Form Tie System

A form tie system for efficiently and securely tying together panels of a wall form with an elongated member. The form tie system generally includes a first holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel and a second holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a second panel of a wall form. Each holder includes a grip such as a strand chuck which is adapted to securely retain an elongated member that extends from the first holder to the second holder to tie the panels of the wall form together. One of the holders may comprise an adjustable holder including an adjustable nut utilized to bear against the strand chuck to increase tension in the elongated member. After formation of the wall, the elongated member may be cut and the holders released prior to removing the wall forms from around the completed wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a form tie system for efficiently and securely tying together panels of a wall form with an elongated member.

Related Art

Wall forms have been in use for many years in constructing concrete walls such as a poured-in-place vertical concrete wall. Wall forms are generally constructed with a plurality of panels which define a gap into which concrete may be poured to cure into the wall.

In the past, wall forms include multiple panels which are positioned upright in spaced-apart relationship to define the gap in which the wall is formed. As the panels of the wall form are generally not directly connected to each other, it is often desirable to tie the panels together such that they retain their positioning and orientation relative to each other during all phases of the concrete wall construction and formation.

Previously, ties such as snap-ties or taper-ties have been utilized for such a purpose; with the ties being broken off after the wall has been completed. While such previous types of ties have been useful in the past, they are often difficult to use, costly to purchase, and can leave a visible protrusion or hole in the face of the finished cast wall.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a form tie system. The form tie system includes a first holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel of a wall form and a second holder which is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a second panel of a wall form. Each holder may include a grip such as a strand chuck which is adapted to securely retain an elongated member such as a wire rope that extends from the first holder to the second holder to tie the panels of the wall form together. One of the holders may comprise an adjustable holder including an adjustable nut utilized to bear against the strand chuck to increase tension in the elongated member. After formation of the wall, the elongated member may be cut and the holders released prior to removing the wall forms from around the completed wall.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the form tie system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the form tie system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the form tie system in detail, it is to be understood that the form tie system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The form tie system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example form tie system10generally comprises a first holder20for receiving and retaining an elongated member14extending through a wall form60. The first holder20may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a first panel61of the wall form60. A second holder40is adapted for receiving and retaining the elongated member14extending through the wall form60. The second holder40may be positioned adjacent to a second panel65of the wall form60. The first holder20may be adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member14within the first holder20. The second holder40may be adapted to selectively the elongated member14within the second holder40. In some embodiments, the first holder20may be adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member14. The first holder20, the second holder40, and the elongated member14may be operable to support the first panel61and the second panel65of the wall form in a desired position and orientation as concrete19is poured and allowed to cure to form a wall13structure.

The first holder20may comprise a first grip30; with the first grip30being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member14within the first holder20. The second holder40may comprise a second grip50for gripping the elongated member14within the second holder40; the second grip50being adapted to selectively clamp the elongated member14within the second holder40. In some embodiments, the first grip30may be adapted to selectively release the elongated member14within the first holder20and the second grip50may be adapted to selectively release the elongated member14within the second holder40.

The first holder20may comprise a shaft24; with the first grip30being connected to the shaft24. The first holder20may also comprise an adjustable nut27which is movably connected to the shaft24. The adjustable nut27may be adapted to selectively bear against the first holder20so as to increase tension in the elongated member14. The shaft24may comprise a threaded shaft including a channel23extending through the shaft24; with the channel23being adapted to receive the elongated member14. The first holder20may also comprise a plate washer25which is adapted to be secured against the first panel61of the wall form60.

The first grip30may comprise a first chuck32comprising first adjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongated member14within the first holder20. The second grip50may comprise a second chuck52comprising second adjustable jaws for selectively clamping the elongated member14within the second holder40. The first grip30may comprise a first cap33and the second grip50may comprise a second cap53; with the first cap33being adapted to selectively open or close the first adjustable jaws and the second cap53being adapted to selectively open or close the second adjustable jaws.

