Concrete form

Abstract

The concrete form is a structure having a user-selectable shape allowing for the creation of an opening in a concrete surface, such as a concrete patio, with the opening having the user-selectable shape. The form includes a plurality of wall members, which are joined together to form a closed continuous wall having the user-selectable shape. The wall members are each secured to the ground, and the user pours liquid concrete on the ground exterior to the closed continuous wall. The closed continuous wall defines the opening and prevents flow of the liquid concrete within the opening. Following hardening of the concrete, the form may be removed, leaving an opening in the concrete surface, having the user-selectable shape, in which the user may plant flora and the like.

1 . A concrete form, comprising:
 a plurality of wall members;   means for joining the wall members together to form a closed continuous wall having a user-selectable shape; and   means for attaching the wall members to the ground;   whereby, following formation of the closed continuous wall, the user may pour concrete on the ground surrounding the closed continuous wall to form a concrete surface having an opening formed therethrough having the user-selectable shape.   
   
   
       2 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the wall members has a channel defined in a top edge thereof in order to form a continuous channel in the closed continuous wall, the continuous channel being adapted for receiving a light string. 
   
   
       3 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said means for joining the wall members together comprises:
 a plurality of connector plates; and   means for joining each of the connector plates to a pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members.   
   
   
       4 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said means for joining each of said connector plates to a pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members comprises at least one pair of threaded connectors, the threaded connectors being received through at least one pair of openings formed through each of said connector plates and at least one pair of openings formed through adjacent ends of the pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members. 
   
   
       5 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said means for joining each of said connector plates to a pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members comprises a projecting member formed on one side edge of one of the pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members, the projecting member being received within a recess formed in an adjacent side edge of the other of the pair of adjoining ones of said plurality of wall members. 
   
   
       6 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said means for attaching the wall members to the ground comprises:
 at least one stake-receiving loop mounted to an interior surface of each of said plurality of wall members; and   a plurality of stakes, each of the stakes being received by a respective one of said stake-receiving loops, each of the stakes having a lower end adapted for insertion into the ground.   
   
   
       7 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising means for adjustably positioning each said stake with respect to a corresponding one of said stake-receiving loops. 
   
   
       8 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said means for adjustably positioning each of said stakes with respect to the corresponding one of said stake-receiving loops comprises a locking pin removably received through at least one aperture formed through each said stake and an opening formed through the corresponding one of said stake-receiving loops. 
   
   
       9 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the wall members has a channel defined in a top edge thereof in order to form a continuous channel in the closed continuous wall, the continuous channel being adapted for receiving a light string, the concrete form further comprising at least one cap member releasably and removably covering the channel formed in each said wall member. 
   
   
       10 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 9 , wherein each said wall member has a pair of grooves formed therein, each of the grooves being formed on either side of the channel formed therein, each of the grooves extending in a direction substantially parallel to the channel. 
   
   
       11 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said at least one cap member includes a pair of downwardly-extending flanges releasably received within the pair of grooves of each of said wall members. 
   
   
       12 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the wall members has a channel defined in a top edge thereof in order to form a continuous channel in the closed continuous wall, the continuous channel being adapted for receiving a light string, wherein each of said wall members has a horizontal channel formed in the top edge thereof, the horizontal channel communicating with the continuous channel formed therein, the horizontal channel being adapted for receiving a power cord attached to the light string. 
   
   
       13 . The concrete form as recited in  claim 12 , wherein each of said wall members has a vertical channel formed in a sidewall thereof, the vertical channel being in communication with the horizontal channel, the vertical channel being adapted for receiving the power cord attached to the light string. 
   
   
       14 . A method of shaping concrete, comprising the steps of:
 connecting a plurality of wall members together to form a closed continuous wall;   fastening the plurality of wall members to the ground;   pouring concrete on the ground surrounding the closed continuous wall to form a concrete surface about the closed continuous wall; and   hardening the concrete.   
   
   
       15 . The method of shaping concrete as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising the step of removing the closed continuous wall following said step of hardening the concrete. 
   
   
       16 . The method of shaping concrete as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said closed continuous wall has a top edge having a continuous channel defined therein, the method further comprising the step of placing a light string within the continuous channel.