Retaining Wall Patents (Class 405/284)
  • Patent number: 8632279
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. A soil reinforcing element has a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires having lead ends that upwardly-extend. A bearing plate includes one or more longitudinal protrusions configured to receive and seat the upwardly extending lead ends and couple the soil reinforcing element to the wire facing, and in particular to the vertical element. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8632277
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A one-piece connector having a stem and a tab, wherein the stem is connected to a soil reinforcing element embedded within the earthen formation and the tab is connected to a facing anchor attached to the concrete facing. The connection allows soil reinforcing mats to swivel in a horizontal plane, but also to shift vertically in reaction to MSE settling or thermal expansion/contraction of an MSE structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8632280
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. The system includes a soil reinforcing element having a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires. The soil reinforcing element is coupled to a facing anchor configured such that at least a portion of the facing anchor is inserted through the wire facing and coupled thereto. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8632278
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements. A soil reinforcing element has a plurality of transverse wires coupled to at least two longitudinal wires where the longitudinal wires are coupled to a coil and a threaded rod is configured to extend through both the vertical facing and the coil. A washer engages the vertical facing and prevents the threaded rod from passing completely through the vertical facing and a nut is threaded onto the threaded rod to prevent its removal from the coil. Multiple systems can be characterized as lifts and erected one atop the other to a desired MSE structure height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8632282
    Abstract: A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to initial and terminal wires of the horizontal element. The soil reinforcing element may have a hook or similar coupling device on its end in order to be coupled to the initial wire. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140010599
    Abstract: The invention discloses a containment module applicable as an auxiliary containment element for the execution and maintenance of cuts, fills, walls, etc., and more generally for the construction of several types of civil works; the module is essentially L-shaped having a long section and a short section substantially forming a right angle, the connection between them being reinforced by means of a bevel, and where the base of the long section is rough for increasing the friction with the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Agustin Prieto Moreno
  • Patent number: 8622659
    Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Friederichs, Craig D. Moritz
  • Patent number: 8616807
    Abstract: A two-stage retaining wall and related systems and methods are disclosed. The wall may include a welded-wire earth wall comprising a plurality of generally horizontal bars. The wall may include a foundation spaced apart from the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may include a plurality of concrete panels positioned on the foundation to form a concrete wall. Each concrete panel may include at least one pair of loop anchors disposed on a back face, wherein the back face faces the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may also include a plurality of connector assemblies, each of which may include a rebar hook and a threaded bar. The rebar hook is adapted for engagement with the generally horizontal bars on the welded-wire earth wall. A first end of the threaded bar may be threadably engaged with the rebar hook and a second end of the threaded bar may be adapted for connection to one of the pair of loop anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Ogorchock
  • Publication number: 20130343824
    Abstract: A retaining wall block, a retaining wall system, and method of constructing a retaining wall are provided. The retaining wall block has a pair of top projections, a top groove, a pair of bottom grooves and a bottom protrusion to connect one retaining wall block to another. The block is connectable to another block in one of a first position where front faces of the block and the other block are aligned, and a second position where the front faces of the block and the other block are offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Elliot Claydon Bender, Guy Bradley Keys
  • Patent number: 8602691
    Abstract: A locking mechanism has a pilaster, a spiralnail, a locking ring, and a cam plate. The pilaster has an elongate pilaster body that has edge walls, a nail hole, and a bolt slot adjacent the nail hole. The locking ring includes a nail engaging aperture having a perimeter shaped to receive and lockingly engage the spiralnail. The cam plate has a second bolt hole and a torque application element. A bolt is positioned through the bolt slot of the pilaster, through the first bolt hole of the locking ring, and through the second bolt hole of the cam plate. The torque application element may be used to rotate the cam plate so that a cam-shaped outer perimeter contacts one of the edge walls of the pilaster and acts as a lever to rotate the locking ring and apply torque to the spiralnail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: William B. Hilfiker
  • Patent number: 8602692
    Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Beau Adams, Everett Waid, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8596927
    Abstract: Barriers for flood defense and other purposes are often constructed using sand bags. The strength of these barriers is limited and the invention seeks to address this problem. The invention provides a tie formed as a single injection moulded item placed between layers of sandbags to help to hold them together. The tie has two rigid triangular end plates (4) and (5) linked by a flexible arm (11). The end plates are formed with protruding spikes (6) shaped with a barb so that they will easily penetrate the fabric of a sandbag but are difficult to pull out. In use, each tie is placed between layers of sandbags so that spikes of respective plates (4) and (5) become anchored to adjoining bags. The bags of the barrier are thus held together and any irregularities in it are accommodated by the flexibility of the arm (11). Slots (14) and lugs (15) allow a plurality of ties to be linked together as may be required when oversize sandbags are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Saratoga Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Ian Robert Thomson
  • Patent number: 8596926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gabion comprising at least one individual compartment for receiving, a fill material, the each individual compartment of the gabion being bounded by at least one wall, the wall material forming at least one closed panel around the each individual compartment effective for retaining the fill material, the wall material having sufficient flexibility to allow the gabion to be folded and/or rolled in a first pre-deployment configuration, wherein the pre-deployed gabion is restrained in its first configuration by a form of restraining means, the wall material having sufficient resilience such that when the gabion is released from its restraining means, it tends to unfold and/or unroll from its first configuration towards or to a second deployment configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 8596928
    Abstract: A retaining wall or steeply faced slope is disclosed having a naturally green facade. The wall or slope is made of blocks of compacted earth, each having a face reinforced with wire mesh and covered with vegetation such as native grasses. The blocks may be formed onsite, saving transportation costs and other waste, using native soils. The mesh may extend beyond other faces of each block to provide handles and geogrid anchoring. A press is disclosed to form the blocks by compacting soil mixed with cement, the press including hydraulic rams or screw jacks that create immense pressures and having wedge shaped sides that relieve lateral confining pressure when the block is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Henry G Justiniano
  • Publication number: 20130315678
    Abstract: A concrete block comprising a front face having a height H1 and a width L1. A lip disposed underneath the front have having a height H2. A rear face having a height H3 and a width L2, wherein the rear face is shorter than the sum of H1 plus H2 by an amount H4, and wherein the sum of H1 plus H2 equals the sum of H3 plus H4. An upper surface forming a channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Karau
  • Publication number: 20130315679
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a retaining wall system, as well as embodiments of blocks and other devices for use in a retaining wall system. In some embodiments, a retaining wall includes a plurality of face blocks and a plurality of trunk blocks arranged in a plurality of courses of blocks. In some embodiments, a face block can include a face portion and a pair of leg portions, and each of the leg portions can be adapted to be coupled to a trunk block. In some embodiments, various block connecting devices can be used to connect blocks in a single course of blocks and various block alignment devices can be used to align blocks in adjacent courses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Westblock Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Hammer
  • Patent number: 8579552
    Abstract: An ecological board includes a quadrilateral board body, on the side edges thereof is disposed at least one reglet or at least one insertion groove to be engaged with a corresponding insertion groove or a reglet of another identical board body. Further, a plurality of separated strong and pliable pad bodies are embedded in at least a first side surface of the board body and protrude outwards therefrom. The ecological board according to the present invention is durable, stable, easy to construct, maintain, and repair, and environmentally friendly to the natural landscape. Most importantly, it can be applied to various environments, such as coastlines, artificial reefs, and slopes of reservoirs, rivers, or mountains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kei-Chien Yu
  • Patent number: 8579549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure including a fill (1), reinforcing strips (2), and facing (3), the reinforcement strips (2) being anchored to the facing (3). The facing incorporates a path formed for a reinforcement strip (2) between two emergence points (PE1, PE2) that are located at the back surface (7) of the facing, wherein the path comprises: two adjacent portions (21, 22) that are placed so as to position each strip within an emergence plane (P1, P2); two curved portions (23, 24) provided as extensions of the two adjacent portions (21, 22) and arranged so as to deviate the strip out from the emergence planes (P1, P2); and a connecting portion connecting together the two curved portions (23, 24). In the structure, both emergence planes (P1, P2) are distinct and separated by a physical separator, and the connecting portion includes at least one loop (25) located outside the emergence planes (P1, P2) and outside the space between said emergence planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot
  • Publication number: 20130294846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying a reinforced soil structure, said structure comprising: a fill, a first facing including an outer face defining the front face of the structure, and at least one stabilization element connected to the first facing and extending in a reinforced area of the fill located behind the front face of the structure, the modification method including the steps of arranging a second facing along the outer face of the first facing, disconnecting the stabilization element from the first facing, connecting the stabilization element to the second facing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONALE
    Inventor: Nicolas Freitag
  • Patent number: 8573894
    Abstract: Link device (100) between a facing element (20) of a reinforced ground construction work (1) and a longitudinal reinforcement (40), intended to extend in a backfill (60), which comprises a portion (101) for fixing to the facing element (20), two connecting portions (102), of which a first end of each of them is linked to a point of the fixing portion (101), in which a second end of each connecting portion is linked to a first end of a first and of a second return portion (103), in which the return portions (103) are substantially parallel to one another and in which a second end of each of the return portions is linked to a securing segment (104) substantially perpendicular to the return portions (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot, Gilles Berard
  • Patent number: 8562259
    Abstract: A retaining wall system formed from a wire facing unit having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section the rear end of which is provided with aligned, transversely extending, openings defined by upstanding U-shaped protuberances. The apertures in the forward portion of a geogrid can be seated over the protuberances and a connector strut interconnects the face section and floor section for providing support therebetween and for securing the geogrid to the floor section. The connector strut includes an elongated rigid rod having a curved first end that extends to a substantially right-angled bend, and a connector rod portion extends from the bend to a second end to secure the geogrid to the floor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Tensar International Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Robert Ridgway, Willie Liew, Robert Lloyd Talbot, Jeremy Lee Stafford
  • Publication number: 20130259583
    Abstract: A facing element (10) for reinforced soil structures comprising: a first facing sub-element (12) comprising at least one connecting member (16) configured to connect at least one reinforcement member to said first facing sub-element (12), a second facing sub-element (14), a linking device (22), wherein said first (14) and second (16) facing sub-elements are separated by a gap (20) and are linked together by the linking device (22) such that the first and second facing sub-elements have constant relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONALE
    Inventors: Louwtjie Maritz, Nicolas Freitag
  • Patent number: 8523495
    Abstract: The bulkhead anchoring system includes a plurality of concrete slabs which are sufficiently heavy to remain in place on a bottom surface of a waterway, due to high suction produced by the bottom of the waterway on the slabs. The slabs are positioned close to or adjacent the bulkhead. Risers extend vertically upwardly from the concrete slabs, at the rear corners thereof, positioned such that the risers are in contact with the bulkhead. The risers are concrete if the waterway is saltwater or can be galvanized steel if the waterway is fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Franklin R. Lacy
  • Publication number: 20130223940
    Abstract: A weighted bag includes a filler material contained by a sealed bag configured to be substantially impermeable to fluids. The sealed bag may include a generally tubular bag body made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polymer-based textile where the tubular bag body is formed by hot air welding and the bag is sealed using sealing tape applied and bonded at each end of the tubular bag body. The weighted bag may be recovered after use and recycled for reuse in a subsequent installation. The filler material may include a slag, a slag-based material and/or low iron fines which may be residual material from the steel or iron producing industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: MID-AMERICAN GUNITE, INC
    Inventor: Mid-American Gunite, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130202367
    Abstract: A reinforced soil structure comprising:—a fill (1);—a facing (3) placed along a front face of the structure;—at least one main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26) connected to the facing and extending through a first reinforced zone (Z1) of the fill situated behind said front face; and—at least one secondary reinforcement member (6) disconnected from to the facing and extending in a second reinforced zone (Z2) of the fill which has, with said first reinforced zone (Z1), a common part (Z?), wherein the secondary reinforcement member (6) extends into the fill (1) up to a distance substantially shorter than the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26), with respect to the front face and wherein the stiffness of the secondary reinforcement member (6) is greater or equal to the stiffness of the main reinforcement member (2, 9, 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONALE
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot
  • Patent number: 8496404
    Abstract: Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fyfe Co., LLC
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe
  • Patent number: 8496411
    Abstract: A two-stage MSE system for securing a facing to an earthen formation is disclosed. The system includes a wire grid laterally-offset from the facing and a formation anchor coupled to the wire grid. The formation anchor includes a face plate, a wave plate, and an eyebolt extensible through the face plate and wave plate to secure the plates on opposing sides of the wire grid. The wave plate has transverse protrusions that align with and seat adjacent vertical wires of the facing. A facing anchor is coupled to the facing and a turnbuckle assembly secures the facing to the wire grid by coupling to the facing anchor and the formation anchor. A soil reinforcing element may also be attached to the formation anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: T & B Structural Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130183104
    Abstract: A retaining wall block with built-in drainage and filtration capabilities is described. A simplified process for constructing retaining wall using these blocks is also disclosed. The blocks facilitate superior drainage by providing built-in drain conduits that provide numerous channels for water to drain though. The built-in filtration disclosed prevents erosion of the backfill and clogging of drainage channels. The described blocks offer a simpler way to address drainage, erosion and clogging issues of retaining wall, by eliminating several retention wall creation steps. The blocks also eliminate the need for separate drainage and filtration system, they also eliminate need for free-draining aggregate backfills, thus reducing the transportation and construction cost associated with these steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Rick Steven Louie
  • Patent number: 8484888
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary landscape soil and moisture retaining device. The retaining device may include a wall having a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the second region inclined relative to the first region, and a flange extending outward from the first region of the wall. The retaining device may further include a raised lip extending from the flange and defining an upper edge of the retaining device. The second region of the wall defining a bottom edge of the retaining device, such that the flange is arranged between the upper and bottom edges of the retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AMBA Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew M. Butler
  • Patent number: 8474195
    Abstract: A storage reservoir wall system having one or more wall units, a wall unit having a wall first side, a wall second side, a wall first end having a first end mounting attachment, a wall second and having a second end mounting attachment, a wall top, a wall bottom, one or more hollow reservoir chambers constructed from a material that is non-permeable, and one or more liquid access apertures in one or more of the wall first side, wall second side, wall first end, wall second end, wall top, or wall bottom, said liquid access aperture fluidly connecting to the hollow reservoir chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Todd Anchondo
  • Publication number: 20130149033
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems related to modular earth retaining wall systems. In one embodiment, among others, a precast retaining wall block configured for assembly into a retaining wall includes a front face portion, a web portion extending outwardly from a rear surface of the front face portion, and aligning elements. The web portion includes a vertical center portion and left and right protrusions extending outwardly from the lower sides of the vertical center portion. The left and right protrusions may be substantially triangular. The aligning elements extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the left and right protrusions for locking the precast retaining wall block to the vertical center portion associated with an underlying precast retaining wall block associated with an underlying row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Earth Reinforcement Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Earth Reinforcement Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130149043
    Abstract: A retaining wall having a plurality of courses of retaining wall blocks including a first upper course and a second lower course. Each retaining wall block has opposed front and rear faces, opposed first and second side surfaces, and opposed and substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, and at least one weight bearing pad extends from one of the upper and lower surfaces. The at least one weight bearing pad extends substantially from the rear face to the front face of the block. The weight bearing pads are the only areas of contact between the blocks in the first upper course and the blocks in the second lower course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: David M. LaCroix
  • Patent number: 8454273
    Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 8448403
    Abstract: A housing structure comprising a plurality of hollow blocks having an interlocking opening at the top and bottom; an interlocking handle at the front face; and a receiving cut-out at the rear face, left side, or right side; and wherein the plurality hollow blocks are configured to be vertically stacked to a desirable height and horizontally interconnected to form the base of the housing structure. The housing structure further comprising a plurality of gutter-like sections having an interlocking nozzle at the bottom; and an interlocking system at the left and right ends; and wherein the plurality of gutter-like sections are configured to be interlocked to the top of the housing structure to trap rain water or fill the hollow blocks. A tent-like section can be assembled in the center of the housing structure for forming the roof of the housing structure and aiding in the collecting of rain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: David Wallace
  • Patent number: 8434971
    Abstract: Single and multiple retaining wall blocks and block systems in which the blocks are provided with a face connection system which includes at least one front lip extending from a top surface of the block and a bottom channel formed into a front face and bottom surface of the block. The front lips have a length which is equal to the width of the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Contech Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dawson, Robert A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8425158
    Abstract: A cellular confinement system for soil, sand or other filler material comprises a number of sub-assemblies each made up of a plurality of interconnected open cells of fabric material. The sub-assemblies are stackable one on top of the other to provide a structure having at least one generally vertical side or end wall. The system further comprises sealing means such as one or more skirt portion(s) which are arranged between vertically juxtaposed sub-assemblies in use. The skirt portions substantially prevent or minimize the escape of finer aggregate material from between the stacked sub-assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: J & S Franklin, Ltd., Terram Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Milton, Basil John Thomas
  • Patent number: 8413399
    Abstract: A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Michael L. Kelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8408844
    Abstract: A steel material for an underground continuous wall equipped with a hat type steel sheet pile having a hat-shaped cross-section, and an H-beam having an H-shaped cross-section, wherein: the hat type steel sheet pile includes a web, a pair of flanges, and a pair of arm sections; the H-beam includes a pair of flange sections and a web section; an outer surface of the H-beam is secured to an outer surface of the web; the length of the H-beam is shorter than that of the hat type steel sheet pile, and an overall length of the H-beam is arranged within the length of the hat type steel sheet pile; and a rear end of the H-beam is located closer to a forward end side than a rear end of the hat type steel sheet pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuuta Tanaka, Tatsuaki Kurosawa, Shinji Taenaka, Masataka Tatsuta
  • Patent number: 8408846
    Abstract: A method for landscaping an area using an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the steps of providing a first structure of at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings and a base region, providing a second structure of the at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings greater than the measure of openings of the second structure, arranging the second structure at an angle relative to the first structure such that the angle defines a landscaping feature, arranging at least a portion of the first structure on a landscaping region of the area such that the landscaping region at least partially supports base region of the first structure, and disposing landscaping material on the first structure of the landscaping apparatus so as to define a feature for the area. Also, a landscaping apparatus of an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the above described structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher W. Blouin
  • Publication number: 20130074436
    Abstract: A mortarless retaining wall constructed of a plurality of segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows. Each SRW block includes a face unit having connectors and one or more anchoring units each having connectors. The anchoring unit connectors are of complementary shape to interlock with respective face unit connectors. The face unit and each anchoring unit forming the SRW block when interlocked, each anchoring unit for confronting soil being retained by the retaining wall. The face units have first and second load bearing surfaces and first and second end surfaces forming front edges which are non-linear along the entire edge. The first and second load bearing surfaces are non-planar across the entire load bearing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ALLAN BLOCK, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bott
  • Patent number: 8402875
    Abstract: An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Roger DeGreef
  • Patent number: 8393829
    Abstract: A facing anchor assembly for securing a facing to a soil reinforcing element, the facing anchor assembly including first and second horizontally-disposed plates vertically-offset from each other and having at least one transverse protrusion disposed on each plate. The transverse protrusions can receive and seat at least one transverse wire of the soil reinforcing element and a coupling assembly can be configured to secure the at least one transverse wire in place, and also frictionally engage a pair of longitudinal wires of the soil reinforcing element between the first and second horizontally-disposed plates, thereby preventing removal of the soil reinforcing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: T&B Structural Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8388258
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems related to modular earth retaining wall systems. In one embodiment, among others, a precast retaining wall block configured for assembly into a retaining wall includes a front face portion, a web portion extending outwardly from a rear surface of the front face portion, and aligning elements. The web portion includes a vertical center portion and left and right protrusions extending outwardly from the lower sides of the vertical center portion. The left and right protrusions may be substantially triangular. The aligning elements extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the left and right protrusions for locking the precast retaining wall block to the vertical center portion associated with an underlying precast retaining wall block associated with an underlying row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Earth Reinforcement Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas L. Rainey
  • Patent number: 8382400
    Abstract: The bag has a trapezoidal shape including a pair of parallel edges opposite each other with one longer than the other and a pair of opposite diverging edges. One edge of the bag is defined by a fold to close off an opening providing access into the bag. Other edges of the bag are formed by a seam joining two opposite layers of flexible material together. The opening is preferably provided on a flap which extends beyond the trapezoidal perimeter of the bag. When this flap is folded over, the final trapezoidal shape for the bag is provided. Walls are built utilizing a plurality of such trapezoidally shaped sandbags in alternating parallel orientations for the long edges and short edges of adjacent bags. Joints between adjacent sandbags are longer than with rectangular sandbags and interlock together somewhat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Powell
  • Patent number: 8382398
    Abstract: A modular flood wall assembly having a relatively flat base member having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The assembly further comprises a plurality of interconnectable blocks, with each block having a top surface with at least one hollow protuberance, at least one side wall, a hollow interior, and a bottom surface having at least one hollow cavity. The cavities on the bottom surface of the blocks are matable with the ribs on the base member. The protuberances on the top surface of the blocks are matable with the receptacles on the bottom surface of a corresponding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Deborah A. Stauffacher, Craig A. Verden
  • Patent number: 8371772
    Abstract: A retaining wall structure includes a number of bag units piled to form a wall and interconnecting units disposed between vertically adjacent bag units. The interconnecting units each has a plate and protrusions protruding from upper and lower surfaces of the plate. A reinforcing layer is provided between the plate of a relative interconnecting unit and a relative bag unit. The reinforcing layer is selected from cement or adhesive (such as glue). The present invention uses the reinforcing layer between the plate of the interconnecting unit and the bag unit to enhance the entire stability of the retaining wall adapted for operation in different circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Yushun Chang
  • Publication number: 20130034392
    Abstract: A block for a retaining wall having a front face forming part of a visible side of a retaining wall, and a support face which supports at least one similar overlying block. The support face is angled with respect to the front face and traversed by a through opening which defines an internal abutment surface placed at a first predetermined distance from the front face. A reference element protrudes from the support face at a second predetermined distance from the front face, in order to abut, in use, against the at least one internal abutment surface of the similar overlying block and thus prevent the displacement thereof in only one of two directions which are transverse to the front face. The reference element includes a flattened engagement portion. An elongate slot is provided on the support face to receive the corresponding flattened engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Francesco Ferraiolo
  • Publication number: 20130022411
    Abstract: A facing element (34) for use in a stabilized earth structure where the facing element comprises at least a hollow part (37) with an opening (36) on the rear face (32) wherein a cylindrical core (5) is arranged at least partly in the hollow part (37) and consists of two continuous parts (51, 52) where the first part (51) has a continuously decreasing size to an extremity (54) and wherein: L2?1.2×d1; and A>0.24×d12; wherein: L2 is the distance between the extremity (54) of the first part (51) and the rear face (32); d1 is the width of the cylindrical core (5) at the extremity (54) of the first part (51); A is the area of the cross section of the cylindrical core (5) in the plane (X, Z). Improved anchoring properties are accordingly obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Richard Cariou
  • Publication number: 20130011208
    Abstract: A sandbag retaining wall has interconnecting members for attaching sandbags in adjacent courses together. The sandbag interconnecting member has a generally planar body having at least three projections on its upper side and its lower side which can protrude into the sandbags. The sandbag interconnecting member is sized such that two sandbag interconnecting members can fit in spaced-apart positions on the upper or lower side of a sandbag. In another embodiment, the sandbag interconnecting member is a strip of material having an upper side and a lower side, both of which can form a detachable bond to a sandbag. The surfaces of the interconnecting member, and the sandbag wall, or a portion thereof, comprise mating parts of a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) or similar attachment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Hun S. Kim
  • Patent number: 8313267
    Abstract: A landscaping wall includes concrete blocks dry stacked to form a wall. At least one of the blocks has a channel in the lower or upper surface of the block. An accessory mounting bar having a mounting portion and an outer end is positioned in the channel of the at least one block. At least one of an accessory or an accessory holder on the outer end of the mounting bar extends beyond the front face of the at least one block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay J. Johnson, Harrison John Brown