U.S. patent application number 13/226866 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for permeable paving system.
This patent application is currently assigned to STUDIO5051, LLC. Invention is credited to Howard Merriam.
Application Number | 20120213582 13/226866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46652854 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120213582 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merriam; Howard |
August 23, 2012 |
PERMEABLE PAVING SYSTEM
Abstract
A paving block system is provided that includes a plurality of
paving blocks arranged together to form a surface. Each paving
block includes a recess located on a side surface and the paving
blocks are arranged so that each recess abuts another recess so as
to form drainage holes in the surface. The drainage holes have a
top opening and a bottom opening and the bottom opening is larger
in area than the top opening.
Inventors: |
Merriam; Howard;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
Assignee: |
STUDIO5051, LLC
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
46652854 |
Appl. No.: |
13/226866 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61444619 |
Feb 18, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 2201/20 20130101;
E01C 2201/205 20130101; E01C 2201/02 20130101; E01C 5/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/34 |
International
Class: |
E01C 5/00 20060101
E01C005/00 |
Claims
1. A paving block comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; a
side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom
surface, wherein the side surface comprises a recess extending from
the top surface to the bottom surface; wherein the recess has a top
opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottom opening is larger
in area than the top opening.
2. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the bottom opening has a
width that is larger than a width of the top opening.
3. The paving block of claim 2 wherein the bottom opening width is
at least 2 times larger than the top opening width.
4. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the recess comprises a
section that extends inwardly into the paving block.
5. The paving block of claim 4 wherein the entire recess
continuously extends inwardly from the top surface to the bottom
surface.
6. The paving block of claim 4 wherein the recess comprises a back
surface, wherein the back surface comprises a top section and a
bottom section, wherein the top section is substantially vertical
and the bottom section extends inwardly into the paving block.
7. The paving block of claim 6 wherein the top section has a height
and the bottom section has a height, wherein the bottom section
height is larger than the top section height.
8. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the paving block is a
parallelepiped having four side surfaces and each of the four side
surfaces comprises a recess.
9. The paving block of claim 8 wherein each recess is substantially
identical.
10. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the recess has a length "x"
and the side surface has a length that is an integer multiple of
the length "x."
11. The paving block of claim 10 wherein the integer multiple is
selected from the group consisting of "3x," "6x," "9x" and
"12x."
12. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the side surface comprises
two recesses each having a length "x" and the two recesses are
spaced apart by a length "2x."
13. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the side surface comprises
three recesses each having a length "x" and the three recesses are
spaced apart by a length "2x."
14. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the side surface comprises
four recesses each having a length "x" and the four recesses are
spaced apart by a length "2x."
15. The paving block of claim 1 wherein the top surface comprises a
channel that extends into the recess.
16. A paving block system, comprising: a plurality of paving blocks
arranged together to form a surface; wherein each paving block in
the plurality of paving blocks comprises a recess located on a side
surface; wherein the plurality of paving blocks are arranged so
that each recess abuts another recess so as to form drainage holes
in the surface; wherein the drainage holes have a top opening and a
bottom opening and the bottom opening is larger in area than the
top opening.
17. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the bottom opening has a
greater width than the bottom opening.
18. The paving system of claim 17 wherein the top opening has a
dimension represented by the formula "x" by "w1" and the bottom
opening has a dimension represented by the formula "x" by "w2",
wherein "x" is the length of the recess, "w1" is the width of the
top opening and "w2" is the width of the bottom opening, wherein
"w2" is greater than "w1".
19. The paving system of claim 18 wherein w2 is twice the width of
w1.
20. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the recess comprises a
section that extends inwardly into the paving block.
21. The paving system of claim 20 wherein the recess comprises a
back surface, wherein the back surface comprises a top section and
a bottom section, wherein the top section is substantially vertical
and the bottom section extends inwardly into the paving block.
22. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of paving
blocks comprise recesses that are substantially identical.
23. The paving system of claim 14 wherein the recess has a length
"x" and the side surface has a length that is an integer multiple
of the length "x."
24. The paving system of claim 23 wherein the integer multiple is
selected from the group consisting of "3x," "6x," "9x" and
"12x."
25. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the side surface
comprises two recesses each having a length "x" and the two
recesses are spaced apart by a length "2x."
26. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the side surface
comprises three recesses each having a length "x" and the three
recesses are spaced apart by a length "2x."
27. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the side surface
comprises four recesses each having a length "x" and the four
recesses are spaced apart by a length "2x."
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/444,619 filed Feb. 18, 2011, the teachings of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a permeable paving system
for capturing and disposing storm-water runoff. More specifically,
the invention relates to paving blocks for a permeable paving
system for capturing and disposing storm-water runoff.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Paving blocks are frequently used as ground covering
elements in landscaping and outdoor construction. They are widely
used today in residential, commercial, and municipal applications
that include walkways, patios, plazas, sidewalks, decks, parking
lots, streets and the like. Paving blocks are generally stone or
brick or are extruded or molded into various shapes using concrete
or clay. As such, the paving blocks themselves are impervious to
liquid such as rain water.
[0004] In a typical application, the paving blocks are arranged
with their side surfaces in contact with each other, resulting in a
substantially closed surface. More often, adjacent paving blocks
are held together in place with a bonding material placed in the
interface between adjacent side surfaces. The bonding material is
also often impervious to liquids. As such, liquids falling on the
blocks are not able to penetrate through the interfaces between the
blocks. This results in either puddles forming over the blocks or a
runoff of the liquid towards the edges of the paved area. This can
be problematic in times where the amount of rain water runoff
increases during a storm or heavy rainfall.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to have paving blocks
that help reduce the amount of liquid runoff and minimize the
amount of puddling. It is also desirable to provide paving blocks
that can be installed to provide an aesthetically pleasant pattern
or design.
SUMMARY
[0006] Some embodiments provide for a paving block. The paving
block includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface
extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The side
surface also includes a recess extending from the top surface to
the bottom surface. The recess has a top opening and a bottom
opening, wherein the bottom opening is larger in area than the top
opening. In some cases, the bottom opening has a width that is
larger than a width of the top opening, for example a width that is
at least 2 times larger than the top opening width. The recess can
also include a section that extends inwardly into the paving block.
In certain cases, the side surface includes more than one recess
and each recess has a length "x" and the side surface has a length
that is an integer multiple of the length "x." In some cases, the
integer multiple is selected from the group consisting of "3x,"
"6x," "9x" and "12x." For example, the side surface can include
two, three, four or more recesses each having a length "x" and the
recesses can be spaced apart by a length "2x."
[0007] Some embodiments provide a paving block system that includes
a plurality of the paving blocks arranged together to form a
surface. The plurality of paving blocks are arranged so that each
recess abuts another recess so as to form drainage holes in the
surface. The drainage holes have a top opening and a bottom opening
and the bottom opening is larger in area than the top opening. In
some cases, the bottom opening has a greater width than the bottom
opening. In certain cases, the top opening has a dimension
represented by the formula "x" by "w1" and the bottom opening has a
dimension represented by the formula "x" by "w2", wherein "x" is
the length of the recess, "w1" is the width of the top opening and
"w2" is the width of the bottom opening, wherein "w2" is greater
than "w1". For example, w2 can be twice the width of w1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 1A;
[0010] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 2A;
[0012] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 3A;
[0014] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 4A;
[0016] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 5A;
[0018] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a paving block in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a plan view of the paving block FIG. 6A;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the paving block of FIG. 1A
showing exemplary dimensions of a recess;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a paving block having a top
surface design and channel in accordance with one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a paving block having a top
surface design and channel in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a paving block having a top
surface design and channel in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a paving block having a top
surface design and channel in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a paving block having a top
surface design and channel in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 13A is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with one embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 13B is a sectional isometric view of FIG. 13A along
line Section Line A;
[0028] FIG. 13C is an isometric bottom view of the paving block
arrangement of FIG.13A;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a top view illustrating an exemplary mosaic that
includes paving blocks in accordance with one embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a top view illustrating an exemplary mosaic that
includes paving blocks in accordance with another embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a paving block in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 24B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 24A;
[0041] FIG. 25A is an isometric view of a paving block arrangement
in accordance with another embodiment; and
[0042] FIG. 25B is a plan view of the paving block of FIG. 25A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] While multiple embodiments of the instant invention are
disclosed, still other embodiments may become apparent to those
skilled in the art. The following detailed description includes
only illustrative embodiments of the invention wherein like
elements are referenced by like numeral. It should be clearly
understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit
the invention in any form or manner to that described herein. As
such, all alternative embodiments of the invention are considered
as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the
disclosure.
