Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a decorative surface on concrete products are disclosed. Material used to create the decorative surface can comprise one or more of various types of decorative aggregates. The chosen aggregate pieces or particles are attached to a thin, flexible substrate by a suitable glue. The reverse or backside of the thin, flexible substrate is attached to the form face of a concrete form prior to concrete being poured. After concrete is poured in a manner careful not to dislodge the glued on aggregate, and the concrete sets, the form is removed. The glue that previously held the aggregate to the substrate is re emulsified, releasing the aggregate. This leaves the aggregate embedded in the concrete. Excess glue and any substrate particles can be removed by spraying the exposed decorative aggregate surface with a suitable reagent, such as water.

Abstract: A method for forming an elongated concrete structure (20) which extends in a first direction and includes at least one outer surface (26) with a textured pattern having concave and convex portions which extend other than in just the first direction. The system comprises one or two elongated planar forms (32 or 32a/32b) having a reverse image of a textured pattern on one side (202) thereof, a conventional slip former (30), and a side arm assembly (150) coupled to the slip former for supporting the one form(s). The form(s) is erected prior to formation of the structure, remains standing during formation of the structure, and is disassembled a predetermined period of time after the concrete structure has been formed. The side arm assembly (150) slidingly engages the outer surface of the form(s) as the slip former (30) is moved in the first direction.

Abstract: A system for continuously forming a concrete structure that extends in a generally horizontal direction and has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration is provided. The system includes a frame, a first form, and a second form. The first and second forms are coupled to the frame and support at least a portion of the sides of the concrete structure being formed. The second form forms a pattern in one of the outside surfaces of the concrete. The first form may also form a pattern. The pattern includes concave and convex portions that extend other than just in the horizontal direction. The second form coacts with the first form to enclose an area having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the predetermined cross-sectional configuration of the concrete structure. The frame includes a side arm assembly that slidingly engages the outside of one or both of the forms.

Abstract: A system for forming an elongate concrete structure (20) which extends in a first direction and includes an outer surface (26) with a textured pattern having concave and convex portions which extend other than in just the first direction. The system includes an elongate, planar form (32) having a reverse image of the textured pattern on one side (202) thereof, a conventional slipformer (30), the mule (60) of which is modified so as to include only a top wall (64) and a side wall (62), with the opposite side wall of the mule being removed, and a side arm assembly (150) coupled to the slip former for supporting the form so that it engages the mule so as to block off the opening in the mule created by removal on the opposite side wall thereof. The planar form is erected prior to formation of the structure, remains standing during the formation of the structure and is dissassembled a predetermined period of time after the concrete structure has been formed.

Abstract: A system for forming an elongate concrete structure (20) which extends in a first direction and includes an outer surface (26) with a textured pattern having concave and convex portions which extend other than in just the first direction. The system comprises an elongate, planar form (32) having a reverse image of the textured pattern on one side (202) thereof, a conventional slipformer (30), the mule (60) of which is modified so as to include only a top wall (64) and a side wall (62), with the opposite side wall of the mule being removed, and a side arm assembly (150) coupled to the slip former for supporting the form so that it engages the mule so as to block off the opening in the mule created by removal on the opposite side wall thereof. The planar form is erected prior to formation of the structure, remains standing during the formation of the structure and is dissassembled a predetermined period of time after the concrete structure has been formed.