U.S. patent application number 11/817769 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for wall assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ken Kemp As Trustee for Kemp Investment Trust Fty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ken Kemp.
Application Number | 20080244995 11/817769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36940787 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kemp; Ken |
October 9, 2008 |
Wall Assembly
Abstract
The present invention resides in a wall assembly (10), such as a
retaining wall assembly, comprising a plurality of blocks (12)
arranged in at least two vertically stacked rows. At least one
anchor member (14) is provided to link at least two adjacent blocks
(12) of a row with at least one block (12) of a vertically stacked
row such that the blocks (12) are interlocked in their relative
positions.
Inventors: |
Kemp; Ken; (New South Wales,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.;624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Assignee: |
Ken Kemp As Trustee for Kemp
Investment Trust Fty Ltd.
Taree
AU
|
Family ID: |
36940787 |
Appl. No.: |
11/817769 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 6, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2006/000273 |
371 Date: |
September 4, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 29/025 20130101;
E04B 2002/0247 20130101; E04B 2002/0263 20130101; E04C 1/395
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.4 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/02 20060101
E02D029/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 4, 2005 |
AU |
2005901047 |
Claims
1. A wall assembly comprising: a plurality of blocks arranged in at
least two vertically stacked rows; and at least one anchor member,
said anchor member configurable to link at least two adjacent
blocks of a first row with at least one block of a second row such
that the at least two adjacent blocks of the first row and the at
least one block of the second row are interlocked in their relative
positions.
2. A wall assembly according to claim 1, wherein each block
comprises a first surface and at least a second surface.
3. A wall assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first surface
is configured to at least partially support a block of a row of
blocks and the second surface is configured to be at least
partially supported oil a block of a row of blocks.
4. A wall assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a
recess is provided in said first surface for at least partially
receiving said anchor member.
5. A wall assembly according to claim 4, wherein the recess is a
channel.
6. A wall assembly according to claim 5, wherein the channel
extends across at least a portion of said first surface.
7. A wall assembly according to claim 6, wherein said anchor member
is configured to be at least partially received in the channel
formed in the first surface of the at least two adjacent blocks to
link the at least two adjacent blocks.
8. A wall assembly according to claim 7, wherein the anchor member
comprise a projecting element that is configured to extend beyond
the first surfaces of the at least two adjacent blocks.
9. A wall assembly according to claim 8, wherein said projecting
element is configured to be at least partially received by the
second surface of the at least one block of the second row.
10. A wall assembly according to claim 9, wherein a recess is
provided in the second surface of the at least one block of the
second row to receive said projecting element.
11. A wall assembly according to claim 10, wherein the recess is a
channel.
12. A wall assembly according to claim 11, wherein the channel
extends across at least a portion of said second surface.
13. A wall assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the anchor member is constructed from a flexible
material.
14. A wall assembly according to claim 13, wherein the flexible
material is polyethylene.
15. A wall assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14, where the
anchor member is configured to facilitate bending of the anchor
member about its longitudinal axis.
16. An anchor member for linking a plurality of blocks of a wall
assembly consisting of at least two vertically stacked rows of
blocks, the anchor member comprising; an elongate body configured
to extend between at least two adjacent blocks of a first row, said
elongate body having a projecting element extendable therefrom and
configured to be received by at least one block of a second row of
blocks, thereby linking said at least two adjacent blocks of the
first row to the at least one block of the second row.
17. An anchor member according to claim 16, wherein the elongate
body comprises a base portion adapted to extend between the at
least two adjacent blocks of the first row to be receivable within
a recess formed in the at least two adjacent blocks.
18. An anchor member according to claim 17, wherein the recess is
formed in a surface of the at least two adjacent blocks.
19. An anchor member according to claim 18, wherein the recess is a
channel formed in the surface of the at least two adjacent blocks
and the base portion is shaped to be received within the
channel.
20. An anchor member according to claim 19, wherein, the surface of
the at least two adjacent blocks is the surface that at least
partially supports the at least one block of the second row.
21. An anchor member according to claim 19, wherein the base
portion comprises a flexible region which facilitates bending of
the base portion along its longitudinal axis.
22. An anchor member according to claim 21 wherein the flexible
region comprises a region of the base portion haying reduced wall
thickness.
