Abstract: A brick or other structural member is provided for use in building a wall or other similar structure which is to be provided with a cementitious surface coat application to one, typically exposed, face. The brick includes a relief pattern or profile on at least one face. This allows the installer to adequately affix an external cementitious surface coat to the outer surface of, a brick wall, while also providing a “depth gauge”, which can identify proper coating thickness during installation, which not only ensures proper application thickness but can preclude waste due to overapplication. The added brick texture (a.k.a. profile) increases the surface area of the brick to improve the bonding of the brick surface coating and to provide mechanical underpinning for the surface coating.

Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided. The retaining wall block includes top, bottom, front, back, first side and second side surfaces. A tongue set is provided on the top surface of the block and a groove in the bottom surface of the block. The tongue set includes a rear-facing surface set that includes first and second curved sections. A block form for forming retaining wall blocks is also provided. A face form for placement on the bottom surface of a block form is also provided. A method of molding retaining wall blocks with a form having hinged doors is also provided. A method of using a face form for forming two blocks of reversed front surface ornamentation is also provided.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet of articulated masonry-like units (SAMU) and a method for producing the same. The method comprises obtaining masonry-like units prepared from one or more hardening materials; placing said masonry-like units into an articulating structure; interconnecting the masonry-like units to each other using a mesh-adhesive thereby generating a SAMU. Kits for preparing such sheets and methods of installing the same are also provided.

Abstract: A modular interlock wall form for providing a sturdy wall structure that is easily assembled and disassembled. The modular interlock wall form includes a base frame for resting on a surface, and which includes a pair of elongate base rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the base frame. The base rails are laterally spaced, and at least one lateral member extends laterally across the base rails. The lateral member has a fascia support portion extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of a central portion of the lateral member, A face panel is provided for forming a face of the modular interlock wall form. The face panel has opposite surfaces and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge comprises opposite end edges and opposite first and second edges. The first edge is adapted for being oriented downwardly and the second edge is adapted for being oriented upwardly. The second edge has a tongue extending along the length of the second edge with at least one pocket recessed in the tongue.

Abstract: A structural panel (1) has a structural frame (2) of interconnected structural members (10, 15, 16, 17) of cold-rolled steel material. EPS insulation (3) is integrally moulded around the structural members to a combined depth of the members and wall tie brackets (4) extending outwardly. There is minimal surface area contact between each bracket (4) and a structural member (10) to minimise cold bridging. Wall ties (5) connect to the brackets (4) by engagement of a hooks (56) on the wall ties (5) with slots (51) in the brackets, again with minimal area of contact.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or a without adhesive.

Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including a longitudinally-extending side panel and at least one web member connected to the side panel. The web member extends from adjacent the external side of the side panel through and out of the interior surface of the side panel. The side panel is coupled to fluid concrete and cured to be used as a tilt-up wall, floor, or roof panel. Alternatively, the concrete can be bonded to opposed side panels. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. &Ovalhollow; 1.72(b).

Abstract: A construction form for building an insulated concrete reinforced wall includes separable and independently usable lintel block and post block sections, made from injection molding Styrofoam. The lintel block section includes a channel extending horizontally and fully along its top portion. The channel includes multiple knock-out plugs within the bottom wall. The lintel block section also has multiple parallel and vertically spaced apertures with one end opened at a lower end, and extending upward to a closed end terminating at one plug within the bottom wall of the channel. The post block section is stackable with the lintel block section.

Abstract: A system of tracks, brackets and containers, typically empty beverage cans, assembled and used for temporary storage, temporary emergency shelters, toys, or other uses involving inexpensive and light weight building materials. The system is implemented by releasably attaching the containers to the tracks, then releasably attaching the tracks to each other either horizontally, vertically, or both to form structural elements such as beams, columns, or panels. The rigid tracks are made from a material which allows for apertures in the tracks to be sized to resiliently snap onto portions of the containers. The track may be formed in a variety of different shapes, such as straight, angled, curved, T-shaped or cross-shaped. Additionally, the brackets may be formed in a variety of different shapes to attach the track assemblies to each other in various orientations.

