Designed For Stacking (e.g., Key On Top Surface, Mortise On Bottom) Patents (Class 52/592.6)
  • Patent number: 11566420
    Abstract: The present invention is an assembly-type brick set. More specifically, the present invention is an assembly-type brick set which not only maximizes structural rigidity and fastening performance but is also able to, by excluding use of brittle bonding agent such as concrete mortar, prevent damage and collapse of a wall even in cases of severe shaking, such as during earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Tai-Myong Kim
  • Patent number: 11186987
    Abstract: A construction block unit includes a construction block and a lid. The construction block includes a bottom plate having a shape, a sidewall extending perpendicularly from the bottom plate at an outer edge of the bottom plate to form a container configured to receive and contain a weight, and fasteners coupled to a top edge of the sidewall opposite the bottom plate. The lid has a congruent shape to the shape such that the lid is fastenable to the top edge of the side wall via the fasteners to enclose the container. An interlocking portion of the construction block is shaped to receive a corresponding interlocking portion of a second construction block by vertically sliding the corresponding interlocking portion into the interlocking portion, interlocking the construction block and the second construction block to prevent separation by a horizontal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: B&B Flying Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Felix J. Simmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11168478
    Abstract: An artificial insulated log that has outer and inner wood members that are glued to an inner core of rigid insulation. In addition to the glue, structural connectors are fitted on the top of the logs at specified intervals to provide additional structure support, Each of the wood pieces has a tongue and groove formed to receive other logs. In addition, the insulated core is also fitted with a tongue and groove for alignment. The outer, or exterior, wood member is curved to look like a natural log, The inner wood members are cut flat to for a flat interior wall. Formed corner logs can be used with regular logs to make a finished looking assembly for the building. The corners can be alternated or stacked, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Clint Hall
  • Patent number: 11008752
    Abstract: A modular superblock assembly includes interconnectable and stackable insulating concrete forms that each comprise a block body. The block body includes a central mounting hole, a first lateral recess, second lateral recess, first vertical recess, second vertical recess, and aligning features. The first lateral recess traverses a first lateral side of the block body. The second lateral recess traverses a second lateral side of the block body. The first vertical recess traverses a first vertical side of the block body. The second vertical recess traverses a second vertical side of the block body. The central mounting hole traverses the lateral recesses and is oriented perpendicular thereto. The plurality of aligning features includes aligning plates and slots. Each aligning plate is partially embedded in a first surface of the block body and positioned proximate to the first lateral recess. Aligning slots are positioned on the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Juan Diego Castro
  • Patent number: 10920429
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a siding panel including a front face, a rear face, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side, and a second side. The siding panel also includes a first locking mechanism disposed on the rear face of the siding panel adjacent the top edge, and configured to interlock with a second locking mechanism of a second siding panel, the first locking mechanism being formed as a protrusion. The siding panel further includes a second locking mechanism disposed on the rear face of the siding panel being formed as a generally C-shaped portion having a groove. The second locking mechanism is configured to interlock with a first locking mechanism of a third siding panel. The siding panel is secured to a surface by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CertainTeed LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 10731686
    Abstract: A system interconnecting units having conical shaped studs and recess for fabrication of building blocks, materials, furniture, toys, all typically having a three axis aligned array of elements. Units utilize orthogonal members having a combination of studs and recesses to allow various units to combine into combined units. Magnets can assist in attracting adjacent units together and keeping recesses and studs together. Studs and recesses are complimentary shapes, such as pyramids, cones, rounded cones, lipped pyramids, rods and cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Harold Granek
  • Patent number: 9702138
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides building structures. A building structure can comprise a plurality of modules. An individual module among the plurality can comprises a plurality of wall panels. One or more wall panels of the plurality of wall panels can comprise undulating outer surfaces that each conform to an undulating outer surface of an adjacent module. The building structure can further comprise a binding agent in one or more void spaces between the plurality of modules. The binding agent is configured to maintain the plurality of modules in proximity to one another. The building structure may contain components to increase the energy efficiency of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Modula S, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Rutherford
  • Patent number: 9441370
    Abstract: A free-standing wall includes concrete base blocks adjacent to each other forming a base course; a first set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a first wall face; and a second set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a second wall face that faces the opposite direction from the first wall face and that has the same number of courses as the first plurality of wall blocks. Methods of constructing the wall arrangement include laying the base blocks next to each other end to end; stacking individual blocks of a first set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a first wall face; stacking individual blocks of the second set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a second wall face that faces a direction opposite of the first wall face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Joel Wolter, Robert B. Burnquist, Harrison John Brown, Dale A. Buker, Jay J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9038341
    Abstract: A flooring system for installation over a surface that provides flooring using artificial wood panels over a plastic base formed from recycled plastics for even durable support over cement or dirt surfaces. The flooring system comprises a plurality of interlocking bases and a plurality of removable clips, wherein each clip has a pair of grippers for engaging at least one board of a plurality of boards, the base and clips supporting the boards apart from the surface and the plurality of boards connected between the grippers are capable of supporting a load of at least 300 pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NEWTECHWOOD, LTD.
    Inventors: Richard Chorfoam Lam, Cliff Chorsum Lam, Terry Y. Lam
  • Patent number: 9038346
    Abstract: A corner block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two spaced-apart side sections that jointly define an internal cavity. Upper protrusions are provided on the top face of the block, and inner protrusions are provided inside the cavity at the bottom of the block. The upper and inner protrusions are configured and arranged relative to one another so that when two corner blocks are stacked one atop another with one block rotated 90° relative to the other, the upper protrusions of the lower block interlock with the inner protrusions of the upper block to interlock the two blocks. The corner blocks are constructed in two variants, a corner block A and a corner block B, which are mirror images of each other. The corner blocks A and B are alternately stacked upon one another to construct a 90° corner of a segmental wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: E. DILLON & COMPANY
    Inventor: Billy J. Wauhop
  • Publication number: 20150059278
    Abstract: A wall block element (1, 2, 3) for building and/or landscaping purposes, such as for building a retaining wall (4), masonry wall (5) and/or a curb. The wall block element (1, 2, 3) comprises a first panel (6) and a second panel (7), at least said first panel (6) being a natural stone slab. At least two spacer elements (8, 9) made of steel are arranged at a distance from each other for placing and adjoining the first panel (6) and the second panel (7) together in parallel and at a distance in relation to each other. An inner space (10) is defined by the panels in-between the panels in which inner space a filling material (11), such as cast concrete, can be placed, said spacer elements each having connecting means (12) to attach at least the first panel to the spacer elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Juuso RAINIO
  • Patent number: 8925276
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wall block. The wall block (1) comprises a first wall (11), a second wall (12), a third wall (13) and a rib (14), wherein the first wall (11) is in parallel with the second wall (12), the third wall (13) is securely connected between the two walls, at the two respective ends of the two walls; the rib (14) is connected fixedly between the first wall (11) and the second wall (12), and forms a hollow portion (17) with the third wall (13). With the technical solution, as the wall block has a hollow structure, a load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) may be arranged directly in the hollow structure of the wall block, unlike the traditional wall blocks which need to be piled up around the load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) at a large amount. Therefore, the wall block of the present invention can save time for piling up the same and improve construction efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Rechsand Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shengyi Qin
  • Patent number: 8919069
    Abstract: An impact attenuating tile system that can be selectively installed and uninstalled without damaging the modular tiles making up the system is disclosed. The system uses a support ladder to support the seam between two modular tiles. The seam can support wheelchairs and other heavy equipment positioned on the seam between two tiles without the tiles coming apart. Additionally, the tiles can be selectively removed without damaging or disfiguring the tiles. The system taught herein allows a user to implement a system which provides fall height attenuation, is ADA complaint, is not prone to creating tripping hazards even under high loads, and can be removed or replaced as deemed appropriate and can be selectively removed without cutting, disfiguring compromising the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sof'Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Elouise R. Bird, Morgan Miller, Scott Barker
  • Patent number: 8898989
    Abstract: Gusset Block Construction deals with a block that is cored from all sides. The blocks are cubes and elongated cubes with a pyramid or elongated pyramid shaped cavity on each side resulting in a block in which each of the twelve edges is central on a gusset shape extending from said edge to the central axis of the block. With the use of a second octahedron block that fits within the pyramid shaped cavities a wall that requires no fastening can be built by placing octahedrons in the top cavities of a layer of blocks and placing another layer of blocks on it. These blocks will be able to come apart at the joints during an earthquake without completely disassembling and can return to original position when the earthquake stops. They can be molded in a two piece split mold and are scaleable; tapered piers could be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas E Phillips
  • Patent number: 8863464
    Abstract: A multi-purpose interlocking masonry unit includes support members extending from its lower surface and port depressions formed in its upper surface. Each masonry unit can be placed on top of a previously placed masonry unit. The interlocking masonry unit allows for the rapid creation of a wall that is substantially straight and aligned while minimizing the need to perform precise measurements and make alignment adjustments during the creation process. Bonding material can be poured through the resultant wall ports, creating a matrix pattern of bonding material throughout the wall, which results in a stronger more durable construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Joe Balducci, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8800230
    Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top, bottom, and transition, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8667750
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tie-Cast Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry G. Speer
  • Patent number: 8640407
    Abstract: A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Saleh H. Alsayed, Husain Abbas, Yousef A. Al-Salloum, Mohammed S. Alhaddad
  • Patent number: 8539729
    Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Robert C. Allen, Greg Wysock
  • Patent number: 8495850
    Abstract: A two-piece building block assembly includes a hollow block and an inner piece. The hollow block has a plurality of studs extending from a top thereof, an opening defined in an underside thereof and a plurality of ribs extends from side walls thereof. The inner piece is corresponding to and received in the opening of the hollow block. A plurality of recesses is defined in the periphery of the inner piece and located corresponding to the studs. The inner piece includes support boards. Each support board is defined between the adjacent recesses and disposed between the two adjacent ribs that are located on the same side wall of the hollow block. The inner piece reinforces the opening of the hollow block to prevent the opening from being deformed. Thus, the building block assembly does not have to be made of high-stiffness or high-density materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 8464491
    Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, William B. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8464482
    Abstract: An assembly of precast concrete units matingly assembled on top of one another to form a whole deck footing, capable of supporting a deck, shed, porch, addition or other structure. The individual units are of manageable weight and can be moved by one person, not unlike a bag of unmixed cement. The units interlock to prevent shifting, separating, frost damage by water infiltration and heaving when placed under ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Brice C. Raynor
  • Patent number: 8448396
    Abstract: A laminated insulated timber is described possessing a laminate essentially composed of plurality of side planks, a top plank and a bottom plank that box in an insulation member. The planks are offset relative to one another to form a tongue and groove arrangement. In this manner, other like laminated insulated timbers join together along the tongue and groove arrangements to interlock and stack, thus forming a structural wall of laminated insulated timbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: International Homes of Cedar
    Inventors: Rodney Reynaud Robertson, Thomas Jay Warren
  • 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: 8297012
    Abstract: A prefabricated building module made of multiple layers of plastic blocks or hollow plastic forms aligned between upper and lower sheet steel channels which are held together with circular steel bars extending vertically between and connected to the top and bottom channels, through guide conduit orifices in the plastic blocks or the hollow plastic forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Mariano Nuñez-Vargas
  • Publication number: 20120183362
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: William B. Dawson, Robert A. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8201371
    Abstract: A composite beam chord is between first and second reinforcement plates. The beam chord includes a first ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of +? degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the beam chord and a second ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of ?? degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle ? is between 2 and 12 degrees for suppression or delay of ply splitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Max U. Kismarton
  • Patent number: 8201376
    Abstract: A masonry block and hardware set for constructing dry stack walls and columns, including a wall unit, a corner unit, and an end unit, wherein each of the wall, corner, and end units have a top surface with a depression that is brought into substantial alignment when an adjoining block at the same level or in the same course is abutted with the respective unit, and further wherein when any two of the units are adjoined, the units create a vertically oriented space for accommodated clamping hardware, and further wherein each of the end and corner units include an alignment slot to align the end units and the corner units in relation to adjoining wall units. Clamping hardware is employed to bolt the wall while construction proceeds, the hardware being disposed in the masonry unit depressions and in the vertically oriented space created by stacked units. The clamping provides a downwardly directed compressive force and lateral rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Steve D. Witcher
  • Patent number: 8201370
    Abstract: A building block assembly includes a block that has a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a front side and a back side. The block has a plurality of apertures therein extending into the top side and outwardly from the bottom side. Each of the apertures is defined by a perimeter wall. The perimeter walls of each of the apertures is cylindrically shaped and has threading grooves therein. The apertures are aligned with each other along a line orientated perpendicular to the front side and are equally spaced from the first and second lateral sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron G. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8112960
    Abstract: An insulating concrete form block adapted to be interlocked with other insulating concrete blocks to form an insulating concrete form for casting concrete. The insulating concrete block including a first foam panel and a second foam panel supported in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a concrete receiving cavity. Each of the first panel and the second panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, and a second end. The top end and the bottom end of each of the first and second panels having an outside row of a plurality of projections and an inside row of a plurality of projections. The projections of the outside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses and the projections of the inside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses with the projections of the outside row being adjacent to the recesses of the inside row and the recesses of the outside row being adjacent projections of the inside row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BuildBlock Building Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Michael Garrett
  • Patent number: 8079194
    Abstract: A thermal insulating element (10?; 10??) comprises a first plate (24) forming at least a part of an outer face of the insulating element (10?; 10??) and a second plate (26) forming a further part of the outer face of the insulating element (10?; 10??). The first and the second plate (24, 26) are connected to each other via a frame structure (12) which establishes a geometry of the insulating element (10?; 10??). The first and the second plate (24, 26) and the frame structure (12) define a cavity filled with air, wherein at least one vent opening (28) is formed in the first and/or the second plate (24, 26) and/or the frame structure (12). A projecting edge portion (34, 36) is formed along an edge of a portion of the insulating element (10?; 10??) which is provided with the at least one vent opening (28), the projecting edge portion (34, 36) being adapted to at least partially cover a gap between two insulating elements (10?; 10??) disposed side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Piesker
  • Patent number: 8074419
    Abstract: Non-masonry building block components, including a standard hollow-bodied block component with horizontal and vertical locking capabilities which removes the need for bonding material such as glue, mortar or other adhesives. Modified dovetails on the upper and lower surface of the building components prevent vertical movement while resistance locks on each end of the block prevent horizontal movement. Typically, use of the non-masonry building components would allow for constructing permanent or temporary structures having vertical and horizontal channels in which to allow plumbing or electrical conduit. The incorporation of materials, such as sand or similar substance, would form a bullet-resistant barrier for use in military operations. Additionally, structures formed from the block components could easily be assembled or disassembled on site without the need for skilled labor, specialized tools, demolition and clean up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: David L. Humphress, Steven N. Flinchum
  • Patent number: 8069627
    Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Robert C. Allen, Greg Wysock
  • Patent number: 7946090
    Abstract: A system of making self-aligning concrete block structures. Structure is made of interlinking blocks that have insulative foam that is affixed during the molding process. The interior surface of the blocks is specifically designed to avoid the use of interior framing by providing wooden strips such that drywall can be directly affixed. The concrete block system include top blocks, inside and outside corner blocks, and the necessary forms for their construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Herbert E. Walters, Cheryl Ann Walters
  • Patent number: 7823353
    Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Robert C. Allen, Greg Wysock
  • Patent number: 7823333
    Abstract: A structure for easily connecting prefabricated panels, which are attached to outer and inner walls of buildings, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Young Mi Kim
  • Patent number: 7739846
    Abstract: An insulating concrete block adapted to be interlocked with other insulating concrete blocks to form an insulating concrete form for casting concrete. The insulating concrete block including a first foam panel and a second foam panel supported in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a concrete receiving cavity. Each of the first panel and the second panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, and a second end. The top end and the bottom end of each of the first and second panels having an outside row of a plurality of projections and an inside row of a plurality of projections. The projections of the outside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses and the projections of the inside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses with the projections of the outside row being adjacent to the recesses of the inside row and the recesses of the outside row being adjacent projections of the inside row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: BuildBlock Building Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Michael Garrett
  • Patent number: 7730673
    Abstract: A window well assembly for buildings and the like include at least a first well unit and a second well unit each having opposite first and second flanges at opposite ends of a retaining wall of each unit for securing the well units to a sub-grade foundation of the building. Preferably, the assembly has a plurality of releasable spacer couplings that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in a stored state, and has indexing features that are mated and carried between well units when the assembly is in an assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Glen R. George
  • Patent number: 7721495
    Abstract: Composite structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a composite structural member includes a central structural portion comprised of a reinforced, polymer-based material and having a length, a first side and an opposing second side extending along the length. A first reinforcement member fixedly coupled to the first side and a second reinforcement member fixedly coupled to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Max U. Kismarton
  • Patent number: 7712281
    Abstract: The present building block has at least one load bearing surface, the load bearing surface of the block having mating interlocking portions comprising cores and protruding interlocks receivable in the cores. The blocks are configured so that each end of a block comprises a half interlock and adjacent ends of a pair of blocks in a course together define an interlock portion that interlocks with a mating full interlock portion carried by a block in an adjacent course of blocks. The basic building block has ends that are oblique such that rows having a preset radius can be formed or such that a linear row can be formed by placing one block front-to-back and an adjacent building block back-to-front. Disclosed are angle blocks with and without splitter wedges, stretcher blocks with and without splitter wedges, blocks for forming corners and posts, cap blocks, and blocks for capping posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Allan Block Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bott
  • Patent number: 7694485
    Abstract: A mortarless interlocking building block for a building block system comprising a single light-weight block of the standard building block dimensions molded from plastic and configured to be separable into three-quarter, half and one-quarter sizes for accommodating prescribed wall dimension lengths and openings, including a feature for building interconnecting right-angle walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Siener
  • Publication number: 20100064620
    Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, William B. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20100043335
    Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top, bottom, and transition, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7661239
    Abstract: A dry-stackable masonry brick having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and opposing side surfaces. The brick is provided with a plurality of channels, which extend along the top, bottom and one side of the brick. The channels are configured and arranged so that they are able to receive a projection from one or more adjacent bricks in an interlocking relation. The brick may be positioned on either of the opposing sides in a vertical orientation, with the bottom side up, or even with the rear surface facing forwardly. The front and rear surfaces of the brick may be provided with different surface treatments to increase the number of differently configured walls that may be constructed. Moreover, the front and rear surfaces may be provided with marginal areas that are configured so that they are able to receive and retain filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Alliance Concrete Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Price
  • Patent number: 7641178
    Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, William B. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20090320403
    Abstract: A modular outdoor barbeque grill and firepit is constructed of artificial stone-like slab members, which permit a uniform construction method by utilizing only a single block with a universal joint configuration to create an easily assembled, disassembled, re-assembled, and inexpensively manufactured product. Simple variation in the slab members' length, as well as relocation of the joint permits tremendous versatility of product design without increasing complexity of assembly. Slab members are cast of air-entrained concrete in elastomeric molds for reduced density and lighter weight members, which have advantageous thermal properties, exhibit greater longevity in adverse weath conditions, and may be so formed with pigments to resemble stone, brick, or decorative mosaic tile. The ease of construction by the design of this invention also permits quick transition between a backyard fire pit and a barbeque grill with a sophisticated appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Love
  • Patent number: 7627992
    Abstract: A stackable riser section having a single side wall having a first open end defined by an edge and a second open, channel end. The riser section includes a plurality of bosses extending to the first open end and connected to an interior surface of the sidewall by narrow webs. A channel, on the channel end of one riser is adapted to receive the bosses of a mated riser. A wall defining the boss receiving channel has a plurality of slots with at least a portion defined by parallel edges. The slots receive the webs that connect the bosses to the riser sidewall. The bosses are wider than the portion of the slots defined by the parallel edges. The slotted wall includes thickened wedge portions to snugly fit with the first open end of another riser section. A cover is disclosed that includes the same channel end to coact with the first open end of a riser section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Peter W. Gavin
  • Publication number: 20090282761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structural element for the construction of log type houses. The structural element comprises structural portions, preferably made of aluminum, and insulating material. The insulation coefficient of the structural element may be adapted to the local climate. Furthermore, the structural element is less sensible to temperature and humidity variations than wood, preventing possible cracks to appear between adjacent structural elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Remi Perron
  • Patent number: 7610730
    Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top and bottom, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7546712
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for building concrete structures from precast blocks and the process for making the structural system. The block comprises one or more annular tire wall stack units embedded in reinforced concrete. Prestressing and/or post-tensioning structural reinforcing techniques are used with assembled building blocks. The blocks are made by placing used tire stacks in a form that centralizes the stacks so that reinforced concrete can be placed around them while maintaining a hollow core through the stacks. Horizontal interlocking between blocks uses reinforcing bars and/or a tongue and groove configuration, and/or post-tension wire strand placed in a recess or post-tension tubes formed in the blocks and mortared in-place during construction. Vertical interlocking between blocks uses a tongue-and-groove interlock, shiplap splicing, and reinforcing bars. Post-tension wire strand, pipe, or H-piles are placed in and through the stacks and mortared in-place during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Reece F. Shaw