Skirting wall system
A wall system suitable for use with an elevated structure. The wall system includes a plurality of blocks arranged in multiple courses to include a top course and a bottom course. At least one angled bracket has one portion positioned to restrainably engage a vertical face of at least one block in the top course with another portion affixed to an elevated structure. An elongated base member of generally right angle configuration supports and restrains the lower course of blocks; and a plurality of foot pads may be spaced along the ground with the base member spanning and resting upon at least two of the foot pads.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/395,608 filed Mar. 24, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/015,052, filed Dec. 11, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,471, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/547,206 filed Apr. 12, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,552.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is relates to a wall structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wall structure that may be used in a variety of interior and exterior applications, for example, as a skirting wall, as wainscoting, as a retaining wall, as a swimming pool wall, as a veneer or fascia, as cladding or siding, as a fence, and as a load-bearing or non load-bearing wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTransportable structures such as mobile homes, trailer homes, modular homes and recreational vehicles, by their very nature, are usually not intended to be built upon a conventional foundation. Rather, they are brought or driven to a location where they may remain for indeterminate periods of time. Often, over an extended period at a particular site, such structures may start to settle differentially onto or in the ground due to factors such as deflating tires or local variations in soil bearing capacities. Additionally, factors such as erosion and freeze-thaw cycles may also cause such structures to shift and/or tilt. In order to prevent such unwanted movement and ensure that a structure is level regardless of the ground's topography, the structures are often placed on stilts that extend from the structure or upon piles that extend from the ground, or even on isolated footings that distribute the weight of a structure over a relatively large surface area. While this solves the aforementioned problem of shifting and/or sinking, it often results in an unsightly visible gap in the area between the ground and the bottom of the structure.
Various attempts to cover the unsightly visible gap have included the use of plants, natural material such as rocks and wood and man-made products such as cement, masonry and plastics. These attempts have proven to be either prohibitively expensive, difficult to install and/or disassemble, or unattractive and unable to withstand sustained exposure to nature's elements. Attempts that tend to be prohibitively expensive or difficult to install include, for example, wall structures constructed of large, custom-made, cement slabs having decorative faces, and standard masonry blocks held together with mortar. Attempts that fall into the latter category include such relatively fragile and easily breakable products as wooden or plastic lattices, and synthetic panels designed to simulate stones or bricks.
Consequently, there is a need for an easy to assemble and/or disassemble, lightweight and sturdy, inexpensive wall structure for covering the gap between the ground and an elevated structure such as a mobile home.
In other applications, where brick, stone, or concrete is used as veneer or fascia, for fencing, and as load-bearing and non load-bearing walls, etc., these structures are constructed with an eye towards permanence. That is, the structures are not meant to be easily dismantled. This means that the component parts are often able to interconnect with each other and/or with a support framework in some fashion. This usually entails the use of robust connections such as mechanical fasteners, adhesives, cement, or the like. For example, many types of veneers are typically coated with adhesive or cementitious material to enable them to be securely and directly bonded to a structure. Or, as another example, walls may be constructed in a conventional manner with blocks and mortar.
Alternatively, wall structures may comprise heavy, interlocking blocks that rely on size and weight to achieve some measure of permanence. As one may well imagine, each of the aforementioned structures would be difficult and time consuming to reconfigure, remove, or repair should the need arise. And while the construction of some of these structures typically requires specialized knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve, it will be appreciated that disassembly may require other, additional specialized knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve. In light of these shortcomings, there is an additional need for a wall structure that may be easily assembled, disassembled and rebuilt or reconfigured by an unskilled user without damage to the constituent parts of the wall structure and which may be used as a veneer, fascia, cladding, fence, or as a load-bearing or non load-bearing wall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the present invention provides a masonry block wall system for use in skirting elevated structures. The blocks are shaped to be stacked in vertically independent, self-supporting columns, strengthened and linked together by specially shaped, lightweight, lateral support beams positioned between adjacent columns, and stabilized by inverted u-shaped brackets which are attached at or near the bottom of an elevated structure. In another embodiment, a u-shaped bracket is provided with an arm that is rotatably attached thereto and which is movable into a position that facilitates attachment to a generally vertical surface. In another embodiment, the blocks are configured so that lateral support beams may be positioned not only between adjacent columns but also at intermediate positions along the block as well. In another embodiment, the lateral support beam is configured so that it can be movably coupled to a bracket, which may be attached to an existing structure.
