Brick Tile Inserts

Abstract

A tile inset device for securely and removably attaching two or more masonry products, such as concrete blocks, bricks and the like, to one another without the use or mortar, adhesives or the like. In a preferred embodiment, both the top and bottom portions of the device comprise two or more spaced apart inserts for insertion into an opening in a masonry product. The tile insert devices permit the associated masonry products to be repeatedly reused without causing damage thereto, and permit a builder to modify a partially constructed structure without incurring significant time or financial hardship. The tile insert devices are particularly useful in constructing temporary, non-dwelling, structures, but can also be used in the construction of permanent structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/600,068 filed on Feb. 17, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a masonry tile insert that enables a user to construct a temporary masonry structure, such as a brick wall, fire-pit, barbeque, etc., without permanently mortaring the bricks or blocks together. Because the bricks or blocks are not permanently affixed to one another, the structure can later be deconstructed and the bricks or blocks can be re-used for other purposes. The tile insert device is relatively easy to install and use, inexpensive to manufacture and can be used in conjunction with a variety of masonry products.

BACKGROUND

Many non-dwelling structures, such as walls, mailboxes, fire pits, barbeques, etc., are constructed of masonry products, such as concrete blocks, bricks and the like, due to the durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance of said products. Traditionally when building with masonry products, the blocks and/or bricks are affixed to one another with mortar, which creates a permanent bond between the various blocks and/or bricks. However, if the resulting structure is no longer needed or desired, it is typically not possible to deconstruct the structure in a manner that would permit the blocks or bricks to be reused in the same fashion. This is true because it is typically not possible to remove or separate the various mortared bricks or blocks without damaging the same or incurring significant expense. Consequently, structures that are no longer needed or desired are typically demolished and the ruble, consisting or broken bricks, block and mortar, is either discarded or used as excavating fill.

Further, masonry products such as concrete blocks and bricks can be relatively expensive to purchase, and typically require the services of a skilled mason to install, which further increases the cost of using said materials in the building process. Therefore, individuals desiring to construct a temporary structure may forgo masonry products because of their expense, permanency and the forgoing problems associated with dismantling the same, even though the user may prefer the appearance of masonry.

Another problem associated with the use of permanently affixed masonry products occurs if an individual makes a mistake during the construction process or desires to change the design of the partially completed structure. More specifically, once the masonry products are permanently affixed to one another with mortar, it is typically not possible to undo or change what has already been constructed without incurring significant time and expense. Currently, there is no device or method for securely and removably attaching masonry products to one another without permanently mortaring the same. Additionally, there is also no current device or method for recycling used masonry products in the same manner as their initial use, e.g., in a wall, mailbox, fire pit, barbeque or other aesthetically pleasing structure.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a tile inert device that can be used to securely and removably attach masonry products to one another without permanently affixing the same. There also exists in the art a long felt need for a tile insert device that permits the associated masonry products to be repeatedly reused and/or recycled without causing damage thereto. Moreover, there is a long felt need for a tile insert device that permits a builder to modify and or change the design of a masonry structure, or correct a construction mistake, during the construction process and without incurring significant time or financial hardship. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a tile insert device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a masonry tile insert device useful for securely and removably attaching masonry products to one another without permanently mortaring the same together. Each of said tile insert devices is preferably comprised of a base with a top surface and a bottom surface; a first insert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in a first masonry product and a second insert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product; and a third insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product and a fourth insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a fourth masonry product. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tile insert devices could be ornamentally designed to give the appearance of a typical mortar joint.

The masonry tile inserts of the present invention allow a builder to securely and removably attach various masonry products to one another without permanently mortaring the same together, thereby enabling the builder to change or modify the design of the structure being constructed during the construction process at minimal time and expense. Additionally, when the structure is no longer needed and/or desired, the tile insert devices of the present invention enable the builder to dismantle the structure without damaging the masonry products previously used to build the structure. By preserving the integrity and aesthetics of the original masonry products and the devices, the builder will be able to utilize the same in subsequent projects and therefore realize significant cost savings. Finally, the tile insert devices of the present invention accomplish all of the forgoing objectives and are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the tile insert device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the tile insert device depicted in FIG. 1 about to be installed on a pair of side by side masonry bricks.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a partially constructed structure comprised of a plurality of masonry bricks removably and securely attached to one another via a plurality of tile insert devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tile insert device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tile insert device 100 of the present invention, which is useful in creating a temporary interlocking or interconnecting masonry structure. Device 100 is preferably comprised of a base 110 and more than one insert 140 extending outwardly from said base 110. Unless otherwise stated, device 100 and its various components are preferably comprised of plastic, though it is contemplated that other suitable materials such as fiberglass, concrete, cement, wood, metal, etc. could also be used provided that the same is generally weather resistant. Base 110 and inserts 140 may be integrally formed, or one or more of inserts 140 may be attached to base 110 by any common means known in the art depending upon the type of materials used. For example, if base 110 and inserts 140 are constructed of plastic or fiberglass, insert 140 may be glued to base 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, base 110 is preferably an elongated, plate-like structure comprised of a top 112, a bottom 116, a front surface 120, a back surface (not shown) and sides 128. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overall length and width of base 110 should be approximately the same as the length and width of the masonry block or brick with which it is being used. For example, a device 100 for use with a standard concrete masonry block may comprise a base 110 that is approximately 15½ to 16 inches in length, as measured between sides 128, and may have a width of approximately 7½ to 8 inches, as measured between front surface 120 and back surface. By comparison, a device 100 for use with a standard sized masonry brick may comprise a base 110 that is approximately 9 to 10 inches in length, as measured between sides 128, and may have a width of approximately 3½ to 4¼ inches, as measured between front surface 120 and back surface. Of course, it is contemplated that other size bases 110 could also be used to suit user preference or a particular application.