The second holder40may comprise a plate washer44adapted to contact the second panel65of the wall form60. In some embodiments, the plate washer44may comprise a slanted face, while in other embodiments, the plate washer44may comprise a straight face.

Another exemplary embodiment may comprise a wall form60including a first panel61and a second panel65; with the first panel61being distally spaced with respect to the first panel61so as to form a gap69between the first panel61and the second panel65. The gap69may be adapted to receive a volume of concrete19, such as from a boom18, to form a wall13. A elongated member14may be connected between the first and second panels61,65; with the elongated member14being adapted to tie the first panel61to the second panel65.

A first holder20for receiving and retaining a first end of the elongated member14may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the first panel61of the wall form60. A second holder40for receiving and retaining a second end of the elongated member14may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the second panel65of the wall form60. The first holder20may comprise a first grip30for gripping the elongated member14within the first holder20; with the first grip30being adapted to selectively clamp or release the elongated member14within the first holder20. The second holder40may comprise a second grip50for gripping the elongated member14within the second holder40; with the second grip50being adapted to selectively clamp or release the elongated member14within the second holder40.

The first panel61may comprise a first vertical support63; with the first holder20being adapted to be positioned adjacent to the first vertical support62with the elongated member14extending through the first vertical support63. The second panel65may comprise a second vertical support67; with the second holder40being adapted to be positioned adjacent to the second vertical support67with the elongated member14extending through the second vertical support67.

The first grip30may be adjustable so as to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member14. The first grip30may be comprised of a first chuck32and the second grip50may be comprised of a second chuck52. The first holder20may comprise a threaded shaft24including a first end and a second end; with the first grip30being connected to the first end of the threaded shaft24and a plate washer25being connected to the second end of the threaded shaft24. The plate washer25may be adapted to be positioned against the first panel61. A channel29may extend through the threaded shaft24.

The second holder40may comprise an outer plate washer44and an inner plate washer45; with the outer plate washer44being adapted to be positioned against the second panel65. The second grip50may be connected to the inner plate washer45. The outer plate washer44may comprise a slanted face for embodiments in which the second panel65is oriented diagonally.

Also disclosed is a method of connecting a first panel61to a second panel65in a wall form60, including the step of creating a wall form60by positioning the first panel61and the second panel65in a spaced-apart relationship so as to form a gap68between the first panel61and the second panel65. The method may also include the step of inserting an elongated member14through the first panel61, the gap69, and the second panel65. The method may also include the steps of positioning a first holder20adjacent to the first panel61of the wall form60and a second holder40adjacent to the second panel65of the wall form60.

The method may also include the step of securing the elongated member14with a first holder20; the first holder20comprising a first grip30for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member14. The method may also include the step of securing the elongated member14with a second holder40; the second holder40comprising a second grip50for selectively clamping or releasing the elongated member14. The method may also include the step of adjusting the first holder20to increase or decrease tension in the elongated member14.

Any type of elongated member14comprising any number of materials may be utilized so long as the elongated member14has sufficient strength to support the panels61,65of the wall form60upright without warping, stretching, or breaking. The length and diameter of the elongated member14may also vary in different embodiments to suit different applications. In some embodiments, the elongated member14may comprise a metallic rod, a rope, or any other elongated structure capable of supporting the panels61,65of the wall form60upright with use of the holders20,40. By way of example, the elongated member14may comprise wire ropes or steel strands, such as an ASTM A416, seven-wire, low-relaxation pre-stressed steel strand. The elongated member14may be flexible, bendable or rigid.

As best shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, a first holder20may be utilized to retain the elongated member14. The position on the elongated member14to which the first holder20is secured may vary. For example, the first holder20could be secured to the first end of the elongated member14, to a point near the first end of the elongated member14, or to any other portion of the elongated member14which extends through the first panel61.

The configuration of the first holder20may vary in different embodiments. The first holder20could comprise a knot, a bracket, a clamp, a block, an anchor, or any other structure adapted for holding the elongated member14while being retained against the first panel61of the wall form60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures herein should not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of first holder20utilized.

