Patent Grant
8800230
This invention relates generally to the field of masonry block construction. More particularly, the invention relates to a masonry block system that employs a dry stacking interlocking block system with a unique starter device; various elements of the system; and, a method of installation.
Current methods and systems for masonry block construction have several advantages and disadvantages when compared to comparable cast-in-place concrete construction.
Masonry construction does not typically require formwork, both in erection and teardown that is found in concrete construction. Masonry construction also typically reaches design strengths quicker than comparable concrete construction. In general, masonry construction is less costly in material and labor costs than concrete construction.
Conversely, masonry block construction typically requires extensive layout time and labor to properly and accurately start the masonry construction. Further, the time, labor, and material in the installation of block, including mortar, requires continual adjustment and verification that the block wythes are plumb, level, and in alignment. Often too, masonry block construction does not have the ultimate strength of concrete construction.
Accordingly, there is a need for a masonry block system that offers advantages and improvements over current existing concrete and masonry block construction systems and methods.
The present invention provides a stacking masonry block system.
A first aspect of the invention provides a masonry block comprising a first surface configured to mate with a bottom surface of a first block, wherein the shape of said bottom surface of said first block corresponds to the shape of said first surface, a second surface configured to mate with a top surface of a second block, wherein the shape of said top surface of said second block corresponds to the shape of said second surface, a third surface having a shape which corresponds to the shapes of said first surface and said second surface, at least one planar surface positioned between said first surface and said third, and wherein said second surface and said third surface are coplanar.
A second aspect of the invention provides a stacking masonry block system comprising a plurality of standard blocks configurable in a stackable row, each of said standard blocks having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface of each of said standard blocks is configured to mate with said top surface of each of said standard blocks, wherein each of said plurality of standard blocks contain a cavity such that said stackable row has at least one vertical opening therethrough, and a plurality of transition blocks configurable in said stackable row, each transition block having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, wherein said second surface of each of said transition blocks is configured to mate with said top surface of each of said standard blocks, said first surface is configured to mate with said bottom surface of each of said standard blocks, and said third surface is configured to intersectingly mate with said top surface of each of said standard blocks.
A third aspect of the invention provides a masonry block system comprising a plurality of blocks, configurable in a stackable row, each of said plurality of blocks having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface of each of said plurality of blocks is configured to match with the top surface of each of said plurality of blocks, wherein each of said plurality of blocks contains a cavity such that said stackable row has a vertical opening therethrough, a starter rail, configured to mate with said bottom surface of each of said plurality of blocks and configured to be in communication with said vertical opening, said rail including at least a first longitudinal planar surface and a second longitudinal planar surface longitudinally connected to the first longitudinal planar surface, wherein an angle between said first longitudinal planar surface and said second longitudinal planar surface is acute and forms a void when one of the said plurality of blocks is placed over said starter rail, wherein the first longitudinal planar surface is co-planar to the base of the one of the said plurality of blocks when the one of the said plurality of blocks is placed over said starter rail, and wherein the bottom of said void has a larger width than the width of the vertical opening, such that when hardenable, flowable material is poured into said opening and void of said starter rail, movement of the blocks is prevented, an opening located proximate said top surface, said opening extending throughout said plurality of blocks, and wherein at least one of said plurality of blocks has a third surface configured to mate with said top surface to form an intersection.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of stacking interlocking masonry blocks.
The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention.
Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. Although the drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Turning to the figures, an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention is depicted in
As shown in
Moreover, the base 21 is configured to lay upon the footer top 61. The base 21 may include a plurality of openings 23 (e.g., 23A, 23B, etc.) shaped to allow various connectors 30 to connect the strip 20 to the footer 60. The openings 23 may be holes, slots, and the like. Similarly, the openings 23 may be spaced and configured to suitably attach the strip 20 to footer 60. For example,
Various means and methods may be used to attach the strip 20 to the footer 60. While
The second longitudinal planar section 22A and the third longitudinal planar section 22B are non-parallel with the base 21. Additionally, the second and third planar sections 22A, 22B may be non-parallel to each other. Further, the second and third planar sections 22A, 22B may each form an acute angle, φ1 and φ2, respectively, with the base 21. Further, angles φ1 and φ2 may, or may not, be equal to each other.
It should be apparent that various configurations of planar sections 21, 22A, 22B are part and parcel of the present invention. For example, any, or all of the sections 21, 22A, 22B may be less than entirely solid. That is the sections 21, 22A, 22B may have various openings. The sections 21, 22A, 22B may be lattice-like in their construction. The openings (not shown) may exist in order to allow the ready flow, or passage of flowable, hardenable material 70 throughout the system 10; to allow for additional elements (not shown) to pass through; to provide a lighter weight strip 20; and the like. Further, while the embodiment in
Similarly, various configurations of the strip 20 may be employed. The strip 20 can come in various lengths of straight sections. The strip 20 also can be on an angle for constructing corners. The strip 20, thus, may be any angle. The strip 20 can be made on a curve, or multiple curves, of any radius. In these embodiments, the strip 20 can be rigid so that the shape and configuration is fixed. Alternatively, the strip 20 may be semi-rigid. That is, the strip 20 may be constructed so that its shape and configuration may user-adjustable in the field to any angulation and/or curvature. For example, the strip 20 may have gaps or other constructs that allows the installer to move, shape, and bend the strip 20 to the desired configuration. Once installed to the foundation 60, the strip 20 provides a virtually errorless method for installing the subsequent blocks 40.
Turning to
Beginning with
Both first mating area 46 and second mating area 47 include a horizontal face 49, 50 and typically two canted (i.e., non-horizontal) surfaces 48A, 48B. Thus, the configuration of the blocks 40 is such that the first mating area 46 is shaped so as to mate or fit with the second mating area 47 of an adjacently placed block 40. More specifically, the canted surfaces 48A, 48B and the horizontal faces 49, 50 are such that blocks can readily by placed by the installer easily. Similarly, the first mating area 46 is configured so as to mate or fit with the starter strip 20, as well. Furthermore, mating areas 46, 47 need not have a horizontal surface and two canted surfaces. For example, mating areas 46, 47 may be curvilinear, such as the shape of a half-moon, or may be polygonal in design, encompassing, inter alia, a square, rectangular, trapezoid, and the like. The mating areas 46, 47 may be any form or any shape so long as the shape of the first mating area 146 corresponds to or can mate with the shape of the second mating area 47. Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the shape of the starter strip 20 may also need to correspond with the shape of mating areas 46, 146, 246, 346. Additionally, it should be understood that all mating areas may also disclose the surfaces of the blocks 40, 140, 340 which are in physical communication with each other.
The configuration of the strip 20 and blocks 40, 140, 240, 340 make installation much quicker and easier than typical block construction. For example, continual checking for alignment, plumbness, etc. is not required, or at the least mitigated significantly. That is once the starter strip 20 is properly aligned and attached (fixedly or removably) to the footer 60, all subsequently aligning activity is abolished, or significantly mitigated.
Clearly, the block 40, may be constructed of any suitable height 41, depth 42, and/or length 43, depending on the particular requirements needed. For example, in the L-shaped embodiment as shown in
Similarly, the mating areas 46, 47 need to be on both the top and bottom of the block 40. For example, both a first mating area 46 and second mating area 47 may be present for blocks 40, 140, and 240. Contrastingly, the embodiment depicted in
With reference to
Furthermore, block 140 may have a transition mating area 160. The transition mating area 160 may be located proximate the back end 73 of the block 140, proximate the bottom of the block 140. Transition mating area 160 may include a horizontal face 165 and two canted mating (i.e., non-horizontal) surfaces 161A, 161B. Thus, the configuration of the block 140 may be such that the transition mating area 160 is shaped so as to mate or fit with a first mating area 146 of an intersectingly placed block 140. For instance, the canted mating areas 161A, 161B and the horizontal faces 165 mate, correspond, interlock, contact, etc., with horizontal face 149 and canted surfaces 148A and 148B of a separate, intersectingly placed block 140 at any location. For example, the transition mating area 160 of a transition block may engage, interlock, contact, mate, etc., with a first mating area 46, 146 at any point, regardless of whether the mating forms a corner or a right angle. In other words, a transition block 140 may intersect a planar surface or wall at any point along the wall, expanding the freedom of design and construction. This corner or intersection configuration may be such that blocks 140 can readily, uniformly, consistently, and easily be placed, stacked, erected, and/or constructed by the installer of system 10 using only blocks 140, block 40, block 240, block 340, or a combination thereof. The plurality of blocks 40, 140, 240, and 340 may form not only a single, planar wall, but a plurality of planar walls connected to each other at intersections or corners. In one non-limiting example, a standard block 40, may be perpendicularly or intersectingly placed underneath block 140 such that shape of the transition mating area 160 mates, fits, or corresponds with the shape of a first mating area 46 of the standard block 40. Moreover, the transition mating area 160 may form a corner or intersection in the construction of system 10. The block 140 may interlock, stack, or mate with other blocks 140 or blocks 40 at both the transition mating area 160 and second mating area 147.
Ostensibly, the configuration of the blocks 140 may also be such that the first mating area 146 is shaped so as to mate or fit with the second mating area 147 of an adjacently placed block 140. More specifically, the canted surfaces 148A, 148B and the horizontal faces 149, 150 are such that blocks 140 can readily be placed by the installer easily. Similarly, the first mating area 146 is configured so as to mate or fit with the starter strip 20, as well. Furthermore, mating areas 146, 147, 160 need not have a horizontal surface and two canted surfaces. For example, mating areas 146, 147, 160 may be curvilinear, such as the shape of a half-moon, or may be polygonal in design, encompassing, inter alia, a square, rectangular, trapezoid, and the like. The mating areas 146, 147 may be any form or any shape so long as the shape of the first mating area 146 corresponds to or can mate with the shape of the second mating area 147, and in the case of the corner or “transition” block 140, also the shape of the corner mating area 160.
Moreover, the first mating area 146 and second mating area 147 may be on both the top and bottom of the block 140. Further, the transition block 140 may only have a transition mating area 160 on the bottom of the block 140.
Other embodiments (not shown) may have only a first mating area 146 on the top of the block 140. That is the bottom of the block 140 may be substantially planar. Such an embodiment may be used as a header, or lintel, over a doorway or window opening in the system 10.
With continued reference to the drawings,
One having skill in the art will appreciate that there may be more than one utility groove 80 per each block 40. Moreover, a utility groove 80 located proximate the first mating area 46 may be aligned with a utility groove 80 of an adjacent block, so as to allow the utility groove 80 to continue along passing through a plurality of blocks 40. An installer may then be able to insert a reinforcing bar, wiring, or any other useful elongate object into a utility groove 80 located on an exposed block 40, and thread or slide the bar or wiring through each of the plurality of blocks 40, without having to disassembly or destroy the existing construction. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that reinforcing bar, wiring, or any elongate element may be placed into the utility groove 80 simultaneous with the construction of system 10, and exposed utility grooves 80 may provide additional access to previously placed rebar or wiring. Thus, the utility groove 80, in particular, the depths of the utility groove 80, may allow a reinforcing bar, set of wires, or other elongate element or elements placed within the utility groove 80 located in the block 40 to remain flush with horizontal face 49. The reinforcing bar, or other elements located within the groove 80 remaining flush with horizontal surface 49 may allow another block 40, 140, 240, or 340 to be stacked on top of block 40 without affecting its ability to engage and properly lock with the bottom block 40. Additionally, the utility groove 80 may be vertically aligned with each other and share axial communication.
The utility groove 80 may also be referred to as a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports located proximate the first mating area 46. Additionally, the groove 80 may be a series or plurality of openings located within block 40, wherein the plurality of openings are coplanar and axially aligned with each other. The utility groove 80 may also be a uniform opening located proximate a first mating area 46 extending throughout the block 40, wherein the uniform opening is separated by at least one vertical opening, or cavity 45.
With reference to
The utility groove 180 may also be referred to as a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports located proximate the first mating area 146. Additionally, the groove 180 may be a series or plurality of openings located within block 140, wherein the plurality of openings are coplanar and axially aligned with each other. The utility groove 180 may also be a uniform opening located proximate a first mating area 146 extending throughout the block 140, wherein the uniform opening is separated by at least one vertical opening, or cavity 145.
Referring now to
Moreover, the scallop sets 32 may be in a parallel or a side by side configuration, and may be spaced apart a horizontal distance, dh, across horizontal face 49, as shown in
Subsequent to the installation of the blocks 40 a flowable, hardenable material 70 is placed, or pumped, into the openings 45. The material 70 may be grout, mortar, concrete, epoxy, and the like. In this manner, a monolithic construct is created between the block 40, material 70 and the footer 60.
The material 70 thus can flow within all the openings 45 in all the blocks 40 as well as into the void 55 around the strip 20. Thus, the material 70, once hardened, converts the block 40 and strip 20 construct into a monolithic structure that is strong in tension, compression, in shear, and the like. The mating areas 46 and 47 add to this aforementioned strength. The strength between adjacent blocks 40A, 40B is greater.
The shape of the starter strip 20 and the void 55 it creates under a first block 40B are such that, once the void 55 is filled with the flowable, hardenable material 70, and once the material 70 hardens, that the material 70 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction with respect to the adjacent blocks 40 in the system 10. That is, the strip 20 and the void 55 together may allow the material 70 to act as a type of key in the system 10. Therein, the system 10 is locked to the foundation 60 below.
As shown in
Clearly, other variations and embodiments are part and parcel of the invention.
One such variation is that the foundation 60 can be any suitable material for placement and support of the system 10. The foundation 60 is not just limited to concrete footers and the like. Rather, the term as used herein may include suitably compacted gravel, soil, and the like. Similarly, the system 10 can be installed on a foundation 60 constructed specifically for this application. Contrastingly, the system 10 may bear directly on a preexisting concrete slab (e.g., slab on grade, elevated slab, etc.). Thus, the system 10 suits itself for new construction and/or renovation work; exterior and/or interior partitions; building construction and/or landscaping/sitework constructs; and, as a bearing or non-bearing construct. The system 10, for example, can be used to create interior partitions (e.g., partial height, full height, etc.) in an existing building to parcel the existing space into subspaces.
Another aspect of the invention allows for various materials to be placed on the exterior of the walls of the system 10. That is aesthetic; non-structural; and/or, structural materials and/or systems may be placed on the faces of the blocks 40 once installed. For example, the system 10 can be covered with paint, covered with waterproofing, furred out with a wall system, covered with parging, covered with insulation, or other systems.
Alternatively, an exterior structural-type parging system 80 (e.g., ⅛″ to ¼″ thick) may be added that provides a waterproofing, aesthetic, and/or interlocking strength aspect to the system 10. One type of system that may be added is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), such as the system sold under the name, DRYVIT. Depending on the type of system that is placed on the exterior of the system 10, flowable, hardenable material 70 may not necessarily be required to be placed internal to the block 40. Thus, this exterior system may be used in lieu of, or in addition to, the flowable, hardenable material 70 placed within the blocks 40. Alternatively yet, a hybrid system may be employed wherein the exterior parging system is used, while flowable, hardenable material 70 is only placed in select portions of the system 10. For example, flowable, hardenable material 70 might only be placed where structurally necessary, such as in the corners of the construct and where buttresses, piers, and/or pilasters exist (i.e., locations of greater stress), while the exterior parging system is located on the exterior of the blocks 40 throughout.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/610,819, filed Nov. 2, 2009, and entitled “Stacking Masonry Block System with Transition Block and Utility Groove Running Therethrough,” which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/159,049 filed Jun. 22, 2005, entitled, “Stacking Masonry Block System with Locking Starter Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,610,730.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140059962 A1 | Mar 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12610819 | Nov 2009 | US |
| Child | 14073439 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11159049 | Jun 2005 | US |
| Child | 12610819 | US |