One embodiment of the block comprises a front face, a rear face, top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces, and each side surface includes an outwardly opening, vertically oriented groove for receiving a portion of a support beam. The top and bottom surfaces are configured to facilitate a stacking relationship between adjacent courses of blocks such that they are generally coplanar. This relationship is most easily achieved by making the top and bottom surfaces substantially collateral, planar and relatively perpendicular to rear and/or front faces. Another embodiment of the block includes the provision of externally formed channels that are configured and arranged to prevent moisture from forming and collecting at the rear face of the block. Another embodiment of the block includes at least one through hole or aperture that is substantially aligned with outwardly opening, vertically oriented grooves in the side surfaces of a block. As will be explained later, the through holes or apertures facilitate use with support beams in a variety of applications. Another embodiment of the block has viewable surfaces or facings that are angled with respect to each other and which facilitate the formation of closed structures.
One purpose of the beams is to keep vertically stacked, self-supporting columns of blocks from buckling when subjected to a force normal to the plane of the column. This strengthening is accomplished providing the beams with lateral extensions or ribs that are configured to be received in aligned grooves at the sides of the vertically stacked blocks. Another purpose of the beams is to link adjacent columns of blocks together in a colonnade-like arrangement to form a wall structure. This is also achieved with the aforementioned lateral extensions and grooves. As may be expected, the beams provide very little, if any, support in a vertical direction. The columns so constructed are considered independent because, unlike conventionally constructed masonry or stone walls, the joints between adjacent blocks are in alignment with each other rather than being offset as in a running bond. This enables the columns of blocks to move up and down relative to each other, without appreciably altering the inherent continuity of a wall structure. As will be appreciated, the rigidity of the blocks provides enough support to prevent a column from failing in the vertical direction. The support beams are preferably comprised of weather resistant metal or synthetic material, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, or the like.
The use of the lateral support beams also obviates the need for mortar between the blocks. This mortarless wall structure system is advantageous over traditional brick and mortar walls for obvious reasons. First, fewer materials are required to build a wall. Second, the materials are easier to handle and manipulate, and no special tools or skills are required. Third, a wall can be constructed under conditions that would not be possible using traditional brick and mortar construction and a person need not be concerned about time constraints imposed by drying mortar. Fourth, the intimate block-to-block contact between adjacent blocks results in very tight joints that allow the wall to appear monolithic or seamless. It is also possible to create walls that have the appearance of conventional block and mortar construction. Fifth, the loose block system can be constructed on a variety of surfaces, including sand, gravel, dirt, or building elements such as H-beams, flooring, base blocks, etc. It is not necessary to pour a foundation.
The lateral support beams also allow the blocks to be substantially thinner than conventional masonry blocks. These thin, lightweight blocks are not only easier to handle and ship, but require less material and time to fabricate. The blocks are generally about 1 to 4 inches (2.5-10 cm.) thick, about 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm.) in height and about 6 to 24 inches (15-60 cm.) in width, and preferably have a thickness on the order of around 2½ inches (6.0 cm.). As one may appreciate, the combination of the thin blocks and the support beams facilitates construction of masonry wall structures in locations and configurations that were heretofore not possible using thin blocks alone. The resulting wall structure of this system is surprisingly strong and it may even be used to provide support to an elevated structure. When a wall structure is installed about an elevated structure, such as a portable home, the elevated structure may be lowered onto the blocks of the wall. Alternatively, the blocks may serve as a skirt, which improves the aesthetics of the structure and keeps animals, litter, snow, etc. from intruding or being otherwise introduced beneath the structure. In this embodiment, it is not necessary that the blocks make actual contact with the structure.
The loose block system also allows the wall to be easily disassembled and reassembled. This not only gives flexibility during initial construction, but also allows later renovations to be made quickly and inexpensively. For instance, it may be desirable or required to vent elevated structures having skirting walls, to prevent the buildup of moisture or condensation between the ground and the elevated structure. Such vents can be easily installed into an existing wall, especially if they are of similar dimensions and configurations as the blocks. The blocks of a given column are simply removed and reinstalled, replacing one of the blocks with the vent. Other auxiliary items, such as an access door or lights, could be installed in a similar manner.
