Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face... – Having integral key
Patent
1996-12-19
1998-08-04
Smith, Creighton
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face...
Having integral key
52578, 525911, E04B 208
Patent
active
057876690
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to building components for the construction of walls and other structures, and it more particularly relates to pre-formed modular building blocks for such structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of construction methods in which modular building components are used. Modular components are used in the construction of walls in particular, although they are also used in the construction of roofs or floors. Amongst the earliest examples of modular blocks were bricks of sun-dried clay or mud. These were followed in turn by shaped stone blocks, fired clay bricks and concrete blocks.
Although all of these elements are still in wide use today, they exhibit a variety of disadvantages including the fact that they are often heavy, brittle and of small size, all of which increase handling costs. Transport costs are also significant for such elements.
Furthermore, the constructions in which such elements are used are relatively prone to damage by earthquakes. In geographical areas such as New Zealand in which earthquakes are common, such constructions need to be reinforced by means of rods of reinforcing steel, or the like.
In addition, in constructions in which the bricks and other such elements are laid in horizontal courses, it is common for dampness problems to occur due to the fact that rain and moisture to which the construction is exposed is not easily able to drain away.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a modular building block having a novel form and in particular a novel means for helping to prevent the penetration of water past the outer face of a construction in which a number of the blocks are disposed side to side with other blocks to which they are joined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a building block comprising spaced apart first and second sides and spaced apart third and fourth sides which are disposed transversely to the first and second sides, the block being of the type which can be used to construct a structure in which a number of the blocks are disposed side to side with other blocks to which they are joined, characterised in that the block comprises therefrom away from the second side, therefrom away from the fourth side, inwardly therefrom towards the first side and being shaped complementally to the first flange, and inwardly therefrom towards the third side and being shaped complementally to the second flange.
In one form of the invention the first and second sides of the block are mutually parallel and the third and fourth sides are mutually parallel and are disposed at right angles to the third and fourth sides. The invention has particular application to a block in which the sides are of substantially equal length so that the sides are disposed in a substantially square configuration. Advantageously, the sides are also substantially flat.
According to an important aspect of the invention, the block is substantially symmetrical about an imaginary plane of symmetry which is located between the first and fourth sides and the third and second sides.
In one form of the invention the first flange intersects the second flange at a position located outwardly of a junction between the first side and the third side. Furthermore adjacent a junction between the first side and the fourth side, the first flange comprises a portion which spans the second recess and has an outer face in which an indentation is formed which is aligned with the second recess. And still further, adjacent ajunction between the second side and the third side, the second flange comprises a portion which spans the first recess and has an outer face in which an indentation is formed which is aligned with the first recess.
The block will usually have an outer wall extending between the first and second sides and between the third and fourth sides. In such a case the flanges advantageously comprise outer faces a portion of each of which is coplanar with an outer face of the block.
Th
REFERENCES:
patent: 752697 (1904-02-01), McCarrell
patent: 1379636 (1921-05-01), Lydon
patent: 1843024 (1932-01-01), Fetz
patent: 2649172 (1953-08-01), Allen
patent: 3987599 (1976-10-01), Hines
patent: 4095388 (1978-06-01), Breault
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