U.S. patent application number 12/729077 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for solar/stud block.
This patent application is currently assigned to Northeast Solite Corporation. Invention is credited to Ralph Acampora, Max Kalafat, John W. ROBERTS.
Application Number | 20100236177 12/729077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42736283 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100236177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROBERTS; John W. ; et
al. |
September 23, 2010 |
SOLAR/STUD BLOCK
Abstract
A block is provided for use in a wall structure. The block
comprises a first block side which is configured to form a section
of one side of the wall structure, a second block side which is
configured to form a section of an opposite side of the wall
structure, a plurality of ribs which are configured to receive a
rib insert or a block corner insulation, and a stud component which
is configured to accept a finishing material, wherein the stud
component includes a recess portion.
Inventors: |
ROBERTS; John W.; (Richmond,
VA) ; Acampora; Ralph; (Richmond, VA) ;
Kalafat; Max; (Richmond, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
1750 TYSONS BLVD, SUITE 1800
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Northeast Solite
Corporation
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
42736283 |
Appl. No.: |
12/729077 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61162019 |
Mar 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
61172931 |
Apr 27, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/404.1 ;
52/588.1; 52/604 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2002/0293 20130101;
E04C 1/41 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/404.1 ;
52/588.1; 52/604 |
International
Class: |
E04C 1/41 20060101
E04C001/41; E04B 2/18 20060101 E04B002/18; E04B 1/74 20060101
E04B001/74 |
Claims
1. A block for use in a wall structure, the block comprising: a
first block side which is configured to form a section of one side
of the wall structure; a second block side which is configured to
form a section of an opposite side of the wall stricture; a
plurality of ribs which are configured to receive a rib insert or a
block corner insulation; and a stud component which is configured
to accept a finishing material, wherein the stud component includes
a recess portion.
2. The block of claim 1, further comprising: a self-aligning
core.
3. A block system comprising the block of claim 1, the system
further comprising: the rib insert or the block corner
insulation.
4. The block system of claim 3, wherein the rib insert comprises an
insert member.
5. The block system of claim 3, wherein the rib insert comprises a
tongue that is configured to engage a groove in another rib
insert.
6. The block system of claim 3, wherein the rib insert comprises a
groove that is configured to engage a tongue in another rib
insert.
7. The block system of claim 3, wherein the block corner insulation
comprises a tongue that is configured to engage a groove in another
rib insert.
8. The block system of claim 3, wherein the block corner insulation
comprises a groove that is configured to engage a tongue in another
rib insert.
9. A block for use in a wall structure, the block comprising: a
first block side which is configured to form a section of one side
of the wall structure; a second block side which is configured to
form a section of an opposite side of the wall structure; and a
stud component which is integrally formed with second block
side.
10. The block of claim 9, the block further comprising: a rib which
is configured to receive a rib insert or a block corner
insulation.
11. The block of claim 9, wherein the stud component is configured
to accept a finishing material.
12. The block of claim 9, wherein the stud component is configured
to align with another stud component on a vertically adjacent block
to form a stud.
13. The block of claim 9, wherein the stud component includes a
recess portion.
14. The block of claim 9, further comprising: a self-aligning
core.
15. A rib insert for use in a block system that comprises a block
having an integrally formed stud component, the rib insert
comprising: a tongue that is configured to engage a groove in
another rib insert; a groove that is configured to engage a tongue
in the other rib insert; and an insert member that is configured to
attach to a rib in the block.
16. The rib insert of claim 15, further comprising: another insert
member that is configured to attach to another rib in the
block.
17. The rib insert of claim 15, wherein the tongue is further
configured to engage a groove in a block corner insulation.
18. The rib insert of claim 15, wherein the groove is further
configured to engage a tongue in a block corner insulation.
19. A block system comprising the rib insert of claim 15, the
system further comprising: a block that includes a stud
component.