23. An anchor member according to claim 22, wherein the walls of
the flexible region of the base portion are be frangible to
facilitate bending of the base portion in the flexible region.
24. An anchor member according to any one of claims 16 to 23
wherein the projecting element is a lip farmed integral with the
elongate body.
25. An anchor member according to claim 24, wherein the lip is
configured to be received within a recess formed in a surface of
the at least one blink of a vertically stacked row of blocks.
26. An anchor member according to claim 25, wherein the recess is a
channel formed in the surface of the at least one block, and the
lip is shaped to extend into the channel.
27. An anchor member according to claim 24 wherein the surface of
the at least one block is the undersurface of the block.
28. A block for constructing walls, comprising; a first surface
spaced apart from a substantially parallel second surface, thereby
defining a block height; a first face; a second face; opposed sides
extending between respective ends of hie-first and second faces; at
least one first recess formed in the first surface and extending to
the opposed ides; and at least one second recess formed in the
second surface.
29. A block according to claim 28, wherein the at least one first
recess is an elongate channel formed in the first surface extending
from the opposed sides such that the elongate channel is open at
the opposed sides.
30. A block according to claim 29, wherein the elongate channel is
formed substantially parallel to the first face.
31. A block according top claim 30, wherein the at least one second
recess is an elongate channel formed in the second surface
extending from the opposed side surfaces such that the elongate
channel is open at the opposed side surfaces.
32. A block according to claim 31, wherein the elongate channel
formed in the first surface may be laterally offset from the
channel formed in the second surface.
33. A block according to claim 30, wherein the elongate channel is
configured to receive at least part of an anchor member according
to any one of claims 16 to 27, to facilitate linking of said block
to at least one adjacent block in a row.
34. A block according to claim 31, wherein the elongate channel is
configured to receive at least part of an anchor member according
to any one of claims 16 to 27, to facilitate linking of said block
to at least one block in an adjacent row of blocks.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian
Provision Patent 2005901047 filed on 4 Mar. 2005, the content of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a wall assembly comprising
a plurality of individually arranged blocks. In particular, the
present invention relates to a wall assembly for use as a retaining
wall comprising a plurality of vertically or substantially
vertically stacked rows of blocks, and an anchor member for
retaining the blocks in each of the vertically stacked rows in
position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Retaining walls and the like are common structures used in
the building and construction industry to hold back or support
soil, particularly when the natural ground level has been
altered.
[0004] Typically, the natural ground level can be altered in two
specific manners. Firstly, when a structure has been "cut into" the
natural ground level such that the structure, or a portion thereof,
is below the natural ground level. In this particular case, a
retaining wall structure is installed to prevent soil on the high
side from collapsing into the low side. Secondly, when the natural
ground level has been built up by providing additional "fill" to
the ground level to create an elevated platform. In this instance,
a retaining wall structure is employed to prevent the additional
"fill" from moving down to the natural ground level. This latter
case is typical where a structure has been built on a sloping site
and the retaining wall prevents any built up material from moving
further down the sloped incline.
[0005] Whilst retaining walls have a functional purpose as
described above, they are also often employed in situations where
they form a visual function, particularly in landscaping
applications where they are often chosen to complement other
landscape elements, such as plants, paving and the like. In this
regard, the materials used and the shape of the wall can vary
significantly depending upon the functional and aesthetic
requirements of the wall. For instance, traditional retaining walls
are often built out of native stone, timber, or concrete
bricks/blocks which are chosen to provide the desired visual effect
in the landscape.
[0006] Retaining walls made out of stone or concrete bricks/blocks
generally fall under two types: wet or dry retaining walls. A wet
retaining wall is one that is constructed with mortar to bond the
elements of the wall together. These walls are generally used in
more permanent applications where the strength of the wall is
paramount and the soil is stable and unlikely to move considerably
over time. A dry retaining wall, or segmental retaining wall, is
one that is constructed without mortar and depends upon the weight
and friction of one unit/segment upon another for its stability.
Such walls are typically easier to build and allow greater
variation in shape and application and provide a degree of
flexibility to accommodate minor earth movements, which may be
caused by temperature variations, such as freeze/thaw cycles,
without causing damage to the wall. As such, dry or segmental
retaining walls are typically more popular than wet retaining walls
for most simple applications, such as home or garden
applications.
