US3385555A

US3385555A - Reusable panel and form system for concrete construction

Info

Publication number: US3385555A
Application number: US481830A
Authority: US
Inventors: John R Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-08-23
Filing date: 1965-08-23
Publication date: 1968-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 1985-05-28

Description

y 23, 1963 I J. R. WILLIAMS 3,385,555

REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 23, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ISI INVENTOR. JOHN R. WILLIAMS BY J M 3L W I ATTORNEYS y 968 J. R. WILLIAMS 3,385,555

REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 23. 1965 5 m M T R NM 0 EL- T Vnm T WW A v m 0 J Y B J 1 m m 0 l u a a 4 E 5 x .k a 4? m B I M May 28, 1968 J. R. WILLIAMS REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 23. 1965 INVENTOR. JOHN R WILLIAMS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,385,555 REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FUR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION John R. Williams, 2345 Darwin St., Hayward, Calif. 94545 Filed Aug. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 481,830 17 Claims. (Cl. 249-192) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A form system utilizing a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a metal frame having a flange against which the panel facing is secured. A web extends normally from the flange inwardly of the peripheral outer edge of the flange. Cooperating latch members are secured to the outer surfaces of the web, and when two panels are brought into adjacent coplanar relationship, the latch members will be placed in contiguous relationship. A resilient lock element is then passed through the members and their associated webs for securing the panels together.

This invention generally relates to the art of pouring concrete, and is more particularly directed to a form system employing reusable panels formed principally of metal.

There has heretofore been developed a wide variety of modular panels which are adapted to be secured together in various ways to provide a form system for the pouring of concrete. As is Well known in the art, in the pouring of concrete walls or the like, forms are constructed from modular panels, and such panels are adapted to be secured together in generally planar relationship to form one side of the wall, with a corresponding structure to provide the other side of the wall. Thereafter, the concrete mix is poured in the space between the two structures and permitted to harden. After the concrete has become form retaining, the forms are removed by stripping the individual panels from opposite sides of the wall.

In connection with the above type of operation and system there has also been developed various types of reusable panels, but it has been found that in most instances such panels have not been able to withstand the abuse given to such devices and/or possess other disadvantageous features which have prevented their widespread acceptance.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a form system for concrete in which the individual modules or panels are so constructed as to permit their use over an extended period of time on a number of different jobs without requiring undue repair or other attention.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular type of form system as above described in which novel means are provided for securing adjacent panels together, and in which such panels may be secured to adjacent panels along a number of spaced points along the length or width thereof with a minimum number of parts.

A further object of this invention is to provide a form system as above described in which a single module or panel may be removed from an erected form system without disturbing or interfering with the location and position of any adjacent panel.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a modular panel as above described which is light in weight, yet stronger than conventional panels, and which eliminates a large amount of hardware usually employed in connection with the erection of the form.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a form system as above described in which the face of the panel against which the concrete is poured is caused to 3,385,555 Patented May 28, 1968 be brought into positive planar alignment with corresponding faces of adjacent panels so as to insure a smooth continuous concrete wall upon setting of the concrete mass.

A further object of my invention is to provide apparatus of the above type in which novel lock members are provided for securing adjacent panels together, and in which the lowermost, uppermost, or laterally outermost panel in the system may be readily and selectively moved or adjusted relative to a horizontal or vertical surface and positioned and secured relative thereto without the use of shims, wedges or the like.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a panel as above described in which different size panels may be secured together and still attain the hereinabove described benefits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a panel of the type described which is constructed to facilitate stripping of the panel and in which the peripheral edges of the panel faces extend beyond the normally related stiffening portions of the panel so that an accessible space is created along the edges of each panel in which the fastening means, reinforcing means or other connectors can be positioned.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement for securing opposed panels together with the use of tie rods or the like.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to be understood, however, that variations in the show-, ing made by the said drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a form system in which one of the panels is completely shown as supported on a pair of spaced piers or the like.

FIGURE 2 is a typical end elevational view of the panel shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an exploded side elevational view, partly in cross section, of portions of the locking or latching mechanism for securing adjacent panels together.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, and showing a pair of panels secured together.

FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line 55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line 6-6 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is an end view of a panel supporting member, taken in the plane indicated by line 7-7 of FIG- URE l, and on an enlarged scale.

FIGURE 8 is a view taken in the plane indicated by line 8-8 of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is an elevational view illustrating the use of a structural reinforcing member on the panels.

FIGURE 10 is a cross sectional view generally taken in the plane indicated by line 10-10 of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a front elevational view of a portion of a form system utilizing the panels and locking mechanism of the present invention.

FIGURE 12 is a vertical cross sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 12-12 of FIGURE 11 on an enlarged scale and illustrating the means for tying opposed forms together.

FIGURE 13 is a across sectional end view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 13-13 of FIG- URE 12, but with the tie rod assembly removed.

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged view of a typical corner assembly and the means for connecting the angularly related forms.

Before discussing the details of the panel in any detail, it should be pointed out that while in most instances the panels as well as the integrated form system constructed from such panels would be disposed in a vertical position as shown in the drawings, in some instances such panels could equally well be used in a horizontal or inclined position whet-her as a form for a horizontal slab or otherwise. Accordingly where the terms are used in this application with directional orientation, it should be understood that up and down or vertical and horizontal are only relative terms and intended to be used herein for the purpose of explanation of the structure as illustrated in the drawing rather than as potential limiting terms for which the structure might be used.

As hereinabove mentioned, the instant apparatus comprises a form system generally designated by the numeral 26 in which a plurality of individual panels are used. As will be later made more clear, it is not essential that all of the panels be of the same size, although as shown in most of the drawings, such panels are four feet by four feet in size. As will later be more fully explained, the panels can likewise be arranged in multiples of l or 2 feet, for example, so that the lower edges of two adjacent panels might be generally coplanar while the upper edge of the smaller panel merely bisects a median point of the larger panel.

The construction of the individual panels or modules themselves constitutes an important part of the present invention. It will be recalled that one of the features of the invention was the reusability of the panels as well as the superior strength characteristics thereof. Accordingly, each panel is preferably constructed of a metal frame of generally Z-shaped cross sectional form. As best shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings, each panel frame consists of a pair of

side rails

28 and 29, a top rail 31, and a bottom rail 32. All of sue-h rails are formed of aluminum or other lightweight structural material possessing substantial strength, and are welded or otherwise secured together at their abutting corners to provide the rectangular configuration shown in FIGURE 1. In cross section, each rail includes a web portion 36, an outer flange 37 and an inner flange 38 so as to provide the Z-shaped cross sectional configuration above mentioned. The distal end of flange 38 is preferably provided with a normally related extension 39 disposed in parallel offset relation to the web 36 and whose function will be presently explained. The metal frame of the respective panels also includes a number of horizontally extending auxiliary bracing rails 41 welded or otherwise secured to the

side rail members

28 and 29. The secondary rail members 41 likewise have a cross sectional configuration which include outer flanges 42 disposed in planar relationship with the outer flanges 37 of the respective main frame rail members and inner flanges coplanar with the inner flanges 38 of the main rails. At this time, it may be appropriate to explain the use of the term inner and outer as relating to the flanges or other portions of the structure. Where the term inher is used herein, it is intended to refer to the portion of the structure adjacent the concrete which is to be poured, whereas the term outer refers to the portion of the structure more remote from the concrete.

The aforesaid frame, due to its metal construction and the arrangement of bracing and cross sectional form possesses substantial strength, and such strength is further enhanced by the provision of facing 46 against which the concrete is to be poured and which is secured to the inner flanges 38 of the frame. As is customary with most panels, the facing 46 is preferably formed from sheets of plywood 47 having an outer face 48 and an inner face 49. The outer face 48 of the facing is adapted to be positioned against the exposed surfaces of flanges 38 as well as against the corresponding flanges of the reinforcing rails 41, and may be secured thereto in any suitable manner such as adhesive, rivets or other fastening devices. As best illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings, where the extension 39 is utilized, the edges 51 of the plywood will abut the adjacent portion of such extension, but where the extension is not utilized the plywood would be extended so as to have the edge 51 thereof terminate in coterminous relation with the distal edge of flange 38. It is important to note for reasons which will be hereinafter explained, that the plywood extends laterally beyond the web portion 35 of the various rails so that a space is provided adjacent each web.

