Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face... – Having integral key
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-12
2001-07-03
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face...
Having integral key
C052S604000, C052S607000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253519
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to construction, and more particularly to construction modules for the building of walls and other structures.
2. Background Information
Using building blocks or construction modules to construct structures is an old art dating back to the time before the building of the Great Pyramids. In modern times, the use of such modules is frequently used to construct both buildings and walls, among other types of other structures. One common type of construction module is referred to in the trade as a “cinder block.” These cinder blocks are typically rectangular in shape, having hollow centers. These blocks are typically stacked upward, in a staggered effect and bonded together through the use of mortar. Examples of such a building method can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,567 (Greenberg), showing a masonry fence system.
Another example of such a construction module is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,050 (Long). The Long module is a self-aligning and interlocking module.
Also shown in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,987 (Calvin) showing interlocking brick or building block and walls constructed therefrom. The Calvin blocks have flat top and bottom faces which abut adjoining top and bottom faces.
Problems with the prior art blocks include the requirement for the use of mortar to properly place the blocks. It is this mortar that holds the blocks together. Such type of attachment to one another is time consuming and does not result in the strength requirements for certain applications.
Another disadvantage of the old methods is the failure to include integral channels and reliefs allowing for electrical and plumbing lines to be run closely and flushly against the wall. The present invention solves these problems.
Additional, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description as follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a construction module in the general form of a right rectangular parallelepiped having a pair of side faces, a pair of end faces, a top face and a bottom face. The top face has latitudinal grooves and the bottom face has latitudinal tangs. These tangs and grooves are able to cooperate when the modules are either stacked or staggered, thereby interlocking the modules together. The tops and bottoms also have inner and outer shoulders which further cooperate to hold the stacked or staggered construction modules together.
Attachment together can be further helped through use of a bonding means applied between adjacent blocks. It is preferred that the blocks will further comprise channels for holding quantities of bonding means, thereby assisting in such attachment.
Vertical channels exist through the centers of the blocks and half vertical channels exist on the ends. In such an arrangement, when two blocks are butted next to one another, the two half channels ends form a single channel which aligns with other stacked ends, or with center channels of other blocks stacked in a staggered fashion there above. These joints and channels are able to receive attachment means such as rebar or bonding means such as concrete, or other items. It is also envisioned that through the various faces of the modules will be channels for receiving junction boxes, electrical lines, plumbing lines, and other devices.
Blocks can be held together through attachment means. The inside channels or channeled blocks may further comprise ledges for assisting in the attachment means and attaching stacked and staggered blocks together.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
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Cuomo Peter M.
Dykas Frank J.
Nipper Stephen M.
Shaver Robert L.
White Rodney B.
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