Abstract: A mortarless wall 200 is constructed from blocks 201 having upper and lower recesses 202 positioned at a longitudinal centerline in upper and lower walls 206 to form channels that receive alignment rails 212 that extend across entire tiers 214 and 215 of aligned blocks 201 thereby securing and stabilizing each tier of blocks 201 via both top and bottom walls 206 of each block 201.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20.degree. from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A landscape edging or border block has an essentially trapezoidal shape, and is capable of being used to form a linear, serpentine or combination border or edge. The blocks can also be used to enclose an area. By orienting each block such that its inner edge faces inwardly, a substantially circular shape is attained to enclose a circular area. To expand the area to be enclosed, at least two expansion blocks are added for each quadrant of the shape. The two expansion blocks are oriented so as to provide a linear segment in each quadrant between adjacent ends of each arcuate segment. Additional pairs of expansion blocks can be added for each quadrant to further expand the area to be enclosed. In all cases, the enclosed area is formed by placing adjacent blocks such that their edges engage each other to form a shape without the presence of gaps between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A reinforced stucco panel and straw insulator wall assembly includes a plurality of straw bales, a vertical column of rigid material, a layer of fabric, a plurality of screens, a footing section, a bond-beam form and a layer of reinforced mortar. The straw bales are stacked. The column includes concrete and a reinforcement rod. The concrete fills aligned vertical channels of the straw bales. The reinforcement rod is disposed in the channels and embedded by the concrete. The fabric of a substantially air-permeable material is attached to the stacked straw bales and disposed on vertical sides of the straw bales forming exterior and interior surfaces of the building employing the wall assembly. Each screen overlies and caps a top end of one of the straw bales and intersects the channels and defines an opening aligned with the channels and allows passage of the reinforcement rod.

Abstract: A building panel (1) has an upper edge (4) adapted to interlock with a lower edge (6) of a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1). The lower edge (6) of the panel (1) is adapted to interlock with a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1) or base (16). Side edges (8, 9) of the panel (1) are substantially planar to permit abutment of a side edge (8) of one panel (1) against a side edge (9) of a horizontally adjacent substantially identical panel (1). A continuous channel (11) extends the length of each side edge (8, 9) and a further continuous channel (10) extends along the upper edge (4). To construct a wall, a plurality of panels (1) are placed horizontally adjacent to each other to form a lower layer (15). A cementitious mix is poured onto the panels (1) to fill the channels (10, 11). Alternatively, structural members can be placed into the channels (10, 11).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dimensionally uniform building construction using interlocking connectors. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system of building blocks, each block having a top, a bottom, an interior face, an exterior face, and two end faces. Each block is substantially dimensionally uniform, and has at least one vertically aligned female dovetail slot in each face, with substantially uniform lateral spacing between slots. Interlocking connectors or clips, in one embodiment comprising dual male dovetails, mate with the female dovetail slots and connect the blocks together. After erection of the wall, reinforcing rods and concrete may be placed within the block cavities. In similar fashion, objects such as exterior facing and interior cabinetry may be suspended from the faces of the blocks by attaching clips to the objects then inserting the clips in the mating female dovetail slots.

Abstract: A brick which can be laid with other similar bricks for forming a heat-insulating masonry work structure. The brick includes a plurality of webs defining empty inner cavities therebetween, the cavities having heat-insulating properties and further defining inner surfaces and a width of more than 8 mm. A heat-reflecting coating is disposed on the inner surfaces of the cavities. The masonry work structure may include a brick laying material for laying the bricks such that the bricks do not fill with the material and do not clog up with dirt, the brick laying material including one of bonding mortar, thin-bed mortar, mid-bed mortar and fibrous mortar. The coating may be applied to the inner surfaces of the cavities by one of vapor deposition, spraying and bonding on as a thin film, and may further be fired. The coating may further be sprayed, coextruded and spread and thereafter fired.

Abstract: A hollow concrete building block is provided having physical characteristics which diverts water penetrating inside the block away from the interior of the building. The block comprises parallel interior and exterior walls and at least one transverse vertical web spanning between the walls to form a unitary block with an interior cavity. The webs have notches on the top and bottom surfaces which divert any infiltrating water into the cavities. The notches span the length of the top and bottom surfaces of the web. The apex of the top notch is proximate to the exterior wall of the block while the apex of the bottom notch is proximate to the interior wall. Once in the cavities, the water drops to the lowermost block where conventional flashing and weep holes convey the water to the exterior.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20.degree. from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building structure of a number of construction elements each comprising two plate-like side parts (2) which are mutually connected at a distance parallel to each other by at least one connecting part (3) which protrudes partially outside the periphery of these side parts (2) and fitting between side parts of an adjoining construction element (1). The connecting part (3) extends between the side parts over a distance in the order of magnitude of half the width of the side parts and over a substantially equal distance outside the side parts. The connecting parts (3) of adjoining construction elements (1) preferably leave spaces between each other so that the building structure substantially has one continuous interspace. The interspace can be filled with curing material.

Abstract: A composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface each lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The blocks of the invention comprise back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block.

Abstract: An earthquake and severe weather resistant, fail-safe building block and construction method for fabricating the blocks and structures therefrom. The blocks are hollow and include at least two subassemblies joined by interconnecting webs with provisions for single subassemblies to square off wall edges. Each subassembly includes upper and lower frames joined together by a plurality of structural columns perpendicular to the planes of the upper and lower frames. The upper and lower frames are dimensioned to form interfitting male and female receptacles that permit the blocks to be interconnected so that an assembly of blocks with structural integrity may be created by snapping together courses of blocks with each course staggered relative to the adjacent course.

Abstract: A composite building unit comprising at least one volume element having an upper surface with at least one projection and a bottom surface with at least one cavity positioned and configured to accommodate a projection from another volume element and at least one support element positioned between said upper and bottom surface of said volume element.

Abstract: A foam block wall system is formed from a plurality of interconnected individual foam blocks. The individual foam blocks have a plurality of vertically oriented, quadrilateral core members spaced evenly within the block. The spaces between the core members define a plurality of vertically oriented chambers which receive liquid concrete.A plurality of connectors serve to connect the individual blocks into an integrated structure. A generally U-shaped bracket is secured to the floor or other supporting structure to provide support for the bottom layer of blocks. A generally H-shaped connector rests between successive vertical layers to provide both vertical and lateral stability. Generally U-shaped connectors connect adjacent blocks to provide vertical and lateral stability. A cabling system secures the individual blocks to the floor, also providing vertical and lateral support.

Abstract: A concrete building block (10) having a top (12), a bottom (14), substantially identical first and second end portions (16, 18) and a central portion (20). First and second end portions (16, 18) each have a connector pin (28, 34) and a complementary connector socket (30, 36), where each connector pin and connector socket generate about a vertical axis of generation (A1, A2). The block (10) also includes a lifting eye (46) that projects upwardly from a well (50) and a decorative surface (56) of vertical ridges and valleys on at least the first side (22), and a first and second end surfaces (26, 32). An alternate block (11) includes a circular top (58), a circular bottom (60), and a sidewall (62). Block (11) also includes a connector pin (64), a complementary connector socket (66) and a vertical axis of generation A3, of which connector pin (64) and connector socket (66) generate about, and a means for engaging block 11 with a lifting device.

Abstract: A modular barrier system and component bags are provided characterized by the component bags being stacked in layers and interconnected to form a retaining wall. Each bag is constructed of a woven tubular sheet that has a rectangular shape when pressed flat. One end of the bag is sealed and the other end is left open to receive sand for filling. Dual elongated straps are bonded to the lower surface of the bag and extend over the side edges. The straps are positioned at 1/5 L, 2/5 L, 1/5 L spacing to be vertically aligned for easy interconnection when the bags are stacked to form the wall. The ends of each strap are folded back to form a loop that receives the strap/loop from a bag in the layer immediately above. The loops also function as handles that allow the bags to be easily lifted and carried.

Abstract: A landscape edging or border block has an essentially trapezoidal shape, and is capable of being used to form a linear, serpentine or combination border or edge. The blocks can also be used to enclose an area. By orienting each block such that its inner edge faces inwardly, a substantially circular shape is attained to enclose a circular area. To expand the area to be enclosed, at least two expansion blocks are added for each quadrant of the shape. The two expansion blocks are oriented so as to provide a linear segment in each quadrant between adjacent ends of each arcuate segment. Additional pairs of expansion blocks can be added for each quadrant to further expand the area to be enclosed. In all cases, the enclosed area is formed by placing adjacent blocks such that their edges engage each other to form a shape without the presence of gaps between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A spring clip fastener for pressing into the cavity of cavity walling to hold insulation firmly in place comprises a rigid plate having at least one spring strip bowed from its plane. The bowed spring strip or strips bias the insulation within the cavity against one of the walls. Each bowed strip has a groove across it to engage a horizontal restraining bar which may be provided by a tie between the walls of the cavity walling. When the restraining bar in engaged it is difficult for the fastener to slip out of position.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface each lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block. The invention also comprises a method of block molding and a mold assembly which may be used to make a block which may be stackable to form structures of varying setback.

Abstract: A soil guard wall assembly includes a plurality of elongated soil guard wall modules each of which has a hexagonal configuration in section and is coupled together with each other so as to form the soil guard wall assembly with a honeycomb shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall component for forming a building wall. In order to provide an easily handlable wall component and a wall formed from a plurality of such wall components, which can be rapidly erected and makes it possible to have a desired wall course, the wall component is formed by two vertical, parallel wall panels made from wood or a wooden material, which are kept spaced by web plates. The wall panels are provided on their top, bottom and end faces with connecting elements for engaging with corresponding connecting elements of adjacent wall components. Preferably the connecting elements are formed by grooves and tongues.

Abstract: A concrete building block (2) has complementary projections (10) and recesses (12) to cause it to interlock with other blocks (2). A T-shaped channel (16, 26) on the top surface (4) receives an anchor member (32). A projecting end (36) of the member (32) may be secured to an anchor cable (104). The ends of a metal cable (22) are embedded in the block (2) with an eye portion (24) projecting into an increased depth channel portion (20). The lower surface (6) of the block (2) has parallel channels (28) for receiving the tines of a forklift. The channels (16, 28) have breakaway walls (18, 30) at their outer ends, which are not broken away unless the channels (16, 28) are to be used. The walls (18, 30) prevent concrete from flowing out of the channels (16, 28) when reinforcing concrete is poured through vertical openings (14) in the block (2). In molding the block (2), slugs (86) are releasably attached to opposite mold walls to form the openings (14).

Abstract: Horizontal panels, each consisting of top and bottom horizontal studs, with gypsum boards affixed therebetween, are stacked vertically, with suitable means for maintaining the wall vertical.

Abstract: A building block with a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape is disclosed. This block, which contains at least 90 weight percent of ceramic material, has three walls which are joined to each other. Each of the walls defines a four-sided shape whose top and bottom side have substantially the same length but whose left side has a length which is greater than its right side.

Abstract: An articulating stone edging construction for bordering flower beds, sidewalks, driveways and the like, which construction includes top and bottom layers of ornamental stones joined in staggered, articulating relationship to assume any desired configuration. In a preferred embodiment the bottom stones are fitted with a pair of spaced openings and a centrally located, downwardly-extending anchor pin for securing the stone edging in a selected position. The top stones are provided with spaced, downwardly-extending tie wires which project through the openings in the bottom stones and are twisted around the anchor pins to secure the top stones to the bottom stones in articulating relationship.

Abstract: A concrete construction block having at least one or more hollow cores or open cells and wherein an opening is molded between one cell and the outer face of the block and which opening is defined by edges having opposing outermost flanges which function to retain an inspection window seated within the core therebetween.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure and method for constructing and lifting the same is provided wherein the structure comprises: (a) a wall unit having a plurality of horizontal courses of construction material stacked one atop another and arranged such that they define at least one generally vertical passage therein which opens through the unit's bottom end; (b) lifting means, positioned on the unit's upper end, for lifting and transporting the unit; (c) generally vertically-oriented banding means, which is in contact with the passes under at least a portion of the unit's bottom end, for securing the lifting means to the unit; and (d) spacer means fitted within the opening defined in the unit's bottom end.

Abstract: A building wall system comprises spaced, parallel exterior and interior walls formed from elongated stacked wooden beam members having opposite ends received in vertical channels secured to vertical elongate wooden supports extending upwardly from a subfloor or bottom plate. Upper end portions of the vertical supports are connected together by a top connecting chord extending between the exterior and interior walls. A top plate is secured to uppermost stacked beams to complete the wall structure. A space defined between the top plate and top chord located therebelow allows for settlement of the stacked wooden exterior and interior beams to occur after constructions without the top plate descending into destructive contact with the top connecting chord. The channels are either straight or ribbed channels and wooden connecting structures connected to allowing for settling of the stacked wooden beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: Individual precast concrete wall units for erecting a retaining wall structure each include a face member, a support member, and an anchor member. The support member has a front end portion, that is connected by a hinge to one end of the face member, and a rear end portion, that is connected to one end of the anchor member, either by a tongue-and-slot arrangement or by another hinge. The wall units can be cast straight, thus simplifying the design and reducing the space occupied by the mold. The wall units can also be transported and stored in the straight condition to save space. At the job site, the units are quickly and easily folded into an open bin-like form for placement side-by-side to construct a retaining wall.

Abstract: A split masonry block (50) formed of concrete-like material is provided with primary split surface areas (52, 54) and secondary split surface areas (56, 58, 60, 62). A wall (86) is constructed of such blocks so that the primary surface areas (52, 54) in one course are in vertical alignment with primary surface areas in adjacent courses, and the secondary surface areas (56, 58, 60, 62) are placed likewise. A composite module (10) is provided from which split blocks are formed.

Abstract: In order to seal an opening formed in a vertical wall, a removable partition is formed, which is constituted by at least two dry-stacked brick layers. Each layer is formed from several rows of bricks, each constituted by bricks which, in cross-section, are shaped like a parallelogram, arranged in opposite directions on either side of a central locking brick which, in cross-section, is shaped like an isosceles trapezium. Each row of bricks behaves like a fictitious funicular arc when exposed to a horizontal force normal to the partition. Thus, the earthquake resistance is ensured without adding a reinforcing framework to the two faces of the partition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite type mine support pack and a component for building the pack. The pack components are identical with each including an elongated timber element, a first brick which is attached to the element adjacent its one end and a second brick which is attached to the element on the same side of the element and in alignment with the first brick in the axial direction of the element with the second brick being spaced from the other end of the element by a distance equal to twice the dimension of the first brick when measured in the axial direction of the timber element plus the distance by which the first brick is spaced from its end of the timber element. Preferably the bricks are made from timber. The pack consists of superimposed layers of the components with the bricks on each component resting on those of the components above and below it.

Abstract: A panel (1) intended to constitute a wall element is formed by two rectangular pieces of sheet metal (2, 3) separated by expanded resin (4). On the periphery of the panel, the connection between the pieces of sheet metal is realized by a shape (6) of synthetic resin. Each piece of sheet metal exhibits along its edges a groove (7), while a groove (6') of the same section is made on the periphery of the panel on its edge faces. Each corner of the panel is formed by a corner piece (8) exhibiting hollows (9, 10, 13, 14) extending the grooves (6', 7') of the panel (1).

Abstract: Joints between predecorated gypsum wallboard concealed by relatively thin battens made of predecorated wallboard paper narrow strips with pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back, applied by mechanics using rolls of predecorated paper with adhesive and release paper on the back side of the predecorated paper.

Abstract: Blocks for constructing a breakwater substantially comprises a front wall, a rear wall disposed in parallel and spaced-apart relationship relative to the front wall, and at least one partition wall disposed perpendicular to the front and rear walls and integrally connecting the above two walls to form at least one vertical open-ended chamber between the front and rear walls, wherein the improvement is characterized in that at least one vertical open-ended hole is formed on each of the front and real walls of the block such that the vertical open-ended hole can be in alignment with corresponding vertical open-ended holes formed in the same manner on front and rear walls of the blocks in upper and lower rows when the blocks are arranged in rows and stacked vertically.

Abstract: An insulating bonded masonry or brickwork contains insulating layers formed of insulating material in the vertical joints disposed parallel to the brickwork plane between the bricks. These insulating layers extend at least at one bearing or support joint up to the neighboring bricks. The bricks neighboring the insulating layers in vertical direction possess continuous holes extending from bearing side to bearing side. To improve the insulating properties of the bonded masonry or brickwork at least the holes neighboring the insulating layers are filled with insulating material and the insulating layer is connected at least at one bearing side with the insulating material of the bricks.

Abstract: Method and means for constructing a cement block wall without mortar in which standard blocks can be used. Interengaging means, having rectangular flanges, engage cells of upper course blocks and cells of lower course blocks therebelow. Blocks can be abutted or separated by interposed members made of plastic or the like that extend to edges and have the appearance of mortar points, which are integrated with said interengaging means.

Abstract: A furnace lining formed from a plurality of blocks each comprising an assembly of stacked parallel plates and at least one profiled or toothed end member. The profiles are shaped to be capable of receiving in spaced relationship in the stack of plates. The profiled teeth of the end members are arranged perpendicularly to the stacking planes of the plates and extend individually laterally over at least a portion of the peripheral edge or corner of each plate so that an effective bond is obtained for the plates, as well as their assemblies.