The first holder20may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wall form60, such as the first panel61of a wall form60as shown inFIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the first holder20may be positioned adjacent to either the first panel61or the second panel65of the wall form60, and thus should not be construed as limited in scope by the exemplary figures.

As shown inFIG. 7, the first holder20may comprise a first end21and a second end22. The first end21of the first holder20may be positioned and secured against the first panel61of the wall form60. The second end22of the first holder20may comprise a first grip30through which the elongated member14may extend such as shown inFIG. 6A. A channel23may extend through the first holder20; with the elongated member14extending through the channel23and being secured therein by a first grip30.

As best shown inFIG. 14, the first holder20in an exemplary embodiment may comprise a plate washer25, an anchor nut26, an adjustable nut27, and a first grip30. The plate washer25is adapted to be positioned and secured against the wall form60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the plate washer25is shown as comprising a rectangular plate having a central opening.

It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of the plate washer25may vary in different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In some embodiments, the plate washer25may comprise a circular configuration, or any other shape, so as long as it is adapted to be secured against the wall form60.

As shown inFIG. 6A, an anchor nut26may be connected to the plate washer25. The anchor nut26may be removably connected or fixedly connected to the plate washer25. In some embodiments, the anchor nut26may be integral with the plate washer25. The manner in which the plate washer25and anchor nut26are interconnected may thus vary in different embodiments to suit different application. The anchor nut26is generally not movable with respect to the plate washer25. The anchor nut26may include a threaded opening which is adapted to receive a shaft24as described herein.

The shaft24may comprise a threaded, elongated member which may be connected to the anchor nut26. The shaft24may be fixedly or removably connected to the anchor nut26. In some embodiments, the shaft24is threaded so as to removably engage within the anchor nut26. The channel23of the first holder20may extend through the shaft24such that the elongated member14may be removably extended through the shaft24as shown and described herein.

As shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, an adjustable nut27may be movably connected to the shaft24. The adjustable nut27may include a threaded opening which is adapted to engage with the threading on the exterior of the shaft24. The adjustable nut27may be rotated a first direction to move the adjustable nut27along the shaft24toward the anchor nut26. The adjustable nut27may be rotated in a second direction to move the adjustable nut27along the shaft24away from the anchor nut26and toward the first grip30. Such movement of the adjustable nut27along the shaft24is shown inFIGS. 6B and 6C.

As best shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the first grip30is adapted to selectively clamp or release an elongated member14extending through the first holder20. The first grip30may comprise a wide range of configurations, such as a simple clamping structure. In an embodiment shown in the figures, the first grip30may comprise a strand chuck, such as a SURE LOCK strand chuck as is known in the art. An exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the first grip30is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,396, covering a “Strand Chuck”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Another exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the first grip30is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,904, covering “Strand Chucks”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. As best shown inFIGS. 14, the first grip30may comprise a housing31having a wedge-shaped opening in which a chuck32may be movably positioned. The chuck32may comprise adjustable jaws which are adapted to close around the elongated member14to clamp and secure the elongated member14within the first holder20. Conversely, the adjustable jaws of the chuck32are adapted to expand so as to either receive an elongated member14to be secured therein, or to release an elongated member14that was already secured therein.

As shown inFIG. 14, the first grip30may comprise a cap33which is threaded along its outer circumference so as to engage with a cap connector34of the housing31of the first grip30. The cap33may be partially removed from the housing31, which will disengage the adjustable jaws of the chuck32to release an elongated member14or allow an elongated member14to be inserted therein. The cap33may be inserted into the housing31to engage the adjustable jaws of the chuck32to clamp around an elongated member14.

As shown inFIG. 14, the first grip30may include a bias member35which will exert outward pressure on the cap33to ease release of the cap33. When the cap33is pushed it, it will advance the chuck32through the wedge-shaped opening of the housing31to close the adjustable jaws and clamp around the elongated member14. When the cap33is pushed out, the chuck32will retract along the wedge-shaped opening of the housing31to open the adjustable jaws and release the elongated member14.