The wall design of the present invention also allows a wall corner to be constructed without supporting beams or mortar. In one embodiment, two walls are simply aligned to form a butt joint and fasteners such as pegs, or screws, and plastic inserts are used to fasten one wall to the other. Alternatively, construction mastic, or a similar type of adhesive, may be applied instead of or in combination with the abovementioned fasteners. In another embodiment, blocks are preformed as angled units that have been provided with outwardly opening, vertically oriented grooves for receiving portions of support beams. As will be appreciated, such blocks may be combined together to form hollow columnar structures. Again, ease of installation is greatly improved by the loose block, mortarless system of the present invention.
Another embodiment of the wall structure uses a differently configured bracket than the aforementioned u-shaped bracket. It too, is used to operatively connect the wall structure to a support. The bracket of this embodiment, however, attaches in a slightly different manner than the u-shaped bracket. Instead of straddling the upper portion of a top-most block as with the u-shaped bracket of the aforementioned embodiment, this bracket has one end that is configured to be positioned within space defined by opposing vertical grooves of adjacent blocks. That is, the bracket is designed to be installed at or near the sides of a column. The other end of the bracket is configured to be attached at or near the bottom of a structure. An advantage with this bracket it that it is able to provide support for the wall structure in two directions, while allowing movement of wall components relative thereto in a third direction. As will be appreciated, this bracket may be easily installed and removed without the need for special training or tools. Preferably, the bracket of this embodiment is L-shaped, although it is envisioned that other shapes are possible. For example, the bracket may be linear, or it may be linear and have an axial twist in it. Or, the structure-engaging portion may be provided with a u-shape or even its own integral fastener.
An assembly of blocks may be operatively connected to a support using yet another embodiment of the wall skirting system. With this embodiment, the support beam is configured to be movably coupled to a bracket that, in turn, is attached to the support. This allows the beam to move relative to the bracket without sacrificing the strength of the assembled blocks, and also allows the beams to be connected to the structure at different locations along its length. For example, at the top, at the bottom, or anywhere in between.
These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. And, although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention, which may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring generally now to the drawings and first to
Attention is now directed to the individual components of wall structure 10.
Front face 20 is spaced from rear face 22 by a predetermined distance herein defining the depth 30 of block 12. As shown in
A vertically oriented splitting recess 21 may be provided on the front face 20 of block 12 to enable the block 12 to be fashioned into predetermined shapes. Here, the splitting recess 21 is depicted as bisecting the block 12. However, it is understood that the splitting recess 21 may be located and oriented elsewhere on the block 12. That is, the splitting recess 21 could be off-center, or horizontal, diagonal, etc. Moreover, it is also understood that a block may be provided with more than one splitting recess, if desired.
Front face 20 also includes marginal areas 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D that will now be briefly discussed. As may be expected, the number of marginal areas corresponds to the number of edges of the front face 20. These marginal areas may be worked or modified, if desired, to produce different visual effects. Here, the desired effect is for the marginal areas to simulate splitting recesses 21. Thus, the marginal areas 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D are formed so that when blocks 12 are positioned in intimate contact with each other in a wall structure, the cross-sectional profiles of their marginal areas, when combined, simulate splitting recesses 21 (See also,
As mentioned above, the tight joints 31 between adjacent blocks 12 allow the wall structure 10 to appear monolithic or seamless. This feature may be used in combination with splitting recesses 21 and marginal areas 23A-D of the blocks 12 to create different visual effects. For example, it is envisioned that the wall structure simulate running bonds by having the blocks of each column alternate between a block with no splitting recess and worked marginal areas, and a block having a splitting recess and worked horizontal marginal areas (See,
Referring again to
Side surface pairs 28A, 29A and 28B, 29B, respectively, are preferably somewhat perpendicular to rear face 22 and/or front face 20. As can be seen, side surface 28A is spaced from side surface 28B by a distance (taken along a “x” direction in a three-dimensional coordinate system relative to a block) to define the width 33 of block 12. Additionally, each pair of side surfaces 28A and 29A, 28B and 29B, include a substantially vertical groove 34 or channel therebetween that is configured to receive a portion of a lateral support beam 16 (See,
Referring now to
Beams 16 may be attached at their upper ends to a structure being skirted if desired, preferably at or near the lowermost edge or bottom, and using conventional fastening techniques and technologies (not shown). Such attachments may be used in conjunction with or apart from brackets 18 and provide support and stability to the independent columns 14, preventing them from leaning or falling forwardly or rearwardly. Beams 16 also act to align the blocks 12 of a given column 14, by preventing lateral movement therebetween (that is, movement along the “x” direction in a three-dimensional coordinate system relative to the blocks).
Referring now to
Brackets 18 prevent rearward or forward movement of column 14 and also work in conjunction with beams 16 to prevent those columns 14 without brackets 18 from tipping over rearwardly or forwardly. As it is envisioned that beams 16 may or may not be attached to the structure, brackets 18 may be solely responsible for preventing wall 10 from tipping over. Brackets 18 can be of any suitable material, preferably synthetic, more preferably poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) or other durable plastic.
Referring now to
As with the embodiment depicted in
For purposes of illustration, the size of the wall structure 10 of this embodiment has been limited three columns 14 and four courses, with the two uppermost blocks of the left column 14 removed to reveal the juxtaposition between the brackets 19, beams 16 and blocks 12. Note that the wall structure 10 depicted in this embodiment also includes a plurality of footings or support pads 80 that are positioned beneath the columns 14 at the junction where they connect to the beams 16. Preferably, each footing or support pad 80 may be provided with a setting channel 82 that is configured and arranged to receive the bottom edges of one or more columns of blocks in a constrained relation. Note that the footing or support pad 80 for the middle and right columns 14 has been removed and replaced with an L-shaped support base or angle iron (see, for example, support base 84 in
Since the blocks 12 and beams 16 used in this embodiment of the wall structure 10 are substantially identical to the blocks 12 and beams 16 depicted in
Turning now to
The structure engaging portion 60 of the bracket 19 also includes opposing surfaces 68, 70. However, in this embodiment, only opposing surface 68 is configured to contact a portion of a structure (See,
Referring now to
In use, the bracket 19 will be operatively connected to a support where it will be in a fixed position relative to a beam 16 and blocks 12. That is, the beam 16 may move relative to the bracket 19 and the blocks 12 may move relative to the bracket 19. Equally as important, the beam 16 and the blocks 12 may move relative to each other. This feature allows columns 14 of blocks 12 to have independent vertical movement without harming or damaging the integrity of the wall structure 10.
Referring now to
In a preferred method to operatively connect a wall to a structure using the aforementioned bracket, a person would prepare or otherwise select an appropriate location in which to construct a wall. The construction would begin by placing a first block having opposing side grooves in a desired position and orientation. Then, a second, similar block would be placed directly on top of the first block so that the opposing side grooves of the first and second blocks are in vertical alignment with each other and-the first and second blocks form a column. Next, the first and second blocks would be operatively connected to each other along one of their respective sides by inserting a rib of first support beam into the aligned grooves and seating it securely.
Next, a bracket is positioned so that its wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned and in contact with the support beam such that it extends therewith along the groove in the block. The structure engaging portion of the bracket is then brought into position for attachment to a structure by sliding or otherwise manipulating the bracket in a direction towards the point of attachment on the structure (this is generally above and co-planar with the wall). The bracket is than attached to the structure using conventional techniques and technologies. The rib of a second support beam is then inserted into the aligned grooves of the opposite sides of the blocks, and a second bracket is used to operatively connect this portion of the wall to a structure using the aforementioned steps.
A second column comprising similarly configured third and a fourth blocks may now be constructed. The operation is much the same, except now the third block is positioned so that one of its sides is adjacent to one of the sides of the first block and its groove engages at least one other rib of one of the already positioned support beams. The fourth block is then positioned on top of the third block in a similar manner. That is, the fourth block is positioned so that one of its sides is adjacent to one of the sides of the second block and its groove engages at least one other rib of one of the already positioned support beam and the wall engaging portion of the already installed bracket.
