Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Opaque stonelike module – Nonrectangular cross-section
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-19
2003-04-01
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Opaque stonelike module
Nonrectangular cross-section
C052S604000, C052S606000, C052S020000, C052S223700, C052S610000, C405S286000, C405S284000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06539684
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a concrete block structure particularly directed to the construction of stair or riser systems, such that the present block structure provides a horizontal planar ledge surface that can elevate and support other block or brick structures. The present block structure also provides a vertically extending decorative surface that allows for the construction of aesthetically pleasing stair structures, elevated walkways, decks, risers and the like.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The use of concrete blocks for the construction of walkways, interlocking planar surfaces and retaining wall systems is well known. There are many blocks that allow for the construction of horizontally extending surfaces, such as blocks or bricks used for walkways, patios, or other planar surfaces. For example, interlocking bricks of specific shapes are well known, and can be used to construct walkways or patios with decorative patterns. Similarly there are blocks in the prior art that allow for the construction of vertically extending walls or retaining wall systems. For example, concrete blocks that are constructed to interlock vertically are also well known, and have been used in the construction of retaining walls with vertical inclines. There are, however, no blocks in the prior art that allow for the construction of vertically elevated horizontal surfaces, so as to produce stair systems, elevated walkways and decks, and other riser systems. The present invention allows for the association of vertically extending blocks with horizontally extending blocks and results in the formation of risers, or elevated surfaces and steps. The design of the concrete block of the present invention addresses the need to create a stair system within a vertically extending surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
There are commercially available concrete blocks for the construction of vertically extending structures, such as brick walls and retaining wall systems with vertical inclines. Furthermore, there are also many commercially available concrete blocks for the construction of horizontally extending surfaces, such as walkways, interlocking planar surfaces and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,010 and corresponding Canadian Patent No. 2,012,286 issued to Robert Gravier Mar. 20, 1990 and Mar. 22, 1994 respectively, describe a concrete block for use in the construction of retaining wall systems with vertical inclines. U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,384 issued to Herwig Neurnann Feb. 26, 1980 teaches a concrete wall system directed to building slope-retaining walls for growing plants. In Canadian Patent Application No. 2,069,178 filed May 21, 1992 by Tony lacocca et al., there is disclosed a somewhat ‘z-shaped’ block for building retaining walls by superimposing rows of separate blocks upon each other. However, the prior art does not describe a concrete block structure that is adapted for the association of vertically extending surfaces with horizontally extending surfaces thereby resulting in the construction of secure, aesthetic concrete or brick elevated surfaces, such as stair systems or steps, riser systems for elevated walkways, decks and the like.
Although there are many variations in the prior art that propose variations in concrete blocks for the purpose of creating vertically or horizontally extending structures, there are no concrete block structures in the prior art that teach the specific concepts disclosed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a concrete block that provides a block unit for the association of vertical and horizontal block structures for the construction of stairs or step systems, or for the construction of vertically elevated horizontal surfaces or platforms. The block structure of the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal surfaces, and results in the construction of horizontally extending surfaces within a vertically extending decorative riser, wall, step, stair and the like.
The concrete block of the present invention includes a block structure with a vertically extending decorative surface that extends substantially above a rearwardly extending flat horizontal ledge which is adapted to receive and support additional bricks or blocks. The horizontal ledge portion receives and elevates additional bricks or blocks thereon, and the vertically extending decorative surface accommodates additional bricks or blocks therebehind. The horizontal ledge portion of the present invention extends rearwardly and is of an adequate elevation such that it can efficiently elevate additional bricks or blocks thereon. For example, a horizontal ledge that is too shallow or is insufficiently elevated will not serve as an adequate riser. Appropriately, the horizontal ledge of the block of the present invention must be of a significant elevation such that it can adequately serve as an efficient riser. Accordingly, in addition to providing an efficient riser, the horizontal ledge must also be of an elevation that is essentially shallower than the elevation of the vertically extending rim such that the vertically extending rim of the block of the present invention extends above the rearwardly extending horizontal surface resulting in aesthetically concealing or surrounding conventional bricks or blocks used in combination with the present invention for the construction of horizontally extending surfaces within a vertically extending structure. Therefore, the vertical rim surface of the block of the present invention extends substantially above the rearwardly extending horizontal ledge, so that conventional bricks or blocks supported by the horizontal ledge can be accommodated or concealed behind the vertically extending rim surface of the appropriate height, preferably such that the top surface of the supported bricks or blocks coincides with the level or height of the vertical extending surface of the block of the invention. In addition to providing a vertically extending surface, the outer face of the vertically extending surface can be decorated according to the builders preference such that risers, stairs or elevated step systems can be made aesthetically pleasing.
The horizontally extending portion of the present block structure includes a bottom surface suitable for placement onto a ground surface or foundation, or onto lower adjacent blocks used in the construction of stairs, steps, or riser systems. In accordance with the present invention, the horizontally extending portion of the present block structure includes a top surface suitable for supporting additional bricks placed thereon. The horizontally extending portion preferably has a top surface that is flat, however, this surface can be profiled to adapt to the blocks or bricks that it receives and supports thereon.
The block structure of the present invention resembles an “L-shaped member” such that the bottom horizontal portion can be placed onto the ground, or onto other lower blocks, or onto other supporting foundations. It is the horizontal portion of the present invention that provides an elevated horizontal planar ledge surface that receives, supports and vertically elevates other bricks or block structures placed thereon. The vertical rim surface extends normally to the horizontal body of the block structure thereby providing a decorative outer surface that encloses the elevated additional blocks therebehind. Furthermore, the outer surface of the vertically extending structure can be a flat, textured or decoratable surface that coordinates with the riser system being constructed.
In accordance with the present invention the vertically extending surface of the present block may embody an irregular shape. That is to say, although the vertically extending structure extends substantially above the rearwardly extending surface, the outer surface of the vertical structure may embody various shapes and textures. For example, the block may comprise a vertically extending surface whose outer face is an irregular, circular, geometric or angled st
Friedman Carl D.
Innovative Block Inc.
Katcheves Basil
Katten Muchin Zavis & Rosenman
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