MODULAR INTERLOCKING BLOCKS

Abstract

A block and various block assemblies are disclosed. The block has at least one side including one or more tapered slots. Each of the slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end comprising at least one footing and a top end comprising a groove. Blocks are stacked by fitting the footing of one block into the groove of another block. A block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, a double key, and connector tubes. The first block is connected to the second block using the double key, which is inserted into a slot on each of the blocks. A connector tube is threaded through apertures on the slots and the double key.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to blocks, and more particularly, to modular interlocking blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most conventional construction blocks are used to build structures by placing one block on top of another, using mortar or another binding material to bind the blocks together and stabilize the resulting structure. Once connected, the blocks are considered permanent structures and are nearly impossible to break apart or reuse for another construction project.

Improvements to traditional construction blocks have aimed to eliminate the use of a binding material so that the structure may be disassembled and the blocks may be reused. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,115, entitled “Wall System” and issued to Martel et al. on Sep. 26, 1978, discloses interlocking blocks utilizing tapered, dovetail slots. The interlocking design eliminates the need to use mortar or other binding material to build a structure out of the blocks, and thus the blocks may be dismantled and reused for other projects. However, such improved block designs have failed to provide the means to secure each block to the next block in all directions (e.g., vertically as well as horizontally). The result is that the blocks, while reusable as a construction material because they are not permanently affixed to one another, are less stable than traditional construction blocks and lack the adaptability to stack in all directions.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention a block is disclosed. The block comprises at least one side including one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end comprises least one footing and the top end comprises a groove.

In a second aspect of the present invention a block assembly is disclosed. The block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, a double key, and one or more connector tubes. The first block has at least one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove. The second block has at least one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove. The double key has a first side and a second side. The first side is inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the first block and has one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot. The second side is inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the second block and has one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot. The one or more connector tubes is threaded through each of (1) the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot, (2) the one or more apertures of the first side of the double key, (3) the one or more apertures of the second side of the double key, and (4) the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot.

In a third aspect of the present invention a block assembly is disclosed. The block assembly comprises a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a double key, one or more connector tubes, and a fastener. The first block has at least one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove. The second block has at least one side. Each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots. Each of the one or more tapered slots has one or more apertures. The at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove. The double key has a first side and a second side. The first side is inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the first block and has one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot. The second side is inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the second block and has one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot. The one or more connector tubes is threaded through each of (1) the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot, (2) the one or more apertures of the first side of the double key, (3) the one or more apertures of the second side of the double key, and (4) the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot. The third block is stacked on top of half of the second block. The fourth block is stacked on top of half of the third block and vertically aligned with the second block. The fastener has a first end and a second end. The first end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the fourth block. The fastener passes through a midpoint of the third block. The second end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the second block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a top view of a full block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the full block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the full block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a half block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the half block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a front view of the half block of the block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a double key;

FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view of the double key of FIG. 4A in an exemplary block assembly;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a single key;

FIG. 5B is a partial perspective view of the single key of FIG. 5A in an exemplary block assembly;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a connector;

FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6A in an exemplary block assembly;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a removable base;

FIG. 7B is an exploded side view of the removable base of FIG. 7A with an exemplary block;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a block assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a block fastener; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective cutaway view of the fastener of FIG. 11 in a block assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, the present invention provides adaptable, modular construction blocks. The modular construction blocks may be used to assemble a structure that is permanent, or in the alternative, that may be disassembled such that the individual blocks may be reused for another purpose. The present invention provides blocks with an interlocking construction in both the horizontal and vertical directions without the need for mortar, specialized labor, or expensive tools. The blocks of the present invention may be manufactured in different materials, sizes, colors, and textures for use in a wide variety of applications.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a block assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 100 may include a full block 102, a half block 104, a double key 106, one or more connectors 110 (not shown; see FIG. 6A), one or more optional single key 108, and an optional, removable base 112 (not shown; see FIGS. 7A-7B).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a top view, a front view, and a side view of full block 102 of the block assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrate the various features of full block 102. Full block 102 has a width that is equal to its height, minus the height of one or more footings 114 along its bottom. The length of full block 102 is exactly twice its width. Full block 102 features groove 116 along its top that matches footings 114. When a full block 102 is placed directly on top of another full block 102, footings 114 fit into grooves 116, thus allowing for perfect stacking. In between each two footings 114 is a notch 118. At least one notch 118 is on each side of full block 102 to allow staggered stacking, both lengthwise and widthwise.

Full block 102 further includes one or more tapered slots 120 on each side. Slots 120 are shaped to fit double key 106 and single key 108. Each slot 120 includes two apertures 122.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of a double key 106 is shown. Double key 106 is comprised of a first side 126 and a second side 128. Double key 106 further includes two double key apertures 124 on each of the first side 126 and the second side 128, and is tapered to match the shape of slot 120.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a partial perspective view of the double key 106 of FIG. 4A in an exemplary block assembly is shown. First side 126 of double key 106 is inserted into slot 120 of a first block 130. Apertures 122 align with double key apertures 124. Second side 128 of double key 106 may be inserted into a slot 120 of a second block 132 to connect first block 130 to second block 132.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of a single key 108 is shown. Single key 108 serves an esthetic purpose. It can be inserted into any slot 120 whenever that slot 120 is not being used to connect to another block via double key 106. Referring now to FIG. 5B, a partial perspective view of the single key 108 of FIG. 5A in an exemplary block assembly is shown. Single key 108 is inserted into slot 120 on block 134, creating a smooth outer surface on block 134 for a sleek, finished look.

Referring again to FIG. 1, apertures 122 hold connector 110. Referring now to FIG. 6A, a perspective view of a connector 110 is shown. Connector 110 may be a hollow tube comprised of any material of suitable strength. By way of example and not limitation, connector 10 may be comprised of steel. The function of connector 110 is to stabilize two adjacent blocks and/or to serve as an access point between them.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, a partial perspective view of the connector 110 of FIG. 6A in an exemplary block assembly is shown. Connector 110 is threaded through an aperture 122 of a first block 136, an aperture 124 (not shown) of a double key 106, and an aperture 122 (not shown) of a second block 138.

Due to its hollow interior, material may be passed from one block to another adjacent block via connector 110 as needed, depending on how the resulting block structure will be used. By way of example and not limitation, the following materials may be fed through connector 110: a sprinkler system, to use the structure as a plant container; rebar, if concrete or other binding material will be poured to make it a permanent structure; and plumbing, gas lines, or electrical conduit.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, a top view, a front view, and a side view of half block 104 of the block assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrate the various features of half block 104. Half block 104 is a cube that is exactly half the length of full block 102. It is designed to permit the progression of block assembly 100 at 90-degree angles. Once added to full block 102, half block 104 allows the option to add another block to form a straight line or a right angle extending either direction. Construction can continue in all four directions, even at the same time, as needed (see FIGS. 8-10). Half block 104 features at least one footing 114 along each side of its bottom and groove 116 along its top that matches footings 114. When a half block 104 is placed directly on top of another half block 104, footings 114 fit into grooves 116, thus allowing for perfect stacking.

Half block 104 further includes one tapered slot 120 on each side. Slots 120 are shaped to fit double key 106 and single key 108. Each slot 120 includes two apertures 122, which align with double key apertures (not shown; see FIGS. 4A-4B) and which hold connector 110.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of a removable base 112 is shown. Removable base 112 may have one or more base apertures 140.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, an exploded side view of the removable base 112 of FIG. 7A with an exemplary block is shown. Apertures 140 allow material to pass through the exterior of a block 142 to the interior of block 142, such as but not limited to plumbing, gas lines, or electrical conduit. Apertures 140 may alternatively be used for drainage, for instance, if the block is used as a plant container.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, different block configurations according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these configurations are illustrative only and that many other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a block assembly 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 200 includes a first full block 202 and a second full block 204. First full block 202 includes six slots 120, one on each end and two on each side. First full block 202 is connected to second full block 204 via double key 106 and connector 110. Second full block 204 has only two slots 120, one on each end.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of a block assembly 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 300 includes a first full block 302, a second full block 304, and a third full block 306. First full block 302 and third full block 306 each have only two slots 120, one on each end. Second full block 304 includes six slots 120, one on each end and two on each side. A first end 308 of first full block 302 is connected to a first side 312 of second full block 304 via double key 106 and connectors 110 to create a 90-degree angle between first full block 302 and second full block 304. A second end 308 of first full block 302 includes single key 108 in one slot 120. A second side 314 of second full block 304 is connected to a first end 316 of third full block 306 via a double key 106 and connectors 110 (one of which is shown) to create a 90-degree angle between second full block 304 and third full block 306, where third full block 306 is parallel to first full block 302. A second end 318 of third full block 306 includes an open slot 120.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a block assembly 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 400 includes a first full block 402, a second full block 404, a half block 406, and a third full block 408. First full block 402 and third full block 408 each have only two slots 120, one on each end. Second full block 404 includes six slots 120, one on each end and two on each side. Half block 406 includes one slot 120 on each of its four sides.

A first end 410 of first full block 402 is connected to a first side 412 of second full block 404 via double key 106 and connectors 110 to create a 90-degree angle between first full block 402 and second full block 404.

A first end 414 of second full block 404 is connected to a first side 416 of half block 406 via double key 106 and connectors 110 (one of which is shown). A second side 418 of half block 406 is connected to a first end 420 of third full block 408 via double key 106 and connectors 110 (one of which is shown) to create a 90-degree angle between second full block 404 and third full block 408, where third full block 408 is parallel to first full block 402.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of a block fastener 500 is shown. Block fastener 500 includes a first end 502 and a second end 504. Block fastener 500 is used to secure one block to another block when stacked vertically (not shown; see FIG. 12).

Referring now to FIG. 12, a partial perspective cutaway view of the fastener of FIG. 11 in a block assembly 600 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Block assembly 600 includes a first block row 506 stacked on top of a second block row 508, which is stacked on top of a third block row 510. Each of block rows 506, 508, and 510 comprise one or more individual blocks. First end 502 of fastener 500 is looped around a connector 110 of a first block 512 in first block row 506. Fastener 500 passes through the middle of a second block 514 in second block row 508. Second end 504 of fastener 500 is looped around a connector 110 of a third block 516 of third block row 510. It will be understood that fastener 500 may be looped around any connector 110 on either side of any block.

The use of connectors 110 and fasteners 500 to connect rows of blocks drastically reduces the need for a foundation to support the resulting block structure. It is possible to build openings in a structure, such as doorways, windows, and bridge ways, using the blocks of the present invention because connectors 110 and fasteners 500 hold each row together, without requiring support from the row beneath it.

Blocks of the present invention may be used as standalone containers. Alternatively, blocks of the present invention may be connected and/or stacked on top of one another in a variety of ways to build a variety of structures. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, some of these techniques are described herein. The blocks may be connected side-by-side or end-to-end, and/or may be stacked top-to-bottom or staggered. For instance, a first block may be stacked directly on top of a second block having the same dimensions as the first block. In an alternate embodiment, a first block may be stacked halfway between the two blocks aligned end-to-end below the first block (see FIG. 12). In yet another embodiment, a first block may be staggered halfway over two blocks aligned end-to-end below it, such that half of the width of the first block covers only half of the width and half of the length of each of the two blocks below (i.e., the first block covers a quarter of the total surface area of each of the two blocks). In yet another embodiment, one or more blocks in an upper row may be bridged over two or more blocks in a lower row, where at least two of the blocks in the lower row are not connected and space is left between them, creating a bridge with the upper row. The bridging may also be accomplished using a half block. Due to the versatility of the block design, many variations and combinations of these connecting and stacking techniques using any number of rows and blocks may be accomplished.

Depending on the size, materials, and configuration of the blocks of the present invention, the blocks or resulting structures may have a variety of uses. The blocks of the present invention and parts thereof (e.g., double key, single key) may be comprised of any suitable material, including for instance cement or plastic conglomerates. Optionally, the materials may contain color. Depending on the material(s) used and the desired esthetic, blocks may have a smooth or textured finish.

By way of illustration and not limitation, a standalone block (full block or half block) may be used as a container for flowers/plants, or other materials. When used as a plant/flower container, removable base 112 may be used to hold soil, or a block without removable base 112 may be placed directly into the ground, e.g., for planting in a garden.

Connected blocks of the present invention may be used as, for instance, basic blocks in the construction of standalone walls, retaining walls, entire buildings, or any similar application. Blocks of the present invention may be connected and disassembled without the use of special tools or specialized skills. The ability to easily assemble, disassemble, and reuse blocks of the present invention is particularly useful when temporary structures are needed. Moreover, because the blocks may be connected both horizontally (using double keys 106 and connectors 110) as well as vertically (using fasteners 500 and connectors 110), the resulting structure is exceptionally stable and may be useful for building structures resistant to earthquakes, tornadoes and other natural disasters.

Alternatively, blocks of the present invention may be manufactured as miniature plastic architectural modeling blocks or constructive play blocks for children.

Any modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A block comprising: at least one side including one or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove.

2. The block of claim 1, wherein the at least one side includes two tapered slots.

3. The block of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more tapered slots has two apertures.

4. The block of claim 1, further comprising a double key inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots.

5. The block of claim 4, wherein the double key includes one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot.

6. The block of claim 5, further comprising one or more connector tubes threaded through the one or more apertures of the double key and the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot.

7. The block of claim 1, further comprising a single key inserted in the first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots.

8. The block of claim 1, further comprising a removable base connected to the at least one side.

9. The block of claim 8, wherein the removable base includes one or more base apertures.

10. The block of claim 1, wherein the at least one side comprises at least four sides of equal length.

11. The block of claim 1, wherein the at least one side comprises two long sides of equal length and two short sides of equal length.

12. A block assembly comprising: a first block having at least one side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove;a second block having at least one side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove;a double key having: a first side inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the first block and having one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot,a second side inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the second block and having one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot; andone or more connector tubes threaded through each of: the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot,the one or more apertures of the first side of the double key,the one or more apertures of the second side of the double key, andthe one or more apertures of the second tapered slot.

13. The block of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more tapered slots has two apertures.

14. The block assembly of claim 12, further comprising a single key inserted in a third tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the first block.

15. The block assembly of claim 12, further comprising a removable base connected to the at least one side of the first block.

16. The block assembly of claim 15, wherein the removable base includes one or more base apertures.

17. The block assembly of claim 12, wherein the first block comprises at least four sides of equal length.

18. The block assembly of claim 17, wherein the second block comprises two long sides of equal length and two short sides of equal length.

19. The block assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a third block stacked on top of half of the second block;a fourth block stacked on top of half of the third block and vertically aligned with the second block; anda fastener having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the fourth block,the fastener passes through a midpoint of the third block, andthe second end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the second block.

20. A block assembly comprising: a first block having at least one side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove;a second block having at least one side, wherein each of the at least one sides includes one or more tapered slots, each of the one or more tapered slots having one or more apertures, wherein the at least one side has a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end comprising at least one footing and the top end comprising a groove;a double key having: a first side inserted in a first tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the first block and having one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot,a second side inserted in a second tapered slot of the one or more tapered slots of the second block and having one or more apertures aligned with the one or more apertures of the second tapered slot;one or more connector tubes threaded through each of: the one or more apertures of the first tapered slot,the one or more apertures of the first side of the double key,the one or more apertures of the second side of the double key, andthe one or more apertures of the second tapered slot;a third block stacked on top of half of the second block;a fourth block stacked on top of half of the third block and vertically aligned with the second block; anda fastener having a first end and a second end, wherein: the first end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the fourth block,the fastener passes through a midpoint of the third block, andthe second end is looped around one connector tube of the one or more connector tubes of the second block.