U.S. patent application number 10/932567 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for decorative modular masonry block.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bend Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Whitson, Robert L..
Application Number | 20050050823 10/932567 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34228741 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050050823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whitson, Robert L. |
March 10, 2005 |
Decorative modular masonry block
Abstract
A decorative modular masonry unit includes a central web, a
cylindrical end portion, and a second end portion providing a
plurality of concave or recessed grooves. The cylindrical end
portion of one modular masonry unit articulates with a recessed
groove of a like-shaped unit to form a modular structure. A series
of units may be assembled into patterns of varying size and
configuration.
Inventors: |
Whitson, Robert L.; (West
Bend, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
POST OFFICE BOX 26618
MILWAUKEE
WI
53226
US
|
Assignee: |
Bend Industries, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34228741 |
Appl. No.: |
10/932567 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60500616 |
Sep 5, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/311.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44C 5/00 20130101; A01G
9/28 20180201; E04F 2201/09 20130101; E04B 2002/0263 20130101; E04C
1/395 20130101; E04F 2201/0594 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/311.1 |
International
Class: |
E04F 013/00 |
Claims
I/we claim:
1. A modular masonry unit comprising: an elongated central portion
having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial
with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central
portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion
coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the
central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a
plurality of concave regions, wherein each concave region is sized
and configured to articulate with a complementary convex region on
another modular masonry unit, and wherein the convex region is
sized and configured to articulate with a complementary concave
region on another modular masonry unit.
2. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1, wherein the central
portion includes a concave region articulating with the convex
region of the first end portion, and wherein the central portion
includes a convex region articulating with one of the plurality of
concave portions of the second end portion.
3. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1, wherein the second end
portion includes first, second, and third concave regions.
4. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of concave regions is spaced at a 90.degree. angle
relative to an adjacent concave region.
5. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1, wherein the unit is of
one-piece construction.
6. A modular masonry system as in claim 1, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
7. A modular masonry system as in claim 6, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
45.degree. angle.
8. A modular masonry system as in claim 6, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
90.degree. angle.
9. A modular masonry system as in claim 6, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
135.degree. angle.
10. A modular masonry system as in claim 6, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
180.degree. angle.
11. A modular masonry system comprising: a first modular masonry
unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a
convex region, a second end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a
circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions, and
a second modular masonry unit having a convex region sized and
configured to articulate with at least one of the plurality of
concave regions of the first modular unit to interlock the first
and second modular units.
12. A modular masonry system as in claim 11, wherein the first and
second modular units are adapted to interlock at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
13. A modular masonry system as in claim 11, wherein the first and
second modular units are like-shaped.
14. A modular masonry system as in claim 11, wherein the first and
second modular units are complementary, paired units.
15. A modular masonry system comprising: a first modular masonry
unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a
convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a
circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions, and
a second modular masonry unit having a concave region sized and
configured to articulate with the convex region of the first
modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.
16. A modular masonry system as in claim 15, wherein the first and
second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
17. A modular masonry system as in claim 15, wherein the first and
second modular units are like-shaped.
18. A modular masonry system as in claim 15, wherein the first and
second modular units are complementary, paired units.
19. A modular masonry unit comprising: an elongated central portion
having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial
with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central
portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion
coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the
central portion and having a concave region, wherein the concave
region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary
convex region on another modular masonry unit, and wherein the
convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a
complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit, the
unit including a scalloped surface.
20. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19, wherein the unit
includes a scalloped top surface.
21. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19, wherein the unit
includes a scalloped side surface.
22. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19, wherein the first end
portion includes a cylindrical region.
23. A modular masonry unit as in claim 22, wherein a neck couples
the cylindrical region with the central portion.
24. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19, wherein the unit is of
one-piece construction.
25. A modular masonry system as in claim 19, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
26. A modular masonry system as in claim 25, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
45.degree. angle.
27. A modular masonry system as in claim 25, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
90.degree. angle.
28. A modular masonry system as in claim 25, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
1350 angle.
29. A modular masonry system as in claim 25, wherein the unit is
adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially
180.degree. angle.
30. A modular masonry system comprising: a first modular masonry
unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a
convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a
concave region, the unit including a scalloped surface, and a
second modular masonry unit comprising a convex region sized and
configured to articulate with the concave region of the first
modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.
31. A modular masonry system as in claim 30, wherein the first and
second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
32. A modular masonry system as in claim 30, wherein the first and
second modular units are like-shaped.
33. A modular masonry system as in claim 30, wherein the first and
second modular units are complementary, paired units.
