U.S. patent application number 14/156989 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for masonry units and structures formed therefrom.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rupert Heron. Invention is credited to Rupert Heron.
Application Number | 20140196392 14/156989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51164081 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heron; Rupert |
July 17, 2014 |
MASONRY UNITS AND STRUCTURES FORMED THEREFROM
Abstract
A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a
rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The
front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein
configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing
material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly
from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the
base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill
material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base
configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed
reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the
sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the
sidewalls.
Inventors: |
Heron; Rupert; (Westbury,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Heron; Rupert |
Westbury |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51164081 |
Appl. No.: |
14/156989 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61753050 |
Jan 16, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/293.2 ;
428/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/40 20130101; Y10T
428/24174 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/293.2 ;
428/119 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/00 20060101
E04B005/00 |
Claims
1. A masonry unit for constructing built structures, the masonry
unit comprising: a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and
a rear edge, the front edge and the rear edge each including a
recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically
disposed reinforcing material; a pair of spaced apart sidewalls
extending perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the
base, the sidewalls and the base together defining a cavity
configured for disposal of a fill material; and a pair of spaced
apart bridges supported on the base configured for disposal of
lengths of horizontally disposed reinforcing materials, the bridges
extending transversely between the sidewalls and each having a
height less than a height of the sidewalls.
2. The masonry unit according to claim 1, wherein the recesses have
a semi-circular profile.
3. The masonry unit according to claim 1, wherein a first bridge of
the pair of spaced apart bridges is adjacent a first recess of the
recesses and a second bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges is
adjacent a second recess of the recesses.
4. The masonry unit according to claim 3, wherein the first recess
occupies an entire area defined between the sidewalls, the first
bridge, and the front edge, and the second recess occupies an
entire area defined between the sidewalls, the second bridge, and
the rear edge.
5. The masonry unit according to claim 1, wherein each sidewall
includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surfaces
being disposed in parallel relation to one another and the inner
surfaces being angled relative to one another.
6. The masonry unit according to claim 1, wherein each bridge has
an upper surface that defines a pair of spaced apart grooves each
configured for disposal of reinforcing material.
7. The masonry unit according to claim 6, wherein the spaced apart
grooves have a semi-circular configuration.
8. A masonry structure, comprising: a plurality of masonry units,
each masonry unit including: a rectangular shaped base having a
front edge and a rear edge, the front edge and the rear edge each
including a recess formed therein; a pair of spaced apart sidewalls
extending perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the
base, the sidewalls and the base together defining a cavity
configured for disposal of a fill material; and a pair of spaced
apart bridges supported on the base, the bridges extending
transversely between the sidewalls and each having a height less
than a height of the sidewalls, wherein the masonry units are
disposed adjacent to one another such that the front and rear edges
of adjacent masonry units are in abutting engagement and form an
enclosed passageway defined by the recesses of two adjacent masonry
units; a plurality of first reinforcing bars arranged in parallel
to one another to form a cage, the cage being supported by the
bridges of the masonry units and disposed in the cavities of the
masonry units; and at least one second reinforcing bar disposed in
the enclosed passageway of two adjacent masonry units.
9. The masonry structure according to claim 8, wherein the
plurality of first reinforcing bars and the at least one second
reinforcing bar are perpendicular to one another.
10. The masonry structure according to claim 8, wherein the cage
includes a plurality of box-like straps that surrounds the
plurality of first reinforcing bars.
11. The masonry structure according to claim 10, wherein the cage
includes a plurality of hooks connecting each first reinforcing bar
of the plurality of first reinforcing bars to the straps.
12. The masonry structure according to claim 11, further comprising
a plurality of stacked rows of cinder blocks forming at least one
wall, wherein the plurality of masonry units cap the at least one
wall such that the enclosed passageway of each pair of adjacent
masonry units is in coaxial alignment with holes of the cinder
blocks.
13. The masonry structure according to claim 8, wherein the
recesses of each masonry unit has a semi-circular profile.
14. The masonry structure according to claim 8, wherein a first
bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges of each masonry unit is
adjacent a first recess of the recesses of each masonry unit and a
second bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges of each masonry
unit is adjacent a second recess of the recesses of each masonry
unit.
