Cementitious product with embedded golf balls

Abstract

A plurality of concrete building units including blocks, stepping stones, wall structures and the like comprise a plurality of spaced-apart golf balls that are externally visible. The golf balls are entrapped within the concrete structure, buried to a distance exceeding ½ their diameter. In the manner they are permanently captivated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] I. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to decorative concrete products and structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to concrete blocks or structures comprising outer surfaces provided with embedded, decorative objects. The closest known prior art is found in United States Patent Class 52, Subclass 315.

[0003] II. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] It has been recognized by those skilled in the art that unadorned concrete articles or devices have a rather plain and ordinary look to them. Ordinary concrete mixtures comprise a variety of aggregates, but these often are not visible at exposed outer surfaces. Concrete blocks or structures comprising various forms of captivated, decorative aggregates or stones have previously been proposed.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,488 provides a system wherein precast strips are embedded within concrete playing surfaces to provide a marked playing surface for games.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,331,175 and 1,647,181 both show concrete blocks or building units with a number of embedded, decorative stones. The stones are externally visible, and enhance the appearance of the blocks or items made from the blocks.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,888 discloses a method of manufacturing concrete blocks with decorative stones embedded in an outer surface. The decorative stones in the block are partially embedded and captivated within the concrete. The exposed, outermost portions of the stones are externally visible, and enhance the ornamental appearance of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention provides a variety of concrete building units like blocks, wall structures and the like. Each such device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart golf balls that are externally visible. The golf balls are entrapped within the concrete structure, buried to a distance exceeding ½ their diameter. In this manner they are permanently captivated.

[0009] Thus, a basic object of my invention is to provide unique concrete products with embedded golf balls.

[0010] A related object is to provide concrete items such as blocks, stepping stones, sidewalks, walls, and the like with an ornamentally attractive appearance provided by a multiplicity of entrained golf balls.

[0011] A related object is to offer structures of the character described with a variety of different color arrangements. It is a feature of my invention that golf balls of widely different colors can be combined with different tones and colors of concrete to provide a variety of different colorful appearances.

[0012] Another object is to provide concrete structures, walls, building blocks, and the like that are particularly adapted for golf courses, the grounds and pathways around golf courses, and the club houses.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:

[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred stepping stone constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, top plan view of the stepping stone of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the preferred stepping stone, taken generally from a position beneath FIG. 2 and looking upwardly;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally through 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a sidewalk constructed in accordance with the invention; and,

[0020] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a wall constructed in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Turning now to the drawings, reference numeral 20 (FIGS. 1-4) designates a preferred stepping stone constructed in accordance with the invention. It will be appreciated that the concrete products of the invention may take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. Stepping stone 20 is generally circular. It's body comprises an upper, externally visible surface 22 bounded by a radial periphery 24. A plurality of golf balls 26, 28, 30 are embedded within the concrete body for decorative purposes. As best seen in FIG. 2, the golf balls may be arranged in regular patterns, depending upon the effect desired. In FIG. 3 it is clear that only a relatively minor portion of the captivated golf balls projects upwardly from surface 22.

[0022] In other words, an embedded or entrained golf ball 40 has a diameter 32 (FIG. 4). Each golf ball is preferably immersed within the concrete at a depth corresponding to greater than half its width or diameter. In this manner the golf balls are permanently locked within the surface, and cannot fall out or become dislodged in response to normal forces or shocks.

[0023] FIG. 5 reveals a walkway 50 comprised of one or more adjacent pours of concrete. A plurality of golf balls, some of varying colors, are entrained within the concrete body structure 51. These golf balls 52, 56 are secured as deeply as the others discussed above.

[0024] Likewise, building block 60 comprises a generally rectangular body 61 having a plurality of embedded golf balls 62 secured as discussed before. Block 60 may be styled in a variety of different configurations, all of which are generally in the form of a parallelepiped. If the block is cast on site large enough, it comprises a wall. Smaller blocks can of course be assembled through conventional techniques to form a larger wall.

[0025] It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that a variety of techniques may be employed to manufacture the aforedescribed concrete articles. In the best mode, I prefer to hand make the stepping stones 20. Other items may be manufactured in accordance with prior art patent such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,888.

[0026] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

[0027] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

[0028] As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A concrete product comprising:

a concrete or cementitious body; and,

a plurality of golf balls embedded within the body, the golf balls being externally visible.

2. The concrete product as defined in claim 1 wherein the golf balls comprise a diameter, and they are embedded within the concrete product a distance of more than one half of their diameter.

3. The concrete product as defined in claim 2 wherein the concrete product comprises a stepping stone.

4. The concrete product as defined in claim 2 wherein the concrete product comprises a block.

5. The concrete product as defined in claim 1 wherein the concrete product comprises a walkway.

6. A stepping stone comprising:

a generally circular concrete or cementitious body;

an upper externally visible surface on the body; and, a plurality of golf balls embedded within the upper external surface, the golf balls being externally visible.

7. The concrete product as defined in claim 6 wherein the golf balls comprise a diameter, and they are embedded at a distance of more than one half of their diameter.

8. A concrete block comprising:

a concrete or cementitious body;

a plurality of golf balls embedded within the body, the golf balls being externally visible; and,

wherein the golf balls comprise a diameter, and they are embedded within the concrete product a distance of more than one half of their diameter.