Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6701687
-
Patent Number
6,701,687
-
Date Filed
Thursday, May 8, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, March 9, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Braun; Leslie A.
- Marsh; Steven
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 052 596
- 052 600
- 052 603
- 052 604
- 052 605
- 052 284
- 052 2851
- 052 2854
- 405 284
- 405 286
- 405 287
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides defines a generally L-shaped vertical slot. A course connector is received in the vertical slot, and includes first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer. The first end extends in an x-direction and a y-direction, and defines a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped slot and restricting forward, rearward, and outward movement of the course connector. The second end of the course connector extends outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course. The setback spacer locates the second end of the course connector a spaced distance from the first end to position the wall block in the retaining wall relative to the other blocks in the upper or lower course.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a modular wall block including one or more mechanical course connectors, and a retaining wall constructed of an assembly of such blocks in stacked courses. The invention is particularly applicable for landscaping around residential and commercial structures to retain and preserve the surrounding soil while promoting the aesthetics of the area. 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. Blocks of this type are molded in a form.
Conventional retaining walls formed of concrete blocks are constructed in stacked courses with the ascending courses typically setback to counter the pressure of the soil acting against the wall. Mechanical means, such as geogrid mats or tie-backs, are commonly used to help stabilize the soil and further anchor the blocks in the wall. While such means are generally effective, a need exists in the industry for an improved course connector which mechanically interconnects the stacked block courses without interfering with placement or setback requirements, and which promotes stable, efficient, and precise construction of the retaining wall.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which uses course connectors to readily and conveniently position, align, and secure the blocks in stacked courses of the retaining wall.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which uses a mechanical course connector to establish the setback of the block relative to an upper or lower course of blocks.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which uses a mechanical course connector to achieve uniform and consistent setback throughout curves in the retaining wall.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which is relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which is especially applicable for landscaping around plants and shrubs.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block with a rear portion adapted for being conveniently broken off and sides of reduced dimension, such that only a small portion of the block top is visible after backfilling with soil.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved wall block which maximizes the available space surrounding the block for plantings.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved course connector for use in combination with a wall block to position, secure, and align the block in a stacked course of the retaining wall.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved course connector which extends in three mutually perpendicular directions.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved course connector which is integrally molded of a relatively inexpensive material.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved course connector which is formed in a variety of sizes to conveniently and accurately define the setback of the upper course block relative to the lower course blocks.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved course connector which readily penetrates geogrid matting, and serves to further secure the matting between adjacent courses of the retaining wall.
It is another object of the invention to provide a retaining wall constructed of a number of like wall blocks.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a modular wall block adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides defines a generally L-shaped vertical slot. A course connector is received in the vertical slot, and includes first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer. The first end extends in an x-direction and a y-direction, and defines a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped slot of the wall block. When positioned in the wall block, movement of the course connector is restricted in all directions except upwardly towards the top of the block and downwardly towards the bottom. The second end of the course connector extends outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course. The setback spacer locates the second end of the course connector a spaced distance from the first end to position the wall block in the retaining wall relative to the other blocks in the upper or lower course.
The terms “x, y, and z-directions” are used broadly herein to mean directions along respective axes which run parallel to Cartesian x, y, and z-axes, and which do not all pass through a single common point but which are mutually perpendicular in three dimensions.
According to another preferred embodiment, the setback spacer extends in a direction generally parallel to a portion of the first end of the course connector.
According to another preferred embodiment, the second end of the course connector forms an elongated vertical spike extending in the z-direction generally perpendicular to the setback spacer.
According to another preferred embodiment, the vertical spike and setback spacer of the course connector are integrally formed together at a center portion of the vertical spike, such that course connector is applicable for use on either of the opposing sides of the wall block.
According to another preferred embodiment, the vertical spike of the course connector defines opposing pointed ends adapted to facilitate penetration of the vertical spike through earthen backfill located behind the retaining wall.
According to another preferred embodiment, the course connector is integrally-formed of a molded material.
According to another preferred embodiment, the course connector is formed of a glass-filled nylon.
According to another preferred embodiment, the top of the wall block defines a lateral tie-back channel extending from one side of the block to the other. The channel is adapted for receiving an elongated tie-back element cooperating to anchor the block to earthen backfill behind the retaining wall.
According to another preferred embodiment, an edge defining the lateral channel is beveled to facilitate placement of the tie-back element in the wall block.
According to another preferred embodiment, an edge defining the vertical slot is rounded adjacent the top of the wall block for accommodating an anchor strap positioned in the lateral tie-back channel and extending rearwardly into earthen backfill behind the retaining wall.
According to another preferred embodiment, the front, rear, and opposing sides define a hollow core of the wall block.
According to another preferred embodiment, the sides of the wall block taper inwardly from the front to the rear.
According to another preferred embodiment, the opposing sides of the wall block are reduced relative to the front and rear to allow an increased amount of soil behind the front.
In another embodiment, the invention is a retaining wall constructed of a number of modular wall blocks assembled in stacked courses. Each of the wall blocks has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides defines a generally L-shaped vertical slot. A course connector is received in the vertical slot, and includes first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer. The first end extends in an x and y-direction, and defines a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped slot. When positioned in the wall block, movement of the course connector is restricted in all directions except upwardly towards the top of the block and downwardly towards the bottom. The second end of the course connector extends outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course. The setback spacer locates the second end of the course connector a spaced distance from the first end to position the wall block in the retaining wall relative to the other blocks in the upper or lower course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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:
FIG. 1
is a front perspective view of a wall block according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing a course connector located in the vertical slot of the block;
FIG. 2
is a rear perspective view of the wall block showing both course connectors located in respective vertical slots;
FIG. 3
is a top plan view of the wall block with the course connectors removed;
FIG. 4
is a front perspective view of a partially completed retaining wall formed using wall blocks of the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a rear perspective view of the retaining wall;
FIG. 6
is an enlarged, first perspective view of the course connector;
FIG. 7
is an enlarged, second perspective view of the course connector;
FIG. 8
is an enlarged, third perspective view of the course connector;
FIG. 9
is a rear perspective view of a partially completed retaining wall with geogrid matting arranged for placement between adjacent courses of the wall;
FIG. 10
is a front perspective view of a wall block according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 11
is a rear perspective view of the wall block shown in FIG.
10
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
Referring now specifically to the drawings, a modular wall block according to the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3
, and shown generally at reference numeral
10
. The wall block
10
is adapted for being assembled, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5
, with a number of like blocks in stacked courses “C” to form a retaining wall “W”. The wall blocks
10
are preferably formed of molded masonry concrete.
The wall block
10
has a front
11
and rear
12
, top
14
and bottom
15
, and opposing sides
16
and
17
. In one embodiment, the front
11
includes vertical breaks
18
and
19
defining a center face portion
11
A and opposing side face portions
11
B and
11
C. Preferably, the center face portion
11
A has an aesthetic, unfinished, rough textured surface. The core of the wall block
10
is hollow to reduce the overall weight of the block
10
, and for convenient handling and placement of the block
10
during construction of the retaining wall.
The sides
16
and
17
define respective vertical, L-shaped slots
21
and
22
extending through the wall block
10
from the top
14
to the bottom
15
. The vertical slots
21
,
22
are designed to receive mechanical course connectors
25
, described below, which operate to conveniently position, align, and secure the wall blocks
10
in the retaining wall “W”, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5
. Alternatively, the vertical slots
21
,
22
may extend only partially through the wall block
10
.
A single course connector
25
is illustrated in
FIGS. 6
,
7
, and
8
. The course connector
25
is preferably molded of a glass-filled nylon, and includes first and second ends
26
and
27
integrally joined together by a setback spacer
28
. The first end
26
extends in both an x-direction and y-direction, as indicated at
31
and
32
, respectively, and defines a generally L-shaped structure which is received in the corresponding vertical slot
21
,
22
of the wall block
10
. When properly positioned in the vertical slot
21
,
22
, movement of the course connector
25
is restricted in all directions except upwardly towards the top
14
of the block
10
and downwardly towards the bottom
15
. The elongated setback spacer
28
is integrally formed with the first end
26
of the course connector
25
, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the x-direction
31
of the first end
26
and parallel to the y-direction
32
of the first end
26
.
The opposite end of the setback spacer
28
is integrally formed with the second end
27
of the course connector
25
. The second end
27
extends perpendicular to the setback spacer
28
in a z-direction indicated at
33
. The second end
27
comprises a vertical spike
35
with opposing pointed ends
36
and
37
. When the blocks
10
are assembled in the retaining wall “W”, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5
, one of the spike ends
36
,
37
projects outwardly beyond the bottom
15
of the wall block
10
to engage one of the other stacked blocks
10
in a lower course. Preferably, the setback spacer
28
is joined at a center portion of the vertical spike
35
to form opposing identical spike ends, such that the course connector
25
is applicable for use in either the right or left side slot
21
,
22
of the wall block
10
. The pointed spike ends
36
and
37
facilitate penetration of the course connector
25
through soil backfill behind the retaining wall “W”, and through tie-back elements such as polyester geogrid matting sandwiched between courses “C”. The setback spacer
28
locates the vertical spike
35
a spaced distance from the first end
26
of the course connector
25
to position the wall block
10
in the retaining wall “W” relative to the other blocks
10
in the upper and lower course “C”. The degree of setback is controlled by the length of the spacer
28
. For example, a relatively short setback spacer
28
will result in greater setback from one stacked course to the next. A longer setback spacer
28
will result in less setback.
In alternative embodiments (not shown), the course connector may have a first end which extends in only a single x or y-direction, as previously defined, or which is hooked to hold the course connector in the wall block. The second end of the course connector may include only a single free end which may or may not be pointed. In addition, the first and second ends may extend at respective obtuse or acute angles relative to the setback spacer.
Referring to
FIGS. 1-3
and
9
, the top
14
of the wall block
10
defines a lateral tie-back channel
41
extending from one side of said block
10
to the other. The channel
41
is designed to receive a tie-back element, such as a flat elongated tie-back bar
42
shown in FIG.
9
. The tie-back bar
42
may span several wall blocks
10
, and resides inside the channel
41
between geogrid matting
44
and blocks
10
in an upper course “C”. The geogrid matting
44
anchors the blocks
10
to soil backfill behind the retaining wall “W”. Preferably, the edges defining the tie-back channel
41
are beveled to accommodate insertion of the tie-back bar
42
and geogrid matting
44
. In an alternative application, the tie-back element may be a elongated flexible tie-back strap (not shown) which extends through the channel
41
and rearwardly into the soil backfill. The back edge of each pair of edges defining respective vertical slots
21
,
22
in the wall block
10
is preferably rounded to accommodate proper placement and use of the strap. After assembling the blocks
10
, as described above, a course of molded concrete wall caps (not shown) is preferably laid over the top course to finish the retaining wall.
A further embodiment of a wall block
50
according to the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11
. The smaller block
50
is especially applicable in commercial and residential landscaping. Like wall block
10
, block
50
has a front
51
and rear
52
, top
53
and bottom
54
, and opposing sides
55
and
56
. The front
51
includes vertical breaks
57
and
58
defining a center face portion
51
A and opposing side face portions
51
B and
51
C. The core of the wall block
50
is hollow and the sides
55
and
56
are reduced relative to the front
51
and rear
52
to substantially reduce the overall weight of the block
50
. The sides
55
,
56
define respective vertical, L-shaped slots
61
and
62
extending through the wall block
50
from the top
53
to the bottom
54
. The vertical slots
61
,
62
receive mechanical course connectors, identical to the connector
25
described above, which operate to conveniently position, align, and secure the blocks
50
in a landscape wall. To further reduce weight and promote handling, the rear
52
of the block
50
may be broken off using a hammer or other suitable tool. The reduced sides
55
,
56
allow increased placement of soil directly behind the front
51
of the block
50
to conceal a substantial portion of the top
53
, and to maximize the available surrounding space for plantings.
A wall 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.
Claims
- 1. A modular wall block adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall, said wall block comprising:(a) a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides, at least one of the opposing sides defining a generally L-shaped vertical slot; and (b) a course connector received in the vertical slot and comprising first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer, the first end extending in an x-direction and a y-direction and defining a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped vertical slot to hold said course connector in said wall block, and the second end of said course connector extending outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of said wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course, and said setback spacer locating the second end of said course connector a spaced distance from the first end to position said wall block in the retaining wall relative to the other blocks in the upper or lower course.
- 2. A modular wall block according to claim 1, wherein the setback spacer extends in a direction generally parallel to a portion of the first end of said course connector.
- 3. A modular wall block according to claim 1, wherein the second end of said course connector comprises an elongated vertical spike extending in the z-direction generally perpendicular to the setback spacer.
- 4. A modular wall block according to claim 3, wherein the vertical spike and setback spacer of said course connector are integrally formed together at a center portion of the vertical spike, such that said course connector is applicable for use on either of the opposing sides of said wall block.
- 5. A modular wall block according to claim 4, wherein the vertical spike of said course connector defines opposing pointed ends adapted to facilitate penetration of the vertical spike through earthen backfill located behind the retaining wall.
- 6. A modular wall block according to claim 1, wherein said course connector is integrally-formed of a molded material.
- 7. A modular wall block according to claim 6, wherein said course connector comprises a glass-filled nylon.
- 8. A modular wall block according to claim 1, wherein the top of said wall block defines a lateral tie-back channel extending from one side of said block to the other, and adapted for receiving an elongated tie-back element cooperating to anchor said block to earthen backfill behind the retaining wall.
- 9. A modular wall block according to claim 8, wherein an edge defining the lateral channel is beveled to facilitate placement of the tie-back element in said wall block.
- 10. A modular wall block according to claim 9, wherein an edge defining the vertical slot is rounded adjacent the top of said wall block for accommodating an anchor strap positioned in the lateral tie-back channel and extending rearwardly into earthen backfill behind the retaining wall.
- 11. A wall block according to claim 1, the front, rear, and opposing sides define a hollow core of the wall block.
- 12. A wall block according to claim 1, wherein the opposing sides are reduced relative to the front and rear to allow an increased amount of soil behind the front.
- 13. A retaining wall constructed of a number of modular wall blocks assembled in stacked courses, each of said wall blocks comprising:(a) a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides, at least one of the opposing sides defining a generally L-shaped vertical slot; and (b) a course connector received in the vertical slot and comprising first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer, the first end extending in an x-direction and a y-direction and defining a generally L-shaped structure for being received in the L-shaped vertical slot to hold said course connector in said wall block, and the second end of said course connector extending outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of said wall block to engage one of a number of other blocks in an upper or lower course, and said setback spacer locating the second end of said course connector a spaced distance from the first end to position said wall block in the retaining wall relative to the other blocks in the upper or lower course.
- 14. A retaining wall according to claim 13, wherein the setback spacer extends in a direction generally parallel to a portion of the first end of said course connector.
- 15. A retaining wall according to claim 13, wherein the second end of said course connector comprises an elongated vertical spike extending in the z-direction generally perpendicular to the setback spacer.
- 16. A retaining wall according to claim 15, wherein the vertical spike and setback spacer of said course connector are integrally formed together at a center portion of the vertical spike, such that said course connector is applicable for use on either of the opposing sides of said wall block.
- 17. A retaining wall according to claim 16, wherein the vertical spike of said course connector defines opposing pointed ends adapted to facilitate penetration of the vertical spike through earthen backfill located behind the retaining wall.
- 18. A retaining wall according to claim 13, wherein said course connector is integrally-formed of a glass-filled nylon.
- 19. A retaining wall according to claim 13, wherein the top of said wall block defines a lateral tie-back channel extending from one side of said block to the other, and adapted for receiving a tie-back element cooperating to anchor said block to earthen backfill behind the retaining wall.
- 20. A modular wall block according to claim 19, wherein an edge defining the lateral channel is beveled to facilitate placement of the tie-back element in said wall block.
US Referenced Citations (13)