15. The masonry structure according to claim 14, wherein the first
recess of each masonry unit occupies an entire area defined between
the sidewalls, the first bridge, and the front edge of each masonry
unit, and the second recess of each masonry unit occupies an entire
area defined between the sidewalls, the second bridge, and the rear
edge of each masonry unit.
16. The masonry structure according to claim 8, wherein the bridges
of each masonry unit have an upper surface that defines a pair of
spaced apart grooves each configured for disposal of one of the
plurality of first reinforcing bars.
17. The masonry structure according to claim 16, wherein the spaced
apart grooves of the bridges of each masonry unit have a
semi-circular configuration.
18. A concrete building block for constructing built structures,
the concrete building block comprising: a rectangular shaped base
having a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge and the rear
edge each including a recess formed therein configured for disposal
of a vertically disposed reinforcing bar, each recess having a
semi-circular profile; a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending
perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base, the
sidewalls and the base together defining a cavity configured for
disposal of a fill material; and a pair of spaced apart
trapezoidal-shaped bridges supported on the base and configured for
disposal of lengths of horizontally disposed reinforcing bars, the
bridges extending transversely between the sidewalls and each
having a height less than a height of the sidewalls.
19. The concrete building block according to claim 18, wherein a
first bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges is adjacent a
first recess of the recesses and a second bridge of the pair of
spaced apart bridges is adjacent a second recess of the
recesses.
20. The concrete building block according to claim 18, wherein each
bridge has an upper surface that defines a pair of spaced apart
grooves each configured for disposal of one of the horizontally
disposed reinforcing bars.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/753,050, filed
on Jan. 16, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to masonry units and
structures formed therefrom, and more particularly, to building
blocks and systems capable of accommodating a belting or cage
arrangement in the construction of buildings, structures or the
like.
BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
[0003] Masonry units are made of various suitable materials, such
as, for example, concrete, to form generally rectangular shaped
blocks that can be stacked on top of one another to act as a
building material for various load-bearing structures. Concrete
masonry units are usually reinforced with rebar to provide the
structure greater resistance to lateral forces. Concrete masonry
units, however, rely heavily on mortar joints to join individual
units to one another. Accordingly, it is desired to have masonry
units or concrete blocks that are capable of forming a structure
with enhanced strength and stability compared to that provided by
concrete masonry units in the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0004] In an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
masonry unit for constructing built structures is provided. The
masonry unit includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge
and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a
recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically
disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls
extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the
base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity
configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart
bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths
of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend
transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than
a height of the sidewalls.
[0005] In embodiments, the recesses may have a semi-circular
profile. In further embodiments, a first bridge of the pair of
spaced apart bridges may be adjacent a first recess of the recesses
and a second bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges may be
adjacent a second recess of the recesses. It is contemplated that
the first recess may occupy an entire area defined between the
sidewalls, the first bridge, and the front edge, and the second
recess may occupy an entire area defined between the sidewalls, the
second bridge, and the rear edge.
[0006] In some embodiments, each sidewall may include an outer
surface and an inner surface. The outer surfaces may be disposed in
parallel relation to one another and the inner surfaces may be
angled relative to one another.
[0007] It is envisioned that each bridge may have an upper surface
that defines a pair of spaced apart grooves each configured for
disposal of reinforcing material. The spaced apart grooves may have
a semi-circular configuration.
[0008] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present
disclosure, a masonry structure is provided. The masonry structure
includes a plurality of masonry units. Each masonry unit includes a
rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The
front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein.
A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extend perpendicularly from the
base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base
together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill
material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base.
The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each has
a height less than a height of the sidewalls. The masonry units are
disposed adjacent to one another such that the front and rear edges
of adjacent masonry units are in abutting engagement and form an
enclosed passageway defined by the recesses of two adjacent masonry
units. A plurality of first reinforcing bars are arranged in
parallel to one another to form a cage. The cage is supported by
the bridges of the masonry units and is disposed in the cavities of
the masonry units. The masonry structure further includes at least
one second reinforcing bar disposed in the enclosed passageway of
two adjacent masonry units.
