Patent Publication Number: US-2016244985-A1

Title: Wall forming system and method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/101,589, filed Dec. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/735,185, filed Dec. 10, 2012. Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/101,589 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/866,018 filed Apr. 18, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,303, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/900,373 filed Oct. 7, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,835, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/080,573 filed Apr. 3, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,224. The disclosures of each of the above-listed applications are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to wall forming systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tie system for forming walls and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many residential and light commercial structures are built on concrete foundation walls which are formed by pouring concrete into a system of forms that have been erected on a previously poured concrete footing. After the concrete has cured sufficiently, the forms are stripped from the concrete and in most cases soil is back filled on the exterior side of the concrete wall. Typically, the base of each foundation wall is supported on a concrete footing, which is wider than the thickness of the wall itself. Ideally, the centerline of the wall is aligned with the centerline of the footing. The footing spreads the load of the structure over a greater area and prevents uneven loading of the foundation wall. 
     As set forth, once the footing is in place and hardened, a system of forms are constructed over the footing. Such system of forms have typically been constructed using expensive and reusable forms. These forms are typically made of metal and are, thus, very heavy and extremely labor-intensive to assemble and remove after pouring the concrete. Further, due to the significant investment of reusable metal forms, concrete laborers will typically pass the cost on to others for their services. As a result, various other concrete form systems for cement walls have been proposed as alternatives to the heavy metal forms. 
     One recent development in this field is the use of expanded polystyrene panels, known as insulated concrete forms. These newer form systems utilize pairs of horizontally extending foam panels which are connected in parallel with a series of rigid plastic ties. Complete wall form systems are typically created by vertically stacking these horizontally extending paired foam panels into larger arrays. Concrete is then poured between the panels of the completed foam wall form system. The thickness of the poured concrete walls can be adjusted by the selection and utilization of form ties of appropriate size. Subsequent to concrete hardening these foam panels are left in place to serve as insulation. 
     Although such insulated concrete forms are lighter than the conventional metal form systems, the forms are bulky and, therefore, the cost for shipping such forms can be expensive. Further, due to the bulky and cumbersome nature of these forms, they are highly susceptible to the inherent risk of damage during transportation and even during installation. Another problem with the insulated concrete forms is the requirement for numerous different types of parts to fit the variations of the footprint of both residential and commercial construction. Due to these numerous different parts and sizes, the insulated concrete forms are high in cost to manufacture and therefore, such high cost is past on to the consumers and builders. Furthermore, the numerous different types of parts in the insulated concrete forms are complicated to construct and require skilled laborers who understand the complexities for such construction. In addition, another inherent problem with the insulated concrete forms is the difficulty to match such forms to the predetermined required lengths along the footing usually evident at corners and ends, in which shortening the forms by cutting and then adhesively repairing the forms is required, often leaving the forms in a damaged state with reduced structural integrity. Such problem further increases the complexity and time required to build the forms in preparation to pour the concrete. 
     Another problem with prior art systems, particularly conventional metal forms, involves the installation of rebar, wire mesh, or other reinforcing members between the parallel panels that are to be embedded within the finished foundation wall. The techniques employed typically involve various means and methods for suspending rebar haphazardly between the panels with wire ties. Although such wire ties have been used for years, inaccurate placement of the rebar is common, often resulting in unsatisfactory reinforcement of the foundation walls. Further, such wire tying techniques are labor intensive, time consuming and a tedious process. 
     Further, often it is desired to have walls with a radius; however, conventional metal or steel forms are not made to provide a wall with a constant radius. Rather, the best the conventional metal or steel forms can implement is segmenting a wall with multiple flat faced portions at different orientations at the dimension of the form itself. There are specialized aluminum forms that are specifically made to form curved walls, but such specialized aluminum forms are extremely expensive and are limited by the fixed radial dimensions of the form itself. 
     Based on the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a concrete form system that is low in cost for builders and, thus, the home owner, minimizes the waste of form materials, provides a non-complicated system with less part types and that inherently can be adjusted to any required lengths for ends and corners or overall footprints required for the foundation walls. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a concrete form system that is less labor intensive, light weight and compact and, further, provides for ready and precise assembly of reinforcing rebar materials to be placed in concrete forms. Even further, it would be advantageous to provide a concrete form system that readily facilitates forming walls with a radius that is low in cost and is not limited by the dimension of the forms. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tie system and method for supporting panel structures spaced over an existing concrete wall to receive a hardenable building material. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes providing multiple wall ties, each wall tie including a first elongated wall portion and a second elongated wall portion with a cross-member portion therebetween, the first and second elongated wall portions including a first planar surface and a second planar surface, respectively, such that the first planar surface faces directly opposite the second planar surface of each wall tie. The method further includes attaching the multiple wall ties together by mating upper end portions of the first and second elongated wall portions of wall ties to lower end portions of the respective first and second elongated wall portions of other ones of the wall ties to vertically build separate and discrete wall tie stacks; securing the wall tie stacks, spaced from each other in a substantially parallel arrangement, to one or more first panel structures such that the first planar surface of the wall ties is secured directly against the one or more first panel structures; and securing one or more second panel structures directly against the second planar surface of the wall ties so that the one or more first and second panel structures extend substantially parallel to each other. 
     In one embodiment, the method step of securing one or more second panel structures includes securing the one or more second panel structures to extend over an upper side surface of the existing concrete wall such that the wall tie stacks extend vertically above the existing concrete wall. In another embodiment, the method further includes securing the one or more first and second panel structures above the existing concrete wall such that the wall tie stacks extend vertically above the existing concrete wall. In another embodiment, the method further includes securing one of the one or more first and second panel structures to a roof structure such that the wall tie stacks extend above the existing concrete wall and transversely relative to the existing concrete wall. In still another embodiment, the method further includes securing the one or more first and second panel structures at least partially along an outer side wall surface of the existing concrete wall. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a tie system configured to support a first panel structure and a second panel structure for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material at least partially above an existing concrete wall is provided. The tie system includes multiple wall ties configured to be directly interconnected to form a wall tie stack such that multiple wall tie stacks can be positioned above the existing concrete wall in a spaced and separate arrangement. The multiple wall tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between and relative to substantially parallel panel structures of the first and second panel structures. Each wall tie includes a first elongated wall portion and a second elongated wall portion with a cross-member portion rigidly connected and extending therebetween. The first elongated wall portion and the second elongated wall portion are configured to extend parallel to each other. Further, the first elongated wall portion includes a first planar surface and the second elongated wall portion includes a second planar surface such that the first planar surface faces directly opposite from the second planar surface. With this arrangement, the first planar surface is configured to be directly fastened to an inner surface of the first panel structure and the second planar surface is configured to be directly fastened to an inner surface of the second panel structure. 
     In one embodiment, each wall tie includes lower attachment portions and upper attachment portions at respective lower and upper ends of the first elongated wall portion and the second elongated wall portion. The upper attachment portions are configured to mate with the lower attachment portions of another wall tie to, thereby, facilitate building each wall tie stack. In another embodiment, the lower attachment portions and the upper attachment portions of each wall tie include an engaging portion configured to removably lock with the upper attachment portions and the lower attachment portions, respectively, of other wall ties. In still another embodiment, the engaging portion includes a protrusion configured to engage with a groove. Further, in yet another embodiment, the cross-member portion of each wall tie includes a rebar holder configured to position and align rebar therein. 
     In another embodiment, the wall tie stacks are configured to extend vertically above the existing concrete wall and extend transversely relative to the existing concrete wall to facilitate formation of a concrete wall structure and a concrete roof structure, respectively. In still another embodiment, the wall tie stacks are configured to extend transversely relative to the existing concrete wall to facilitate formation of a concrete roof structure such that the first and second planar surfaces extend transversely relative to inner and outer side wall surfaces of the existing concrete wall. In yet another embodiment, the wall tie stacks are configured to extend vertically above and at least partially along-side an outer side wall surface of the existing concrete wall. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a wall tie configured to support a first panel structure and a second panel structure for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material at least partially above an existing concrete wall is provided. The wall tie includes a first elongated wall portion and a second elongated wall portion with a cross-member portion rigidly connected and extending therebetween. The first elongated wall portion and the second elongated wall portion are configured to extend parallel to each other. Further, the first elongated wall portion includes a first planar surface and the second elongated wall portion includes a second planar surface such that the first planar surface faces directly opposite from the second planar surface. With this arrangement, the first planar surface is configured to be directly fastened to an inner surface of the first panel structure and the second planar surface is configured to be directly fastened to an inner surface of the second panel structure. 