[0044] FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of a paving block 100 in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. As illustrated, the paving block 100 is a
parallelepiped comprising a substantially horizontal top surface
102 and a substantially horizontal bottom surface (not shown). The
paving block 100 further comprises substantially vertical side
surfaces 104, 106, 108, 110 extending between the top surface 102
and the bottom surface of paving block 100. Each side surface 104,
106, 108, 110 includes recesses 112, 114, 116, 118, respectively,
extending between the top surface 102 and the bottom surface of
paving block 100. The recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 in the
illustrated embodiment are all identical, although this is not
required. Also, the paving block 100 only needs to have one recess
and any number of recesses, not just four, can be provided.
[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of a paving block 200 in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention. The paving block 200 is a
parallelepiped comprising a substantially horizontal top surface
202 and a substantially horizontal bottom surface (not shown). The
paving block 200 further comprises side surfaces 204, 206, 208, 210
extending between the top surface 202 and the bottom surface. The
side surfaces 206, 210 have a width and side surfaces 204, 208 have
a different width that is essentially twice the width of the side
surfaces 206, 210. Each side surface 204, 208 includes two
recesses: 212, 214 and 218, 220, respectively; and each side
surface 206, 210 includes one recess 216 and 222, respectively.
[0046] In general, the paving block 200 is similar to paving block
100 with the primary difference being in the area and shape of the
top (and bottom) surfaces and in the total number of recesses. In
other words, the paving block 100 is a square shape whereas the
paving block 200 is a rectangular shape. Also, the paving block 100
has a single recess on each side surface 104, 106, 108, 110 whereas
the paving block 200 has a single recess on each side surface 206,
210 and two recesses on each side surface 204, 208. The height (or
thickness) of paving blocks 100 and 200 are essentially equal,
although this is not required. However, it is advantageous to have
paving blocks of equal heights, so that they can be used together
to create a flat surface or mosaic. The recesses 212, 214, 216,
218, 220, 222 are also substantially identical to one another.
Additionally, the recesses 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 are
substantially identical to the recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 in
paving block 100, although this is not required. It is advantageous
to have paving blocks with substantially identical recesses, so
that they can be abutted together to form symmetric drainage holes,
as will be later described.
[0047] FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of paving block 300 in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention. The paving block 300 is a parallelepiped
comprising a substantially horizontal top surface 302 and a
substantially horizontal bottom surface (not shown). The paving
block 300 further comprises side surfaces 304, 306, 308, 310
extending between the top surface 302 and the bottom surface. The
side surfaces 304, 306, 308, 310 all have the same width so that
the paving block 300 has a square shape. Each side surface of block
300 includes two recesses: side surface 304 includes recesses 312,
314, side surface 306 includes recesses 316, 318, side surface 308
includes recesses 320, 322 and side surface 310 includes recesses
324, 326. Each side surface 304, 306, 308, 310 and each one of
their respective two recesses are substantially identical to one
another. Additionally, recesses 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324,
326 are substantially identical to recesses 212, 214, 216, 218,
220, 222 in paving block 100 and to recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 in
paving block 100, although this is not required. The height (or
thickness) of paving blocks 100, 200, 300 are also substantially
equal, although this is not required.
[0048] FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of paving block 400 in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. The paving block 400 is a parallelepiped comprising
a substantially horizontal top surface 402 and a substantially
horizontal bottom surface (not shown). The paving block 400 further
comprises side surfaces 404, 406, 408, 410 extending between the
top surface 402 and the bottom surface. The side surfaces 406, 410
have a width and side surfaces 404, 408 have a different width that
is 11/2 times the width of the side surfaces 406, 410. Each side
surface 404, 408 includes three recesses 412, 414, 416 and 422,
424, 426, respectively; and each side surface 406, 410 includes two
recesses 418, 420 and 428, 430, respectively. Each of the recesses
are substantially identical to one another, although this is not
required. Additionally, the recesses 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422,
424, 426, 428, 430 are substantially identical to recesses 312,
314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 in paving block 300, to recesses
212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 in paving block 200 and to recesses
112, 114, 116, 118 in paving block 100, although this is not
required. Finally, the height (or thickness) of paving blocks 100,
200, 300, 400 are also substantially equal, although this is not
required.