If desired, the innermost surface 49 of the plywood sheets or facing 46 can constitute the surface against which the concrete is poured, but in order that the form will be subjected to a minimum of wear, a metal skin 56 may be bonded or otherwise secured to the face 49, and as seen in FIGURE 4 such skin terminates in overlying relationship to the edge of extension 39.

From the foregoing description of the frame and facing, it will be appreciated that the same is extremely rugged in construction so as to not only resist wear and tear and thereby permit repeated uses, but likewise sufficiently strong so as to permit a high concrete pour rate without undue deflection when assembled in a form systern.

One of the important features of the present invention resides in the manner in which adjacent panels may be conveniently and readily secured together in such manner as will result in the adjacent inner skins or plywood faces being disposed in coplanar relationship as best seen in FIGURES 4 and 12 of the drawings. It will also be made clear that the locking mechanism and latching devices for securing such panels together is at all times accessible, so that even after an entire wall has been constructed with a plurality of such panels, an intermediate panel can be removed and replaced should the need or occasion arise. Also, the latch mechanism is such as will permit rapid and simple release of the same when the forms are being stripped from the erected and the then set concrete wall or the like.

The securing means of the present invention generally consists of a pair of

complementary latch members

61 and 62 and a spring loaded lock element 63 for releasably securing the latch members together. The complementary latch members are arranged in such manner on the webs 36 of the panels so that when the panels are brought into adjacent relationship, i.e. with the edges confronting each other so as to erect a generally unitary planar structure, the complementary latch members, on the respective panels will be brought into confronting relationship and permit the lock element 63 to secure the same together. Preferably the latch members are formed as integral parts of the web 36 and as best seen in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, it is the exposed peripheral edge portion of web 36 which carries such members. It will likewise be noted that whereas one end portion of each rail bears the latch member 61 on its web 36, the complementary latch member 62 is provided adjacent the other end portion of such rail. Likewise, in going around the main frame members, the latch members alternate. Thus, the latch member on rail 31 closest adjacent to the latch member 61 on rail 29 would be a latch member 62. This alternate arrangement of latch members is provided so that irrespective of the positioning of the panels, adjacent panels will always present confronting latch members which may be secured together.

Each of the latch members has its inner edge abutting its respective rail flange 38 and its exposed surface or face coterminous with the end of such flange. The outermost edge 66 of each of the latch members terminates inwardly of the flanges 37. It will also be noted that the latch members extend along the rails for only a relatively short distance.

Referring first to latch member 62, the same will be seen to comprise a generally rectangular block 65 having its exposed face 67 lying in the same plane as the peripheral edge of extension 39, or the distal edge of flange 38. The block 65 is provided with normally related slots designated at 68 and 69 extending completely therethrough from its face 67. The slot 68 extends along the length of the web 36 while the slot 69 extends transversely thereto. A complementary slot 71 is provided in web 36 in alignment with and of the same configuration as slot 69. By virtue of the intersection of slot 68 and 69 and the provision of slot 71 in the web 36, there is provided on the block supporting surface of the web, a pair of seats 72 on opposite sides of the slot 69 and at the bottom of slot 68. The purpose of this seat will he presently explained. It will also be noted that one portion of the block extending towards the closest corner of the frame is provided with a generally rectangular groove 76 and on the other edge of the groove the outer face of the block 65 is depressed below the level of the surface 67 as indicated at 77, all for pruposes to be hereinafter explained. Reference may now be had to latch member 61 which likewise consists of a block 81 having a slot 82 provided therein with such slot extending longitudinally of the Web 36 and in general alignment with slot 68 of the other latch member. A complementary aligned slot 83 is provided in the adjacent web portion. As in the case of latch member 62, latch member 61 is also provided with a rectangular notch 84 extending transversely of the length of the rail adjacent its closest end with a depressed portion 86 on the other side of the notch 84.

