Abstract: A ground covering element having the basic shape of a square. All four basic sides of the around covering element have an engaging profile, each profile being symmetric with respect to a central axis of symmetry. Opposite engaging profiles are mirror images. Each engaging profile is complementary with the adjacent engaging profile. Each of the four corner regions of the ground covering element of a first type have a protrusion substantially the shape of a rectangular, isosceles triangle or of an area element similar to this triangle with curved legs. A ground covering element of a second type (42) is obtained by omitting the four protrusions from the ground covering element of the first type. The ground covering element of the second type may be laid together with additional ground covering elements of the second type or in combination with ground covering elements of the first type.

Abstract: A surface covering unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Each primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle of 60, 90, 120 or 180 degrees, and each side is substantially a rotational image of the other side. The sum of the plural vertices angles is 180, 240, 270, 300 or 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, one or more edges of each unit are marked with indicia to facilitate matching mating sides of adjacent units. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other.

Abstract: The roadway at a road-rail crossing comprises rows of extruded rubber strips. The strips have a tongue-and-groove type of edge connection, which constrain the strips such that if one strip bounces the adjacent strips bounce too. Locking-strips fit between primary-strips, and have latches, which snap into place upon the locking-strips being driven downwards, from above.

Abstract: An interlocking paving stone of rectangular or square shape, the stone having a width W, a length L, and a thickness H. Each side of the stone is provided with at least one pair of alternating tongues and grooves on a bottom part thereof, having a size and shape adapted to receive a corresponding tongue or groove of an adjacent block. The groove has an overall volume greater than the volume of the tongue to facilitate the pouring of joint filling materials. The length of a pair of tongue and groove is equal to a length I, where both W and L are whole multiples of I. Furthermore, the tongues and grooves have a generally truncated pyramidal shape, where the peak of the truncated pyramid lies below the top surface of the block by 40 to 50% of the total height of the stones. The stone according to the present invention provides greater lateral and vertical stability to an assembled pavement.

Abstract: A composite paver system comprising two distinct types of interlocking pavers, both being formed from a mixture of sawdust and polymers. One type of paver has a groove around the entire periphery, and a plurality of interlocking members are provided to fit into the grooves between adjoining pavers to secure them together. The other type of paver comprises a plurality of tiles all of which are notched at each corner, and at least one interlocking member that fit into the notches at the corners of adjoining tiles. The interlocking members are screwed to the corners to secure the tiles together as one unitary paver. Using both formats an economical composite patio or deck surface can be built at one fourth the weight of conventional cement pavers, at a lower cost (using a wood mitre saw for trimming rather than a diamond cut saw), and yet with increased integrity.

Abstract: A plurality of interlocking tile pieces form a generally flat traffic-carrying surface. The tile are locked together in a manner to form a plurality of non-bendable tile joints. The tile includes a hinge or fold line along a first axis and a hinge or fold line along a second axis. The hinges allow the multi-tile traffic carrying surface to be rolled up into a hollow tube from any direction along one of the axes, beginning at any edge of the traffic carrying surface. The rolled-up floor covering is made up of a plurality of tile panels.

Abstract: A floor board is arranged to be connectable to other similar boards to form a floor. The floor board includes a first female coupler extending along a first edge of the board, wherein the first female coupler comprises a first coupling element having a groove and a surface extending obliquely from the groove and away from a wall of the groove so as to form a stop. The floor board also includes a first male coupler extending along a second edge of the board, wherein the first male coupler comprises a second coupling element having a V shape portion and a portion disposed in a recess formed in the board, wherein an outer V-leg of the second coupling element is deformable in the direction of an Inner V-leg, and wherein the second coupling element in its non-deformed state is complementary to the shape of the groove of the first coupling element.

