With Traversing Passage Patents (Class 52/606)
  • Patent number: 6591569
    Abstract: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Azar
  • Patent number: 6592301
    Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area of adequate clearance when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Price, Raymond R. Price
  • Patent number: 6588168
    Abstract: Provided herein are blocks useful in the construction of walls and other structures. The blocks include in their design features which render them to be interlocking, and which provide for a wall constructed from the blocks to include a plurality of horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receive reinforcing rods (“rebar”). Once a two-dimensional network of rebar is disposed in the interior of such a wall constructed from blocks according to a preferred form of the invention, a castable concrete may be poured into the wall and caused to exist in the spaces between the rebar and the blocks of the invention. By such construction, a wall comprising concrete in its interior that is reinforced in two dimensions is provided, wherein reinforcement in the third dimension is provided by the interlocking feature of the tops and bottom portions of blocks in adjacent rows with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Donald L. Walters
  • Patent number: 6578338
    Abstract: A constructional brick, for use in the forming of a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads of both a uniform and cyclical character, exhibits a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration defining an xyz Cartesian coordinate system, an x-axis capable of defining a width axis of the wall structure, a y-axis defining the directionality of the wall structure, and a z-axis defining a vertical axis of the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 6579038
    Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
  • Patent number: 6571521
    Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Archie Ameigh
  • Patent number: 6568143
    Abstract: Interlocking masonry components are described herein, including a first masonry block formed along a first axis, with first interlock surface on the first masonry block, formed at an oblique angle to the first axis. A second masonry block is formed along a second axis with a second interlock surface formed at an oblique angle to the second axis. The first and second interlock surfaces interfit and longitudinally interlock with the first and second axes in substantial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Withrow Block, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kamron E. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6565289
    Abstract: A self-connecting, reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, stacked concrete block masonry units stabilized with reinforcing members which extend from the masonry units at selected intervals into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The reinforcement members are generally in the form of horizontally oriented “U”-shaped members which extend from within the adjacent soil bank, to and through voids of the masonry units, thereby providing self-connecting means thereat, and thence returning into the soil bank, forming a stabilized, retained and reinforced soil embankment. Suitable reinforcements may include metallic grids, geotextile and geogrid sheets, and other similar reinforcement means. Concrete masonry units especially adapted for use in the aforesaid self-connecting soil reinforced retaining walls are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Permawall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Suheil Rashid Khamis
  • Publication number: 20030089068
    Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Archie Ameigh
  • Publication number: 20030082013
    Abstract: For abating noise along a highway, along a railway, or along another noise-generating way, a wall having an anterior face and a posterior face comprises, across each face, concrete modules stacked in an upper tier, at least one intermediate tier, and a lower tier. Each module is plantable and has a batten. Across each face, the modules are spaced laterally from one another in courses, one course in each tier, so that modules of each course straddle modules of the next course above or below said course. In each of alternate ones of the tiers, a geogrid strip is deployed around the battens of the modules along the anterior face and around the battens of the modules along the posterior face, in a zig-zag pattern, so as to tie the modules along the anterior face to the modules along the posterior face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Publication number: 20030079432
    Abstract: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Tony Azar
  • Patent number: 6550208
    Abstract: A constructional component for a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads, both uniform and cyclical, is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry, complemental to the positive geometry of the opposite end. Deep key interlocks also exist between opposing horizontal block surface. As partition between vertical cavities of the block may define a Z-shape in horizontal cross-section. There is resultingly created a substantially rigid and load-resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complemental surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Publication number: 20030070386
    Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift devices embedded in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes multiple retaining knobs that protrude from the lower surface of the block and help to align a block with previously-laid blocks underneath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Hampton
  • Publication number: 20030070385
    Abstract: A stablized retaining wall structure comprising concrete blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows, and with a stable anchoring assembly being in restraining contact with selected blocks. An access bore extends from the rear surface of the block to the surface of the wall comprising the hollow core. An earthen fill zone is arranged in spaced apart relationship to the rear surface of the wall and clean granular back-fill is interposed between the wall and the earthen fill zone. A keeper device is provided to couple selected wall blocks to the stable anchoring assembly, with the keeper device being configured to be restrainably held within the hollow core. An elongated fastener is coupled to the keeper device, with the fastener extending through the access bore and secured to the stable anchoring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Allan Block Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bott
  • Patent number: 6543969
    Abstract: A modular block comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side, the bottom side further comprising a primary score line, the primary score line for splitting the block into a pair of complimentary blocks with each of the complimentary blocks comprising a front split face surface and a pair of sides with the front split face surface and the side surfaces forming a triangular shaped block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Adam
  • Patent number: 6539684
    Abstract: A concrete block comprised of a horizontal rearwardly extending surface of a suitable elevation and a vertically extending surface that extends an appropriate height above the horizontal surface, whereby the present invention allows for the association of vertical and horizontal structures and for the construction of aesthetically pleasing elevated surfaces and platforms, decorative steps and various stair and riser systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Block Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Graham
  • Patent number: 6536172
    Abstract: An insulating construction form consisting of a pair of spaced apart panels and a plurality of ties is applied to the building of structural walls. The tie members include pairs of resilient retainer arms, which define a series of adjacent receptacles. A reinforcing bar is typically inserted into the receptacles and its displacement therefrom is inhibited by abutment surfaces. Markings are positioned on each panel to guide the attachment of a cladding. In one aspect, the construction form serves for the formation of a corner, wherein a vertical rod is positioned for the attachment of the cladding. In another aspect, the panels includ a plurality of openings made at the time of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Victor A. Amend
  • Patent number: 6513293
    Abstract: A building block for constructing masonry block walls includes a concrete block formed with first, second and third spaced parallel rectangular side walls, where the second side wall is intermediate the first and third side walls. First and second vertical end cross webs connect the first and second side walls; and a notch is formed in the upper surface of each of these vertical end cross webs. First and second spaced intermediate vertical cross webs are located in planes between the planes of the end cross webs and connect the second and third side walls. These intermediate cross webs each also have a notch extending downwardly from the top thereof. A first insulating core is dimensioned to fill the space between the first and second side walls and first and second end cross webs. Ears or protrusions extend outwardly from the insulating core to fit into the notches in the end cross webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Miller
  • Patent number: 6508607
    Abstract: A block having a semicircular male lobe and a semicircular female recess on opposing sides thereof. On other opposing sides of the block, there is formed a side edge shape such that when neighboring blocks are placed together, a circuitous water channel is formed between the blocks. The block includes cable channels formed therethrough, with the cable channels opening at the side edges into cable cavities. The cable cavities facilitate access to ends of the cables when the blocks are placed side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Lee A. Smith, Belinda F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6508042
    Abstract: This invention relates to a middle armor block for a coastal structure and a method of placement of its block with a hydraulic stability of a slope surface and an economical construction cost. The middle armor block of the half-loc comprises a body forming an octagon column with a rectangle side and a perforated hole at the center, a leg integrally formed and attached to alternatively each side of the body and a protruding foot at a lower portion of the leg and each corner of the leg and the foot is chamfered. For a placement type of the blocks, the middle armor block of the half-loc are tilted with a certain angle and each side portion of the leg of the block is contacted to the other side portion of the leg of neighbor block all around directions in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Hyuck-Min Kweon, Dal-Soo Lee
  • Publication number: 20030012609
    Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Woolford