     In one embodiment, the first elongated wall portion and the second elongated wall portion each include lower attachment portions and upper attachment portions at respective lower and upper ends of the first elongated wall portion and the second elongated wall portion such that the upper attachment portions are configured to mate with the lower attachment portions of another wall tie. In another embodiment, the lower attachment portions and the upper attachment portions of the wall tie include an engaging portion configured to removably lock with the upper attachment portions and the lower attachment portions, respectively, of other wall ties. In still another embodiment, the engaging portion includes a protrusion configured to engage with a groove. In still another embodiment, the lower attachment portions and the upper attachment portions of the wall tie each include an off-set coupling arrangement configured to correspond and mate with respective upper attachment portions and lower attachment portions of other wall ties also each having the off-set coupling arrangement. In yet another embodiment, the cross-member portion of the wall tie defines structure configured to position and align rebar therein. In another embodiment, the first and second planar surfaces of the respective first and second elongated wall portions of the wall tie are configured to be positioned transversely relative to the existing concrete wall to facilitate formation of a concrete roof structure disposed above the existing concrete wall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that theses drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled tie system and concrete wall with portions removed, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an unassembled base tie and wall tie, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of a first end portion of the base tie, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view, from a right rearward side of a lower attachment portion of the wall tie depicted in  FIG. 2 , according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an assembled base tie and wall tie, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A, of an interconnection between the base tie and the wall tie, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a typical concrete footing with base ties positioned thereon, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the footing with a first course of wall ties attached to base ties on the footing with horizontal rebar positioned over the wall ties, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the footing with multiple tie stacks and horizontal rebar therewith, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the footing with panel structures secured to the wall tie stacks and positioned between base ties and a finish ties, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the top tie with a anchor bolt coupled thereto, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the tie system, depicting additional support structure for such system, according to an embodiment of the presents invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the additional support structure for the tie system depicted in  FIG. 9 , illustrating an additional top wall tie integrated with the tie system, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of additional support structure for a wall end, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of additional support structure for a wall corner, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of additional support structure for a wall corner, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exposed concrete wall after the panel structures are removed, depicting a covering and coating process of an exposed portion of the wall ties, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the tie system being utilized over traditional metal concrete forms, depicting a clip member interconnecting the metal concrete forms to the tie system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is cross-sectional view, taken along line A, of the tie clip member and a portion of the base tie, depicting the clip member fastened to metal concrete forms, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a tie system between panel structures, with portions removed, for forming a wall for a swimming pool, depicting the tie system being used along a curved footing to form a curved wall, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  are respective exploded and assembled perspective views of some of the components of the tie system, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of a footing with a radius, depicting multiple base members and wall ties positioned on the footing, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20A  is a cross-sectional view taken from segment  20 A of  FIG. 20 , depicting one of the base portions being bendable over a side of the curved footing, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a base member for a tie system, depicting base portions and a wall tie having a unitary seamless structure, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a base member for a tie system, depicting the base tie and wall tie of  FIG. 3  having a unitary seamless structure, according to another embodiment of the present; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a tie system between panel structures, with portions removed, for forming a wall with a radius, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a tie system secured to a building structure, depicting a wall tie stack positioned above an existing concrete wall, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24A  is a side view of a wall tie stack, depicting some wall ties coupled together and some wall ties prior to being coupled together, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a tie system secured to framing of a building structure, depicting a juncture between an upper portion of a wall tie stack extending vertically, an eave portion, and a lower portion of a wall tie stack extending transversely for forming a roof structure, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a concrete portion of a building structure formed with the tie system, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 27  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a tie system secured to an existing building structure, depicting a wall tie stack between panel structures coupled alongside an existing foundation wall, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is disclosed a partial view of a tie system  20 , according to the present invention. The primary components of the tie system  20  comprise a base tie  30  and a wall tie  90 . As will be set forth herein, the base tie  30  and wall tie  90  are utilized as support structure in conjunction with panel structures  150 , such as typical plywood or Form ply, to build concrete forms for forming concrete walls for various residential and commercial buildings. 
     Such a tie system  20  includes multiple base ties  30  and multiple wall ties  90 . The base ties  30  are placed and secured, in a spaced apart arrangement, to a concrete footing  10 . Each base tie  30  receives a stack of wall ties  90  configured to extend in a vertical arrangement to form a tie stack  160 . Each of the wall ties  90 , within a stack, are configured to be directly interconnected together and configured to extend vertically, one above another. After running a first course of wall ties  90 , horizontal rebar  162  can be run along a cross-member  110  of the wall ties  90 , after which, additional courses of wall ties  90  can be built upon each other, running horizontal rebar  162  as needed, until the tie stacks  160  are built to the desired height. Once the tie stacks  160  are complete, panel structures  150  can be placed along each side of the tie stacks  160  in a parallel fashion and secured thereto. In addition, a finish tie  170  is provided to be positioned over the panel structures  150 . Concrete can then be poured between the parallel panel structures  150  and into the tie system  20 . Once the concrete wall  17  has set, the panel structures  150  can then be removed and utilized for another tie system or for other purposes for the structure being built upon the concrete foundation. As readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the tie system  20  of the present invention provides advantages of being low in material cost and is time efficient for forming concrete walls for both residential and commercial dwellings. 
     It should be noted that the tie system is described herein as a concrete wall forming system due to concrete typically being used in the art for foundation walls. However, the tie system of the present invention is not limited to concrete, but rather, the tie system can be employed with any hardenable liquid building material, including, but not limited to, typical concrete, various cement and/or concrete composites, (i.e., fiber reinforced cements, polymer composite cements), light-weight type cements or concrete, or any other suitable pourable and curable building material known in the art that will meet the structural integrity requirements for a given structure. Furthermore, as can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the tie system of the present invention can be employed to form above ground level walls as well as foundation walls. In addition, it is intended that the term footing can mean any stable structure the base tie of the present invention can be mounted or secured to, such as, a concrete footing or even traditional concrete forms. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , there is disclosed an enlarged unassembled view of the base tie  30  and the wall tie  90 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a base tie  30  and wall tie  90  include structural features that allow the tie system to be placed under maximum loads while pouring the concrete while still maintaining the structural integrity within the tie system. The base tie  30  and wall tie  90  are ideally made from a semi-rigid or substantially rigid polymeric material, such as high density polyethylene. Other polymeric materials can also be used, such as, polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polyamide or any other suitable polymeric material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, such base tie  30  and wall tie  90  can be manufactured using molds with an injection molding process, or any other suitable manufacturing method, such as mold casting or machining, as known in the art. 
     First referring to the base tie  30 , such a base tie can include an upper side  32 , a bottom side  33 , a front side  34 , a back side  35 , a left side  36  and a right side  37 , the upper side  32  configured to face upward and the bottom side  33  configured to be positioned, face down, against a top surface of a concrete footing  10  ( FIG. 1 ). The base tie  30  can include a first end portion  50  and a second end portion  52  with an intermediate portion  40  extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52  can each be an extension of the intermediate portion  40 , on opposite sides thereof, along a longitudinal length of the base tie  30 . Furthermore, the intermediate portion  40  can be a generally elongated portion in comparison to the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52 . The intermediate portion  40  can also include rails  42  extending upward at the upper side  32  of the intermediate portion  40  to, thereby, define a recess  44  in the upper side  32  of the intermediate portion  40 . The rails  42  can extend longitudinally along the length of the upper side  32  of the intermediate portion  40 , of which the rails can define the front side  34  and back side  35  of the intermediate portion  40 . The bottom side  33  of the base tie  30  is preferably substantially planar or flat since, as previously set forth, the bottom side  33  is sized and configured to be secured to the top surface of the concrete footing. 
     The recess  44  defined in the upper side  32  of the intermediate portion  40  can include various openings, including a center hole  46 , extending through the upper side  32  to the bottom side  33  of the intermediate portion  40 . The center hole  46  can be sized and configured to secure the base tie  30  to the concrete footing  10  ( FIG. 1 ). The other openings can be utilized for minimizing the material required while maintaining structural integrity in the base tie as well as for other purposes set forth more fully herein. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion  40  also can include a bulge  48 , defined in part by the rails  42 , at a central portion thereof sized and configured to maintain the structural integrity of the base tie  40  as well as allow for a hammer head to nail a concrete nail through center hole  46  to minimize potentially hitting the rails while hamming such concrete nail. As such, the bulge  48  is sized and configured larger than the typical hitting surface of a hammer head. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 2A , as previously set forth, the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52  can extend from the intermediate portion  40  of the base tie  30 . The first end portion  50  can be substantially identical or similar to the second end portion  52 . In particular, such end portions can each include an attachment portion  54  and a support wall  70 . The attachment portion  54  and support wall  70  both extend upward at the upper side  32  of the base tie  30  and define a channel  80  therebetween. Each attachment portion  54  can include a first attachment portion  60  and a second attachment portion  62  that extend upward and laterally between the front side  34  and back side  35  of the base tie  30 . The first attachment portion  60  can be closer to the end or right side  37  of the base tie  30  than the second attachment portion  62  Likewise, the first attachment portion  60  on the left side  36  of the base tie  30  can be closer to the left side  36  than the second attachment portion  62 . Further, the attachment portion  54  can be unitary in structure with a mid portion  64  interconnecting the first attachment portion  60  and the second attachment portion  62 , of which the mid portion  64  extends longitudinally with the base tie  30 . As such, the first attachment portion  60  and the second attachment portion  62  extend laterally across each of the first and second end portions  50  and  52  in an offset manner with the mid portion  64  extending longitudinally therebetween. 
     In addition, each attachment portion  54  can include one or more protrusions  66  sized and configured to lock or attach to the wall tie  90 . In one embodiment, the attachment portion  54  on the right side  37  can include a protrusion  66  on the inner surface of the first attachment portion  60  and a protrusion  66  on the outer surface of the second attachment portion  62 . Likewise, on the left side  36  of the base tie  30 , the first attachment portion  54  can include a protrusion  66  on the inner surface and a protrusion  66  on the second attachment portion  62  on the outer surface of the attachment portion  54 . Such protrusions  66  on the attachment portion  54  are sized and configured to interconnect and removably lock with the wall tie  90 , of which further explanation will be provided for the interconnection hereafter. 
     Each of the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52  can also include a support wall  70 . The support wall  70  can include an inner surface  72  and an outer surface  74 , extending upward and between the front side  34  and back side  35  of the base tie  30 . The support wall  70  can include additional supports  76  extending from the outer surface  74  of the support wall to provide additional structural integrity to the support wall. Such additional supports can extend, for example, from an intermediate height of the outer surface  74  of the support wall  70 , angling downward toward a corresponding end of the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52 . Further, the additional supports  76  can define a portion of the front side  34  and back side  35  of each of the respective first and second end portions  50  and  52  of the base tie  30 . As previously set forth, the upward extension of the both the support wall  70  and the attachment portion  54  define a channel  80  in each of the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52 . Such a channel  80  extends (laterally to the longitudinal length of the base tie  30 ) between the front side  34  and back side  35  of the base tie  30  at each of the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52 . Further, the channel  80  is sized and configured to receive and support a panel structure  150  ( FIG. 1 ), such as plywood or Form ply, as previously set forth. Furthermore, the support wall  70  can define a channel slot  81 , extending through the support wall  70 , sized and configured to receive a fastener therethrough. In other words, such channel slot  81  can be configured to facilitate fastening the panel structure within the channel  80  and, thus, to the base tie  30 . 
     Now with reference to the wall tie  90  of the tie system  20 , the wall tie  90  includes an upper side  92 , bottom side  93 , a front side  94 , a back side  95 , a right side  96  and a left side  97 . Further, such a wall tie  90  can include a first elongated wall portion  100  and a second elongated wall portion  102  with a cross-member  110  extending therebetween. The first elongated wall portion  100  includes an outer surface  104  and an inner surface  105 , the outer surface  104  defining, at least in part, the right side  96  of the wall tie  90  Likewise, the second elongated wall portion  102  includes an outer surface  106  and an inner surface  107  with the outer surface  106  defining, at least in part, the left side  97  of the wall tie  90 . The outer surfaces of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  can be substantially flat and sized and configured to be positioned against and secured to the panel structure  150 , the panel structure also being positioned in the channel  80  of the base tie  30 , as previously set forth. 
     Furthermore, the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  include an intermediate wall portion  108  with an inner surface that can be raised. Such raised surface can be thicker than the remaining portions of both the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102 . Further, such intermediate wall portion  108  is sized and configured to be secured to the panel structures with fasteners and is, therefore, configured to be thicker to increase the structural integrity for such attachment. In addition, the intermediate wall portion  108  for each of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  can include and define holes  109  extending between the front side  94  and back side  95  of the wall tie  90 . Such holes  109  defined in each intermediate wall portion  108  of the wall tie  90  limits the amount of material necessary for the structural integrity of the wall tie while also adding structural thickness for being secured to the panel structures. 
     As previously set forth, the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  are interconnected by a cross-member  110 . The cross-member  110  can extend from respective inner surfaces of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  at one or more locations. In particular, the cross-member  110  can include upper beams  112 , a mid beam  114  and a lower beam  116  with multiple struts  118  interconnecting such upper, mid and lower beams. The upper beams, mid beam and lower beam can extend from respective upper, mid and lower portions of the inner surface of the intermediate wall portion  108  of both the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102 . According to this arrangement, the cross-member  110 , including the multiple beams and struts, are sized and configured to provide the structural integrity necessary to withstand the concrete loads placed thereon. 
     Furthermore, the cross-member  110  can include multiple rebar holders. In particular, the cross-member  110  can include a center rebar holder  120  with a right rebar holder  122  and a left rebar holder  124  positioned above the center rebar holder  120 . The center rebar holder  120  is defined at a juncture between the upper beams  112  of the cross-member  110  with a u-shaped configuration. The upper beams can include cross-member extensions  126 , extending upward, to define each of the center, right and left rebar holders  120 ,  122  and  124  each having a u-shaped configuration. Of course, such rebar holders can include other configurations with means for maintaining rebar. With such an arrangement, rebar can be readily placed within one or more of the u-shaped configurations for substantially exact rebar placement and positioned in a time efficient manner. Each of the center rebar holder  120  and right and left rebar holders  122  and  124  can be configured with structure to attach and hold the rebar, with an interference type fit, in position or can be configured to allow the rebar to rest within the various u-shaped configurations. 
     In addition, the center rebar holder  120  can be sized and configured to receive both ½″ diameter and ⅝″ diameter rebar, the ½″ diameter rebar held in a lower portion of the center rebar holder and the ⅝″ diameter rebar held in an upper portion with a ridge  121  defined therebetween. That is, the ridge  121  defines an upper edge of the lower portion sized for the ½″ diameter rebar and the ridge  121  defines a lower edge of the upper portion sized for the ⅝″ diameter rebar. Further, the center rebar holder  122  can include a rebar groove  123  defined at a bottom of the center rebar holder  122 . Such rebar groove  123  is sized and configured to receive a raised seam on the periphery of rebar and, in this case, the ½″ diameter rebar. The right and left rebar holders  122  and  124  are sized and configured to receive ½″ diameter rebar therein each including a rebar groove defined therein. 
     According to an important aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  can include a lower attachment portion  130  and an upper attachment portion  140 . The lower attachment portion  130  of the wall tie  90 , located at a lower portion of each of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102 , can be sized and configured to attach and interconnect or interlock (in a removable manner) to the attachment portion  54  of a respective and corresponding first and second end portion  50  and  52  of the base tie  30 . The upper attachment portion  140  of each of the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  can be sized and configured to substantially mimic the attachment portion  54  of the base tie  30  so that additional wall ties  30  can be stacked vertically upon each other to, thereby, build the wall ties  30  to the approximate desired height for the concrete wall form. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 2 and 2B , there is disclosed the lower attachment portion  130  of the wall tie  90 . Each lower attachment portion  130 , extending from the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102 , can include a first lower attachment portion  132  and a second lower attachment portion  134 . The first and second lower attachment portions  132  and  134  can be configured to extend downward from the respective elongated wall portion and define a gap  136  therebetween. Further, the first lower attachment portion  132  can be laterally offset with respect to the second lower attachment portion  134  sized and configured to correspond with the offset arrangement of the attachment portion  54  of the base tie  30  (See also,  FIG. 2A ). Further, the first lower attachment portion  132  for both the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  can include a groove  138  that extends laterally within the outer surface of the first lower attachment portion  132 . Similarly, the second lower attachment portion  134  for both the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  also can include a groove  138  that extends laterally within the inner surface of the second lower attachment portion  134 . In addition, each of the first and second lower attachment portions  132  and  134  can include a tapered free end  142  so as to allow ready insertion and attachment of the wall tie  90  to the base tie  30 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 3A , there is illustrated the wall tie  90  assembled with the base tie  30 . More particularly, the first and second lower attachment portion  132  and  134  of each first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  are sized and configured to mate and interconnect with a respective one of each of the first and second attachment portions  60  and  62  of each first and second end portion  50  and  52  of the base tie  30 . Further, the groove  138  within the first and second lower attachment portion  132  and  134  is sized and configured to mate and interconnect with the protrusion  66  of the first and second attachment portion  60  and  62  of the base tie  30  to, thereby, provide a locking arrangement. In this manner, the offset and gaped arrangement between the first and second lower attachment portions  132  and  134  of the wall tie  90  readily interconnects and attaches to the offset and unitary arrangement of the attachment portion  54  (having a respective first and second attachment portion  60  and  62 ) of the base tie  30 . As such, the wall tie  90  is configured to attach and interconnect with the base tie  30 . Further, as previously set forth, the wall tie  90  includes an upper attachment portion  140  that mimics the structure of the attachment portions  54  of the base tie  30 . As such, the lower attachment portions  130  of a second wall tie  90  can attach and interconnect with the upper attachment portion  140  of a lower wall tie  90  therebelow to, thereby, facilitate vertically building a stack of wall ties  90  upon a single base tie  30  to the desired height of the concrete wall form (See  FIG. 1 ). 
     Based on the foregoing, the tie system of the present invention is advantageous in comparison to the prior art concrete form systems due to the tie system comprising primarily two components, the base tie and the wall tie. Such two components in the tie system inherently provides advantages of being compact for shipping purposes, minimizing the risk of damaging the components during shipping and even while building the concrete forms. Further, due to the compact and light nature of the tie system with primarily two different components, installing the tie system to build the concrete forms is less laborious than prior art concrete form systems with minimized complexity. Moreover, the tie system of the present invention includes greater cost and time efficiency in regard to manufacturing, shipping and assembling such tie system. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 4 through 14 , the process and method for assembling the tie system to build concrete forms, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now be described. Referring first to  FIG. 4 , there is disclosed a step for securing the base tie to a concrete footing  10  with a corner. The footing  10  can first be marked with a chalk line on a top surface  12  thereof, marking the position for an outside perimeter  152  and inside perimeter  154  of the concrete wall. Such marked chalk line should correspond with the desired concrete wall thickness  156 . Likewise, the base ties and wall ties employed should correspond with the desired concrete wall thickness, sized, but not limited to, according to the most typical concrete wall thicknesses of about 8″, 6″ or 4″ thick concrete walls. Once the chalk lines are marked, placement of the first base tie  30  can be measured a first length L 1  from the inside corner chalk line for the concrete wall. Such first length L 1  can be preferably about 3″ from the inside corner chalk line. Placement of the other base ties  30  along the length of the footing  10 , can be spaced a second length L 2 , separate and distinct from each other. The last base tie  30  along the length of the footing  10 , whether at an end or a corner, can be measured the first length L 1  (approximately 3″) from such end or corner. The same procedure can be followed along the other length of footing  10  from the inside corner chalk line, as depicted. 
     The second length L 2  in which the base ties  30  are spaced can vary upon parameters, namely (but not limited to), the thickness of the panel structure and the height of the concrete wall. The thickness of a panel structure that can be employed with the present invention can include, but is not limited to, 7/16″, ½″, 9/16″, ⅝″, 11/16″, ¾″, 1″, or 1⅛″ thickness. When using typical plywood, the preferred parameters are as follows: For a one to two foot concrete wall height utilizing a plywood thickness between 7/16″ to 1⅛″ thick, the spacing for the second length L 2  is preferably a maximum of about twenty-four inches. If the wall height is 2½ feet, the spacing for the second length L 2  is a maximum of about nineteen inches utilizing plywood at 7/16″ or ½″ thick and a maximum of about twenty-four inch spacing for plywood 9/16″ through 1⅛″ thick. Further, if the wall height is three feet, the spacing for the second length L 2  is a maximum of about sixteen inches with a 7/16″ or ½″ thick plywood and a maximum of about twenty-four inch spacing for 9/16″ through 1⅛″ thick plywood. If the wall height is 3½ feet, the spacing for the second length L 2  is a maximum of about twelve inches utilizing plywood at 7/16″ or ½″ thick, and a maximum of about a 19 inch spacing for plywood at 9/16″ or ⅝″ thick, and about a maximum of about twenty-four inch spacing using plywood at 11/16″ through 1⅛″ thick. For a wall height of four feet, the spacing for the second length L 2  can be a maximum of about sixteen inches with 9/16″ or ⅝″ thick plywood and a maximum of about twenty-four inch spacing using 11/16″ through 1⅛″ thick plywood. Further, it should be noted that it is preferred to utilize typical plywood having a thickness greater than ½″ for a wall height of four feet. Again, as set forth, the above-indicated parameters relate to the panel structure being typical plywood. When using Form ply, it is preferred to utilize ½″ thick panels for any wall height up to ten feet. The preferred panel structures employed that are rated as Form ply are typically high density overlay (“HDO”) plywood or medium density overlay (“HDO”) plywood. Other suitable panel structures, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, can also be employed with the tie system of the present invention. 
     For accurate placement and alignment, the base tie  30  can include a notch  82  at the inside edge of each channel (See  FIG. 2A ). Such notch  82  is configured to be aligned and correspond with the inside perimeter  152  and outside perimeter  154  chalk lines marked on the footing  10 . Once the base ties  30  are placed with their respective notches  82  aligned with the chalk lines and at the correct spacing as set forth above, such base ties  30  should be secured to the footing preferably with a 1½″ concrete nail  158 . Such nail  158  can be nailed through the center hole  46  in the base ties  30 . If desired, additional concrete nails can be run through other portions, preferably within an interior portion, of the base tie  30  to ensure securing the base tie to the footing  10  while also making sure the notches remain aligned with the chalk lines with the base tie extending perpendicular to the chalk lines. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is disclosed a step for building tie stacks  160  of the tie system  20  on the concrete footing  10  with horizontal rebar  162 , according to the present invention. In particular, once the base ties  30  are properly secured, a first course of wall ties  90  can be attached to the base ties  30 . Such attachment is readily employed by mating the lower attachment portions  130  of a given wall tie  90  with the attachment portion  54  of the base tie  30 , as previously set forth herein (See  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). After attachment of the first course of wall ties  90  is complete, it is necessary to determine the desired height for horizontal rebar  162  placement. Typically, it is advantageous and required by code to run a lower level of horizontal rebar  162 . As such, once the first course of wall ties  90  are placed, horizontal rebar  162  can be run by placing the rebar within the center rebar holder  120 . Each of the rebar holders are sized and configured to maintain the rebar, with accurate positioning and with an interference fit. At the center rebar holder  120  level, the horizontal rebar will be approximately 2¾″ above the footing. If a slightly different height is required, rebar can be placed along the right or left rebar holders  122  and  124  in each wall tie  90  or rebar can be tied off at different heights along the various portions of the wall tie or tied to the vertical rebar  14 . If the design requirements call for two horizontal rebar, such rebar can be positioned in both the right and left rebar holders  122  and  124 . 
     Once the horizontal rebar  162  is positioned along the first course of wall ties, additional wall ties can be added to each stack to the height necessary for running another length of horizontal rebar  162 . In other words, depending on the required vertical spacing of the horizontal rebar, the appropriate number of wall ties  90  can be pre-assembled to achieve the desired vertical spacing of such horizontal rebar  162 . For example, each wall tie  90  can represent about six inches of vertical height. If your intended rebar spacing between horizontal rebar is twenty-four inches apart, then pre-assemble four wall ties and attached such pre-assembled wall ties to each tie stack before running a second length of horizontal rebar  162 . Once such rebar is positioned as desired, additional wall ties  90  can be stacked vertically for each tie stack to the desired height. It should be noted that tie stacks are complete within about five inches of the intended height of the concrete wall. For example, for an intended wall height of three feet, a total of five wall ties will make a complete tie stack  160  with the base tie  30  at the bottom (representing about one inch) providing about five inches below the intended wall height of three feet. As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the ability to internally build the tie stacks  160  with the horizontal rebar  162  prior to positioning the panel structures thereto, as set forth above, provides for quick and ready assembly of the tie system  20 , and therefore provides advantages over the prior art in reducing complexity to, thereby, be more time and cost efficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is disclosed a step for attaching the panel structures  150  of the tie system  20  with a finish tie  170 , according to the present invention. In particular, panel structures  150  can now be placed within the channel  80  on each side of the base ties  30  so that the panel structures run parallel to each other with each tie stack  160  substantially oriented perpendicular to the panel structures  150 , as illustrated. As previously set forth, to ensure optimal concrete walls, i.e., plum and straight, it is important that the thickness and the type of panel structures  150  correspond with the intended wall height and the spacing of the tie stacks, as previously set forth. Further, it is necessary to make sure the seams  164  or butt joints between the plywood panel structures  150  do not correspond with the tie stacks  160 . Once such panel structures  150  are placed, base ties can be inverted and placed over a top portion  166  of the panel structures  150  with such top portion  166  positioned and received within the channels of each inverted base tie. The inverted base tie is referred to herein, according to one embodiment, as a finish tie  170 . Such finish tie  170  can be configured to interconnect directly to the panel structure  150 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the finish tie  170  includes various sized holes extending through the intermediate portion  174  of such finish tie  170 . In particular, there is a pair of ⅝″ diameter holes  176  and a pair of ½″ diameter holes  178 . These holes can be configured to receive and hold an anchor bolt  180 . As shown, the anchor bolt  180  can be positioned within one of the holes and secured for subsequent anchoring structure to the top surface of the concrete wall (not shown). For concrete walls having a thickness of 8″, the outer holes are center line placement for 2×4 plates and the inner holes are center line placement for 2×6 plates. As such, employing the anchor bolt  180  with the finish tie  170  will provide substantially perfect placement of the anchor bolts  180 . 