[0009] In embodiments, the plurality of first reinforcing bars and
the at least one second reinforcing bar may be perpendicular to one
another. The cage may include a plurality of box-like straps that
surrounds the plurality of first reinforcing bars. The cage may
include a plurality of hooks connecting each first reinforcing bar
of the plurality of first reinforcing bars to the straps.
[0010] It is contemplated that the masonry structure may further
include a plurality of stacked rows of cinder blocks forming at
least one wall. The plurality of masonry units cap the at least one
wall such that the enclosed passageway of each pair of adjacent
masonry units may be in coaxial alignment with holes of the cinder
blocks.
[0011] In some aspects, the recesses of each masonry unit may have
a semi-circular profile.
[0012] In further embodiments, a first bridge of the pair of spaced
apart bridges of each masonry unit may be adjacent a first recess
of the recesses of each masonry unit and a second bridge of the
pair of spaced apart bridges of each masonry unit may be adjacent a
second recess of the recesses of each masonry unit. The first
recess of each masonry unit may occupy an entire area defined
between the sidewalls, the first bridge, and the front edge of each
masonry unit. The second recess of each masonry unit may occupy an
entire area defined between the sidewalls, the second bridge, and
the rear edge of each masonry unit.
[0013] It is envisioned that the bridges of each masonry unit may
have an upper surface that defines a pair of spaced apart grooves
each configured for disposal of one of the plurality of first
reinforcing bars. The spaced apart grooves of the bridges of each
masonry unit may have a semi-circular configuration.
[0014] In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present
disclosure, a concrete building block for constructing built
structures is provided. The concrete building block includes a
rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The
front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein
configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing bar.
Each recess has a semi-circular profile. The concrete building
block further includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending
perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The
sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for
disposal of a fill material. The concrete building block further
includes a pair of spaced apart trapezoidal-shaped bridges
supported on the base and configured for disposal of lengths of
horizontally disposed reinforcing bars. The bridges extend
transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than
a height of the sidewalls.
[0015] In embodiments, a first bridge of the pair of spaced apart
bridges may be adjacent a first recess of the recesses. A second
bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges may be adjacent a second
recess of the recesses.
[0016] In further embodiments, each bridge may have an upper
surface that defines a pair of spaced apart grooves each configured
for disposal of one of the horizontally disposed reinforcing
bars.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the present disclosure may be clearly
understood, preferred embodiments thereof will be described below
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building block according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top, plan view of the building block of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front, elevational view of the building block of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the building block of
FIGS. 1-3, as taken through 4-4 of FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail
of FIG. 3, illustrating and end of building block according to
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of a partial construction
of a wall or structure including a plurality of building blocks of
FIGS. 1-5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the partial
construction of the wall or structure of FIG. 6; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a partial wall construction,
constructed in accordance with the building blocks and methods of
the present disclosure.
[0026] As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are
understood to include relative configurations that are
substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about
+ or -10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-4 there
is shown a full masonry unit, such as, for example, a building
block, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
and is generally designated as building block 100.
[0028] As seen in FIGS. 1-4, building block 100 includes a base 102
defining a pair of opposed, parallel side edges 104, 106, a front
edge 108 and a rear edge 110. Base 102 of building block 100 is
substantially rectangular having a length "L" (e.g., about 151/2
inches) and a width "W" (e.g., about 71/2 inches).
[0029] Building block 100 includes a pair of spaced apart side
walls 112, 114 extending from respective side edges 104, 106 of
base 102. Each side wall 112, 114 has a height "H" (e.g., e.g.,
about 71/2 inches) and terminates in an upper edge or surface 112a,
114a. Each wall 112, 114 extends substantially orthogonally from
base 102. Each wall 112, 114 includes a respective inner surface
112b, 114b, wherein inner surfaces 112b, 114b are angles with
respect to base 102 so as to extend towards one another from
respective upper surfaces 112a, 114a toward base 102. In other
words, each wall 112, 114 includes a respective outer surface 112c,
114c extending substantially orthogonally to base 102 and being
substantially parallel to one another, and respective inner
surfaces 112c, 114c that are angled with respect to respective
outer surfaces 112c, 114c and which extend toward one another from
respective upper surfaces 112a, 114a toward base 102. As so
configured, a channel or cavity 120 is defined within building
block 100.