34. A modular masonry system comprising: a first modular masonry
unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a
convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a
concave region, the unit including a scalloped surface, and a
second modular masonry unit comprising a concave region sized and
configured to articulate with the convex region of the first
modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.
35. A modular masonry system as in claim 34, wherein the first and
second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from
0.degree. to about 180.degree..
36. A modular masonry system as in claim 34, wherein the first and
second modular units are like-shaped.
37. A modular masonry system as in claim 34, wherein the first and
second modular units are complementary, paired units.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S.
Application Ser. No. 60/500,616, filed Sep. 5, 2003, and entitled
"Decorative Modular Masonry Block."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to masonry blocks. In
particular, the invention relates to modular masonry units for
forming raised garden and flowerbeds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Masonry blocks for forming raised garden and flowerbeds are
well known. The blocks delineate the garden from surrounding
landscape and serve to retain soil and vegetation in a specified
area. It is desirable such garden beds are aesthetically appealing
and that such blocks can be readily articulated in aesthetic
patterns of various sizes and configurations. It is also desirable
that the configuration or arrangement of such units can be easily
changed. Conventional units typically permit articulation between
adjacent units within a limited range of angles. Therefore, there
are a limited number of design patterns that may be constructed
from such units. The need remains for modular masonry units that
permit the simple and easy formation of raised garden and
flowerbeds. In particular, the need remains for modular masonry
units that are not only aesthetically appealing, put permit the
interlocking of adjacent units at any angle between 90.degree. and
180.degree. to enable virtually any design pattern to be
realized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a modular masonry
unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends. A first end portion coaxial with the central
portion is adjacent the first end of the central portion and has a
convex region. A second end portion coaxial with the central
portion is adjacent the second end of the central portion and has a
circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions.
Each concave region is sized and configured to articulate with a
complementary convex region on another modular masonry unit and the
convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a
complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit.
[0005] In one embodiment, the central portion includes a concave
region articulating with the convex region of the first end portion
and a convex region articulating with one of the plurality of
concave portions of the second end portion.
[0006] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of concave regions
is spaced at a 90.degree. angle relative to an adjacent concave
region.
[0007] In one embodiment, the unit is of one-piece
construction.
[0008] In one embodiment, the second end portion includes first,
second, and third concave regions.
[0009] In one embodiment, the unit is adapted to interlock with
another modular unit at an angle from 0.degree. to about
180.degree..
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second
modular masonry unit. The first unit comprises an elongated central
portion having opposed first and second ends. A first end portion
coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the first end of the
central portion and has a convex region. A second end portion
coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the second end of the
central portion and has a circumferential margin defining a
plurality of concave regions. The second modular masonry unit has a
convex region sized and configured to articulate with at least one
of the plurality of concave regions of the first modular unit to
interlock the first and second modular units.
[0011] In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to
interlock at an angle from 0.degree. to about 180.degree..
[0012] In one embodiment, the first and second units are
like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are
complementary, paired units.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second
modular masonry unit. The first unit comprises an elongated central
portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion
coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the
central portion and having a convex region, and a second end
portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of
the central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a
plurality of concave regions. The second unit has a concave region
sized and configured to articulate with the convex region of the
first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular
units.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to
interlock at an angle from 0.degree. to about 180.degree..
[0015] In one embodiment, the first and second units are
like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are
complementary, paired units.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
masonry unit including a scalloped surface comprises an elongated
central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end
portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of
the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end
portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of
the central portion and having a concave region. The concave region
is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary convex
region on another modular masonry unit. The convex region is sized
and configured to articulate with a complementary concave region on
another modular masonry unit.
[0017] In one embodiment, the unit includes a scalloped top
surface.
[0018] In one embodiment, the unit includes a scalloped side
surface.
[0019] In one embodiment, the first end portion includes a
cylindrical region.
[0020] In one embodiment, the unit is of one-piece
construction.
[0021] In one embodiment, the unit is adapted to interlock with
another modular unit at an angle from 0.degree. to about
180.degree..
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
masonry system including a scalloped surface comprises a first
modular masonry unit and a second modular masonry unit. The first
unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first
and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a
convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central
portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a
concave region. The second unit comprises a convex region sized and
configured to articulate with the concave region of the first
modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.
[0023] In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to
interlock at an angle from 0.degree. to about 180.degree..
[0024] In one embodiment, the first and second units are
like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are
complementary, paired units.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second
modular masonry unit. The first unit includes a scalloped surface
and comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and
second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion
adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex
region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion
adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave
region. The second unit comprises a concave region sized and
configured to articulate with the convex region of the first
modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.
[0026] In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to
interlock at an angle from 0.degree. to about 180.degree..
[0027] In one embodiment, the first and second units are
like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are
complementary, paired units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a masonry block unit.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a top view of the block shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front view of the block shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of the block shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view of the block shown in FIG. 1, opposite
the side shown in FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a garden bed formed by the
articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG.
1.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the articulation
of four modular block units of the type shown in FIG. 1 to form
four right angles.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating articulation between a
pair of modular units at various angles between 0.degree. and
180.degree..
[0036] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrates a series of modular units of the
type shown in FIG. 1 articulated to form various patterns.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a masonry block unit.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a top view of the block shown in FIG. 10.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a front view of the block shown in FIG. 10.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed
formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type
shown in FIG. 10.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a top view of a rectangular-shaped garden bed
formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type
shown in FIG. 10.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a top view of a pentagon-shaped garden bed formed
by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown
in FIG. 10.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a top view of a hexagon-shaped garden bed formed
by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown
in FIG. 10.
[0044] FIG. 17 is a top view of an octagon-shaped garden bed formed
by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown
in FIG. 10.
[0045] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a masonry block unit.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a top view of block shown in FIG. 18.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a front view of block shown in FIG. 18.
[0048] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed
formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type
shown in FIG. 18.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a masonry block unit.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a top view of block shown in FIG. 22.
[0051] FIG. 24 is a front view of block shown in FIG. 22.
[0052] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed
formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type
shown in FIG. 22.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] I. "X" and "O" Embodiment
[0054] Interlocking masonry units or blocks can incorporate a
paired-block design or a single, like-shaped block design. Paired
unit designs use units with different but complementary shapes to
achieve the interlocking feature. For example, one block is shaped
to provide a recess, and the other is shaped to provide a
projection that fits into that recess. An example of a paired block
design is shown and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,920.
Like-shaped units are of essentially identical configuration, but
may be of the same or different size.
[0055] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a modular masonry unit 10 configured
for use in either a paired-block or like-shaped block design. A
series of paired or like-shaped units can be articulated or
interlocked in a variety of configurations. The unit 10 is
particularly well suited for use with a series of essentially
identical, like-shaped units 10 to form a raised flower or garden
bed 12, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, and therefore will be described
in accordance with such use.
[0056] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 10 includes a
central web portion 14, a first end portion 16, and a second end
portion 18. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the web 14
and end portions 16 and 18 are a unitary body of one-piece
construction. It is contemplated, however, that any or each of the
web 14, first end portion 16, or second end portion 18 components
may be formed as an individual and separate component.
[0057] The unit has a length L, a height H, and a width W. The
length L, height H and width W dimensions can be varied to
accommodate specific landscapes and purposes. In a representative
embodiment, the unit 10 has a length of 18 inches, a height of 6
inches, and a width of 6 inches.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 16 is
of a cylindrical configuration and the second end portion 18
provides a plurality of concave or recessed grooves 20. The
cylindrical end portion 16 has a diameter D and a radius R1 and
mimics an "O." The second end portion 18 defines a plurality of
concave or recessed grooves 20 and mimics an "X." In the
illustrated embodiment, the second end portion 18 has four recessed
grooves 20 spaced equidistant and having equal radii of R4.
[0059] End 22 of the central web 14 defines a concave recess 24
having a radius R2 that articulates with the cylindrical end
portion 16, such that R1=R2. The opposite end 26 of the central web
14 defines a convex, rounded edge having a radius R3 that
articulates with a recessed groove 20 of the second end portion 18
having a radius R4, such that R3=R4. In the illustrated embodiment,
1/2 D=R1=R2=R3=R4.
[0060] It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that
grooves 20 of a single unit 10 may also be of unequal radii.
Regardless of the radius, each groove 20 is adapted to articulate
with a cylindrical end portion 16 of another unit 10 having a
radius that is essentially equal to the radius of the articulating
groove 20. In this manner, units 10 of varying sizes can be mated
with one another to form a desired pattern.
[0061] The unit 10 provides a generally flat bottom surface 28. The
end portions 16 and 18 and central web portion 14 provide a
generally flush top surface 30. Desirably, the top surface 30
includes a bevel or chamfer 32 that extends along the
circumferential margins of the end portions 16 and 18 and the
central web 14. The chamfer 32 provides a greater aesthetic
appearance to the assembled modular structure. The chamfer 32 also
provides increased resistance to chipping and breaking of edges,
thereby prolonging wear. In a representative embodiment the chamfer
32 is 1/4 inch.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 7, a recessed groove 20 of one unit
10 is sized and configured for articulation with a complementary
cylindrical end portion 16 of a like-shaped unit 10, i.e., the
recessed groove 20 is of approximately the same radius as the
articulating cylindrical end portion 16. As shown in 8, the "X" and
"O" connection method allows articulation between the first end
portion 16 of one unit 10 and the recessed groove 20 of an
adjacent, interlocking unit 10 at virtually any angle between
0.degree. and 180.degree.. FIG. 9 illustrates articulation between
adjacent units 10 to provide angles of 45.degree. (angle A),
90.degree. (angle B), 135.degree. (angle C), and 180.degree. (angle
D).
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the "X" and "O" configuration
thereby provides a simple way to make raised beds 12 in various
sizes and design patterns that can be changed at will. The units 10
can readily be assembled in an infinite variety of linear and
angular patterns, including a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a
hexagon, or an octagon. Straight sections are formed by joining the
convex projection 16 of one block 10 with the opposing end recess
20 of an adjacent block at a substantially 180.degree. angle.
Angles are formed by pivoting the convex projection 16 in the
recess 20.
[0064] II. Picket Fence Embodiment
[0065] FIGS. 10-17 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular
masonry unit 34 configured for use in either a paired block or
like-shaped block design. Similar to the modular unit 10 previously
described, the modular unit 34 is particularly well-suited for use
with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 34 to
form a garden or flower bed 36, as shown in FIG. 13.
[0066] The unit 34 comprises a central portion 38, a first end
portion 40, and a second end portion 42. The unit 34 is preferably
of a unitary one-piece construction. The unit 34 has a scalloped
top surface 44 defining a series of raised regions or tops 46 that
give the unit 34 an aesthetically appealing appearance that mimics
a picket-type fence. In the illustrated embodiment, each raised
region 46 includes a flat top surface 48 and angled or beveled
opposed side surfaces 50. Between adjacent raised regions 46 is an
intermediate region 52.
[0067] The unit 34 also includes a flat bottom surface 54, a front
surface 56, and a rear surface 58. Either or both of front and rear
surfaces 56 and 58 can be scalloped to provide additional aesthetic
appeal. For example, the intermediate region 52 may include grooves
60, as shown in the illustrated embodiment to provide the front
and/or rear surfaces 56 and 58 a scalloped configuration.
[0068] The first end portion 40 is of a convex configuration. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 40 is of a
cylindrical configuration. The second end portion 42 includes a
concave or recessed groove 62 adapted to articulate with the first
end portion 40 of a like-shaped unit 34 to interlock the two units
34 at a desired angle and in a desired configuration. Desirably,
the first end portion 40 is of a radius (indicated as R1 in FIG.
11) that is only slightly less than the radius (indicated as R2 in
FIG. 11) of the recessed groove 62 to permit easy manipulation of
the first end potion 40 within the recessed groove 62 while still
maintaining a secure interlock between adjacent units 34.
[0069] Second portion 42 preferably includes a lip 64. Lip 64 is
sized and configured to be seated within a groove 66 adjacent the
first end portion 40 of an articulating unit 34 when the first end
portion 40 of the articulating unit 34 is received within the
second end portion 42 to further interlock the units 34. Groove 66
desirably includes an inward taper (represented by angle T in FIG.
11). The taper provides a tolerance to accommodate individual
variance between like units 34 while still enabling sufficient
alignment.
[0070] It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the
unit 34 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate
specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised
regions 46 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit
34 includes four raised regions 46 and has a length L of 18 inches,
a height H of 6 inches, and a width W of 2 inches.
[0071] Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described,
the unit 34 allows articulation between the first end portion 40 of
one unit 34 and the recessed groove 62 of an adjacent, interlocking
unit 34 at virtually any angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree.,
including 45.degree., 90.degree., 135.degree., and 180.degree..
Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 40 of
one block 34 with the recess 62 of an adjacent block 34 at a
substantially 180.degree. angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the
convex projection 40 in the recess 62. This permits a series of
units 34 to be arranged in an infinite variety of patterns,
including a square (FIG. 13), rectangle (FIG. 14), pentagon (FIG.
15), hexagon (FIG. 16), or octagon (FIG. 17). Other patterns will
be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0072] III. Arch-Top Corrugated Embodiments
[0073] A. Rounded Top
[0074] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular
masonry unit 68 configured to articulate with either paired or
like-shaped units. The unit 68 is particularly well-suited for use
with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 68 in a
variety of configurations to form a garden or flower bed 36, as
shown in FIG. 21. The unit 68 comprises a central portion 70, a
first end portion 72, and a second end portion 74. The unit 68 is
preferably of a unitary one-piece construction. In the illustrated
embodiment, the unit 68 also has a scalloped top surface 76
defining a series of raised regions 78 that give the unit 68 an
aesthetically appealing arch-top appearance. Between adjacent
raised regions 78 is an intermediate region 80.
