062] The description of the embodiments of the present invention
is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It
will be understood that the invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various
modifications, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become
apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the
following claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *