Patent Publication Number: US-2021164189-A1

Title: Cement form with breakaway portion

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/034,902, filed on 13 Jul. 2018, and entitled CEMENT FORM WITH BREAKAWAY PORTION, pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/136,795, filed on 22 Apr. 2016, and entitled CEMENT FORM WITH BREAKAWAY PORTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,024,024, issued on 17 Jul. 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/698,674, filed on 28 Apr. 2015, and entitled CEMENT FORM APPARATUS AND METHOD, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,024,023, issued on 3 Nov. 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein, in their entireties, by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to cement forms used to create cement structures such as building foundations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditionally, cement forms are held in place with an arrangement of metal stakes, kickers and other supporting structure. The traditional methods for forming a monolithic building foundation are particularly time intensive to set up and take down after the cement monolithic foundation is poured. After the form is removed, dirt is backfilled around the foundation to provide support and soil grading. In certain cold climates, foam insulation sheets are positioned against the sidewall of the foundation and extending laterally from the sidewall after the form is removed and before dirt is backfilled around the foundation. The foam insulation provide a desired R value that helps hold in heat from the building within the foundation, thereby providing protection again extreme expansion and contraction of the foundation resulting from outside temperature changes. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cement form includes a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement, a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface, and at least one of a foam material and a polymer material. 
     The cement form may have a wedge-shaped cross-section. The cement form may have a triangular cross-section shape. The cement form may further include a weight bearing surface facing at least in part in a vertical direction. The cement form may include a connector groove extending along at least a portion of a length of the cement form. The connector groove may be configured to receive a connecting member that extends between adjacent positioned cement forms. The cement form may include at least one aperture sized to receive a support stake extending through the cement form. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure related to a cement form that includes an elongate member having a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape and is formed from a foam material. The elongate member may include a connector groove sized to receive a connecting member that spans between adjacent positioned cement forms. The elongate member may be configured to receive a support stake through the foam material to connect the cement form to a ground surface without pre-forming a pass-through bore in the elongate member sized to receive the support stake. The cement form may be configured to be at least partially covered with backfill dirt prior to forming a cement structure using the cement form. The elongate member may include a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement, and a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface. The foam material may include at least one of expanded polyethylene and high density foam. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cement form assembly that includes at least two cement forms each comprising at least one of a foam material and a polymer material, and each having at least one connector groove formed therein. The cement form assembly also includes at least one connecting member positioned in the connector grooves and spanning between the at least two cement forms to interconnect the at least two cement forms, and a plurality of support stakes extending through the at least two cement forms and into a ground support. 
     The at least two cement forms may each have a wedge-shaped cross-section. The cement form assembly may also include an inner insert configured to be spaced inward from the at least two cement forms and arranged to be positioned under a cement structure formed using the cement form. The at least two cement forms each include at least one pass-through bore sized to receive one of the plurality of support stakes. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of forming a monolithic foundation. The method includes providing a plurality of cement forms each comprising a foam material, staking the plurality of cement forms to a ground surface, interconnecting at least some of the plurality of cement forms, covering at least a portion of the plurality of cement forms with backfill dirt, thereafter, pouring cement into contact with the plurality of cement forms to form a monolithic foundation, and leaving the plurality of cement forms covered and in contact with the monolithic foundation after the cement cures to provide insulation for the monolithic foundation. 
     Staking the plurality of cement forms may include driving a stake through the foam material, and driving the stake through the foam material concurrently forms a pass-through aperture through the foam material. Interconnecting the plurality of cement forms may include removably inserting a connecting member into connector grooves of adjacent positioned cement forms. The method may include removing the connecting member from the connector grooves after the cement is cured. The method may include inserting a foam strip into the connector grooves after removing the connecting member. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a cement form that includes a unitary body portion. The unitary body portion includes a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement, a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface, a foam material, and a detachable portion. 
     The cement form may have a triangular cross-section shape. The cement form may include a weight bearing surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the weight bearing surface faces at least in part in a vertical direction and is arranged at an angle in the range of about 20° to about 60° relative to the second surface. The cement form may include a connector groove formed in the weight bearing surface and extending along at least a portion of a length of the body portion, wherein the connector groove is configured to receive a connecting member that extends between adjacent positioned cement forms. The detachable portion may be positioned adjacent to the connector groove. The body portion may be free of pre-formed holes for receiving support stakes. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cement form that includes an elongate member having a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape, a foam material, a detachable portion, and at least one relief cut to facilitate disconnection of the detachable portion. The detachable portion may include a tip portion or tip structure of the cement form. 
     The elongate member may include a connector groove sized to receive a connecting member that spans between adjacent positioned cement forms. The detachable tip portion may be positioned at an entry point into the connector groove. The at least one relief cut may include first and second relief cuts. The elongate member may include a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement, and a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface. The foam material may include at least one of expanded polyethylene and high density foam. An end of the elongate member may have a 45° shape relative to a length dimension of the elongate member. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cement form assembly that includes at least two cement forms, at least one connecting member, and a plurality of states. The cement forms each include a foam material, at least one connector groove, a detachable portion, and at least one relief cut configured to partially disconnect the detachable portion. The at least one connecting member is configured to span between adjacent positioned cement forms and extend into the at least one connector groove to interconnect the at least two cement forms. The plurality of support stakes extend through the at least two cement forms and into a ground support. 
     The at least two cement forms may each have a wedge-shaped cross-section along an entire length thereof. The cement form assembly may also include at least one inner insert configured to be spaced inward from the at least two cement forms and arranged to be positioned under a cement structure formed using the at least two cement forms. The at least one inner insert may have a wedge-shaped cross-section. The at least one relief cut may include first and second relief cuts, wherein one of the first and second relief cuts is formed within the at least one connector groove. Each cement form may include a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement of a building foundation, a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface, and a weight bearing surface extending from the first surface to the second surface. The at least one connector groove may be formed in the weight bearing surface. The cement form assembly may also include a foam strip configured to be inserted into the at least one connector groove after removing the at least one connecting member. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of embodiments of the present disclosure. The Figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cement form assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 1  with connecting members. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly of  FIG. 2  used to form a monolithic foundation. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 3  with connecting members removed and a structure supported on the foundation. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an another cement form in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another cement form in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another cement form in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cement form and inner insert in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  are end views of further cement form embodiments in accordance with present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  show steps of forming a cement form in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a pair of cement forms interconnected in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A-12E  are end views of inner insert embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is an end view of another cement form with a breakaway portion in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is an end view of another cement form with a breakaway portion in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a cement form assembly that includes the cement form shown in  FIG. 13  and the inner insert shown in  FIG. 8  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 15  with connecting members inserted. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly of  FIG. 16  in use to form a monolithic foundation. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 17  with connecting members removed and the breakaway portion removed. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 18  with additional backfill covering the cement form a structure supported on the foundation. 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of another cement form assembly with the cement form and inner insert have angled end portions in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the cement form assembly shown in  FIG. 20  with pairs of cement forms and inner inserts arranged at right angles relative to each other. 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  show a prior art cement form assembly. 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to cement forms used to form cement structures such as cement foundations. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful for forming monolithic foundations in which the footings and floor are poured as a single, monolithic structure. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure are also particularly useful for forming The disclosed cement forms, cement form assemblies, methods of making cement forms/cement form components, and methods of forming cement structures using the disclosed cement forms may be used in place of traditional wood/metal cement forms that are labor intensive to set up and must be removed after pouring the cement, and foam insulation sheets that are required in cold climates to be buried adjacent to the cement structure (e.g., cement foundation) to limit frost damage to the cement structure. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cement form that is comprised substantially of a foam material such as, for example, expanded polyethylene or high density foam (e.g., known as Blue Board). The foam cement form may be used to form a cement structure by containing the cement while being poured and cured. The cement form remains in contact with the cement structure to later provide an insulating function to insulate the cured cement. The foam cement form may be at least partially buried prior to pouring the cement. The backfill material used to at least partially bury the foam cement form may help hold the form in place while the cement is being poured and cured. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to cement forms formed from a polymer material such as, for example, polyethylene or other polymer. Various molding processes may be used to form the polymer cement form including, for example, blow molding, drape forming, injection molding, and the like. A polymer cement form may include additional intricate features such as support ribs, pass-through bores, grooves, internal cavities, and the like which may be more difficult to form in a foam cement form. Further, a polymer cement form in accordance with the present disclosure may be reusable for forming a plurality of cement structures, wherein the polymer cement form is removed from the cement structure after curing of the cement. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of forming a cement structure such as a monolithic foundation. Such methods may include use of a foam cement form or a polymer cement form in accordance with the present disclosure. Such methods may also include the use of an internal insert that is positioned under or internal the cement structure. The internal insert may comprise a foam material, a polymer material, or the like. Typically, the internal insert is provided to help minimize the amount of cement that is needed to create the cement structure. The cost and labor associated with using an internal insert is usually less than the extra amount of cement that may otherwise be required to create the cement structure. In at least some examples, the internal insert may provide an additional insulating property that increases the R value associated with protecting the cement structure from fluctuations in temperature. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of forming foam cement forms and polymer cement forms. Such methods may be implemented to provide cost-effective, efficient production of cement forms. The cement forms may be structured as part of such manufacturing methods to facilitate assembly, storage, and shipping that is more efficient and cost-effective than those available for existing cement forms. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cement form that includes a breakaway portion. The breakaway portion may be defined in part by one or more relief cuts formed in the cement form. The breakaway portion may include a pointed tip portion of the cement form. In at least one example, the detachable portion may be positioned adjacent to a connector groove of the cement form, wherein the connector groove is receptive of a connector that spans between adjacent positioned cement forms. The detachable portion may support the connector prior to and during formation of a cement structure that is formed using the cement form. After the cement structure has been formed, the detachable portion may be removed from the cement form, such as after removing the connector. Once the detachable portion is removed, the backfill dirt that at least partially covers the cement form may be further positioned to cover additional portions of the cement form. 
     Since the cement forms disclosed herein may have many different shapes and sizes, the detachable portion may itself have various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, one or a plurality of relief cuts may be provided in the cement form to assist in disconnecting the detachable portion. The shape, size and orientation of the relief cut may help facilitate disconnecting the detachable portion with relative low amounts of force and/or effort. 
     A yet further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an angled end face or portion of the cement form and/or inner insert. In one example, one or more ends of the cement form and/or inner insert are cut at a 45° angle. As such, a pair of cement forms and/or a pair of inner inserts may be arranged at 90° relative to each other with the 45° angled portions mating to provide a relatively continuous structure. In other examples, one or more ends of the cement form and/or inner insert may be cut at a different angle orientation, such as an angle in the range of about 30° to about 60° or other ranges of angles to permit mating of adjacent positioned cement forms and/or inserts at particular angles that are less than or greater than 90°. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , an example cement form assembly  10  is shown and described. The cement form assembly  10  includes a cement form  12  and an inner insert  14  (see  FIG. 1 ). The cement form  12  and inner insert  14  are particularly useful for forming a building foundation, such as a monolithic foundation. The cement form  12  is used to support an exterior wall of the foundation. The inner insert  14  is positioned spaced inward from the cement form  12  and at a location that defines an inner and bottom surface of the foundation. Each of cement form  12  and inner insert  14  have a wedge shaped cross-sectional shape in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . A vertical surface of the wedge shape defines a supporting surface that contains cement that is poured to form the foundation. A bottom, downward facing surface of each of the wedge shaped structures rests against a ground support and has sufficient width to maintain the cement form  12  and inner insert  14  in an upright position without the use of stakes, kickers, or other structures typically used in known cement form assemblies. The cement form  12  and inner insert  14  may be held in a specific position along the ground support using stakes that are driven through the cement form  12  and inner insert  14  and into the ground support, or driven into the ground support at a position directly adjacent to the cement form  12  and inner insert  14 . The support stakes are typically not needed to hold the cement form  12  and inner insert  14  in an upright position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22A and 22B , a traditional cement form assembly is shown. The traditional assembly includes a cement form  90  that is held in place along a ground support  20  with a plurality of form stakes  92 . A plurality of kickers  96  extend diagonally from the cement form  90  to hold the cement form  90  in a vertical, upright position. The kickers  96  are held in place with a plurality of kicker stakes  94 . The process of setting up the form assembly shown in  FIG. 22A  is extremely labor intensive because not only does the cement form  90  need to be held in an upright position, but also needs to be held in a fixed lateral and axial position along the ground support  20 . 
     The ground support  20  is pre-shaped to match the desired dimensions for a slab  26  and footings  28  of a foundation  24 . The increased depth required for the footings  28  requires a tapering of the ground support  20  from the area of the slab  26  to the area of the footings  28 . Because the ground support  20  comprises dirt, gravel, or other fill material that is generally loose, it is difficult to form the transition between the slab support area and foundation support area of the ground support  20  in a square shape represented by feature  25  in  FIG. 22B . The feature  25  shown in  FIG. 22B  represents the additional cement that is required to fill the transition space between the slab support portion and foundation support portions of the ground support  20 . This additional cement can be significant, particularly when forming large foundations. This additional cement is unnecessary from a structural perspective for the foundation, but is a required additional cost when using traditional methods to form monolithic foundations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22B , after the foundation  24  is poured and cured, the cement form  90 , stakes  92 ,  94  and kicker  96  are removed, and a pair of foam sheets  98 ,  100  are positioned resting against the exterior, lateral surface of the foundation  24  and against the ground support  20  adjacent to foundation  24 . The foam sheets  98 ,  100  provide insulation for foundation  24  and provide a certain R value. In at least some cases, the foam sheets  98 ,  100  help retain heat within the foundation  24  so that the heat does not immediately dissipate into backfill  22  that is later used to cover the foam sheets  98 ,  100  and grade the ground surface adjacent to foundation  24 . The backfill  22  may be in the form of dirt, gravel, or other fill material. The backfill  22  holds the foam sheets  98 ,  100  in their respective positions in contact with the lateral outside surface of foundation  24  and along the ground support  20  extending laterally outward from foundation  24 . 
     The traditional structures and methods of forming monolithic foundations and other cement structures as represented in  FIGS. 22A and 22B  have many disadvantages, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein, particularly with reference to  FIGS. 1-21  address many of the drawbacks associated with the traditional apparatuses and methods described with reference to  FIGS. 22A and 22B . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the cement form  12  includes first and second ends  30 ,  32 , a first surface  34 , a second surface  36 , and a weight bearing surface  38 . Cement form  12  may also include a top surface  40  and a connector groove  42 . Cement form  12  may optionally include a plurality of stake openings or apertures  44  positioned along a length L 1 . The stake openings  44  may be provided as pass-through bores that extend from the weight bearing surface  38  or top surface  40 , through the body of cement form  12  and out through second surface  36 . The cement form  12  may be referred to as an elongate body, a unitary body or unitary cement form, or a body portion. 