[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, building block 100
includes at least a first bridge 126 supported on or extending from
base 102 and extending transversely between inner surface 112b of
side wall 112 and inner surface 114b of side wall 114, and a second
bridge 128 supported on or extending from base 102 and extending
transversely between inner surface 112b of side wall 112 and inner
surface 114b of side wall 114. Bridges 126, 128 may have a
trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, bridges 126, 128 can be
variously configured, such as, for example, concave, undulating,
scalloped, squared, uniform, non-uniform and/or tapered. Each
bridge 126, 128 defines a respective upper edge or surface 126a,
128a having a height "h" above base 102. Height "h" of bridges 126,
128 is less than height "H" of building block 100, wherein upper
surfaces 126a, 128a of bridges 126, 128 are disposed below upper
surfaces 112a, 114a of side walls 112, 114. For example, bridges
126, 128 may have a height "h" of about 1-4 inches above an upper
surface of base 102.
[0031] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, bridges 126, 128 are spaced a
distance "d" from respective front edge 108 and rear edge 110 of
base 102. For example, bridges 126, 128 may be spaced a distance
"d" of about 1-4 inches from respective front edge 108 and rear
edge 110 of base 102.
[0032] In accordance with the present disclosure, each of bridges
126, 128 may include a pair of spaced apart grooves 127a, 127b
(shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 5) defined in upper surfaces 126a,
128a, respectively. Grooves 127a, 127b are configured for disposal
of reinforcing material "R1." Grooves 127a, 127b may have a
semi-circular configuration such that reinforcing material "R1" can
be slidingly disposed in grooves 127a, 127b.
[0033] As so configured, bridges 126, 128 may support lengths of
first reinforcing material "R1" (e.g., bars, rebar, pipes, tubes,
etc.) thereon, in a horizontal orientation, wherein first
reinforcing material or bars "R1" are located within channel or
cavity 120 of building block 100 between side walls 112, 114. In
this manner, first reinforcing bars "R1" are raised above a top
surface of base 102 when first reinforcing bars "R1" are located or
disposed within channel or cavity 120.
[0034] While a pair of bridges 126, 128 are shown and provided, in
accordance with the present disclosure, additional bridges (shown
in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 4) may be provided between bridges 126,
128.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, building block 100 includes a
cut-out or recess 122a, 122b formed in each of respective front
edge 108 and rear edge 110 of base 102. In particular, each recess
122a, 122b is located between side walls 112 and 114, and extends
completely through base 102. In embodiments, recesses 122a, 122b
may extend into respective front edge 108 and rear edge 110 of base
102 up to respective bridges 126, 128. Each recess 122a, 122b may
have a substantially semi-circular profile or footprint. While
building block 100 is shown and described as including a cut-out or
recess 122a, 122b formed in each side of base 102, it is
contemplated and envisioned that building block 100 may include
only one cut-out or recess formed in one edge of base 102, either
front edge 108 or rear edge 110.
[0036] In an embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, recesses 122a, 122b may
constitute the entire area defined between side walls 112, 114,
respective bridges 126, 128, and respective front edge 108 or rear
edge 110.
[0037] In use, when building blocks 100 are placed adjacent to one
another such that a front edge 108 of a first building block 100
abuts or is adjacent a second edge 110 of a second building block
100, recess 122a of first building block 100 is adjacent recess
122b of second building block. In this manner, as seen in FIGS.
1-4, lengths of second reinforcing material "R2" (e.g., bars,
rebar, pipes, tubes, etc.) may be disposed within combined recess
122a/122b, in a vertical orientation, wherein second reinforcing
bar "R2" is located between adjacent building blocks 100.
[0038] As seen in FIGS. 3-7, a plurality of reinforcing bars "R1"
are arranged in parallel to one another in the configuration of a
box or cage "C", with a plurality of rigid square or box-like belts
or straps "S" surrounding the plurality of reinforcing bars "R1"
making up cage "C", and with a tie of hook "T" connecting each
reinforcing bar "R1" to a respective inner corner of strap "S".
