Abstract: A mortarless retaining wall constructed of a plurality of segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows. Each SRW block includes a face unit having connectors and one or more anchoring units each having connectors. The anchoring unit connectors are of complementary shape to interlock with respective face unit connectors. The face unit and each anchoring unit forming the SRW block when interlocked, each anchoring unit for confronting soil being retained by the retaining wall. The face units have first and second load bearing surfaces and first and second end surfaces forming front edges which are non-linear along the entire edge. The first and second load bearing surfaces are non-planar across the entire load bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A wall block having at least one weight bearing pad on an upper or lower surface of the block and a compression head and methods of making the block and making walls with the block.

Abstract: A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit.

Abstract: Interlocking construction blocks are provided, having a tongue and groove configuration, attachable together by pressing the tongue of one block into a groove of another block. Multiple blocks may be adapted to be interlocked together forming a structure, such as a wall. Blocks comprise first and second opposing sidewalls integrally connected together by first and second pairs of opposing connecting walls. The first and second sidewalls comprise a lower portion integrally connected to an upper portion. The lower portion comprises a pair of opposing lower portion sidewalls integrally connected to a pair of opposing lower end walls. The upper portion comprises a planar top surface, a pair of opposing upper portion sidewalls and a pair of opposing upper portion end walls integrally connected via upper portion angular walls. The upper portion sidewalls, upper portion end walls and upper angular walls may have a beveled or tapered surface.

Abstract: A structural block is provided. The structural block has a top and a bottom. A first sidewall section is between the top and the bottom. A second sidewall section is between the first sidewall section and one of the top or the bottom, and the second sidewall section is angularly disposed relative to the first sidewall section, so as to form a feature that interlocks with an adjacent structural block.

Abstract: The floor member is a laminated structure of flexible compressible cork sheet material and flexible plastic sheet material in the form of a floor tile or a floor plank. The cork sheet material and plastic sheet material are offset, from each other and have respective predetermined thicknesses to enable the floor member to be bendable to facilitate assembly of a plurality of the floor members into a floor covering. The compressible cork sheet material provides sound and heat insulation and the flexible plastic sheet material is yieldable to surface irregularities of a floor base. The cork sheet material is sandwiched between two layers of clear plastic material to provide a distinct sight of the structural presence and thickness of the cork sheet at an edge of the floor member.

Abstract: An igloo building block mold comprises a shell defining a pair of generally cuboid mold portions. The mold portions are offset from one another in both an upright direction extending between the top and bottom ends of the mold portions and a lateral direction extending between the end walls of each mold portion. A building block formed by the mold, when stacked on a previous row of blocks, permits inter-engagement between the blocks due to a shoulder being formed on each block which engages the corresponding shoulder of a previous block supported therebelow. The offset in the lateral direction permits side edges of each block to be inter-engaged with adjacent blocks as the blocks are placed in the desired position in the igloo structure during construction.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.

Abstract: Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion.

Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.

Abstract: A first concrete block has an exposure face with a non-planar first topographical definition and a first edge along the side face and a second edge along the second side face. The first edge has a first irregular profile. A second concrete block has an exposure face with a non-planar second topographical definition and a first edge and a second edge. The second topographical definition is different from the first topographical definition. The second edge of the second block has an irregular profile that is the mirror image of the first irregular profile. The blocks can be oriented adjacent and against each other for a seamless appearance. Assembling methods include orienting the first side of the first block against the second side of the second block and aligning the first irregular profile of the first block with the first irregular profile of the second block for a seamless appearance.

Abstract: A retaining wall block has parallel top and bottom faces, a front face, a rear face, first and second side wall faces and a vertical plane of symmetry extending between the front and rear faces. The block is formed as a body portion including the front face, a head portion including the rear face and a neck portion connecting the body portion and the head portion. The body, head and neck portions each extend between the top and bottom faces and between the first and second side wall faces. An opening extends through the neck portion from the top face to the bottom face, dividing the neck portion to into first and second neck wall members extending rearwardly from the body portion to the head portion.

Abstract: A set of dry cast blocks includes at least a first dry cast block and a second dry cast block. The first dry cast block has a first exposure face, an opposite second face, opposite top and bottom faces, and opposite first and second side faces. The first exposure face has a non-planar first topographical definition and a first edge along the side face and a second edge along the second side face. The first edge has a first irregular profile shape extending in dimension from a straight line. The second dry cast block has a first exposure face with a non-planar second topographical definition and a first edge and a second edge. The second topographical definition is different from the first topographical definition. The second edge of the second dry cast block has the first irregular profile shape extending in dimension from a straight line. The set of dry cast blocks can be arranged into an arrangement in which the blocks are oriented adjacent and against each other and result in a seamless appearance.

Abstract: A retaining wall block engagement system comprises a plurality of wall blocks connected with connectors. Each wall block comprises a top surface and opposing bottom surface, a front surface and opposing rear surface and first and second opposing side surfaces. Each side surface includes a shoulder portion and a pair of recesses extending upwardly from bottom surface. The recesses separated by a web portion. A plurality of generally H-shaped or h-shaped connectors are configured to interlock a block in a given course with a block in an adjacent course of blocks.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a front surface, a rear surface, side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each side surface comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, with the sections configured and arranged to allow a plurality of blocks to be arranged in a convex wall structure. The retaining wall block may be combined with one or more pins, which may engage vertically adjacent blocks and which may engage an end of an earth anchor. The retaining wall block may be cast in a mold box whose depth and width are configured and arranged to substantially approximate the depth and width of a standard sized pallet.

Abstract: The floor plank is a laminate of two layers of flexible plastic sheet material laminated together in offset relationship to define an offset marginal portion for each of the layers. Each of the offset marginal portions have oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces. A foam layer and/or a fiberglass sheet can also be included in the laminate structure of the floor plank. The floor plank can conform to surface contours of a floor base. The bottom layer of the floor plank, whether it is plastic sheet or foam, is conformable to surface irregularities of the floor base. A one piece releasable packaging device covers the oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces of the offset marginal portions.

Abstract: A block construction system includes interlocking, self-aligning blocks that can be used to construct structures with mortarless joints. A typical block has a top face that is formed with a raised, substantially flat horizontal portion that extends between a pair of longitudinally aligned rounded edges. Longitudinally aligned horizontal stop surfaces extend from each rounded edge. A bottom face of the block is formed with a pair of longitudinally aligned stop surfaces and a substantially flat portion that is positioned between and recessed from the stop surfaces. For two stacked blocks, the recessed portion of the top block receives and engages the raised portion of the bottom block preventing lateral movement of one block relative to the other. To interlock adjacent blocks on a common course, one end face of each block is formed with a vertically aligned tongue and the other end face is formed with a corresponding groove.

Abstract: A cluster of paving elements is formed with a peripheral edge having a re-entrant formation formed between the upper supporting surface and the lower, supported surface. The formation engages a complimentary formation on an adjacent cluster to inhibit relative movement between the clusters. The re-entrant formation may be applied to individual paving elements in the cluster or to the exposed faces of the elements at the periphery of the cluster. The elements in the cluster may be shaped to inter-engage to inhibit relative movement between the elements with in the cluster.

Abstract: The floor plank is a laminate of two layers of flexible plastic sheet material laminated together in offset relationship to define an offset marginal portion for each of the layers. Each of the offset marginal portions have oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces. A foam layer and/or a fiberglass sheet can also be included in the laminate structure of the floor plank. The floor plank can conform to surface contours of a floor base. The bottom layer of the floor plank, whether it is plastic sheet or foam, is conformable to surface irregularities of the floor base. A one piece releasable packaging device covers the oppositely facing adhesive coated surfaces of the offset marginal portions.

Abstract: A building uses three or more triangular facades arranged in a serial array formed by one triangular facade jutting from side face boundaries of each of the abutted and side-by-side triangular facades. The triangular facades configured similarly are in a dispersed serial arrangement about an elongated central axis. One triangular façade is the larger of triangular facades and all facades have a triangularly shaped outer facing wall bounded by an endless succession of perimeter walls in a right triangle relation. The arrangement permits multiple triangular façades configured to harmonize with level or undulating terrain.

Abstract: A palisade comprises visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides and intermediate end faces. One of the end faces is provided with a projecting convex head, while the other end face comprises a correspondingly formed concave receptacle for the head. When forming a palisade wall, the head of a palisade can engage in the receptacle of a neighboring palisade such that the head substantially completely fills the receptacle. To be able to bend neighboring palisades relative to one another over a large angle and to increase the design possibilities of a palisade wall, the head and the receptacle are disposed eccentrically on the respective end face and preferably in the corner region between the end face and the associated visible or wall surface.

Abstract: A wall block, system, and method for creating a straight and/or curved wall such that the front and back sides of the wall will have generally the same appearance. The block is asymmetrical and is designed to abut the ends of like blocks that are upright or inverted relative thereto.

Abstract: A five-sided interlocking block. At least one side, and preferably at least three sides, of the block is adapted to engage the same side of a similar block to interlock the blocks. At least one side of the block may also be adapted to rotatably engage the same side of a similar block. At least three sides of the block may also include anti-shear receptacles. The anti-shear receptacles on any side of two blocks may be aligned and shear prevention components inserted therein to interlock the blocks. The block may further include an optional interior space, enabling the block to be used as a container for appropriate material.

Abstract: A stablized retaining wall structure comprising concrete blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows, and with a stable anchoring assembly being in restraining contact with selected blocks. An access bore extends from the rear surface of the block to the surface of the wall comprising the hollow core. An earthen fill zone is arranged in spaced apart relationship to the rear surface of the wall and clean granular back-fill is interposed between the wall and the earthen fill zone. A keeper device is provided to couple selected wall blocks to the stable anchoring assembly, with the keeper device being configured to be restrainably held within the hollow core. An elongated fastener is coupled to the keeper device, with the fastener extending through the access bore and secured to the stable anchoring assembly.

Abstract: A concrete block for the construction of retaining walls molded in a vertical position. The block having a width formed between a base and a forming shoe, a height formed between fixed opposite walls of a mold. The mold includes a mobile base member, a mobile intermediate closed form and a mobile top member. The mobile intermediate closed form is positioned on the base member to receive concrete therein and the top member is positioned on the intermediate closed form.

Abstract: A building block or panel having a shape of a parallelpiped including four edge faces (11, 13, 15 and 17) and two opposed major faces (19 and 21), the edge faces being formed to be interlockingly engageable with the edge faces on similar building blocks, each edge face including lateral zones which are located to one or the other side of the central longitudinal axis of the edge face, one zone of each edge face being formed with a recess (23) and the other zone of each edge face being of a complementary configuration to the one zone, the recesses on opposed edge faces being of corresponding configuration.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of like blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block includes a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A generally J-shaped anchor has a connecting end and an anchoring end integrally joined by a setback spacer. The connecting end is adapted for being inserted into the wall block to secure the anchor to the block. The anchoring end extends outwardly from one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of like blocks in an upper or lower course. The spacer locates the anchoring end a spaced distance from the rear of the block. The anchor secures the block in the retaining wall at a predetermined setback relative to like blocks in the upper or lower course.

Abstract: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area of adequate clearance when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering element for making a ground gutter, with an upper side where a groove portion is provided, a lower side, two oppositely disposed longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, a first face supporting a first registration section of the groove portion, and, in opposed relation, a second face supporting a second registration section of the groove portion, such that the faces each provide at least one projecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, and at least one receptive portion shaped at recess in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, in which projecting portion can be brought into engagement with a recessed portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, and each recessed portion can be brought into engagement with a projecting portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, such that an edge formed between the lower side and the first face has a configuration which is essential

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift devices embedded in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes multiple retaining knobs that protrude from the lower surface of the block and help to align a block with previously-laid blocks underneath.

Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are novel gas permeable bricks of a refractory material suitable for use in a hot grid of a regenerative heat exchanger. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the brick has an inner face and an outer face on opposite sides of the brick. One or more cavities extend from the inner face partially into the brick. A plurality of channels for each of the cavities extend from the outer face to the cavities. The cavities and channels allow a gas to pass through the brick. Also provided is a hot grid suitable for use in a regenerative heat exchanger formed from a plurality of the bricks.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or a without adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking masonry wall block having an open core and spaced projections that enable stacked blocks to be interlocked, setback and staggered to form a stable gravity-type retaining wall that is particularly suited for landscaping applications. The open core extends completely through the block from top to bottom. The block is formed by front, rear and opposed side walls, each having parallel inside and outside surfaces. One projection extends from the lower surface of each side wall. The front of each projection is forward the inside surface of the front wall to provide the setback when stacked on other like-shaped blocks. Each block is stacked in a staggered manner atop two other blocks. One projection of each block is received by the open core of one of the two lower blocks. The projections abut the inside surface of the front wall of the lower blocks to interlock the blocks together.

Abstract: A masonry block having indentations and rounded and recessed portions to facilitate the bundling and transport of a bundle of the masonry blocks using convention bundling straps. A bundle of masonry blocks is formed such that on the top row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing upward, and on the bottom row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing the ground. The masonry blocks are also positioned such that the external edges of the rows of the bundle comprise rounded and recessed portions of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A converted wood article for use in combination with other converted wood articles to form composite wood products for use in general construction such as in the construction of posts, flooring, walls and support beams.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: An interlocking block for constructing walls without mortar at bed joints includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a web arrangement connecting the walls, wherein upper and lower surfaces of the block when in use are formed in contact with walls of a mold, and the block is slipped from the mold in a direction parallel to the mold walls. Interlocking recesses and ridges are formed in one piece with the walls of the block. The web is minimal in cross-sectional area and is positioned at one end of the block and between the top and bottom to create large empty volumes defining vertical and horizontal passages. The block can include one or more intermediate walls parallel to the inner and outer walls and additional webs to connect the intermediate walls to the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A construction panel is formed of a plurality of elongate subpanels where each subpanel comprises a plurality of expanded polystyrene blocks placed end to end. Tensioning cables pass over the inner and outer surfaces of the subpanels between tensioning plates positioned at each end of the subpanels. Tensioning the cables imparts longitudinal compression in the subpanels, such that the blocks of the subpanels act monolithically. The inner and outer surfaces of the subpanels are longitudinally convex. The panel may be corrugated. The subpanels may be interlocking to form the construction panel.

Abstract: A mortarless wall of a building structure has a plurality of blocks arranged in successive overlapping courses. Each of the blocks has a top, bottom, front and rear face disposed between opposed side ends. The blocks are able to interlock in the manner of shingles in a mortarless fashion.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: A module, a wall made from said block, and a method of constructing a wall using such blocks, wherein the block has the general shape of a plus sign. The block is made from a first rectangular piece and a second rectangular piece joined perpendicular to said first rectangular piece. The blocks are assembled in a parquet fashion to construct a wall.

Abstract: Construction blocks having a generally octagonal configuration. The octagonal shape is defined by first through eighth external side portions respectively connected end-to-end to define an octagonal shape with respective first through eighth corners; a transverse chord portion extending from said first corner to said fourth corner; a perpendicular segment portion extending perpendicularly from said transverse chord portion to said third corner defining a right angled cutout; an angled segment portion extending from said second corner to said transverse chord portion defining a triangle cutout; and a middle cutout defined by said triangle cutout, said right angle cutout and said transverse cord portion.

Abstract: A concrete slab for forming blocks for a retaining wall comprises a prism having parallel top and bottom surfaces, and opposed parallel side walls, and end walls, the prism has an X axis in the longitudinal direction extending between the end walls, a Y axis in the width direction extending between the side walls, and a Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes extending between the top and bottom surfaces. A first dividing line extends parallel to the X axis from one end wall to the other end wall in order to define a separating plane bisecting the prism. At least a pair of dividing lines extend parallel to the Y axis of the prism from the first dividing line to each of the opposite side walls, wherein the second dividing lines are parallel to each other but offset therefrom, whereby upon separating the slab along the first and second dividing lines, at least four blocks in the form of rectilinear prisms having different dimensions in the X axis will be formed.

Abstract: Block assembly for use in retaining wall systems. The block assembly includes a body having a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A formed recess is located within the block having a recess opening extending out the front surface, for accepting a light fixture assembly. A light fixture assembly may be positioned within the recess and coupled to a power source.

Abstract: A hexagonal refractory brick is constructed with tapered sides so it can be stacked 3-on-1 and 1-on-3, the bottom surface of the brick fitting between projections on the top surfaces of three others. A central vertical channel in the brick is complemented by other vertical channels formed by the assembly of a plurality of bricks, and horizontal channels which are relatively wide at the bottom.