20. The block system of claim 19, wherein the stud component
comprises a recess portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof
from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/162,019, filed on Mar. 20,
2009 and entitled SOLAR/STUD BLOCK, the entirety of which is herein
incorporated by reference. This application also claims priority
and the benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/172,931,
filed on Apr. 27, 2009 and entitled STUD BLOCK, the entirety of
which is also herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a novel wall structure
that provides unique, green, sustainable, and energy efficient
benefits to residential, institutional and/or commercial
structures. More particularly, the disclosure relates to novel
structural elements, which may be configured to provide
residential, institutional and/or commercial structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Concrete blocks are commonly used in building structures,
including residential, institutional and commercial structures. In
the U.S., concrete block are typically 8''.times.8''.times.16'' in
size, but other sizes are common. Concrete blocks are frequently
used in exterior, as well as interior building walls. When
reinforced with concrete columns and tie beams, concrete blocks may
be used in load-bearing walls of building structures. Many types of
concrete blocks are manufactured with hollow centers to reduce
weight or improve insulation.
[0004] The disclosure provides a novel wall structure, including
novel structural elements, that provides unique, green,
sustainable, and energy efficient benefits to residential,
institutional and/or commercial structures.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a block is
provided for use in a wall structure. The block comprises: a first
block side which is configured to form a section of one side of the
wall structure; a second block side which is configured to form a
section of an opposite side of the wall structure; a plurality of
ribs which are configured to receive a rib insert or a block corner
insulation; and a stud component which is configured to accept a
finishing material, wherein the stud component includes a recess
portion. The block may further comprise a self-aligning core.
[0006] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a block
system is provided for use in a wall structure. The block system
comprises: a first block side which is configured to form a section
of one side of the wall structure; a second block side which is
configured to form a section of an opposite side of the wall
structure; a plurality of ribs which are configured to receive a
rib insert or a block corner insulation; a stud component which is
configured to accept a finishing material; and the rib insert or
the block corner insulation, wherein the stud component includes a
recess portion. The block may further comprise a self-aligning
core. The rib insert may comprise an insert member. The rib insert
may comprise a tongue that is configured to engage a groove in
another rib insert, or a groove that is configured to engage a
tongue in another rib insert. The block corner insulation may
comprise a tongue that is configured to engage a groove in another
rib insert, a groove that is configured to engage a tongue in
another rib insert.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a block is
provided for use in a wall structure. The block comprises: a first
block side which is configured to form a section of one side of the
wall structure; a second block side which is configured to form a
section of an opposite side of the wall structure; and a stud
component which is integrally formed with second block side. The
block may further comprise a rib which is configured to receive a
rib insert or a block corner insulation. The stud component may be
configured to accept a finishing material, or to align with another
stud component on a vertically adjacent block to form a stud. The
stud component may include a recess portion. The block may further
comprise a self-aligning core.
[0008] According to a still further aspect of the disclosure, a rib
insert is provided for use in a block system that comprises a block
having an integrally formed stud component. The rib insert
comprises: a tongue that is configured to engage a groove in
another rib insert; a groove that is configured to engage a tongue
in the other rib insert; and an insert member that is configured to
attach to a rib in the block. The rib insert may further comprise
another insert member that is configured to attach to another rib
in the block. The tongue may be further configured to engage a
groove in a block corner insulation. The groove may be further
configured to engage a tongue in a block corner insulation.
[0009] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood
that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following
detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further
explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to
show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may
be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and
the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an inner corner view of an example of a pair of
connecting walls, according to principles of the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an outer corner view of the pair of connecting
walls shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the pair of connecting
walls shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows another exploded view of the pair of connecting
walls shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of a block,
according to principles of the disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another example of a
block, according to principles of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an example the block of FIG. 5 with optional
core inserts, according to p
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an example of a rib
insert, according to principles of the disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows another view of the rib insert shown in FIG.
8;
[0020] FIG. 10 shows an example of the rib insert shown in FIG. 8
being affixed to the block shown in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 11 shows another view of the rib insert shown in FIG. 8
being affixed to the block shown in FIG. 5; and
[0022] FIG. 12 shows an example of a block corner insulator,
according to principles of the disclosure.
