U.S. patent application number 10/779200 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-19 for retaining wall block.
This patent application is currently assigned to Menard, Inc.. Invention is credited to Burgess, Andrew, Henschler, William.
Application Number | 20040159065 10/779200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32853560 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040159065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burgess, Andrew ; et
al. |
August 19, 2004 |
Retaining wall block
Abstract
A mortarless concrete block retaining wall is formed from
special blocks arranged in set-back tiers and interlocked by a
special post groove arrangement. Each block is trapezoidal in plan
view with a pair of laterally spaced posts projecting from the top
surface of the block. A groove on the bottom surface of the block
fits over adjacent posts in the underlying tiers. The vertically
adjacent tiers are laterally offset to interlock the tiers via the
post/groove arrangement. The post/groove arrangement allows for
blocks that are adjustable to interlock the tiers in a straight
configuration or in varying degrees of convex and concave curved
configurations.
Inventors: |
Burgess, Andrew; (Fall
Creek, WI) ; Henschler, William; (Eau Claire,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ, S.C.
250 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 1030
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Menard, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32853560 |
Appl. No.: |
10/779200 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60448028 |
Feb 17, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/574 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2002/026 20130101;
E04C 1/395 20130101; E04B 2002/0263 20130101; E02D 29/025 20130101;
E04B 2002/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/574 |
International
Class: |
E04C 003/30 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A composite masonry block comprising: a) a block body, said
block body comprising a front surface and a back surface, said
front surface and said back surface being substantially parallel to
each other and separated by a distance comprising the depth of the
block, an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface and
said lower surface being substantially parallel to each other and
separated by a distance comprising the height of the block, two
intermediary walls extending from the block front surface towards
the block back surface at an angle less than ninety degrees in
relationship to the block front surface, and two sidewalls
adjoining the intermediary walls and the block back surface; b) a
groove that extends sidewall-to-sidewall in the bottom surface of
the block; and c) two posts projecting upwardly from the upper
surface of the block body, wherein said posts are fitted to be
inserted inside the groove when the blocks are stacked upon one
another in successive courses.
2. The composite block of claim 1, wherein said front surface of
said block is roughened for aesthetic appeal.
3. The composite block of claim 1, wherein said posts are
circular.
4. The composite block of claim 3, wherein said posts have rounded
edges.
5. The composite block of claim 1, wherein said intermediary walls
are grooved.
6. A retaining wall comprising: a) a lower tier of blocks arranged
side by side; b) an upper tier of blocks arranged side by side and
located on top of the lower tier of blocks; c) each of said blocks
having a body with front, back, top, bottom, side and intermediary
surfaces; d) each of the block bodies in the lower tier having two
posts in the top surface of the body, and each of the block bodies
in the upper tier having a groove in the bottom surface thereof,
extending the width of the block and configured to receive the
posts; and e) the posts and grooves interlocking the block bodies
in the upper tier with the block bodies in the lower tier.
7. The retaining wall of claim 6, wherein the tiers of blocks are
interlocked in a laterally offset relationship.
8. The retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein the groove in
the block bodies in the upper and lower tiers are in the same
positions relative to the front, rear and side surfaces of the
bodies.
9. The retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein the posts in
each block body comprises a pair of laterally spaced vertically
extending posts, each post set forward an equal distance from the
back surface, and set inwardly equal distances from the side
surfaces.
10. The retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein each block
body comprises: a) top and bottom horizontal surfaces; b) front and
back generally parallel surfaces, the front surface being
substantially roughened relative to the other surfaces and being
substantially wider than the back surface; c) grooved intermediary
walls extending diagonally from said front surface; and d) straight
side surfaces extending diagonally between said intermediary walls
and back surface.
11. The retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein each block
body comprises a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view, with the
front surface wider than the back surface, and the two side
surfaces extending diagonally therebetween.
12. The retaining wall according to claim 6, further comprising a
central roughened face portion flanked by relatively smooth
grooved, comer surfaces connecting each end of the front surface to
a corresponding one of the side surfaces.