As will be understood, when two panels are brought into adjacent edgewise relationship,

complementary latch members

61 and 62 will likewise be brought into confronting relationship with an exposed face 88 of latch 61 brought into contiguous relationship with the exposed face 67 of latch 62. The notches 76 and 84 will likewise be aligned to provide a recess having an opening thereto defined by the opposed depressed face portions 77 and 86 of the respective latches so as to provide a generally T-shaped slot as best shown in FIGURE 14. It will also be noted that when the latch members are brought together as above explained, the

slots

68 and 82 will be aligned as will the corresponding slot portions 71 and 83 of the adjacent web portions. With the slots so positioned, the lock member for securing the latches, and consequently the panels together, may then be actuated to effect .the locking operation.

The lock means 63 generally comprises a stud 91 having a threaded end portion 92 at one end thereof. The other end of the stud is provided with a lug 93 having a configuration corresponding to but of a size as to permit its entry into the

respective slots

68, 69, 82 and the corresponding slots 71 and 83 on the web.

Threadedly engaged with the stud portion 92 is an adjustment nut 94 whose outermost limit of travel is governed by a stop nut 96 which is set in fixed position on the stud by a pin 97 or otherwise secured to the stud. The nut 94 is provided with a sleeve portion 98 which is freely rotatable on the stud 91. A plate 99 having a central aperture is positioned on the stud subjacent the lug 93, and a spring 101 is interposed between a washer 102 supported on nut 94 and the opposed surface of plate 99 thereby urging the plate 99 against the lower surface of the lug as the same is viewed in FIGURE 3 of the draw ings. The plate may be provided with alignment holes 104 which are adapted to engage alignment pins 105 or screws which extend outwardly from web 36 on the opposite side from its block 65*.

In order .to secure the members together and thereby lock the panels in position, the latch member 62 is adapted to carry the lock key 63 as follows. The lug 93 is inserted through the slot 71 of the web and the slot 69 of the block. The apertures 104 in plate 99 are aligned with .the pins 105, and as the entire key assembly is pushed forwardly, against the pressure of the spring 101, the

stud 91 may be axially extended so that the lug may extend above the surface 67. Then, it may be rotated and permitted to snap back in place in the groove 68 resting on the seats 72. This operation may be conducted prior to the bringing of the panels into adjacent relationship. When the slot 82 becomes aligned with slot 68 on the corresponding latch members, the key assembly is again pushed forwardly, causing an axial extension of the stud 91 and lug 93, the latter moving past the surface 67, through slot 82 in latch 61, through the web slot 83, and the stud may then be rotated by the nut 96 until the lug engages the face 106 of Web 36. All of the extension of the stud is against the pressure of spring 101, and consequently after the lug is seated on the surface 106, the parts will be firmly yet resiliently held together. In order to increase or decrease the resilient holding force, it is only necessary to thread the adjustment nut 94 on the threaded shaft portion 92 towards or away from the lug 93. Also, to insure a locking of the lug on the surface 106 and prevent accidental realignment of the lug with

slot

83 and 82, there is provided a pair of dogs 108 on opposite sides of slots 83 which are adapted to be engaged by opposed edge portions of lug 93 as the same is rotated into closing or locking position. In view of the fact that the web 36 is preferably formed of aluminum, the frictional force of lug 93 sliding across the same would unduly wear against the web face 106. Accordingly, as shown in the drawings, the dogs 108 extend from a wearing plate 109 disposed in a slot provided in Web 36 with the exposed surface 110 thereof generally coplanar with the corresponding web surface. The plate 109 is formed of steel or other material harder than that of the web 36, so that as the spring loaded lug 93 is rotated, there will not be any undue wear on the web.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that any number of panels may be attached together along any of the

rails

28, 29, 31, or 32.

With reference to FIGURE 11 in the drawings and as above explained, in some instances panels of different sizes may be secured together. As shown in FIGURE 11, a number of

individual panels

121, 122, 123, 124 and are shown in operative coplanar relationship to constitute the form assembly. However, it will be noted that the panel 125 is placed adjacent to panel 124 at a remote location from its uppermost right hand corner as viewed in the figure. In other words, the panel 125 which may or may not be of the same size as panel 124 will not have its upper edge coterminous with the upper edge of panel 124. Also, for example, the lower adjacent corners of

panels

122 and 123 meet at a position other than the corners of subjacent panel 124. Consequently, the otherwise matching

latch members

61 and 62 on such panels will not be disposed in confronting relationship and consequently no locking between such members is possible. Accordingly, as another important feature of the present invention, in order to provide for the use of such off-setting or use of different size panels, in addition to the slots 71 and 83 provided in the web 36, there is also provided auxiliary slots 126 on the web 36 which are aligned with

slots

68 and 82 of the latch member blocks. The arrangement of the slots is best illustrated in FIG- URE 2 of the drawings, and they will be seen to be equally spaced from each other and from the corresponding slots in the latch members so that for example, with a one foot spacing between all the slots, and a 6 inch spacing between the latch block slot and the edges of the rails, a one foot modular constructional system can be readily developed, the auxiliary slots 126 serving to receive the locking lug 93 of the lock element 63. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 11, the latch member 62 of panel 125 with a lock element 63 is arranged for operative connection with one of the auxiliary slots 126 formed in panel 124.

While the system above described is extremely strong and resistant to normal load deflections, in certain instances, particularly where a high concrete pour rate is maintained at a low temperature, it may be desirable to reinforce the connection between adjacent panels so as to insure the maintenance of their coplanar relationship and likewise prevent undue bowing or deflection of the panels. With particular reference to FIGURES 9 and 10 of the drawings, a pair of panels, such as

panels

122 and 124 are disclosed with lock means 63 maintaining the panels in secured relation. Such lock means and the slots are not shown in FIGURE 9 for reasons of clarity. It will be noted that the latch member on each rail is provided with an oppositely directed notch 133, and the purpose of such notch is to permit the insertion of an expanded head portion 134 of a reinforcing member 136. The head portion 134 is adapted to be seated in the notches 133 of two sets of adjacent latch members, with a web 137 and similar expanded bottom portion 138 of the reinforcing member extending outwardly away from the facing of the panels. In most instances, such reinforcing is not required but it is a simple manner to insert the same should such reinforcing be needed.

As will be understood, when adjacent panels are secured together, the form assembly is adapted to be placed in spaced relationship to a similar assembly so as to provide a space therebetween in which the concrete is poured. A typical example is illustrated in FIGURE 12 wherein the first assembly 141 is shown in spaced relationship to a second assembly 142 with a space existing therebetween. In order to maintain the tvo assemblies in parallel spaced relationship, a tie rod, generally designated at 143 is utilized. This tie rod is of generally conventional form and includes a center section 144 having threads at each end, with each end of the rod adapted to threadedly engage a conically shaped member 146. The tie rod cones are adapted to engage circular openings 147 provided in the rail sections. More particularly, it will be noted that the flange 38 of each of the rails is provided with a plurality of semi-circular openings 149 (see FIGURE 1) along the peripheral edge thereof with a quarter-circular opening 151 at each corner. When two or more panels are brought into adjacent relationship the semi-circular or quarter

circular apertures

149 and 151 will cooperate to define the circular aperture 147 through which the tie rod cone assembly extends. A shoulder 145 on the cone portion 146 is adapted to engage the inner panel surfaces of adjacent panels around the apertures 147 with an end of a diametrically reduced cylindrical portion 150 being seated against the flanges 38. The tie rods will thus maintain the respective form assemblies in their spaced apart relationship, and prevent any inward movement. A threaded stud 153 extending outwardly from the cone assembly past the outer flanges 37 is adapted to extend through suitable strongback or bracing 154. The stud 153 has a lug handle 156 at the outer edge thereof and adapted to cooperate with a threaded washer 157 positioned against the outer edge of the stud 154. This arrangement precludes outward movement of the panel assembly. If desired, an O-ring may be provided on shoulder 145 to provide a seal against the panel. It will also be noted that stud 153 has a pair of diametrically opposed upset portions 158 to prevent accidental removal of the stud through the apertures in the rail members. However, as best shown in FIGURE 13, the

rail portions

38 and 39 are cut back to provide slot-like recesses 159 through which said portions may extend to permit movement of the stud therethrough when required. Further, the stud 153 is spaced from webs 36 so that it may be tilted when the spaced confronting panel assemblies are not disposed in parallel relation.