Abstract: A block (11) formed with a mold (10) integral thereto. The mold (10) is constructed as a mold top half (12) and a mold bottom half (14) and filled in situ with cement (16). The mold halves (12,14) are constructed with respective socket and channel structures (24, 20) to capture an enlarged end (38) of a connector (34) for interlocking one block to a neighboring block. The resulting block (11) constitutes a one-piece block that can be formed at the installation site using the two-part mold (10). The interlocked blocks are prevented from removal when moved in either lateral direction, or in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A ground cover mat includes a first end interlock at a first end of the body which is adapted to interlock with a second end interlock at a second end of a like body. A second end interlock is provided at the second end of the body which is adapted to interlock with the first end interlock at a first end of a like body. A first side interlock is provided at a first side of the body which is adapted to interlock with a second side interlock at a second side of an adjacent like body. A second side interlock is provided at the second side of the body which is adapted to interlock with the first side interlock at a second end of an adjacent like body.

Abstract: A walkway system for providing a non-slip walkway path for users. The walkway system includes a plurality of trays each having bottom and side walls with the trays being embedded in a ground surface; and also includes a plurality of walk-upon cover members being removably and securely locked upon the trays and being disposed upon the ground surface; and further includes a light assembly being disposed upon the trays; and also includes a heating assembly being disposed upon the trays for preventing ice from accumulating upon the walk-upon covers.

Abstract: A paving block and a paving block assembly include a prism-shaped paving block body having a top surface, a bottom surface disposed opposite the top surface and a first pair of opposing side walls and a second pair of opposing side walls. The first and second pair of opposing side walls are disposed between the top and bottom surfaces with respective ones of the first pair of opposing side walls and the second pair of opposing side walls connected perpendicularly to each other. The top surface has a plurality of longitudinal grooves which are formed therein and extend parallel to each other. Each one of the plurality of grooves has a width substantially equal to each other. The paving block body has at least one projection connected to one of the side walls and positioned between the top and bottom surfaces. The at least one projection projects from the one side wall a distance equal to or substantially equal to the width of the grooves.

Abstract: Ground covering element (2) having the basic shape of a square. On all four basic sides (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), there is provided one engaging means (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) each. Each of the engaging means is symmetric with respect to a central axis of symmetry (12). Opposite engaging means are mirror images of each other. Each engaging means is complementary with the engaging means on the two basic sides adjoining around the corner. On each of the four corner regions of the ground covering element, there is provided a protrusion (24) having substantially the shape of a rectangular, isosceles triangle or of an area element similar to this triangle with curved legs. By omission of the four protrusions (24), a ground covering element of the second type (42) is obtained which may be laid together with additional ground covering elements of the second type (42) or in combination with ground covering elements of the first type (2).

Abstract: A corner support element for paving slabs has stackable plate elements to facilitate transport and for height adjustment. The guide and support elements for corner parts of paving slabs, namely plate elements, have cruciform upright support and distance providing projections. The projections are shaped as upwardly tapering elements with open cavities downwards for accommodating corresponding underlying projections. The elements are modular and can be separated along radial rows of projections to form semicircular segments for supporting two adjoining slab corners or quarter segments for supporting only a single corner. The elements are stacked in columns without turning each of the modular parts mutually between them.

Abstract: A reusable mat system for the construction of load bearing surfaces, such as temporary roadways and equipment support surfaces, over unstable or unsubstantial terrain, comprising durable, interlocking individual mats which can be quickly and easily installed in a single application, and which can thereafter be easily removed and stored until needed again. The individual mats of the present invention interlock on all sides to form stable and continuous load bearing surfaces, and exhibit favorable traction characteristics.

Abstract: A covering system for walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces, having covering units joined by locking keys. Additional components adapt the system to corners and a variety of surface edges.

Abstract: A road mat includes a body having a first end, a second end, a first face and a second face. A first coupling is positioned at the first end has an outwardly extending portion extending outwardly from the first end adjacent to the second face, an angled portion extending from a remote end of the outwardly extending portion toward but not past the first face, and an inwardly extending retaining lip extending from a remote end of the angled portion back toward the first end. A second coupling is positioned at the second end is similarly configured with an outwardly extending portion extending outwardly from the second end adjacent to the first face, an angled portion and an inwardly extending retaining lip. The retaining lip of the second coupling engages the retaining lip of the first coupling preventing separation.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide a temporary road way with minimal damage to the ground surface beneath the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent sections held together by a retainer. Each section comprises a front and back face. The front face of a section mates with the back face of an adjacent section to form an interface at a non-perpendicular angle to the direction of travel. An interlock is also provided whereby each section provides vertical support to each adjacent section.

Abstract: A floor board, which comprises coupling means (2-5) at its side edges (8-11), is arranged to be connected to other similar floor boards to form a floor. The floor board (1) has at least one pair of coupling means consisting of a female coupling means (2, 3) and a male coupling means (4, 5), which extend along two opposite side edges (8, 9; 10, 11). The female coupling means (2, 3) comprises a first coupling element (12), which projects laterally and which has an upwardly open groove (22). The male coupling means (4, 5) comprises a second coupling element (27), which has the shape of an upwardly open V, the outer V-leg (38) of which is springingly foldable in the direction of the inner V-leg (37).

Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.

Abstract: A protective arrangement comprising one or several plane structures such as protective plates or elements, each one of which is meant to be used with one or several similar ones and are removably attached to one another. The structural part is stiffened in proportion to bending and has stiffening ribs. The arrangement is meant for temporarily protecting a field of grass and/or ice. One or several plastic based thermal insulation assemblies are attached to the downward side of the supporting structural part. A supporting structure is formed from the thermal insulation assembly that projects from the downward surface of the stiffening ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering element for making a ground gutter, with an upper side where a groove portion is provided, a lower side, two oppositely disposed longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, a first face supporting a first registration section of the groove portion, and, in opposed relation, a second face supporting a second registration section of the groove portion, such that the faces each provide at least one projecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, and at least one receptive portion shaped at recess in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, in which projecting portion can be brought into engagement with a recessed portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, and each recessed portion can be brought into engagement with a projecting portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, such that an edge formed between the lower side and the first face has a configuration which is essential

Abstract: A reusable mat system for the construction of load bearing surfaces, such as temporary roadways and equipment support surfaces, over unstable or unsubstantial terrain, comprising durable, interlocking individual mats which can be quickly and easily installed in a single application, and which can thereafter be easily removed and stored until needed again. The individual mats of the present invention interlock on all sides to form stable and continuous load bearing surfaces, and exhibit favorable traction characteristics.

Abstract: An interlocking paving stone of rectangular or square shape, the stone having a width W, a length L, and a thickness H. Each side of the stone is provided with at least one pair of alternating tongues and grooves on a bottom part thereof, having a size and shape adapted to receive a corresponding tongue or groove of an adjacent block. The groove has an overall volume greater than the volume of the tongue to facilitate the pouring of joint filling materials. The length of a pair of tongue and groove is equal to a length l, where both W and L are whole multiples of l. Furthermore, the tongues and grooves have a generally truncated pyramidal shape, where the peak of the truncated pyramid lies below the top surface of the block by 40 to 50% of the total height of the stones. The stone according to the present invention provides greater lateral and vertical stability to an assembled pavement.

Abstract: Multipurpose panels having L-shaped tabs are interconnected using durable connectors to form a multipurpose mat that facilitates mobility over otherwise unstable terrain. In one embodiment, four-sided panels are fabricated from laminations of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) with radiused rectangular holes machined in each of two adjacent edges and a recessed L-shaped tab formed along opposing adjacent edges. The connectors are fabricated from corrosion resistant metal and assembled to precise specifications prior to insertion in the rectangular holes machined in pre-specified types of panel. Top and bottom plates of durable connectors are fabricated from 6061-T6 aluminum stock. A threaded bolt used to tie the plates together, to which a liquid threadlocker is applied, is fabricated from a steel alloy suitable for use with aluminum. Two specially fabricated tools, a spacer guide and an alignment tool, may be used to optimize installation. These also may be fabricated from 6061-T6 aluminum stock.

Abstract: A road mat includes a body having a first end, a second end, a first face and a second face. A first coupling is positioned at the first end has an outwardly extending portion extending outwardly from the first end adjacent to the second face, an angled portion extending from a remote end of the outwardly extending portion toward but not past the first face, and an inwardly extending retaining lip extending from a remote end of the angled portion back toward the first end. A second coupling is positioned at the second end is similarly configured with an outwardly extending portion extending outwardly from the second end adjacent to the first face, an angled portion and an inwardly extending retaining lip. The retaining lip of the second coupling engages the retaining lip of the first coupling preventing separation.

Abstract: A ground cover mat includes a first end interlock is provided at a first end of the body which is adapted to interlock with a second end interlock at a second end of a like body. A second end interlock is provided at the second end of the body which is adapted to interlock with the first end interlock at a first end of a like body. A first side interlock is provided at a first side of the body which is adapted to interlock with a second side interlock at a second side of an adjacent like body. A second side interlock is provided at the second side of the body which is adapted to interlock with the first side interlock at a second end of an adjacent like body.

Abstract: A paving stone (1) has a linkage securing against displacement. This is achieved by overengaging interlocking elements (6) and underengaging interlocking elements (5) being respectively provided on each side (3, 4) of the paving stone (1).

Abstract: A decking tile is disclosed which is arranged to receive a plurality of slats in a side-by-side manner. The decking tile has a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners to retain the slats to the decking tile and connector provided around the periphery of the decking tile for connecting the decking tile to another decking tile. The decking tile is divided into a plurality of portions arranged in an array, the portions being connected to adjacent portions by a plurality of membranes. Each portion is removable from the tile upon severing of the membranes surrounding it. Two apertures are provided in each portion through which the fasteners can engage a slat positioned on said portion parallel to any side of said tile.

Abstract: A building block for forming a masonry structure comprises at least two stone members disposed one above the other and connected firmly to each other, each of which having a wide section at one end and a narrow section at the opposite end. The sections map into each other via an intermediate section and the stone members are disposed relative to each other in such a manner that, in each case, the wide section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the narrow section of the respective stone member lying beneath same and the narrow section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the wide section of the stone member lying beneath same.

Abstract: A kit is provided for assembling a closed-loop toy simulation of a roadway comprising at least four curved road segments and at least two straight road segments, each road segment having an upper non-skid surface and at least one marking on such surface that simulates roadway lane markings. A method is provided for constructing a closed-loop toy roadway of a desired shape and length. The method comprises positioning two road segments so they are in substantial longitudinal alignment, connecting the adjacent road segments together by engaging a plurality of loops on one segment with a plurality of hooks on an adjacent segment, and repeating such steps until the desired closed-loop play roadway has been configured. Also provided is a segment for constructing a closed-loop play roadway having a desired shape and length and having on its non-skid upper surface at least one marking that simulates a roadway marking.

Abstract: A molded block is proposed, in particular one made of concrete, for a paving-stone covering, the block having side faces with rounded portions in the form of a clothoid. In order to provide a flexible type of laying, the block form is designed as a cube or a multiple thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for forming asphalt paving blocks for paving roadways, and the paving blocks used for paving roadways. The method comprises mixing asphalt in a stationary mixer, molding it into block-like paving elements, transporting the elements to a construction site and laying the elements to form a roadway. The system for forming the paving blocks comprises a molding press mounted on a trailer connected to a tractor, and storage shelves for storing pallets containing the molded paving elements. The paving elements are plastic-coated asphalt block-like elements. The paving elements have all the advantages of a traditional asphalt surface in terms of noise, but can be produced year-round and away from the construction site.

Abstract: The invention relates to pavement material for traffic areas which consists of artificial stone material. Said pavement material is characterized in that it comprises normal pavement elements and symbol-carrying pavement elements. It is furthermore characterized in that when a spatially coherent group of symbol pavement elements is viewed the symbol pavement elements of said group are arranged so as to have the same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to pavement material for traffic areas which consists of artificial stone material. Said pavement material is characterized by the following features: (a) first pavement elements are provided which have a single first shape or several different shapes; (b) second pavement elements of a single second shape or several different second shapes are provided in individual areas of the pavement material; (c) third pavement elements are provided which have a single third shape or several different third shapes; (d) the second pavement elements are at least mainly enclosed by several third pavement elements in such a manner that a transitional zone is formed to the subsequent pavement area of the first pavement elements; (e) the second shape or the second shapes is (are) different from the first shape or the first shapes, and the third shape or third shapes is (are) different both from the first shape or first shapes and the second shape or second shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite masonry edging or stepping block used with other like-shaped blocks to form a continuous interconnected edging pattern or stepping path that accommodates straight sections and tight bends in the pattern or path. Each block has a series of six adjoining projections around a major portion of its perimeter, and a pair of adjoining recesses along a minor portion of its perimeter. Two adjoining projections form a multi-wave protrusion. Several combinations of two adjoining projections can be used to form a number of multi-wave protrusion. Each protrusion has the same size and shape but extends in a different angular direction. The two recesses form a multi-wave indentation. The multi-wave indentation flushly receives one of the multi-wave protrusions of an adjacent block to achieve an interlocking connection in either straight or angled alignments. The structure of each block forms a flower-like pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stone structure assembly, comprising a plurality of stones, especially concrete blocks, having similar height, upper and lower sides extending on parallel planes and vertical side walls. In order to place the thirteen stone blocks pertaining to said assembly in such a way that they cannot be displaced and that similarly narrow spacing gaps are formed in-between said stones, two stones are shaped as a prism with the same surface area and eleven stones are shaped as a trapezium with differing surface areas. The stones in the stone structure assembly are configured as a single piece with a bottom section and a top section set back from the peripheral surface of the base section at least in certain areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in erosion control comprising a primary member and a secondary member pivotally connectable to the primary member to form a unit. The unit can be connected to another like unit to form a protective network of such units.

Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. This gap assists the block in resting on the lower course of blocks by providing a space where small amounts of rubble and dirt may exist without interfering with the stacking of the blocks. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves which provide additional clearance in the gap for larger stones. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.

Abstract: In an articulated sequence or array of ground-reinforcement panels, each panel has parallel rectilinear edges, one of them provided with a number of male interlock members projecting therefrom in the plane of the panel and the other provided with a corresponding number of female interlock members recessed therein, so constructed and arranged that the male members can be forcibly but detachably interengaged with the female members in a next-adjacent panel in a direction vertical to the plane of the panels but cannot be disengaged therefrom in the plane of the panels, while, when interengaged, the respective male and female members and the adjacent panels associated therewith are capable of limited rotation with respect to each other.

Abstract: The improved revetment system is created using a plurality of substantially identical blocks which comprise a body having at least one channel therein leading to a slot and at least one arm extending outwardly of the body and terminating in a locking ear. The ear engages in a slot of an adjacent block and is of less depth than the slot, with the arm being of a length at least equal to and preferably greater than that of the channel, the slot including a removable spacer tab therein which abuts a terminal edge of the ear to keep the blocks spaced apart and an area of the block defined by the arm and ear having an arcuately downwardly sloped top surface with a terminal edge of the ear defining a lowermost position along the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A pre-cast cobblestone (10) is comprised of a concrete body (11) of substantially rectangular outline and having a top and bottom wall (13-14) and opposed side walls (15). The top wall (13) is embossed and the side walls (15) have longitudinally shaped flat side surfaces (15'). At least two of the side walls have spaced-apart protruding sections (16-17, 18-19) of irregular transverse cross-section which are aligned with straight intersecting outer parallel axes (12-12') of the side walls. The side walls (15) also have recessed sections (19) of irregular transverse cross-section defined between the protruding sections.

Abstract: A block for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second opposed side surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces and the first and second side surfaces. The first and second opposing side surfaces have a mating recess and projection, such that a recess on a first side surface mates with a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth sides is a channel and two interlocking tips disposed on either side of the channel. The interlocking tips of a third or fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured into a mat.

Abstract: A angular interlocking floor tile is provided with a generally flat top surface, a parallel bottom surface, wherein the tile includes two elongated sides which converge to a point or short inner side at one end and which sides diverge at an internal angle of less than 90.degree. to be joined at their other ends by a beveled outer edge surface. The elongated sides are formed with a plurality of female cavities located adjacent to each of the sides. Each of the female cavities is positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting member of a neighboring tile of a runner mat whereby the runner mat is able to make variety of turns. Alternatively, each of the elongated sides may be formed with an additional integral interlocking strip having male connecting members which may be used to mate with a corresponding female cavities of a neighboring tile. When the interlocking strip is not needed it may be removed.

Abstract: A paving stone, made from concrete material, having a one-piece plane surface and two strip like support attachments arranged on each lateral surface. These support attachments form joints between adjacent paving stones in a laid composite structure. On each side, two support attachments are symmetrically arranged with center spacings relative to the planes of symmetry, wherein these planes of symmetry extend through the centers of adjacent lateral surfaces. When these paving stones are stacked next to each other, the support attachments from a first paving stone is disposed adjacent to a support attachment on an adjacent paving stone.

Abstract: Deckings include an upward hook and a receptacle. The upward hook is inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle has an opening immediately below a sidewall upper end portion that is continuous with the upper surface of the decking. The space between the deckings is restrained by engaging a tip of the upward hook behind the sidewall upper end. A fixture is mounted on the connection of the deckings. A base plate of the fixture extends from the portion of the deckings below the upward hook to the portion of the deckings below the receptacle. The base plate is fixed to the decking by a male screw, whereby downward movement of the upward hook is restricted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering of pentagonal shaped concrete slabs (F.sub.1) placed against another with joints. The shaped slabs are simple to produce and simple to lay and in order to give such a covering an appearance similar to a ground covering of irregular quarry slabs each shaped slab has two adjacent straight sides of equal length disposed at an obtuse angle, two adjoining concave sides of equal length and equal curvature, and a convex side disposed therebetween which is twice the length of the concave sides and has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the concave sides. Together the three shaped slabs form a group of three, the straight sides abutting one another with the formation of a star-shaped joint. The outer convex sides of one group of three abut the concave sides of the adjacent group of three and vice versa.

Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.

Abstract: A surfacing block (1) has upper and lower surfaces (2, 7) bounded by walls (5) extending between the surfaces (2, 7). The surfaces (2, 7) are of a generally cruciform shape having four arms (4) each of which extend in a direction substantially parallel to the lower surface (7) and substantially perpendicular to two of the other arms (4) of the block. The block (1) has around the boundary of its surface projections (8) and/or recesses (9) for interlocking engagement with recesses and/or projections of a neighbouring block. The shape of the block helps to improve the resistance to movement of the block when laid with similar blocks.

Abstract: A revetment system having a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. Each block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: There is provided an artificial stone for strengthening traffic surfaces in the open, in which the stone, in order to provide wide grooves between adjacently laid stones, is provided on its edge surfaces with integrally formed, completely identical spacer elements, the contacting free end surfaces of the spacer elements having, adjacent one another, a tooth and a recessed contact surface for the tooth of the adjacently laid stone; the tooth-recess sequence, in one peripheral direction of the stone, being the same for all spacer elements; the effective length of the individual edge surfaces of a stone, parallel to the laying plane, being the same as, or a whole-number multiple of, a smallest effective length; each edge surface segment which has the smallest effective length being provided with a spacer element; and the central axes of all spacer elements lying in the middle of the corresponding edge surface segment.