As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the preceding exemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merely illustrate one exemplary type of first grip30for use with the systems and methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and the like may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member14within the first holder20. Thus, the scope of the first grip30should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figures herein.

As shown inFIGS. 6B and 6C, the adjustable nut27may be utilized to increase tension in the elongated member14once the elongated member14is secured within the first holder20by the first grip30. By advancing the adjustable nut27toward the first grip30, the adjustable nut27may bear against the housing31of the first grip30and thus increase tension in the elongated member14secured therein. Conversely, advancing the adjustable nut27away from the first grip30may release or reduce tension in the elongated member14.

C. Fixed Holder

As best shown inFIG. 10, a second holder40may be utilized to secure the elongated member14. The second holder40may be adapted to be positioned adjacent to a wall form60, such as the second panel65of a wall form60as shown inFIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the second holder40may be positioned adjacent to either the first panel61or the second panel65of the wall form60, and thus should not be construed as limited in scope by the exemplary figures.

The position on the elongated member14to which the second holder40is secured may vary. For example, the second holder40could be secured to the second end of the elongated member14, to a point near the second end of the elongated member14, or to any other portion of the elongated member14which extends through the second panel65.

The configuration of the second holder40may vary in different embodiments. The second holder40could comprise a knot, a bracket, an anchor, a clamp, a block, or any other structure adapted for holding the elongated member14while being retained against the second panel65of the wall form60. Thus, the exemplary descriptions and figures herein should not be construed as limiting with respect to the type of second holder40utilized.

As shown inFIG. 7, the second holder40may comprise a first end41and a second end42. The first end41of the second holder40may be positioned and secured against the second panel65of the wall form60. The second end42of the second holder40may comprise a second grip50through which the elongated member14may extend such as shown inFIG. 8. A channel43may extend through the second holder40; with the elongated member14extending through the channel43and being secured therein by a second grip50.

As shown inFIG. 11, the second holder40may include one or more plate washers44,45. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 11, the second holder40is illustrated as comprising an outer plate washer44and an inner plate washer45. The outer plate washer44is adapted to be positioned and secured against the wall form60. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, both plate washers44,45are shown as comprising a rectangular plate having a central opening.

It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and configuration of the plate washers44,45may vary in different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In some embodiments, the plate washers44,45may comprise a circular configuration, or any other shape, so as long as it is adapted to be secured against the wall form60.

The inner plate washer45may be secured against the second grip50such as shown inFIG. 10. The inner plate washer45will generally comprise a substantially vertical face which may be utilized to form a vertical wall13. If it is desired to create a wall13with a slant, such as when constructing a tapered wall13, the outer plate washer44may comprise a slanted or diagonal face. The outer plate washer44may be removably connected to the inner plate washer45such that the outer plate washer44may be secured thereto for construction of a wall13with a slanted angle, and removed therefrom for construction of a wall13with a vertical angle. In some embodiments, only a single plate washer44may be utilized.

As best shown inFIG. 10, the second grip50is adapted to selectively clamp or release an elongated member14extending through the second holder40. The second grip50may comprise a wide range of configurations, such as a simple clamping structure.

In an embodiment shown in the figures, the second grip50may comprise a strand chuck, such as a SURE LOCK strand chuck as is known in the art. An exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip50is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,396, covering a “Strand Chuck”, which has previously been incorporated by reference. Another exemplary strand chuck which may be utilized for the second grip50is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,163,904, covering “Strand Chucks”, which has also previously been incorporated by reference.

As best shown inFIG. 11, the second grip50may comprise a housing51having a wedge-shaped opening in which a chuck52may be movably positioned. The chuck52may comprise adjustable jaws which are adapted to close around the elongated member14to clamp and secure the elongated member14within the second holder40. Conversely, the adjustable jaws of the chuck52are adapted to expand so as to either receive an elongated member14to be secured therein, or to release an elongated member14that was already secured therein.