[0023] The present disclosure is further described in the detailed
description that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0024] The disclosure and the various features and advantageous
details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the
non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the
following description. It should be noted that the features
illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments
as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly
stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are
intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in
the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly,
the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that
like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
[0025] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof,
as used in this disclosure, mean "including, but not limited to",
unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0026] The terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in this disclosure,
means "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0027] Although process steps, method steps, algorithms, or the
like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes,
methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate
orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be
described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the
steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes,
methods or algorithms described herein may be performed in any
order practical. Further, some steps may be performed
simultaneously.
[0028] When a single device or article is described herein, it will
be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be
used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more
than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily
apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of
the more than one device or article. The functionality or the
features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are not explicitly described as having such
functionality or features.
[0029] The disclosure provides a novel, green, sustainable and
energy efficient approach to construction.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of a partial corner view 100A of a
pair of connecting walls 110. As seen, the walls 110 are
constructed from a plurality of blocks 120, which may be arranged
in a layered configuration, forming a corner section 140. Each of
the blocks 120 has six sides, including two longitudinal sides, two
transverse sides, a top side and a bottom side. Each of the blocks
120 may include one or more stud components 142 on either (or both)
longitudinal sides. The stud component 142 may include a recessed
portion 144. The blocks 120 may be configured so that when, e.g.,
two or more blocks 120 are layered, the stud components 142 of the
vertically adjacent blocks 120 are aligned to form studs. In this
configuration, the recessed portions 144 of the two vertically
adjacent blocks 120 may be aligned and joined to form a chase (or
opening) 145.
[0031] The chase 145 may be configured to pass there-through, e.g.,
plumbing pipes, electrical wires, electrical pipes, fiber optic
lines, and the like. A conduit sleeve (not shown) may be installed
in the chase 145 to protect, e.g., plumbing pipes, electrical
wires, electrical pies, fiber optic lines, or the like, from
penetration by various fasteners.
[0032] It is noted that the stud component 142 may include a
further recessed portion (not shown) that is provided on the end
opposite to the end with the recessed portion 144. It is further
noted that the stud component 142 may measure, for example, about
two inches in width, about two inches in depth and about eight
inches in height when used in a block 120 having dimensions of, for
example, about eight inches in depth, about sixteen inches in width
(or length) and about eight inches in height.
[0033] The walls 110 may include a plurality of rib inserts 130,
which may be affixed to the longitudinal sides of the blocks 120 to
form a continuous, uninterrupted insulation layer. The rib inserts
130 may be affixed between one or more projecting ribs 121, 123,
and 125, of the blocks 120. The rib inserts 130 may include a
plurality of insert members 134, 136, each of which may be affixed
to a recess 122 or 126, which are formed by the ribs 121, 123, and
125, of the blocks 120. The rib inserts 130 may be affixed to the
recesses 122, 126 by a fastening mechanism, such as, for example,
mortar, cement, adhesive, glue, or the like, and/or the rib inserts
130 may be affixed using a fastener, such as, for example, a nail,
a screw, a bolt, a pin, a nut, or the like. The rib inserts 130
also may be affixed to the ribs 121, 123, and 125 by the fastening
mechanism. Similarly, the block corner insulators 138 may be
affixed to the outer side of the ribs 121 or 125.
[0034] The walls 110 may also include one or more block corner
insulators 138 affixed to a side portion of the block 120.
[0035] The blocks 120 may be pre-insulated at the production
facility, using, e.g., the rib inserts 130 and/or block corner
insulators 138. The rib inserts 130 and/or block corner insulators
138 may include, e.g., expanded polystyrene, or the like. The rib
inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138 may be configured to
overlap or engage each other so as to provide a continuous,
uninterrupted layer of exterior (or interior) insulation, as shown,
e.g., in FIG. 2.
[0036] The block 120 may further include a plurality of openings
124, 128.