The individual panels, as well as the entire form assembly may be supported on a sill, or other horizontal supporting surface and likewise may be maintained in spaced relation to a vertically extending surface by means of the supporting member best shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 75 of the drawings. As illustrated, a base plate 161 is provided having a central aperture 162 for receiving a stud 163. The stud at its other end carries a block 164 provided with a T shaped outer end 166 which, as best shown in FIGURE 1, is adapted to be slidably received in the T- shaped opening defined by the confronting grooves 76 and 84 and spaced surfaces 77 and 86 of matching latch members. The outer flange 167 of the block fits within the aforesaid notches 76 and 84, the web 168 thereof passes between the surfaces 77 and 86 of the block, and another flange 169 is adapted to engage the outer faces 172 and 173 of the

respective latch members

61 and 62. It will be noted that the block 164 is threadedly engageable with the stud 163 so that its position relative to the base 161 may be selectively varied and consequently permits the engaged portion of the respective panels to be selectively moved for vertical or horizontal orientation. Likewise, the other end of the stud is threadably engageable with the base 161 with an opposite type of thread than that engaging the block. The base 161 may be provided with apertures 176 for attaching the base to a lower surface, a vertical wood filler, or the like. It will be appreciated that the block may be inserted into the aforementioned slots of the latch members after the panels are connected, and although such support members are illustrated only in connection with a bottom support, these members can be equally well used at the top or sides of the panels as conditions dictate. In order to prevent the block from sliding out from the T-shaped opening, web 36 is provided with holes 180 which will be disposed on the opposite tapered sides 181 of block 164 when the same is inserted. Nails or pins may then be inserted in such holes and thus restrain sliding movement of the block.

As shown in FIGURE 14, block 164 can likewise be used in connection with the tie rod assembly at intersecting panel corners. In this instance, the shoulder 145 on the tie rod cone would engage the bearing surface 183 adjacent the aperture 147 on one panel assembly 182, and the stud 163 threadedly engaged with the cone portion 146 rather than the base 161.

It also will be noted that the outer flanges 37 of the rails as well as the similarly directed outer flanges on the reinforcing rails 41 are provided with a slope so as to facilitate stripping of the members where concrete has been spilled adjacent thereto. The base 161 has a lower notch 171 extending therethrough also adapted to permit passage of a tie rod. The notch is not symmetrical, thereby permitting the tie rod to be angularly related to the general plane of the form assembly.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising a generally rectangular frame, said frame having a generally continuous coplanar peripheral inner flange lying in the general plane of said frame, a panel facing overlying said frame and secured to the exposed surface of said flange and substantially coterminous therewith, a generally continuous web extending normally from other surface of said flange from inwardly of the outermost peripheral edge of said flange, and cooperate latch members fixedly mounted on the outer surfaces of said web and confined within the periphery of said flange and adapted for releasably securing adjacent panels together.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which at least one of said latch members is provided on a web on each of the sides of the panel.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which complementary latch members are utilized with a pair of such latch members provided on each side of the panel and arranged in alternate succession along the perimeter of the panel.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which the thickness of said latch members corresponds to the distance between said web and said flange edge whereby when two frames are brought into edge to edge abutting relationship, confronting latch members and confronting flange edges on said frames will be disposed in contiguous relationship, said latch members and said webs all having aligned apertures when said frames are brought together and adapted to receive a lock member.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including resilient lock means extendible through said latch members and said webs for securing confronting latch members of adjacent frames together, said lock means applying resilient pressure for holding said frames together.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said flange is provided with at least one semicircular aperture at each edge thereof and adapted to be aligned with a corresponding aperture of an adjacent panel so as to define a circular opening when the flanges are brought into abutting relationship, and a tie rod assembly having a bearing portion thereon engageable with said abutting flanges adjacent said circular opening.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said assembly includes a conical element having a transverse shoulder adapted to bear against said panel facing and a cylindrical extension extending through said circular opening.