After the second column is erected, the third and fourth blocks would be operatively connected to each other along their respective free side by inserting at least one rib of a third support beam into their aligned vertical groove of the respective sides of the first and second blocks and seating them securely, and that support beam would be operatively connected to a support by yet another bracket. And so on. It will be appreciated that other methods of constructing a wall structure using the aforementioned components are possible.
Referring now to
In situations where it is not possible to easily attach the bracket 90 to the underside of a structure, a user of the bracket 90 need only rotate the arm 98 to a second position so that it extends away from a block (not shown) as depicted in
Referring now to
Front face 120 is spaced from rear face 122 by a predetermined distance defining the depth 130 of block 112. As shown in
Vertically oriented splitting recesses 121 may be provided on the front face 120 of block 112 to enable the block 112 to be fashioned into predetermined shapes. Here, the splitting recesses 121 are depicted as quartering the block 112 and forming front face segments 125A, 125B, 125C, and 125D. However, it is understood that the splitting recesses 121 may be located and oriented elsewhere on the block 112. That is, the splitting recesses 121 could be off center, horizontal, diagonal, etc. Moreover, it is also understood that a block splitting recesses may be omitted, if desired.
Front face 120 also includes marginal areas 123A, 123B, 123C, and 123D that will now be briefly discussed. As may be expected, the number of marginal areas corresponds to the number of edges of the front face 120. These marginal areas may be worked or modified, if desired, to produce different visual effects. Here, the desired effect is for the marginal areas to simulate splitting recesses 121. Thus, the marginal areas 123A, 123B, 123C, and 123D are formed so that when blocks 112 are positioned in intimate contact with each other in a wall structure, the cross-sectional profiles of their marginal areas, when combined, simulate splitting recesses 121 (see, for example,
Referring again to
Side surface pairs 128A, 129A and 128B, 129B, respectively, are preferably somewhat perpendicular to rear face 122 and/or front face 120. As can be seen, side surface 128A is spaced from side surface 128B by a distance (taken along a “x” direction in a three-dimensional coordinate system relative to a block) to define the width 133 of block 112. Additionally, each pair of side surfaces 128A and 129A, 128B and 129B, include a substantially vertical groove 134 or channel therebetween that is configured to receive a portion of a lateral support beam (see, for example, the lateral support beams depicted in
A feature of block 112 is that it includes one or more channels 140, 142A, 142B, and 144 that serve to collect and direct moisture or condensation that may find its way past the front face 120 in a predetermined direction that does not intersect the rear face of the block. As can be seen, the channels extend along the top, side, and bottom surfaces, respectively. While it is possible for the top channel to be substantially parallel to the top surface, it is preferred that the top channel is angled relative to the top surface to facilitate drainage. This may take the form of a continuous slope in which moisture is directed more or less to one side of the block, or a segmented slope that directs moisture to both sides of the block. Alternatively, the channel may even be slightly arched, for example. And, since the block is symmetrically constructed, the bottom channel will likewise be angled relative to the bottom surface. The block may also be provided with channels 146A and 146B located at the grooves at either side thereof. These channels also serve to direct moisture or condensation that may find its way past the front face in a predetermined direction that does not intersect the rear face of the block.
Another feature of the block 112 is that it is provided with one or more substantially vertical apertures or through holes 150A, 150B, and 150C. As can be seen, apertures 150A, 150B, and 150C are in substantial alignment with the grooves 134 located on either side of the block 112. This enables support beams such as those shown in
Another feature of block 112 is the provision of recesses 127A and 127B on the rear surface adjacent the sides 129A and 129B. The recesses 127A, 127B come into play during the manufacture of the block. After the molded block is formed and split into two halves, it is removed from the conveyor on which it rests, a pusher bar (not shown) that impacts the rear surfaces of the blocks and moves them in the desired direction. If the blocks are not substantially parallel to the pusher bar, however, the bar has a tendency to chip and break the side segments 135A, 135B. The recesses provide clearance so that if the block is somewhat askew relative to the pusher bar, the bar will not contact the side segments 135A, 135B, and chipping and breakage is significantly reduced.