[0037] When the blocks 120 are assembled into a wall, the stud
components 142 may be aligned to provide studs that may accept
finishing materials such as, e.g., conventional sheetrock,
wallboard, paneling, or the like, which may be fastened by screw,
nail, adhesive, or the like, or any combination thereof, to the
studs. Accordingly, wood or steel studs may not be necessary, since
the stud components 142 align to form studs.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a partial corner view 100B of the pair of
connecting walls 110 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2 shows
the sides 110A and 110C of the walls 110 shown in FIG. 1. As seen,
the rib inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138 are assembled
with the blocks 120 to form an exterior (or interior) continuous
and uninterrupted insulation layer for the connecting walls 110.
The insulation layer formed by the rib inserts 130 and block corner
insulators 138 may provide thermal and acoustical insulation, as
well as mold and mildew resistance. Additionally, the insulation
layer may provide fire resistance and improve indoor air quality by
preventing or minimizing, e.g., mold or mildew buildup.
[0039] The rib inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138 may be
configured to absorb a substantial amount of heat during the
daylight hours. This stored heat may then be released slowly to the
interior of a building during the evening hours. Alternatively, the
rib inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138 may be configured
to reflect a substantial amount of solar power, thereby minimizing
absorption of heat due to, e.g., solar irradiation.
[0040] The outer surfaces of the rib inserts 130 and the block
corner insulators 138 may be finished with, e.g., cedar, vinyl
siding, cement board (Hardy Board), exterior stucco, masonry, wood,
glass, metal, plastic, or the like. Alternatively, the outer
surfaces of the rib inserts 130 and the block corner insulators 138
may include a finish such as, e.g., a cedar finish, a vinyl siding
finish, a cement board finish, an exterior stucco finish, a masonry
finish, a wood grain finish, a glass finish, a metal finish, a
plastic finish, or the like.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view 100C of the pair of connecting
walls 110 shown in FIG. 1, including a plurality of blocks 120, rib
inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows another exploded view 100D of the pair of
connecting walls 110 shown in FIG. 1, including the plurality of
blocks 120, rib inserts 130 and block corner insulators 138.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of a block 120
that may be used to construct the walls 110 in FIG. 1. The block
120 may include the plurality of recesses 122, 126, which are
formed by the projecting ribs 121, 123 and 125. The block 120 may
further include the plurality of openings 124, 128 and the stud
component 142. The stud component 142 may include the recessed
portion 144. The recessed portion 144 may include a
semi-cylindrical recess (or half-round depression), as seen in FIG.
5, or a recess (or depression) having any other shape, without
departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure.
[0044] The block 120 may include one, two, three, or more
projecting ribs 121, 123, 125, on at least one of the two
longitudinal sides. The projecting ribs 121, 123; 125, may be
configured to provide support for the rib inserts 130 and/or block
corner insulator 138. The ribs 121, 123, 125, also may be
configured to provide a fastening surface for attachment of the
exterior finish to the wall 110. The projecting ribs 121, 123, 125,
may be spaced at predetermined intervals (e.g., about every 8
inches) for convenient, accurate and effective attachment of the
exterior finish.
[0045] The block 120 may be manufactured using, e.g., water,
Portland cement, about 100% lightweight aggregates, other
cementitious materials, chemicals and admixtures. These components
may be mixed and fed into molds under simultaneous vibration and
compaction to yield the blocks 120, which are fire resistant, mold
resistant, sound absorptive, heat absorptive, fastener receptive,
and the like. The blocks 120 are fastener receptive in that other
components, including e.g., sheet rock, wallboard, paneling, or the
like, may be glued, nailed or screwed to the blocks 120.
[0046] For example, the blocks 120 may be manufactured using a
mixture of Portland cement, expanded clay or shale lightweight
aggregate, an integral water repellent, a pozzolan (e.g., fly ash,
or the like), a concrete additive (e.g., Elemix.RTM., expanded
polystyrene beads, or the like), and the like.
[0047] The block 120 may be constructed to include superior thermal
and acoustical performance, indoor air quality, mold and mildew
resistance, fire resistance and the like. For example, the block
120 may be constructed of a mix design that includes a concrete
additive such as, e.g., Elemix.RTM., or the like, that utilizes the
maximum benefit of thermal diffusivity, whether in a heating or
cooling mode. For example, the block 120 may absorb a significant
amount of heat during the daylight hours. This stored heat may then
be released slowly to the interior of the building during the
evening hours. The block 120 may be used wherever there is a need
for sustainable, green energy efficient structures.
[0048] The block 120 may be composed entirely of, e.g., inert
materials, thereby providing an environment that is not conducive
to the growth of mold spores. The interior longitudinal side of the
block 120 may be coated with, e.g., a water-based epoxy after
assembly to act as an optional additional vapor barrier on the
interior side of a wall structure.
[0049] The block 120 may contain a concrete mixture that may
optionally contain an integral water repellant. This water
repellent may chemically bond with the concrete aggregates to form
a barrier to moisture migration into the block 120.
[0050] The block 120 may be manufactured in modular dimensions to
allow for assembly using, e.g., cement/lime mortar as the bonding
material. The dimensions of the block 120 may be changed to allow
assembly by other methods such as, e.g., thin set adhesive.
[0051] The center section of the block 120 may include
self-aligning cores that provide additional reinforcement to comply
with any and all extreme building codes. As seen in FIG. 5, the
self-aligning cores may include the openings 124, 128, which are
provided between the top and bottom sides of the block 120.
[0052] The blocks 120 may be used in, e.g., any wall structure. The
studs 142, when assembled into a wall structure, line up
vertically, e.g., every sixteen inches on center on one of the
longitudinal sides of the wall. The blocks 120 may be assembled
quickly into the wall structure due, in part, to the unique
fastening properties. As noted earlier, the blocks 120 may be
finished without any need for, e.g., steel or woods studs. When
assembled into the wall structure, the blocks 120 may provide,
e.g., secure fire protection and excellent sound absorbing
qualities.
[0053] Further, the blocks 120 provide substantial construction
efficiencies due in-part to the built-in concrete studs 142 that
eliminate at least one step in the finishing process. That is,
metal or wood studs may be unnecessary when using the blocks 120 to
build wall structures, since the studs 142 are configured to
receive the finishing materials, such as, e.g., sheet rock,
wallboard, paneling, or the like.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows another example of a block 160, according to
principles of the disclosure. The block 160 may be constructed in a
manner similar to that of block 120. The block 160 includes an
additional stud component 162 on the longitudinal side opposite the
longitudinal side having the stud component 142. The additional
stud component 162 includes a recess portion 164.
[0055] The block 160 (or block 120) may be used in, e.g., fire
separation walls in any occupied structure. The off-setting studs
142, 162, when assembled into a wall structure, line up, e.g.,
every sixteen inches on center on either side of the wall. A
plurality of blocks 160 may be assembled quickly into a wall
structure due, in part, to the unique fastening properties.
Additionally, the blocks 160 may be finished without any need for,
e.g., steel or woods studs. When assembled into a wall structure,
the blocks 160 may provide, e.g., secure fire protection and
excellent sound absorbing qualities.
[0056] Like the blocks 120, the blocks 160 provide substantial
construction efficiencies due to the built-in concrete studs 142
that eliminate at least one step in the finishing process. The
blocks 160 (or 120) may be utilized in applications where, e.g.,
superior structural fire walls are necessary or desirable.
[0057] Each block 160 may measure, for example, about twelve inches
wide, about eight inches high and about sixteen inches long. In
this example of the block 160, the off-setting studs 142, 162, may
measure, for example, about two inches wide, about eight inches
high and about two inches long.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 6, the blocks 160 may each include, for
example, two self-aligning cores. The cores in the blocks 160
(and/or 120) may be reinforced with additional concrete and/or
reinforcing steel to meet or exceed building code requirements,
including special building code requirements for areas vulnerable
to, e.g., seismic or severe wind conditions. It is noted that more
(or less) than two cores may be included in the blocks 160.
[0059] The cores also provide enhanced acoustical properties to
substantially reduce, for example, the travel of sound through the
blocks 160, as well as enhanced temperature properties to
substantially reduce the transmission of heat through the block
160, which may be caused by, for example, a fire on one side of a
wall containing the blocks 160. Sound and temperature transmission
properties may be further enhanced by encapsulating the blocks 160
in drywall or similar surface treatments and/or filling the cores
with, for example, Portland cement grout or insulating
materials.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows an example of a block 120 provided with core
inserts 154, 156, which may be placed in the openings (or core
spaces) 124, 128 of the block 120 (or 160). The core inserts 154,
156, may be made from the same (or different) material as the rib
inserts 130 and/or block corner insulation 138.
[0061] The block 120 (or 160) may be designed to take advantage of
thermal diffusivity. Thermal diffusivity is the property of a
material to store heat or cold and release the stored heat in the
case of the heating (cooling) mode, over a period of time. The
block 120 (or 160) may be designed so that the insulation,
including rib inserts 130 and block corner insulations 138, is in
place on the outside of the a wall structure. Accordingly, the wall
structure, including the blocks 120 (or 160), may absorb heat
during the day, storing the heat within the mass of the block 120
(or 160), and releasing the heat overnight. This cycle repeats
itself. The cooling (summer) cycle works in a similar manner.
During the evening hours the wall structure cools. The block 120
(or 160) cools and delays the warming of the interior side of the
wall structure during the warmth of the day.
[0062] The block 120 (or 160) may be composed entirely of inert
materials. This presents an environment that is not conducive to
the growth of mold spores. The interior side of the block 120 may
be coated with a water based epoxy after assembly to act as an
optional additional vapor barrier to the interior of the
building.
[0063] The block 120 (or 160) may be designed to be assembled in
running bond. That is, the block 120 (or 160) is configured in each
horizontal course to overlap the center of the block 120 (or 160)
below it. The block 120 (or 160) design also requires the inversion
of every other course.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows an outer perspective view of an example of a
rib insert 130, according to principles of the disclosure. The rib
insert 130 may include a planar surface 132 and one or more tongues
133, each of which may be configured to connect to, for example, a
groove 131 of another rib insert 130 to form a continuous and
relatively seamless modular wall. The rib insert 130 may further
include one or more grooves 131, each of which may be configured to
connect to, for example, a tongue 133 of another rib insert 130.
The rib insert 130 may also include a plurality of insert members
134, 136, each of which may be configured to be affixed to, for
example, the recesses 122, 126 of the block 120, shown in FIG.
5.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows an inner perspective view of the rib insert 130
shown in FIG. 8.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an example of the rib
insert 130 of FIG. 8 being mated (or affixed) to the block 120
shown in FIG. 5.
[0067] FIG. 11 shows another view of the rib insert 130 being mated
(or affixed) to the block 120.
[0068] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an example of a block
corner insulator 138, according to principles of the disclosure.
The block corner insulator 138 may include a plurality of
connecting sections 173, 193 for connectively engaging rib inserts
130 to form a continuous, relative seamless modular wall. For
example, the connecting sections 173, 193 may include respective
grooves 137, 139, each of which is configured to receive a tongue
133 of a respective rib insert 130 (shown in FIG. 8). The
connecting sections 173, 193 may each also include a tongue (not
shown) for engaging a corresponding grove 131 in the respective rib
inserts 130 (shown in FIG. 8).
[0069] Furthermore, the block corner insulator 138 may include a
connecting section 193A (shown by cross-hatched line), which may
include a groove and/or tongue (not shown) to connectively engage a
further rib insert 130. The block corner insulator 138 may also
include a connecting section (not shown) on the side opposite the
connecting section 193A, which may include a groove and/or tongue
(not shown) to connectively engage a still further rib insert
130.
[0070] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and
scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely
illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all
possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the
invention.
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