Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Opaque stonelike module – Particularly related to adjacent module
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-09
2001-05-22
Kent, Christopher T. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Opaque stonelike module
Particularly related to adjacent module
C052S102000, C052S592600, C052S608000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233897
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of construction, in building or retaining blocks, more particularly, blocks utilized in landscaping applications.
This field encompasses plants surrounds, lawn edges, interlocking concrete pavers edges, flower beds and the like. The current invention is designed to be part of a system comprised of a number of identical one-piece units accomplishing all of the above applications, while interlocking with each other without the utilization of any additional materials or components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The concept of using blocks, or other elements for retaining soil, or other landscaping applications, is known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,587, issued to Waltz, provides for irregularly shaped landscaping blocks which have holes provided through extending portions, so that an additional element may be extended through the blocks, holding them in place. U.S. Pat. No. 1,634,357, issued to Himmelright, discloses a refractory block wherein one block has a pair of nubs, or protrusions on one side, and a corresponding set of indentations on the other side of the block. A similar concept is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,195, issued to Sease, which likewise discloses a pair of protrusions on one side of the block with a pair of corresponding indentations on the opposing side. U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,034, issued to Dueck, also discloses a retaining block utilizing extensions, or nubs, as a connecting feature. Documentation of Adam Sehring & Söhne, a German manufacturer, discloses a retaining wall block element which requires the use of a fastening device which is not inherent within the retaining wall block element itself.
There are many products which are utilized as landscaping blocks. None, however, incorporate the particular features of the instant invention. The Waltz patent, and similar applications, also lack the ability to make angles of 90° or greater and demand the use of additional pieces or pins to provide interlock, or the use of a “cap block” to give the project a finished look, as, often, unless two different types of blocks are used, the upper level of the block, without the “cap block,” would show the perforations or indentation used to interlock the blocks. Other known uses include smaller retaining wall blocks which comprise a one-piece system, but do not have the ability to interlock with each other and have to be cut to produce corners. There is no previously known system utilizing a singular unit only, which provides interlock, allows up to 180° exterior angles in a landscaping project perimeter and which may be easily produced on a conventional block or paver-producing machine. In addition to blocks, timbers and treated 2×4's, among other materials, have been utilized as landscaping blocks for edges and surrounds, as well as for flower planters and the like. Such wood products have to be cut in length and fastened mechanically. They are subject to decay and deterioration as well. Conventional clay bricks and concrete blocks have also been used, but provide no interlockings or horizontal or vertical fastenings, which allows for movement between the elements. Small retaining wall blocks may solve the vertical interlock problem, but do not address the horizontal interlock. Small retaining wall blocks also require cutting to make corners and many need pins to interlock and a cap to finish the top to provide the appearance of a smooth unitary surface. Others may require multiple pieces for interlock. Poured-in-place concrete has also been used, but requires more excavating, needs finishing after placement, is prone to cracking, and cannot be transported in units.
The ideal solution for a landscape block would require only one piece, provide interlock both horizontally and vertically, be able to be installed making angles up to 180°, be useful for planters, edges, surrounds and steps, be able to be produced with minimal labor on a conventional block machine, be easily made and packaged, be easy to install and long-lasting, all the while requiring very little modifications to complete a project. While a number of products currently being used as landscaping blocks may fill one or more of these requirements, none, save the present invention, fulfills all of them. The Waltz patent and other similar applications require multiple pieces and do not allow for corners of 90° or more and are difficult if not impossible to fabricate on conventional block machines. The invention disclosed by Dueck, and other similar inventions, requires modification to make square corners and angles of 45° or more, and most require cap blocks to finish the product. Conventional bricks and blocks, as stated, do not provide any type of interlock, allowing for excessive movement. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a landscaping block which is comprised of a singular unitary piece, can provide interlock both vertically and horizontally, which can be made on the conventional block machine, which can be utilized to form landscaping structures including angles of up to 180°, which may provide positive interlock and which interlock may permit rotation from the point of interlock or may not.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to provision of a landscaping block which will permit functional and aesthetic landscape designs, and ease of installation, replacement and modification. It was disclosed in a provisional application entitled “Box Blocks,” filed Jan. 9, 1997.
More specifically, this invention is directed to provision of a homogeneous landscape block which may be used in combination with other like blocks, only, to provide landscaping structures.
An additional feature of the invention is to provide a landscaping block which, without the need for additional components, may interlock on both a horizontal, and a vertical, basis in landscaping structures.
According to an important feature of the invention, the landscaping block has at least one generally planar surface which, in landscaping applications would either the directed downward, or upward. This planar surface, additionally, contains a protrusion and an indentation which correspond in size with each other so that the protrusion of one block and the corresponding indentation of another block may be readily joined together in a male/female relationship. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the protrusion is in the form of an extended, truncated cone, and the indentation is in the form of an indented truncated cone. However, broadly considered, the protrusion and corresponding male/female indentation would be in any corresponding geometric shapes which permit interlock in a male/female relationship.
According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, the block is generally longer than it is wide, and the protrusion and corresponding indentations are located along a line generally bisecting the planar surface in a lengthwise manner.
According to a further feature of the invention, the block has a first and a second generally planar surface, the first containing the above-mentioned protrusion and corresponding indentation.
According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, the protrusion and corresponding indentation are each centered on a line bisecting the block lengthwise and are further located so that the protrusion is centered on one half of the length of the block and the corresponding indentation is centered in the other one half of the length of the block.
According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of blocks may be utilized to create structures in generally circular, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or other geometric forms, and to provide structures which close and structures which do not close.
According to a further feature of the block, the block is scored, or grooved, between the protrusion and indentation, to provide a means to divide the block into two separate sections for utilization in structure construction.
According to a further featu
Bishop Douglas S.
Kent Christopher T.
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