[0007] A variety of systems have been proposed for securing units
together in a stable manner for a segmental retaining wall. Such
systems typically employ pins or the like which are received in
slots formed between the vertically arranged units to retain the
units in position. Unfortunately, such systems typically do not
allow for any transfer of loads between neighbouring units in the
rows of the wall and are typically only applicable for retaining
walls that extend along a straight line, and not walls which have
convex and/or concave portions. In many instances, existing wall
structures having concave or convex portions lose their structural
integrity as neighbouring units in a row lose contact with each
other requiring additional reinforcement.
[0008] Also, existing systems do not easily provide a means for
applying a setback to the wall, should one be so desired. Typically
a batter or the like is required at the base of the wall prior to
construction to provide a setback, which is a timely and labour
intensive process. Alternatively, the units themselves are created
with nibs and slots, or lips to determine the setback of the wall,
which requires precise tolerances and the like during manufacturing
of the unit.
[0009] In this regard, it is desirable to provide a retaining wall
system which enables segmental retaking walls having a variety of
shapes and sizes to be easily assembled in a safe and reliable
manner.
[0010] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles or the like which has been included in the present
specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that
any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were
common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present
invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of
this application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any
other element integer or step, or group of elements, integers or
steps.
[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention is a wall
assembly comprising:
[0013] a plurality of blocks arranged in at least two vertically
stacked rows; and
[0014] at least one anchor member, said anchor member configurable
to link at least two adjacent blocks of a row with at least one
block of an adjacent vertically stacked row such that the blocks
are interlocked in their relative positions.
[0015] The rows of blocks may be vertically stacked in a variety of
manners. It one form, the rows may be stacked such that wall
assembly has a substantially sheer external face. In another form
the rows may be stacked such that an upper row of blocks is offset
from the lower row of blocks, thereby providing a stepped external
face to the wall assembly. The amount of offset between rows of
blocks may vary between rows and/or between wall assemblies.
[0016] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of blocks has a
first surface and at least a second surface. The first surface may
be a surface of the block configured to at least partially support
thereabove a block of a vertically stacked row of blocks, whilst
the second surface may be a surface of the block configured to be
at least partially supported therebelow on a block of a vertically
stacked row of blocks.
[0017] A recess may be provided in the first surface for at least
partially receiving the anchor member. The recess may be a channel
formed in the first surface. The channel may extend across at least
a portion of the first surface in a direction substantially
parallel to an external surface of the block. The anchor member may
be configured to be at least partially received in the channel
formed in the first surface of the at least two adjacent blocks to
link the at least two adjacent blocks.
[0018] In one embodiment, the anchor member comprises a projecting
element that is configured to extend beyond the first surfaces of
the at least two adjacent blocks when the anchor member is received
in the channels formed therein. The projecting element may be at
least partially received by the second surface of the at least one
block of the vertically stacked row of blocks. The projecting
element may be received within a recess provided in the second
surface of the at least one block of the vertically stacked row of
blocks. The recess may be a channel that extends across at least a
portion of the second surface of the block in a direction
substantially parallel to all external surface of the block.
[0019] In an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first
and second surfaces of each block are the upper and lower surfaces
of the blocks respectively, when the blocks are arranged in said
rows.
[0020] In one embodiment, the blocks are bricks or concrete
building blocks. Each block may be shaped to conform to a
neighbouring block such that the blocks can be readily assembled
together without the need for cutting or further reshaping. In one
embodiment, each block has a hollow central portion for receiving
structural reinforcement upon assembly. In this regard, the hollow
central portion of each block may be filled with soil, stone or
other suitable matter to enhance the stability of the wall.
[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, each anchor
member has an elongate body configured to be received in the
channel formed in the first surface of at least two neighbouring
blocks. In one form, the elongate body a base portion shaped to
conform to the channel provided in the first surfaces of the
blocks. The base portion may be substantially rectangular such that
it is securely received within the channels. The base portion may
be fully received within the channels. The base portion may be
provided with a plurality of fins which project therefrom. In this
regard, the fins may act against the walls of the channels to
secure the base portion within the channels thereby preventing the
anchor member from being inadvertently dislodged from the channels
during assembly of the wall.