Referring now to
As depicted, the block 156 is configured so that the front face segments 159A and 159B, and the rear face segments 161A and 161B are oriented so that they intersect each other at a predetermined angle 172. The angle of intersection 172 can vary from about 15 degrees to about 165 degrees. Preferably, though, the angle of intersection is about 90 degrees. This enables the block to used to construct rectilinear structures. In that regard, it will be appreciated that the blocks may be used with or without linearly shaped wall blocks to form columnar structures of varying shapes and sizes. Moreover, it is envisioned that the blocks could be formed with more than two front and rear face segments, or that the block could be formed in a generally arcuate shape.
Another embodiment of a lateral support beam is depicted in
Another embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is depicted in
Another embodiment of a bracket of the present invention is depicted in
In use, a bracket 200 may be used, as part of a wall system depicted in
The sealing element 250 of the present invention generally comprises a body having a plurality of flexible, resilient strips that provide an effective seal between the sills or finish moldings and the structure. More specifically the sealing element 250 comprises a sealing panel 251 that is formed by first and second strips 252 and 254, and an attachment portion 255 that is formed by third and fourth strips 256 and 258. The attachment portion 255 is operatively connected to the panel 251 such that the third and fourth strips extend therefrom in a generally radial relation. As can be seen in
In use, the third and fourth strips 256 and 258 of the attachment portion 255 are pinched together and inserted into the gap between the wall and a structure, as shown in
Alternative embodiments of support beams and blocks are shown in
The support beam 287 of
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiments have been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A wall system suitable for use with an elevated structure, the wall system comprising:
- a plurality of blocks arranged in multiple courses including a top course and a bottom course, each of the blocks comprising a vertical front face, a vertical rear face, a bottom surface, a top surface and opposed side surfaces; and
- at least one bracket comprising two portions angularly oriented with respect to each other, one of said portions being constructed and arranged for attachment to an elevated structure and the other of said portions being constructed and arranged to restrainably engage one vertical face of a block in the top course.
2. The wall system of claim 1 wherein:
- the other one of said bracket portions is constructed and arranged to engage the vertical rear face of a block in the top course.
3. The wall system of claim 1 wherein:
- the two bracket portions are oriented at generally right angles to each other.
4. The wall system of claim 1 wherein:
- the bracket is of generally U-shape and further comprises a third portion, with said one of said bracket portions extending horizontally to form the base of the “U” and said other of said bracket portions and said third portion comprising the legs of the “U”.
5. The wall system of claim 1 and further including:
- an elongated base member having an upper surface constructed and arranged to receive one or more blocks of the bottom course of blocks thereon.
6. The wall system of claim 5 wherein:
- the base member is of generally right angle configuration comprising a vertically oriented side wall extending generally at a right angle to the upper surface of the base member, the side wall configured and arranged to be located adjacent to the vertical face of blocks in the lower course of blocks, whereby the bracket and the base member cooperate in stabilizing the block courses and in resisting tipping and shifting of the blocks.
7. The wall system of claim 6 wherein:
- the vertically extending side wall of the base member is constructed and arranged to restrainably engage the vertical rear face of a plurality of blocks in the lower course.
8. The wall system of claim 5 and further including:
- a plurality of foot pads; and
- wherein the base member spans and is supported by at least two of the foot pads.
9. A wall system suitable for use with an elevated structure, the wall system comprising:
- a plurality of blocks arranged in multiple courses including a top course and a bottom course, each of the blocks comprising a front vertical face, a rear vertical face, a bottom surface, a top surface and opposed side surfaces; and
- an elongated base member of generally right angle shape defining a horizontally extending portion having an upper surface constructed and arranged to receive and substantially support a plurality of blocks in the bottom course thereon, and a vertically extending portion constructed and arranged to restrainably engage the vertical face of a plurality of blocks in the bottom course.
10. The wall system of claim 9 and further including:
- at least one bracket comprising two segments angularly disposed to each other, one of the segments being constructed and arranged for attachment to an elevated structure and the other segment being constructed and arranged to restrainably engage one vertical face of a block in the top course.
11. The wall system of claim 10 wherein:
- the other segment of the bracket is arranged for engagement by the rear vertical face of a block in the top course.
12. The wall system of claim 11 wherein:
- the two bracket portions are disposed at generally right angles to each other.
13. The wall system of claim 9 wherein:
- the vertically extending portion of the base member is constructed and arranged to restrainably engage the rear vertical face of a plurality of blocks in the bottom course.
14. A method of constructing a skirting wall for an elevated structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing: a plurality of blocks, with each block having a vertical front face, a vertical rear face, a bottom-surface, a top surface and opposed side surfaces; at least one bracket having a structure engaging portion and a block engaging portion;
- b. arranging the blocks in multiple, horizontally extending courses one on top of the other, with a bottom course and a top course;
- c. positioning the block engaging portion of the bracket so that it may bear against a vertical face of at lease one block in the top course; and
- d. attaching the structure engaging portion of the bracket to the elevated structure, whereby the bracket stabilizes the wall while permitting vertical movement of the wall relative to the bracket.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein:
- the block engaging portion of the bracket is positioned to bear against the vertical rear face of at least one block in the top course.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of arranging the blocks in multiple, horizontally extending courses one on top of the other, with the bottom course and a top course, is preceded by the steps of:
- e. providing an elongated base member of generally right angle configuration defining a horizontally extending portion having an upper surface and a vertically extending portion; and
- f. positioning the elongated base member so that the upper surface may receive and substantially support one or more blocks in a bottom course and so that the vertically extending portion may restrainably engage a vertical face of one or more blocks in the bottom course.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein:
- the vertically extending portion of the base member is arranged so that it may bear against the vertical, rear face of one or more blocks in the bottom course.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the steps: of providing an elongated base member of generally right angle configuration defining a horizontally extending portion having an upper surface and a vertically extending portion; and positioning the elongated base member so that the upper surface may receive and substantially support one or more blocks in a bottom course and so that the vertically extending portion may restrainably engage a vertical face of one or more blocks in the bottom course are preceded by the step of:
- g. placing a plurality of foot pads at predetermined locations below the elevated structure so that they are in a position to be able to support an elongated base member.
19. A method of constructing a skirting wall for an elevated structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing: a plurality of blocks, with each block having a vertical front face, a vertical rear face, a bottom surface, a top surface and opposed side surfaces; at least one bracket having a structure engaging portion and a block engaging portion; an elongated base member of generally right angle configuration defining a horizontally extending portion having an upper surface and a vertically extending portion;
- b. positioning the elongated base member so that the upper surface may receive and substantially support one or more blocks in a bottom course and so that the vertically extending portion may restrainably engage a vertical face of one or more blocks in the bottom course; and
- c. arranging the blocks in multiple, horizontally extending courses one on top of the other to form a bottom course and a top course, with the bottom course being substantially supported by the base member.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:
- d. attaching the bracket to the structure so that the block engaging portion is able to bear against a vertical face of at least one block in the top course, whereby the bracket stabilizes the wall while permitting vertical movement of the wall relative to the bracket.
21. A method of constructing a skirting wall for an elevated structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing: a plurality of blocks, with each block having a vertical front face, a vertical rear face, a bottom surface, a top surface and opposed side surfaces; at least one bracket having a structure engaging portion and a block engaging portion; an elongated base member of generally right angle configuration defining a horizontally extending portion having an upper surface and a vertically extending portion; a plurality of foot pads, with each foot pad having an elongated base member supporting surface;
- b. positioning the plurality of foot pads at predetermined locations below the elevated structure;
- c. positioning the elongated base member on the plurality of foot pads so that the upper surface may receive and substantially support one or more blocks in a bottom course and so that the vertically extending portion may restrainably engage a vertical face of one or more blocks in the bottom course; and
- d. arranging the blocks in multiple, horizontally extending courses one on top of the other to form a bottom course and a top course, with the bottom course being substantially supported by the base member.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of:
- e. attaching the bracket to the structure so that the block engaging portion is able to bear against a vertical face of at least one block in the top course, whereby the bracket stabilizes the wall while permitting vertical movement of the wall relative to the bracket.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of arranging the blocks in multiple, horizontally extending courses one on top of the other to form a bottom course and a top course, further comprises the step of attaching a bracket to the structure prior to adding the top course of blocks.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 23, 2005
Publication Date: May 18, 2006
Inventor: Raymond Price (Rochester, MN)
Application Number: 11/286,463
International Classification: E04C 2/00 (20060101);