The overall thickness of base 110 is preferably equal to that of a standard mortar joint and may be approximately ¼ to ⅝ inches, as measured from top 112 to bottom 116. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, front surface 120 and back surface (not shown) will also have the general appearance of a standard mortar joint so as to give the appearance that the various masonry products (i.e., blocks and/or bricks) were permanently mortared together.

Each of inserts 140 are preferably block like structures that extend outwardly from top 112 and/or bottom 116, and are comprised of an outward facing surface 144 and sides 148. In the preferred embodiment of device 100 depicted in FIG. 1, two inserts 140 are located in spaced apart relationship along top 112 and two additional inserts 140 are located in spaced apart relationship along bottom 116. Notwithstanding the forgoing, it is also contemplated that device 100 could be comprised of a single insert 140 on each of the top 112 and bottom 116, or a single insert 140 along the top 112 and two inserts 140 along the bottom 116, or vice versa. As described more fully below, this alternative embodiment of device 100 is particularly useful for producing the appearance of staggered masonry products and mortar joints.

It is also contemplated that more than two inserts 140 could be positioned in spaced apart relationship along top 112 and/or bottom 116, or that insert(s) 140 could be positioned along the bottom 116 but not the top 112 (or vice versa). This type of device 100 is particularly useful along the top row of a structure to not only removably connect the two blocks 220 immediately below device 100 but to also provide a relatively flat cap to the structure being constructed.

In order to reduce the overall weight and cost of device 100, and to make the same easier to handle during the installation and/or de-installation process, one or more of inserts 140 may further comprise an opening 150 in outwardly facing surfaces 144, such as a continuous opening, therein. Openings 150 are also useful for receiving mortar or concrete if, at some point in the future, a user (not shown) decides to make the structure permanent, and desires to core the same with concrete or mortar to add strength to the overall structure.

Because inserts 140 are inserted into openings 208 formed in a masonry product 200 such as a brick or concrete block, the overall size, shape and spacing of inserts 140 along top 112 and/or bottom 116 should correspond to the particular type of masonry product 200 that device 100 is being used with, as well as the size, shape and spacing of the openings 208 therein. FIG. 2 illustrates a device 100 about to be installed onto a pair of masonry blocks/bricks 200 positioned immediately adjacent to one another. Masonry blocks and bricks are well known in the art, and each of the masonry blocks 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is comprised of a top surface 204, a front surface 210, a back surface (not shown), and sides 214. During the construction process, one of the inserts 140 positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the first block 200 and the remaining insert 140 positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the second block 200, such that device 100 straddles the intersection of the two blocks 200 and interlocks the same. In a similar fashion, additional blocks 200 can now be placed on top of the inserts 140 located along top 112 so that inserts 140 fit within openings 208 to create an interlocking structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a partially constructed structure comprised of a plurality of masonry bricks 200 removably and securely attached to one another via a plurality of tile insert devices 100. More specifically, each of the devices 100 depicted in FIG. 3 are comprised of a base 110 with a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 116. Two inserts 140 are positioned along the top surface 112 of said base 110 in spaced apart relationship for insertion into corresponding openings 208 in two adjacent bricks 200 positioned above said base 110, and two inserts 140 are positioned along the bottom surface 116 in spaced apart relationship for insertion into corresponding openings 208 in two adjacent bricks 200 positioned below said base 110. In this manner, the various bricks 200 and tile insert devices 100 can be removably interlocked together to create a structure without the need for mortar or other more permanent adhesive materials. Further, as previously stated, the front surfaces 120 and back surfaces (not shown) of base 110 may further comprise ornamentation to give the general appearance of a standard mortar joint, which is both aesthetically pleasing and implies that the structure has been permanently constructed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tile insert device 100 of the present invention, which is further comprised of at least one panel 124 that extends outwardly from top 112 and/or bottom 116 of base 100 and serves as a vertical spacer between the various masonry blocks 200 being used to build the structure (in place of the otherwise present mortar joint in a permanent structure). Panel 124 may further comprise a front surface 126 and back surface (not shown), each of which may also have the general appearance of a standard mortar joint so as to give the appearance that the various masonry products (i.e., blocks and/or bricks) were permanently mortared together. It is worth noting that the device 100 depicted in FIG. 4 is but one example of how panels 124 can be positioned along base 110, and that numerous other configurations are contemplated and possible to suit user need and/or preference.

Having now described the overall structure of tile insert device 100, its use and usefulness will now be summarized. A user (not shown) desiring to construct a temporary masonry structure, such as a brick or block wall, fire-pit, barbeque, etc., without permanently mortaring the bricks or blocks together could place two blocks 200 adjacent to one another as shown in FIG. 2, and removably connect said blocks 200 with device 100. More specifically, the user (not shown) would place device 100 over blocks 200 such that one of the inserts 140 positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the first block 200, and the remaining insert 140 positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the second block 200 so that device 100 straddles the intersection of the two blocks and removably interconnects the same.

In a similar fashion, additional blocks 200 can now be placed adjacent to the two interconnected blocks and interlocked therewith with additional devices 100 to increase the overall length of the structure. Additionally, to increase the overall height of the structure, additional blocks 200 can be placed on top of the inserts 140 located along top 112 so that inserts 140 fit within openings 208 to create an interlocking structure, as is shown in FIG. 3. Additional devices 100 can then be placed on top of the second row of blocks 200, and so on and so forth until the desired structure is complete. Moreover, as previously mentioned, the front surface 120 of base 110 and/or the front surface of panels 124 may further comprise ornamentation or texture that gives the general appearance of a standard mortar joint.

As an important aspect of the present invention, because the various blocks/bricks 200 and devices 100 are not permanently affixed to one another, a user (not shown) can easily disassemble the structure by removing each layer of blocks and devices when the structure is no longer needed or desired, and the various blocks/bricks 200 and devices 100 can be reused.

Consequently, the tile insert devices 100 of the present invention allow a builder to securely and removably attach various masonry products, such as concrete blocks, bricks and the like, to one another without having to permanently mortar the same. Because a builder can also relatively easily dismantle a masonry structure constructed with the tile insert devices 100 of the present invention, the builder can change or modify the design of the structure during the construction process at minimal time and expense. Additionally, when the structure is no longer needed and/or desired, the tile insert devices 100 of the present invention further enable the builder to dismantle the structure without damaging the masonry products previously used to build the structure and reuse the same in subsequent projects, therefore resulting in significant time and cost savings. The tile insert devices 100 may also be reused. Finally, the tile insert devices 100 of the present invention accomplish all of the forgoing objectives and are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A tile insert device comprising:

a base comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface;

at least one insert positioned along either the top surface or the bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a first masonry product; and

at least one insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product.

2. The tile insert device of claim 1 wherein two inserts are positioned along said top surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the first masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product, wherein said third masonry product is positioned adjacent to said first masonry product.

3. The tile insert device of claim 1 wherein two inserts are positioned along said bottom surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the second masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product, wherein said third masonry product is positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.

4. The tile insert device of claim 2 wherein two inserts are positioned along said bottom surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the second masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a fourth masonry product, wherein said fourth masonry product is positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.

5. The tile insert device of claim 1 wherein at least one insert is further comprised of an opening therein.

6. The tile insert device of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.

7. A device for creating a temporary interlocking masonry structure comprising:

a base comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface;

a first insert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in a first masonry product and a second insert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product; and

a third insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product.

8. The device of claim 7 further comprising a fourth insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a masonry product.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein at least one of said first, second and third inserts is further comprised of an opening therein.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the masonry structure is comprised of bricks.

11. The device of claim 7 further comprising a panel extending outwardly from at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein said base further comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein said panel further comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.

14. A tile insert device comprising:

a base comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface;

at least one insert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in a first masonry product;

at least one insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product; and

a panel extending outwardly from at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface.

15. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein two inserts are positioned along said top surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the first masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product, wherein said third masonry product is positioned adjacent to said first masonry product.

16. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein two inserts are positioned along said bottom surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the second masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product, wherein said third masonry product is positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.

17. The tile insert device of claim 15 wherein two inserts are positioned along said bottom surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein

a first one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the second masonry product, and

a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a fourth masonry product, wherein said fourth masonry product is positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.

18. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein at least one insert is further comprised of an opening therein.

19. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein said base further comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.

20. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein said panel further comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.