Abstract: A landscape module includes a plurality of projections at predetermined intervals positioned around the periphery of the back and sidewalls to index modules when they are stacked. The landscape module is constructed to be filled with fill material such as dirt, gravel, sand, etc. It is lightweight and has an imitation concrete front. The preferred embodiment has sidewalls which include a first and second part with the projections only being on the underside of the second part of the sidewall and the back wall.

Abstract: Novel building blocks are used to build inexpensive, decorative walls and building, and the like. The blocks are multi-faceted such that all of the outside faces of the blocks will match each of the faces of other blocks and allow the construction of walls having unique decorative effects, while overcoming the problems associated with standard rectangular building blocks.

Abstract: A block for forming a retaining wall comprising a generally parallelepiped body with front, rear, top, bottom and side surfaces and a central internal cavity with internal walls. Integrally formed protruding knobs are formed on the bottom surface adjacent the front surface and are positioned for protruding into the central cavity of at least one other block in a wall formed from the blocks. The protruding knobs are adapted to abut the internal walls of the open cavity to position the block in the retaining wall. A wall construction using the blocks is provided.

Abstract: A refractory system for a reactor for producing carbon black. The system comprises a plurality of refractory bricks having an elongate axis arranged to provide at least one path through which a gas can flow. The path extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis and a plurality of the refractory bricks present a cross-sectional aspect to the gas How which decreases, in the downstream direction, from a maximum aspect to reduce dead regions in gas flow adjacent the refractory bricks.

Abstract: The invention proposes a lightweight vertically perforated brick having a perforation pattern comprising perforations which form a plurality of perforation rows, extending in the longitudinal direction, and are separated from one another by webs. In order to achieve an improved coefficient of thermal conductivity and to reduce the flank transmission, the invention proposes the combination of the following features: thickness of the webs .ltoreq.5 mm, ratio of the largest and smallest inside widths of the perforation cross-section is between 1:1 and 1:2.5, spacing of the perforation rows .ltoreq.22 mm, proportion of perforations .gtoreq.50% and apparent density of the brick material .gtoreq.1.5 kg/dm.sup.3. Hexagonal perforations, with corners directed towards the side walls, and a fibrous porosity agent are to be preferred.

Abstract: An inflatable building block is provided with collapsible sides. Coupling means on the upper and lower faces allow the blocks to be interconnected to form structures. A preferred format relies on pleated sides that will collapse in an accordion-like fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tilt-up concrete pad and the method or process for forming the tilt-up concrete pad and erecting a building comprised of a series of such tilt-up concrete pads. The precast concrete pad includes reinforcing rebar and embedded angled anchor plates that are secured to the embedded rebar and project therefrom where a portion of the angled anchor plates referred to as weld pads lie flush with the backside of the precast concrete pad. The respective precast concrete pads are placed around a foundation and are connected together by a series of connecting bars that are welded or secured on opposite ends to respective weld pads exposed on the back side of adjacently disposed concrete pads. The present disclosure also shows a work station used for pouring and manufacturing the concrete pads that form the present invention.

Abstract: To create decorative border arrangements on the ground, a kit of blocks and interconnecting pieces is provided. To assemble the blocks end to end into a row, the opposite end faces of the blocks and the two opposite sides of the interconnecting pieces comprise respective mutually mating interconnecting elements extending transversely of the row and being slidable in each other upon transversal displacement of an interconnecting piece between the confronting end faces of a pair of consecutive blocks, thus fastening the two confronting end faces together. When desired, pickets are used to anchor the blocks to the ground to obtain a semi-permanent construction.

Abstract: Roofing elements, particularly suitable for use on flat roof constructions, are provided with co-operating means on each of at least one pair of opposite side edges for co-operation with at least two adjacent elements on each of the side edges. When assembled, movement of any one element involves movement of at least one co-operating element on each of the opposite sides edges. Such bidirectional co-operation results in an interlocked roof construction wherein the uplifting of individual roofing elements by the action of the wind or other forces is substantially eliminated. Uplift pressure caused by wind passing over the roof surface can be further reduced by providing communicating air-flow passages between co-operating elements.

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: The building block has a hollow body with lateral surfaces which bear a decorative finish, a flat upper surface having studs protruding therefrom, and a bottom opening defining seats for accommodating the upwardly protruding studs of an underlying block. A frog is formed in the flat upper surface for permitting the introduction of an adhesive medium between adjacent blocks. The block can be provided with a framework having an upper frame and legs for interposition between adjacent blocks.

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: Lightweight foam building blocks simplify the interlocking of the blocks when the blocks are being stacked, increase the resistance of the blocks to rotational forces which twist one block with respect to another, and decrease the passage of air and light intermediate interlocking block pairs.

Abstract: A soil retention wall system 10 includes a plurality of vertical piles 12 placed in spaced succession. A plurality of hollow polymeric lagging members 14 are stacked transversely relative to, and spanning between, successive piles to form the wall. Each lagging member is formed from a shell having a major wall 106 defining top and bottom surfaces 28 and 30, and first and second endwalls 36 and 38 each adapted to be engagable with an adjacent pile. In a preferred embodiment, the shell 24 is of unitary, one-piece construction.

Abstract: A surface covering slab element with a unique shape which has a combination of straight edges and complementary concave and convex edges. Numerous slab elements of this shape can be assembled in a variety of different ways for generating circular, straight and curved patterns with interfacing edges for connecting curved patterns to straight patterns.

Abstract: The invention is a modular-shaped, lightweight concrete block that can be pivotally interlocked with other blocks of the same size without having to use grout and pins or additional attachment apparatus. The building block comprises a pair of vertically aligned side faces and horizontally aligned top and bottom faces that are joined at opposite lateral ends with rounded end faces. A pair of tenons extend out the top face of the block at opposite lateral ends and are coaxially aligned with complementary mortises formed into the bottom face. The unique end face configuration in combination with the location of the tenon, allow two adjacent blocks to be interlocked together in a wide range of angles. The invention also includes a novel handle configuration that is located in the middle of the block.

Abstract: A composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitred stretcher is provided.Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: A vinyl walkway paver, particularly the one used as a paving stone with grass contained therein. The paver can be integrally formed to have a surface with a plurality of ridged bodies which are different in sizes. The center of the paver is a recessed portion, the four sides of the recessed portion form a hollow frame, the corners joining the diagonals of the frame are provided with corner holes and corner blocks. By such configuration, a plurality of pavers can be laid on the walkway, the central recessed portion thereof can be filled up with soil for planting grass. Moreover, the interior wall of the hollow frame can be provided with a plurality of ribs to form a suitable rough surface for strengthening the structure of the paver. Expansible materials such as polystyrene can also be filled inside the frame to give a better bonding structure.

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: A wall corner composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitred stretcher is provided.Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: A protected-membrane roof paving system and method of constructing same. Rectangular ballast blocks are laid in rows and interlocked by tongue and groove edge faces. The adjacent blocks in each row form labyrinthine channels between their edge faces for drainage and equalization of air pressure above and below the blocks.

Abstract: A brick for use in a high temperature furnace, or the like, having a body portion with at least one tongue and groove pair in at least one of the body surfaces with anchor means formed integrally with the body portion. Tie-back brick assemblies are formed by mating at least two of such brick and clamping them together.A lining for use in such furnaces is formed by using such tie-back assemblies with conventionally shaped brick.

Abstract: An interlocking block for use in the construction of a mortarless retaining wall wherein a plurality of interlocking blocks are stacked in a number of successive offset courses of blocks, a block in an upper row being in overlapping relation with respect to the joint between blocks in an immediately underlying row. The interlocking block comprises an interlocking member and a block body having top and bottom support surfaces and rear, front and side surfaces.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is constructed in several distinct layers. Each layer is formed of a side-by-side arrangement of I-shaped subassemblies with backfill chambers defined between each pair of subassemblies. Each subassembly is constructed of generally planar elongated concrete blocks which interconnect to laterally secure the blocks to one another. Interconnections are provided by dovetail joints in which a tongue is vertically slid into a groove to prevent lateral separation. The dovetail elements extend only partially across the face of each block so that the block defining the groove is not excessively weakened by the groove.

Abstract: This invention deals with certain specific building blocks that can be used to build stable retaining walls and stable decorative walls having novel features such as convenience in manufacturing, handling, and using.

Abstract: A building block for dry wall construction has a body with front and rear faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. One end face has a laterally projecting vertically extending rib with an arcuate outer surface, and the other end face has an arcuate recess to receive the rib of a laterally adjacent like vertically extending block in a manner permitting limited relative swivelling movement of two blocks about a vertical axis. One of the top and bottom faces has at least one projection, and the other of the top and bottom faces has a laterally extending groove to receive the at least one projection of a vertically adjacent like block in a manner to permit relative lateral adjustment of vertically adjacent blocks and prevent relative forward or rearward movement thereof.

Abstract: Hemispherical dome comprising a plurality of rigid longitudinally extending and radially oriented cells of like size and shape, and arranged in a plurality of circular rows. Each cell is essentially frustopyramidal in shape, having a polygonal cross-sectional shape and tapering slightly in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other. The longitudinal edges of each cell lie along radii of the hemisphere. Each cell is a hollow structure, having side wall means which completely surround an interior air space and which include spaced apart top and bottom walls. It can be formed of a lightweight material, preferably a plastic and especially polycarbonate. The hemispherical dome of this invention provides a lightweight, strong and energy efficient structure which does not require internal supports.

Abstract: The present invention includes landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of composite masonry blocks, the composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, the sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block.

Abstract: Tiles, particularly for a liquid-tight and or acid- and alkali-resistant floor and wall covering. The covering has improved setting and service properties so that they are easy to set while voids are avoided, their leak-proof nature being of a high and long-lasting quality, and the tiles exhibit a high stress resistance. The tiles utilize alternating projections and indentations insuring that the adhesive material completely penetrates even narrow joints since the material enters those areas not only from the bottom but also from the sides and thus flows into narrow joint areas where the distances to be covered are very short.

Abstract: A molded base element includes a base element body having a substantially rhomboid longitudinal sectional shape and formed of two side walls intersecting one another along a longitudinal direction. Each of the side walls extends between longitudinally spaced cut surfaces and has a base surface adjacent a free end thereof opposite the intersection of the side walls. Slots or holes can be formed at the flattened surface at the line of intersection. Alternatively, grooves can be formed on the inner or end surfaces of the walls.

Abstract: An interlocking paving stone which has in certain embodiments a twelve-sided main section and an eight-sided tail section, and in certain other embodiments, has a twenty-sided main section and a sixteen-sided tail section, which main and tail sections are integral with each other, coplanar, and symmetrical about a longitudinal plane perpendicular to the paving stone which bisects it into two equal longitudinally extending sections. The relationship of the lengths of the sides to each other and angles they define are such that a large number of different interlocking patterns are possible which exhibit a high degree of interlock along both opposite edges and both opposite ends of the stones.

Abstract: Shaped slabs (10) made of concrete for forming groundcoverings have spacers (15 to 20) on their edges with which the shaped slabs are braced against one another when the groundcovering is completed. This bracing of the shaped slabs (10) on their spacers (15 to 20) determines the permissible traffic weights such a groundcovering may carry. This means that different shaped slabs have to be provided for groundcoverings which are suitable for heavier traffic weights. The invention is concerned with creating a universal shaped slab (10) which can be used for different traffic weights and therefore suggests shaped slabs (10) the spacers (15 to 20) of which being arranged on the side faces (11 to 14) of said shaped slabs (10) such that depending on the relative positioning of the side faces (11 to 14) when laying the shaped slabs (10), said spacers (15 to 20) are either interlocking or abutting. This way, wide or narrow joints can alternatively be formed between adjacent shaped slabs (10).

Abstract: Protecting systems for coasts, breakwaters, slopes, dikes, sand dunes and similar, and more particular improvements in self-locking blocks forming component elements of protection structures against erosion, to the process of assembling said structure, as well as the resulting structure. The purpose is to afford a structure adapted to counteract the destructive and erosive action of external physical phenomena, such as wing, water, and the like, with respect to coasts, slopes, breakwaters, dikes and sand dunes.

Abstract: A integrally molded paving stone or slab element of ceramic material, and a ground cover made up of repeatable patterns of such elements wherein the slab elements include a hexagonal section having two 90.degree. and four 135.degree. angles and lateral and longitudinal sides and a square section with a side adjoining a side of the hexagon which is adjacent one of the 90.degree. angles. The lateral sides of the hexagon adjacent the 90.degree. angles and the sides of the square are from 3.5" to 5", approximately and the longitudinal sides of the hexagon section are such that there are approximately 9" to 11" from one 90.degree. angle to the other. Such a paving stone provides superior support for standard dual wheel truck loads when assembled in a ground cover.

Abstract: A building brick includes a through-extending bore of a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration to ease removal of a building brick from a mold during fabrication. The central bore permits the stacking of the building bricks to include the bottom wall in downward orientation to accommodate a greater quantity of mortar at the base portion thereof for a stable mortar configuration in use. A further embodiment of the invention includes the bottom wall of a concave configuration to assist in the positioning of mortar between adjacent building bricks, as well as a further embodiment including a forward wall flange extending downwardly relative to the concave surface and a second end wall flange to assist in the positioning of mortar between adjacent bricks to secure the mortar in a semi-solid state.

Abstract: An earth-retaining module for use in an interlocked, earth-retaining wall system, and to a method of preparing an earth-retaining wall system, wherein the module comprises a front wall and side walls, to form a structure to receive earth or sand therein, the side walls having a rear, straight, sloped, side section extending from the top of the side walls to a defined height of the rear of the side walls. The side walls have open notches in the top sections therein and longitudinally aligned, to permit the insertion of the front-wall section of another module in a higher row within the open notches. The side walls have inward, rear projections, to retain a dead-man slab element, with the removable dead-man slab element placed on the rear-mounting side walls. The module includes a plurality of holes in the side walls, to permit the side walls of adjoining modules to be secured together by pins or bolts.

Abstract: A flat sheet, having nailing tabs on both sides or edges thereof is to be fastened directly onto existing clapboard or shingles. The tabs are so configured that juxtaposed panels can be interdigitated via the tabs, and the sheets obscure the nailing tabs. The panels have ledges in which to nest the lowermost course of the to-be-sheathed clapboard or shingles, and a stub projecting from one side of the sheets is slidably received by a juxtaposed panel to effect a linear alignment of the juxtaposed panels.

Abstract: Blocks cast from concrete into various shapes that include interlocking mortise and tenon corner blocks, cylindrical blocks stackable on a foundation course of base blocks formed with semi-cylindrical channels in which the cylindrical blocks fit, semi-cylindrical blocks and interlocking edging blocks of various forms function as basic modules from which retaining walls and the like may be assembled in the absence of mortar, building forms or poured concrete.

Abstract: A landscaping block for a retaining wall includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, first and second end walls, and upper and lower steps on the side walls for interlocking with overlying and underlying blocks. The blocks also include a transversely extending step that extends downwardly from one end of the bottom wall for engaging an underlying block while preventing a front wall of an overlying block from contacting the front wall of the underlying block.

Abstract: The fracture-free paving block comprises a cement block substrate and a top solid layer, and is characterized in that the top layer is selected from a cured cement mortar layer and tile-like layer firmly bonded to the substrate with cement mortar; the top layer is bonded to the block substrate with lateral margins of 1 to 8 mm wide in horizontal distance from the peripheral edges of the substrate; and the vertical distance from the surface of the top layer to the peripheral edge of the substrate is 5 to 50 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite masonry block comprising a substantially rectangular body having a bevelled surface and an interlocking flange. Also disclosed are structure made form the masonry block and methods of making the block.

Abstract: A retaining wall system has a number of units placed on top of the other. The units are constructed to be capable of interengaging one another in a plurality of selected positions so that the angle of the face of the resulting wall to the vertical can be different at different heights. Preferably the upper surface of each unit is substantially convex and the lower surface of each unit is a substantially complementary concave configuration. The blocks engage complementarily in more than one possible relative position and are shaped to resist being displaced therefrom by lateral forces.

Abstract: An intermeshable construction unit for constructing structures, such as walls, paving, screens, embankments and the like without mortar is disclosed. The intermeshable construction unit has a body portion which is block-like in shape. The body portion has a top, a bottom, a front end, a back end, and two opposed sides. A central spine having two sides runs along the central axis of the body portion between the front end and the back end. A plurality of teeth protrude from both sides of the central spine to form a web with each of the teeth terminating along the opposed sides. The teeth are separated by notches which have a width greater than the width of each of the teeth so that the units may be aligned, whereby one intermeshable construction unit may be meshed with another intermeshable construction unit to interlock the units. The intermediate construction units may be adapted within three planes during construction, namely the vertical, horizontal and diagonal planes.

Abstract: A modular block for making constructions, is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a body (1) having three groups of cylindrical hollows opening out respectively into three contiguous faces (2, 3, 4) of the cube, each group comprising at least two cylindrical hollows each of whose generator line is perpendicular to the face into which they open out, the two hollows including at least two lines in common and the section of each of them in a plane parallel to the face forming a partially closed curved surface suitable for preventing a cylinder of complementary shape to the corresponding hollow from radial displacement when such a cylinder is slid into said hollow. The invention is particularly applicable to building full scale models.

Abstract: A structural assembly for producing interconnecting structures which includes a first element which, on each of two transversely extending sides lying opposite each other, is provided with a dovetail joint member and, on each of two longitudinally extending sides lying opposite each other, is provided with three fins which, when viewed from the tip or free end, have a convex portion provided on each side with a corresponding, connection recess so that the space between two adjacent fins is identical in form to the fin in order to permit a toothing to be formed. The structural assembly also includes a second element which is provided with a dovetail joint member on one longitudinally extending side and with three fins on the opposite side, as well as a connecting member which has, on each of two sides lying opposite each other, a dovetail joint member which corresponds to the dovetail joint members of the first element.

Abstract: The Diagonal Grip Block of the present invention includes a reinforcing metal interwoven screen with "U" shape diagonal cut. Both ends are parallel in slant, cast in a concrete mixture. The metal screen protrudes from the limit of the concrete cast, forming vee shaped pins on the sides and bottom when contacting each other on a concrete surface. The vee shaped pins define the mortar thickness with a perfect bond. The core of the "U" shape is filled with insulation to alleviate the tension of the expansion and to moderate the temperature of the whole construction. This will also help the absorption of sound waves.

Abstract: A wall block set comprising frontal blocks, anchoring blocks and connecting blocks. The frontal blocks have a forward side with a texture similar to natural stone, and have dovetail projections which are integrally formed on the rear side of the frontal block. The frontal blocks having a base width are inserted in irregular alternation. Another type of front side has a hollow shape and therefore permits planting of foliage. The anchoring blocks and connecting blocks form distancing elements with dovetail projections, lying opposite to one another, with the same dimension as the projections of the frontal blocks. Through the interlacing of the frontal blocks with these anchoring and connecting blocks, double-faced dry walls of various thicknesses, as well as slope walls, which are secured on the slope by means of retainers, may be constructed.

Abstract: A structural assembly is used for producing walls. The assembly includes a plurality of structural elements, each element having at least one surface defining at least a portion of a dovetail joint. A first one of the elements is parallelepiped in shape and includes a first longitudinal side, the longitudinal side defining a half dovetail groove at each of its ends. The first element also includes a centrally disposed full dovetail groove and a full dovetail tongue separating the full groove from each half-groove. A second element of the assembly corresponds to one half of the first element. A securing element is also provided which includes at least one side defining a dovetail tongue member corresponding to the full groove in the first element. The securing element also includes an aperture extending therethrough. The structural assembly can be manufactured very economically on conventional machines and permits garden walls and the like to be easily produced and also to be secured firmly in position.

Abstract: A constructive assembly is provided comprising separate assembly parts with side-projections and corresponding side-recesses. Moreover the assembly parts comprise cooperating recesses at their top for accommodating coupling elements for holding together assembled assembly parts.

Abstract: An environmental control dike system comprising a plurality of precast sections, each having a rectangular metal frame with a top and a bottom horizontal member, a first vertical end member joining the top and bottom horizontal members, the first vertical end member at a first end of the frame having an extension which extends longitudinally beyond the top and bottom horizontal members, the extension having a plurality of spaced openings adapted to receive the shank of a bolt, and a second vertical end member joining the top and bottom horizontal members at a second end of the frame, the second vertical end member having a plurality of threaded openings such that one of the sections may be secured to an adjacent section by passing a bolt through the openings in the longitudinal extension at the first end of the concrete section and threadedly engaging the bolt in the threaded opening at the second end of the adjacent section; a plurality of vertical reinforcing bars, one end of the vertical reinforcing bars b