System and method for forming a wall

Abstract

A system for securing a wall panel in a vertical configuration to a base comprises a top opening formed in a body secured to a top portion of the wall panel, a bottom coupler secured to the base, a top coupler and a substantially non-elastic tension member extending between the bottom coupler and the top coupler, through the top opening, wherein the top and bottom couplers are adapted to apply a tension to the tension member so as to clamp the wall panel therebetweeen.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for securing a wall panel in a vertical configuration to a base comprising:
 a top opening formed in a body secured to a top portion of the wall panel;   a bottom coupler secured to the base;   a top coupler; and   a substantially non-elastic tension member extending between the bottom coupler and the top coupler, through the top opening,   wherein the top and bottom couplers are adapted to apply a tension to the tension member so as to clamp the wall panel therebetweeen.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tension member includes a threaded top end adapted to threadably engage on the top coupler. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tension member includes a threaded bottom end adapted to threadably engage on the bottom coupler. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tension member is substantially flexible. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the tension member is selected from the group consisting of cable, rope or wire. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom connectors include tapered portions oriented towards each other. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the top connector includes a threaded passage extending vertically thereinto adapted to receive a threaded end of the tension member. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the top connector includes at least one tool engagement surface adapted to be gripped and turned by a tool so as to tighten the top connector on the tension member. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the at least one tool engagement surface includes horizontal sides adapted to be engaged by a wrench. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the bottom connector includes a threaded passage extending vertically thereinto adapted to receive a threaded end of the tension member. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a base member adapted to be secured to the base under an intended location of the wall member. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the bottom coupler is adapted to be secured to the base member. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the base member is adapted to be embedded within the base. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the base member includes protrusions adapted to secure the base member within a poured concrete base. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an elongate support sized to extend between top and bottom edges of the wall panel. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the elongate support comprises a tubular member having a passage therethrough adapted to receive the tension member. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the body including the top opening is formed in the wall panel. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the body including the top opening is secured to the wall panel. 
     
     
         19 . A method for securing a wall pane in a vertical configuration to a base comprising:
 providing a top opening formed in a body secured to a top portion of the wall panel;   securing a bottom coupler secured to the base;   passing a tension member through the top opening to the bottom coupler; and   securing a top coupler to the tension member so as to apply a tension to the tension member so as to clamp the wall panel therebetweeen.   
     
     
         20 . A kit for forming a wall on a base comprising:
 a wall panel having a passage extending between top and bottom edges thereof and defining a top opening;   a bottom coupler secured to the base;   a top coupler; and   a substantially non-elastic tension member extending between the bottom coupler and the top coupler, through the top opening,   wherein the top and bottom couplers are adapted to apply a tension to the tension member so as to clamp the wall panel therebetweeen.