As shown inFIG. 11, the second grip50may comprise a cap53which is threaded along its outer circumference so as to engage with a cap connector54of the housing51of the second grip50. The cap53may be partially removed from the housing51, which will disengage the adjustable jaws of the chuck52to release an elongated member14or allow an elongated member14to be inserted therein. The cap53may be inserted into the housing51to engage the adjustable jaws of the chuck52to clamp around an elongated member14.

As shown inFIGS. 11, the second grip50may include a bias member55which will exert outward pressure on the cap53to ease release of the cap53. When the cap53is pushed it, it will advance the chuck52through the wedge-shaped opening of the housing51to close the adjustable jaws and clamp around the elongated member14. When the cap53is pushed out, the chuck52will retract along the wedge-shaped opening of the housing51to open the adjustable jaws and release the elongated member14.

As should be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the preceding exemplary descriptions and accompanying exemplary figures merely illustrate one exemplary type of second grip50for use with the systems and methods described herein. A wide range of gripping devices and the like may be utilized to selectively secure the elongated member14within the second holder40. Thus, the scope of the second grip50should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figures herein.

D. Wall Form

It should be appreciated that the systems and methods described herein may be utilized with a wide range of wall forms60.FIGS. 1-4 and 9illustrate an exemplary wall form60comprising a first panel61and a second panel65which are positioned in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other to define a gap69between the first panel61and the second panel65. The gap69is adapted to receive a curing substance such as concrete19which will be allowed to cure to form the wall13. Side panels16may be installed to close off the gap69such as shown inFIG. 3.

It should be appreciated that any type of wall form60may benefit from the form tie system10described herein. The form tie system10aids in retaining the wall form60in position during formation of the wall13by preventing unwanted movement of either of the panels61,65of the wall form60; particularly during the pouring and curing of concrete19. By tying the panels61,65together using the systems and methods described herein, the structural integrity, positioning, and orientation of the wall form60may be retained during all phases of wall13formation.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, an exemplary first panel61may comprise a plurality of first horizontal supports62such as wales. These first horizontal supports62provide structural stability and integrity of the wall form60. A first vertical support63such as a strongback extends perpendicularly with respect to the first horizontal supports62; with the elongated member14extending through the first vertical support63such as shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 1, an exemplary second panel65may comprise a plurality of second horizontal supports66such as wales. These second horizontal supports65similarly provide structural stability and integrity of the wall form60. A second vertical support67such as a strongback extends perpendicularly with respect to the second horizontal supports67; with the elongated member14extending through the second vertical support67such as shown inFIG. 1.

The preceding descriptions and accompanying figures are merely exemplary embodiments of wall forms60. Any type of wall form60, including different types of panels61,65, may be utilized with the form tie system10described herein. In some embodiments, the wall form60may not include horizontal supports62,66and/or vertical supports63,67, as they are not required for operation of the form tie system10. By way of example, any of the wall forms60shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/722,417, covering a “Concrete Forming System”, may be utilized. The Ser. No. 15/722,417 application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the wall form60is first created by positioning the first panel61at a first location and the second panel65in a second location such as shown inFIG. 1. The first panel61will be spaced-apart with respect to the second panel65so as to define a gap69between the first panel61and the second panel65. The positioning and orientation of the panels61,65may vary depending on the type of wall13being built.

For example, for a conventional flat-faced wall13, both the first and second panels61,65will be positioned vertically at a distance from each other equal to the desired depth of the wall13. If it is desired that the wall13be tapered, one or both of the panels61,65may be diagonally-oriented such that one or both of the faces of the wall13will be slanted. Any other orientation may be utilized depending upon the type of wall13being built and the needs of the user.

Once the wall form60has been created by positioning the panels61,65, the form tie system10may be utilized to ensure that the panels61,65retain their positioning and orientation throughout the formation of the wall13. One or more elongated members14may be inserted to pass through the first panel61, the gap69, and the second panel65of each form60. In the figures, the elongated members14are passed through the vertical supports62,66of the respective panels61,65; though other configurations may be utilized in different embodiments.