     The first surface  34  may be arranged generally vertical or aligned parallel with a vertical plane. First surface  34  may support a volume of concrete that is poured into a space between cement form  12  and inner insert  14 . First surface  34  may have any desired shape, size and orientation to provide the desired shape, size and orientation of a resulting surface of a cement structure supported by cement form  12 . First surface  34  is shown having a height H 1 . The height H 1  may be in the range of, for example, about 4 inches to about 60 inches, and more preferably in the range of about 12 inches to about 24 inches, which is common for standard monolithic foundations. First surface  34  may include a decorative pattern that results in a decorative pattern formed on the side surface of the cement structure (e.g., foundation). Such a decorative pattern may be visible in the event that cement form  12  is removed and the side surface of the cement structure is exposed for viewing. 
     Second surface  36  typically is oriented generally horizontally or aligned parallel with a horizontal plane. Second surface  36  rests upon a ground support  20 . Typically, the ground support  20  is generally planer or arranged in a horizontal plane at least in the area where the cement form  12  is positioned. Second surface  36  may have a width W 1  that is in the range of, for example, about 6 inches to about 48 inches and more particularly in the range of about 12 inches to about 24 inches. In at least some embodiments, the width W 1  is substantially equal to the height H 1  of first surface  34 . The width W 1  is typically equal to or greater than the height H 1  to provide balance and support for the cement structure being formed. However, the ratio between weight W 1  and height H 1  may vary based upon a variety of factors including, for example, materials used for cement form  12 , the amount of cement supported by cement form  12  and other structural features of cement form  12  such as, for example, the size and shape of connector groove  42 , an angle θ that defines an orientation of weight bearing surface  38 , the amount of backfill that is possible to cover weight bearing surface  38  prior to pouring the cement structure, and the like. 
     The weight bearing surface  38  is substantially planer and extends from an outermost edge of second surface  36  toward the first surface  34 . A plurality of stake openings  44  may be formed in the weight bearing surface  38 . In at least some examples, cement form  12  comprises a material that permits driving a stake through the cement form  12  without preforming a stake opening  44 . Driving a stake through the cement form  12  may concurrently form a stake opening. Such materials are commonly foam materials as described above, but may include other materials that can be punctured without cracking or otherwise failing structurally. The use of certain foam materials permits driving stakes through cement form  12  at any desired location along the weight bearing surface  38 , within connector groove  42 , or through top surface  40 . In some embodiments, stakes may be driven into ground support  20  at an outer edge of cement form  12  at the interface between second surface  36  and weight bearing surface  38  to prevent sliding of the cement form  12  in at least one direction along ground support  20 . Stakes may be temporarily driven into ground support  20  along an opposite edge of cement form  12  at the interface between first and second surfaces  34 ,  36  prior to pouring the cement structure. Such temporarily position stakes may remain in place while taking other steps related to setting up the cement form assembly  10  such as, for example, inserting connecting members into connector groove  42 , driving stakes through stake openings  44  or along the outer edge of cement form  12 , and/or at least partially covering weight bearing surface  38  with a backfill dirt or gravel material. 
     The connector groove  42  may be positioned along the weight bearing surface  38 . Connector groove  42  may be accessible along a top side of cement form  12 . Connector groove  42  may be open facing in a generally vertical or upward direction. In at least some examples, connector groove  42  is formed in top surface  40  rather than in weight bearing surface  38 , or a combination of the two. Connector groove  42  is shown having a maximum height H 3  and a width W 3 . In at least some examples, connector groove  42  is dimensioned to receive a standard board size such as a 2″×4″, 2″×6″ or 2″×8″ board. Such a board may be referred to as a connecting member  16  (see  FIGS. 2-3 ). The boards or connecting member  16  may be positioned within connector groove  42  and spanned between adjacent positioned cement forms  12  to provide an interconnection of adjacent position cement forms  12 . Connector groove  42  is sized, shaped and oriented on cement form  12  to provide easy insertion and removal of such connecting members at various stages of setting up cement form assembly  10  and creating a cement structure, such as a monolithic foundation. 
     Typically, connectors are inserted into connector groove  42  prior to pouring cement to form a cement structure, and are later removed after the cement cures so that the connecting members may be reused for other cement form assemblies. The connector groove  42  may have any desired shape and size to accommodate connecting members of different shapes and sizes. In one example, the connecting members are in the form of a sheet of material, a clip structure, a bracket, or the like. Connector groove  42  may be customized in its shape, size and orientation to accommodate such connecting members. In some embodiments, connector groove  42  may extend along the entire length L 1 . In other examples, the connector groove  42  extends along only a portion of the length L 1  such as, for example, along portions directly adjacent to the first and second ends  30 ,  32 . 
     The material of cement form  12  that is removed in order to form connector groove  42  may be saved and then reinserted in connector groove  42  after removal of the connecting members. This inserted material may help fill connector groove  42  to prevent backfill dirt or other objects from collecting in connector groove  42 , which may otherwise reduce the R value of cement form  12  when cement form  12  is left in the ground and used to insulate the cement structure. 
     The cement form  12  may be used alone or in combination with inner insert  14 . Inner insert  14  may eliminate the need for the extra cement  25  shown in  FIG. 22B  and discussed above. Inner insert  14  may be positioned along the ground support  20  in the area of the footing portion  28  of foundation  24  (see  FIG. 22A ). Inner insert  14  may be positioned adjacent to that portion of ground support  20  that supports the slab portion  26  of the foundation  24  (see  FIG. 22A ). Backfill material may be used to cover at least portions of the inner insert  14  on top of or adjacent to the portion of ground support  20  that supports the slab  26  thereby reducing the extra cement  25  that is otherwise needed. 
     Inner insert  14  includes a cement surface  60 , a ground support surface  62 , and a backfill support surface  64 . Cement surface  60  has a height H 2  and is arranged generally vertically and/or in parallel with a vertical plane. Ground support surface  62  has a width W 2  and is arranged horizontally and/or parallel with a horizontal plane. Backfill support surface  64  extends from the ground support surface  62  to the cement surface  60  and may be arranged at an angle α is directly dependent on the height H 2  and width W 2 . Inner insert  14  also has a length L 2  (see  FIG. 1A ). Inner insert  14  is typically spaced apart from cement form  12  a distance X 1 . The distance X 1  is typically in a range of about six inches to about 36 inches, and more particularly in the range of about 12 inches to about 24 inches, which is typical for monolithic foundations. 
