FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a precast concrete building element and structure constructed from such element. In particular, this invention relates to a dual faced retaining element which has been designed so that either face can be used in the design of the construction of retaining walls, wherein one face of the wall element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the wall element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the wall element. Through use of such a design, wall constructions which have an inside or outside angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible. The element can also be used in the design of the construction of a variety of other projects and structures, including foundations, posts and other configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Retaining wall blocks and walls, for example, are used in various landscaping projects and are generally available in a wide variety of styles. There are numerous methods and materials which exist for the construction of retaining blocks and walls, and such methods can include the use of natural stone, poured concrete, precast panels and masonry. Many of these blocks, such as that described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,475, have been developed with configurations having essentially the same outside surface, that is a rectangular block. A standard cement block is rectangular in shape and has two openings with a solid web transversing between the two openings. However, use of these types of blocks for the construction of retaining wall structures are generally not aesthetically appealing.
Presently, when rectangular cement blocks are used to fabricate walls, the aesthetics of the wall leave much to be desired, in that essentially only a straight linear wall with a vertical surface is created. Generally, only 90 degree corners can be used if a turn in the wall is required. Other walls of various angles can be constructed only by cutting the corners of the rectangular block to match the desired angle. However, this technique is very time consuming in that it requires a skilled mason to cut each and every block at the desired angle.
More recently, segmental concrete retaining wall units, which include dry stacked individual blocks, have become widely accepted in the construction of retaining walls. Retaining walls made from these types of blocks or units can be structurally sound, easy and relatively inexpensive to install, and couple the durability of concrete with the attractiveness of various architectural finishes available for the concrete blocks. Currently, many commercially available blocks are symmetrical and include parallel front and back faces and non-parallel, converging side surfaces. The converging side surfaces allow the blocks to be stacked and form a predictable pattern for the retaining wall. However these types of blocks do not provide for a unique appearance and configuration with respect to the corners incorporated into the retaining wall.
Accordingly, there is a need for a retaining wall element and system wherein the face of the retaining wall, and the corners incorporated into the retaining wall, have a more attractive, unique appearance and variable configuration than that available in conventional wall constructions. The present invention satisfies this need and provides these benefits. In addition, the element described in the present invention can be used in the design of the construction of a variety of other projects and structures, including foundations and posts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a dual faced building element designed so that either face of the element can be used in the design of the construction of retaining walls and other structures such as foundations, posts and other configurations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dual faced building element wherein one face of the element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the element, whereby through use of such a design, constructions which have an internal angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible through manipulating various arrangements of elements with adjacent elements.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building element for use in the construction of elevated structures comprising front and rear faces; a channel formed internally on an underside of the element; first and second sides; and first, second, third, and fourth diagonal sides, wherein the front and rear faces are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first and second sides are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the first side, the second one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the second side, the third one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the first side, and the fourth one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the second side.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building element for use in the construction of elevated structures comprising eight sides forming a substantially octagonal shape; a channel formed internally on an underside of the element; and a protrusion projecting from a top surface of the element, the protrusion being dimensioned slightly narrower than a width of the channel and being capable of insertion into a channel of another element, so as to secure the elements together.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a building element for use in the construction of elevated structures comprising: a front face comprising first and second halved portions, each of the halved portions being substantially part octagonal in shape; a substantially planar rear face which extends substantially the length of the first and second halved portions; first and second sides; a channel formed internally on an underside of each of the halved portions of the element; and a protrusion projecting from a top surface of each of the halved portions of the element, the protrusion being dimensioned slightly narrower than the width of the channel and being capable of insertion into the channel of another wall element so as to secure the elements together.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a building element for use in the construction of elevated structures comprising front and rear faces; a channel formed internally on an underside of the element; a protrusion projecting from a top surface of the element, the protrusion being dimensioned slightly narrower than the width of the channel and being capable of insertion into the channel of another element, so as to secure the elements together; first and second sides; and first, second, third, and fourth diagonal sides, wherein the front and rear faces are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first and second sides are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the first side, the second one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the second side, the third one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the first side, and the fourth one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the second side.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided an elevated structure comprising a plurality of mutually juxtaposed and interconnected building elements as defined herein.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling an elevated structure in which the structure comprises a plurality of selectively juxtaposed and interconnected building elements, the method comprising the steps of providing a first building element, having front and rear faces; a channel formed internally on an underside of the element; first and second sides; and first, second, third, and fourth diagonal sides, wherein the front and rear faces are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first and second sides are disposed approximately parallel to each other, the first one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the first side, the second one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the front face and the second side, the third one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the first side, and the fourth one of the diagonal sides being disposed between the rear face and the second side; and, the method including the steps of positioning the first building element adjacent to one or a plurality of other building elements along one or more diagonal sides, and providing a plurality of internal corner angles formed by the face of the first building element and an adjacent face of one or a plurality of other building elements, and marshalling arrangements of a plurality of building elements with adjacent building elements along one or more diagonal sides, and positioning a protrusion projecting from a top surface of a building element, being dimensioned slightly narrower than a width of the channel and being capable of insertion into the channel of another building element, and inserting the protrusion into the channel of another building element, and securing the interconnection between the protrusion and the channel of the building elements, and arranging a plurality of building elements by securing the protrusion of one or more building elements into the channel of one or more building elements, and thereafter positioning a plurality of building elements along a plurality of adjacent diagonal sides, channels and protrusions, thus providing an elevated structure formed of the elements.
