CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/968,120, filed on Mar. 20, 2014, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
FIELD The present invention relates generally to a building structure and more particularly to an arched building structure constructed with a modular building block using a method of construction suited to quick and easy assembly.
BACKGROUND The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.
Building shelter has been one of humankind's oldest and most necessary practices, in the past, people have built shelters according to the needs of the people to be sheltered; especially the need to stay dry and the need to stay warm in a cold climate or cool in a warm climate. However, other needs are serviced by shelters or buildings that include shelter of materials or animals, defense from attackers, and a place to socialize, being that humans are a very social being. Still, the world is constantly developing new reasons or challenges that which old buildings fail to adequately protect its inhabitants,
Thus there is a constant need to improve building structures to accommodate new challenges. As a result, there is a need for a building structure capable of being placed on the surface of the ground or built subterranean that can be assembled in a modular method, can withstand extreme compression forces, and can provide a great deal of floor space without additional roof support such as columns, beams, etc.
SUMMARY A modular building system is provided, the system includes a foundation, a plurality of modular arches, a first and second end wall, and a fastening system. The foundation has a first and second footing, a first side and second side opposite the first side, a first end and second end opposite the first end. The first footing is disposed proximate the first side of the foundation. The second footing is disposed proximate the second side of the foundation. The plurality of modular arches have a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. Each of the modular arches includes a first base modular block, a second base modular block, and a plurality of a arcuate modular blocks. The first base modular block disposed on the first end of the modular arch. The second base modular block disposed at the second end of the modular arch. The plurality of arcuate modular blocks are disposed end to end forming a portion of each of the modular arches between the base modular blocks. Each of the plurality of modular arches is disposed so the first side of one of the plurality of modular arches is adjacent the second side of another one of the plurality of modular arches. The first end wall is disposed adjacent the first side of a terminating modular arch. The second end wall is disposed adjacent the second side of another terminating modular arch. The fastening system disposed between adjacent modular arches for securely fastening adjacent modular arches to each other.
In one example of the present invention, the first and second footings each include a recessed channel disposed along the length of the footings and the first end of each of the modular arches is disposed in the recessed channel of the first footing and the second end of each of the modular arches is disposed in the recessed channel of the second footing.
In another example of the present invention, each of the base modular blocks include a first end, a second end, an arcuate portion, and a straight portion, the arcuate portion is proximate the first end, the straight portion is approximate the second end, and the second end of the base modular block is disposed in the recessed channel of one of the first and second footing.
In yet another example of the present invention, each of the arcuate modular blocks has a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, the first side includes at least one raised portion, the second side includes at least one recessed portion, and the raised portion of the first side of one of the arcuate modular blocks is disposed in the recessed portion of the second side of another one of the arcuate modular blocks.
In yet another example of the present invention, the arcuate portion of the first base modular block has half the arc length as the arcuate portion of the second base modular block.
In yet another example of the present invention, each of the arcuate and base modular blocks have a generally “U” shaped cross section, include fastening bores disposed in the recessed and raised portions of the modular block, the fastening bore for any one modular block aligns with the fastening bore for the adjacent modular block, and the fastening system is disposed in the adjacent fastening bores of adjacent modular blocks.
In yet another example of the present invention, the fastening system includes a bolt, a first and a second compression sleeve assembly, a washer, and at least one nut, the first compression sleeve is disposed in a fastening bore of a recessed portion of a modular block, the second compression sleeve is disposed in a fastening bore of a raised portion of an adjacent modular block and axially aligned with the first compression sleeve, the washer is disposed between the first and second compression sleeves, the bolt is disposed in the first and second compression sleeves with the ends of the bolt extended beyond the compression sleeves, and the nut is secured on a threaded end of the bolt.
In yet another example of the present invention, the modular blocks are made of a concrete material including reinforcing rods and the compression sleeves are welded to the reinforcing rods.
A modular building block is provided for a modular building system having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a curved top surface, a concave bottom surface, and an interior cavity.
In one example of the present invention, the first side of the block includes at least one raised portion and at least one recessed portion, the second side includes at least one raised portion and at least one recessed portion, and the arc length of the raised portions of the first and second sides is equal to the arc length of the recessed portions of the first and second sides.
in another example of the present invention, the modular block further includes a utility box and material handling eyelets disposed in the curved top surface of the modular building block.
In yet another example of the present invention, each of the raised and recessed portions include a fastening bore extending from the first or second sided of the building block to the inner cavity, and the block further includes a first and a second compression sleeve assembly, and wherein the first compression assembly is disposed in a fastening bore of a recessed portion, the second compression sleeve is disposed in a fastening bore of a raised portion.
In yet another example of the present invention, the modular blocks are made of a concrete material including reinforcing rods and the compression sleeves are welded to the reinforcing rods.
In yet another example of the present invention, the raised and recessed portions of the first and second sides of the modular blocks have a arcuate shape.
In yet another example of the present invention, the raised and recessed portions of the first and second sides of the modular blocks have a frusto conical shape.
In yet another example of the present invention, the interior cavity of includes at least one interior strengthening wall.
Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.
DRAWINGS The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way;
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a foundation and a partial wall structure of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a basic modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a basic modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective cutaway view of the interior of a basic modular block according to the present invention;
FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of adjacent basic modular blocks prior to assembly according to the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of adjacent basic modular blocks prior to assembly according to the present invention;
FIG. 10A is a partial cross sectional view of assembled basic modular blocks according to the present invention;
FIG. 10B is a partial cross sectional view of assembled basic modular according to the present invention;
FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of a pair of basic modular blocks according to the present invention;
FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of a pair of basic modular blocks according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a portion of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 13A is a partial cross sectional view of an end wall and arched roof of an arched building structure according to the present invention
FIG. 13B is a partial cross sectional view of an end wall and arched roof of an arched building structure according to the present invention
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a roof of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 15A is a partial perspective view of a side wall having a door to the interior of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 15B is a partial perspective view of a side wall having a door to the exterior of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a curved modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a curved modular half block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention; and
FIG. 18 is a plan view of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view of an interior partition wall and arched roof of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a base modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a base modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 20C is a plan view of assembled base modular blocks according to the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a base modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a base modular block for use in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a footing block for an arched building structure according to the present invention; and
FIG. 24 is an end view of an arch building and form for aiding in the construction of an arched building structure according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, in FIG. 1 a front elevation of an arched building structure 10 is illustrated. Likewise, FIG. 2 illustrates a rear elevation of the same arched building structure and FIG. 3 illustrates the interior of the arched building structure 10. In these views, it can be seen that the arched building structure 10 includes a foundation 12, an arch roof 14, a front wall 16, and a partial rear wall 18. More specifically, the foundation 12 includes a footing portion 20 which bears the load of the arched building structure 10 and a slab portion 22 which provides a floor 24 of the arched building structure 10. The arch roof 14 is supported by the footing portion 20 of the foundation 12 and is generally a semicircular form, however, other types or forms of the arch roof 14 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The arch roof 14 is an assembly of singular arch rows or single arches 30. Each of the arch rows 30 includes a plurality of modular blocks 26 and a number of specialty modular blocks 28. The modular blocks 26 are first assembled end to end to form the single arch 30 and then several single arches 30 are placed side to side to expand the depth of the arch roof 14. The front wall 16 is supported by the footing portion 20 of the foundation 12 and extends to cover an interior or front opening 32 of the arch roof 14. The front wall 16 includes openings or portals 34 to allow for ingress and egress of personnel, vehicles, equipment, and light. Similar to the front wall 16, the rear wall 18 is supported by the footing portion 20 of the foundation. The rear wall 18 may also include opening or portals 34.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an example of an arched building structure 40 is illustrated and will now be described. The arched building structure 40 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, however, the arched building structure 40 is shown buried under earth 42. Furthermore, the arched building structure 40 includes an arch roof 44 having an angled or scalloped portion 46 on a front end of the arch roof 44. The angled of scalloped portion 46 of the arch 44 may also include a hand or safety railing 48 to prevent accidental falls. Additionally, a set of stairs 50 may be incorporated into the arch roof 44 or the side of the hill or earth 42 that the arched building 40 is built into.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a detailed cross section of a portion of an arched building structure 50 is illustrated and will now be described, in this example, the arched building structure 50 includes a foundation 52 and an arch 54. More specifically, the foundation 52 includes a footing 56 in which is disposed a base portion 58 of the arch 54. The footing 56 includes a recess channel 53 running the length of the side of the footing 56 and is capable of handling both the vertical and lateral loads applied to it by the arch 54. The foundation 52 further includes a slab or floor 60 disposed in an interior of the arch 54 and supported by the footing 56.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B with reference also to FIG. 3, for example, a modular block 26 is illustrated and will now be described. Generally, the modular block 26 is a segment of the arch roof 14 and includes a first end 70, a second end 72, a first side 74, a second side 76, a convex outer surface 78, and a concave inner surface 80. More specifically, the first end 70 of the modular block is a flat surface and is opposite another fiat surface of the second end 72. The first side 74 includes a surface 74A and a raised portion 82 that essentially traverses the length of the modular block 26 from the first end 70 to the second end 72. The second side 76 includes a surface 76A and a recessed portion 84 that also traverses the length of the modular block 26 from the first end 70 to the second end 72. Each of the recessed and raised portions 82, 84 include an angled or bearing surface 82A, 84A and a top surface 82B in the case of the raise portion 82 and a bottom surface 84B in the case of the recessed portion 84. The angled or bearing surfaces 82A, 84A are disposed on either side of the recessed or raised portion 82, 84 where the recessed and raised portions 82, 84 transition to the surface 74A, 76A of the first and second sides 74, 76 respectively. The modular block 26 further includes a hollow core interior 86 that is open to atmosphere on the convex inner surface 80. The core 86 of the modular block 26 is of such a dimension to produce relatively equal thickness throughout the modular block 26. Additionally, each of the first and second sides 74, 76 include a pair of bores 88 disposed on the raised and recessed portions 82, 84, respectively, such that the surface of the raised and recessed portions 82, 84 communicates with the inner surfaces of the core 86 of the modular block 26. The modular block 26 is also required in a half-length version. With a quick reference back to FIG. 1, the single arch 30 includes several modular blocks 26 place end to end with a spacer or joint filler 71 disposed between the ends 70, 72 of consecutive modular blocks 26.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a base modular block 90 is illustrated and will now be described. Similar to the modular block 26, the base modular block 90 is a segment of the arch roof 14 but it is also a first segment of the arch roof 14. The base modular block includes a first end 92, a second end 94, a first side 96, a second side 98, a convex outer surface 100, and a concave inner surface 102. More specifically, the first end 92 of the base modular block 90 is a flat surface and is opposite another flat surface of the second end 94. However, the overall length LB of the base modular block 90 is slightly longer than the overall length LM of the modular block 26. The additional length 104 is added to the first end 92 and used to set the base modular block 90 into the foundation 50 as shown in FIG. 5. Like the modular block 26, the first side 102 of the base modular block 90 includes a raised portion 106 that essentially traverses the length of the base modular block 90 from the first end 92 to the second end 94. The second side 98 includes a recessed portion 108 that also traverses the length of the base modular block 90 from the first end 92 to the second end 94. The base modular block 90 further includes a hollow core interior 110 that is open to atmosphere on the convex inner surface 102. The core 110 of the base modular block 90 is of such a dimension to produce relatively equal thickness throughout the base modular block 90 except for the volume of the base modular block 90 that adds the additional length 104 over the modular block 26. Additionally, each of the first and second sides 96, 98 include a pair of bores 112 disposed on the raised and recessed portions 106, 108, respectively, such that the surface of the raised and recessed portions 106, 108 communicates with the inner surfaces of the core 110 of the base modular block 90.
Referring now to FIGS, 8, 9A, 93, 10A, and 10B with continuing reference to FIGS, 6A and 6B, the interior of a modular block 26 is illustrated and will now be described. The modular block 26 further includes a fastener support assembly 120 for each of the bores 88 of the modular block 26. For example each fastener support assembly 120 includes a compression sleeve 122, and a first and second washer 124, 126. The sleeve 122 is disposed in the bore 88 and has a first end 128 fixed to the first washer 124 such that the axis i of the sleeve 122 is coaxial with the center of the first washer 124. Additionally, a second end of the sleeve 122 is fixed to the second washer such that the axis i of the sleeve 122 is concentric with the center of the second washer 126.
Referring more closely now to FIG. 10A, a first and a second modular block 26A, 263, are illustrated in an assembled state. For example, the modular blocks 26A, 2613 are assembled so that a first side 74A of the second modular block 26B is adjacent to a second side 76A of the first modular block 26A and the raised portion 82A of the second modular block 268 is disposed In the recessed portion 84A of the first modular block 26A. The first and second modular blocks 26A, 26B are further assembled such that the bearing surfaces 82A of the raised portion 82 are in hard contact with the bearing surfaces 84A of the recessed portion 84. Furthermore, as the modular blocks 26A, 268 are assembled a small gap c, d, e remains between the surface 74A of the first side 74 of the second modular block 26B and the surface 76A of the second side 76 of the first modular block 26A and between the top surface 823 of the raised portion 82 of the second modular block 268 and the bottom surface 84B of the recessed portion 84 of the first modular block 26A.
A fastening system 130 is disposed in the fastener support assembly 120 and includes at least a threaded bolt or rod 132, a first and second nut 134, 136, and a compliant washer 137. The bolt 132 includes a first and second end 132A, 132B with each end having a threaded portion 1320, 132D and is disposed coaxially with the sleeve 122 of the fastener support assembly 120 such that the threaded end portions 1320, 132D extend beyond the ends of the sleeve 122 and tie washers 126. The bolt 132 may also be a standard bold having a head in lieu of a second nut without departing from the scope of the invention. The nut 134 is threaded onto the threaded portion 132C of the first end 132A of the bolt 132. The nut 136 is threaded onto the threaded portion 132D of the second end 1323 of the bolt 132. The washer 137 is disposed on the bolt 132 between the first and second modular blocks 26A, 26B. Additional components such as washers, lock washers, fastener adhesives, etc., may be used in the fastening system 130 and fastening support system 120 without departing from the scope of the invention. The nuts 134, 136 are torqued to a specified amount for proper loading of the bolt 132, washers 126, 137 and sleeve 122.
The modular blocks 26A, 26B also includes a reinforcement bar 140 on the interior of the modular blocks 26A, 26B. The reinforcement bar 140 is illustrated as a single bar running the length of the interior of the modular blocks, 26A, 266, however, multiple reinforcing bars may be included in the modular blocks 26A, 266 without departing from the scope of the Invention. The reinforcement bar 140 is disposed proximate the fastener support system 120 and is fixed to the sleeve 122 of the fastener support system 120. Additionally, the reinforcement bar 140, once electrically connected to the sleeve 122, may form a portion of a Faraday cage or shield that provides shelter from outside electronic disturbances or signals that may interfere with electronic devices on the inside of the building structure.
Referring more closely now to FIG. 106, another example of a first and a second modular block 326A, 326B, are illustrated in an assembled state. For example, the modular blocks 326A, 326B are assembled so that a first side 374A of the second modular block 26B is adjacent to a second side 376A of the first modular block 326A and the raised portion 382A of the second modular block 326B is disposed in the recessed portion 384A of the first modular block 326A. The first and second modular blocks 326A, 326B are further assembled such that the point of contact between the modular blocks 326A, 326B is the washer 337. Furthermore, as the modular blocks 326A, 326E are assembled a small gap c, d, e remains between the surface 374A of the first side 374 of the second modular block 326E and the surface 376A of the second side 376 of the first modular block 326A and between the top surface 382B of the raised portion 382 of the second modular block 326B and the bottom surface 384B of the recessed portion 384 of the first modular block 326A.
A fastening system 330 is disposed in the fastener support assembly 320 and includes at least a threaded bolt or rod 332, a first and second nut 334, 336, and a compliant washer 337. The bolt 332 includes a first and second end 332A, 332B with each end having a threaded portion 332C, 332D and is disposed coaxially with the sleeve 322 of the fastener support assembly 320 such that the threaded end portions 332C, 332D extend beyond the ends of the sleeve 322 and the washers 326. The bolt 332 may also be a standard bold having a head in lieu of a second nut without departing from the scope of the invention. The nut 334 is threaded onto the threaded portion 332C of the first end 332A of the bolt 332. The nut 336 is threaded onto the threaded portion 332D of the second end 332B of the bolt 332. The washer 337 is disposed on the bolt 332 between the first and second modular blocks 326A, 326B. Additional components such as washers, lock washers, fastener adhesives, etc., may be used in the fastening system 330 and fastening support system 320 without departing from the scope of the invention. The nuts 334, 336 are torqued to a specified amount for proper loading of the bolt 332, washers 326, 337 and sleeve 322.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A, a modular block 26 including a utility connectivity system 150 is illustrated. The utility connectivity system 150 includes a cavity 152, a knock-out web 154, a preformed groove 156, and a utility box 158. The cavity 152 is formed in the outer surface 78 of the modular block 26 so that an opening of the cavity 152 is open to the atmosphere. The knock-out web 154 separates the cavity 152 from the core 86 of the modular block 26. The preformed groove 156 is disposed around the perimeter of the cavity 152 to facilitate dean and easy removal of the knock-out web 154. The utility box 158 is disposed within the cavity 152.
Referring now to FIGS. 11B, the modular block 26 including another utility connectivity system 160 is illustrated. The utility connectivity system 160 includes a utility box 162 and a conduit 164. The utility box 162 includes a first open end 166 and a second connector end 168. The utility box 162 is disposed in the modular block 26 so that the first end 166 of the utility box 162 is open to the core 86 of the modular block 26 and that the second end 168 is exposed to the atmosphere. The conduit 164 is fixed to the second connector end 168 of the utility box 162. The utility connectivity system 160 can be used to run electrical wire for lighting or heating as well as communications wire, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a plan view of the arched building structure 10 is illustrated including an egress system 170. The egress system 170 includes a stairwell 172, a tunnel 174, an interior wall 176, and wall supports 178. The interior wall 176 is disposed parallel to the back wall 18 of the arched building structure 10. The stairwell 172 is placed between the interior wall 176 and the back wall 18. Additional structural support is provided to the back wall 18 by the wall supports 178. A first doorway 180 is disposed in the interior wall 176 and provides access to the stairwell 172. A second doorway 182 is disposed in the back wall 18 and provides access to the tunnel 174 or the exterior of the arched building structure 10.
Referring now to FIG. 13A and 13B, a detailed view of construction of the arched building structure 10 is illustrated showing the anchoring of the arch roof 14 to, for example, the back wall 18. The back wall 18 includes an interior support core member 190, a first exterior insulation member 192, and a second interior insulation member 194. The interior support core member 190 is placed predominantly between the insulation members 192, 194 and can be formed of masonry, pre-cast concrete, poured concrete, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention. The arched building structure 10 further includes an anchoring system 198 for securing the arch roof 14 to the back wall 18. The anchoring system 198 includes an anchor bolt 200, a first nut 202, a second nut 203 and a number of washers 205. The anchor bolt 200 has first end 204 and a second end 206. The first end 204 of the anchor bolt 200 is fixedly disposed in the interior support core member 190 of the back wall 18. The second end 206 of the anchor bolt 200 includes a threaded portion 208 and is disposed in the fastener support sleeve 122 of the fastener support system 120 of the modular block 26. The nut 202 is threaded onto the threaded portion and torqued to a specified value. The arched building structure 10 also includes an insulation layer 210 on the exterior of the arch roof 14.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the arch roof 14 of the arched building structure 10 is illustrated including a skylight modular block 212. The skylight modular block 212 includes four sides 214, an interior surface 216, an exterior surface (not shown), and a hollow core 218. The skylight modular block 212 is disposed in the arch roof 14 such that two of the four sides 214 are supported by the ends 70, 72 of adjacent modular blocks 26 and the other two of the four sides 214 are fastened to the sides 74, 76 of adjacent modular blocks 26.
Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the arched building structure 10 is illustrated including a doorway modular block 220. The doorway modular block 220 includes three sides 222, a base surface 224, an interior surface 225, an exterior surface 226, and a hollow core 228. The doorway modular block 220 is disposed in the arch roof 14 such that two of the three sides 222 are fastened to the sides 74, 76 of adjacent modular blocks 26. The third of the three sides 222 supports the ends 70, 72 of adjacent modular blocks 26.
Referring now to FIGS. 4, 16, and 17, the arched building structure 40 is illustrated in FIG. 4 including the angled or scalloped portion 46 on the front end of the arch 44. The angled of scalloped portion 46 of the arch 44 is assembled using the full curved block 230 of FIG. 16 and the half curved block 232, of FIG. 17. The curved blocks 230, 232 are similar to the modular blocks 26. However, the differences include a wider base end 234, 236 and an arcuate or curved side 238, 240. A top end 242, 244 of each of the curved blocks are the same width as the ends 70, 72 of the modular blocks 26 and the base end 234, 236 of the curved blocks are two times the width of the ends 70, 72 of the modular blocks.
Referring now to FIG. 18, an arch building structure 240 according to the present invention is illustrated and will now be described. The arched building structure 240 includes a first span of arch rows 242 and a second span of arch rows 244. The first span 242 intersects the second span 244 at an angle α. As shown in FIG. 18, the angle α is 90°. Additional shapes and floor plans of the arched building structure 240 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a detailed view of the construction of the arched building structure 10 is illustrated showing the anchoring of the arch roof 14 to, for example, an interior partition wall 250.
Referring now to FIG. 20A, an example of a modular block 300 is illustrated and will now be described. Generally, the modular block 300 is a segment of the arch roof 14 and includes a first end 302, a second end 304, a first side 306, a second side 308, a convex outer surface 310, and a concave inner surface 312. More specifically, the first end 302 of the modular block is a flat surface and is opposite another flat surface of the second end 304. The first side 306 includes a first surface 314, a raised second surface 316, and a recessed third surface 318. The second surface 316 and the third surface 318 essentially traverses the length of the modular block 300 from the first end 302 to the second end 304 with a surface transition 320 disposed midway between the first end 302 an the second end 304. The second side 308 has a structure that mirrors the first side 306. Each of the recessed and raised portions 316, 318 include an angled or bearing surface 316A, 316B, 318A, 3188. The angled or bearing surfaces 316A, 316B, 318A, 318B are disposed on either side of the recessed or raised portion 316, 318 where the recessed and raised portions 316, 318 transition to the surface 314 of the first side 306. The second side 308 has a structure that mirrors the first side 306.
Referring now to FIG. 20B, an example of a modular block 400 is illustrated and will now be described. Generally, the modular block 400 is a segment of the arch roof 14 and includes a first end 402, a second end 404, a first side 406, a second side 408, a convex outer surface 410, and a concave inner surface 412. More specifically, the first end 402 of the modular block is a flat surface and is opposite another flat surface of the second end 404. The first side 406 includes a first surface 414, a plurality of raised second surfaces 416, and a plurality of recessed third surfaces 418. The plurality of second surfaces 416 and the plurality of third surfaces 418 alternatively traverse the length of the modular block 400 from the first end 402 to the second end 404 with a plurality of surface transitional 420 disposed between the first end 402 an the second end 404. Each of the plurality of recessed and raised portions 416, 418 include an angled or bearing surface 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B. The angled or bearing surfaces 416A, 416B, 418A, 418B are disposed on either side of the plurality of recessed or raised portion 416, 418 where the recessed and raised portions 416, 418 transition to the surface 414 of the first side 406. The second side 408 has a structure that mirrors the first side 406.
Referring now to FIG. 20C, an example of an assembly of the modular blocks 400 shown in FIG. 20B is illustrated and will now be described. The modular blocks 400 are assembled together such that the two of the plurality of raised portions 416 closest to the first end 402 of one modular block 400 are disposed proximate to two of the plurality of recessed portions 418 closest to the second end 404 of a second modular block 400.
Referring now to FIG. 21, en example of a modular block 500 is illustrated and will now be described. Generally, the modular block 500 is a segment of the arch roof 14 and includes a first end 502, a second end 504, a first side 506, a second side 508, a convex outer surface 510, and a concave inner surface 512. More specifically, the first end 502 of the modular block is a flat surface and is opposite another flat surface of the second end 504. The first side 506 includes a first surface 514, a raised second surface 516, and a recessed third surface 518. The raised second surface 316 essentially forms a frusto conical shape extending from the first surface 514 and the recessed third surface 518 essentially forms an inverted frusto conical shape into the first surface 514 of the block 500. Additional raised and recessed surfaces 516, 518 may be added without departing from the scope of the invention. The second side 508 has a structure that mirrors the first side 506. Each of the recessed and raised portions 516, 518 include an angled surface 516A, 518A. The angled or bearing surfaces 516A, 518A are disposed on either side of the recessed or raised portion 516, 518 where the recessed and raised portions 516, 518 transition to the surface 514 of the first side 506. The second side 508 has a structure that mirrors the first side 506. The modular block 500 also includes a pair of bores 588 disposed on the first surface 514 of the first and second sides 506, 508 of the modular block 500. This results in the first surface 514 communicates with the inner surfaces of the core 586 of the modular block 500.
Referring now to FIG. 22, an example of an assembled pair of modular blocks 600 illustrated and now be described. Generally, the modular block 600 is a segment of the arch roof 14 and includes a first end 602, a second end 604, a first side 606, a second side 608, a convex outer surface 610, and a concave inner surface 612. More specifically, the first end 602 of the modular block is a fiat surface and is opposite another flat surface of the second end 604. The first side 606 includes a first surface 614, a raised second surface 616, and a recessed third surface 618. The raised second surface 616 essentially forms a frusto conical shape extending from the first surface 614 and the recessed third surface 618 essentially forms an inverted frusto conical shape into the first surface 614 of the block 600. Additional raised and recessed surfaces 616, 618 may be added without departing from the scope of the invention. When assembling the pair of modular blocks 600, the raised surface 616 of a first of the pair of blocks 600 fits into the recessed surface 618 of a second of the pair of blocks 600. Furthermore, a fastening system is used to secure the pair of blocks 600 together. The second side 608 has a structure that mirrors the first side 606. Each of the recessed and raised portions 616, 618 include an angled surface 616A. 618A. The angled or bearing surfaces 616A, 618A are disposed on either side of the recessed or raised portion 616, 618 where the recessed and raised portions 616, 618 transition to the surface 614 of the first side 606. The second side 608 has a structure that mirrors the first side 606. The modular block 600 also includes a pair of bores 688 disposed on the first surface 614 of the first and second sides 606, 608 of the modular block 600. This results in the first surface 614 communicates with the inner surfaces of the core 686 of the modular block 600. The modular block 600 may also include a center web 690 for strengthening and handling purposes.
Referring now to FIG. 23, an example of a footing block 700 is illustrated and will not be described. The footing block 700 includes a first end 702, a second end 704, a first side 706, a second side 708, and a channel 710 bisecting the footing block 700. The channel 710 is formed to receive the straight portion of a base modular block 714. The footing block 700 further includes a interlocking system 712 for stacking multiple footing blocks 700 end to end. The footing block 700 may have a generally rectangular cross section, however, other types of cross sections may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 24, a construction form 800 is illustrated and will now be described. The form 800 is designed to support building materials prior to being locked into place. For example, the form 800 includes a plurality of radial supports 802, a hub 804, a tensioner mechanism 806, and a plurality of arch supports 808. The hub 804 receives a first end of each of the radial supports 802. The tensioner mechanism 806 is disposed at the hub 804 and raises or lowers the hub 804 according to the ideal positioning of the modular blocks of the arch. The plurality of arch supports 808 rests on the radial supports and holds the modular blocks in place prior to placing the final modular block and the lowering of the form by the tensioner mechanism 806.
The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