8. A panel of the character described comprising a frame of rectangular configuration, said frame having a substantially continuous flange extending along the periphery thereof and a normally related web disposed normal to said flange and inwardly of the outermost edge of the flange, a continuous panel facing overlying said flange and secured thereto, a first stationary latch member on the outer surface of said web on each side of said frame and having its outermost surface portion substantially cotcrniinous with the outermost edge of said flange, said latch member including a slot through which a lock key may be inserted for connecting adjacent panels together, and said web having slots in alignment with and complemcntary to said latch member slots.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 including a lock member having an end lug of complementary shape to said latch member and web slots, said lug being adapted to be inserted through said slots and rotated so as to position said lug in bisecting relationship to said slot on the surface of the web remote from said latch member.

16'. A form system including a pair of panels releasably secured together and having a generally T-shaped groove provided between confronting edges of the adjacent panels and extending normal to the panel facings, a block member having a T-shap ed lug adapted to be inserted in said groove and retained therein while permitting sliding movement thereof along the length of the groove but resisting movement in normaly related direction, a base member, and means for connecting and selectively varying the spacing between said block member and said base member.

11. A system as set forth in claim 16 in which means are provided for releasably retaining said block member against said sliding movement.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim in which said last named means includes a threaded stud, and a tie rod conical element having a cylindrical portion extending from the back of said element and internally threaded to receive said stud.

13. A form asembly including a frame member having a generally continuous coplanar flange against which a panel face is secured, a web extending normally to said flange and spaced inwardly from the outermost edge thereof, a pair of latch blocks on said web with the outermost surface portions thereof generally coterminous and coplanar with the peripheral edge of said flange, said blocks and the corresponding portions of said web having slots therethrough, a spring loaded lock member extending through said slots, said blocks further having notches cut from said blocks adjacent said flange, and a reinforcing member having an enlarged head portion slidably received in a pair of notches on confronting blocks when a pair of members are disposed in adjacent. relation.

14. A form assembly comprising a pair of panels disposed in edge to edge adjacent relationship and each including a planar facing with the respective confronting peripheral edges in substantial abutting relationship, each of said panels having a web extending normal to the facing and spaced inwardly from said edge thereof whereby webs on adjacent panels are disposed in spaced relation, each of said panels further having a latch member on the exposed surface of said Web, one of said latch members including a slot extending through said Web, the other of said latch members including a pair of normally related. slots with only one of such slots extending through said web, and a lock member including a lug shaped complementary to said slots and a stud extending therefrom and adapted to secure confronting latch members of adjacent panels together.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 in which said lock member includes a plate adapted to be inserted against the surface of a web opposite to the latch carried thereon, spring means normally urging said lug towards said plate, and means for selectively varying the spring pressure.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 in which said web is provided with similar slots along the length thereof in spaced relation to said latch members.

A form panel comprising a frame of rectangular configuration, said frame having a substantialy continuous flange extending along the periphery thereof and a normally related web disposed normal to said flange and inwardly of the outermost edge of the flange, a continuous panel facin overlying said flange and secured thereto and substantially coterminous with said outermost edge of the flange, a first stationary latch member on the outer surface or" said web along each side of the frame, a second stationary latch member disposed in spaced relationship to said first latch member on the outer surface of said web along each side of said frame, one of said latch members having a pair of normally related slots extending therethrough, the associated web of said one latch member having an opening therethrough in registry with one of said slots, the other of said latch members having a slot therethrough and its associated Web member having a slot in registration therewith, and a spring loaded lock element adapted to pass through said slot, said lock element having a locking lug adapted to bear against the surface of one of said webs after passing through said latch members for retaining said latch members and frames in continguous adjacent relationship.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,549,607 8/1925 Pulis 249- 1,552,334 9/1925 Mosher.

1,807,943 6/1931 Sutton 249-47 X 1,970,547 8/1934 Anderson 249-216 X 2,297,899 10/ 1942 Krueger 249-45 3,103,730 9/1963 Carlton 249-45 3,123,887 3/1964 Boettner 249-192 3,204,918 9/1965 Bonin et al 249-196 X 3,241,802 3/1966 Lawrence 249-192 3,292,893 12/1966 Williams 249-191 X WILLIAM J. STEPHENSON, Primary Examiner.

I. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Examiner.