In the method described above, the corner angles are commonly formed at 45, 90 and 135 degrees respectively.
The building element of the present invention is designed so that either face of the element can be used in the design of the construction of structures, such as retaining walls, wherein one face of the element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the element. In a construction of this type, essentially, one face of the element does not complete the octagon, rather a flat surface extends the length of the two halves. The primary advantage of this design lies in its versatility. A user may arrange the stone in a variety of fashions which result in a wide ranging finished product, such as a complete wall. Through various configurations of such a design, arrangements of elements to form wall constructions which have an inside or outside corner angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible. The element can also be used in the design of the construction of a variety of other projects and structures, including posts and foundations.
Preferably, the element is made of precast concrete. In addition, each element has a singular groove or channel running horizontally across a substantial area of the bottom surface of the element, and which is internally formed on an underside of the element. Preferably, the vertical height of this groove or channel within the element extends internally to accommodate the entire vertical height of the protrusion. It is possible, however, that a shallower internal channel or groove may also be used. It is also possible that multiple grooves or channels can be formed on the underside of each element, the grooves or channels substantially corresponding in shape with the protrusions formed on the top surface of each element. The grooves or channels in each element can be internally located beneath each protrusion, whereby each protrusion from one element may be interlocked with a corresponding channel of another element placed thereon.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are two protrusions formed on a top surface of each element. Preferably, these protrusions are round and button shaped, however, other configurations and shapes can be utilized as well. The protrusions are designed to allow each element to lock or connect into the groove or channel on the underside of another element placed thereon. In this manner, building elements comprising the elevated structure can be stacked straight up in forming a complete elevated structure, and increases the strength and durability of the structure.
When completing a wall construction utilizing the building elements of the present invention, it is preferable, in constructing the top surface of the wall, to utilize a further embodiment of the retaining element of the present invention, which does not possess any protrusions on a top surface portion of the element (a “capping” element) so as to provide a substantially planar top surface for the structure.
Though generally speaking it is preferable for an elevated structure constructed with the elements of the present invention to feature full size elements wherein one face provides the dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, nevertheless, in a further embodiment of the present invention a “half” element may also be used in designing the elevated structure and giving it a unique appearance. The entire outer periphery of the “half” element comprises an octagonal shape, and possesses a channel formed internally on an underside of the element, with a corresponding singular protrusion also projecting from a top surface of the element. By utilizing a “half” element in constructing an elevated structure, in combination with the regular sized element of the present invention, it is possible to place singular “half elements” on top of a singular protrusion of a regular sized element at staggered, spaced intervals in the elevated structure construction. When, in assembling the elevated structure, full sized elements of the present invention are then further locked or connected on the protrusion of the “half” element, the result is an elevated structure construction which, depending upon the interval between placement of the “half elements”, can provide for gaps in the outer surface of the structure, which enables an aesthetically appealing, unique configuration.
In a further embodiment, in constructing the top surface of the elevated structure, the “half” element can be configured to not possess any protrusions on a top surface portion thereof, so as to provide a “capping element” to enable the top portion of the elevated structure to have a substantially planar surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a full size retaining wall element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates the wall element being provided with protrusions on a top surface thereof;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a half size version of the retaining wall element of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a full size retaining wall element of the present invention, which illustrates the wall element being provided without protrusions on a top surface thereof;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a half size version of the retaining wall element of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5
a is a top view of the retaining wall element of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5
b is a bottom view of the retaining wall element of FIG. 1:
FIG. 6 is a side view of the retaining wall element of FIGS. 1, 5a and 5b, showing an internally formed channel is located within the wall element;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes an embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 90 degree internal corner is formed by two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall element of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 135 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 9 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall element of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 45 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 10 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining walls elements of the present invention, wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 90 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 11 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 135 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 12 is a top view of a corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape, and a 45 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements;
FIG. 13 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a single face construction;
FIG. 14 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a single face, single offset construction;
FIG. 15 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a single face, double offset construction;
FIG. 16 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face construction;
FIG. 17 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, single offset construction;
FIG. 18 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, double offset construction;
FIG. 19 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features an alternate face construction; and
FIG. 20 is a top view of a retaining wall construction which utilizes a further embodiment of the retaining wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, half staggered construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a retaining wall unit of the present invention. The retaining wall element (1) comprises a front side (3) for each of the first (7) and second halved (9) portions. A substantially planar rear side (5) extends a total length of the first (7) and second halved (9) portions. The retaining wall element also possesses a left side (4) and a right side (6). A channel (not shown) is also formed internally on an underside of each of the halved portions (7,9) of the wall element (1), and a protrusion (11) projects from a top surface of each of the halved portions (7,9) of the wall element (1). Each of the halved portions (7,9) further comprise first and second diagonal sides, the first diagonal side (13) of the first halved portion (7) being disposed between the front side (3) and the left side (4), and the first diagonal side (15) of the second halved portion (9) also being disposed between the front side (3) and the left side (4), and extending to a mid-point (10) on the wall element (1), which is recessed back from the front side (3) of the element (1). A second diagonal side (17) of the first halved portion (7) is disposed between the front side (3) and the right side (6), whereby the second diagonal side (17) of the first halved portion (7) intersects the first diagonal side (15) of the second halved portion (9) at the mid-point (10) on the wall element (1) which is recessed back from the front side (3) of the element and the second diagonal side (19) of the second halved portion (9) is also disposed between the front side (3) and the right side (6). The halved portions (7,9) further comprise third (21) and fourth diagonal sides (23), the third diagonal side (21) being disposed between the rear side (5) and the left side (4) of the first halved portion (7), and a fourth diagonal side (23) being disposed between the rear side (5) and the right side (6) of the second halved portion (9).
Referring to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention, namely a “half” size version of the retaining wall element of FIG. 1. The retaining wall “half” element (24) comprises a protrusion (11) projecting from a top surface of the element, front (25) and rear sides (27) disposed approximately parallel one to another, and left (29) and right sides (31) disposed approximately parallel one to another. Also provided are a first diagonal side (33) disposed between the front side (25) and the left side (29), a second diagonal side (35) disposed between the front side (25) and the right side (31), a third diagonal side (37) disposed between the rear side (27) and the left side (29), and a fourth diagonal side (39) disposed between the rear side (27) and the right side (31). Also provided is a channel (not shown), which is formed internally on an underside of the element (24).
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a perspective view of a further embodiment of the retaining wall element of the present invention, which illustrates the wall element being provided without protrusions on a top surface thereof, as a “capping” element, so as to provide a substantially planar surface for the top portion of a wall being constructed. The retaining wall element (1) comprises a front side (3) for each of the first (7) and second halved (9) portions. A rear side (5) extends a total length of the first (7) and second halved (9) portions. The retaining wall unit also possesses a left side (4) and a right side (6). A channel (not shown) is also formed internally on an underside of each of the halved portions (7,9) of the wall element (1). Each of the halved portions (7,9) further comprise first and second diagonal sides, the first diagonal side (13) of the first halved portion (7) being disposed between the front side (3) and the left side (4), and the first diagonal side (15) of the second halved portion (9) also being disposed between the front side (3) and the left side (4), and extending to a mid-point (10) on the wall element (1), which is recessed back from the front side (3) of the element (1). A second diagonal side (17) of the first halved portion (7) is disposed between the front side (3) and the right side (6), whereby the second diagonal side (17) of the first halved portion (7) intersects the first diagonal side (15) of the second halved portion (9) at the mid-point (10) on the wall element (1), which is recessed back from the front side (3) of the element (1), and the second diagonal side (19) of the second halved portion (9) is also disposed between the front side (3) and the right side (6). As with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the halved portions (7,9) further comprise third (21) and fourth diagonal sides (23), the third diagonal side (21) being disposed between the rear side (5) and the left side (4) of the first halved portion (7), and a fourth diagonal side (23) being disposed between the rear side (5) and the right side (6) of the second halved portion (9).
Referring to FIG. 4, this figure illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention, namely a “half” size version of the retaining wall element of FIG. 3. The retaining wall “half” element (41) comprises front (25) and rear sides (27) disposed approximately parallel one to another, and left (29) and right sides (31) disposed approximately parallel one to another. Also provided are a first diagonal side (33) disposed between the front side (25) and the left side (29), a second diagonal side (35) disposed between the front side (25) and the right side (31), a third diagonal side (37) disposed between the rear side (27) and the left side (29), and a fourth diagonal side (39) disposed between the rear side (27) and, the right side (31). Also provided is a channel (not shown), which is formed internally on an underside of the element (41).
FIGS. 5
a,
5
b and 6 illustrate top, bottom and side views of the retaining wall element of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 clearly indicates an internally formed channel (43) (positioned beneath each protrusion) is present within the wall element, and illustrates each channel (43), on the underside of the element (1). Preferably, the channel runs the entire internal length of the element. The internally positioned sides of the channel are indicated as (44).
FIG. 7 is a top view of a corner configuration which can be used in constructing an elevated structure, utilizing an embodiment of arranging the retaining wall element of the present invention. In FIG. 7, by placing the face of the fourth diagonal side (23) of one wall element in place against the face of the third diagonal side (21) of another wall element, a 90 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape. FIG. 8 is a top view of a further corner configuration for a retaining wall which utilizes a further embodiment of arranging the retaining wall elements of the present invention. In FIG. 8, by placing the face of the fourth diagonal side (23) of one wall element in place against the face of the left side (4) of another wall element, a 135 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape. FIG. 9 is a top view of a still further corner configuration which can be used in constructing an elevated structure, through arranging the retaining wall elements of the present invention. In FIG. 9, by placing the face of the fourth diagonal side (23) of one wall element in place against the face of the rear side (5) of another wall element, a 45 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the outer surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a still further corner configuration which can be used in constructing an elevated structure, which utilizes a further embodiment of arranging the retaining wall elements of the present invention. In FIG. 10, by placing the first diagonal side (13) of the first halved portion of one wall element in place against the face of the second diagonal side (19) of the second halved portion of a second wall element, a 90 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape. FIG. 11 is a top view of a still further corner configuration which can be used in constructing an elevated structure. In FIG. 11, by placing the first diagonal side (13) of the first halved portion of one wall element in place against the face of a right side (6) of another wall element, a 135 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape. FIG. 12 is a top view of a still further corner configuration which can be used in constructing an elevated structure. In FIG. 12, by placing the first diagonal side (13) of the first halved portion of one wall element in place against the face of a front side (3) of another wall element, a 45 degree internal corner is formed by the two adjacent interior faces of the elements for an elevated structure wherein the inner surface of the wall features a dual vertical octagon shape.
Illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 20 are examples of various configurations of constructing an elevated structure, which are possible through manipulating various arrangements of the wall elements of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a top view of the base of an elevated structure constructed utilizing the wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a single face construction which, in this embodiment, is vertically flat faced, by arranging the flat faced surface of multiple wall elements side by each in the same manner. In accomplishing this arrangement, a plurality of wall elements can be arranged, wherein the face of a left side (4) of each wall element is placed against the face of a right side (6) of another wall element, and so forth. FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating the base of the outer surface of the wall featuring a single flat face, single offset construction, wherein the face of the third diagonal side (21) of a first wall element is placed against the face of the second diagonal side (19) of a second wall element, and the first diagonal side (13) of the second wall element is then placed against the face of the fourth diagonal side (23) of a third wall element, and so forth.
FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating the base of the outer surface of the wall featuring, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a single flat face, double offset construction, wherein the face of a left side (4) of a first wall element is placed against the face of a right side (6) of a second wall element, and the face of a third diagonal side (21) of the second wall element is placed against the face of the second diagonal side (19) of a third wall element, and so forth. FIG. 16 is a top view of a further embodiment of the base of an elevated structure constructed utilizing the wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face construction, giving the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape. In accomplishing this arrangement, a plurality of wall elements can be arranged, wherein the face of a right side (6) of a first wall element can be placed against the face of a left side (4) of a second wall element, and so forth.
FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of an elevated structure constructed utilizing the wall elements of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, single offset construction, giving the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape. The face of a second diagonal side (19) of a first wall element can be placed against the face of a third diagonal side (21) of a second wall element, and so forth. FIG. 18 illustrates a further embodiment of an elevated structure of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, double offset construction, again giving the outer surface of the wall the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape. In accomplishing this arrangement, a plurality of wall elements can be arranged, wherein the face of a right side (6) of a first wall element can be placed against the face of a left side (4) of a second wall unit, and the face of a second diagonal side (19) of the second wall element can be placed against the face of a third diagonal side (21) of a third wall element. A face of the right side (6) of the third wall element can then be placed against the face of a left side (4) of a fourth wall element, and so forth.
FIG. 19 is a top view of a further embodiment of an elevated structure of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features an alternate face construction, wherein each wall element of the present invention alternatingly presents first a substantially flat faced surface of a wall element, in adjacent relationship with the dual octagon shape of another wall element placed next to it, whereby, the face of a right side (6) of a first wall element can be placed against the face of a right side (6) of a second wall element. FIG. 20 is a top view of a further embodiment of an elevated structure of the present invention, wherein the outer surface of the wall features a double face, half staggered construction.
The foregoing are exemplary embodiments of the present invention and a person skilled in the art would appreciate that modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Patent Application
20050055980
