Patent Application
20060101762
This invention relates generally to a modular construction block, and more specifically, to molded concrete blocks used in the construction of retaining walls, neighborhood entry walls, structural and decorative columns, commercial and residential landscaping, privacy fences, and the like. The invention has vertical score lines formed at predetermined locations with each opposing block face. When the blocks are arranged in stacked courses to form a wall or column, the score lines are intended to resemble mortar joints of a traditional and more expensive brick structure. The faux or imitation brick pattern may be in the form of a running bond, Flemish bond, English bond, common bond, stacked bond, herringbone, or other custom pattern.
As a result of its relatively low cost, ease of manufacture and handling, concrete masonry block has emerged as one of the most popular and widely accepted material for use in constructing retaining walls and block fences. The present invention takes advantage of these and other benefits of concrete block, while providing the look of a brick structure in any of a variety of common brick patterns. Achieving these same patterns using conventional brick can be labor intensive and costly. Moreover, the resulting brick structure is often less structurally sound that one constructed of concrete block.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a construction block with score lines adapted to resemble mortar joints of a traditional brick structure.
It is another object of the invention to provide a construction block which is readily and conveniently assembled with like blocks to form an imitation brick structure, such as a privacy fence or landscape wall.
It is another object of the invention to provide a construction block which has different patterns of score lines formed with each face-the first block face being exposed on one side of the structure in a first block course and the second block face being exposed on the same side of the structure in an adjacent block course.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles a running bond brick pattern.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles a Flemish bond brick pattern (with alternating headers and stretchers on each course).
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles an English bond brick pattern (with alternating courses of headers and stretchers).
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles brick laid in common bond with multiple course headers.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles a herringbone brick pattern (with each course resembling bricks laid at an angle).
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular construction block for being assembled with other blocks to form a wall, fence, column, or other structure, the blocks being formed with score lines resembling mortar joints such that the resulting wall resembles a stack bond brick pattern.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method for constructing a concrete block structure which resembles a more traditional brick structure.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a modular construction block adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a wall. The construction block includes first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends. The first block face has a first plurality of vertical score lines. The second block face has a second plurality of vertical score lines. The first and second plurality of vertical score lines resemble respective mortar joints, whereby the assembled wall resembles a brick structure.
The term “wall” is defined broadly herein to mean any vertical surface of a structure constructed of an assembly of modular blocks arranged in stacked courses. The element “vertical score line” refers to any score or groove which extends across the face of the block from its top to its bottom at any angle.
According to another preferred embodiment, the construction block defines an intermediate through-void extending from its top to its bottom.
According to another preferred embodiment, the construction block defines a pin slot adapted for receiving an elongated shear pin.
According to another preferred embodiment, the construction block defines an end void formed with at least one of its opposing ends.
According to another preferred embodiment, the first block face includes at least two vertical score lines.
According to another preferred embodiment, the second block face includes at least three vertical score lines.
According to another preferred embodiment, at least one mounting protrusion is integrally-formed with at least one of the top and bottom of the construction block.
According to another preferred embodiment, the bottom defines a beveled perimeter edge.
According to another preferred embodiment, the first plurality of vertical score lines consists of two vertical score lines, and the second plurality of vertical score lines consists of three vertical score lines.
In another embodiment, the invention is a wall including an assembly of modular construction blocks arranged in stacked courses. Each of the construction blocks includes first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends. The first block face has a first plurality of vertical score lines. The second block face has a second plurality of vertical score lines. The first and second plurality of vertical score lines resemble respective mortar joints, whereby the assembled wall resembles a brick structure.
According to another preferred embodiment, a post-tensioning member extends through a void formed with the construction block.
According to another preferred embodiment, the post-tensioning member is a rigid vertical rod.
According to another preferred embodiment, an elongated vertical shear pin extends within a pin slot of the construction block.
According to another preferred embodiment, a cap block covers the top of the construction block.
Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a modular construction block according to the present invention is illustrated in
The block 10 shown in
Referring to
As shown in
An alternative embodiment of a wall block 60 according to the present invention is shown in
A modular construction block is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.