     Like the base tie  30 , the finish tie  170  can include a first end portion  175  and a second end portion  177  with the intermediate portion  174  extending therebetween. Each of the end portions can define channels  172  therein sized and configured to be positioned over and receive the panel structures  150 . Further, channel slots  182  defined in each of the end portions can be employed to fasten the finish tie  170  to the panel structures  150 . It should be noted that it is not required to fasten the finish tie  170  to the panel structures  150 . 
     Once the panel structures  150  are positioned within the channels  80  of the base ties  30  and further, the channels  172  of the finish ties  170  are also positioned over the panel structures  150 , fasteners  184 , such as screws, can be inserted through the panel structures  150  and through the wall ties  90 . Placement of such fasteners should correspond with the first and second elongated wall portions  100  and  102  of each wall tie  90  and, more specifically, the intermediate wall portion  108  (See  FIG. 2 ) where the wall tie  90  is thicker than other portions of the wall tie. For more accurate and efficient screw placement, it is preferred to make a template or tool to mark the position for placing screws in the plywood panel structure  150 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , it is preferred to place two screws through the panel structure  150  and within each side or intermediate wall portion  108  of the wall tie  90 . In addition, at the seams  164  or butt joints of the plywood panel structure  150 , additional reinforcement should be employed by fastening a scrap piece  186  of plywood over the seem  164  and securing such scrap piece  186  with two vertical rows of screws with about six inches on-center on each side of the seam  164 . 
       FIGS. 9 through 13  disclose additional supporting structures that can be built around the form of the tie system  20  of the present invention. Such additional support structures can be built-up around seems, potential weak portions in the forms or portions that will receive greater loads to ensure the forms will maintain their structural integrity when loaded with the concrete. Further, it is preferred to employ additional supporting structure for any wall height and is required for wall heights three feet and higher. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is disclosed a lag whaler arrangement in conjunction with the tie system  20  of the present invention. In particular, a 2×4 whaler  190  extends along a bottom portion of both sides of the panel structures  150  with, for example, several 5/16″×15″ screws  192  extending laterally through both whalers  190 . Such lag whaler arrangement provides additional support to the tie system  20  of the present invention where the forms receive the greatest load pressure, such as, while pouring the concrete with the use of a hydraulic pumping system, to ensure the width of the forms will remain substantially constant and stationary. Once the concrete is poured within the forms, it is important to remove the screws within one to three hours. Removing the lag whaler screws  192  after three hours can make such removal time consuming. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , there is disclosed additional supporting structure that is internal and integrated with the wall ties in the tie system  20  of the present invention. In particular, in one embodiment, the tie stack can include a top wall tie  290 . Such top wall tie  290  is sized and configured to be positioned and attached to a lower wall tie  90  and is configured to be the highest tie that is directly interconnected to other ties in the tie stack in the tie system  20 . The top wall tie  290  can include a similar profile as the wall tie  90 , except the top wall tie  290  can extend approximately three to four inches in vertical height, rather than the six inches of the wall ties  90 . As such, the top wall tie  290  can include a first elongated wall portion  292  and a second elongated wall portion  294  with a cross-member  296  extending therebetween. Further, the top wall tie  290  can include a lower attachment portion  298  at a lower end of each of the first elongated wall portion  292  and the second elongated wall portion  294 . The lower attachment portion  298  of the top wall tie  290  is sized and configured to attach to the upper attachment portion  140  of the wall tie  90  (See  FIG. 2 ). Such top wall tie  290  can provide internal support, in addition to the finish tie  170 , to the tie system  20  at an upper portion of the panel structures  150 . Similar to the wall ties, the top wall tie  290  is sized and configured to be disposed between the panel structures  150  and is configured to be fastened to and between the panel structures. 
       FIG. 11  discloses an end portion  22  of the tie system  20 , according to another aspect of the present invention. Additional supporting structure can be built for end portions  22  by simply having an end sheet  194  of plywood be cut wider, such as about three inches wider, than a width  196  of the parallel plywood panel structures  150  and securing two 2×4 beams  198  vertically to an inside edge  202  of the wider end sheet  194 , as depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , additional supporting structure can also be employed for outside corners  24  of the tie system  20 , according to the present invention. In particular, for an outside corner  24 , one of the panel structures can extend a longer length  204 , such as about three inches, and then fasten a 2×4 beam  206  vertically to both intersection panel structures  150 , as depicted. If one cannot extend the plywood panel structure  150  longer a given distance, the corner can be wrapped with two 2×4 beams  208  extending vertically, as depicted in the outside corner  24  of the tie system  20  in  FIG. 13 . For inside corners, no additional support is needed up to a three foot wall height. For inside corners taller than three feet, the outside corner detail can be inverted by fastening a 2×4 beam vertically to the two intersecting inside corner panels. 
       FIG. 13  also discloses another embodiment for attaching additional supporting structure along a length of an upper portion of the tie system  20  to keep the wall straight and plum, according to another aspect of the present invention. In particular, additional support structure can be provided to the concrete form by securing 2×4 beams  210  horizontally along an upper portion of the concrete forms and positioning beams  212  to extend between the ground and the horizontally extending beams in a diagonal manner, as depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , there is disclosed a step for covering and coating an exposed portion of the wall ties in an exposed and hardened concrete wall  17 , according to another aspect of the present invention. Once the forms have been built and provided the proper supporting structure, the concrete can be poured between the forms and left to set and, as previously set forth, within one to three hours, the screw from the lag whaler arrangement can be removed from the forms. Once the concrete is completely set, the forms can be removed, including the additional support structure, the panel structures and the finish ties. According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the panel structures and finish ties can then be re-used for another tie system or the panel structures can be employed for other portions of the residential or commercial building, such as for the roof or sub-floor. Therefore, the tie system of the present invention limits the waste of lumber and maximizes the use of materials. 
     As shown, a top portion  19  of the hardened concrete wall  17  can include an exposed portion of the anchor bolts  180  ready to receive the bottom portion of the structure (not shown) to be built thereon. Also, once the panel structures are removed, the outer surface of the wall ties  90  will be exposed on the concrete wall  17  along with a portion of the end portions of the base tie  30 . To cover this exposed portion of the wall tie  90 , a self-adhesive tape  222  can be applied thereto, such as a mesh tape. The self-adhesive tape  222  can then receive a base coat product  224 . The base coat product can be any suitable exterior insulation finishing system (“E.I.F.S.”) type product, such as, DRYVIT, PAREX, SYNERGY or FINESTONE products. This will provide a bridge over the exposed wall ties that provides a surface that can be plastered over or receive a water proofing product as typically employed on foundation walls. 
     Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, once the panel structures are removed from the hardened concrete wall  17 , the exposed portion of the wall ties  90  can be used as anchoring points for other building materials. In particular, such exposed portion of the wall ties  90  in the concrete wall can be employed as a substrate to anchor a polymeric insulation building material thereto. The portion best suited to anchor into is the intermediate wall portion  108  being sized and configured thicker than other portions of the elongated wall portions (See  FIG. 2 ). Polymeric building materials can include, but are not limited to, high density polystyrene foam, or any other suitable polymeric foam or building material typical to that used in insulation concrete forms. Of course, the exposed portion of the wall ties  90  can also be used to anchor other types of materials as well. In this manner, the tie system of the present invention can be employed to form concrete walls and obtain the advantages of an insulated wall without the high cost of the insulation concrete form systems. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  disclose another embodiment of the tie system  20  in conjunction with a clip member  250 , according to the present invention. In particular, there is disclosed a clip member  250  that can be integrated with the base tie  30  of the present invention and attach to a top surface  242  of traditional metal forms  240 . Such a clip member  250  can be employed with the tie system  20  of the present invention for increasing the height for a concrete wall than that which is available for a given metal form system. 
