Patent Grant
6912819
This invention relates generally to the construction of masonry structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fastening element for attaching two or more standardized masonry units together into a structure such as a wall.
Standardized masonry units (eg. cinderblocks) have been used in construction for many years. They are durable, strong, able to resist large compressive forces, and relatively inexpensive. For these and other reasons they are widely used, particularly in building foundations and as load bearing walls. Typically, the masonry units are joined together into a unitary structure using mortar or cement. As one may imagine, such construction techniques are rather labor intensive. That is, a site must be prepared; footings must be planned, framed up, and poured; masonry units must be delivered to a site; and, mortar must be mixed and transported to various locations at the worksite during construction, etc. Moreover, specialized training and skills are required to construct a straight and true structure. Traditionally, this type of construction has been the province of bricklayers and masons. All of this adds to the time and cost needed to assemble a structure; and this tends to offset the low cost of material. An advantage and a drawback to such a construction is that once completed, the structure is more or less permanent. Changes or alterations after-the-fact can be extremely difficult and expensive, and imperfections or mistakes are usually left as is.
There are instances, however, where it might not be possible to obtain or use mortar, or where skilled, trained workers are not available, or even where there is a limited budget. Alternatively, there might be instances where it might not be desirable or advantageous to assemble a permanent structure, or where future changes or reconfigurations are anticipated. For example, a person may wish to construct a skirting wall around an elevated structure such as a mobile home. In such a situation, it is often not necessary or desirable to assemble the structures using mortar or cement. It follows, then, that the need for skilled craftsmen is obviated. Yet, without the use of mortar or cement, such structures are unable to resist any appreciable transverse forces and are susceptible to premature failure and collapse.
There is a need for a way to operatively connect conventionally sized and formed masonry units together in a variety of structures without the use of mortar or cement. There is also a need for a way to operatively connect two or more standardized masonry units together without modifications or alterations thereto. There is also a need for a way in which to easily modify or disassemble structures formed from standardized masonry units without having to destroy the structure. And, there is a need for a way to increase the utilization of standardized masonry units by reducing the amount of time and skill needed for site preparation and assembly.
The present invention is a fastening element for operatively connecting two or more masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a generally planar web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. These projections may extend from one or both opposing surfaces of the generally planar web, and they define slots that are configured to receive segments of masonry units. Preferably, the projections are walls. And preferably, the masonry units are conventional cinderblocks. However, it will be appreciated that fastening elements need not be restricted to cinderblocks, and that the fastening element may be configured to operatively connect other masonry units together.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element has projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction from each of the opposing surfaces of the web. In this form, the projections define oppositely opening slots that are in coplanar alignment with each other. These slots are sized to receive segments of a masonry unit, preferably the longitudinal and transverse walls of a conventional masonry unit such as a cinderblock. The slots need not be the same width, nor do they have to be aligned along a common plane. For example, the slots could have different widths and be aligned with each other along a center plane. Or, the slots could have the same width and be offset with respect to each other in a collateral relation. It should be apparent that the fastening element may be installed in a variety of locations relative to a particular masonry unit. And it should also be apparent with this embodiment, that by varying the widths of the slots and the web, it is possible to operatively connect two, three, or four masonry units together in a fixed relation.
In another preferred embodiment, the projections extend from one surface of the web of a fastening element. In this embodiment, the projections form at least two, and preferably three collaterally aligned slots. As with the slots in the above embodiment, these slots are configured to receive segments of masonry units such as the longitudinal and transverse walls of a cinderblock. This embodiment may be used primarily to operatively connect adjacent masonry units together in a horizontal relation, and may be used a bed upon which the first course of masonry units is laid, or used a cap that is installed on the uppermost course of masonry units.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the fastening element comprises a generally planar web having opposing surfaces, and at least three and preferably four projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction from each opposing surface of the web. As with the abovementioned projections, these projections define slots that are configured to receive segments of masonry units. Thus, for example, three projections extending from one surface of the web will define two slots, while four projections, extending from on surface of the web will define three slots. With the preferred four-projection arrangement, each surface of the web will have three slots. This allows the fastening element to be installed in a variety of locations on a masonry unit, and it also allows two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected to each other. For example, a fastening element may be used to construct vertical structure such as a column. Alternatively, the fastening element may be used to join adjacent masonry units together in a horizontal relation, or in both vertical and horizontal relations.
The use of the fastening elements obviates the need for mortar between the masonry units. This mortarless system is advantageous over traditional brick and mortar constructions for obvious reasons. First, fewer materials are required to build a structure. Thus, the cost of transporting the materials to a site is reduced. Second, less strength and stamina are required because the total amount of materials used is reduced. Moreover, since less stamina is required, a person is able to work for longer periods without breaks. Moreover, because of the relative reduction in the total amount of materials used, on the job injuries die to overexertion and/or fatigue are reduced. Third, no special skills are required to assemble a structure. Fourth, a mortarless structure may be constructed by one person. Thus, the need for an additional person to mix and deliver mortar at a site is eliminated—further reducing the cost of construction. Fifth, since there are no time constraints imposed by drying mortar, a person can assemble a structure at their own pace. Sixth, a mortarless structure may be constructed under conditions, which, for a conventional brick and mortar structure, would be extremely difficult or impossible. It will be appreciated that the use of the fastening elements allows masonry structures to be constructed on a wide variety of surfaces, including soils such as sand or gravel, and construction elements such as beams, flooring, sills, thresholds, etc.—it is not necessary to pour a foundation.
The fastening elements also allow a structure to be disassembled and reassembled. This not only gives flexibility during initial construction, but also allows later renovations to be made easily and inexpensively. For instance, it may be desirable to replace a damaged masonry unit in a structure such as a skirting wall. This may be easily accomplished by removing the appropriate fastening elements and replacing the damaged masonry unit with an undamaged masonry unit.
An object of the invention is to reduce the amount of time and skill needed to assemble concrete masonry units into a structure.
Another object of the invention is to simplify installation of concrete masonry units by eliminating the need for mortar.
A feature of the present invention is that it allows masonry units to be connected to each other in different patterns.
Another feature of the invention is that the device may be installed at various of locations on a masonry unit.
An advantage of the present invention is that a structure of masonry units may be assembled and disassembled with equal facility.
Another advantage of the invention is that essentially all of the components from one structure may be reused or recycled in other structures.
Additional objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combination particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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Starting with the upper surface of the second course 16b, several preferred fastening elements 20, 40, and 130 are depicted. These fastening elements 20, 40, 130 are operatively connected to masonry units 10 of the second course 16b and are ready to engage and operatively connect masonry units 10 of a third course thereto (not shown). The third course of masonry units need not be in the running bond pattern of the first and second courses. That is, the masonry units of the third course may be stacked into columns, if desired. Moving now to the joint between the first 16a and second courses 16b, several preferred fastening elements 20 and 80 are depicted. And, at the bottom surface of the first course 16a, another preferred fastening element 60 is depicted.
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The present invention having thus been described, other modifications, alterations or substitutions may present themselves to those skilled in the art, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present invention be limited in scope only by the claims attached below:
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5307603 | Chiodo | May 1994 | A |
| 6540432 | Albanese | Apr 2003 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20030208981 A1 | Nov 2003 | US |
