U.S. patent application number 09/858034 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for interlocking sidewalk block system.
Invention is credited to Ferris, Stephen M..
Application Number | 20020170259 09/858034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25327301 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferris, Stephen M. |
November 21, 2002 |
Interlocking sidewalk block system
Abstract
New and improved interlocking sidewalk block system. The system
incorporates a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each having
parallel top and bottom surfaces, parallel left length and right
length side surfaces and parallel first end width and second end
width surfaces. The first end width and second end width surfaces
having a continuous channel running along the full width, said
continuous channels being formed with lips at the first end width
and second end width surfaces that create an internal height that
is greater than the height at the surfaces. The system includes a
plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped to have a cross
section that fits simultaneously within two continuous channels
when two sidewalk blocks are placed with a first end width surface
of one block abutting the second end width surface of the second
block and sliding a coupler into the continuous channels.
Inventors: |
Ferris, Stephen M.;
(Marlborough, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES F. BAIRD, Esquire
33 East Main Street
P.O. Box 574
West Brookfield
MA
01585-0574
US
|
Family ID: |
25327301 |
Appl. No.: |
09/858034 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/596 ;
52/586.1; 52/586.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/082 20130101;
E04F 2201/0523 20130101; E04F 15/105 20130101; E01C 9/08 20130101;
E04F 11/116 20130101; E01C 5/00 20130101; E01C 5/005 20130101; E04F
15/02194 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/596 ;
52/586.1; 52/586.2 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00; E04C
002/04; E04B 005/04 |
Claims
I claim the following:
1. New and improved Interlocking Sidewalk Block System comprising:
a.) a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length
dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having
a top surface, a bottom surface, a left length side surface, a
right side surface, first end width side surface and a second end
width side surface, the top surface being generally parallel to the
bottom surface, the left length side surface being generally
parallel to the right length side surface, the first end width side
surface being parallel to the second end width side surface, the
first end width side and second end width side surfaces both having
a continuous channel running the full length of the side, said
continuous channels formed by continuous openings running the full
length of the first end width side and second end width side
surfaces, said continuous channels each having an internal vertical
dimension and an opening vertical dimension, said continuous
channel opening vertical dimension is smaller than the continuous
channel internal vertical dimension; b.) a plurality of sleeves
made of resilient material fixedly secured to said rectangular
sidewalk block further defining said continuous channel; and c.) a
plurality of couplers that are sized and shaped with a length that
approximates the width dimension of the rectangular sidewalk
blocks, a cross section shape that nearly approximates the opening
that is formed by the adjoining continuous channels when a first
rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side
surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second
rectangular sidewalk block., said couplers are further sized and
shaped to permit the couplers to be slidably inserted within said
adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk
block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to
the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk
block, said couplers are sized and shaped to remain frictionally
secured within said adjoining continuous channels.
2. New and improved Interlocking Sidewalk Block System comprising:
a.) a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length
dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having
a top surface, a bottom surface, a left length side surface, a
right side surface, first end width side surface and a second end
width side surface, the top surface being generally parallel to the
bottom surface, the first end width side surface being parallel to
the second end width side surface, the first end width side and
second end width side surfaces both having a continuous channel
running the full length of the side, said continuous channels
formed by continuous openings running the full length of the first
end width side and second end width side surfaces, said continuous
channels each having an internal vertical dimension and an opening
vertical dimension, said continuous channel opening vertical
dimension is smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical
dimension; b.) a plurality of sleeves made of resilient material
fixedly secured to said rectangular sidewalk block further defining
said continuous channel; and c.) a plurality of couplers that are
sized and shaped with a length that approximates the width
dimension of the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape
that nearly approximates the opening that is formed by the
adjoining continuous channels when a first rectangular sidewalk
block is placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to
the second end width surface of a second rectangular sidewalk
block., said couplers are further sized and shaped to permit the
couplers to be slidably inserted within said adjoining continuous
channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the
first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width
surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block, said couplers are
sized and shaped to remain frictionally secured within said
adjoining continuous channels.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of my invention is sidewalk blocks of the type
typically used by cities and towns along the sideline of streets
and by homeowners to provide a path to and from the residence. The
invention portrayed is an improved sidewalk block system that
provides for a coupler that permits the blocks to be interlocked.
Sidewalks have been in use for hundreds of years. In most instances
the sidewalk comprised a plurality of individual blocks laid
adjoining each other. In more recent times sidewalks have also been
constructed using materials that formed a continuous surface such
as poured concrete or blacktop. The problem with individual blocks
is that they may move as the ground settles creating an uneven
surface. It is possible to remove one or more blocks, leveling the
subsurface and placing the blocks back in place or placing new
blocks in place. In the case of a continuous surface such as poured
concrete or blacktop if the surface becomes uneven it is necessary
to cut thru the surface remove the portion that is uneven, level
the subsurface, and pour new concrete or blacktop. With present
sidewalks it is also possible that it is necessary to dig up a
portion of the sidewalk to repair or install water lines, sewer
lines or other utilities. This would require that the sidewalk be
broken up, removed and reinstalled or a new sidewalk be installed
in that area.
[0002] Sidewalks presently are installed with the intent that they
remain permanently in place. The problem is that any repair or
replacement requires that the old sidewalk be removed,
repositioned, or replaced.
[0003] The present invention provides an improved sidewalk system
that permits the easy removal and reinstallation of any block.
[0004] An object of the invention is to provide for couplers that
interconnect two adjoining blocks preventing movement of either
block in the vertical direction.
[0005] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved
interlocking sidewalk block system that provides a walking surface
that remains continuous without uneven spots where blocks are
prevented from either dropping or rising as result of soil
settling, frost heaves or otherwise.
INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention portrayed is an improved system of sidewalk
blocks, of the type typically used by cities and towns along the
sideline of streets and by homeowners to provide a path to and from
the residence. There is a need for this system as individual blocks
may move as the ground settles, or is heaved, creating an uneven
surface this may also be a problem even where sidewalks have been
constructed using materials that formed a continuous surface such
as poured concrete or blacktop. The improved sidewalk block system
of the present invention provides for couplers that permit the
blocks to be interlocked. It is possible to remove one or more
couplers lift the blocks, level the subsurface and replace the
blocks or place new blocks in position. In the case of a continuous
surface such as poured concrete or blacktop if the surface becomes
uneven it is necessary to cut thru the surface, remove the portion
that is uneven, level the subsurface, and pour new concrete or
blacktop, the end result is usually uneven. With present sidewalks
it is also possible that it is necessary to dig up a portion of the
sidewalk to repair or install water lines, sewer lines or other
utilities. This would require that the sidewalk be broken up,
removed and reinstalled or a new sidewalk be installed in that
area. The possible liability due to imperfections in the resulting
surface is another reason for the improvement provided by the
present invention.
[0007] The invention portrayed is a new and improved interlocking
sidewalk block system. The system incorporates a plurality of
rectangular sidewalk blocks each with a length dimension, a width
dimension and a thickness dimension, each having generally parallel
top and bottom surfaces, generally parallel left length side and
right length side surfaces and parallel first end width side and
second end width side surfaces. The first end width side and second
end width side surfaces both having a continuous channel running
the full length of the side. Said continuous channels formed by
continuous openings running the full length of the first end width
side and second end width side surfaces. Said continuous channels
each having an internal vertical dimension and an opening vertical
dimension. Said continuous channel opening vertical dimension is
smaller than the continuous channel internal vertical
dimension.
[0008] The system includes a plurality of couplers that are sized
and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of
the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly
approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining continuous
channels when a first rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the
first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width
surface of a second rectangular sidewalk block.. The couplers are
further sized and shaped to permit the couplers to be slidably
inserted within said adjoining continuous channels when a first
rectangular sidewalk block is placed with the first end width side
surface adjacent to the second end width surface of a second
rectangular sidewalk block.. Further the couplers are sized and
shaped to remain frictionally secured within said adjoining
continuous channels.
[0009] The interlocking sidewalk block system is formed by placing
a plurality of rectangular sidewalk blocks with the first end width
side surface of each block abutting the second end width side
surface of the abutting rectangular sidewalk block and slidably
inserting a plurality of couplers within the adjoining continuous
channels.
[0010] The system as described is using removable couplers that are
made of resilient material. Non corrosive metal, plastic or
fibreglass could easily be used. However, depending on the location
and application other less resilient materials could be used, even
wood.
[0011] It is also possible to use material for the couplers that is
poured into the adjoining continuous channels in a liquid form and
then allowed to cure forming a solid.
[0012] In any event the couplers may easily be removed by pushing
each coupler thru the adjoining continuous channels, pulling the
coupler back out of adjoining continuous channels, by cutting the
coupler along the length of the coupler and removing each half or
by such other means as may be required. Obviously the intent of the
invention is to preserve the rectangular sidewalk blocks for reuse
when replaced. The couplers are not necessarily reused if damaged
during removal.
[0013] The rectangular sidewalk blocks would most likely be formed
of concrete, however other weather resistant materials would be
appropriate such as plastic or fibreglass. In forming the
rectangular sidewalk blocks sleeves made of resilient material,
such as steel, could be incorporated in the blocks providing more
strength to the continuous channels.
[0014] In the event a particular application requires steps the
continuous channels could be positioned to be on the first end
bottom surface and the second end top surface of each rectangular
sidewalk block.
[0015] The sidewalk blocks are described as being rectangular,
however other shapes would be possible. For instance the blocks
could be almost any decorative or design shape, provided two
adjoining surfaces where the continuous channels are located are
straight and parallel. With this in mind it would be possible for
the sidewalk to have areas that are not intends for walking. Also
it would be possible for the sidewalk to form nearly any pattern or
design.