With cage "C" formed in this manner, cage "C" is placed in cavity
120 of building blocks 100 such that a first pair of reinforcing
bars "R1" are disposed atop bridges 126, 128, and a second pair of
reinforcing bars "R1" are disposed a distance upwardly from bridges
126, 128.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, when constructing a
masonry structure "St" (i.e., wall or the like) with building
blocks 100, a plurality of cages "C" may be laid, in a horizontal
orientation, into cavities 120 of building blocks 100, along at
least a portion, preferably an entire length, of the structure
"St". If cages "C" extend completely around a perimeter of the
structure "St", cages "C" may substantially define a belt or the
like around the structure "St". It is contemplated that instead of
using a plurality of cages "C," one cage "C" can be used. In some
embodiments, one cage "C" can be bent to form a belt or the like
and disposed into cavities 120 of building blocks 100.
[0040] Also, when constructing the structure "St" with building
blocks 100, multiple second reinforcing materials "R2" may be
inserted, in a vertical orientation, into combined recess or
enclosed passageway 122a/122b between adjacent building blocks 100,
all along at least a portion, preferably an entire height, of the
structure "St". In use, if second reinforcing materials "R2" are
used in combination with cages "C", cages "C" and second
reinforcing materials "R2" may substantially define an overall cage
structure or the like for structure "St".
[0041] In use, following a laying of each row of building blocks
100, and a placement of cages "C" in the cavities 120 thereof, the
cavities 120 may be filled with fill material "F", including and
not limited to uncured flowable concrete, sand, gravel, dirt,
stone, crushed concrete or the like, and any combinations thereof.
Since cages "C" are supported on bridges 126, 128, the uncured
flowable concrete may completely surround and envelope first
reinforcing materials "R1" of cages "C".
[0042] Due to the relative dimensions and sizes of reinforcing
materials "R1", "R2" and cages "C", lengths of bridges 126, 128,
and widths of recesses 122a, 122b, in accordance with the present
disclosure, it is contemplated that reinforcing materials "R1",
"R2" and cages "C" may be positioned any where along the length of
bridges 126, 128, or the width of recesses 122a, 122b. It is
further contemplated that multiple reinforcing materials "R1", "R2"
may be used at desired or needed locations of structure "St".
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 8, in a construction or structure "St",
a plurality of rows of cinder blocks 200 are stacked in accordance
with known construction techniques to create at least one wall
(here, a pair of walls "W1," "W2"). In accordance with the present
disclosure, a row of building blocks 100 are disposed atop walls
"W1," "W2" to cap walls "W1," "W2". In accordance with the present
disclosure, recess 122a/(122b not shown) of building blocks 100
align with the holes or passages 202 of under lying cinder blocks
200. As so arranged, reinforcing material "R2" (i.e., rebar) in
inserted into walls "W1, W2" so as to extend through recess
122a/(122b not shown) of building blocks 100 and holes or passages
202 of under lying cinder blocks 200. Additionally, fill material
"F" may be used to fill cavities 120 of the upper row of building
blocks 100, as well as to flow down into recess 122a/(122b not
shown) of building blocks 100 and holes or passages 202 of under
lying cinder blocks 200.
[0044] The use of rebar "R2" and fill material "F" in a vertical
column adds strength and rigidity to the walls "W1, W2" of
structure "St".
[0045] In accordance with the present disclosure, it is
contemplated that any row of cinder blocks 200 of structure "St"
may be replaced with a row of building blocks 100 of the present
disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned and contemplated that
each row of building blocks 100 may include a cage "C" supported
therein and then the respective cavity 120 filled with fill
material "F".
[0046] In accordance with the present disclosure, and without
limiting the present application, building blocks 100 may be
fabricated from any curable, castable and/or moldable cementitious
material, such as, for example, concrete, cement, cement/polymer
mixtures, concrete mixed with polystyrene, recycles concrete (RCA),
crushed concrete, wood, clay, ceramics, aluminum, steel, rubber,
etc. and combinations thereof.
[0047] Consideration must be given to the fact that although
present disclosure has been shown, described, and disclosed in
relation to certain preferred embodiments, obvious equivalent
modifications and alterations thereof will become apparent to one
of ordinary skill in this art upon reading and understanding this
specification and the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, the
presently disclosed invention is intended to cover all such
modifications and alterations, and is limited only by the scope of
the claims which follow.
* * * * *