[0049] FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of paving block 500 in accordance with another embodiment
of the invention. The paving block 500 is a parallelepiped
comprising a substantially horizontal top surface 502 and a
substantially horizontal bottom surface (not shown). The paving
block 500 further comprises side surfaces 504, 506, 508, 510
extending between the top surface 502 and the bottom surface. The
side surfaces 504, 506, 508, 510 all have the same width so that
the paving block 500 has a square shape. Each side surface of block
500 includes three recesses: side surface 504 includes recesses
512, 514, 516, side surface 506 includes recesses 518, 520, 522,
side surface 508 includes recesses 524, 526, 528 and side surface
510 includes recesses 530, 532, 534. Each side surface 504, 506,
508, 510 and each one of their respective two recesses are
substantially identical to one another, although this is not
required. Additionally, recesses 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524,
526, 528, 530, 532, 534 are substantially identical to recesses
412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430 in paving block
400, to recesses 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 in paving
block 300, to recesses 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 in paving block
200 and to recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 in paving block 100,
although this is not required. The height (or thickness) of paving
blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 are also substantially equal,
although this is not required.
[0050] FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, are an isometric view and a
plan view of a paving block 600 in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention. The paving block 600 is a
parallelepiped block comprising a substantially horizontal top
surface 602 and a substantially horizontal bottom surface (not
shown). The paving block 600 further comprises side surfaces 604,
606, 608, 610 extending between top surface 602 and the bottom
surface. The side surfaces 606, 610 have a width and side surfaces
604, 608 have a different width that is 11/2 times the width of the
side surfaces 606, 610. Each side surface 604, 608, includes four
recesses 612, 614, 616, 618 and 626, 628, 630, 632, respectively;
and each side surface 606, 610 includes three recesses 620, 622,
624 and 634, 636, 638, respectively. Each of the recesses are
substantially identical to one another, although this is not
required. Additionally, recesses 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624,
626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638 are substantially identical to
recesses 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534
in paving block 500, to recesses 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424,
426, 428, 430 in paving block 400, to recesses 312, 314, 316, 318,
320, 322, 324, 326 in paving block 300, to recesses 212, 214, 216,
218, 220, 222 in paving block 200 and to recesses 112, 114, 116,
118 in paving block 100, although this is not required. Finally,
the height (or thickness) of paving blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,
600 are also substantially equal, although this is not
required.
[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a structure of the recesses 112, 114 of
FIG. 1A and 1B according to one embodiment. Recesses 112, 114 are
exemplary recesses that can be provided in any of the blocks 100,
200, 300, 400, 500, 600 described above. In certain preferred
embodiments, all of the recesses in blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,
600 are substantially identical and have the structural features of
recesses 112, 114 as now described. With reference to FIG. 7, the
recess 112 and 114 each have opposing side surfaces 120, 122 and a
back surface 124. At least one of the surfaces 120, 122, 124 has a
section that extends inwardly towards or into the paving block. For
example, side surface 120 can have a surface that extends inwardly
towards surface 106, side surface 122 can have a surface that
extends inwardly towards surface 110 and the back surface 124 can
have a surface that extends inwardly towards surface 108. In some
cases, substantially the entire side surface 120, side surface 122
or back surface 124 extends inwardly as it extends from the top
surface 102 to the bottom surface. As used herein, the term
"extends inwardly" means inclining inwardly, stairstepping
inwardly, concaving inwardly or any other mechanism that causes the
surface to extend inwardly. In the most cases, at least one of the
surfaces 120, 122, 124 has a section that inclines inwardly towards
or into the paving block.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, opposing side surfaces 120,
122 do not have any section that extends inwardly. Rather, the side
surfaces 120, 122 are substantially vertical and parallel to each
other. However, the back surface 124 has a surface that inclines
inwardly towards the paving block. Specifically, the back surface
124 includes a substantially vertical surface 126 extending a
height "h1" below top surface 102 and an inclining surface 128
extending a height "h2" below the substantially vertical surface
126. Also, the height "h2" of the inclining surface 128 is larger
than the height "h1" of the substantially vertical surface 126,
although this is not required. In alternate embodiments,
substantially the entire back surface 124 extends inwardly as it
extends from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface. However,
the substantially vertical surface 126 is advantageous because it
provides more structural integrity to the intersection of the top
surface 102 and the back surface 124 of the recess. In other words,
the surface 126 makes it more difficult for the intersection to
chip or otherwise break as the paving block is subjected to wear
and tear.