The number of elongated members14utilized will vary depending on the wall form60being used, as well as the type of wall13being constructed. Thus, the number of elongated members14utilized in the exemplary figures should not be construed as limiting in scope. Additionally, although the figures illustrate that the elongated members14are arranged in columns; various other orientations could be utilized. The elongated members14need not necessarily be oriented in the linear manner shown in the exemplary figures.

With the elongated members14inserted through the wall form60, the holders20,40may be installed so as to secure the elongated members14in their positions and tie together the wall form60. As shown inFIG. 2, a position near the first end of each elongated member14may be secured by a first holder20and a position near the second end of each elongated member14may be secured by a second holder40.

The elongated member14may secured by a first holder20after it passes through the first panel61. The first end of each elongated member14is inserted through the first end21of the first holder20until it exits through the second end22of the first holder20. More specifically, the first end of each elongated member14is inserted through the channel29of the first holder20as shown inFIG. 7. The elongated member14will pass through the plate washer25, anchor nut26, shaft24, adjustable nut27, and first grip30. The plate washer25is secured firmly against the first panel61.

Once the elongated member14has been inserted through the first holder20, the first grip30may be activated to secure the elongated member14within the first holder20. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first grip30may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap33, which will force the chuck32forward within the housing31to close the adjustable jaws of the chuck32around the elongated member14. In this manner, the first grip30will clamp and secure the elongated member14within the first holder20.

The elongated member14may be secured by a second holder40after it passes through the second panel65. The second end of each elongated member14is inserted through the first end41of the second holder40until it exits through the second end42of the second holder40. More specifically, the second end of each elongated member14is inserted through the second grip50, and plate washers44,45through the channel43of the second holder40as shown inFIG. 10. The outer plate washer44is secured firmly against the second panel65.

Once the elongated member14has been inserted through the second holder40, the second grip50may be activated to secure the elongated member14within the second holder40. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second grip50may be activated by pushing in and locking the cap53, which will force the chuck52forward within the housing51to close the adjustable jaws of the chuck52around the elongated member14. In this manner, the second grip50will clamp and secure the elongated member14within the second holder40.

With the elongated member14being secured by the holders20,40, the tension in the elongated member14may be adjusted if desired. Tension may be applied to the elongated member14by adjusting the adjustable nut27of the first holder20such that the adjustable nut27bears against the first grip30. The adjustable nut27may be rotated to advance along the shaft24until it contacts the first grip30, and then adjusted further to apply force to the first grip30and thus increase tension in the elongated member14.

FIG. 2illustrates a wall form60with elongated members14that have been secured on both ends by holders20,40and have been tensioned by the adjustable nut27of each first holder20. As can be seen, the panels61,65are now tied together by the elongated members14, which are held in place by the holders20,40on either end of each elongated member14. Each elongated member14may be tensions by each first holder20using the adjustable nut27as described above. The form60is now ready for use.

FIG. 3illustrates a pair of side panels16that have been installed on either side of the first and second panels61,65to close off the gap69. A boom19is positioned above the gap69such that concrete19may be poured into the gap69and allowed to cure. As the concrete19is poured into the gap69, the form60will hold its position due to the elongated members14and holders20,40tying the panels61,65of the form60together. The concrete19may then be allowed to cure to form the wall13.

Once the concrete19has been cured to form the wall13, the wall form60may be removed. Each of the holders20,40may be cut away from the panels61,65by a cutting tool12(such as a saw blade or the like) that cuts through the elongated member14between the holders20,40and the panels61,65. Once the elongated member14has been cut, each holder20,40may be pulled away from the panels61,65. The grips30,50may be deactivated so as to release the cut-off portions of each elongated member14, and the holders20,40will be ready for further use on a new form60.FIG. 5illustrates a completed wall13; with the remaining elongated member14being embedded into the finished concrete19.