FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to retaining walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to manufactured blocks that are used to construct mortarless retaining walls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Retaining walls can be both functional and decorative and range from small gardening applications to large-scale construction. Such walls are typically used to maximize horizontal surface areas by providing lateral support between differing ground levels, and reduce the possibility of erosion and slumping. They may be constructed of a variety of materials and shapes. Some have been constructed of wood timbers, others of rock in a natural form (such as limestone). Still others have been constructed of manufactured aggregate or concrete blocks.
Present mortarless wall building methods usually include laying a course of blocks, filling the space behind the course with fill material, packing the fill material, and carefully removing extraneous fill material from the top of each completed course prior to the addition of the next course, and then adding another course of blocks thereabove. However, as the coursework grows higher and higher, the ability of the wall to retain soil decreases.
There is a need for a way in which small retaining wall blocks are able to be assembled into multi-course retaining walls that are able to resist pressure exerted by soil placed therebehind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A retaining wall block, a geo-grid, and a fixation bar that forms a system that enables a wall to resist pressure from backfill or soil placed therebehind is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a retaining wall block comprises a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is provided with a downwardly depending projection that is configured to engage the rear surface a block in a lower course of blocks, and an upwardly extending groove that traverses the block from one opposing side surface to the other opposing side surface. The groove is configured and arranged to receive a fixation bar, which may be partially wrapped or otherwise connected to a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid. Preferably, the groove and the fixation bar are configured to cooperate in such a way that the bar retains a portion of the anchor sheet within the groove. This arrangement serves to positively connect the block to the sheet in a restraining engagement. It will be understood that one or more geo-grids may be connected to one or more fixation bars and unrolled into the backfill material that is placed behind the retaining wall blocks. As will be appreciated, the groove may be located between the front and rear surfaces of the block. Preferably though, the groove is located between the front surface and the block engagement surface of the downwardly depending projection.
In an alternative embodiment, a retaining wall block comprises a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. As with the previous embodiment, the bottom surface is provided with a downwardly depending projection that is configured to engage the rear surface of a block in a lower course of blocks. And, as with the previous embodiment, the bottom surface may be provided with an upwardly extending groove that traverses the block from one opposing side surface to the other opposing side surface. In this embodiment, however, the block may be provided with another, second groove. This groove extends downwardly from the top surface of the block. When the block in this embodiment includes both lower and upper surface grooves, the grooves cooperate to receive a fixation bar, which may be partially wrapped or otherwise connected to a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid. As will be appreciated, the lower groove may be omitted from the block, if desired. It will be understood that the position of the lower and upper grooves may be positioned anywhere along the depth of the block from a point adjacent the front surface to the block engaging surface of the downwardly depending projection.
The front surfaces of the aforementioned preferred embodiments may be configured to have a plurality of planar segments or they may be curvilinear. However, it is understood that other configurations are possible. For example, the front surfaces may be planar, angular, or prismatic and have a wide variety of finishes. In addition, the front surface of a single block may be provided with alpha-numeric characters, or with simulative decorative characters or objects in bas or alto relief.
The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a relatively small block that is able to be used to construct relatively large retaining walls that are able to resist pressure from backfill material.
Additional advantages and features of the invention will appear more fully from the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a block of the present invention, looking up to reveal the details of the bottom surface;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the block of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the block of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the block of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a wall constructed using a plurality of blocks depicted in FIG. 1, in conjunction with a fixation bar and a geo-grid;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wall constructed using a plurality of blocks depicted in FIG. 1, in conjunction with a plurality of fixation bars and geo-grids;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a block of the present invention, looking down to reveal details of the top surface;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the block of FIG. 7; and,
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a wall constructed using a plurality of blocks depicted in FIG. 7, in conjunction with a fixation bar and a geo-grid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a retaining wall block 10 having a front surface 12, side surfaces 14 and 16 extending rearwardly from front surface 12 and intersecting rear surface 18. Top surface 20 is generally planar and continuous across its extents. Top surface 20 extends from side surface 14 to side surface 16, and from front surface 12 to rear surface 18. Preferably, top surface 20 is generally perpendicular to side surfaces 14 and 16, and also to front surface 12 and rear surface 18.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, front surface 12 comprises three sections, 50, 52, and 54. Section 52 is generally parallel to rear surface 18 and lies between parts 50 and 54. Sections 50 and 54 are angled such that they extend from section 52 and diverge rearwardly to meet side surfaces 14 and 16, respectively. Note that sections 50, 52, and 54 are shown as having split faces as opposed to formed or finished faces. It will be appreciated, however, that other finishes may be provided. For example, it is envisioned that the front surface may be provided with alphanumeric symbols or decorative images in bas or alto relief.
As depicted in the Figures, rear surface 18 has a smaller width than front surface 12 and side surface 14 and 16 converge rearwardly and intersect with rear surface 18 at oblique angles thereto. This forms a generally trapezoidal shape that facilitates construction of straight, concave, convex, or serpentine walls without producing large gaps between vertical joints of adjacent blocks. It is envisioned that the block may be formed in other configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The bottom surface 22 of the block extends from front surface 12 to rear surface 18 and from side surface 14 to side surface 16. The bottom surface 22 includes a downwardly depending projection 30, which may extend across bottom surface 22, Preferably, the projection 30, is situated adjacent rear surface 18 of the block. More preferably, the projection is spaced from the rear surface 18 by a rear ledge 38 (see, FIG. 2). Projection 30 has a block engaging surface 32, a rear surface 34, and a bottom surface 36, with the block engaging surface 32 configured to be positioned against the rear surface of a vertically adjacent block in an abutting relation. As will be appreciated, the projection provides resistance against normal forces exerted by backfill material against the rear surface of the block. Although not depicted, it is envisioned that the projection need not extend along the entire width of the block and that it may be divided into a plurality of segments, if desired. For ease of manufacture, projection 30 may be somewhat tapered so that the block engaging surface 32 and the rear surface 34 converge as they intersect the bottom 36 of the projection.
The bottom surface 22 of the block also includes an upwardly extending groove 40 that traverses the block 10 from one opposing side surface 14 to the other opposing side surface 16. As best show in FIGS. 1 and 2, the groove is situated adjacent the projection 30 and is spaced therefrom by front ledge 39. The groove 40 is configured to receive an elongated, fixation bar which may be partially wrapped or otherwise connected to a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid. Preferably, the groove 40 and the fixation bar are configured to cooperate in such a way that the bar retains a portion of the anchor sheet within the groove. It will be appreciated that the groove and the fixation bar that is substantially received therein are may be complimentarily shaped, or may be differently shaped. For example, the groove may be generally U-shaped while the elongated bar may have an angular cross-section.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, two retaining wall structures 8 and 9 are depicted. In FIG. 5 the a plurality of blocks 10 have been positioned in a plurality of courses of blocks, with the projection 30 of each upper block engaging the rear surface 18 of a block therebelow. In this Figure, the projections 30 provide the wall structure 8 with an upwardly receding slope or batter that better resists normal forces exerted by backfill material against the rear surfaces of the blocks. By providing the blocks with a flexible anchor sheet and an elongated fixation bar, the ability of the blocks to resist backfill force is increased. As depicted, a fixation bar 60 is used to restrainingly engage a portion of a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid 62 between second and third courses of the retaining wall 8, with the remainder of the geo-grid 62 extending rearwardly into the backfill material. Note that the geo-grid 62 is partially wrapped over the bar 60 and that the bar 60 and the geo-grid 62 are substantially received within the groove 40.
In use, as the second course of blocks is completed and the area behind the course is backfilled, an elongated fixation bar is positioned on the top surface of the block. Then a geo-grid or anchor sheet is positioned over the fixation bar and the third course block is placed on top. When the third course block settles into position, the geo-grid and the fixation bar are received within the groove, thus providing a positive connection between the third course block and the geo-grid. The wall structure 9 of FIG. 6 is a variant of FIG. 5 in which there are a plurality of positive connections between the first and second courses, and the second and third courses.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a retaining wall block 110 having a front surface 112, side surfaces 114 and 116 extending rearwardly from front surface 112 and intersecting rear surface 118. Top surface 120 is generally planar and extends from side surface 114 to side surface 116, and from front surface 112 to rear surface 118. Preferably, top surface 120 is generally perpendicular to side surfaces 114 and 116, and also to front surface 112 and rear surface 118. In this embodiment, the top surface is provided with a downwardly extending groove or second groove 144 that traverses the width of the block from one side surface 114 to the other side surface 116. As best show in FIG. 7, the second groove 144 is situated between the front and rear surfaces of the block and is bounded by a front portion 146 and a rear portion 148 of the top surface 120. As with the upwardly extending groove of the bottom surface, the second groove 144 is configured to partially receive an elongated, fixation bar which may be partially wrapped or otherwise connected to a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-8, front surface 112 is generally planar and generally parallel to the rear surface 118. Note that front surface 112 is shown as having a finished surface. It will be appreciated, however, that other finishes may be provided. For example, it is envisioned that the front surface may be provided with alphanumeric symbols or decorative images in bas or alto relief.
As depicted in FIG. 7 and 9, rear surface 118 has a smaller width than front surface 112, and side surface 114 and 116 converge rearwardly and intersect with the rear surface 118 at oblique angles thereto. This forms a generally trapezoidal shape that facilitates construction of straight, concave, convex, or serpentine walls without producing large gaps between vertical joints of adjacent blocks. It is envisioned that the block may be formed in other configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The bottom surface 122 of the block extends from front surface 112 to rear surface 118 and from side surface 114 to side surface 116. The bottom surface 122 includes a downwardly depending projection 130, which may extend across bottom surface 122 in a manner similar to the projection depicted in FIG. 1. Preferably, the projection 130 is situated adjacent rear surface 118 of the block. More preferably, the projection 130 is spaced from the rear surface 118 by a rear ledge 138 (see, FIGS. 8 and 9). The projection 130 has a block engaging surface 132, a rear surface 134, and a bottom surface 136, with the block engaging surface 132 configured to be positioned against the rear surface of a vertically adjacent block in an abutting relation. As will be appreciated, the projection 130 provides resistance against normal forces exerted by backfill material against the rear surface 118 of the block. Although not depicted, it is envisioned that the projection need not extend along the entire width of the block and that it may be divided into a plurality of segments, if desired. For ease of manufacture, projection 130 may be somewhat tapered so that the block engaging surface 132 and the rear surface 134 converge as they intersect the bottom 136 of the projection, forming a generally trapezoidal cross-section.
The bottom surface 122 of the block also includes an upwardly extending groove 140 that traverses the block 110 from one opposing side surface 114 to the other opposing side surface 116. As best show in FIGS. 8 and 9, the groove is spaced forward from the projection 130 by a front ledge 139. In this embodiment, the groove 140 is configured to partially receive an elongated, fixation bar which may be partially wrapped or otherwise connected to a flexible anchor sheet or geo-grid. Preferably, the groove 140 cooperates with a second groove 144 such that a fixation bar and a flexible anchor sheet are captured therebetween. It will be appreciated that the grooves and the fixation bar may be complimentarily shaped, or differently shaped. For example, the groove may be generally U-shaped while the elongated bar may have an angular cross-section.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a retaining wall structure 108 is depicted. In the Figure a plurality of blocks 110 have been positioned in a plurality of courses of blocks, with the projection 130 of each upper block engaging the rear surface 118 of a block therebelow. In this Figure, the projections 130 provide the wall structure 108 with an upwardly receding slope or batter that better resists normal forces exerted by backfill material against the rear surfaces of the blocks. By providing the blocks with a plurality of flexible anchor sheets and elongated fixation bars, the ability of the blocks to resist backfill force is increased. As depicted, there are two fixation bars 160 and 170, which restrainingly engage portions of a flexible anchor sheets or geo-grids 162 and 172 in a manner similar to the wall structure of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, however, the fixation bars and geo-grids are captured between opposing grooves 140 and 144 of adjacent blocks. Note that between the third and second courses geo-grid 162 lies above fixation bar 160, while between the second and first courses the fixation bar 170 lies above geo-grid 172. Although not depicted, it is envisioned that the upwardly extending groove of the bottom surface may be omitted and that the downwardly extending groove of the top surface be configured to substantially received a fixation bar and a geo-grid therein.
In use, as the first course of blocks is completed and the area behind the course is backfilled, a geo-grid may be positioned over the downwardly extending groove 144. Then an elongated fixation bar 170 is positioned on the geo-grid to urge it into the groove 144. Then a second course of blocks may be positioned on top of the first course of blocks. As the second course of blocks is completed and the area behind the course is backfilled, an elongated fixation bar may be positioned in the downwardly extending groove 144 on the top surface of the block. Then a geo-grid or anchor sheet is positioned over the fixation bar and the third course block is placed on top. When the third course block settles into position, the geo-grid and the fixation bar are received within the groove, thus providing a positive connection between the third course block and the geo-grid. The wall structure 9 of FIG. 6 is a variant of FIG. 5 in which there are a plurality of positive connections between the first and second courses, and the second and third courses. It is understood that the positioning of the geo-grid relative to the fixation bar need not be alternating as depicted in FIG. 8 and that positioning may be uniform, such as below the fixation bar, if desired.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Patent Application
20060096180
