Concrete form

Abstract

A concrete form adapted to remain in place after associated concrete that has been poured into the concrete form has cured generally includes a first concrete panel, a second concrete panel and a tie rod. The second concrete panel is spaced from the first concrete panel to define a volume between the first panel and the second panel. The tie rod attaches to the first and second panels. The tie rod limits the movement of the first panel with respect to the second panel when associated concrete is poured into the volume.

1 . A concrete form adapted to remain in place after associated concrete that has been poured into the concrete form has cured, the form comprising: 
 a first concrete panel;    a second concrete panel spaced from the first concrete panel to define a volume between the first panel and the second panel;    a tie rod attached to the first and second panels, the tie rod being adapted to limit the movement of the first panel with respect to the second panel when associated concrete is poured into the volume.    
   
   
       2 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel includes a substantially smooth interior surface that contacts the associated concrete.  
   
   
       3 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , further comprising a first retaining member attached to the tie rod and contacting an exterior surface of the first panel and a second retaining member attached to the tie rod and contacting an interior surface of the first panel.  
   
   
       4 . The concrete form of  claim 3 , further comprising a third retaining member attached to the tie rod and contacting an interior surface of the second panel and a fourth retaining member attached to the tie rod and contacting an exterior surface of the second panel.  
   
   
       5 . The concrete form of  claim 3 , wherein each of the retaining members is permanently secured to the tie rod.  
   
   
       6 . The concrete form of  claim 5 , wherein each of the retaining members comprises a washer.  
   
   
       7 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel includes an upper edge and a lower edge, the second panel includes an upper edge and a lower edge, the concrete form further comprising a third panel having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge of the second panel is disposed below the upper edge of the first panel such that when then associated concrete is poured into an area that is defined between the first and third panels at least some of the associated concrete is disposed above upper edge of the second panel while being retained by the first and the third panel.  
   
   
       8 . The concrete form of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two panels include reinforcing members embedded in concrete.  
   
   
       9 . A method of assembling a concrete form and accompanying rebar for a concrete structure away from a construction site where the concrete structure is to be poured, the method comprising: 
 connecting reinforced concrete panels to define a concrete form;    positioning rebar in relation to the concrete panels such that when concrete is poured into the concrete form the concrete at least partially surrounds the rebar; and    connecting the rebar to the concrete form such that the concrete forms and the rebar can be lifted together as an assembled unit.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising placing the assembly onto a truck and delivering the assembly to a construction site.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising placing a removable lifting member at least partially inside the concrete form such that lifting the lifting member results in lifting the assembled unit.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the connecting reinforced concrete panels step comprises connecting the reinforced concrete panels using a tie rod that extends through an interior of the concrete form.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the connecting the rebar step further comprises tying the rebar to the tie rod.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the reinforced concrete panels include a substantially smooth interior surface such that the concrete panels do not form a part of the concrete structure.  
   
   
       15 . A concrete form and rebar assembly adapted to be assembled away from a construction site, the assembly comprising: 
 a plurality of connected panels defining a volume into which associated concrete is poured to form a concrete structure, each panel comprising a composite material and reinforcing members disposed in the composite material;    a plurality of tie rods extending through the volume connecting at least one of the panels to another panel; and    rebar attached to at least one of the tie rods or at least one of the panels in a manner to allow the rebar, the connected panels and the tie rods to be lifted as an assembled unit.    
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising first and second retaining members permanently fixed to at least one of the tie rods, the first retaining member disposed adjacent an external surface of at least one of the panels and the second retaining member disposed adjacent an internal surface of the at least one panel.  
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the retaining members are welded to the at least one tie rod.  
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising bent rods attaching a first panel of the plurality of panels to a second panel of the plurality of panels.  
   
   
       19 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein an interior surface of each of the concrete panels is at least substantially smooth.