Asymmetric retaining wall block
A block suitable for use in a retaining wall, the block has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and opposed sides. The block includes a weakened section that extends substantially from the front to the rear surface, and which is configured and arranged to facilitate splitting the block into two smaller blocks. The weakened section can take the form of one or more slots that are generally situated within the body of the block and one or more grooves located at the front and rear surfaces, respectively. The groove at the front surface of the block is configured and arranged to simulate a joint between two adjacent blocks. Preferably, the front groove is formed by a core that modifies the block as it is removed from the mold in which it was cast. The block may include one or more projections and/or positioning elements that extend from the block in a generally vertical direction, and which are configured and arranged to engage a block in an adjacent course of blocks.
This invention relates generally to the construction of walls used in landscaping applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a masonry block that can be used to build retaining walls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONRetaining walls are widely used in a variety of landscaping applications. Typically, they are used to maximize or create level areas and to reduce erosion and slumping. They may also be used in a purely decorative manner. In the past, retaining wall construction was labor intensive and often required the skills of trained trades people such as masons and carpenters. More recently, retaining wall construction has become significantly simplified with the introduction of self-aligning, modular, molded blocks of concrete that may be stacked in courses without the use of mortar or extensive training. With these types of blocks, it is possible to erect a retaining wall quickly and economically, and the finished product creates the impression and appearance of a conventional block and mortar retaining wall.
The facings of such blocks are typically formed with surfaces that create the impression that the block as been finished or split away from a larger body of stone. The facings can have split surfaces, faceted surfaces, smooth surfaces, planar surfaces, or be combinations thereof. Sometimes vertical channels are included on the facing to give the impression that there are two stones adjacent each other in a single course. However, a drawback with such channels is that they are usually clearly identifiable as such, especially when compared to vertical joints that are formed between adjacent blocks.
Another drawback with such blocks, is that only certain types of constructions are possible, such as vertically aligned walls or walls that may be rearwardly offset. In addition, such blocks are usually constrained to the particular pattern in which they may be arranged, for example, a running bond. Such prior art blocks are usually not available in different sizes nor is it possible to subdivide such blocks with consistent results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA masonry block that can be used to construct retaining walls and free standing walls is disclosed. The block is distinguished by a weakened section that serves the dual purposes of permitting the block to be readily split into two block segments and presenting the appearance of tow adjacent blocks. A preferred embodiment of the block comprises spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block; a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces; a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block; a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces; a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces; the block further comprising a weakened section located between the front and the rear surfaces, the weakened section configured and arranged to facilitate splitting the block from either one of the front or rear surfaces; and, a first groove in the front surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces, whereby the first groove may serve to assist in splitting the block and also presents a front surface simulating two separate blocks.
A mold core for creating the front groove is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the mold core comprises a generally elongate body having a first end and a second end, with the first end configured and arranged to be attached to a support bar, and with the second end configured and arranged to modify a masonry block as it is being removed from a block mold.
Additional advantages and features of the invention are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combination particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Turning to the figures wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout several views, the directions vertical and horizontal as used herein are made with reference to blocks in their normal position of use, eg. as in a wall, and wherein the dimensions of height, width, and depth correspond to the x, y, and z axes in a three dimensional coordinate system. With reference to
The block 10 also comprises a weakened section 50, indicated generally to be an area bounded by dashed lines 52, 54, which extends between the front surface 16 and the rear surface 18 along the depth (z-axis) of the block. As shown, the weakened section 50 includes a generally L-shaped opening 80 that extends along a portion of the top surface 12. In this preferred embodiment, the opening 80 of the weakened section 50 is formed by a first segment 82 and a second segment 84, which are in communication with each other, and which have longitudinal axes 83 and 85 that are angled with respect to each other (see,
A cross-sectional, side elevational view of the weakened section 50 is depicted in
With reference to
As shown in
With reference to
The aperture 9 is formed by a core 100, shown in
Each side of the core may be provided with a textured surface, which is able to produce different surface textures in a block surface. Preferably, the sides may comprise a plurality of channels that are oriented so that they are angled with respect to the direction of removal of a block from a mold. This allows block material within the channels to be worked and redistributed over the surface of a block in churning and repacking motions. As can be seen in
The core 100 may also include a base 108, which may be attached to the second end 106. Generally, the base 108 is configured so that it may also modify and manipulate the block as it is being removed from the mold. The base has at least two tines 120,122 that extend in opposite directions from the body 102 of the core 100 by a distance that is sufficient to enable the tines to modify and manipulate the block as it is being removed from the mold. Preferably, each tine is formed by two generally planar walls that form an angle 124 of about 30-150 degrees. And preferably, each tine extends beyond the body of the core by a distance of about ⅛ to about 1 inch (0.57 to 2.54 cm). As will be appreciated, the tines enable the core to form crevices 39 in front surfaces of blocks that create and accentuate shadows, and give the impression that there are two blocks instead of one block.
A block 510 that has been split into two smaller blocks 510a and 510b is depicted in
With reference to
The block 210 also comprises a weakened section similar to the weakened section 50 of
The weakened section can be more clearly seen in
As can be seen in
With reference to
The block 310 also comprises a weakened section similar to the weakened section 50 of
The weakened section can be more clearly seen in
As can be seen in
With reference to
The block 410 also comprises a weakened section 450, indicated generally to be an area within dashed lines 452, 454, and which extends between the front surface 416 and the rear surface 418 along the depth (z-axis) of the block. Like the weakened section of the previously described embodiments, the weakened section 450 of this embodiment is a generally L-shaped opening that extends between the front 416 and rear 418 surfaces along the depth direction or z-axis in a three dimensional coordinate system. In this preferred embodiment, however, the opening does not extend through the top surface 412 of the block. Rather, the opening has a variable vertical extent that is indicated by solid and dashed lines 481 (see,
The weakened section 450 can be more clearly seen in
With reference to
In use, the block may be used to construct a vertical, free standing wall or a retaining wall having an upwardly receding slope, or batter as shown in
After a wall has been constructed, the blocks in the wall may be split into smaller blocks, if desired. This may be accomplished by initiating a fracture along the front groove, which is in splitting juxtaposition relative to the weakened section. As one will appreciate, the fracture will travel along the weakened section of the block towards the rear surface. Because the blocks in the structure are usually constrained by adjacent blocks, the resulting fracture will be rather small, but significant.
Examples of wall structures that may be constructed with the blocks disclosed are depicted in
The present invention having thus been described, other modifications, alterations or substitutions may present themselves to those skilled in the art, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present invention be limited in scope only by the claims attached below:
Claims
1. A block suitable for use in constructing a wall, the block comprising:
- spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block;
- a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces;
- a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block;
- a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces;
- a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces;
- the block further comprising a weakened section located between the front and the rear surfaces, the weakened section configured and arranged to facilitate splitting the block from either one of the front or rear surfaces; and,
- a first groove in the front surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces, whereby the first groove may serve to assist in splitting the block and also presents a front surface simulating two separate blocks.
2. The block of claim 1, wherein the weakened section comprises a first section that extends in a direction between the front and rear surfaces.
3. The block of claim 2, wherein the first section extends along a portion of the bottom surface.
4. The block of claim 2, wherein the first section extends along a portion of the top surface.
5. The block of claim 2, wherein the weakened section further comprises a second section; wherein the first and second sections each have a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are angled with respect to each other
6. The block of claim 5, wherein the first and second sections are in communication with each other.
7. The block of claim 5, wherein the first and second sections form a generally L-shaped opening.
8. The block of claim 2, wherein the weakened section further comprises a notch that extends from the first section to the rear surface of the block.
9. The block of claim 1, wherein the first groove is in splitting juxtaposition to the weakened section.
10. The block of claim 1, further comprising a second groove in the rear surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces.
11. The block of claim 10, wherein the second groove is in splitting juxtaposition to the weakened section.
12. The block of claim 1, further comprising a first positioning element, with the first positioning element configured and arranged to engage the rear surface of a block in an adjacent course of blocks.
13. The block of claim 12, further comprising a second positioning element, with the second positioning element configured and arranged to engage the rear surface of a block in an adjacent course of blocks.
14. The block of claim 1, further comprising a first projection, with the first projection configured and arranged to engage a rearwardly facing surface of a block in an adjacent course of blocks.
15. The block of claim 14, further comprising a second projection, with the second projection configured and arranged to engage a rearwardly facing surface of a block in an adjacent course of blocks.
16. The block of claim 15, wherein the first and second projections are spaced apart from each other.
17. The block of claim 1, wherein the front surface has a roughened texture, and the first groove is so located on the front surface as to present the appearance of tow differently sized blocks.
18. A block suitable for use in constructing a wall, the block comprising:
- spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block;
- a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces;
- a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block;
- a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the first side surface comprising a stop surface;
- a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the second side surface comprising a stop surface; and,
- a pair of spaced apart projections extending from the block in a generally vertical direction with each projection comprising a contacting surface,
- wherein the contacting surface of each projection is configured and arranged to engage stop surfaces in an adjacent course of blocks.
19. The block of claim 18, further comprising a weakened section located between the front and rear surfaces and between the spaced apart projections.
20. The block of claim 19, wherein the weakened section is an opening.
21. The block of claim 18, further comprising a first groove in the front surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces, whereby the first groove may serve to assist in splitting the block and also presents a front surface simulating two separate blocks.
22. The block of claim 18, wherein each projection further comprises non-contacting surface spaced from the contacting surface.
23. The block of claim 22, wherein the distance between the contacting and non-contacting surfaces of each of the projections is in the range of around 1 to 8 inches (2.54 to 20.32 cm).
24. The block of claim 18, wherein the spaced apart projections depend from the bottom surface.
25. A block suitable for use in constructing a wall, the block comprising:
- spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block;
- a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces;
- a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block;
- a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces;
- a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces; and,
- a pair of spaced apart positioning elements extending from the block in a generally vertical direction with each positioning element comprising a contacting surface,
- wherein the contacting surface of each positioning element is configured and arranged to engage the rear surface of an adjacent course of blocks.
26. The block of claim 25, further comprising a weakened section located between the front and rear surfaces and between the spaced apart positioning elements.
27. The block of claim 25, wherein the weakened section is an opening.
28. The block of claim 25, further comprising a notch located between the spaced apart projections and extending vertically along the rear surface between the top and bottom surfaces.
29. The block of claim 26, further comprising a notch located between the spaced apart positioning elements and extending vertically along the rear surface between the top and bottom surfaces.
30. The block of claim 25, further comprising a first groove in the front surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces.
31. A wall comprising:
- a plurality of blocks arranged in at least two adjacent courses, with each block comprising: spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block; a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces; a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block; a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the first side surface comprising a stop surface; a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the second side surface comprising a stop surface; and, a pair of spaced apart projections extending from the block in a generally vertical direction with each projection comprising a contacting surface,
- wherein the contacting surface of each projection is configured and arranged to engage stop surfaces in an adjacent course of blocks.
32. The wall of claim 31, wherein at least two of the adjacent courses are vertically aligned.
33. The wall of claim 31, wherein at least two of the adjacent courses are offset along the depth direction.
34. A method of constructing a wall, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a plurality of blocks, with each block comprising: spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block; a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces; a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block; a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the first side surface comprising a stop surface; a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces, the second side surface comprising a stop surface; and, a pair of spaced apart projections extending from the block in a generally vertical direction with each projection comprising a contacting surface, wherein the contacting surface of each projection is configured and arranged to engage stop surfaces in an adjacent course of blocks;
- b. positioning a plurality of blocks next to each other to form a first course of blocks; and,
- C. positioning a second block on top of the first course of blocks.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of positioning the second block on top of the first course of blocks comprises the steps of:
- i. setting a front portion of a block on top of a rear portion of the first course of blocks; and,
- ii. sliding the block forward until the contacting surface of the projection engages a stop surface in the adjacent course of blocks.
36. A method of splitting a block, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a plurality of blocks, wherein at least one block comprises:
- spaced apart top and bottom surfaces defining the height of the block; a front surface extending in a direction between the top and bottom surfaces; a rear surface spaced from the front surface by a distance defining the depth of the block; a first side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces; a second side surface spaced from the first side surface, the second side surface located between the top and bottom surfaces and between the front and rear surfaces; the block further comprising a weakened section located between the front and the rear surfaces, the weakened section configured and arranged to facilitate splitting the block from either one of the front or rear surfaces; and, a first groove in the front surface extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces, whereby the first groove may serve to assist in splitting the block and also presents a front surface simulating two separate blocks.
- b. positioning a plurality of blocks next to each other to form a first course of blocks;
- c. positioning a second block on top of the first course of blocks to form a wall; and,
- d. splitting the block that has the weakened section while the block remains in the wall.
37. A core suitable for use in forming a masonry block, the core comprising:
- a generally elongate body having a first end and a second end, with the first end configured and arranged to be attached to a support bar, and with the second end configured and arranged to modify a masonry block as it is being removed from a block mold.
38. The core of claim 37, wherein the elongate body has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the second end of the elongate body further comprises at least one tine with the tine extending outwardly relative to the elongate body.
39. The core of claim 38, wherein the distance in which the tine extends outwardly relative to the elongate body is in the range of about ⅛ to 1 inch (0.57 to 2.54 cm.).
40. The core of claim 38, wherein the tine is generally triangularly shaped and extends outwardly in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.
41. The core of claim 38, wherein the elongate body has an exterior surface that is configured and arranged to modify a masonry block as it is being removed from a block mold.
42. A core suitable for use in forming a masonry block, the core comprising:
- a generally elongate body having a first end, a second end, and an exterior surface, with the first end configured and arranged to be attached to a support bar, and with the exterior surface configured and arranged to modify a masonry block as it is being removed from a block mold.
43. The core of claim 42, wherein the exterior surface comprises at least one channel that extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.
44. The core of claim 42, wherein the elongate body comprises at least two elongate, generally planar surfaces that extend along the length of the elongate body, with the generally planar surfaces angled with respect to each other.
45. The core of claim 44, wherein the angle formed by the at least two elongate generally planar surfaces is in the range of around 30 to 150 degrees.
46. The core of claim 44, wherein at least one of the generally planar surfaces further comprises at least one channel extending at a diagonal thereacross.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 30, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2005
Inventor: Raymond Price (Rochester, MN)
Application Number: 10/836,512