U.S. patent application number 16/482716 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for drainage blocks for dikes or urban settings.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill Innovations B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hill Innovations B.V.. Invention is credited to Hans Hill, Aroen Mughal.
Application Number | 20200378071 16/482716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005051174 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200378071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hill; Hans ; et al. |
December 3, 2020 |
Drainage blocks for dikes or urban settings
Abstract
A drainage block for dikes or urban settings and for use as a
road pavement is provided with drainage and water buffering
properties. The drainage blocks may be used in urban areas as
pavement, or fundament or substructure underneath a street layer
with porous/water passing pavement stones or clinkers with drainage
and water buffering properties. The drainage blocks comprise four
lateral faces, a base, and a single stem connecting the slab and
the base, which stem has a cross-sectional area that is smaller
than the cross-sectional areas of the slab and the base, thereby
forming a water buffering space between the slab and the base; and
wherein each of the four lateral faces of the slab comprises a
single spacing projection.
Inventors: |
Hill; Hans; (Rotterdam,
NL) ; Mughal; Aroen; (Rotterdam, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hill Innovations B.V. |
Rotterdam |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hill Innovations B.V.
Rotterdam
NL
|
Family ID: |
1000005051174 |
Appl. No.: |
16/482716 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
February 2, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL2018/050074 |
371 Date: |
August 1, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/10 20130101; E01C
2201/02 20130101; E01C 5/065 20130101; E01C 2201/202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 5/06 20060101
E01C005/06; E02B 3/10 20060101 E02B003/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2017 |
NL |
2018297 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A strip drainage block comprising a slab, a base, and a
plurality of stems, connecting the slab and the base, wherein each
stem has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the smallest
cross-sectional areas of the slab and the base, thereby forming a
hollow space between the slab and the base; and wherein the slab
and the base each comprise a first vertical longitudinal face, and
a second longitudinal face, opposite to the first longitudinal
face; and wherein the first longitudinal face comprises a plurality
of spacing projections.
28. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
second longitudinal face is flat.
29. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
second longitudinal face comprises a plurality of spacing
projections.
30. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
plurality of spacing projections are not aligned with the
stems.
31. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein each of
the plurality of stems has a circular, oval or rectangular
cross-section throughout its extension, the cross-section having a
maximum length, and wherein said maximum length is greater towards
the base and towards the slab, thereby defining a curved surface
between the slab and the base.
32. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein two of
the plurality of stems are outer stems and define two flat, lateral
ends of the block.
33. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
plurality of spacing projections define recesses along the slab and
the base, and wherein each of the plurality of spacing projections
has a length that is equal to, or smaller than, a maximum length of
the smallest cross-section of each of the plurality of stems.
34. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
block comprises concrete.
35. The strip drainage block according to claim 27, wherein the
plurality of stems comprises three stems.
36. A drainage block comprising: a slab having four lateral faces
for connecting to other blocks; a base; and a stem connecting the
slab and the base, the stem having a cross-sectional area that is
smaller than the smallest cross-sectional areas of the slab and the
base, thereby forming a hollow space between the slab and the base;
wherein each of the four lateral faces of the slab comprises a
spacing projection, so that when two blocks are arranged adjacent
to each other, the spacing projection of one lateral face of the
slab of the first block is in contact with the spacing projection
of one lateral face of the slab of the second block; thereby
forming a slab drainage opening between the two slabs on either
side of the contacting spacing projections.
37. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the spacing
projection on each lateral face of the slab defines two recesses on
the lateral face, wherein a plane defined along the surface of the
two recesses is parallel to a plane defined along the surface of
the spacing projection, so that when four blocks are connected
together in a substantially square arrangement, a slab drainage
opening with a substantially cross-shaped cross-section is formed
between said four blocks.
38. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the base has
four lateral faces and each of the four lateral faces of the base
comprises a spacing projection, so that when two blocks are
arranged adjacent to each other, the spacing projection of one
lateral face of the base of the first block is in contact with the
spacing projection of one lateral face of the base of the second
block; thereby forming a base drainage opening between the two
bases of the two blocks on either side of the contacting spacing
projections, and the spacing projection on each lateral face of the
base defines two recesses on the lateral face, wherein a plane
defined along the surface of the two recesses is parallel to a
plane defined along the surface of the spacing projection, so that
when four blocks are connected together in a substantially square
arrangement, a drainage opening with a substantially cross-shaped
cross-section is formed between said four blocks.
39. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the spacing
projections of the slab are aligned with the spacing projections of
the base.
40. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the stem has
a circular, oval or rectangular cross-section throughout its
extension, the cross-section having a maximum length, and wherein
said maximum length is greater towards the base and towards the
slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the
base.
41. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the block is
monolithical.
42. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the slab and
base have the same height.
43. The drainage block according to claim 36, wherein the base has
a peripheral groove which divides the base into an upper base
section and a lower base section.
44. The drainage block according to claim 43, wherein the upper
base section has four lateral faces and has a spacing projection on
two of the four lateral faces.
45. A method for manufacturing a drainage block or strip drainage
block, comprising: forming a drainage block or strip drainage block
using a mold, wherein the drainage block or strip drainage block
comprises a slab, a base, and a stem or a plurality of stems,
connecting the slab and the base, wherein each stem has a
cross-sectional area that is smaller than the smallest
cross-sectional areas of the slab and the base, thereby forming a
hollow space between the slab and the base; and wherein the slab
and the stem each comprise a first vertical longitudinal face, and
a second longitudinal face, opposite to the first longitudinal
face; and wherein at least the first longitudinal face comprises a
plurality of spacing projections.
46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the drainage block or
strip drainage block is formed by adjoining two half blocks, the
half blocks being formed by using molds.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to drainage blocks, and in
particular to drainage blocks for use in urban settings. Further,
the present invention also relates to a drainage block for use in
dikes.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A drainage block is known from publication US2012/0255624A1,
which discloses a drainage body comprising a base unit and a top
unit. The base unit and the top unit are connected via frustoconic
or frustopyramidal spacers. However, such drainage blocks are not
suitable for use as pavement in an urban setting, as the top unit
is formed as a hollow mesh containing many openings, which openings
pose a hazard for pedestrians and cyclists and other users of a
pavement in an urban setting. Further, partly due to said openings,
such blocks do not meet government regulations for pavements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a drainage block for
dikes as a road pavement with drainage and water buffering
properties. The present invention also seeks to provide drainage
blocks that can be used in urban areas as pavement with drainage
and water buffering properties.
[0004] According to an embodiment of the invention, a drainage
block is provided for use on dikes or in urban settings comprising
four lateral faces, a base, and a single stem connecting the slab
and the base, which stem has a cross-sectional area that is smaller
than the smallest or minimum cross-sectional areas of the slab and
the base, thereby forming a water buffering space between the slab
and the base; and wherein each of the four lateral faces of the
slab comprises a single spacing projection. The terms smallest and
minimum are used interchangeably herein. Cross-sectional areas as
referred herein refer to areas contained in a horizontal plane(s)
perpendicular to a central longtudinal axis of the block. A central
longitudinal axis refers herein to a central axis along the longest
dimension of the block.
[0005] The spacing projections may be configured in any number of
ways, for example, a single spacing projection may comprise
multiple subprojections. Preferably the spacing projection has a
surface that lies on a plane that is parallel to a plane along the
surface of the lateral face, so that when two blocks are arranged
adjacent to each other, the single spacing projection of one
lateral face of the slab of the first block is in contact with the
single spacing projection of one lateral face of the slab of the
second block. The result is that a slab drainage opening is formed
between the two slabs of the two blocks, on either side of the
contacting spacing projections. Such draining gaps on either side
of the spacing projections have a substantially longitudinal
cross-section. The hollow space between the slab and the base is
intended for receiving surface water and buffering water by slowly
releasing it into the ground or for redirecting the received
surface water. By surface water it is meant herein any fluid
resulting or coming from rainfall or waves from bodies of water
(whether natural or manmade).
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage block may have a
height between 20 cm to 60 cm. The water buffering capacity of the
drainage block as described above may range from 0.10
m.sup.3/m.sup.2 (or 100 liter/m.sup.2) for the 20 cm block, to 0.42
m.sup.3/m.sup.2 (or 420 liter/m.sup.2) for the 60 com block. Each
of these dimensions, and the water buffering capacity, may be
smaller or greater, without departing from the scope of the
invention. The hollow spaces between the drainage blocks are large
enough to be inspected and cleaned by commonly used sewer
inspecting and cleaning devices.
[0007] In an embodiment, the single spacing projection on each
lateral face of the slab forms or defines two recesses on the
lateral face, wherein a plane defined along the surface of the two
recesses is parallel to a plane defined along the surface of the
spacing projection, so that when four blocks are connnected
together in a substantially square arrangement, a slab drainage
opening with a substantially cross-shaped cross-section is formed
between said four blocks. The recesses are formed by those portions
of the lateral surface which do not contain a spacing projection.
The dimensions of the drainage space (or gaps) is such that
pedestrian and cycling traffic may safely transit atop the slabs
when the block is used as pavement in urban settings.
[0008] In an embodiment, the spacing projections have a depth or
thickness with respect to the recesses (or portions of the lateral
faces which do not contain the spacing projections). The depth or
thickness is such that, when blocks are adjoined adjacent each
other, drainage gaps are formed which are of a size sufficient to
drain a required volume within a certain time span. In an exemplary
embodiment, the spacing projections have a depth or width of 4 mm
and the drainage gap formed by two adjoining spacing projections is
8 mm. This advantageously allows for drainage to occur, while
keeping the size of the spacing such that pedestrian and cycling
traffic (and other types of traffic) may transit safely atop the
slabs without hazard.
[0009] In an embodiment, the base has four lateral faces and each
of the four lateral faces of the base comprises a single spacing
projection, so that when two blocks are arranged adjacent to each
other, the single spacing projection of one lateral face of the
base of the first block is in contact with the single spacing
projection of one lateral face of the base of the second block;
thereby forming a base drainage opening on either side of the
contacting spacing projections. The single spacing projection on
each lateral face of the base defines two recesses on the lateral
face, wherein a plane defined along the surface of the two recesses
is parallel to a plane defined along the surface of the spacing
projection, so that when four blocks are connnected together in a
substantially square arrangement, a drainage opening with a
substantially cross-shaped cross-section is formed between said
four blocks.
[0010] The spacing projections preferably have a length equal to
the length of the lateral faces. The length of a spacing projection
may be, for example, 25% or 50% of the length of the lateral
face.
[0011] In an embodiment, the spacing projections of the slab are
aligned with the spacing projections of the base. That is, the
surface of the spacing projections of the slab and the surface of
the spacing projections of the base are contained in the same
plane. This facilitates drainage of the fluid, as the draining
openings formed by the slabs are aligned with the drainage openings
formed by the bases.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the spacing projections on the
slab do not coincide or are not aligned with the spacing
projections on the base. For example, the spacing projections may
be intercalated with respect to the stems. This is advantageous for
an application of the block in which it would be desirable to
increase the buffering function or capacity, as the fluid needs to
flow through a greater distance from the slab area in order to
reach the drainage gaps formed by the bases.
[0013] In an embodiment, the stem has a circular cross-section
(defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its
central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, and its
maximum length is greater towards the slab and towards the base,
thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and the base.
The cross-sectional maximum length in the case of a stem with a
circular cross-section is equivalent to the diameter. This
advantageously allows for a smoother flow of the fluid passing
through the block, as the smooth curve shape of the buffering space
reduces turbulence. The curved shape also benefits from the surface
tension effect so as to guide the fluid downwards from the slab
draining spaces to the base draining spaces.
[0014] In an embodiment, the stem has an oval cross-section
(defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its
central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, which
cross-section has a maximum length, and wherein said maximum length
is greater towards the slab and towards the base, thereby defining
a curved surface between the slab and the base. An oval
cross-section advantageously provides greater and sufficient
support, particularly if the block is manufactured as a half block,
as it provides more body in the stem.
[0015] In an embodiment, the stem has a rectangular cross-section
(defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its
central longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, which
cross-section has a maximum length, and wherein said maximum length
is greater towards the slab and towards the base, thereby defining
a curved surface between the slab and the base. A
rectangular-shaped cross-section advantageously allows for a block
or half-block that is easier to manufacture as well as being more
cost-effective.
[0016] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter or the
cross-sectional maximum length of the stem is greatest towards the
slab. This allows the drainage block to accommodate more tension
due to traffic loads when used in urban areas. Additionally or
alternatively, the cross-section of the stem is smaller towards the
base (as small as possible), in order to provide space for
inspection and/or cleaning devices.
[0017] In an embodiment, the block is monolithical. That is, the
entire block is manufactured as a monolithical element. This may be
achieved by using a mold. A monolithical or integrally-formed block
is advantageous as it reduces assembly time on an area or terrain
to be covered or paved with the blocks. By monolithic it is meant
herein a block that is formed of a single piece of material.
[0018] In another embodiment, the slab and the base have the same
height. The height of the slab and base may be, for example, 40 cm
or 45 cm. The slab and base may have a different thickness, for
example, the slab may have a height of 45 cm, while the base may
have a height of 40 cm. Such an embodiment would be particularly
suited to urban settings, which are not subject to waves and wave
forces, as the resistance provided by the block need not be so
high. A block characterized by having a base and a slab of
substantially equal weight is sufficiently stable in an urban
setting.
[0019] In an embodiment, the base has a greater height than the
slab. This advantageously provides for a block with increased
resistance, particularly suited for use on dikes or any other areas
which may be exposed to waves and wave forces. It is also
advantageous when more resistance to displacement is needed in view
of inclination or slope of the terrain.
[0020] In an embodiment, the base has a peripheral groove which
divides the base into an upper base section and a lower base
section. This groove advantageously increases the fixation of the
blocks, when filled with small rubble stone. Such an embodiment
would be particularly suited for use in dikes. The subsections are
not fully separate from each other.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the upper base section (as formed
by the peripheral groove) has a spacing projection, which may have
the same height as the upper subsection. This advantageously
facilitates assembly of the blocks in an area to be covered as it
functions as an indication of alignment between the blocks, and
further assists the spacing created by the spacing projections
provided on the slabs, in particular if the upper base spacing
projection(s) has the same depth as the spacing projection(s) of
the slab.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, a strip
drainage block is provided comprising a slab, a base, and a
plurality of stems connecting said slab and base, wherein each of
the plurality of stems has a cross-sectional area that is smaller
than the smallest or minimum cross-sectional areas of the slab and
the base, wherein the slab and the base each comprise two
longitudinal faces, each comprising a plurality of spacing
projections. Such a block is advantageous as the larger dimensions
facilitate faster assembly or pavement of an area. The plurality of
stems comprise any number of stems, for example, it may comprise at
least two stems. Alternatively, the plurality of stems may comprise
at least three stems. Preferably, the plurality of stems may
comprise at least four to five stems. This advantageously reduces
the time required for assembly of a drainage block pavement. In
particular, a block (or half block) with five, or at least five,
stems is stronger and is easier to manufacture.
[0023] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of stems of the
strip drainage block has a circular cross-section (cross-section
herein is defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s)
perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis) throughout its
extension, and the diameter is greater towards the base and towards
the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and
the base. This advantageously allows for a smoother flow of the
fluid passing through the block, as the smooth curve shape of the
buffering space reduces turbulence. The curved shape also benefits
from the surface tension effect so as to guide the fluid downwards
from the slab draining spaces to the base draining spaces.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of stems
of the strip drainage block has an oval cross-section
(cross-section herein defined as contained in a horizontal plane(s)
perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis) throughout its
extension, the oval cross-section having a maximum length, and
wherein said maximum length is greater towards the base and towards
the slab, thereby defining a curved surface between the slab and
the base. A curved shape directs the loads, which are applied on
the slab, in an effective way. This is because the pressures on the
block are distributed in a way that as much as material can be
saved, while maintaining material in the areas where the pressures
are higher.
[0025] In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of stems has
a rectangular cross-section (cross-section herein is defined as
contained in a horizontal plane(s) perpendicular to its central
longitudinal axis) throughout its extension, the rectangular
cross-section having a maximum length, and wherein the maximum
length is greater towards the base and towards the slab, thereby
defining a curved surface between the slab and the base. A curved
shape directs the loads, which are applied on the slab, in an
effective way. This is because the pressures on the block are
distributed in a way that as much as material can be saved, while
maintaining material in the areas where the pressures are
higher.
[0026] In a further embodiment, two of the plurality of stems are
outer stems defining two flat, lateral ends of the block, which
outer stems comprise a semi-circular, a semi-oval, or a
half-rectangle cross-section (depending on the type of strip
drainage block as disclosed above as defined by the cross-sectional
area of the plurality of stems). By semi-circular and semi-oval
cross-section it is meant herein a half-circle cross-section and a
half-oval cross-section. By half-rectangle cross-section it is
meant herein that the outer stem cross-sectional area is
substantially half of the cross-section area of a stem that is not
an outer stem.
[0027] If the block is provided in two parts (i.e. two half
blocks), the corresponding outer stem will have a wedge-shaped
cross-section (corresponding to half of a half-circle), or a
quarter oval cross-section, or a quarter-rectangle cross-section,
depending on the type of strip drainage block (as defined by the
cross-sectional area of the plurality of stems). The lateral ends
of a drainage block comprising external stems are characterized by
flat surfaces which provide a surface for connecting an adjoining a
strip drainage block. The lateral ends are preferably flat so that
a more stable connection is achieved between two adjoining strip
drainage blocks.
[0028] In an embodiment, the plurality of spacing projections
define recesses along the slab and the base. The term recesses is
used herein to refer to those portions of the slab and base which
do not contain a spacing projection, that is, those portions are
recessed with respect to the spacing projections. Each of the
plurality of spacing projections may have a length that is equal
to, or smaller than, the diameter or maximum length of the smallest
cross-section of each of the plurality of stems. Alternatively or
additionally, each of the plurality of spacing projections may have
a length that is defined as a ratio of the length of the
longitudinal faces of base and slab, for example, each spacing
projection may have a length that is 15% of the length of the
longitudinal faces of the slab or base. Each of the plurality of
spacing projections may have a depth (or thickness) of, for
example, 3 mm, with respect to said recesses on the base and slab.
The depth or thickness may be larger or smaller depending on the
desired size of the drainage gap or spacing. A larger gap increases
the drainage rate.
[0029] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spacing
projections is aligned with one of the plurality of stems.
Alternatively, the spacing projections may be arranged so that they
are not aligned with the stems. For example, they may be
intercalated with the stems. The number of spacing projections may
relate to the number of stems, for example there are preferably two
spacing projections per stem in a strip drainage block provided as
whole, and one spacing projection per stem in a strip drainage
block provided as a half block. This provides adequate ability to
space adjoining blocks.
[0030] In an embodiment, the drainage blocks according to the
invention are made of concrete, including geopolymer concrete.
Manufacturing the blocks (and half-blocks) out of concrete makes
for a stronger block, and in particular makes for a block that can
be used as pavement without the need for a top or cover layer (such
as drainage sand or other such top layers). When the drainage
blocks are used as a fundament/substructure they can be covered
with a much less thick top or cover layer than would be necessary
in the case of the known blocks, because of the strength of the
block according to the invention. Other materials for making the
blocks and half-blocks may also be used, such as baked clay or
plastics.
[0031] In a preferable embodiment, the drainage blocks are
comprised of two half blocks each comprising a half slab, a half
stem, and a half base, and one flat surface, and wherein the half
blocks are arranged adjacent to each other along their respective
flat surfaces, so that the half blocks are symmetrical with respect
to a central longitudinal plane of the drainage block. In this
manner, one whole drainage block is formed by joining two half
drainage blocks. By joining it is meant herein two half blocks
being arranged next to each other, along their flat surfaces,
either with or without an adhesive such as cement. Preferably, the
half blocks are adjoined without the use of adhesives.
[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for
manufacturing drainage blocks according to the above description is
provided, comprising the step of forming the drainage block using a
mold. This facilitates manufacturing of the blocks. A mold would
thus be provided conforming to the physical and dimensional aspects
described herein, which mold is filled with the material of choice
for forming the drainage block.
[0033] In a further embodiment, the drainage block is formed by
adjoining (as defined above) two half blocks, the half blocks being
formed by using molds.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0034] The present invention will be discussed in more detail
below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which
[0035] FIGS. 1A-1C show several views of a drainage block according
to an aspect of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of a plurality of drainage
blocks according to an aspect of the invention.
[0037] FIGS. 3A-3C show several views of a drainage block according
to another aspect of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of a plurality of drainage
blocks according to the invention.
[0039] FIGS. 5A-5B show several views of a strip drainage block
according an aspect of the invention.
[0040] FIGS. 6A-6B show several views of a strip drainage block
according to the invention.
[0041] FIGS. 7A-7B show several views of a strip drainage block
according to another aspect of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 8A-8B show several views of a strip drainage block
according to another aspect of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0043] FIG. 1A shows an axonometric view of a drainage block 100
according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a slab 102,
a single stem 104, and a base 106. FIG. 1B shows a side view of the
drainage block 100. FIG. 1C shows another side view with a
cross-section II-II. A cross-section of the stem. The block 100 has
a height H1. The slab 102 has a height H2, and the base 106 has a
height H3. In the depicted embodiment, the slab and the base have
the same height (that is, H2=H3). The stem 104 has a semi-oval
cross section characterized by a length D and a width R, with D
being greater than R. The semi-oval cross-section increases from a
substantially central area towards both the base 106 and the slab
102, but the increase is greater towards the slab 102.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement 200 of a plurality of blocks
100. As can be seen in the figure, adjoining four blocks 100 in a
substantially square arrangement results in the creation of a
substantially cross-shaped drainage gap or spacing 202. The blocks
are adjoined such that the spacing projections of one block are
adjacent to the spacing projections of a further block. In this
case, the spacing projections of both the base and the slab of one
block adjoin respective spacing projections of the base and the
slab of a further block.
[0045] FIG. 3A shows an axonometric view of a block 300 for use in
a dike. The block 300 comprises a slab 302, a single stem 304, and
a base 306. The base 306 is divided into an upper base section 306a
and a lower base section 306b by a peripheral groove 308. The upper
base section 306a has a spacing projection 310 on two of its four
faces.
[0046] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the block 300. FIG. 3C shows
another side view with cross-section along a plane II-II. The block
300 has a spacing projection 310 on two faces of the four faces of
the upper base section 306a. The block 300 has a height H5 and the
slab has a height H6. The base has a height H7, the upper base
section has a height H7a, and the lower base section has a height
H7b. The stem has a height H8. The peripheral groove has a height
H9 and a depth D. The stem 304 is symmetrical with respect to a
central horizontal plane, increasing in size equally from a central
area towards the slab 302 and towards the base 306.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of a plurality of blocks 300. As
can be seen in the figure, adjoining four blocks 300 in a
substantially square arrangement results in the creation of a
substantially cross-shaped drainage gap or spacing 402 formed by
the spacing projections of the slabs. The blocks are adjoined such
that the spacing projections of one block are adjacent to the
spacing projections of a further block. In this case, the base of
each block only has two spacing projections 310, arranged on
opposing faces of the upper base sections 306a.
[0048] FIG. 5A shows a strip drainage half block 500 according to
an embodiment of the invention. The block 500 comprises four spaced
stems 506 arranged between a slab 502 and a base 504. The base and
the slab have spacing projections 510 and 512, respectively, which
are aligned with the stems 506. The slab has two longitudinal faces
502 and the base has two longitudinal faces 504. FIG. 5B shows the
other side of the block 500. The block 500 has a height HS1 and a
length LS1.
[0049] FIG. 6A shows a strip drainage half block 600 with a slab
606 and a base 608, each with two longitudinal faces, 614 and 616,
respectively. A plurality of stems 603 are arranged between the
slab 606 and the base 608. In this embodiment, the strip block has
two outer stems 604a, b, and has two flat, lateral ends 602. The
slab 606 has spacing projections 612 and the base 608 has spacing
projections 610, along one of their respective longitudinal faces.
FIG. 6B shows the other side of the strip half block 600.
[0050] FIG. 7A shows a strip drainage block 700, with a base 706
and a slab 702. A plurality of stems 704 are arranged between the
slab 702 and the base 706. The slab has two longitudinal faces 712
and the base has two longitudinal faces 714. A plurality of spacing
projections 710 and 708 are arranged along said longitudinal faces.
FIG. 7B shows the other side of the block 700.
[0051] FIG. 8A shows a strip drainage block 800, with a base 806
and a slab 802. A total of five stems 804 are arranged between the
slab 802 and the base 806. The slab has two longitudinal faces 812
and the base has two longitudinal faces 814. A plurality of spacing
projections 810 and 808 are arranged along said longitudinal faces.
FIG. 8B shows the other side of the block 800.
[0052] The present invention has been described above with
reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the
drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some
parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of
protection as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *