The present invention relates to block wall systems and in particular dry wall systems.
International patent application no. PCT/AU99/00348 describes a dry wall block system in which blocks are joined end to end by keys and cavities and passages within and between the blocks are then grouted.
Whilst the system described by International patent application no. PCT/AU99/00348 has many advantages in some instances a modified keying system will provide additional advantages particularly for semi-skilled layers, and further advantages relating to alignment and stability of a wall during construction.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a keying system for a block wall to further enhance ease of erection and to provide with improved stability and alignment during the construction phases.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate key for engaging and aligning the ends of stacked building blocks, the key comprising:
The common web can include ramps which slope from the outer flanges towards the centre of the key and towards central portions of the web which are substantially perpendicular to the outer flanges.
The central flange can be braced with respect to the portions of the common web.
The outer flanges can be provided with a plurality of spaced tab projections
Inner portions of the common web can be provided with a plurality of spaced tab projections.
The common web can be apertured to reduce the material content of the key.
The ends of the key can be provided with end projections.
The central flange can taper towards the ends of the key.
The profile of the common web between the flanges on the longitudinal axis of the key can be characterised by a series of alternating grooves and ridges.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a block wall construction comprising a plurality of stacked cavity blocks having abutting ends joined by keys as aforesaid.
The wall can be reinforced by vertical and horizontal reinforcing bars.
Ends and intermediate walls of the blocks can be trough-shaped on their upper faces so that horizontal reinforcing bars can settle under their own weight at one or both sides of the keys.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate key for engaging and aligning the ends of stacked building blocks, the key comprising:
The key may incorporate the features of the key in accordance with the key of the first aspect of the invention.
Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With respect to the drawings, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate key generally indicated by arrow 1 for engaging and aligning the ends of stacked building blocks 2.
The keys 1 have a substantially rectilinear body, a pair of substantially parallel opposed outer flanges 3, a common web generally indicated by arrow 4 between the flanges, and includes a central flange 5 between the outer flanges 3.
The common web 4 may include ramps 6 which slope from the outer flanges towards the central longitudinal axis of the key and central portions 7 which are perpendicular to the outer flanges.
In the embodiment illustrated, the ramps 6 and central portions 7 are in rows.
Between the ramps 6 and central portions 7 strengthening ribs 8 are provided.
The central flange 5 can be braced with respect to the central portions 7 of the common web 4 by braces 9.
Spaces 10 between the ramps 6 and central portions 7 can be recessed and portions of the web towards the centre of the key may be apertured to reduce material content.
The outer flanges 3 and inward portions of the web 4 are provided with extending tabs 11.
Tabs 11a adjacent the outer flanges 3 are elongate and substantially rectilinear and tabs 11b positioned between the ramps 6 and central portions 7 are rectilinear and T-shaped as indicated by FIG. 1.
The ends of the key 1 can be provided with projections 12.
A typical block wall construction comprises a base course (not shown) and stacked blocks 2 in multiple courses having abutting ends.
Keys 1 are inserted in keyslots 14 as indicated and horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars 15, 16 can be positioned as illustrated. The methodology used to erect a wall is fully described and documented in available technical literature which can be accessed via www.smartmasonry.com.
Half depth keys are inserted in the keyslots 14 of adjacent blocks of an initial course and as courses of blocks are built up full length keys 1 are then inserted using a suitable impact tool. The keys 1 extend partially into keyslots 14 of the stacked rows of blocks.
The top surfaces of end and intermediate walls 17, 18 of the blocks can be trough-shaped so that horizontal reinforcing bars 15 can be set against the keys prior to grouting.
The keys 1 can be inserted in the keyslots 14 using an impact tool impacting on the projections 12 of the keys.
The tabs 11, 11a and 11b ensure that the keys 1 are positively engaged with the walls of the keyslots 14 in the blocks notwithstanding the fact that the keyslots may vary in size slightly from time to time as a result of wear in moulds used to manufacture the blocks.
Where a block is manufactured from a relatively new or reconditioned block, the tabs 11a and 11b will score the walls of the dovetail slot 14 as they are driven in. Where a block is manufactured from a relatively worn mould the tabs 11a and 11b will compensate for the wear and ensure the keys perform the required task of aligning the blocks.
As is illustrated by
There are a number of advantages of the present invention, including:
The preferred material from which the key lock may be formed is re-cycled plastics. The form of the key permits the key to be manufactured by injection moulding with a mould which parts on the midthickness of the key, which corresponds with the wall midthickness.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PS3295 | Jul 2002 | AU | national |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
510720 | Stewart, Jr. | Dec 1893 | A |
3640039 | McKee et al. | Feb 1972 | A |
3791090 | Kniefel | Feb 1974 | A |
4922678 | Scheiwiller | May 1990 | A |
5024035 | Hanson et al. | Jun 1991 | A |
6189282 | VanderWerf | Feb 2001 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2844067 | Apr 1970 | AU |
A-2048792 | Jan 1993 | AU |
1 534 501 | Dec 1978 | GB |
WO 8300717 | Mar 1983 | WO |
WO 9958783 | Nov 1999 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20040000116 A1 | Jan 2004 | US |