[0022] The projecting element of the anchor member may extend from
the base portion along an edge thereof. The projecting element may
be configured to project beyond the first surface of the blocks
when the base portion is received in the channels provided therein.
In this arrangement, the projecting element is shaped to be
received in the channel formed in the second surface of a block of
a vertically stacked row of blocks, to retain the block in position
with respect to the lower row of blocks. In one embodiment, the
projecting element retains one upper block in position with respect
to two neighbouring lower blocks.
[0023] In an embodiment, the projecting element comprises at least
two elongate substantially rectangular projecting members. Each of
the projecting members may have a cross-sectional width which is
less than the cross-sectional width of the base portion of the
anchor member. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional width of the
projecting members is substantially half the cross-sectional width
of the base portion of the anchor member.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the anchor member is constructed
from a flexible material, such as polyethylene. In another
embodiment, a segment of the anchor member may be constructed in a
manner that facilitates beading of the anchor member about its
longitudinal axis. In this regard, the segment of the anchor member
that facilitates bending may be located in the base portion of the
anchor member. Further, the segment of the anchor member that
facilitates bending may be located in a region of the base portion
located between the projecting members.
[0025] In one form, the segment of the base portion that
facilitates bending comprises walls which are thinner than the
walls of the remainder of the base portion. The segment may also
comprise a plurality of tubular regions extending through the base
portion of the anchor member, in a direction orthogonal to the
length of the anchor member. In one embodiment, the segment of the
base portion comprises four tubular regions with each region hang a
substantially triangular cross-section. In this regard, at least
one of the walls of the tubular regions may be frangible, thereby
further facilitating bending of the anchor member in this
region.
[0026] It will be appreciated that this aspect of the present
invention provides a wall assembly consisting of a plurality of
vertically stacked rows of blocks, wherein individual blocks are
connected, not just with their neighbouring block within a row, but
also with their neighbouring block in a vertically displaced row,
thereby enabling load sharing between all blocks in the
structure.
[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention is a
wall assembly comprising:
[0028] a plurality of blocks adapted to be arranged in a plurality
of vertically stacked rows, each said block haying a first surface
and a second surface and each of said first and second surfaces
having a channel formed therein that extends across at least a
portion of said surface; and
[0029] at least one anchor member adapted to be at least partially
received in the channels formed in the first surface of at least
two adjacent blocks in a row and having a projecting element that
extends beyond the first surfaces of the at least two adjacent
blocks, said projecting element being configured to be at least
partially received with the channel formed in the second surface of
at least one block of a vertically displaced row of blocks, thereby
retaining the at least one block in position with respect to the at
least two adjacent blocks.
[0030] The rows of blocks may be vertically stacked in n variety of
manners. In one form, the rows may be stacked such that wall
assembly has a substantially sheer external face. In another form
the rows may be stacked such that an upper row of blocks is offset
from the lower row of blocks, thereby providing a stepped external
face to the wall assembly. The amount of offset between rows of
blocks may vary between rows and/or between wall assemblies.
[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention is an anchor
member for linking a plurality of blocks of a wall assembly
consisting of at least two vertically stacked row of blocks, the
anchor member comprising;
[0032] an elongate body configured to extend between at least two
adjacent blocks of a first row, said elongate body having a
projecting element extendable therefrom and configured to be
received by at least one block of a second row, thereby linking
said blocks of the first and second rows.
[0033] The rows of blocks may be vertically stacked in a variety of
manners. In one form, the rows may be stacked such that wall
assembly has a substantially sheer external face. In another form
the rows may be stacked such that an upper row of blocks is offset
from the lower row of blocks, thereby providing a stepped external
face to the wall assembly. The amount of offset between rows of
blocks may vary between rows and/or between wall assemblies.
[0034] In an embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the
elongate body comprises a base portion that is at least partially
received within a recess formed in a surface of the at least two
adjacent blocks of the first row. The recess may be a channel and
the base portion may be shaped to substantially conform to the
shape of the channel. In this regard, the base portion may be
secured within the channels formed in the surfaces of the blocks,
thereby providing connection between the at least two adjacent
blocks of the first row.
[0035] The base portion may include fin elements which extend from
one or more walls thereof. The fin elements may act against inner
walls of the channel to Her secure the base portion in position
within the channels of the at least two adjacent blocks of the
first row.
[0036] The projecting element may comprise a lip that extends from
the base portion. In one form, the lip may be formed integral with
the base portion. In another form the lip may be formed separately
from the base portion. The lip may be configured to extend from the
base portion along an edge thereof. The lip may be confided to
extend beyond the surface of the at least two adjacent blocks of
the first row when base portion is positioned within the channels
formed therein. The lip may be received within a recess formed in a
surface of the at least one block of the second row to retain the
at least one block of the second row in position with respect to
the at least two adjacent blocks of the first Tow. In one form, the
recess may be a channel formed in a surface of the at least one
block of the second row. The lip may be shaped to extend into the
channel formed in the at least one block of the second row. In this
regard, the lip may be shaped such that an edge thereof may contact
an inner surface of the channel thereby retaining the at least one
block of the second row in position.
[0037] In one embodiment, the lip comprises at least two elongate
substantially rectangular projecting members. Bach of the
projecting members may have a cross-sectional width which is less
than the cross-sectional width of the base portion of the anchor
member. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional width of the
projecting members is substantially half the cross-sectional width
of the base portion of the anchor member.
[0038] The base portion may further include a flexible region which
facilitates bending of the base portion along its longitudinal
axis. In this regard, the walls of the base portion at the flexible
region may be thinner than the walls of the base portion along the
remainder of its length. The walls of the flexible region of the
base portion may also be frangible. In one form the flexible region
of the base portion may further comprise a plurality of removed
portions formed therein. In this regard, the flexibility of the
flexible region of the base portion may be further increased by
breaking one or more of the frangible walls of the flexible
region.
[0039] It will be appreciated that the flexible region of the base
portion win provide load sharing between the at least two adjacent
blocks of the first row, thereby providing enhanced stability to
the wall assembly employing the connector elements. Further to
this, the connector element may be made from a flexible material,
such as polyethylene, to further enhance the flexibility and hence
the stability of the wall assembly.
[0040] According to a fourth aspect, the invention is a block for
constructing walls, comprising;
[0041] a first surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel
second surface, thereby defining a block height;
[0042] a first face;
[0043] a second face;
[0044] opposed sides extending between respective ends of the first
and second faces;
[0045] at least one first recess formed in the first surface and
extending to the opposed sides; and
[0046] at least one second recess formed in the second surface.
[0047] In one embodiment of this aspect, the at least one first
recess is an elongate channel formed in the first surface extending
from the opposed sides such that the elongate channel is open at
the opposed sides. The elongate channel may be formed substantially
parallel to the first face.
[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one second recess may be an
elongate channel formed in the second surface extending from the
opposed sides such that the elongate channel is open at the opposed
sides. The elongate channel formed in the first surface may be
laterally offset from the channel formed in the second surface.
[0049] The elongate channels formed in the first and second
surfaces may be configured to receive the anchor member of the
third aspect of the invention to facilitate linking of blocks in
the wall as previously described.
[0050] The rows of blocks may be vertically stacked in a variety of
manners. In one form, the rows may be stacked such that wall
assembly has a substantially sheer external face. In another form
the rows may be stacked such that an upper row of blocks is offset
from the lower row of blocks, thereby providing a stepped external
face to the wall assembly. The amount of offset between rows of
blocks may vary between rows and/or between wall assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the
invention are now described with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0052] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a partially assembled
retaining wall having a vertically face in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 1B is a side view of the partially assembled retaining
wall of FIG. 1A;
[0054] FIGS. 2A to 2C are perspective, top and side views
respectively of an embodiment of a block used to construct the
retaining wall of FIG. 1A;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anchor
member used in association with the retaining wall of FIG. 1A;
[0056] FIGS. 4A to 4C are front side and bottom views of the anchor
member of FIG. 3;
[0057] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a partially assembled
retaining wall with a 6.degree. setback in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 5B is a side view of the partially assembled retaining
wall of FIG. 5A, showing the 6.degree. setback;
[0059] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a partially assembled
retaining wall having a convex configuration in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 6B is a side view of the partially assembled retaining
wall of FIG. 6A, showing a substantially vertical face of the
wall;
[0061] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a block
used to assemble the convex retaining wall of FIG. 6A;
[0062] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a partially assembled
retaining wall having a concave configuration in accordance with
yet another embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 7B is a side view of the partially assembled retaining
wall of FIG. 7A showing a substantially vertical face of the
wall;
[0064] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a partially assembled
retaining wall in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0065] FIG. 8B is a side view of the retaining wall of FIG. 5A
showing the degree of setback between the horizontal layers of the
wall;
[0066] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a block used to assemble
the wall of FIG. 5A; and
[0067] FIG. 9B is a side view of the block of FIG. 9A.
PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0068] Whilst the present invention is described in relation to a
retaining wall system 10, it will be appreciated that the invention
could equally be employed in a variety of wall constructions where
individual blocks or units are stacked in vertical rows.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 1A, one embodiment of a retaining wall
system 10 is shown in partial construction. The wall system
comprises a plurality of individual units or blocks 12 arranged in
a series of rows, with each row being vertically stacked such that
the external face 15 of each block 12 forms a substantially
vertical face of the wall system 10, as is shown in FIG. 1B.
[0070] The rows of blocks may be vertically stacked in a variety of
manners. In one form, the rows may be stacked such that wall
assembly has a substantially sheer external face. In another form
the rows may be stacked such that an upper row of blocks is offset
from the lower row of blocks, thereby providing a stepped external
face to the wall assembly. The amount of offset between rows of
blocks may vary between rows and/or between wall assemblies.
[0071] An anchor member 14 is provided between adjacent blocks 12
in each row, and is positioned such that it extends across the
vertical join formed between the adjacent blocks 12. The anchor
member 14 will be described in more detail below, however as is
shown in FIG. 1B, the anchor member acts to aid in positioning the
blocks 12 of each row with respect to each other and with respect
to the upper row of blocks.
[0072] According to one embodiment, in order to accommodate the
anchor member 14 to facilitate construction of the wall system 10,
each block 12 of the wall system 10 is configured in the manner as
is shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. As shown in FIG. 2B, each block 12 has
a trapezoidal shaped main body 17 having a vertically extending
front portion 2, a vertically extending mar portion 4 and a pair of
vertically extending sides 6 which extend from the front portion 2
to the rear portion 4. An external face 15 is provided on the front
portion 2 of the main body 17 such that when the blocks are
assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 1A, the external face 15 of
each block forms the external surface of the wall system 10. The
external face 15 may be made from the same material as the man body
17, such as concrete or the like, which may be polished or
otherwise treated to form the desired external surface texture.
Alternatively, the external face 15 may be in the form of a
separate panel made from a material such as ceramic, marble or the
like, which is adhered or otherwise applied to the front portion 15
of each block to create the desired wall surface.
[0073] The main body 17 is substantially hollow and contains an
internal space 20. The internal space 20 is enclosed by the front
portion 2, rear portion 4 and the sides 6 and provides a space into
which crushed rock and the like may be received to provide
additional stabilising effect to the blocks 12 when positioned. The
rear portion 4 of the main body 17 is substantially parallel with
the front portion 2 and has a pair of nibs 19 extending therefrom.
In is regard, the width of the rear portion 4 of the block 12,
including the nibs 19, is substantially the same as the width of
the front portion 2 of the main body which contains the external
face 15. This ensures that both the front and rear portions of
neighbouring blocks 12 fit together neatly and simply in straight
rows as shown in FIG. 1A, to create the retaining wall system 10,
without the need for complicated alignment and masonry cutting
tools.
[0074] As shown more clearly in FIG. 2C, each block 12 has a lower
surface 3 and an upper surface 5. In the embodiment as shown, a
pair of grooves 16 and 18 are formed in the upper 5 and lower 3
surfaces respectively. The grooves 16, 18 extend substantially
between the sides 6 of the blocks 12, and in the embodiment as
shown, are offset from one another, such that groove 18 is closer
the external face 15, than groove 16. In this regard, when the
blocks 12 are arranged in rows, the grooves 16, 18 align with
grooves 16, 18 provided in the neighbouring block 12, to form
common grooves in the upper and lower surfaces of the row of
blocks. The purpose of the grooves will become more apparent when
discussed in relation to the anchor member 14 below.
[0075] The anchor member 14 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and
FIGS. 4A to 4C. The anchor member 14 is in the form of a flexible,
elongate wedge member having a substantially L-shaped cross section
which defines a substantially rectangular base portion 22 and two
substantially rectangular upwardly projecting portions or lips 24.
Whilst the figures show two upwardly projecting portions or lips
24, it will be envisaged that the a single continuous upwardly
projecting portion 24 could also b employed. In the embodiment
shown, the anchor member 14 has a length Q) of about 180 mm, a
height (H) of about 27 mm, and a maximum width (W) of about 30 mm.
It will be appreciated however that the dimensions of the anchor
member 14 may vary depending upon the size of the blocks and the
particular wall system being constructed. In order to allow the
anchor member 14 to flex under load, it is preferably made from a
flexible polymer material, such as polyethylene, however other
suitable materials are also envisaged.
[0076] The base portion 22 of the anchor member 14 is shaped to
conform with the groove 16 provided in the upper surface 5 of the
blocks 12 such that it is securely retained therein, as shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1n. In the embodiment shown, the height and width of
the base portion 22 substantially matches the depth and width of
the groove 16 provided in the upper surface 5 of the blocks 12. In
this regard, whilst the shape of the base portion 22 and the groove
16 have been shown as substantially rectangular, various other
shapes may also be employed. To assist in retaining the base
portion 22 of the anchor member 14 within the grooves 16, a
plurality of fins 23 are provided upon the side walls thereof. The
fins 23 are made from the same flexible material as the anchor
member 14 and extend outwardly from the side walls of the base
portion 22 and taper towards the underside of the anchor member 14,
providing a maximum width at the top of the base portion 22. In
this regard, the fins 23 act against the inner walls of the groove
16 to ensure that the anchor member is firmly located within the
groove 16 of the blocks 12.
[0077] The two upwardly projecting portions or lips 24 are formed
along one edge of the base portion 22, and extend above the base
portion 22 such that when the anchor member 14 is positioned within
the groove 16 the projections or lips 24 extend beyond the upper
surface 5 of the blocks 12, The width of the upwardly projecting
portions 24 is substantially less than the width of the base
portion 22 and tapers slightly towards its apex. The upwardly
projecting portions 24 are configured in this manner so that they
can be received within the grooves 18 formed in the lower surface 3
of the upper row of blocks 12, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 4B, the upwardly projecting portions 24
have an inwardly facing side wall 25 and an outwardly facing
sidewall 26, which are both configured to act against an inner wall
of the grooves 18, depending upon the orientation of the anchor
member 14. In use, the blocks 12 experience a lateral force due to
the weight of the soil or the like being retained by the wall, and
hence the upwardly projecting portions/lips 24 act as "hooks" which
capture the vertically disposed blocks 12 and retain them in
position with respect to the lower TOW of blocks.
[0079] By changing the orientation of the anchor members 14 within
the grooves 16, the structure of the wall can be altered from a
vertical face wall, to a wall having an angular setback. As is
discussed above and shown in relation to FIGS. 1A and 1B if the
anchor members 14 are inserted into the grooves 16 with the
upwardly projecting portions 24 arranged closest to the external
faces 15 of each block 12, then the wall will have a substantially
vertical a lips is because the inwardly facing side watts 25 of the
upwardly projecting portions 24 capture the rear inner wall of the
groove 18 provided in the blocks 12 of the vertically disposed row
of blocks.
[0080] However, as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, if the anchor
members 14 are rotated 180.degree. and are inserted into the
grooves 16 such that the upwardly projecting portions 24 are
arranged distal from the external faces 15 of each block 12, when
the rows of blocks 12 are assembled, the wall will assume a slope
with a 6.degree. setback. As will be appreciated, by altering the
off-set between the grooves 16, 18 of each of the blocks 12, the
angle of setback of the sloped wall can be set as desired.
[0081] Whilst the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 5A
and 5B are in relation to walls that extend in a single,
substantially straight line, due to the flexible nature of the
anchor members 14, the present invention can be readily applied to
produce walls of various shapes and configurations. In this regard,
a flex portion 27 is provided in the central region of the anchor
member 14 which separates the two upwardly projecting portions 24.
In this region, the side walls 29 of the base portion 22 are not
provided with fins 23 and as such are relatively thin in comparison
to the rest of the anchor member 14.