13. The retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein the body has a
generally trapezoidal shape in plan view with the front surface
wider than the rear surface and the side surfaces diagonally
disposed enabling the tiers to be curved.
14. A retaining wall block suitable for use in forming a mortarless
retaining wall, said block comprising: a) a pair of substantially
parallel and planar upper and lower faces; b) a front face joining
the upper and lower faces, which is substantially perpendicular to
the upper and lower faces; c) a rear face which is substantially
perpendicular to the upper and lower faces; d) a pair of
intermediary faces joining the front face and a side face the
intermediary side faces being substantially perpendicular to the
upper and lower faces; e) a pair of side faces joining the
intermediary side faces and rear faces, the side faces being
substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower faces, and
including rearwardly converging portions, wherein a line drawn on
the upper face through the points where the rearwardly converging
portions begin is substantially parallel to a line drawn through
the points where the side faces join the rear face; f) two
laterally spaced posts extending upwardly from the upper face; and
g) a groove extending the width of the lower face, configured to
fit over the posts.
15. The block of claim 13, wherein the front face of the block is
substantially planar.
16. The block of claim 13,, wherein the front face of the block is
nonplanar.
17. The block of claim 13, wherein the front face of the block is
roughened.
18. The block of claim 13 wherein each intermediary side face
intersects the front face at an angle of less than 90 degrees.
19. The block of claim 13 wherein the rearwardly converging side
face portions each intersect the rear face at an angle of less than
90 degrees.
20. The block of claim 13, wherein the posts are round.
21. The block of claim 20, wherein the posts have rounded
edges.
22. The block of claim 13, wherein the intermediary surfaces are
grooved.
23. A retaining wall comprising stacked courses of the block of
claim 14 wherein the front faces of the blocks combine to form a
decorative face of the retaining wall, and wherein the lower face
of each block in a succeeding course is placed over the upper faces
of the blocks in the next lower course, in a manner that the groove
of each block in a succeeding course is positioned over the posts
of adjacent blocks in the next lower course.
24. The retaining wall of claim 23, wherein the first and second
courses are laterally offset.
25. The retaining wall of claim 23, wherein said retaining wall has
a set back from said first course to said second course.
26. The retaining wall of claim 23, wherein said retaining wall set
back is defined by the relationship of the overlap between the
groove and posts of successive courses.
27. A retaining wall comprising: a) a lower tier of blocks arranged
side by side, each block in the lower tier having a body with two
posts extending from a top surface; b) an upper tier of blocks
arranged side by side and laterally offset from the lower tier,
each block in the upper tier having a body with a groove configured
to receive the posts in the bottom surface said upper tier being
positioned on top of the lower tier with the groove in the upper
tier being placed over the posts in two adjacent blocks in the
lower tier.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of
provisional application Serial No. 60/448,028 filed Feb. 17,
2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to masonry blocks which may
be used in the construction of landscaping elements. More
specifically, the invention relates to mortarless retaining wall
blocks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Protection of natural and artificial structures, soil
retention and increased land use are only a few reasons which
motivate the use of landscape structures. When reliance on natural
feature is not possible or practical, man often resorts to the use
of artificial mechanisms such as retaining walls.
[0004] Many different materials may be used to construct retaining
walls depending upon the given application. One common solution is
the use of mortarless concrete blocks. Blocks used for these
purposes include those disclosed by Hodel U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,918,
Woolford U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,713, Risi et al, U.S. Pat. No.
4,490,075 and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 280,024 and Forsberg, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,802,320 and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 296,007 among others. These
blocks have typically been patterned and weighted so that they may
be used to construct a wall which will stabilize the landscape by
the shear weight of the blocks.
[0005] Mortarless concrete block retaining walls generally have the
advantages that they are inexpensive, easy to construct with
unskilled labor, have long life, and will adapt to ground
subsidence which could crack a poured concrete or mortared wall.
Conventional mortarless retaining walls used to hold earth
embankments are typically made of poured concrete blocks, stone,
concrete, and railroad ties.
[0006] To provide adequate strength, stability and long life, a
retaining wall preferably is tilted somewhat into the embankment.
These systems are often designed to "setback" at an angle to
counter the pressure of the soil behind the wall. Setback is
generally considered the distance which one course of a wall
extends beyond the front of the next highest course of the same
wall. Given blocks of the same proportion, setback may also be
regarded as the distance which the back surface of a higher course
of blocks extends backwards in relation to the back surface of the
lower wall courses. In vertical structures such as retaining walls,
stability is dependent upon the setback between courses and the
weight of the blocks. It is an ideal to have a wall that has
sufficient setback to allow for adequate pressure on the backfill
and structural integrity of the retaining wall, while at the same
time minimizing the setback for aesthetic and space
considerations.
[0007] Despite the popularity of mortarless systems, many of the
mortarless methods are outdated and complex involving the use of
separate metal clips, or pins to secure the courses to one another.
This is costly and making curved walls with these blocks and clips
is difficult and requires considerable skill. For example, to make
a wall with an outside curvature (that is, outwardly convex)
certain ears that are required for a straight wall must be
carefully and precisely knocked off.
[0008] Several attempts have been made to provide a mortarless
retaining wall block that maximizes the advantages discussed above
while allowing for the construction of curved walls. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 to Sievert discloses a masonry block
comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and
comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and
a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. The block however,
further includes a flange extending downward from the rear surface
of the block in order to form a locking surface and further
requires the use of an anchoring matrix. The flange limits the
amount of curvature allowed in the wall and is prone to cracking
and chipping. U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,216 to Woolford et al. discloses
a similar retaining wall block to that disclosed in Sievert having
a generally planar upper surface, a generally planar lower surface
and a flange extending off the lower surface.
[0009] The current designs of pinless, mortarless masonry blocks
generally fail to resolve problems such as the ability to construct
walls which follow the natural contour of the landscape in a radial
or serpentine pattern. Previous blocks also have failed to provide
a system to stabilize the stacked course without complex pinning or
strapping fixtures. Reliance on such complex fixtures often
discourages the use of retaining wall systems by the every day
homeowner. Commercial landscapers generally avoid complex retaining
wall systems as the time and expense involved in constructing these
systems is not supportable given the price at which landscaping
services are sold.
[0010] As can be seen, the present state of the art of forming
masonry blocks as well as the design and use of these blocks to
build structure has definite shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the
invention to provide a mortarless retaining wall which is
inexpensive, easy to construct with unskilled labor, having
adjacent tiers permanently interlocked in a predetermined set-back
relationship, in a straight configuration, or in a wide range of
optional convex and concave curved configurations. The present
inventive locking function provided by the inventive post and
groove combination is highly advantageous to those systems
disclosed in the Sievert, Woolford, and other patents.
[0012] In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a
special concrete block with integral stubs or posts and grooves for
interlocking a plurality of such blocks when arranged side by side
in successive set-back tiers to thereby provide an improved,
mortarless retaining wall.
[0013] Consistent with the foregoing objects and in accordance with
the present invention, there is provided a composite masonry block
comprising a block body having a front surface and a substantially
parallel back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, two
intermediary walls, and two sidewalls. The intermediary walls
extend from the block front surface towards the block back surface
at an angle less than ninety degrees in relationship to the block
front surface. The sidewall adjoins the intermediary wall and lies
between the intermediary wall and the block back surface. The block
of the present invention also comprises two posts or stubs
projecting upwardly from the upper surface and a groove that
extends side-to-side in the bottom surface of the block. The posts
are fitted to be inserted inside the groove when the blocks are
stacked upon one another in successive courses.
[0014] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention
there are provided landscaping structures such as retaining walls
comprising a plurality of courses, each of the courses comprising a
plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present
invention.
[0015] These, and other, aspects and objects of the present
invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered
in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying
drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following
description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present
invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation.
Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and
the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A clear conception of the advantages and features
constituting the present invention, and of the construction and
operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the
exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification,
wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the retaining wall block in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the retaining wall block shown
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the retaining wall block
shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the retaining wall
block shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the retaining wall
block shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the retaining wall
block shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view of a
retaining wall constructed with the preferred embodiment of the
retaining wall block of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the wall shown in FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a partially cut away perspective view of a
retaining wall having a serpentine pattern constructed with the
preferred embodiment of the retaining wall block of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partially cut away perspective view of a
retaining wall having a serpentine pattern constructed with the
preferred embodiment of the retaining wall block of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top view of the wall shown in FIG.
7;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top view of the wall shown in FIG.
9; and
[0029] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary top view of the wall shown in FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention
which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word "connected" or
terms similar thereto are often used. Such terms are not limited to
direct connection but include connection through other elements
where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those
skilled in the art. Furthermore, certain dimensions of the block
are given to help illustrate the preferred embodiment, however, the
inventive concept could be applied to numerous varying dimensions
and the inventive concept includes such variations.
[0031] Accordingly, the present invention provides a retaining wall
block, and structures resulting from this block. The present
invention provides a mortarless interlocking masonry block which
may be used to construct any number of structures having a variety
of patterns.
[0032] Retaining Wall Block
[0033] Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals represent
like parts throughout several views, a retaining wall block 1 is
generally shown in FIGS. 1-6. The first aspect of the present
invention is a retaining wall block having an irregular hexagonal
shaped block body 2.
[0034] Block 1 is a unitary member preferably of high density
concrete. The block body 2 generally comprises a front surface 3
and a back surface 5 which are substantially parallel to each
other. In the preferred embodiment, the front surface is about 8
and two thirds inches long and the back surface is about 9 inches
long. The front 3 and back 5 surfaces are separated by a distance
comprising the depth of the block. In the preferred embodiment, the
depth of the block 1 is about eight inches, however the design and
inventive concept is applicable to an infinite number of
dimensions. The block 1 also has a generally smooth upper 7 and
lower surface 9 separated by a distance comprising the height of
the block 1. In the preferred embodiment, the height of the block 1
is about four inches.
[0035] The block 1 further has first 15a and second 15b
intermediary walls adjacent to the side edges of the front surface
3. In the preferred embodiment, the intermediary walls are about
2.2 inches long. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediary walls 15a,
15b extend from the block front surface 3 towards the back surface
5 at an angle, alpha, which is less than ninety degrees in
relationship to the block front surface 3. In the preferred
embodiment, alpha is about 40 degrees. The block also has first 11a
and second 11b sidewalls separated by a distance comprising the
width of the block. In the preferred embodiment, the width of the
block measured from the juncture points 27a, 27b is about twelve
inches although numerous dimensions are envisioned. The sidewalls
11a, 11b adjoin the block upper 7 and lower 9 surfaces. The
sidewalls 11a, 11b further adjoin and lie between the intermediary
walls 15a, 15b and the block back surface 5. Preferably, the
sidewalls 11a, 11b converge towards each other as these surfaces
move towards the back surface 5 of the block 1. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, the angle, beta, between the sidewall and the back surface
preferably ranges in magnitude from about 30 degrees to about 60
degrees in relation to the block back surface. The block has two
juncture points 27a, 27b where the side walls 11a, 11b adjoin the
intermediary walls 15a, 15b.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower surface 9 of the
block 1 has a groove 19 of given depth "h" and width "w" that
extends from the first side wall 11a to the second sidewall 11b at
a location slightly forward of the longitudinal middle of the block
1. In the preferred embodiment, the center of the groove is about
3.5 inches from the front surface 3 of the block 1. Furthermore, in
the preferred embodiment h is about 0.5 inches and w is about 2.25
inches however the design and inventive concept is applicable to an
infinite number of dimensions. The upper surface 7 of the block 1
further comprises two horizontally aligned circular posts or stubs
21a, 21b projecting upwardly from the upper surface 7 in the
longitudinal middle of the block. Preferably, the center of the
posts 21a, 21b exists about four inches from the front surface 3
and rear surface 5 of the block 1. In the preferred embodiment, the
centers of the posts 21a, 21b are spaced about five inches apart.
The posts 21a, 21b have a given height "h" and width "w."
Preferably h' is about 0.375 inches and w' is about 2 inches at its
widest point. As illustrated by the preferred embodiment, the posts
21a, 21b have rounded edges 77 at the top, but a squared edge is
envisioned as well. The rounded edge 77 allows for ease of
manipulation of blocks 1 as they are being aligned in their
post/groove arrangement.
[0037] It is not compulsory that the posts 21a, 21b be circular or
of the given dimensions, even though this is preferred. However, it
is compulsory that the posts 21a, 21b have a height "h" equal to or
smaller than the depth "h" of the groove 19. It is also compulsory
that the posts 21a, 21b have a width "w" which is substantially
equal to or slightly smaller than the width "w" of the groove 19.
As will be described in further detail below, the groove 19 is
designed to fit over the posts 21a, 21b when the blocks are stacked
in courses. This interlocking feature of the groove 19 and posts
21a, 21b creates greater stability in the finished retaining
wall.
[0038] Generally, the block 1 may vary in shape and dimension in
accordance with the present invention. Distinctive of the present
invention is the ability to use the block 1 seen in FIGS. 1-6 to
construct either straight or serpentine mortarless retaining walls.
Accordingly, the block 1 of the present invention preferably has an
irregular hexagonal shape having parallel front 3 and back surfaces
5. The necessarily irregular nature of the hexagonal block 1 of the
present invention comes from the varying lengths of the block's
intermediary walls 15a, 15b, sidewalls 11a, 11b, front 3 and back 5
surfaces.
[0039] Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the block body 2 generally has
eight surfaces. The front surface 3 generally faces outward from
the structure and has a roughened appearance to enhance the blocks
aesthetic appeal although a smooth surface or other decorative face
is envisioned. The back surface 5 of the block 1 generally lies
parallel to the front surface 3 and is generally smooth in
appearance. The upper surface 7 generally lies parallel to the
bottom surface 9. Both the upper 7 and lower 9 surfaces are also
generally smooth in appearance.
[0040] The block intermediary wall 15a, 15b surfaces have a series
of ridges or grooves 18. This generally ridged appearance also
enhances the blocks 1 aesthetic appeal. The ridges are comprised of
a series of peaks 78 and valleys 79. In the preferred embodiment
the peaks are spaced about 0.250 inches apart. The block 1 sidewall
surfaces 11a, 11b lie across the width of the block. As shown in
FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the interaction between the sidewalls 11a, 11b
and intermediary walls 15a, 15b of the block body 2 of the present
invention allow for the construction of straight structures (FIG.
7) or serpentine structures including outside radius turns (FIGS.
9,10).
[0041] The inventive block can be used to construct a straight wall
31. An aligned straight wall can be constructed by aligning the
adjacent juncture points 27a, 27b of the same wall course, (see
27a, 27b FIG. 7). Optionally, the same embodiment of the block of
the present invention allows the construction of aligned serpentine
structures as seen in FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 13. In the serpentine
wall, the block sidewalls 11a, 11b align with adjoining sidewalls
in the same course, (see 11a, 11b FIG. 10).
[0042] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the blocks of each successive
course will setback from blocks from the course below. This is a
result of the offset between the posts 21a, 21b and groove 19. As
noted above, the center of the posts 21a, 21b are located about 4
inches from the front surface of the block. Alternatively, the
center of the groove 19, is located 3.5 inches from the front
surface of the block. Therefore, each successive course will have a
setback of about 0.5 inches. Generally, each successive course of
blocks should setback far enough to maintain the stability of the
soil 35 behind the wall. This preferred setback range provides
minimal setback, (for aesthetic value) while ensuring stability of
the soil behind the wall.
[0043] In its most preferred mode, the block 1 of the present
invention is suitable for both commercial and residential use by
landscapers as well as homeowners for use in building landscape
structures
[0044] Block Structures
[0045] The composite masonry block 1 of the present invention may
be used to build any number of landscape structures. Examples of
the structures which may be constructed with the block of the
present invention are seen in FIGS. 7-10. As can be seen in FIG. 7,
the composite masonry block 1 of the present invention may be used
to build a retaining wall 31 using individual courses 33 to
construct to any desired height. The blocks 1 may be stacked in an
even pattern or an offset pattern depending on the intended
application.
[0046] Generally, construction of a structure such as a retaining
wall 31 may be undertaken by first defining a trench (not shown)
area beneath the plane of the ground 35 in which to deposit the
first course 37 of blocks 1. The first course 37 of blocks 1 is
then laid into the trench. As can be seen in FIGS. 11-13,
successive courses 33 of blocks are then stacked on top of
preceding courses while backfilling the wall 31 with soil. As best
illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, successive courses of blocks 1 are
stacked in a manner such that the groove 19 fits over the posts
21a, 21b of the underlying blocks 1. This arrangement is repeated
throughout the courses until a desired height is reached. As
stability is dependent upon weight and minimal setback, the minimal
setback provided by the blocks 1 of the present invention assists
in further stabilizing even lighter weight blocks. This minimal
setback adds to the stability of smaller size blocks by slowing the
horizontal movement backward of the wall through the addition of
successive courses. In the preferred embodiment, the blocks weigh
about twenty-five pounds. Due to this weight, the block structures
are most stable at a height of up to about thirty six inches.
However, by increasing the weight of the blocks stable walls can be
constructed over thirty-six inches, and such blocks and structures
are envisioned as part of the present invention. Clearly, the
inventive concept could be applied to numerous varying weights and
dimensions and the inventive concept includes such variations.
[0047] Still referring to FIGS. 11-13, fragmentary top views of two
courses of a wall are shown. FIG. 11 illustrates the post/groove
arrangement of two courses in a straight wall. As illustrated, the
stacked courses are typically laterally offset such that the groove
of one block 1 in an upper course fits over one post 21a of one
block in a lower course, and another post of an adjacent block 21b
in the lower course. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the post/groove
arrangement of two courses in a curved and serpentine wall. These
illustrations demonstrate a key advantage of the post/groove
arrangement of the present invention. Because the groove 19 is
continuous with the width of the block, several different angles
between adjacent blocks and courses can be accommodated while
maintaining the post/groove interlocking arrangement of successive
courses. Furthermore this can be accomplished without the use of
pins or straps.
[0048] Another benefit of the blocks 1 of the present invention is
the combination intermediary wall 15a, 15b and sidewall 11a, 11b.
While the intermediary walls 11a, 11b have an angle of less than 90
degrees in relationship to the front surface of the block 3, the
block sidewalls 11a, 11b converge or angle towards each other as
the sidewall moves towards the back surface 5 of the block. The
converging block sidewalls 11a, 11b allow the blocks 1 to be set in
a range of angles relative to adjacent blocks of the same course,
FIG. 9.
[0049] When a straight wall is desired, FIG. 7, the blocks 1 of the
present invention allow for the placement of the blocks flush
against each others juncture points 27a, 27b. As can be seen in
FIG. 7, block juncture points 27a and 27b of two adjacent blocks
are flush against one another while the adjacent sidewalls 11a, 11b
are spaced apart. In contrast, if a more highly angled serpentine
wall is desired, the blocks 1 of the present invention allow for
the placement of the blocks with the sidewalls 11a, 11b flush
against each other. (FIG. 10). In both instances, there is the
desired tight block placement.
[0050] The above discussion, examples, and embodiments illustrate
the current understanding of the invention. Certain dimensions of
the block were given to help illustrate the preferred embodiment,
however, the inventive concept could be applied to numerous varying
dimensions and the inventive concept includes such variations.
Since many variations of the invention can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention
resides wholly in the claims hereafter appended.
* * * * *