[0075] The unit 68 also includes a flat bottom surface 82, a front
surface 84, and a rear surface 86. Either or both of front and rear
surfaces 84 and 86 can be scalloped to provide additional aesthetic
appeal. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, front and rear
surfaces 84 and 86 include a series of grooves 88 spaced generally
equidistant and extending from the top surface 76 to the bottom
surface 82, giving the front and rear surfaces 84 and 86 the
appearance of corrugated cardboard. It is contemplated that the
size, configuration, and spacing of grooves 88 can be varied to
provide an infinite variety of aesthetically appealing patterns.
For example, in one alternate embodiment, grooves 88 do not extend
the entire height of the unit 68 (not shown). In another alternate
embodiment, the front or rear surface 84 or 86 of a single unit 68
may include grooves 88 of varying length or depth (not shown).
[0076] The first end portion 72 is desirably of a convex
configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion
72 is of a cylindrical configuration. The second end portion 74
desirably includes a concave or recessed groove 90 adapted to
articulate with the first end portion 72 of a like-shaped unit 68
to interlock the two units 68 at a desired angle and in a desired
configuration. Desirably, the first end portion 72 is of a radius
(indicated as R1 in FIG. 19) that is only slightly less than the
radius (indicated as R2' in FIG. 19) of the recessed groove 90 to
permit easy manipulation of the first end potion 72 within the
recessed groove 90 while still maintaining a secure interlock
between adjacent units 68.
[0077] Second portion 74 preferably includes a lip 92. Lip 92 is
sized and configured to be seated within a groove 94 adjacent the
first end portion 72 of an articulating unit 68 when the first end
portion 72 of the articulating unit 68 is received within the
second end portion 74 to further interlock the units 68. Groove 94
desirably includes an inward taper (represented by angle T' in FIG.
19. The taper provides a tolerance to accommodate individual
variance between like units 68 while still enabling a secure
interlock.
[0078] It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the
unit 68 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate
specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised
regions 78 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit
68 includes four raised regions 78 and has a length L of 16 inches,
a width W of 2 inches, and a height H of 6 inches.
[0079] Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described,
the unit 68 allows articulation between the first end portion 72 of
one unit 68 and the recessed groove 90 of an adjacent, interlocking
unit 68 at virtually any angle between 0.degree. and 180.degree.,
including 45.degree., 90.degree., 135.degree., and 180.degree..
Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 72 of
one block 68 with the recess 90 of an adjacent block 68 at a
substantially 180.degree. angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the
convex projection 72 in the recess 90. This permits a series of
units 68 to be arranged in an infinite variety of straight or
angular patterns, including a square (as shown in FIG. 21), a
rectangle, a pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. Other patterns will be
readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0080] B. Scalloped Top
[0081] FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular
masonry unit 96 configured to articulate with either paired or
like-shaped units. The unit 96 is particularly well-suited for use
with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 96 in a
variety of configurations to form a garden or flower bed 36, as
shown in FIG. 25. The unit 96 is similar to the unit 68 previously
described with respect to FIGS. 18-21. The unit 96 comprises a
central portion 98, a first end portion 100, and a second end
portion 102 having a recessed groove 104. The unit 96 is preferably
of a unitary one-piece construction. The unit 96 also has a
scalloped top surface 106 defining a series of raised regions 108
that give the unit 96 an aesthetically appealing appearance. Each
raised region 108 includes a flat portion 110. Flat portion 110 is
desirably sized and configured to permit easy and secure placement
of the unit 96 within a shipping box or other packaging so as to
limit movement of the unit 96, thereby reducing the risk of
breakage of the unit 96 during shipping and transport. Between
adjacent raised regions 108 is an intermediate region 112.
[0082] It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the
unit 96 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate
specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised
regions 108 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit
96 includes three raised regions 108 and has a length L of 16
inches, a width W of 2 inches, and a height H of 6 inches.
[0083] Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described,
the unit 96 allows articulation between the first end portion 100
of one unit 96 and the recessed groove 104 of an adjacent,
interlocking unit 96 at virtually any angle between 0.degree. and
180.degree., including 45.degree., 90.degree., 135.degree., and
180.degree.. Straight sections are formed by joining the convex
projection 100 of one block 96 with the recess 104 of an adjacent
block 96 at a substantially 180.degree. angle. Angles are formed by
pivoting the convex projection 100 in the recess 104. This permits
a series of units 96 to be arranged in an infinite variety of
patterns, including a square (as shown in FIG. 25), a rectangle, a
pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon. Other patterns will be readily
apparent to one skilled in the art.
* * * * *