[0082] As shown more clearly in FIG. 4C, the flex portion 27
comprises four hollow triangular segments 28. The segments 28
provide increased flexibility to the anchor member 14 in this
region, allowing the anchor member to bend about the flex portion
27. To improve the flexibility of the anchor member 14 in a
specific direction, one or more of the side walls 29 can be cut,
such that the anchor member 14 can bend more freely about the
junction 30 of the segments 28.
[0083] As discussed previously and shown in relation to FIG. 1A, in
use the anchor member 14 is positioned such that it extends between
two adjacent blocks 12 of a common row of blocks. In this regard,
the flex portion 27, which is located in the centre of the anchor
member 14, is typically positioned between the adjacent blocks 12
and allows a small degree of movement between adjacent blocks
during and following assembly of the wall system 10, to aid in
transferring loads between blocks 12 and improving the structural
integrity of the wall system 10.
[0084] The flex portion 27 of the anchor member 14 makes it
possible to form convex or concave wall systems 10, or to form wall
systems 10 having convex or concave portions, as is shown in FIGS.
6A and 7A. In this regard, as the flex portion 27 extends between
adjacent blocks 12 in a row, the blocks can be arranged in an
angular relationship to each other, whilst still being connected
via the single anchor member 14.
[0085] The manner in which the anchor member 14 functions in a
convex or concave portion of a wall system is substantially the
same as that described above for walls that extend in straight
lines. As the grooves 18 have a greater width than the upwardly
projecting portions 24, the grooves 18 can accommodate the upwardly
projecting portions 24 in the event that the portions 24 are angled
with respect to each other, as is the case in convex or concave
wall sections. Therefore, the structural integrity of the wall is
the same regardless of the shape of the wall.
[0086] As is shown in FIG. 6C, in order to achieve a convex shaped
wall or wall portion, it may be necessary to alter the shape of the
blocks 12. In this regard, the blocks are constructed such that the
nibs 19 provided on the rear portion of the main body 17 can be
readily removed. Following removal of the nibs 19, the blocks can
be easily assembled into the required position to form the desired
convex wall shape.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 8A-9B, there is shown an alternative
embodiment of a wall system 10 in accordance with the present
invention. In this embodiment, the anchor member 14 of the type as
discussed above is employed. However, rather than the blocks 12 of
the wall system 10 having channels 16, 18 formed in bot the upper 5
and lower 3 surfaces to accommodate the anchor member 14, only
channel 16a is formed in the upper surface 5, as shown in FIG.
9B.
[0088] In this embodiment, the channel 16a is formed proximal the
rear portion 4 of the block 12, such that the anchor member 14
extends between adjacent blocks 12 in a row along the rear portions
thereof. In this arrangement, the upwardly projection portion 24 of
the anchor member 14 is received within the internal space 20 of
the upper block 12, as shown in FIG. 5B, to secure the vertically
adjacent blocks 12 in position. In this arrangement a rearward
inclination of the wall system 10 is possible having a slant of
6.degree., due to the channel 16a and the rear wall of the internal
space 20 of the block being laterally offset from one another.
[0089] In each of the above described embodiments, the slant or
degree of setback of the wall can be changed by altering the
position of the channels 16, 16a and 18 with respect to the block
12. This provides a wall system 10 that can be readily adapted to
cater for a variety of consumer needs.
[0090] It will be appreciated that in each of the above described
embodiments, the structural integrity of the wall system 10
employing the anchor member 14 is significantly increased due to
each anchor member 14 providing not only a connection between
horizontally adjacent blocks 12 in a row, but also providing a
connection between vertically adjacent blocks 12. In this regard a
single anchor member 14 connects three or more blocks 12 in the
wall structure substantially increasing load sharing ability
between the blocks 12, such that any load applied against the wall
will be shared through the blocks 12, and not necessarily
concentrated upon a single block 12 or region of the blocks 12. As
the anchor member 14 is flexible, the wall structure can also cope
with a degree of movement between the blocks 12 without
compromising the structural integrity of the wall.
[0091] Whilst the retaining wall system 10 of the present invention
has been discussed in relation to the described components of the
system, other components can also be used in conjunction with the
above described components to improve the structural integrity of
the wall system. In particular, reinforcing components may also be
used in conjunction with the above described components as may the
inclusion of other raw materials which may enhance the walls
function and visual acuity
[0092] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *