Concrete form and system

Abstract

A system for holding poured concrete in a desired shape until it sets is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of forms having two opposing end sections. Each of the end sections has an end bracket attached to it. A plurality of footing stakes may be used to connect the end brackets together such that the forms maintain the desired shape. At least one whaler bracket may be secured to a top of the forms to maintain the spacing between them. A skin panel can be used to bridge gaps between forms. Bulkhead brackets can be attached to the ends or centers of the forms and secured to allow end walls to be created where desired. Vertical footing panels can also be used to pour concrete onto adjoining inclined surfaces.

1 . A form for use in defining a space to receive a material, the form comprising:
 a panel comprising a proximal end opposite a distal end, a top surface substantially parallel to and opposite a bottom surface, the surfaces extending between the ends; and   a bracket mounted to the proximal end, the bracket comprising a flange attached to the panel adjacent to the proximal end and a tubular portion surrounding a hole, the tubular portion extending from the flange, the tubular portion extending from the top surface toward the bottom surface and terminating before reaching the bottom surface.   
   
   
       2 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein said panel is fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of: a natural material, a synthetic material, a metallic material, a composite material and a metallic alloy. 
   
   
       3 . The form according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second bracket mounted to the distal end, the second bracket having a second tubular portion extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface and terminating before reaching the top surface. 
   
   
       4 . The form according to  claim 3 , wherein the tubular portion comprises at least one groove, the at least one groove cooperating with a complementary protrusion in the second tubular portion. 
   
   
       5 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular portion comprises a first portion comprising a first diameter and a second portion comprising a second diameter different from the first diameter. 
   
   
       6 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein the tubular portion is configured to receive a stake through the hole. 
   
   
       7 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein the bracket at least partially encloses the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       8 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein the bracket at least partially surrounds the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       9 . The form according to  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is configured to fit within the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       10 . A bulkhead form for use in defining a space to receive a material, the bulkhead form comprising:
 a panel comprising a proximal end opposite a distal end, a top surface substantially parallel to and opposite a bottom surface, the surfaces extending between the ends; and   two bulkhead brackets each mounted to the ends of the panel, each of the bulkhead brackets comprising a main body that receives the panel and a pair of flanges extending from the panel and spaced apart to receive a second form panel, each flange having a hole to receive a stake therethrough.   
   
   
       11 . The bulkhead form according to  claim 10 , wherein the main body at least partially encloses the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       12 . The bulkhead form according to  claim 10 , wherein the main body at least partially surrounds the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       13 . The bulkhead form according to  claim 10 , wherein the main body is configured to fit within the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       14 . The bulkhead form as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the holes in the flanges are spaced apart from the proximal end of the panel a distance sufficient to enable the second form panel to be disposed between the proximal end of the panel and the holes. 
   
   
       15 . The bulkhead form as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the stake passes through the holes in the flanges to hold the panel of the second form adjacent to the proximal end of the panel. 
   
   
       16 . A concrete form, comprising:
 a substantially rectangular panel having inside, outside, top and bottom surfaces and proximal and distal ends;   an end bracket configured for attachment to either the proximal or the distal end, the end bracket including a portion disposed adjacent to an end, the portion including a hole for receiving a stake therethrough, the portion extending a distance no more than half an end length, the end length measured from a top surface to a bottom surface.   
   
   
       17 . The concrete form according to  claim 16 , wherein two adjacent forms may be connected end to end with two aligned end brackets wherein the two aligned end brackets receive a stake through respective holes in each of the aligned end brackets. 
   
   
       18 . The concrete form according to  claim 16 , wherein the panel is comprised of aluminum. 
   
   
       19 . The concrete form according to  claim 16 , wherein the end bracket is comprised of plastic. 
   
   
       20 . The concrete form according to  claim 19 , wherein the end bracket is configured to mount within the end of the panel.