  • Publication number: 20030009970
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20030000167
    Abstract: Brick material building element and method of building with the element, wherein the brick material building element includes a base having a length, a first side, a second side, an inner surface, and an outer surface, whereby a width is defined by a distance between the first side and the second side. A longitudinal protrusion is formed on the first side of the base. A longitudinal recess is formed on the second side of the base. A main protrusion extends from the base. The main protrusion has a surface which is shorter than the length of the base. At least one longitudinal through opening is disposed in at least one of the base and the main protrusion. The longitudinal protrusion includes an external shape which is complementary to and adapted to fit within the longitudinal recess of another brick material building element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Carmine Franco Valente
  • Publication number: 20020192035
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020187010
    Abstract: A retaining wall block is provided with a core, pin receiving cavities, and pin holes. The pin receiving cavities and pin holes are arranged on the block symmetrically on the block and substantially outside of block corner segments, thus resulting in a stronger block and permitting optimal alignment of the wall block cores when constructing a retaining wall. Retaining walls made using the block have increased strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 6490837
    Abstract: There is provided a block (100) comprising a front wall (110); a rear wall (130); first side wall (115); second side wall (120) opposed to said first side wall (115); an upper block planar surface (140); a lower block planar surface (141); wherein said first side wall (115) and said second side wall (120) extend from said front wall (110) to said rear wall (130) to define a central through core (150) extending through the block (100) from said upper block surface (140) to said lower block surface (141), said core (150) having a front upper rim and a first front corner at the plane of said upper block surface, proximate intersection of said first side wall and said front wall; a first lug which extends downwardly from said lower block surface adjacent said first side wall, and has (i) a flat side portion flush with said first side wall and (ii) a front portion which joint said first lug side surface at an angle of 90° or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Pacific Precast Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Vernon John Dueck, Richard Blair Crooks
  • Patent number: 6477814
    Abstract: A system of modular, hollow interlocking building elements which can absorb large horizontal or vertical pressures, and thus eradicate or minimize the effects of active pressure. The elements can be connected along each face and stacked one upon the other to form a stable, continuous, multi-directional structure, requiring no cement or other stabilizing material. The system comprises a plurality of base elements, having on slits on the vertical faces, and a plurality of interlocking elements to form layers above the base, having a slit in each of two, three or four vertical faces. The elements are arranged so that the faces having no slit form the outer surface, thus forming a structure having a smooth, continuous outer surface. The elements can be filled with any required filling material. The elements may be used in construction of structures in which active pressure is a factor, such as retaining walls, bridge abutments, ramps and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Yoav Kadosh
  • Publication number: 20020152710
    Abstract: The invention concerns a modular wall or double wall element (S) for dry assembly characterized in that some at least (1a, 1b, 31a, 31b) of its faces arranged to co-operate with adjacent modular elements have contact parts (2a, 2b; 32a, 32a, ′ 32b, 32b′) designed to be pressed against said adjacent modular elements, and separating parts (3a, 3a′, 3b, 3b′ 33a′, 33b) arranged to remain separated by a clearance of said adjacent modular elements, said clearance being sufficiently large to limit, even eliminate, infiltration of water by capillary action. The invention is applicable to the field of construction building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Jerome Guibert, Jean-Yves Moulin
  • Patent number: 6464432
    Abstract: An interlocking segmental retaining wall. The wall includes a plurality of blocks stacked upon each other. Each block includes a void filled with aggregate. In addition, each block includes an extension and slot for interlocking the blocks together to form the retaining wall. Each block also includes a plurality of lugs and an indentation for aligning and stacking the blocks on each other. The blocks may also be stacked to form a curved retaining wall. In an alternate embodiment, the blocks may have tabs located on an upper portion of each block. Each block is laterally positioned by centering the block upon the top of two lower blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Shaw Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6453625
    Abstract: A insulated building block for providing insulation to a structure. The insulated building block includes a member has top and bottom faces, and front and back faces. The member has a spaced apart pair of insulation spaces extending therethrough between the top and bottom faces of the member. The member has at least one vent space extending therethrough between the top and bottom faces of the member. The vent space is interposed between the insulating spaces and the front face of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6447213
