Hydraulic and earth engineering – Earth treatment or control – Shoring – bracing – or cave-in prevention
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-14
2001-05-15
Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3673)
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Earth treatment or control
Shoring, bracing, or cave-in prevention
C405S284000, C052S604000, C052S592100, C052S592600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231272
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to construction blocks and, more particularly, to the use of such blocks to build retaining walls, embankment stabilizing matrixes, planters, ponds for aquatic plants, waterway protection walls, and similar structures.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are numerous construction blocks and retaining wall systems in the prior art. See, for example, the patents to Risi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,075 and Moore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,269,125. A problem with prior construction blocks and structures built therefrom is that the blocks tend to be unduly complex, in many cases requiring heavy capacity lifting equipment to handle them. The blocks often are more expensive to manufacture than desired. Furthermore, prior art blocks often can be used to build only one type of structure, for example, a retaining wall.
Desirably, a construction block would be available that would be simple in design, capable of being handled by one person, and usable to construct a wide variety of structures. Preferably, any such structure could be assembled easily without the need for mortar to hold the blocks together. In addition, any such construction block and resulting structures desirably would be attractive so that their use for residential or architectural purposes would be encouraged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In response to the forgoing concerns, the present invention provides a new and improved construction block from which various structures can be made. In order to construct a wide variety of structures, several different forms of the construction block are provided.
The most basic construction block according to the invention is a generally C-shaped member that, when assembled with two other blocks, forms a hexagonal cell with sides of 30 inches. Each block includes an elongate center section approximately 30 inches in length from which a pair of 15-inch wings extend at an included angle of 120 degrees. The upper surface of the center section and the wings is provided with a groove, while a tongue projects from the lower portion of the center section and the wings. Accordingly, the blocks can be stacked atop each other and shifting will be prevented by the interaction of the tongues and grooves. Small openings are provided in the end faces of the wings so that dowels can be inserted therein as a further aid to prevent relative movement between adjacent blocks.
Other construction blocks according to the invention include a generally Z-shaped block with an elongate center section having one wing extending from one end of the center section at an included angle of 120 degrees and with a second wing extending from the other end of the center section, on the opposite side of the center section, at an included angle of 120 degrees the other way. A third construction block according to the invention is substantially identical to the second-described block, but with the wings reversed to form generally an S-shape. A fourth variation of the construction block according to the invention employs only an elongate center section with notched end faces. The notches are cut at 30 degrees and 60 degrees from the centerline of the center section. This block will lock into the previously described C-shaped block to allow offset vertical stacking.
By using construction blocks according to the invention, a variety of sturdy, inexpensive structures can be built by only one or two workers. The blocks can be assembled easily without the need for mortar to hold the blocks together. The basic hexagonal cell can be used to make planters or small ponds for aquatic plants. Retention walls, either vertical or terraced, can be created by using different ones of the construction blocks to fit the landscape at hand. Freestanding walls of various shapes also can be built. The walls can be used as lake or river bank liners or temporary levies to control flooding. The blocks also can be used to quickly construct an inexpensive, sturdy, culvert retention wall.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims that follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Lillis Eileen D.
Pechhold Alexander K.
Rankin, Hill Porter & Clark LLP
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