Patent Application
20130333313
This invention relates to masonry building blocks and interlocking wall systems incorporating such blocks. More particularly, the invention relates to a generally rectangular shaped block having a pair of recesses and a pair of extensions therein for locking the blocks together into a wall structure. The blocks also have provision for grouting with or without rebars and for concealed utilities in horizontal as well as vertical directions. The invention also relates to end closing blocks of half and full sizes.
A variety of interlocking type masonry building blocks are available for the construction of load bearing and non-load bearing walls. Such blocks are laid in courses without the use of mortar as done in conventional masonry. As a general rule, conventional masonry wall blocks are heavy and relatively difficult to handle. Such blocks typically include projections that mate with corresponding indentations on adjacent blocks. However, many of these projections are relatively small and thus there is an inherent weakness in the block. Also the use of small projections and small indentations means that the blocks have to be built to close tolerances which makes the blocks more expensive. The typical small projections may be easily broken or chipped off prior to or during construction which means that many blocks are discarded adding to the expense. Further the available blocks do not have suitable provision for the installation of embedded utilities. Thus there is a need for masonry wall blocks that are relatively light and easier to handle, that are cost effective to manufacture and easily assembled into a more stable and dependable wall structure with provisions for embedding utilities.
An early example of typical approaches to an interlocking block wall is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 3,382,632 of Grafsik. As disclosed therein a block construction wherein a plurality of blocks are assembled together by means of cooperating projections and cavities formed in the blocks and suitable tie rods screw the blocks together under vertical tension to provide a sturdy wall construction. The tie rods extend transversely through vertical passages in each block and are adapted to be engaged by the tie rods for securing layers of the blocks together in vertical tension.
A more recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,330 of Nanayakkara discloses a construction component for use in a wall structure. The component is capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads and is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry complement to the positive geometry of the opposite end. The deep key interlocks also exhibit between opposing horizontal block surfaces as positioned between vertical cavities as the block narrows in the negative direction. In addition, there is created a substantially rugged and load resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complementary surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.
Notwithstanding the above, it is presently believed that there is a need and a potential commercial market for the building blocks and wall structures according to the present invention. There should be a need and a potential market for such masonry building blocks because they are strong, will support heavy vertical loads and at the same time are relatively light weight. In addition, the masonry building blocks in accordance with the present invention have a high resistance to wind and other lateral forces and can be manufactured and sold at a competitive price. Still further, the weight and cost of such blocks are further reduced by the elliptical vertical passageways extending through the blocks.
In essence, the present invention contemplates a generally rectangular masonry building block and an interlocking wall structure that utilizes such blocks. The building blocks comprise or consist of a pair of opposite longitudinally extending sidewalls, a pair of upper and lower longitudinally extending faces and a pair of opposite vertical end walls. In addition, each block includes at least one and preferably two elliptical passageways diagonally disposed on the longitudinal faces and extending through said blocks in a vertical direction.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the masonry block has a generally rectangular configuration and consists of a pair of opposite exterior sides, an upper and a lower longitudinal and generally horizontal face or wall and a pair of opposite vertical end faces transverse of the sides and upper and lower walls or faces. The building blocks each include a pair of side members extending inwardly from the exterior sides or faces and include a top, a bottom and a pair of vertical ends. The side members also include an interior vertically extending rectangular rib.
An intermediate section is disposed between the side members in an abutting relationship therewith and wherein the intermediate section on each side thereof define a pair of generally rectangular shaped vertical recesses with one on each side of the inner section. In addition, the recesses and rectangular ribs are constructed and dimensioned so that the rectangular ribs fit inside the recesses with relatively close tolerances.
The invention will now be described in connection with the following figures wherein like reference numerals have been used to identify like parts.
The interlocking masonry blocks disclosed herein are of relatively lightweight and can be used by relatively unskilled workers. Such blocks also overcome problems attributed to prior art devices. Further, the blocks are relatively lightweight that makes them easier to handle and at the same time are less likely to breakage. In addition, the blocks in accordance with the present invention provide cavities or passageways for rebars and utility pipes. Still further there are good interlocking surfaces that provide stable attachment to adjoining blocks. Additionally, the use of rebars in the vertical and horizontal passageways and subsequent addition of grout provides strength for resisting damage from earthquakes and wind and storms.
Referring now to
The interlocking masonry block 20 also includes a central member 21 with a width of about 120 mm, a length of about 400 mm and the height of about 200 mm, includes a pair of rectangular shaped recesses 25 that are constructed and dimensioned to accommodate one of the ribs 24 with relatively close tolerances. The rectangular recess 25 is formed on each side of the member 21.
The central member 21 also includes a pair of semi-circular pathways 27 on each side thereof that are aligned with the semicircular path ways 26 in the side members 22. With this alignment there are two circular channels extending vertically from top to bottom on each side of the block 20 and when stacked one upon the other extend from the top of a wall to the bottom thereof.
The central portion or member 21 also defines a pair of oval passageways preferably elliptical passageways 28 extending through the central member 21 with a major axis 29 of about 160 mm and a minor axis 29′ of about 50 mm. These elliptical passageways are angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the block 20 at an angle of between about 30° to 60° and preferably at about 45° as shown
As illustrated in
When two vertically and horizontally aligned blocks are stacked one on top of the other and aligned, the elliptical passageways and circular passageways extend through both blocks. Then if multiple blocks are placed on top of one another and in alignment the elliptical passageways extend from the top of a wall to a bottom of the wall. Grout can then be injected after placement of rebars and conduits to thereby fill any voids. The same can be done to the horizontal passages in about the center of the blocks and those formed between upper and lower stacked blocks. Grouting is done through the vertical elliptical holes thus filling the vertical elliptical and horizontal circular passageways with grout. No grouting is done in the vertical circular holes.
As illustrated in
While the invention has been disclosed in connection with its preferred embodiments it should be recognized that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the claims.