     The clip member  250  can include a form attachment portion  252  and a tie attachment portion  254 . The form attachment portion  252  is sized and configured to attach to a portion, such as a top surface  242 , of the metal forms  240 . The form attachment portion  252  can include a first extension portion  262 , a wrap portion  264  and a free end  266 . The first extension portion  262  can be configured to extend outward from the tie attachment portion  254  to the wrap portion  264 . The wrap portion  264  can be sized and configured to wrap around an edge  244  at the top surface  242  of the metal form  240 . The free end  266  extends from the wrap portion  264  and can include a tapered lip  268 . At an underside of the first extension portion  262 , there is defined a recess  269  or groove configured to receive the edge  244  of the metal form  240  in conjunction with the wrap portion  264 . With this arrangement, the clip member  250  can be readily attached to the edge  244  of the metal form by pulling and sliding the tapered free end  266  under the edge  244  and into the wrap portion  264  until the recess  269  of the first extension portion  262  engages such edge  244 . 
     Now with reference to the tie attachment portion  254  of the clip member  250 , such tie attachment portion  254  can be sized and configured to attach to a clip hole  53  in an end portion  51  of the base tie  30 . The tie attachment portion  254  can include a second extension portion  270  with a clipping portion  274  extending upward therefrom and a lower portion  272 . The second extension portion  270  is sized and configured to be disposed between a top surface  242  of the metal forms  240  and below the base tie  30 . The clipping portion  274  can be sized and configured to extend through the clip hole  53  defined in the end portion  51  of the base tie  30 . The lower portion  272  below the second extension portion  270  can be disposed within a hole  246  defined in the top surface  242  of the metal forms  240 . The clipping portion  274  can include two upward extending portions  276  each with a tapered free end  278  and a back-stop  279 . As such, once the clip member  250  is properly positioned and attached to the metal forms  240 , the base tie  30  can be aligned such that the clipping portion  274  is inserted through the clip hole  53  in the base tie  30 . As such insertion takes place, the tapered free ends  278  of the upward extending portion  276  squeeze or move together until the clipping portion  274  is fully inserted. The back-stop portion  279  of each upward extending portion  276  maintains the base tie  30  in proper position. Another clip member  250  should also be employed, as previously set forth, for the opposite side of the base tie  30  and each base tie  30  along the length of the metal forms  240 . In this manner, the clip member  250  can be utilized with the tie system  20  to achieve greater concrete wall heights than that which is available for a given metal form  240 . It should be noted that the base tie, in this aspect of the present invention, is positioned over the concrete footing (not shown) and, more specifically, is positioned over and above the concrete footing while being secured to the metal forms  240 . 
     Furthermore, the tie system of the present invention can also be employed over a top portion of traditional wood forms, similar to that depicted in the previous embodiment. However, according to another embodiment, the base tie  30  can be positioned over (and above) the footing and fastened to the top surface of traditional wood forms via a base securing hole  83  defined in each of the channels  80  of the first end portion  50  and the second end portion  52  of the base tie  30 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 2A . As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the base tie  30  can be positioned and secured on the top surface of the traditional wood forms via base securing hole  83  and, then built upon with the tie system, as set forth herein. 
     With respect to  FIG. 17 , another embodiment of a tie system  320  utilized for forming a concrete wall  302  on a footing  304  made, for example, a swimming pool is shown. The tie system  320  of this embodiment may be employed in conjunction with a water stop  310 . The water stop  310  may be positioned within a top surface  306  of the footing  304 , extending lengthwise along a curvature of the footing  304  or along a linear footing, as the case may be. The water stop  310  may be positioned and embedded into the footing  304  before the footing is hardened and provides one means for preventing water from seeping between the footing  304  and the finished concrete wall  304 . The water stop  310  may be about six to eight inches in height, but is not limited to such, with about half the height embedded into the footing  304 . As such, the tie system  320  of this embodiment may be employed for walls where the water stop  310  is preferred, such as for forming walls of a swimming pool, a storm drain, or any other wall structure made to hold a liquid. Furthermore, it should be noted that the tie system  320  of this embodiment, as well as the tie system of the previous embodiments, such as the tie system depicted in  FIG. 1 , may be employed along a footing with a radius to form walls with a corresponding wall radius. 
     Similar to the previous embodiments, the tie system  320  may include base members  322  and wall ties  322  interconnected together to form multiple tie stacks  326  that are spaced apart and secured to and along the footing  304 . The tie stacks  326  can be built in levels to readily facilitate laying or positioning rebar  329  over appropriate levels within the tie stacks  326 . With multiple tie stacks  326  secured to the footing  304 , panel structures  328  can be secured to the tie stacks  326  and finish ties  330  may be secured to an upper end  332  of the panel structures  328 . The panel structures  328 , in the case of the curved footing, may be positioned and secured to the tie stacks  326  by bending or bowing the panel structures  328  as they are secured to the tie stacks  326 . The panel structures  328  employed with the curved footing may be bendable plywood, masonite or plastic panels that will provide sufficient strength to act as a temporary form, but also may readily bow or bend, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. At this stage, the hardenable building material, such as concrete or any other hardenable building material, can be poured between the panel structures  328 . Once the hardenable building material has cured sufficiently, the panel structures  328  and finish ties  330  can be removed, leaving the newly formed concrete wall  302 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , some of the components of the tie system  320  depicted in  FIG. 17  are shown in respective exploded and assembled views. This embodiment is similar, in most respects, to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , but with different base members  322 . In one embodiment, the base members  322  may facilitate the tie system  320  being secured to the footing and assembled over the water stop  310  embedded in the footing  304  (see  FIG. 17 ). Such base members  322  may include a first base portion  334  and a second base portion  336  and multiple wall ties  324 . Also, the tie system  320  may include intermediate adapters  338 . 
     The first base portion  334  and the second base portion  336  may be separate and discrete components from each other. That is, the first base portion  334  and the second base portion  336  may be discrete structures in the unassembled form, but may be configured to be interconnected once the wall tie  324  is attached to the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 . Each of the first base portion  334  and the second base portion  336  may include a base extension  340  and one or more upstanding attachment portions  342  and a support wall  344 . The base extension  340  may be configured to be secured to a footing and configured to extend horizontally against the footing with the upstanding attachment portions  342  and support wall  344  extending vertically from and relative to the footing and base extension  340 . Such first and second base portions  334 ,  336  may be secured to the footing via concrete fasteners at the multiple holes  346  extending through the base extension  340 . 
     The upstanding attachment portions  342  of the first and second base portions  334 ,  336  may be configured to connect or mate with the respective end portions of the wall tie  324 , similar to previous embodiments. The support wall  344  may extend upward to the height of the upstanding attachment portion  342  or to a height beyond the upstanding attachment portion  342 . The upstanding attachment portion  342  and the support wall  344  may define a channel  348  therebetween, the channel  348  sized and configured to receive a bottom end of the panel structures  328  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     The wall tie  324  may be similar to the wall ties described in earlier embodiments, though, in part, interconnect differently. For example, in this embodiment, the wall tie  324  may be interconnected to the first and second base portions  334 ,  336  in an inverted manner such that two end portions  350  of the wall tie  324  mate with the respective upstanding attachment portions  342  of the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 . As in the previous embodiments, the wall tie  324  may include a first elongated wall portion  352  and a second elongated wall portion  354  with a cross-member portion  356  extending therebetween. The end portions  350 , of both an upper end and lower end of the wall tie  324 , of each of the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  may be sized and configured to mate or interconnect with at least one of the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 , another wall tie  324  and the intermediate adapter  338 . In this embodiment, the wall tie  324  may be inverted such that the corresponding end portions  350  of the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  mate and attach with the attachment portions  342  of the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 . 
     The intermediate adapters  338  may be connected to the end portions  350 , on the upper end, of the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  of the inverted wall tie  324 . Such intermediate adapters  338  may be employed to facilitate an additional wall tie  324  to be interconnected thereto, attachable in a non-inverted or upright manner. In this manner, additional wall ties  324  may be attached and stacked in an upright non-inverted orientation to vertically build the tie stack  326  to the height desired. 
     As in the previous embodiments, each tie stack  326  may include multiple wall ties  324 , with the inverted bottom wall tie  324  secured to one or more base members  322  or, more specifically, the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 . Each tie stack  326  extends vertically relative to the footing, curved or linear, with the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  for each wall tie  324  including a first flat surface  358  and a second flat surface  360 , the first flat surface  358  facing directly opposite the second flat surface  360 . Further, the first flat surface  358  and the second flat surface  360  of respective first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  extend longitudinally vertical and perpendicular relative to the base members  322 . It should also be noted that the intermediate adapters  338 , interconnected between the inverted wall tie  324  and another wall tie that is upstanding, also are configured to include a flat outward facing surface that may be flush and correspond with the first and second flat surfaces  358 ,  360  of the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354 . Such first and second flat surfaces  358 ,  360  of the tie stack  326  may be configured to be directly secured to the panel structures  328 , as depicted in  FIG. 17 . With this arrangement, the panel structures  328 , secured to the first and second flat surfaces  358 ,  360  of each tie stack  326 , provides the forms for pouring the hardenable building material, such as concrete, over the tie system  320  securing the panel structures  328 , or forms, in position. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 20 and 20A , multiple base members  322  and wall ties  324  positioned over a footing  304  with a radius  305  are depicted. The multiple base members  322  or first and second base portions  334 ,  336  of the tie system  320  are positioned in a spaced apart arrangement and oriented lengthwise to extend along and substantially align with the radius  305  of the footing  304 . Further, the first and second base portions  334 ,  336  may be secured to the footing and spaced a distance from each other so that the attachment portion  342  can mate with the end portions  350  of the wall tie  324 . To ensure appropriate spacing between the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 , the inverted wall tie  324  may be attached to such base portions as the base portions  334 ,  336  are secured to the footing. Further, the first base portions  334  may be positioned such that the attachment portion  342  is adjacent to or aligns with an edge  307  of the footing  304  such that the channel  348  may partially extend over the edge  307  of the footing  304 . In addition, the second base portion  336  may be aligned with the first base portion  334  a specific distance such that the attachment portions  342  will correspond with the end portions  350  of the wall tie  324 . Further, the first base portion  334  and the second base portion  336  may be positioned on the footing such that the water stop  310  extends therebetween with the inverted wall tie  324  providing the clearance for the water stop  310 . More specifically, in instances where the tie system  320  is utilized for forming walls for a swimming pool or the like, the water stop  310  may be positioned and embedded within the footing  304  with the first and second base portions  334 ,  336  on an inner and outer side of the water stop  310  so that each tie stack  326  is positioned over the water stop  310  (also seen in  FIG. 17 ). 
     In another embodiment, the first base portion  334 , as previously indicated, may hang over the edge  307  of the footing  304 . The first base portion  334  may include a thinned portion  364 . The thinned portion  364  may readily allow the over-hanging portion of the first base portion  334  to be bendable or moveable against a side wall  309  (or sloping surface) of the footing  304  and to be secured thereto, as shown by arrow  366 . In this manner, the bottom end of the panel structures  328 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , can be positioned substantially adjacent and flush with the edge  307  of the footing  304  and against the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  of the wall ties  324  so that the wall formed between the panel structures  328  sits flush and extends to the edge  307  of the footing  304 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17, 19 and 20 , each of the cross-member portions  356  of the tie stack  326  may extend generally in a common plane  368 . Such common plane  368  of the cross-member portions  356  may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the top surface  306  of the footing  304  (as well as the base extension  340  of each of the first and second base portions  334 ,  336 ) and substantially perpendicular relative to the first and second flat surfaces  358 ,  360  of the first and second elongated wall portions  352 ,  354  of the wall ties  324 . With this arrangement, the substantially perpendicular relationship of the cross-member portions  356  (being generally in a common plane) in each tie stack  326  relative to the first and second flat surfaces  358 ,  360  and the top surface  306  of the footing  304  or base extensions  322  may maximize the structural integrity of the tie stack  326  when receiving the weight associated with the hardenable building material, or concrete, between the panel structures  326 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 21 , another embodiment of a base member  380  for a tie system is shown. In particular, the base member  380  of this embodiment includes a first base portion  382 , a second base portion  384  and a wall tie portion  386 , each integrally formed together in a unitary and seamless arrangement. Other wall ties and/or intermediate adapters (not shown), such as the upright wall tie and intermediate adapters depicted in  FIG. 18 , may then be attached to upper end portions  388  of the wall tie portion  386 . With this arrangement, the base member  380  may be positioned and secured over a concrete footing (not shown) to establish a base for a tie stack, then additional wall ties may be attached to the base member and vertically stacked to the height desired to form a tie stack, as set forth in previous embodiments. 
     With respect to  FIG. 22 , another embodiment of a base member  390  for a tie system is depicted. This embodiment is similar to the base tie and wall tie depicted in  FIG. 3 , except in this embodiment, a base tie  392  and a wall tie portion  394  may be integrally formed together in a unitary seamless structure. Similar to the previous embodiment, the base member  390  may be positioned and secured to a footing (not shown), after which, additional wall ties may be attached to the end portions  396  of the wall tie portion  394  and vertically stacked to the height desired for a tie stack. Multiple tie stacks may be positioned and secured to the footing for securing panel structures thereto to act as forms for pouring a concrete wall (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIG. 23 , another embodiment of a tie system  420  is shown. In this embodiment, the tie system  420  may be the same or similar to the tie system depicted in  FIG. 1 , except the tie system  420  is employed for supporting panel structures  428  over a footing  404  with a radius or curved footing. Similar to that set forth with respect to  FIG. 1 , the tie system  420  of this embodiment may be best suited for forming walls for a home, or the like, which may be used for straight walls or walls where a radius is desired. The tie system  420  over the curved footing  404  may include multiple tie stacks  426 . Each tie stack  426  may include a base member  422  or base tie and one or more wall ties  424 . The panel structures  428  employed with the curved footing may be bendable plywood, masonite or plastic panels that will provide sufficient strength to act as a temporary form, but also may readily bow or bend. In this manner, the tie system  420  as previously depicted in  FIG. 1  may also be utilized over the curved footing  404  to provide a corresponding radius for a wall  402 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 24-26 , another embodiment of a tie system  500  is provided. In this embodiment, the tie system  500  may employ multiple wall ties  542  coupled together to form wall tie stacks  544  for supporting first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  above an existing concrete wall  514 , such as a foundation wall or any hardened concrete wall. The wall tie stacks  544  may be individually spaced in a separate and discrete manner, extending between the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  similar to that depicted in previous embodiments (see  FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 ), except, in this embodiment, the wall tie stacks  544  may be employed without utilizing the base tie  30  as described above (see  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 ). The wall tie stacks  544  coupled to the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  may be secured vertically to form a vertically extending concrete wall  516  as a vertical extension or continuation of the existing concrete wall  514 . Further, the wall tie stacks  544  and first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  may be positioned and secured transversely relative to the vertically extending existing concrete wall  514  so as to be secured to, for example, trusses to form a concrete roof structure  518  of a building structure  520 . With this arrangement, such tie system  500  and first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  may receive a pourable and hardenable building material, such as concrete or cellular concrete or the like, which may be poured in one or more stages. Once the pourable material is hardened, the outer panel structures or second panel structures  512  may be removed to expose the concrete wall  516  and concrete roof structure  518  so as to exhibit an extension of the footing  522  and/or the existing concrete wall  514 . In another embodiment, the second panel structures  512  may be maintained to at least one of the concrete wall  516  and the concrete roof structure  518 . Such vertically extending concrete wall  514  may include wall surfaces extending parallel relative to a central plane  515  defined by the existing concrete wall  514 . Further, the concrete roof structure  518  may include wall surfaces extending transverse, alongside a roof structure central plane  517 , relative to the central plane  515  of the existing concrete wall  514 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 24, 24A and 25 , detail relating to various steps that may be utilized for employing the tie system  500  over an existing concrete wall  514  will now be provided. Referring to  FIG. 24A  first, for example, each of the wall tie stacks  544  may be formed by coupling together multiple wall ties  542 . Each wall tie  542  may be substantially similar to the wall ties previously described in detail herein, such as described in  FIG. 2  (i.e., wall tie  90 ). In summary, each wall tie  542  may include a first elongated wall portion  546  and a second elongated wall portion  548  with a cross-member portion  550  rigidly fixed, connected and extending therebetween. Such cross-member portion  550  may include one or more rebar holder portions  560  defined therein. The first elongated wall portion  546  and the second elongated wall portion  548  includes a first planar surface  552  and a second planar surface  554 , respectively, such that the first planar surface  552  faces directly opposite from the second planar surface  554 . Further, the first and second planar surfaces  552 ,  554  define planes that are parallel to each other. Furthermore, each wall tie  542  may include lower attachment portions  556  and upper attachment portions  558  at respective lower and upper ends of the first elongated wall portion  546  and the second elongated wall portion  548  so that the upper attachment portions  558  may be configured to mate and couple to the lower attachment portions  556  of another wall tie  542  (as indicated by arrows  555 ) to, thereby, facilitate building each wall tie stack  544 . In this manner, multiple wall tie stacks  544  may be formed with an appropriate number of wall ties  542  depending on the desired length or height needed for a particular wall tie stack  544 . 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 24 and 24A , once the wall tie stacks  544  have been formed, the wall tie stacks  544  may be positioned and secured to the first panel structure  510 . For example, the first panel structure  510  may include a plywood sheet and, further, may include framework studs  524 , such as typical two-by-four framework studs, coupled to an outer surface of the first panel structure  510 . The wall tie stacks  544  may be secured directly to an inner surface of the first panel structure  510  such that the first planar surface  552  directly abuts against an inner surface of the first panel structure  510 . The wall tie stacks  544  may be secured by employing a nail gun, screw fasteners, or any other suitable fastening method and means, such as utilizing an adhesive. The wall tie stacks  544  may be secured to the first panel structure  510  as the first panel structures  510  are in the horizontal orientation, which panel structures may be pre-secured to the frame work studs  524  laying in the horizontal orientation, or the wall tie stacks  544  may be secured to the first panel structures  510  after the frame work studs  524  and first panel structures  510  are moved and secured to the floor of the building structure  520  in the vertical orientation. In either case, once the first panel structures  510  are positioned in the vertical orientation with the wall tie stacks  544  coupled thereto, additional first panel structures  510 , such as a lower first panel structure  526 , to then couple additional wall ties  542  and extend the wall tie stacks  544  toward an upper surface  528  of the existing concrete wall  514 . The lower first panel structure  526  may overlap and be secured to a first side wall surface  530  of an upper portion of the existing concrete wall  514 . Once the additional wall ties  542  are added and secured to the wall tie stacks  544  and also secured to the first panel structures  510 , the appropriate horizontal lying rebar  534  may be added to extend across the wall ties  542  and through the vertically extending wall tie stacks  544  within the rebar holder portions  560  of the cross-member portions  550  of the wall ties  542  as well as appropriately positioning vertically extending rebar  534 . 