[0053] The recess 112 has a top opening 52 and a bottom opening 54,
wherein the bottom opening 54 has a larger area than the top
opening 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 112 has a
rectangular shape with rectangular dimensions. The recess has a
length "x," the top opening 52 has a width "w1" and the bottom
opening 54 has a width "w2." In other words, the top opening 52 and
bottom opening 54 have the same length "x" but have different
widths "w1," "w2," wherein the width "w2" is greater than the width
"w1." In certain cases, the width "w2" is two times or more the
width "w1." Of course, the top opening 52 and bottom opening 54 can
have different lengths in other embodiments. Likewise, the recess
112 can have shapes other than a rectangular shape, such as
semi-circular shape. A variety of designs are within the scope of
the invention so long as the bottom opening 54 has a larger area
than the top opening 52. Surfaces that incline, stairstep or
otherwise extend inward are provided to cause the bottom opening 54
to have a larger area than the top opening 52.
[0054] Referring back to FIGS. 1B through 6B, each recess in the
paving blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 is substantially
identical and has a length "x". Also, each side surface of the
paving blocks also has a length that is an integer multiple of the
recess length "x." The integer multiple can include "3x," "6x,"
"9x," and "12x" in some embodiments. Further, the side surfaces of
each paving block have a non-recessed section with a length of at
least a distance "x" on each side of each recess. Specifically, in
the illustrated blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, the spacing in
between each recess is a distance "2x." Also, the spacing in
between each recess and the closest adjacent corner of the paving
block is "x." These specific formulas are advantageous in creating
a paving block system wherein all the paving blocks are configured
to match together so that their recesses abut one another.
[0055] The specific formulas of paving blocks 100, 200, 300, 400,
500, 600 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 1B, the paving
block 100 has a square shape wherein each recess 112, 114, 116, 118
has a length "x" and each side surface 104, 106, 108, 110 has a
length "3x." There is no spacing in between recesses since only one
recess is provided per side surface. However, the spacing in
between each recess 112, 114, 116, 118 and its closest adjacent
corner is "x."
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2B, the paving block 200 has a rectangular
shape wherein each recess 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 has a length
"x," each side surface 204, 208 has a length "6x" and each side
surface 206, 210 has a length "3x." There is no spacing in between
recesses 216, 210 since only one recess is provided per side
surface 206, 210. On the other hand, there is a spacing of "2x" in
between recess 212 and 214 and in between recess 218 and 220.
Further, the spacing in between each recess 212, 214, 216, 218,
220, 222 and its closest adjacent corner is "x."
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3B, the paving block 300 has a square shape
wherein each recess 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 has a
length "x" and each side surface 304, 306, 308, 310 has a length
"6x." There is a spacing of "2x" in between recess 312 and 314, in
between recess 316 and 318, in between recess 320 and 322 and in
between recess 324 and 326. Further, the spacing in between each
recess 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326 and its closest
adjacent corner is "x."
[0058] As shown in FIG. 4B, the paving block 400 has a rectangular
shape wherein each recess 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426,
428, 430 has a length "x," each side surface 404, 408 has a length
"9x" and each side surface 406, 410 has a length "6x." There is a
spacing of "2x" in between recess 412 and 414, in between recess
414 and 416, in between recess 418 and 420, in between recess 422
and 424, in between recess 424 and 426 and in between recess 428
and 430. Further, the spacing in between each recess 412, 416, 418,
420, 422, 426, 428, 430 and its closest adjacent corner is "x."