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20020112427
    Abstract: A building block has a cement-based 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6431792
    Abstract: An artificial reef structure is provided including various building components that are preformed from concrete and the like. The components include square blocks having recesses on the upper surfaces and male protrusions on the lower surfaces. The blocks can be matably interlocked by inserting the male protrusions into the female recesses of vertically adjacent blocks. Horizontally adjacent blocks are connected to each other using an adjustable double ring connector fitting within female recesses of adjacent blocks. The blocks allow seawater to flow through them using flow tubes that pass through the block and an interior chamber within the block. The artificial reef structure may be constructed to be positioned as a barrier adjacent to or in place of natural offshore reefs. The reef structure is preferably configured as a castle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: S. Lee Barnes
  • Patent number: 6416260
    Abstract: A self-connecting, reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, stacked concrete block masonry units stabilized with reinforcing members which extend from the masonry units at selected intervals into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The reinforcement members are generally in the form of horizontally oriented “U”-shaped members which extend from within the adjacent soil bank, to and through voids of the masonry units, thereby providing self-connecting devices thereat, and thence returning into the soil bank, forming a stabilized, retained and reinforced soil embankment. Suitable reinforcements may include metallic grids, geotextile and geogrid sheets, and other similar reinforcement devices. Concrete masonry units especially adapted for use in the aforesaid self-connecting soil reinforced retaining walls are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Permawall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Suheil Rashid Khamis
  • Publication number: 20020083657
    Abstract: A masonry block that may be used in construction of block walls particularly retaining walls for retaining soil and preventing soil erosion. A masonry block having at least one body with a front face, back face, a pair of sides extending therebetween a top face and a bottom face, defining a block having six major surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Matt Stone, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Mattox, Jeffrey M. Dean, Jeffrey S. Williams
  • Patent number: 6401420
    Abstract: A method and means for making and using three composite concrete construction components that share a common matrix. The articles are comprised of: discarded whole tires 2, axially aligned, with rebar formed washers 4, transversely placed at intervals between the tires 2. The tire bundle 2, with the washers 4, are compressed, banded with metal or fiber strapping 1, reinforced with wire mesh 5, and rebar rods 6, and encased in a concrete shell 3, to form: cylinders; rectangular-blocks; or, half blocks. The concrete composite articles can be molded with hollow cores and used individually or in multiple configurations to construct environmentally safe structures such as: artificial reefs, beach erosion inhibitors, jetties and artificial islands; imbricated walls for: highway dividers, noise abatement, retaining and security walls around airports and buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Darwin Aldis Salls
  • Publication number: 20020066251
    Abstract: A block for an outdoor staircase stair includes an open four-sided block having a web interconnecting opposing sides and transversing the cavity within the block. The web includes vertical voids which extend from the top of the web into the body of the web. Two of the voids are located at the lateral ends of the web. The top parts of the web between the voids are broken out after the block is placed over the ground surface. Each block may be placed such that its front wall rests on the rear wall of the course of blocks below it. The blocks are filled with granular material to within about the thickness of a paving block or brick. Paving blocks are arranged on the granular material within the block such that the tops of the paving blocks are flush with the top of the block. Methods for building a staircase from the blocks and for molding the blocks are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: King's Material, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary F. Pribyl
  • Patent number: 6389776
    Abstract: Provided are novel gas permeable bricks of a refractory material suitable for use in a hot grid of a regenerative heat exchanger. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the brick has an inner face and an outer face on opposite sides of the brick. One or more cavities extend from the inner face partially into the brick. A plurality of channels for each of the cavities extend from the outer face to the cavities. The cavities and channels allow a gas to pass through the brick. Also provided is a hot grid suitable for use in a regenerative heat exchanger formed from a plurality of the bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Marc Bremont, Karin Tynelius-Diez, Nicolas Perrin, Philippe Queille, Joël Pierre, Michel Poteau