     At this juncture, the second panel structures  512  may be positioned against the wall tie stacks  544  such that the second planar surface  554  of the wall ties  542  in the wall tie stacks  544  directly abuts and is secured against the inner surface of the second panel structure  512 . Also, the second panel structures  512  may extend beyond the upper surface of the existing concrete wall  514  so as to abut against and be secured to an outer or a second side wall surface  532  of the upper portion of the existing concrete wall  514 . Similar to the first panel structures  510 , the second panel structure  512  may be secured utilizing a nail gun, screw fasteners or the like. Further, by overlapping the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  over the respective first and second side wall surfaces  530 ,  532  of the existing concrete wall  514 , the wall tie stacks  544  do not necessarily require being positioned and coupled to a base tie, as previously set forth. In this manner, due to overlapping the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  over the upper portion of the existing concrete wall  514 , the tie system  500  may be employed for forming a continuation of the existing concrete wall  514  with the same width or thickness. In another embodiment, in instances where the existing concrete wall  514  is wider or thicker than what is desired for a continued concrete wall vertically extending therefrom, a user may implement a base tie to be secured to the upper surface  528  of the existing concrete wall  514  similar to that described and depicted in previous embodiments. 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , once the tie system  500  with the tie stacks and first and second panel structures has extended vertically to the desired height, the roof structure may be added to the wall framework studs  524 , as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a roof truss system  536  may be coupled to the wall framework studs  524 . The roof truss system  536  may then receive the first panel structures  510 , such as plywood, to the slanted top surface of the roof truss system  536 . The building structure  520  may also include forms for forming an eave portion  570  to be formed of concrete as an extension or juncture of the vertically and transversely extending tie systems  500 . Such may be accomplished by, for example, positioning a horizontal eave form  572  with one end positioned over an upper end of the second panel structures  512  and the other end supported by a cross-brace  574  extending between the horizontal eave form and the second panel structures  510 . The eve portion  570  of the building structure  520  may also include an end eave form  576  extending upward from the horizontal eave form  572 . 
     At this juncture, multiple wall ties  542  may be coupled together to form multiple wall tie stacks  544  that may be secured to an upper or the inner surface of the first panel structures  510  that are secured to the roof truss system  536  such that the first planar surface  552  of the wall ties  542  is directly fastened to the inner surface of the first panel structures  510 . The appropriate rebar  534  may be added through the wall tie stacks  544 , after which, the second panel structures  512  may be secured to the wall tie stacks  544  such that the second planar surface  554  of the wall ties  542  is directly fastened to the inner surface of the second panel structures  512 . Initially, for purposes of pouring the concrete, the second panel structures  512  may extend only over the wall tie stacks  544  that are positioned over the roof truss system  536 , but ultimately, additional second panel structures  512  will be positioned and secured to extend over the eave portion  570  and further secured to the end eave portion  576 . 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , a hardenable material, such as typical concrete or cellular concrete, may then be poured between the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  of the vertically and transversely extending tie systems  500  of the building structure  520 . Such may be accomplished in stages by first pouring the hardenable material between the first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  of the vertically extending tie system  500  and up to a portion of the eave portion  570  of the building structure  520 , as indicated by dotted line  582 . Once sufficiently hardened, a remaining portion  512 a of the second panel structures  512  over the wall ties stacks  544  at the roof truss system  536  may then be added to cover the eave portion  570 . Once the hardenable material has sufficiently set and hardened to form the concrete wall  516 , the hardenable material may then be poured at the pitch of the roof through an opening (not shown) to fill the transversely extending first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  of the tie system  500  over the roof truss system  536 . Once the hardenable material has sufficiently set and hardened over the roof truss system  536 , the second panel structures  512  may be removed from the building structure  520 . In some instances, it may be desired to maintain the second panel structures  512  to the building structure  520  to provide a ready surface to secure the exterior of the building structure, such as the roof shingle system, aluminum siding, stucco or other typical home exterior facades. 
     With the tie system  500  set forth herein, such wall ties  542  and wall tie stacks  542  provide a cost efficient means for forming continuous concrete walls  516  and concrete roof structures  518  for one&#39;s home or other building structure. Such continuous concrete wall  516  and roof structure  518  may provide enhanced insulation to one&#39;s home or building. Further, the continuous concrete wall and roof structure may provide enhanced resistance and stability in the event of tornado and hurricane disasters, or other type of disasters, such as fire. 
     Now with reference to  FIG. 27 , another embodiment for implementing the wall tie system  500  is provided. In the event it is desired to transform one&#39;s existing home or other building structure  588  to include a continuous concrete wall and roof structure similar to that previously set forth, the wall tie system  500  may be employed over the existing walls  586  and roof (not shown) of one&#39;s home or other building structure. In this embodiment, the wall tie system  500  may be employed similarly to that described in the previous embodiment, except the wall tie system  500  extends above the existing concrete wall  514  with a portion along-side an upper portion of, for example, a foundation wall. For example, one may first remove some of the earth from the existing concrete wall  514  of the building structure  588  to expose an outer surface of the upper portion of the existing concrete wall  514 . Next, holes may be drilled into the exposed outer surface to insert and secure rebar  590  in the upper portion of the existing concrete  514  wall such that the rebar  590  would extend horizontally into the existing concrete wall  514  and then be bent to extend upward and vertically alongside the existing concrete wall  514 . Next, multiple wall ties  542  may be coupled together to form wall tie stacks  544 , which then may be secured to first panel structures  510 . The first panel structures  510  may be secured to the upper portion of the existing concrete wall and the existing walls  586  of the building structure  588  prior to securing the wall tie stacks  544  thereto or subsequent to securing the wall tie stacks  544  to the first panel structures  510 . Appropriate rebar  590  may be provided along the tie stacks, vertically and horizontally, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art, after which, the second panel structures  512  may be secured to the wall tie stacks  544 . In this manner, one may continue securing the wall tie stacks  544  between first and second panel structures  510 ,  512  over the existing walls  586  and existing roof (not shown) of the existing home or building structure  588 , similar to that described in the previous embodiment, and then filling the panel structures with concrete, such as regular concrete or cellular concrete, to form a continuous and integral concrete wall and roof structure over an existing building structure  588 . One may then provide a new exterior to the concrete structure as desired. In this manner, the tie system  500  of the present invention may be employed with an existing building structure  588  to form a concrete structure over the existing building structure to, thereby, provide enhanced insulation and enhanced stability and resistance to various potential disasters, such as wild fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. 
     While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.