Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Opaque stonelike module – Particularly related to adjacent module
Patent
1995-02-07
1997-09-16
Smith, Creighton
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Opaque stonelike module
Particularly related to adjacent module
52424, 405286, 446128, E04B 504
Patent
active
056667779
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a building block having interlocking formations, to a corner block for use with such a building block and to a construction comprising two or more such blocks in interlocking engagement or one such building block in interlocking engagement with a corner block.
In the past it has been known to provide a building block comprising a rectangular parallelepiped having three pairs of opposing surfaces in which one of the pairs of opposing surfaces is provided with complimentary interengaging formations while the remaining pairs of opposing surfaces remain substantially planer. An example of one such arrangement is provided in GB-A-2,075,571 which describes a brick suitable for constructing a wall or the like having a major surface which includes, spaced from the edge of the brick, two upraised projections and an opposite major surface which includes, spaced from the edges of the brick, two corresponding recesses, the projections and recesses being arranged so that two identical bricks may be placed end to end with their projections uppermost and a third identical brick placed on top of the other two with one of its recesses accommodating one projection from one of said two bricks and one of its recesses accomodating one projection from the other of said two bricks thereby interlocking the bricks.
A further example of this kind of arrangement is provided in GB-A-2,185,276 in which there is described a generally rectangular interlocking building block having complimentary projections and recesses on opposite of its major surfaces, the projections being provided by ribs arranged to form at least one upstanding cruciform shape.
One of the problems with building blocks of this type however is that in order to erect a construction, such as a vertical wall, the blocks must be arranged in one of the limited number of orientations in which their major surfaces are substantially horizontal. This limits not only the design of any contructions incorporating the blocks but also slows down the actual laying process since each block must first be correctly orientated before then being placed in engagement with those already in position.
In a different field it has been known to provide a paving block having a pair of opposed, parallel, substantially planer surfaces but with side walls and end walls contoured to provide an interengagement with adjacent blocks when laid on a surface. An example of one such arrangement is provided in GB-B-2,120,699 which describes a paving block in which at least one of the parallel surfaces is patterned in relief in a geometrical manner related to the side and end contours of the block and in such a manner that the pattern on one block integrates with the pattern on blocks laid adjacent to the one block.
Another example of this kind of arrangement is provided in GB-A-2,134,561.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a building block capable of interlocking engagement with another such building block in an increased number of desired orientations.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building block comprising a rectangular parallelpiped having three pairs of opposing surfaces, each pair of opposing surfaces being provided with one or more identical pairs of interlocking formations, whereby two such building blocks may be arranged with one of a pair of opposing surfaces of a first of the blocks in interlocking engagement with one of any of the three pairs of opposing surfaces of the other of the blocks.
Advantageously the formations provided on one of the surfaces of each pair of opposing surfaces may be spaced apart to the same extent as those provided on the corresponding surface of the other two pairs of opposing surfaces.
Advantageously each of the formations may be symetric about a rotation of 90.degree..
Advantageously each of the formations may comprise a square matrix of projecting and recessed elements. Preferably the projecting and recessed elements may each be in the form of a square based pyramid.
Advantage
REFERENCES:
patent: 4614071 (1986-09-01), Sams et al.
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