Integral form panel for concrete form system

Abstract

The invention is an integral form panel for use in concrete form systems. Embodiments of an integral form panel may include a flat panel portion including a plurality of grade slots configured for receiving a grade clip and a plurality of tie slots configured for receiving a tie therein. The integral form panel may further include a top lip adjacent to an upper edge of the flat panel portion, the top lip including a plurality of holes configured for receiving a stake therein. Embodiments of a concrete form system including the integral form panel and methods of using same to form concrete footings are also disclosed.

1 . An integral form panel for defining a space for receiving a building material, comprising: 
 a flat panel portion including a plurality of grade slots configured for receiving a grade clip and a plurality of tie slots configured for receiving a tie therein; and    a top lip adjacent to an upper edge of the flat panel portion, the top lip including a plurality of holes configured for receiving a stake therein.    
   
   
       2 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , further comprising a bottom lip defined on a lower edge of the flat panel portion, the bottom lip being angled with respect to the flat panel portion.  
   
   
       3 . The integral form panel according to  claim 2 , wherein the bottom lip comprises a distal edge configured for resting against the stake.  
   
   
       4 . The integral form panel according to  claim 2 , wherein an interface between the bottom lip and the lower edge of the flat panel portion comprises a bend in the integral form panel.  
   
   
       5 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of grade slots is oriented perpendicular to the top lip.  
   
   
       6 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tie slots is oriented perpendicular to the top lip.  
   
   
       7 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tie slots is oriented parallel to the top lip.  
   
   
       8 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tie slots comprises two rows of tie slots oriented parallel to the top lip.  
   
   
       9 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the top lip is disposed perpendicular to the flat panel portion.  
   
   
       10 . The integral form panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the integral form panel comprises a sheet of metal.  
   
   
       11 . A concrete form system, comprising: 
 at least two integral form panels, each integral form panel comprising: 
 a flat panel portion including a plurality of grade slots configured for receiving a grade clip and a plurality of tie slots configured for receiving a tie therein; and  
 a top lip adjacent to an upper edge of the flat panel portion, the top lip including a plurality of holes configured for receiving a stake therein;  
   wherein the at least two integral form panels are configured to be placed in spaced-apart relationship to define a volume for receiving building materials; and    wherein the at least two integral form panels are configured to be held in place by a plurality of stakes placed through the holes.    
   
   
       12 . The concrete form system according to  claim 11 , further comprising at least one tie configured for spanning the volume between the at least two integral form panels in a spaced-apart relationship and engaging the plurality of tie slots in each spaced-apart integral form panel.  
   
   
       13 . The concrete form system according to  claim 11 , further comprising at least one grade clip in at least one of the plurality of grade slots in at least one of the integral form panels.  
   
   
       14 . The concrete form system according to  claim 11 , wherein the building materials comprise concrete.  
   
   
       15 . The concrete form system according to  claim 11 , wherein the building materials comprise rebar.  
   
   
       16 . A method of forming a concrete footing, comprising: 
 providing a concrete form system, comprising: 
 at least two integral form panels, each integral form panel comprising: 
 a flat panel portion including a first plurality of slots configured for receiving a grade clip and a second plurality of slots configured for receiving a tie therein; and  
 a top lip adjacent to an upper edge of the flat panel portion, the top lip including a plurality of holes configured for receiving a stake therein;  
 
 a plurality of stakes; and  
 pourable concrete;  
   arranging the at least two integral form panels in a spaced-apart relationship to define a volume for receiving the pourable concrete that further defines boundaries of the concrete footing;    inserting the plurality of stakes through the holes configured for receiving a stake in the at least two integral form panels; and    pouring the pourable concrete into the volume.    
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising curing the concrete.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising removing the concrete form system from around the cured concrete to obtain the concrete footing.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising repackaging the concrete form system for reuse.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein repackaging the concrete form system comprises placing the at least two integral form panels and the plurality of stakes in a vehicle for transportation.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the vehicle comprises a trailer.