     Inner insert  14  may include a plurality of stake openings  66  positioned along the length L 2  (see  FIG. 1A ). Inner insert  14  may comprise a foam material such as polyethylene foam or a high density foam. In some examples, inner insert  14  comprises a polymer material such as, for example, a polyethylene or other molded material. The materials used for inner insert  14  may be the same as those used to form cement form  12 . Certain materials used for inner insert  14  may permit forming of the stake opening  66  as stakes are driven through inner insert  14  and into ground support  20 . In other examples, the stake opening  66  are pre-formed as, for example, pass-through bores that extend from backfill support surface  64  through ground support surface  62 . The stake opening  66  may be formed at any location along the backfill support surface  64 . In at least some examples, stakes are driven into ground support  20  adjacent to inner insert  14  but not extending through any portion of inner insert  14  to hold inner insert  14  in position during various steps leading up to pouring the cement structure. For example, stakes may be positioned along the cement surface  60  to hold inner insert  14  in position while backfill material is placed on the backfill support surface  64 , and those stakes are removed prior to pouring the cement structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the cement form assembly  10  is shown with connecting member  16  positioned in connector groove  42 , stakes  18  driven through cement form  12  and into ground support  20 , and backfill  22  positioned covering at least portions of the weight bearing surface  38  of cement form  12  and substantially all of the backfill support surface  64  of inner insert  14 . The cement form assembly  10  is shown prepared for pouring cement to create a cement structure (e.g., monolithic foundation). Typically, the backfill  22  is filled up to the connector groove  42  but typically not covering the connecting members  16 . The backfill  22  can be filled to any desired height, but is typically always vertically lower than the connector groove  42  and/or the top surface  40 . The stakes  18  may have ends that protrude through backfill  22  or may be positioned on cement form  12  in a way that they are completely buried by backfill  22 . The stakes  18  may extend above the cement form  12 , particularly above the weight bearing surface  38  or top surface  40  into which the stakes are driven. The stakes  18  may be later removed. In at least some examples, the stakes  18  are left positioned in cement form  12  even after the cement structures is cured. The stakes  18  may be in the form of, for example, wood or other insulating material that does not significantly reduce the R value of the cement form  12 . Further, stakes  18  may comprise a relatively low cost material that makes it possible from a cost perspective to leave the stakes  18  positioned in cement form  12  permanently. In some examples, stakes  18  may be driven into ground support  20  a distance that buries then within the cement form  12  or at least flush with the weight bearing surface  38  and/or top surface  40  so that they are no longer exposed outside of backfill  22 . 
     The backfill  22  is typically grated to the top edge of inner insert  14  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In at least some examples, the top edge of inner insert  14  includes a flat surface, round surface, or the like to help reduce or otherwise minimize stress concentrations at an internal corner feature formed in the cement structure. Some additional inner insert embodiments are shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 12A-12E . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cement structure in the form of a monolithic foundation  24  is shown poured into the space between cement form  12  and inner insert  14  and covering inner insert  14 . Foundation  24  includes a slab portion  26  and a footing portion  28 . Foundation  24  may also include a plurality of rebar members  29  positioned internally. The cement form  12  is held in place laterally by stakes  18  and backfill  22 . Cement forms  12  are also held in alignment relative to each other (e.g., relative to an adjacent cement form  12  that is positioned end to end therewith) with connecting members  16 . Inner insert  14  may be held in place laterally and vertically using a plurality of stakes (not shown) and backfill  22 . In at least some examples, the inner inserts  14  may also be interconnected with adjacent position inner inserts using connecting members such as connecting members  16 . The connecting members may be positioned within connector grooves or other features formed in inner inserts  14  to promote interconnection of the adjacent position inner inserts  14 . 
     In at least some examples, the cement structure (e.g., foundation  24 ) may be poured without first covering at least a portion of cement form  12  with backfill  22 . For example, the connecting member  16  and stakes  18  may provide sufficient support and connection between cement form  12  and ground support  20  that no backfill  22  is needed. However, in at least some examples, backfill  22  is used to cover at least portions of cement form  12  to provide additional support for cement form  12  during pouring of the cement. Applying backfill  22  may also make it easier for a cement truck to move close to cement form  12  for purposes of delivering the cement as part of the cement pouring process. An additional benefit of pre-filling the backfill  22  before pouring the cement is that most, if not all of the grading associated with the cement structure (e.g., foundation  24 ) may be completed prior to pouring the cement without requiring a further follow-up grading step. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the foundation  24  is shown with a building structure (e.g., wall  27 ) including a plurality of boards positioned along a top surface of the foundation  24 . The connecting members  16  may be removed from connector groove  42  and reused in another cement form assembly. The stakes may be removed from stake openings  44 , or may be driven further into stake openings  44  to be flush with weight bearing surface  38  or at least the top surface of backfill  22 . In at least some examples, the connector groove  42  may be filled with a strip  46  (also referred to as insert  46 ). The strip  46  may comprise the same material as the rest of the cement form  12 . In at least some examples, the strip may be the material that was removed from cement form  12  as part of forming connector groove  42 . Strip  46  may fill connector groove  42  to limit the amount of material or other objects that may otherwise fill connector groove  42 . Using the strip  46  within connector groove  42  may improve the aesthetics of the exposed portion of cement form  12 . In other embodiments, connector groove  42  may be filled with other materials such as, for example, an expandable foam or other insulating material that is different that the material of cement form  12 . 
       FIG. 5  shows another example cement form  112  that includes a plurality of stake openings  148 ,  149 . The stake openings  148 ,  149  are shown arranged in two rows along the length of the cement form  112 . The stake openings  148 ,  149  are spaced apart a distance X 2  within each given row. The stake openings  148  may be offset from the stake openings  149  in the other row by a distance X 3 . The stake openings  148  may be spaced from connector groove  142  a distance X 4 . The rows of stake openings  148 ,  149  may be spaced apart a distance X 5 . Each of the distances X 2 , X 3 , X 4 , X 5  may be individually modified to provide a pattern or arrangement of stake openings  148 ,  149  on the cement form  112 . Stake openings  148 ,  149  may also be positioned along a top surface  140  of the cement form  112 . In other examples, additional or fewer rows and numbers of stake openings  148 ,  149  may be used. 
     The cement form  112  may be formed from any desired material. In at least some examples, the stake openings  144  are formed concurrently with forming the cement form  112  via, for example, a molding/forming process. In other examples, the stake openings  144  are formed in a separate step after the cement form  112  has been formed (e.g., using a drilling, cutting, stamping or other method for removing material to create the stake openings  144 ). 
       FIG. 6  shows the cement form  212  embodiment that includes a plurality of support rib  250 . The support ribs  250  may extend between a vertical portion  274  and a bottom or horizontal portion  276 . A plurality of upper stake openings  248  may be included along an upper portion of the rib  250  or along a top surface  240  or other portion of the vertical portion  274 . A plurality of lower stake openings  249  may be positioned along a weight bearing surface  238  and/or other portion of the horizontal portion  276 . Other stake openings  244  may be positioned along other portions of ribs  250  or at other locations on cement form  212 . The cement form  212  may include any desired number, arrangement, size, orientation and the like associated with the stake openings  248 ,  249 . Furthermore, a cement form  212  may include any desired number, shape, size and orientation for the ribs  250 . In at least some embodiments, cement form  212  may be void of the connector groove  242  and the ribs  250  may extend to top surface  240 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another example cement form  312  having a hollow interior  352 . The hollow interior  352  may be formed during formation of the cement form  312  such as, for example, during a molding process. Alternatively, hollow interior  352  may be formed after the cement form  312  has been formed using, for example, a coring, cutting, stamping, drilling, or other material removing process. Cement form  312  may include a plurality of upper and lower stake openings  348 ,  349 . The stake openings  348 ,  349  may extend through the weight bearing surface  338  and the second surface  336 . 
     Cement form  312  may also include a connector groove  342  and a first face  334 . The hollow interior  352  may provide for a relatively constant wall thickness T 1  that define each of the first and second surfaces  334 ,  336  and the weight bearing surface  338 . 
