Decorative modular masonry block

Abstract

A decorative modular masonry unit includes a central web, a cylindrical end portion, and a second end portion providing a plurality of concave or recessed grooves. The cylindrical end portion of one modular masonry unit articulates with a recessed groove of a like-shaped unit to form a modular structure. A series of units may be assembled into patterns of varying size and configuration.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/500,616, filed Sep. 5, 2003, and entitled “Decorative Modular Masonry Block.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to masonry blocks. In particular, the invention relates to modular masonry units for forming raised garden and flowerbeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Masonry blocks for forming raised garden and flowerbeds are well known. The blocks delineate the garden from surrounding landscape and serve to retain soil and vegetation in a specified area. It is desirable such garden beds are aesthetically appealing and that such blocks can be readily articulated in aesthetic patterns of various sizes and configurations. It is also desirable that the configuration or arrangement of such units can be easily changed. Conventional units typically permit articulation between adjacent units within a limited range of angles. Therefore, there are a limited number of design patterns that may be constructed from such units. The need remains for modular masonry units that permit the simple and easy formation of raised garden and flowerbeds. In particular, the need remains for modular masonry units that are not only aesthetically appealing, put permit the interlocking of adjacent units at any angle between 90° and 180° to enable virtually any design pattern to be realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a modular masonry unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends. A first end portion coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the first end of the central portion and has a convex region. A second end portion coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the second end of the central portion and has a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions. Each concave region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary convex region on another modular masonry unit and the convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit.

In one embodiment, the central portion includes a concave region articulating with the convex region of the first end portion and a convex region articulating with one of the plurality of concave portions of the second end portion.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of concave regions is spaced at a 90° angle relative to an adjacent concave region.

In one embodiment, the unit is of one-piece construction.

In one embodiment, the second end portion includes first, second, and third concave regions.

In one embodiment, the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second modular masonry unit. The first unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends. A first end portion coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the first end of the central portion and has a convex region. A second end portion coaxial with the central portion is adjacent the second end of the central portion and has a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions. The second modular masonry unit has a convex region sized and configured to articulate with at least one of the plurality of concave regions of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to interlock at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are complementary, paired units.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second modular masonry unit. The first unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions. The second unit has a concave region sized and configured to articulate with the convex region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to interlock at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are complementary, paired units.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular masonry unit including a scalloped surface comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region. The concave region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary convex region on another modular masonry unit. The convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit.

In one embodiment, the unit includes a scalloped top surface.

In one embodiment, the unit includes a scalloped side surface.

In one embodiment, the first end portion includes a cylindrical region.

In one embodiment, the unit is of one-piece construction.

In one embodiment, the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular masonry system including a scalloped surface comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second modular masonry unit. The first unit comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region. The second unit comprises a convex region sized and configured to articulate with the concave region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to interlock at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are complementary, paired units.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular masonry system comprises a first modular masonry unit and a second modular masonry unit. The first unit includes a scalloped surface and comprises an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region. The second unit comprises a concave region sized and configured to articulate with the convex region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are adapted to interlock at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

In one embodiment, the first and second units are like-shaped. In another embodiment, the first and second units are complementary, paired units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a masonry block unit.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the block shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the block shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the block shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the block shown in FIG. 1, opposite the side shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the articulation of four modular block units of the type shown in FIG. 1 to form four right angles.

FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating articulation between a pair of modular units at various angles between 0° and 180°.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrates a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 1 articulated to form various patterns.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a masonry block unit.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the block shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the block shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a rectangular-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a pentagon-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a hexagon-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an octagon-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a masonry block unit.

FIG. 19 is a top view of block shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front view of block shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a masonry block unit.

FIG. 23 is a top view of block shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a front view of block shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a square-shaped garden bed formed by the articulation of a series of modular units of the type shown in FIG. 22.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

I. “X” and “O” Embodiment

Interlocking masonry units or blocks can incorporate a paired-block design or a single, like-shaped block design. Paired unit designs use units with different but complementary shapes to achieve the interlocking feature. For example, one block is shaped to provide a recess, and the other is shaped to provide a projection that fits into that recess. An example of a paired block design is shown and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,920. Like-shaped units are of essentially identical configuration, but may be of the same or different size.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a modular masonry unit 10 configured for use in either a paired-block or like-shaped block design. A series of paired or like-shaped units can be articulated or interlocked in a variety of configurations. The unit 10 is particularly well suited for use with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 10 to form a raised flower or garden bed 12, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, and therefore will be described in accordance with such use.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 10 includes a central web portion 14, a first end portion 16, and a second end portion 18. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the web 14 and end portions 16 and 18 are a unitary body of one-piece construction. It is contemplated, however, that any or each of the web 14, first end portion 16, or second end portion 18 components may be formed as an individual and separate component.

The unit has a length L, a height H, and a width W. The length L, height H and width W dimensions can be varied to accommodate specific landscapes and purposes. In a representative embodiment, the unit 10 has a length of 18 inches, a height of 6 inches, and a width of 6 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 16 is of a cylindrical configuration and the second end portion 18 provides a plurality of concave or recessed grooves 20. The cylindrical end portion 16 has a diameter D and a radius R1 and mimics an “O.” The second end portion 18 defines a plurality of concave or recessed grooves 20 and mimics an “X.” In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion 18 has four recessed grooves 20 spaced equidistant and having equal radii of R4.

End 22 of the central web 14 defines a concave recess 24 having a radius R2 that articulates with the cylindrical end portion 16, such that R1=R2. The opposite end 26 of the central web 14 defines a convex, rounded edge having a radius R3 that articulates with a recessed groove 20 of the second end portion 18 having a radius R4, such that R3=R4. In the illustrated embodiment, ½ D=R1=R2=R3=R4.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that grooves 20 of a single unit 10 may also be of unequal radii. Regardless of the radius, each groove 20 is adapted to articulate with a cylindrical end portion 16 of another unit 10 having a radius that is essentially equal to the radius of the articulating groove 20. In this manner, units 10 of varying sizes can be mated with one another to form a desired pattern.

The unit 10 provides a generally flat bottom surface 28. The end portions 16 and 18 and central web portion 14 provide a generally flush top surface 30. Desirably, the top surface 30 includes a bevel or chamfer 32 that extends along the circumferential margins of the end portions 16 and 18 and the central web 14. The chamfer 32 provides a greater aesthetic appearance to the assembled modular structure. The chamfer 32 also provides increased resistance to chipping and breaking of edges, thereby prolonging wear. In a representative embodiment the chamfer 32 is ¼ inch.

With reference to FIG. 7, a recessed groove 20 of one unit 10 is sized and configured for articulation with a complementary cylindrical end portion 16 of a like-shaped unit 10, i.e., the recessed groove 20 is of approximately the same radius as the articulating cylindrical end portion 16. As shown in 8, the “X” and “O” connection method allows articulation between the first end portion 16 of one unit 10 and the recessed groove 20 of an adjacent, interlocking unit 10 at virtually any angle between 0° and 180°. FIG. 9 illustrates articulation between adjacent units 10 to provide angles of 45° (angle A), 90° (angle B), 135° (angle C), and 180° (angle D).

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the “X” and “O” configuration thereby provides a simple way to make raised beds 12 in various sizes and design patterns that can be changed at will. The units 10 can readily be assembled in an infinite variety of linear and angular patterns, including a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon. Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 16 of one block 10 with the opposing end recess 20 of an adjacent block at a substantially 180° angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the convex projection 16 in the recess 20.

II. Picket Fence Embodiment

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular masonry unit 34 configured for use in either a paired block or like-shaped block design. Similar to the modular unit 10 previously described, the modular unit 34 is particularly well-suited for use with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 34 to form a garden or flower bed 36, as shown in FIG. 13.

The unit 34 comprises a central portion 38, a first end portion 40, and a second end portion 42. The unit 34 is preferably of a unitary one-piece construction. The unit 34 has a scalloped top surface 44 defining a series of raised regions or tops 46 that give the unit 34 an aesthetically appealing appearance that mimics a picket-type fence. In the illustrated embodiment, each raised region 46 includes a flat top surface 48 and angled or beveled opposed side surfaces 50. Between adjacent raised regions 46 is an intermediate region 52.

The unit 34 also includes a flat bottom surface 54, a front surface 56, and a rear surface 58. Either or both of front and rear surfaces 56 and 58 can be scalloped to provide additional aesthetic appeal. For example, the intermediate region 52 may include grooves 60, as shown in the illustrated embodiment to provide the front and/or rear surfaces 56 and 58 a scalloped configuration.

The first end portion 40 is of a convex configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 40 is of a cylindrical configuration. The second end portion 42 includes a concave or recessed groove 62 adapted to articulate with the first end portion 40 of a like-shaped unit 34 to interlock the two units 34 at a desired angle and in a desired configuration. Desirably, the first end portion 40 is of a radius (indicated as R1 in FIG. 11) that is only slightly less than the radius (indicated as R2 in FIG. 11) of the recessed groove 62 to permit easy manipulation of the first end potion 40 within the recessed groove 62 while still maintaining a secure interlock between adjacent units 34.

Second portion 42 preferably includes a lip 64. Lip 64 is sized and configured to be seated within a groove 66 adjacent the first end portion 40 of an articulating unit 34 when the first end portion 40 of the articulating unit 34 is received within the second end portion 42 to further interlock the units 34. Groove 66 desirably includes an inward taper (represented by angle T in FIG. 11). The taper provides a tolerance to accommodate individual variance between like units 34 while still enabling sufficient alignment.

It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the unit 34 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised regions 46 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit 34 includes four raised regions 46 and has a length L of 18 inches, a height H of 6 inches, and a width W of 2 inches.

Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described, the unit 34 allows articulation between the first end portion 40 of one unit 34 and the recessed groove 62 of an adjacent, interlocking unit 34 at virtually any angle between 0° and 180°, including 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 40 of one block 34 with the recess 62 of an adjacent block 34 at a substantially 180° angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the convex projection 40 in the recess 62. This permits a series of units 34 to be arranged in an infinite variety of patterns, including a square (FIG. 13), rectangle (FIG. 14), pentagon (FIG. 15), hexagon (FIG. 16), or octagon (FIG. 17). Other patterns will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

III. Arch-Top Corrugated Embodiments

A. Rounded Top

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular masonry unit 68 configured to articulate with either paired or like-shaped units. The unit 68 is particularly well-suited for use with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 68 in a variety of configurations to form a garden or flower bed 36, as shown in FIG. 21. The unit 68 comprises a central portion 70, a first end portion 72, and a second end portion 74. The unit 68 is preferably of a unitary one-piece construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the unit 68 also has a scalloped top surface 76 defining a series of raised regions 78 that give the unit 68 an aesthetically appealing arch-top appearance. Between adjacent raised regions 78 is an intermediate region 80.

The unit 68 also includes a flat bottom surface 82, a front surface 84, and a rear surface 86. Either or both of front and rear surfaces 84 and 86 can be scalloped to provide additional aesthetic appeal. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, front and rear surfaces 84 and 86 include a series of grooves 88 spaced generally equidistant and extending from the top surface 76 to the bottom surface 82, giving the front and rear surfaces 84 and 86 the appearance of corrugated cardboard. It is contemplated that the size, configuration, and spacing of grooves 88 can be varied to provide an infinite variety of aesthetically appealing patterns. For example, in one alternate embodiment, grooves 88 do not extend the entire height of the unit 68 (not shown). In another alternate embodiment, the front or rear surface 84 or 86 of a single unit 68 may include grooves 88 of varying length or depth (not shown).

The first end portion 72 is desirably of a convex configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 72 is of a cylindrical configuration. The second end portion 74 desirably includes a concave or recessed groove 90 adapted to articulate with the first end portion 72 of a like-shaped unit 68 to interlock the two units 68 at a desired angle and in a desired configuration. Desirably, the first end portion 72 is of a radius (indicated as R1 in FIG. 19) that is only slightly less than the radius (indicated as R2′ in FIG. 19) of the recessed groove 90 to permit easy manipulation of the first end potion 72 within the recessed groove 90 while still maintaining a secure interlock between adjacent units 68.

Second portion 74 preferably includes a lip 92. Lip 92 is sized and configured to be seated within a groove 94 adjacent the first end portion 72 of an articulating unit 68 when the first end portion 72 of the articulating unit 68 is received within the second end portion 74 to further interlock the units 68. Groove 94 desirably includes an inward taper (represented by angle T′ in FIG. 19. The taper provides a tolerance to accommodate individual variance between like units 68 while still enabling a secure interlock.

It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the unit 68 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised regions 78 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit 68 includes four raised regions 78 and has a length L of 16 inches, a width W of 2 inches, and a height H of 6 inches.

Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described, the unit 68 allows articulation between the first end portion 72 of one unit 68 and the recessed groove 90 of an adjacent, interlocking unit 68 at virtually any angle between 0° and 180°, including 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 72 of one block 68 with the recess 90 of an adjacent block 68 at a substantially 180° angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the convex projection 72 in the recess 90. This permits a series of units 68 to be arranged in an infinite variety of straight or angular patterns, including a square (as shown in FIG. 21), a rectangle, a pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. Other patterns will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

B. Scalloped Top

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a modular masonry unit 96 configured to articulate with either paired or like-shaped units. The unit 96 is particularly well-suited for use with a series of essentially identical, like-shaped units 96 in a variety of configurations to form a garden or flower bed 36, as shown in FIG. 25. The unit 96 is similar to the unit 68 previously described with respect to FIGS. 18-21. The unit 96 comprises a central portion 98, a first end portion 100, and a second end portion 102 having a recessed groove 104. The unit 96 is preferably of a unitary one-piece construction. The unit 96 also has a scalloped top surface 106 defining a series of raised regions 108 that give the unit 96 an aesthetically appealing appearance. Each raised region 108 includes a flat portion 110. Flat portion 110 is desirably sized and configured to permit easy and secure placement of the unit 96 within a shipping box or other packaging so as to limit movement of the unit 96, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the unit 96 during shipping and transport. Between adjacent raised regions 108 is an intermediate region 112.

It is contemplated that the size and configuration of the unit 96 can be varied according to specific needs or to accommodate specific design plans. For example, the number or size of raised regions 108 can be varied. In a representative embodiment, the unit 96 includes three raised regions 108 and has a length L of 16 inches, a width W of 2 inches, and a height H of 6 inches.

Similar to the modular masonry unit 10 previously described, the unit 96 allows articulation between the first end portion 100 of one unit 96 and the recessed groove 104 of an adjacent, interlocking unit 96 at virtually any angle between 0° and 180°, including 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Straight sections are formed by joining the convex projection 100 of one block 96 with the recess 104 of an adjacent block 96 at a substantially 180° angle. Angles are formed by pivoting the convex projection 100 in the recess 104. This permits a series of units 96 to be arranged in an infinite variety of patterns, including a square (as shown in FIG. 25), a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon. Other patterns will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A modular masonry unit comprising:

an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends,

a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and

a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions,

wherein each concave region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary convex region on another modular masonry unit, and

wherein the convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit.

2. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1,

wherein the central portion includes a concave region articulating with the convex region of the first end portion, and

wherein the central portion includes a convex region articulating with one of the plurality of concave portions of the second end portion.

3. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1,

wherein the second end portion includes first, second, and third concave regions.

4. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1,

wherein each of the plurality of concave regions is spaced at a 90° angle relative to an adjacent concave region.

5. A modular masonry unit as in claim 1,

wherein the unit is of one-piece construction.

6. A modular masonry system as in claim 1,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

7. A modular masonry system as in claim 6,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 45° angle.

8. A modular masonry system as in claim 6,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 90° angle.

9. A modular masonry system as in claim 6,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 135° angle.

10. A modular masonry system as in claim 6, wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 180° angle.

11. A modular masonry system comprising:

a first modular masonry unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions, and

a second modular masonry unit having a convex region sized and configured to articulate with at least one of the plurality of concave regions of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

12. A modular masonry system as in claim 11,

wherein the first and second modular units are adapted to interlock at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

13. A modular masonry system as in claim 11,

wherein the first and second modular units are like-shaped.

14. A modular masonry system as in claim 11,

wherein the first and second modular units are complementary, paired units.

15. A modular masonry system comprising:

a first modular masonry unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a circumferential margin defining a plurality of concave regions, and

a second modular masonry unit having a concave region sized and configured to articulate with the convex region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

16. A modular masonry system as in claim 15,

wherein the first and second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

17. A modular masonry system as in claim 15,

wherein the first and second modular units are like-shaped.

18. A modular masonry system as in claim 15,

wherein the first and second modular units are complementary, paired units.

19. A modular masonry unit comprising:

an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends,

a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and

a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region,

wherein the concave region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary convex region on another modular masonry unit, and

wherein the convex region is sized and configured to articulate with a complementary concave region on another modular masonry unit,

the unit including a scalloped surface.

20. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19,

wherein the unit includes a scalloped top surface.

21. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19,

wherein the unit includes a scalloped side surface.

22. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19,

wherein the first end portion includes a cylindrical region.

23. A modular masonry unit as in claim 22,

wherein a neck couples the cylindrical region with the central portion.

24. A modular masonry unit as in claim 19,

wherein the unit is of one-piece construction.

25. A modular masonry system as in claim 19,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

26. A modular masonry system as in claim 25,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 45° angle.

27. A modular masonry system as in claim 25,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 90° angle.

28. A modular masonry system as in claim 25,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 1350 angle.

29. A modular masonry system as in claim 25,

wherein the unit is adapted to interlock with another modular unit at a substantially 180° angle.

30. A modular masonry system comprising:

a first modular masonry unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region, the unit including a scalloped surface, and

a second modular masonry unit comprising a convex region sized and configured to articulate with the concave region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

31. A modular masonry system as in claim 30,

wherein the first and second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

32. A modular masonry system as in claim 30,

wherein the first and second modular units are like-shaped.

33. A modular masonry system as in claim 30,

wherein the first and second modular units are complementary, paired units.

34. A modular masonry system comprising:

a first modular masonry unit comprising an elongated central portion having opposed first and second ends, a first end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the first end of the central portion and having a convex region, and a second end portion coaxial with the central portion adjacent the second end of the central portion and having a concave region, the unit including a scalloped surface, and

a second modular masonry unit comprising a concave region sized and configured to articulate with the convex region of the first modular unit to interlock the first and second modular units.

35. A modular masonry system as in claim 34,

wherein the first and second modular units are adapted to articulate at an angle from 0° to about 180°.

36. A modular masonry system as in claim 34,

wherein the first and second modular units are like-shaped.

37. A modular masonry system as in claim 34, wherein the first and second modular units are complementary, paired units.