[0059] As shown in FIG. 5B, the paving block 500 has a square shape
wherein each recess 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528,
530, 532, 534 has a length "x" and each side surface 504, 506, 508,
510 has a length "9x." There is a spacing of "2x" in between recess
512 and 514, in between recess 514 and 516, in between recess 518
and 520, in between recess 520 and 522, in between recess 524 and
526, in between recess 526 and 528, in between recess 530 and 532
and in between recess 532 and 534. Further, the spacing in between
each recess 512, 516, 518, 522, 524, 528, 530, 534 and its closest
adjacent corner is "x."
[0060] Finally, as shown in FIG. 6B, the paving block 600 has a
rectangular shape wherein each recess 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622,
624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638 has a length "x," each side
surface 604, 608 has a length "12x" and each side surface 606, 610
has a length "9x." There is a spacing of "2x" in between recess 612
and 614, in between recess 614 and 616, in between recess 616 and
618, in between recess 620 and 622, in between recess 622 and 624,
in between recess 626 and 628, in between recess 628 and 630, in
between recess 630 and 632, in between recess 634 and 636 and in
between recess 636 and 638. Further, the spacing in between each
recess 612, 618, 620, 624, 626, 632, 634, 638 and its closest
adjacent corner is "x."
[0061] In an exemplarily dimensioned embodiment, such as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, paving block 100 is 2 inches thick
comprising a 6-inch square top surface 102 and bottom surface (not
shown). Each one of the 2 inch high vertical side surfaces 104,
106, 108 and 110, respectively, include 2 inch wide ("x"=2 inches)
recesses 112, 114, 116 and 118. The substantially vertical surface
126 has a height "h1" of 1/2 inches and the inclining surface 128
has a height "h2" of 11/2 inches. Further, the recess has a top
opening 52 with a width "w1" of 3/16 inches and a bottom opening 54
with a width "w2" of 3/8 inches. Note that the width "w2" of 3/8
inches is two times the width "w1" of 3/16 inches.
[0062] In FIGS. 1A through 6B, top surfaces 102, 202, 302, 402,
502, 602 of paving blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are shown as
"plain" and do not include any aesthetic design. However, these
blocks can indeed have one or more aesthetically pleasing designs
on their top surfaces. FIGS. 8-12 show isometric views of paving
blocks having different designs on the top surface. For instance,
FIG. 8 shows a paving block 800 having a top surface 802 with a
circular design 805 and an arced channel 807. FIG. 9 shows a paving
block 900 having top surface 902 with a square design 905 and a two
linear channels 907. FIG. 10 shows a paving block 1000 having a top
surface 1002 with an organic design 1005 and a meandering channel
1007. FIG. 11 shows a paving block 1100 having a top surface 1102
with a circular design 1105 and an arced channel 1107. Finally,
FIG. 12. shows a paving block 1200 having a top surface 1202 with
an organic design 1205 and a meandering channel 1207.
[0063] In cases where a channel is included, the channel preferably
runs into one or more recesses on the paving block. This way, water
can be collected by the channel and directed towards one or more
recesses, thereby helping to direct water off of the paving block.
Different embodiments and additional single or multiple shapes
and/or designs and/or channels are considered as within the scope
and spirit of the instant invention. Furthermore, while the designs
and channels are illustrated as having a uniform depth below the
top surface of the paving blocks, they can instead have non-uniform
depths. For instance, the paving blocks can include channels of
non-uniform depths that gradually slopes in depth towards their
respective recesses so as to guide the flow of liquids into the
drainage holes. The channels improve the drainage and permeability
of the paving system by directing and enhancing the flow of liquid
towards the drainage holes. Further, while the top surfaces of the
paving blocks are generally envisioned as being "flat", i.e., with
no curvature, the paving blocks can instead have convex shaped top
surfaces that generally and gradually slope towards their
respective side surfaces and/or towards their recesses.
[0064] In use, any combination of a plurality of paving blocks 100,
200, 300, 400, 500, 600 can be positioned adjacent to one another
with abutting recesses. FIGS. 13A through 13C show a paving block
arrangement 1300 wherein abutting recesses create drainage holes 50
that allows liquid, such as rain water, to flow through and
dissipate into the ground. The drainage holes 50 have a top opening
52 and a bottom opening 54 created by the recesses, wherein the
bottom opening 54 has a larger area than the top opening 52.