     Cement form  312  is shown as a integrally formed, single piece. In other embodiments, cement form  312 , along with other cement form embodiments disclosed herein, may comprise a plurality of parts that are separately formed and then later assembled together. In other embodiments, the cement form  312  may be formed as a wedge-shaped structure having a solid construction. In a later manufacturing step, portions of the wedge-shaped structure may be removed to form at least some of the features shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the top surface  340  may be formed by cutting off a pointed edge of the wedge-shaped structure, the connector groove  342  may be formed by cutting out a portion of the solid structure, and the hollow interior  352  may be formed by removing an interior portion of the wedge-shaped structure. Many types of manufacturing processes and/or steps may be possible to form any one of the cement forms and associated cement form features disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , another example cement form  412  and inner insert  414  are shown and described. The cement form  412  does not include a connector groove as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-7 . The cement forms  412  may be interconnected with adjacent cement forms using other structures and/or devices as opposed to the connecting members  16  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . For example, adjacent cement forms  412  may be connected to each other with clips or brackets that attach to the weight bearing surfaces  438 . 
     The cement form  412  and inner insert  414  may include a plurality of stake openings  444 ,  466 , respectively. The cement form  412  may include a top surface  440 , and the inner insert  414  may include a top surface  468 . The stake openings may be formed in the top surfaces  440 ,  468 . Alternatively, the stake openings  444 ,  466  may be formed on other surfaces such as, for example, the weight bearing surface  438  and backfill support surface  464 , respectively. The stake openings may be pre-formed or formed concurrently as stakes are driven through the cement form  412  and inner inserts  414  and into a ground support. The cement form  412  and inner insert  414  may comprise materials that permit such forming of the stake openings as the stakes are driven through the structure of the cement form  412  and inner insert  414 . 
     The top surface  440  may provide a planer surface that provides an improved transition between cement form  412  and a top surface of a cement structure that is formed using the cement form  412 . In at least some examples, the cement structure is created to be flush with the top surface  440 . The inner insert  414  may include a top surface  468  to provide improved support of the resulting cement structure at the inner insert  414  as used to form and later support an underside surface of the cement structure. The top surface  468  may also provide improved ease of grading the backfill to the top edge of inner insert  414 . Providing the top surface  468  as at least a partial planer surface may reduce the chance of damaging the top edge of the inner insert  414  during the grading process. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  show alternative cross-sectional shapes for the cement forms disclosed herein. For example,  FIG. 9A  shows an L-shape having a vertical leg  554  and a horizontal leg  556 . The vertical leg  554  defines a first surface  534  that supports the cement structure during pouring of the cement, and a top surface  540 . A connector groove  542  may be formed in the top surface  540 . The horizontal leg  556  may define the second surface  536  as well as a weight bearing surface  538 . The vertical and horizontal legs  554 ,  556  may have a substantially similar thickness, which may provide a constant R rating. The thicknesses of the vertical and horizontal legs  554 ,  556  may provide sufficient structural rigidity to support the poured concrete. The cement form  512  may include a plurality of stake openings that are formed in, for example, the top surface  540  or the weight bearing surface  538 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows a cement form  612  having a vertical leg  654  and a horizontal leg  656 . A brace portion  658  may extend between the legs  554 ,  556  to provide additional support there between. The use of brace portion  658  may make it possible to have a reduced thickness for the vertical and horizontal legs  654 ,  656  because the brace portion  658  provides additional support and structural rigidity. The vertical leg  654  may define the first surface  634  and a top surface  640 . A connector groove  642  may be formed along the top surface  640  or along any other desired portion of the cement form  612 . The horizontal leg  656  may define the second surface  636  and the weight bearing surface  638 . A plurality of stake openings may be formed in, for example, the weight bearing surface  638  and/or the top surface  640 . 
     The brace portion  658  may extend in equal parts to the vertical leg  654  and the horizontal leg  656 . In other examples, the brace portion  658  may have a non-uniform, non-symmetrical construction. The brace portion  658  may extend along an entire length of the cement form  612 . In other embodiments, the brace portion  658  may be provided as rib features that extend along only portions of the length of the cement form  612 . 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a cement form embodiment  712  having a semi-wedge shaped construction and a semi-block shaped construction. In one example, the cement form  712  is formed from a block of material (e.g., foam material) that has a generally square shaped cross-section. A portion of the square shaped cross-section is removed. The removed portion may be the desired size for the inner insert  14 . 
     The cement form  712  has a greater thickness throughout that provides an improved R rating as compared to other embodiments such as the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9D . The construction of cement form  712  may provide for an improved structural rigidity, stability while pouring the cement, and the like. The increased thickness may make it possible to use less dense and/or less rigid materials for the cement form  712  while still achieving the desired function of serving as a cement form and an insulting material. 
     Cement form  712  may include first and second surfaces  734 ,  736  and a weight bearing surface  738 . A top surface  740  may extend along a top edge thereof. A connector groove  742  may be formed, for example, the top surface  740  and/or the weight bearing surface  738 . Cement form  712  may include a plurality of stake openings pre-formed therein. In at least some examples, cement form  712  may comprise of materials that permit concurrent forming of a stake opening as the stake is driven through the material of the cement form  712 . 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates another example cement form  812  that has a right angle, triangular shape with two legs having equal lengths. The generally symmetrical shape of cement form  812  may make it possible to form two cement forms  812  from a single block of material having a square cross-sectional shape, while maintaining equal lengths for each of the first and second surfaces  834 ,  836 . A connector groove  842  may be formed in a weight bearing surface  838 . The cement form  812  may be void of a generally planer top surface as is included in other embodiments disclosed herein. Cement form  812  may include a plurality of pre-formed stake openings formed therein, or may comprise materials that permit concurrent formation of stake openings as stakes are driven through the material of cement form  812 . 
     Many other triangular shapes are possible for the cement form  812  by modifying the relative lengths between surfaces  834  and  836 . Maintaining a right angle relationship between surfaces  834 ,  836  may be a constant feature among all of the various triangular shapes that are possible. The triangular shape of the cement form  812  may provide improved stacking of cement forms for purposes of storage, shipping, etc. Providing cement forms  812  having mirrored shapes maximizes storage space and may provide compact, efficient storage and/or shipping. Other designs disclosed herein provide similar benefits including, for example, the cement form  712  and inner insert  14  shown in  FIG. 9C . 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  show steps of manufacturing a pair of cement forms  12  in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIG. 10A  shows a block of material  80  having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The rectangular shape having a slightly greater width W 4  than height H 4  makes it possible to maintain equal dimensions for the resulting first and second surfaces  34 ,  36  of each cement form  12  while also providing a flat top surface  40  for each of the cement forms  12 . Other embodiments may include use of a block of material  80  having a square shaped cross-section and provide the same or similar benefits. 
       FIG. 10A  shows a cut line  82  that is used to cut the block in half to create two separate cement forms  12  as shown in  FIG. 10B . After the cement forms  12  are separated, connector grooves  42  may be formed with cuts  84 .  FIG. 10C  shows removable strips  46  taken from connector groove  42  as a result of cuts  84 . The strip  46  may be removed to make room for a connecting member such as connecting member  16  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . The strip  46  may be replaced in connector groove  42  after removing connecting member  16  (e.g., after the cement structure has been formed) so that the connecting members can be used with a different cement form assembly. The connecting members can be reused for different cement pouring projects and the strips  46  may be used to fill connector groove  42  to prevent unwanted objects from entering connector groove  42  and to help maintain a desired R value for cement form  12 . 
     The forming method described with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C  is particularly useful when the material of block  80  comprise a foam material such as those foam materials described herein. However, other materials may be used such as, for example, polymer materials or other insulating materials. Using just three cuts (cuts  82  and two cuts of  84 ), two separate cement forms may be formed from a single block of material and at relatively low manufacturing and material cost. In embodiments in which the cement forms  12  do not require a connector groove, a single cut  82  through block  80  may result in two completed cement forms  12  that are ready for use. 
       FIG. 11  shows two cement forms  12  positioned end-to-end in a top view. A connecting member  16  is positioned within connector grooves  42  of the adjacent cement forms  12 . The connecting member  16  spans the two cement forms  12 . Typically, the cement forms  12  are positioned end-to-end in alignment with each other such that the connector grooves  42  are in alignment with each other. The connecting member  16  is then positioned within the connector groove  42 . 
     A single connecting member  16  may span multiple cement forms  12  such as three or more cement forms. In some arrangements, the connecting member  16  has a length that is substantially the same as the length L 1  of cement form  12 . Positioning a plurality of connecting members  16  end-to-end within the connector grooves of a plurality of aligned cement forms  12  may completely fill the connector grooves of all of the cement forms. In other examples, a relatively short cement form may be used within the connector groove  42  at or adjacent at the mating first and second ends  30 ,  32  of adjacent positioned cement forms  12  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The connector groove  42  may have a length that is customized for a particular length connecting member  16 . 
     In other embodiments, the adjacent position cement forms  12  may be interconnected with different structured connecting members providing different functions. For example, the connecting members may include claws or barb features that grasp the material of the cement forms  12  without the need for a pre-forming groove or other apertures sized to receive the claw/barb features. 
       FIGS. 12A-12E  illustrate alternative embodiments for inner inserts used with the cement form assemblies described herein.  FIG. 12A  shows an inner insert  514  having a wedge-shaped construction with a contoured top surface  568 . The contoured upper edge (also referred to as a top surface  568 ) may provide a reduced stress point in the resultant cement structure that is supported by and/or formed around the inner insert  514 . The top surface  568  may have any desired radius and may extend between the cement surface  560  and the backfill support surface  564 . In some embodiments, other edges of the inner insert  514  may have curvature such as, for example, the edge formed at the intersection between ground support surface  562  and backfill support surface  564 . 
       FIG. 12B  shows an inner insert  614  having an upper surface  668  defined between the cement surface  660  and the backfill support surface  664 , and a planer edge surface  670  defined between the ground support surface  662  and backfill support surface  664 . Removing the pointed edges that are otherwise included in place of the surfaces  668 ,  670  may reduce the propensity of the sharp edges to break off or be deformed/damaged during manufacture, shipping, storage and installation of a cement form assembly at a construction site. 
       FIG. 12C  shows an inner insert  714  having a contoured shape for the cement surface  760 . The contoured shape of cement surface  760  may reduce the incidence of stress concentration points at the inner/lower surface of the cement structure (e.g., monolithic foundation). The inner insert  714  may have any desired shape and size for the cement surface  760 , including a contoured portion, a combination of linear and contoured portions, and the like. In some embodiments, the backfill support surface  764  may be arranged at a non-vertical orientation thereby reducing the amount of material needed for the inner insert  714 . Typically, the ground support surface  762  remains flat or planer to provide a desired interface with the ground support. 
       FIG. 12D  shows an inner insert  814  having a hollow interior  872 . The hollow interior may be formed concurrently with formation of the remaining portions of the inner insert  814 . Alternatively, the hollow interior  872  may be formed after formation of the inner insert  814  structure. A boring, cutting, stamping, or other manufacturing step may be used to create the hollow interior  872 . 
     The resulting sidewalls of the inner insert  814  may have a generally constant thickness associated with the cement surface  860 , ground support surface  862  and backfill support surface  864 . The hollow interior feature may be used in any of the inner insert embodiments shown with reference to  FIGS. 12A-12E  and other embodiments possible in accordance with the present disclosure. In some arrangements, the hollow interior  872  mirrors the outer peripheral shape cross-sectional shape of the inner insert  814 . In other embodiments, the hollow interior may have a shape that is different from the perimeter shape such as, for example, a generally circular shape interior  872  used with the triangular shape outer periphery of inner insert  814 . 
       FIG. 12E  shows an inner insert embodiment  914  having an equilateral triangular shape with a truncated upper corner of the triangle. The truncated upper portion defines a top surface  968 . A top surface  968  may provide the desired improved grading to the top of the inner insert  914  with reduced chance of damaging the top surface  968 . The tapered shape of cement surface  960  may provide improved strength and limited stress concentration along the inner, bottom surface of the cement structure (e.g., monolithic foundation). The ground support surface  962  has a generally planer construction. The backfill support surface  964  may mirror the tapered or angled orientation of the cement surface  960 . Other variations of the wedge-shaped, triangular-shaped construction of the inner insert  914  are possible wherein different lengths, angled orientations, truncation locations, and the like are provided. 
       FIG. 13  is an end view of another example cement form  1012 . The cement form  1012  includes a first surface  1034 , a second surface  1036 , and a weight-bearing surface  1038 . The cement form  1012  may also include a top surface  1040  and a connector groove  1042 . The cement form  1012  may include a detachable portion  1070 . A pair of relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may define at least in part the detachable portion  1070 . The detachable portion  1070  may also be referred to as a detachable tip portion  1070 . 
     The detachable portion  1070  may have a height H 4  and a width W 8  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may have widths W 6 , W 7 , respectively. The detachable portion  1070  may extend along an entire length of the cement form  1012 . In at least some examples, each of the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may also extend along an entire length of the cement form  1012 , or at least along an entire length of the detachable portion  1070 . The relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may have different shapes, sizes, and orientations than those shown in  FIG. 13 . The widths W 6 , W 7  may be increased to facilitate easier disconnection of detachable portion  1070 . In some embodiments, only a single one of the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may be included. At least one of the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may be positioned and/or accessible within the connector groove  1042 . 
     The detachable portion  1070  may be positioned adjacent to the connector groove  1042 . The detachable portion  1070  may include a pointed structure or tip  1071 . By removing the detachable portion  1070 , more of the connector groove  1042  may be exposed. In at least some embodiments, once the detachable portion  1070  is removed, the connector groove  1042  may be less suitable for retaining the strip or insert  46  after removal of the connecting member  16  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     Removing the detachable portion  1070  may provide certain advantages when using the cement form  1012  as part of forming a cement structure, such as a monolithic building foundation. Maintaining connection of the detachable portion to the remainder of the cement form  1012  prior to and during formation of the cement structure may provide additional stability and connectivity between the plurality of cement forms used to form the cement structure. For example, the detachable portion  1070  may provide a more secure connection of a connecting member  16  that is inserted into the connector groove  1042  to provide improved interconnection of adjacent positioned cement forms. Once the cement structure is formed and the connector is removed from the connector groove  1042 , the detachable portion  1070  may be removed. By removing the detachable portion  1070 , backfill dirt may be filled along the weight-bearing surface  1038  at a lower height as compared to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  while still covering all of the cement form  1012  except that portion in contact with the cement structure. When the same amount of backfill is used to cover the cement form  1012  as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , there is a greater depth of backfill all the way up to that portion of the cement form  1012  that is contacting the cement structure. This increased depth of backfill, particularly when the backfill is topsoil, may be advantageous for growing vegetation. When the cement form does not include a detachable portion adjacent to the connector groove  1042  or a similar location towards a top end of the cement form  1012 , back fill dirt must be filled to a greater height in order to cover all of the weight-bearing surface  1038 . Removing the detachable portion  1070  may result in little negative impact on the R value provided by the cement form. 
     The cement form  1012  may also include a truncated portion  1076  positioned at the intersection between surfaces  1036 ,  1038 . The truncated portion  1076  may provide several advantages. For example, the truncated portion  1076  removes an otherwise pointed tip structure or portion of the cement form  1012 . Pointed tip features, particularly those arranged along a bottom edge of the cement form, are easily damaged and/or broken off during manufacture, shipment, storage and use. By truncating the intersection between surfaces  1036 ,  1038 , the chance of damage and/or breaking off of small portions of the cement form  1012  is reduced or eliminated. Further, removing the otherwise pointed tip along the bottom edge  1036  may reduce the amount of material needed for the cement form  1012 . Reducing the amount of needed material can reduce the cost associated with manufacturing cement form  1012 . Furthermore, removing the pointed tip and replacing it with the truncated portion  1076  may also reduce the total amount of space needed to ship and store the cement form  1012 . 
     The cement form  1012  may include a weight-bearing surface  1038  that is arranged at an angle θ 1  relative to the surface  1036 . The angle θ 1  may be in the range of, for example, about 20° to about 70°, and more particularly in a range of about 40° to about 50°. The smaller the angle θ 1 , the greater amount of downward applied force the backfill materials may apply to the weight-bearing surface  1038 , which may otherwise assist in holding the cement form  1012  in place during setup of the cement form assembly and creating the cement structure. However, the greater the angle θ 1 , the less backfill required to cover the weight bearing surface  1038 . 
     The widths W 6  and W 7  of the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may be in the range of, for example, about 0.5 inch to about 3 inch, and more particularly in the range of about 0.5 inch to about 1 inch. The size of relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  may vary depending on, for example, the total width W 1  of the cement form  1012 , the angle θ 1  of the weight-bearing surface  1038 , the height H 1  of the cement form  1012 , and other features thereof. Similarly, the height H 4  of the detachable portion  1070  may be dependent on the same features, dimensions, etc. of the cement form  1012 . Typically, the height H 4  is less than the height H 3  of the connector groove  1042 . In at least some embodiments, the height H 4  is at least in the range of about 0.5″ to about 3″ less than the height H 3  such that the connector groove  1042  is capable of retaining the piece  46  even after removal of the detachable portion  1070 . In other embodiments, the relief cut  1074  is positioned below the bottom surface of the connector groove  1042  such that the entirety of the connector groove  1042  is exposed after removal of the detachable portion  1070 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , another example cement form  1112  is shown and described. The cement form  1112  includes first and second surfaces  1134 ,  1136 , a weight-bearing surface  1138 , a top surface  1140 , a connector groove  1142 , and a detachable portion  1170 . Cement form  1112  may also include relief cuts  1172 ,  1174  that define at least in part the detachable portion  1170 . The relief cuts  1172 ,  1174  may have widths W 6  and W 7 , respectively. The relief cut  1172  may be formed along the weight-bearing surface  1138 . The relief cut  1174  may be formed along an inner surface of the connector groove  1142 . The detachable portion  1170  and relief cuts  1172 ,  1174 , may extend along an entire length of the cement form  1112  (e.g. length L 1  shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The cement form  1112  may have a different cross-sectional shape and related dimensions as compared to the other cement forms disclosed herein. For example, the surface  1136  and surface  1138  may be arranged at an angle θ 2  that has a lower value than the angle θ 1  for the cement form  1012 . The angle θ 2  may be in the range of, for example, about 15° to about 40°, and more preferably in the range of about 20° to about 30°. The smaller angle θ 2  for the arrangement between surfaces  1136 ,  1138  may result in a longer weight-bearing surface  1138  when the height H 1  remains the same. This longer weight-bearing surface  1138  may provide increased surface area for backfill to be positioned upon, thereby applying a greater downward force that may improve maintaining the cement form  1112  in a fixed position prior to and during formation of a cement structure. Further, the detachable portion  1170  may have a greater cross-sectional area because of the increased length of the weight-bearing surface  1138  when the height H 4  remains the same. 
     The cement form  1112  may also include a truncated portion  1176 . The truncated portion  1176  may have the same or similar advantages as the truncated portion  1076  discussed above with referenced to  FIG. 13 . 
     The detachable portions  1070 ,  1170  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  may be sized, shaped or otherwise formed as part of the respective cement forms  1012 ,  1112  to be removable with or without the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  and  1172 ,  1174 , respectively. In some examples, only a single relief cut is provided for each of the detachable portions  1070 ,  1170 . In other examples, a single relief cut may extend a greater distance across a total width W 8  of the detachable portion. The relief cuts may be formed by cutting the material of the cement forms  1012 ,  1112 . In other examples, the relief cuts or similar relief features may be formed in the cement form during formation of the cement forms (e.g., during a casting or molding process). The relief cuts may have a generally linear shape as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In other embodiments, the relief cuts may have a tapered or wedge-shaped cross-section that may help facilitate detachment of the detachable portions  1070 ,  1170 . In still further embodiments, the relief cuts may be formed along only portions of the entire length of the cement form such as in 2 to 10 segments along the length. The distance H 4  from the relief cuts  1074 ,  1174  to the upper tip  1071 ,  1171  of the detachable portion  1170  may vary depending on a number of criteria. Typically, the relief cuts  1074 ,  1174  are position no further vertically from the upper tip  1071 ,  1171  than a base surface  1073 ,  1173  of the connector groove  1042 ,  1142 . In some embodiments, the relief cuts  1074 ,  1174  be positioned downward beyond the base surfaces  1073 ,  1173 . The cement forms  1012 ,  1112  may have a generally L-shaped cross-sectional shape after removal of the detachable portions  1070 ,  1170  depending on the shape and size of the detachable portions  1070 ,  1170 . 
     Generally, the cement forms  1012 ,  1112  may be non-symmetrical or include cross-sectional shapes that are non-symmetrical. In particular, the cement form  1012  may have a greater height H 1  as compared to its width W 1 . The cement form  1112  may have a greater width W 1  than its height H 1 . In some embodiments, the truncated portions  1076 ,  1176  may be formed to make an otherwise relatively symmetrical cross-sectional shape for the cement form into a relatively non-symmetrical shape. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-19 , the cement form  1012  is shown as part of a cement form assembly  1000 . The cement form assembly  1000  may be used to form a cement structure, such as a monolithic building foundation. The cement form  1012  is shown in use with an inner insert  414 , which is described in further detail above with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     When preparing the cement form assembly  1000  for use in creating a monolithic building foundation, a ground support  20  is graded to a level surface. The inner insert  414  is positioned inward of the cement form  1012  a distance X 1 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the cement form  1012  held in place with a plurality of stakes  18  that are driven through the material of the cement form  1012 . In some embodiments, the cement form  1012  includes a plurality of pre-formed holes (not shown) that are receptive of the stakes  18 . In some embodiments, the stakes  18  may be driven through the detachable portion  1070 . In other examples, the stakes  18  may be driven through other portions of the cement form  1012  instead of the detachable portion  1070 . Backfill  22  may be positioned over portions of the weight-bearing surface  1038  and a backfill support surface  464  of the inner insert  414 . Further, a plurality of connecting members  16  may be positioned in a connector groove  1042  of the cement form  1012  to align and connect together adjacent positioned cement forms  1012 . 
       FIG. 17  shows the cement structure  24  formed by pouring cement into the space between the inner insert  414  and the cement form  1012 . Portions of the cement structure may extend across the top of the inner insert. Rebar members  29  may be positioned in the cement structure  24 . The cement structure  24  may be referred to as a foundation that includes a slab portion  26  and a footing portion  28 . The use of the inner insert  414  reduces the amount of cement that is required to form the foundation  24 , particularly in the area where the slab portion  26  and footing portion  28  intersect. 