[0016] While the invention will be discussed in connection with A
preferred embodiment, it will be understood that I do not intend to
limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, I intend
to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Turning first to FIG. 1 there is shown the present
invention, INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM 1. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of the invention, showing Rectangular Sidewalk
Blocks 2, with Couplers 3 inserted in the Continuous Channels 4.
The Continuous Channels 4 run the full width dimension of the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2. Each Coupler 3 acts to prevent the
adjoining Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the vertical
direction. The Couplers 3 prevent the Rectangular Blocks 2 from
moving toward or apart from each other. The Couplers 3 are
frictionally engaged within the Continuous Channels 4 of the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 acting to prevent the Rectangular
Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the lateral direction.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention and shows the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, Coupler 3 and Continuous Channels 4.
The Sleeves 5 that are formed with the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks
2 are also shown. In addition the openings at the side of the
Continuous Channels 6 are also shown.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Coupler 3 showing an end
indicating an H shaped cross section.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the Rectangular Sidewalk
Blocks 2 indicating an application where steps are required the
Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom
surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk
Block 2.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view indicating an alternate shape of the
cross section of the Continuous Channel 4.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an end view of a Coupler 3 indicating an alternate
shaped cross section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The invention is a new and improved interlocking sidewalk
block system as shown in FIG. 1. The system incorporates a
plurality of Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 each with a length
dimension, a width dimension and a thickness dimension, each having
generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, generally parallel left
length side and right length side surfaces and parallel first end
width side and second end width side surfaces. The first end width
side and second end width side surfaces both having a Continuous
Channel 4 running the full length of the side. The Continuous
Channels 4 are formed by continuous openings running the full
length of the first end width side and second end width side
surfaces. The Continuous Channels 4 each have an internal vertical
dimension and an opening vertical dimension, with the continuous
channel opening vertical dimension smaller than the continuous
channel internal vertical dimension.
[0024] The system includes a plurality of Couplers 3 that are sized
and shaped with a length that approximates the width dimension of
the rectangular sidewalk blocks, a cross section shape that nearly
approximates the opening that is formed by the adjoining Continuous
Channels 4 when a first Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 is placed with
the first end width side surface adjacent to the second end width
surface of a second Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2. The Couplers 3
are further sized and shaped to permit the Couplers 3 to be
slidably inserted and frictionally secured within said adjoining
Continuous Channels 4 when a first Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 is
placed with the first end width side surface adjacent to the second
end width surface of a second Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2.
[0025] The interlocking sidewalk block system is formed by placing
a plurality of Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 with the first end
width side surface of each block abutting the second end width side
surface of the abutting Rectangular Sidewalk Block 2 and slidably
inserting a plurality of Couplers 3 within the adjoining Continuous
Channels 4.
[0026] The system as described is using removable Couplers 3 that
are made of resilient material. Non corrosive metal, plastic or
fibreglass could easily be used.
[0027] The Couplers 3 may easily be removed by pushing each Coupler
3 thru the adjoining Continuous Channels 4.
[0028] Sleeves 5 made of resilient material, such as steel, are
shown incorporated in the blocks.
[0029] In the event a particular application requires steps the
Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom
surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk
Block 2.
[0030] Turning first to FIG. 1 there is shown the present
invention, INTERLOCKING SIDEWALK BLOCK SYSTEM 1. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of the invention, showing Rectangular Sidewalk
Blocks 2, with Couplers 3 inserted in the Continuous Channels 4.
The Continuous Channels 4 run the full width dimension of the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2. Each Coupler 3 acts to prevent the
adjoining Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the vertical
direction. The Couplers 3 prevent the Rectangular Blocks 2 from
moving toward or apart from each other. The Couplers 3 are
frictionally engaged within the Continuous Channels 4 of the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2 acting to prevent the Rectangular
Sidewalk Blocks 2 from moving in the lateral direction.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention and shows the
Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks 2, Coupler 3 and Continuous Channels 4.
The Sleeves 5 that are formed with the Rectangular Sidewalk Blocks
2 are also shown. In addition the openings at the side of the
Continuous Channels 6 are also shown.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Coupler 3 showing an end
indicating an H shaped cross section.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the Rectangular Sidewalk
Blocks 2 indicating an application where steps are required the
Continuous Channels 4 are positioned on the first end bottom
surface and the second end top surface of each Rectangular Sidewalk
Block 2.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a side view indicating an alternate shape of the
cross section of the Continuous Channel 4.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an end view of a Coupler 3 indicating an alternate
shaped cross section.
[0036] From the foregoing description it will be apparent that
modifications can be made to the apparatus without departing from
the teaching of the present invention. Accordingly, it is
distinctly understood that the invention is not limited to the
preferred embodiment but may be embodied and practiced within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *