Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block system including first and second blocks. Each block has an outer surface with a pair of locking channels formed within the outer surface. The locking channels are spaced apart from each other. Each locking channel has a narrower outer slot portion extending through the outer surface and a wider inner slot portion extending from the outer slot portion into its respective block. A first pair of locking members are provided for coupling the blocks together by insertion into the locking channels of the blocks with the locking channels of the first block being positioned to join with the locking channels of the second block. The locking members have a cross-section with wider outer edges dimensioned to fit in the inner slot portions and a narrower mid-section dimensioned to fit in the outer slot portions.

Abstract: A standardized block for forming a retaining wall, said block comprising a top and bottom and having disposed proximate the top thereof first, second and third abutment means, and having disposed proximate the bottom thereof fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means, said second and fifth abutment means abutting in a first abutting position when like blocks are placed course upon course to form a retaining wall having a substantially vertical alignment, said first abutment, said second abutment and said third abutment abutting with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment in a second abutting position different from said first position when like blocks are placed one upon the other, course upon course, to provide a substantially set-back retaining wall construction, and wherein said first, second and third abutment means abut with said fourth, fifth and sixth abutment means in a third abutting position different from said second or first position when like blocks are placed one upon another, course upon course, to

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

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 without adhesive.

Abstract: A foam wall assembly including vertical passageways that guide wall support elements. The wall assembly includes a lower end and an upper support element that are affixed to the wall support elements. The foam wall includes inner and outer thermal barriers that thermally isolate the wall support elements.

Abstract: A brick with, preferably, two or three cylindrical passageways running from top to bottom, a cylindrical passageway running from one end to the opposite end, two linear grooves at one end and two linear projections at the other end which are of identical shape, and annular projections centered around the bores at top and annular grooves centered around the bores at the other side which are of identical shape. These passageways intersect, the linear grooves are slightly larger than the linear projections, and the annular grooves are slightly larger than the annular projections. The linear projections and grooves are spaced apart from the end-to-end cylindrical passageway, run from top to bottom and are preferably designed with a break for ease of assembly. When a group of bricks of are assembled into a wall, they will interlock in two different planes and will include interconnecting passageways in two planes. The bricks of this invention can be reinforced with rods or posts or filled with concrete or both.

Abstract: An interlocking block for constructing walls without mortar at bed joints includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a web arrangement connecting the walls, wherein upper and lower surfaces of the block when in use are formed in contact with walls of a mold, and the block is slipped from the mold in a direction parallel to the mold walls. Interlocking recesses and ridges are formed in one piece with the walls of the block. The web is minimal in cross-sectional area and is positioned at one end of the block and between the top and bottom to create large empty volumes defining vertical and horizontal passages. The block can include one or more intermediate walls parallel to the inner and outer walls and additional webs to connect the intermediate walls to the inner and outer walls.

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: Extruded bricks that have two opposite facing sides one with a depending tongue and the one with a groove base surface. These tongue and groove sides are interconnected by adjacent vertically disposed brick sides. A hollow interior core may extend the length of each brick and an extrusion created longitudinal lower edge groove extends along the bottom edge length of each brick opposite the brick's front face. Ties, mortar or other bonding materials may engage these longitudinal edge grooves in two adjacent engaged bricks to hold vertically disposed courses of bricks to an existing vertical supporting stud of a building. A smaller sub groove or indentation within the brick's top groove may be used to apply mortar to provide additional bonding between two layered courses of such bricks.

Abstract: Building materials of modules of at least one mortise and tenon and either a curvilinear side face or joinder of the modules at angles other than zero and ninety degrees. Lateral ends of the modules are flush with lateral ends of adjacent modules. Preferably, the modules are: (1) of a low density aggregate cementitious mix; and/or (2) have a hollow space extending from the mortise to the tenon and include a structural support member passing through the hollow space and a compression retainer securing the structural support member to the modules; and/or (3) have grooves circumscribing the modules and which are proximate corresponding grooves on modules placed on top or below. The modules are preferably sealed to one another with sealant placed in the grooves.

Abstract: A modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges that provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks. A positive retaining mechanism is also provided for attaching reinforcement fabrics to the retaining wall in between mating courses of wall blocks. This mechanism secures the reinforcement fabrics in place and permits the fabrics to extend along the entire contact area between adjacent stacked wall blocks to avoid an aggregate leaning effect. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining bar that is placed on top of the reinforcement fabric within the lock channel. The retaining bar holds the fabric against a wall of the lock channel in response to tensile loads applied to the fabric to prevent it from being pulled out of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an integrally-formed wooden attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: A stackable block structure system for dry stacking concrete reinforced walls which provides for alignment and leveling during construction includes a stretcher block having a recess of triangular cross-sectional configuration formed on a bottom surface and disposed intermediate a pair of co-planar, parallelly disposed laterally extending rectangular edge portions. The top surface of the stretcher block includes a flat portion disposed intermediate a pair of parallelly extending rectangular edge portions the top surfaces of which form upwardly converging surfaces of truncated triangular cross-sectional configuration. Inside sections of the top surface edge portions are configured to matingly and adjustably abut respective outside sections of the bottom surface recess surfaces of a block in an adjacent stacked row. A corner block includes a first portion of generally parallelepiped configuration and an integral second portion of similar configuration to the stretcher block.

Abstract: To improve the flow-off of liquids from the laying pattern and mechanical laying in a concrete paving block, the ground area of the body (1) of the block has a rectangular shape formed by three squares (2, 3, 4) of equal size, the upright side surfaces of the body (1) extend evenly transversely to the ground area and each side surface of the body (1) has at least one projecting strip-like extension (5) which can be supported in the pattern with the formation of seams on adjacent bodies (1) and form interlocks or the like with extensions (5) of adjacent bodies (1).

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching a facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an inner and outer wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture being filled with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the one of the inner and outer block surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of continuous wall grooves. Fastening devices fix the plurality of mounting strip within the plurality of continuous wall grooves to provide a mounting for attaching the facing material to the wall.

Abstract: Blocks are provided which can be assembled to form a wall without the use of skilled labor. The blocks are assembled with an adhesive caulk, which forms a watertight gasket around the wall. This design can withstand winds and earthquakes better than a standard block wall. The standard block includes a rectangular block portion, a rear face portion, and a front face portion. The face portions are recessed from the top surface of the rectangular block portion and project down from the bottom surface of the rectangular block portion. Of course, the use of the terms bottom and top are relative, and the wall could be assembled with all the blocks upside-down.

Abstract: A hexagonal refractory brick is constructed with tapered sides so it can be stacked 3-on-1 and 1-on-3, the bottom surface of the brick fitting between projections on the top surfaces of three others. A central vertical channel in the brick is complemented by other vertical channels formed by the assembly of a plurality of bricks, and horizontal channels which are relatively wide at the bottom.

Abstract: A building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls, roofs, and floors for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel made essentially of a plastic foam core with a thin coating of plastic resin or acrylic and portland cement applied on each side for structural rigidity, the building panel having a standardized semicircular recess disposed about its perimeter for receiving pre-sized, cylindrical connectors also made of foam with a coating, and half-round connectors that connect the panel to a slab, and that also fit in the horizontal perimeter recesses of each panel. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are 4 in. in diameter, spaced 2 to 4 ft. apart, that receive poured concrete or rigid piping to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that are tied to the slab and are used to tie to the roof. The building panels may be used for walls and are 24 ft. long, 4 ft.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that receives and holds a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus 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. The invention further comprises generally vertically disposed wall studs having female dovetail slots therein.

Abstract: A protected-membrane roof paving system (10) and blocks (12) for use therein. Rectangular ballast blocks (12) are laid in rows. The blocks (12) have channels providing for drainage and equalization of air pressure above and below the blocks (12) under adverse wind conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded brick module including two opposite outer surface portions and a middle connecting portion. The surface portion each is integrally formed from two offset strata, such that two pairs of adjacent edges of the outer stratum respectively project beyond and withdraw from two corresponding pairs of adjacent edges of the inner stratum. Engagement of the projected edges on one molded brick module with the corresponding withdrawn edges on the other molded brick module permits two modules to fit together. Cylinders with insertion holes are provided on inner side of two opposite inner strata. The connecting portion has a concavo-concave cross section and includes a central connecting circle and two side connecting semicircles to form communicable passages in the brick module for mounting conduits, bar reinforcements, etc. and for grouting concrete. Epoxy resin may be applied on the surface portions for paving the modules with tiles.

Abstract: A building construction block includes a body made of a rigid material and having a substantially rectangular-shaped main portion, a wedge-shaped offset portion formed integral with the main portion, a pair of opposite side surfaces, a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface and a rear surface. The top surface and opposite side surfaces are defined on both the main and offset portions. The rear and bottom surfaces are defined on the main portion. The front surface is defined on the offset portion and extends in a generally inclined direction from the bottom surface to the top surface and away from the rear surface. A first part of the top surface on the main portion receives and supports a first building component over the main portion, while a second part of the top surface on the offset portion receives and supports a second building component over the offset portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a set of two composite masonry blocks, a wall block and an anchor block to construct retaining walls. The wall block is generally trapezoidal in shape and has: a decorative front face opposite and generally parallel to a rear face which defines a key way. The wall block has a top surface which is opposite and generally parallel to a bottom surface. The wall block has side faces which are not parallel so that the width of the rear face is shorter than the width of the front face. An alignment and locking ledge projects downward from the bottom surface and extends across the rear face. The anchor block comprises a first end plate which is opposite and generally parallel to a second end plate. Two parallel side plates extend between and are perpendicular to the first and second end plates. The side plates and the first and second end plates define a central passage.

Abstract: A precast concrete block having a first single thickness generally planar face section and a second single thickness generally planar backing section integrally formed with and extending from the first section to form a structure of a T-shaped configuration. A groove extends across and opens through an upper edge of the second planar section for the receipt of a rebar. The blocks are assembled into stacked side-by-side relationship and a panel is formed by casting concrete against the side of the generally planar face sections from which the backing sections extend. Rebar extends across and through the grooves of at least certain of the blocks to maintain the blocks in aligned side-by-side relationship and reinforce the concrete cast against the blocks. The panels are used in the construction of retaining walls for earthen formations and may be precast or formed in place at the situs of the formations.

Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with two integral, transverse projections extending upwardly from its top surface, spaced from the front face of the block and spaced from each other by an upwardly opening groove. Each block also includes two downwardly opening, transversely extending, grooves of different widths spaced from the front face and spaced from each other by a downwardly extending projection. The width of the downwardly extending projection and the upwardly opening groove are approximately the same and the combined distance between the extreme edges of the two upwardly extending projections is substantially equal to the width of the larger of the two downwardly opening grooves. The height of the upwardly extending projections is equal to or less than the depth of the two downwardly opening grooves.

Abstract: A set of complementary block units suitable for wall construction includes a first block unit of cylindrical contour (e.g., circular, elliptical, hexagonal) and a plurality of interstitial block units for interfacing and supporting the circular or elliptical block units when arranged in a suitable pattern. Each block unit may include a peripheral groove or ridge suitable for receiving grouting. The blocks are formed with surfaces having complementary shaped edges, such that any one of a plurality of interstitial block units will interface with any cylindrical block unit of a set. Three configurations of interstitial units enable combination with cylindrical units in edge, corner and internal positions within a wall or window structure.

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: A system of light weight, high strength, thin masonry panels having one or more mateable seam hiding edges. The seam hiding edge may be serpentine or some other shape consistent with the masonry element chosen for the panel surface. The aforementioned thin masonry panels are used to construct patio or walkway surfaces as well as provide a decorative facing for walls, fireplaces, and the like. The thickness of the panels is limited to the range of 1 to 2 inches in order to assure a light weight for ease of construction. Each panel is a reinforced series of masonry elements such as stone or brick pavers bound together by a cement or mortar-like material. The claimed invention also includes an attachment plate for affixing the panels to other surfaces and structures.

Abstract: An arcuate building structure containing at least three five-sided building blocks, at least three six-sided building blocks, and said five-sided and six-sided building blocks are independently able to provide means for connecting one of said five-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The top side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape, and is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the six-sided block. The front side of the six-sided block has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The right edge and the left edge have equal lengths and form equal angles with the bottom edge. The back side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape with at least two sides equal in length to each other.

Abstract: A building block comprises a transverse groove (12) in each end face (10b, 10c), an opening (15) extending from the first (10e) to the second bearing face (10d) in which a longitudinal groove (13, 14) is also provided. The block is further provided with reference and positioning structure comprising a pair of longitudinal seats on the first bearing face and a pair of projections, each divided into three projection portions, on the second bearing face. When a building structure is constructed, the blocks 10 are superposed dry and in a staggered arrangement in superposed rows, such that the longitudinal seats of each block engage the projections on the blocks of the underlying row. The apertures and the grooves in the blocks constituting the building structure form a grid of intersecting vertical and horizontal channels which extend over the entire building structure, and in which a binder is poured and solidifies, ensuring that the building structure is stable and resistant over time.

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 have 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. 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 is also explained.

Abstract: A form tie for joining the sidewalls of a polymeric concrete form comprises a pair of end trusses with an intermediate web truss. Each end truss comprises an interior vertical strut and a longer exterior strut with interior and exterior pairs of horizontal struts extending therebetween. Upper and lower rectangular trusses and an intermediate truss are formed within each truss and rigidified by diagonal struts extending between the ends of the exterior vertical strut and interior vertical strut. The exterior struts of each end truss are coplanar with the exterior sidewall surface with the interior strut of each end truss being coplanar with the interior sidewall surface. The coplanar relationship of the struts serve as a visual gauge that the form with tie has been properly manufactured and assures that the end trusses extend throughout the width of each sidewall. End ties having a height of one-half of the form sidewall are extended between the sidewalls at the ends of each form.

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: The present invention relates to specially shaped structural components for use in the construction of furnaces, foundries, and similar applications. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved flue wall in a high temperature furnace. The improved flue wall is constructed of specially shaped bricks to improve the tensile strength of the wall, increase the shear transfer capacity of the wall, and thus improve the flue wall life. The flue wall is constructed of specially designed refractory bricks joined together by air and/or heat-set mortar and arranged in courses, and comprises two parallel face walls parallel to the chambers wherein the carbon blocks are positioned and enclosing a flue chamber, two side walls generally perpendicular to the face walls enclosing the lower portion of the flue chamber, and baffle bricks and tie bricks arranged in a number of noncontinuous columns throughout the flue wall.

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 cheers 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: A system for constructing a building is disclosed which employs various side wall, corner and roof forming elements adapted to be joined in interlocked sealed relation without need for nails or skilled craftsman. The various elements may be made from relatively inexpensive materials, such as reclaimed materials indigenous to the site of construction, generally lighter than conventional building materials such as brick and mortar, and are therefore particularly suitable for use in countries of relatively low economic wealth. Furring clips may be formed on the internal surfaces of the wall and corner forming elements to facilitate attachment of interior wallboards and the like, while the external surfaces of the various elements may be textured to simulate a desired exterior appearance.

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: A fitting structure of a plurality of rectangular parallelopipedal blocks comprising concavo-convexities formed on the surfaces of each of the blocks. The concavo-convexities are formed on each surface of the block on the basis of a figure which is in symmetry of rotation per 90.degree. round the center of a regular square or is in symmetry of rotation per 180.degree. round the center of a rectangle, and is complementarily in symmetry of axis with respect to a center of the rectangle line passing through the center and being in parallel with a side of the regular square or rectangle. Predetermined congruence is imparted to the figures on the surfaces depending on various shapes of the blocks. Fitting of the concavo-convexities of the surfaces of the adjacent blocks is always ensured when each block is aligned so that its thickness and its length are in conformity. The surfaces of adjacent blocks can be connected without the necessity of considering the direction of each block.

Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with a trough or recess in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like grid connection device. The fingers are engaged through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of material with the spine of the rake overlying the grid-like sheet of material, the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly to reinforce the fill behind a retaining wall formed from a plurality of courses of the wall blocks. Slat members are selectively received in one of a pair of grooves defined in each side of the wall blocks with portions of the slats extending above the upper surface of the block to contact a surface of an opening formed in a superimposed block for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or rearwardly offset relationship.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel sound collecting blocks and their use, in conjunction with novel connector blocks, to build inexpensive, decorative sound walls. This invention also deals with retaining walls which are constructed from the novel connector block, and other non-sound absorbing solid blocks.

Abstract: A set of masonry blocks comprises a rectangular basic block having a basic length dimension L, a width B and a height H and including lateral end sides comprising a joining portion including a recess which defines a portion of a first cylinder, and being adapted to contact adjacent masonry blocks at matching joining portions thereof. The set further includes rectangular end blocks one lateral end side of which comprises a joining portion identical to the joining portion of the basic block, and another lateral end side of which comprises a closed masonry-wall termination surface.

Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with a trough or recess in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like grid connection device. The fingers are engaged through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of material with the backbone of the rake overlying the grid-like sheet of material, the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly to reinforce the fill behind a retaining wall formed from a plurality of courses of the wall blocks. Positioning means in the form of slat members are selectively received in one of a pair of grooves defined in each side of the wall blocks with portions of the slats extending above the upper surface of the block to contact a surface of an opening formed in a superimposed block for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or rearwardly offset relationship.

Abstract: A block for constructing a retaining wall and wherein the block is formed as an elongated rectangular block having opposed flat top and bottom surfaces, a front end wall and a rear end wall. An elongated connector receiving recess is provided in the top and bottom walls and extends along the longitudinal axis of the block and the recesses are disposed opposite one another in an offset and overlapping relationship. A connector element is received between juxtaposed recesses when blocks are stacked one on top of each oiLher to form a retaining wall and wherein the connector element prevents transverse displacement of the blocks. The blocks are stacked with predetermined ones of the top or bottom surfaces juxtaposed whereby to erect retaining walls having a straight or inclined front face or portions thereof.

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 concrete building block for erecting a wall and/or disposing of used rubber tires and other waste material detrimental to the environment. The block is made up of three rectangular portions, and includes a central chamber in which a bale of used rubber tires is encased. The tongue-and-groove design of the block facilitates the construction of a strong wall by joining the blocks end-to-end, with the tongue of one block disposed in the groove of another.

Abstract: The present facade wall consists of superposed courses of tile blocks which rest directly on the underlying tile blocks and which are maintained in front of a building wall with a predetermined gap by different types of clips. The several courses have a shingle lap with each other. The resulting facade is practically weatherproof and is easily erected. Each tile block has a peripheral groove for insertion of the clips and of interconnecting strips. This groove is in a plane parallel to the inside face of the block and nearer the latter than the outside face. The portions of the top and bottom edge faces of the block which are external to the groove constitute rest faces while the portion of the bottom edge face which is internal to the groove is recessed for free passage of the clips which do not support the load of the blocks.

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: A construction member, preferably a rectangular block (1), for dry walling or the permanent construction of, for example, a wall or partition, where the opposing faces of the blocks (1) body in the form of a strip (3) which fits into the opposing slots (2) of the blocks (1). The slots (2) are V-shaped and the cross-section of the strip (3) is adapted to conform to the cross-sectional opening of the two opposing V-slots (2) for achieving a guiding/locking effect between the adjacent faces of the blocks (1).