     After the foundation  24  has been poured, the connecting members  16  may be removed. The detachable portion  1070  may be detached from the cement form  1012 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The stakes  18  may be driven downward below the top surface  1040  and even as low as the location of the relief cuts  1072 ,  1074  after the detachable portion  1070  has been removed. The backfill  22  may be graded to a higher level to cover the stakes  18  and all of the cement form  1012  except for a portion  1075  that is in direct contact with the foundation  24 . In some embodiments, the insert  46  (see  FIG. 4 ) may be reinserted into the connector groove prior to increasing the height of the backfill  22 . In other embodiments, the stakes  18  may be removed rather than driven further into the cement form  1012 .  FIG. 19  shows the backfill  22  increased in height and a building structure (e.g. wall  27 ) positioned on top of the foundation  24 . 
     The method of forming a foundation  24  described with reference to  FIGS. 15-19  may be performed without using backfill  22  along the weight-bearing surface  1038  prior to forming the foundation  24 . The backfill  22  may be added after removing the detachable portion  1070  or at other stages in the process. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , another example cement form  1212  and another example inner insert  1214  are shown and described. The cement form  1212  includes an angled end portion  1276  that defines an angled end surface  1230 . The angled end portion  1276  is arranged at an angle θ 3  relative to the length L 1  of the cement form  1212 . Typically, the angle θ 3  is about 45°. However, the angle θ 3  may be modified depending on a desired angled arrangement between the cement form  1212  and an adjacent positioned cement form  1212 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a pair of cement forms  1212 A,  1212 B that each include an angled end portion  1276  each having an angle θ 3  of 45°. The angled end portions  1276  when mated together provide for a combined angle θ 4  of 90° between the cement forms  1212 A,  1212 B. In another example (not shown) the angled end portion  1276  of cement form  1212 A may have an angle θ 3  of 60°, and the angled end portion  1276  of cement form  1212 B has an angle θ 3  of 60° so that the mated arrangement creates an angle θ 4  of 120°. 
       FIG. 20  shows the inner insert  1214  having an angled end portion  1269  that forms an angled end surface  1267 . The angled end portion  1269  is arranged at an angle θ 5 .  FIG. 21  shows a pair of inner inserts  1214 A,  1214 B that are mated together at the angled end portions  1269 , wherein each of the angles θ 5  is about 45° and the combined angle of θ 6  is about 90°. The angles θ 5  may be varied to create a combined angle θ 6  that is different from 90°. 
     The angled end portions  1276 ,  1269  shown in  FIG. 20  may be included on a single end of the cement form  1212  and inner insert  1214 , respectively, or may be included on each end of the cement form  1212  and inner insert  1214 , respectively. The angled end portions  1276 ,  1269  may be referred to as angled ends, mitered ends, pre-cut angled ends, pre-cut surfaces, angled corner portions, and the like. The angled end portions  1276 ,  1269  may be created during manufacture of the respective cement form  1212  and inner insert  1214 . In some arrangements, the angled end portions  1276 ,  1269  may be cut and/or formed prior to delivery of the cement form  1012  and inner insert  414  to a work site. A designer of a cement structure, such as a monolithic foundation, may determine in advance how many cement forms  1212  and inner inserts  1214  are needed to form the corners for the foundation. The designer can then order a certain number of cement forms  1212  and inner inserts  1214  to create the expected number of corners for the foundation. Further, the designer may order certain numbers of the cement forms without angled end portions (e.g., cement forms  12 ,  1012 ,  1112 , etc.) and inner inserts (e.g., inner insert  14 ,  414 , etc.) and the length of those cement forms and inner inserts to create a cement form assembly with as little waste material and the need for cutting the cement forms and inner inserts as possible. 
     The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein provide numerous advantages as compared to the traditional cement form structures and related methods of forming cement structures such as monolithic cement foundations described above with reference to  FIGS. 22A and 22B . For example, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein provide a reduced cost solution for at least the reason that the required man hours is significantly reduced for setting up cement forms for pouring a cement structure, such as a monolithic cement foundation. Further, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein provide for improved insulation of a cement structure such as the monolithic cement foundation. The man hours required to install the insulation material is possibly non-existent since the cement forms themselves may include insulating material and be left in the ground after pouring the cement structure and covered to provide the insulating function. 
     At least some of the methods of manufacturing disclosed herein may provide for improved ease in creating the cement forms. The structure of the cement forms may provide improved storing, shipping, and handling with increased efficiency. Still further, at least some of the materials possible for use in the cement forms (e.g., foam materials) are significantly lighter weight than traditional cement forms. As a result, the cost of shipping and the amount of effort and/or energy required in maneuvering these cement forms of the present disclosure is significantly reduced thereby increasing the overall efficiency for using the cement form assemblies disclosed herein. Further, the use of foam as a primary material for the cement forms provides for a lighter weight object to be manually maneuvered at a work site, which may provide reduced incidence of workplace injuries such as back strains, pulled muscles, foot or leg crushing/bruising, and the like due that may otherwise occur when using traditional material for the cement forms. 
     Another advantage related to using foam or polymer materials as the primary (if not exclusive) material for the cement form is that such materials typically do not absorb moisture from the cement as the cement cures. Avoiding moisture absorption leads to improved consistency in how the cement cures as compared to using other materials for the cement forms such as wood. Wood cement forms have a high rate of moisture absorption, and are typically sprayed with a petroleum product such as diesel fuel just prior to pouring the cement in an effort to limit the moisture absorption properties of the wood. An improved consistency in how the cement cures may lead to reduced incidence of later cracking in the cement structure. 
     A further advantage relates to the ability to backfill around and/or over the cement forms prior to pouring cement. The pre-backingfilling (i.e., prior to pouring cement) makes it possible to have excavation equipment on site just for digging and set up of the cement forms (i.e., the equipment does not have to return after pouring cement and removing the cement forms according to traditional methods), thereby decreasing costs and overall time for completing formation of a cement structure such as a monolithic foundation. Increasing the speed of forming a cement foundation typically results in an over decrease in the overall time for completion of a construction project, which leads to reduced costs and improved efficiencies. Providing a backfill prior to pouring also may involve grading the ground surface surrounding the cement forms. A graded surface may improve safety for workers during pouring of cement because the workers can work on a graded rather than having to work on uneven surface and/or working around kickers, stakes and brace boards as is required in traditional methods. 
     Additional advantages associated with the breakaway feature described herein is the ability to more easily modify the shape and/or size of portions of the cement form after forming the cement structure using the cement form. By pre-cutting or otherwise pre-forming one or more relief features in the cement form during manufacture, the breakaway portion may be removed using less force and/or may break off with a relatively clean break surface remaining on the cement form. By positioning the relief features at various locations on the cement form, it is possible to break off different sized and shaped portions. Some embodiments may include multiple pre-formed relief features that permit a user to selective choose the size and/or shape of the resulting portion that is broken off. 
     Further advantages are associated with an angled end of the cement form. The angled end portions permit assembly of multiple cement forms and inner inserts at predetermined orientations relative to each other (e.g., 90° or 60° angles). Providing pre-cut angles at the ends of the cement forms and inner inserts can also reduce the time required to assembly multiple cement forms and inner inserts together at a job site. 
     The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments. 
     Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.”