Accordingly, each drainage hole 50 generally "flares out" as it
extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the paving
block.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the drainage holes 50 have a
rectangular shape and the top opening 52 has the dimensions "x" by
two-"w1" and the bottom opening 54 has the dimensions "x" by
two-"w2." In certain cases, w2 is at least two times w1. As such,
the paving blocks provide a relatively smaller top opening to
permit the entry of water into the drainage hole (without overly
impacting the integrity of the surface formed by the multiple
pavers) and then provide a relatively larger bottom opening to
increase the surface area of the exposed ground through which
liquid flowing into the chambers can be absorbed or dissipated.
[0066] Additionally, while the recesses and the drainage holes
formed thereby are substantially rectangular in shape, several
alternate geometric shapes and sizes are considered as within the
scope and spirit of the instant invention. For instance, the
recesses can be semi-circular so as to form circular drainage
holes. Also, the shapes of the top and the corresponding bottom
openings need not match. For instance, while the illustrated
embodiments show both openings 52, 54 having a rectangular shape,
the top opening 52 could be rectangular and the corresponding
bottom opening could be oval 54. In such a case, if the area of the
oval opening (bottom) is larger than the area of the rectangular
opening (top), the pavers provide a relatively larger surface of
the exposed ground to facilitate absorption or even pooling of the
liquid flowing through the corresponding top opening. A variety of
different designs are contemplated so long as the bottom opening 54
has a larger area than the top opening 52.
[0067] The paving blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 can be
arranged according to any desired combination. FIGS. 14 through 21
illustrate paving block arrangements 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800,
1900, 2000, 2100 according to certain embodiments. A wide variety
of designs and arrangements are possible. In some embodiments, as
shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, all of the blocks are identical. FIGS.
14-17 and FIGS. 20-21 also use blocks, some of which are identical
and others are not identical. The different blocks can have
different sizes and/or different designs. It is relatively easy to
align and abut recesses, regardless of the paving block size or
design, because the blocks all have side surfaces with a width that
is an integer multiple of the recess length "x." Also, as shown in
FIGS. 15, 19, 20 and 21, paving blocks having channels can be
positioned so that their channels abut one another to create an
impression of a "continuous" channel. Additionally, the paving
blocks arrangement can form large mosaics, such as mosaics 2200 and
2300 in FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively. Thus, any combination of a
plurality of paving blocks either with or without a design in the
top surface can be placed adjacent to one another to create an
aesthetically pleasant ground cover. It should be understood that
the designs and combinations shown are only exemplary and for
illustrative purposes only and, as such, should not be considered
as limiting the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed
herein.
[0068] Finally, paving blocks having an inverse embodiment are also
within the scope of the invention. Throughout this description,
several embodiments of paving blocks are described as having one or
more recesses in a side surface so that the side surfaces include
recess and recess-free sections. For each of these embodiments, it
is possible to inverse the recess and recess-free sections. For
example, FIGS. 24A and 24B show an inverse embodiment of the paving
block 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 24A, an inverse
paving block 2400 is provided having a substantially horizontal top
surface 2402 and a substantially horizontal bottom surface (not
shown). The paving block 2400 further comprises side surfaces 2404,
2406, 2408 and 2410 extending between the top surface 2402 and the
bottom surface of paving block 2400. Each side surface 2404, 2406,
2408, 2410 is the inverse of each side surface 104, 106, 108 and
110 of paving block 100. The side surface 2404 includes a
recess-free section 2440 in between recesses 2412, 2414, the side
surface 2406 includes a recess-free section 2442 in between
recesses 2416, 2418, the side surface 2408 includes a recess-free
section 2444 in between recesses 2420, 2422 and the side surface
2410 includes a recess-free section 2446 in between recesses 2424,
2426. FIG. 25 shows a paving block arrangement wherein inverse
paving blocks 2400 are positioned together. As shown, when the
recesses in this inverse arrangement are abutted together, they
form even larger drainage holes 50 in the shapes of an "x" or a
cross.
[0069] Various modifications and additions may be made to the
exemplary embodiments presented hereinabove without departing from
the scope and intent of the present invention. For example, while
the disclosed embodiments refer to particular features, the scope
of the instant invention is considered to also include embodiments
having different combinations of features different from and/or in
addition to those described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the
present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and variations as falling within the scope and
intent of the appended claims, including all equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *