Patent Application
20140250819
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to building construction, and particularly to a wall building system and method that includes a block for building walls and other structures without the use of mortar or other binding adhesives.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most building blocks used for wall construction and the like are made of brick, concrete, terra cotta, etc. and employ an adhesive, such as mortar, to bind the blocks together to form the wall structure. The applied architectural techniques utilized in this form of construction are labor-intensive, require extensive planning, and are relatively expensive. Recently, prefabricated building blocks made of composite materials have been utilized in an effort to minimize both labor and material costs. The construction industry would certainly welcome an improved composite building block having a specifically designed profile that would enhance building techniques, lower expenses and permit easily assembled wall prototypes. This also allows, for the first time, the opportunity to prototype a full house in a showroom, for example. Thus, a wall building system and method solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The wall building system is based upon a block for building walls and other structures. Although composite material is preferred, the block may be fabricated from a single material, if suitable. The block is formed with an external face member and an internal face member connected by an inner core, which has an outer surface formed with a concave profile. The block is fabricated in one piece to enhance strength and stability. Each face is provided with a continuous groove therearound. The continuous grooves are adapted to receive locking elements therein to interlock the blocks. Utilizing a locking element eliminates the need for binding compounds, such as mortar, thereby greatly reducing labor and material costs. This arrangement allows a prototype wall up to three stories high to be built without the need for any additional supporting structure. When the blocks are assembled, the configuration of the inner core will define channels and passages between the respective blocks to receive electrical wiring, plumbing conduits, and other utility items therethrough. The block is fabricated from materials that have good insulating qualities, thereby allowing the block to be effectively employed in hot, cold, and humid environments. The internal profile of the blocks is compatible for wooden, steel, or concrete skeletal structure.
Accordingly, the invention presents prefabricated construction blocks that are easy to assemble and allow the use of a dry-build method, thereby eliminating the need for adhesive binders. The blocks are sturdy and comply with international building codes. The blocks can be designed and fabricated in various shapes and sizes such that different architectural styles can be effectively accommodated. Alternative surfaces, such as wood, steel, or leather, could be applied. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Referring to
As mentioned above, the blocks 12 may be fabricated in various shapes and sizes. Examples of such variety are illustrated in
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