  • Publication number: 20020046529
    Abstract: A constructional component for a wall structure capable of resisting high gravity and lateral loads, both uniform and cyclical, is defined by a partially hollow building block having a generally solid rectangular exterior configuration in which one entire end surface of the building block exhibits a positive deep key geometry and the opposing end surface exhibits a negative deep key geometry, complemental to the positive geometry of the opposite end. Deep key interlocks also exist between opposing horizontal block surface. As partition between vertical cavities of the block may define a Z-shape in horizontal cross-section. There is resultingly created a substantially rigid and load-resilient interlock between vertical and horizontal complemental surfaces when joined as components of a wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Lakdas Nanayakkara
  • Patent number: 6371700
    Abstract: A retaining wall system comprised of units having a front planter compartment with a drainage channel, and a rear hydro-drainage compartment. The front planter compartment accepts soil and vegetation therein, and the drainage channel drains water and other fluids from the first compartment into the second compartment to prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up within the front compartment. The rear hydro-drainage compartment is open on its bottom for draining and may be filled with angular gravel or other hydro-drainage aggregate to properly weight units to maintain unit placement. The units contain angle of installation guides that aid in vertically aligning the units to achieve a desired face setback, and angularly aligning the units to achieve a desired angle of repose between layers of units. The units contain horizontal alignment guides to aid in side-to-side unit placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Reading Rock, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gordon Rich
  • Publication number: 20020031401
    Abstract: A covering block for constructing a breakwater comprises a front wall in which horizontal projections are formed up and down transversal rectangularshaped openings therebetween, in parallel rows, side walls left and right jointed at the both ends of the front wall, a partition wall in which multiple holes are formed to communicate with the above said openings, being jointed to the side walls at both ends, and a detention pond surrounded by the above four walls for reserving the overflow waves, are designed concrete stacked, assembling devices which are very convenient for constructing and handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
  • Patent number: 6349522
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the manufacture of brick block, i.e. a concrete chimney or wall block, with an impressed brick grout pattern on the face thereof, comprises a mold adapted to fit a known concrete block manufacturing machine. The mold has grout bars to impress a simulated laid brick pattern onto at least one vertical face of the block, the grout bar moveable in and out from a wall of the mold by hydraulic components. The hydraulic components utilize a unique multi-piston hydraulic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Craig A. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20020005021
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Tian Khoo
  • Publication number: 20020001509
    Abstract: Disclosed are a block retaining wall structure having a plurality of blocks stacked each other, and an setback locator therefor. The block retaining wall structure comprises at least one pillar-accommodating hole formed on each block along stacking direction of the blocks; at least one head-accommodating hole depressed along the stacking direction of the blocks, so as to correspond to the pillar-accommodating hole; and an setback locator including a pillar part taking a bar shape, being inserted into the pillar-accommodating hole, and a head part formed at one end of the pillar part and accommodated in the head-accommodating hole, and having a plurality of contact faces having different radial contact distances from an axial line of the pillar part to an inner wall face of the head-accommodating hole. With this configuration, a retaining wall having a variety of batter angles can be selectively constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Sung-min Hong
  • Publication number: 20010025462
    Abstract: This structural member (1) comprises a body (2) with a cavity (3), plastic reinforcing ribs (4) in the cavity (3), and means (10, 12) for fixing the ribs (4) to the body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Claude Laurent
  • Publication number: 20010022057
    Abstract: A building block for constructing masonry block walls includes a concrete block formed with first, second and third spaced parallel rectangular side walls, where the second side wall is intermediate the first and third side walls. First and second vertical end cross webs connect the first and second side walls; and a notch is formed in the upper surface of each of these vertical end cross webs. First and second spaced intermediate vertical cross webs are located in planes between the planes of the end cross webs and connect the second and third side walls. These intermediate cross webs each also have a notch extending downwardly from the top thereof. A first insulating core is dimensioned to fill the space between the first and second side walls and first and second end cross webs. Ears or protrusions extend outwardly from the insulating core to fit into the notches in the end cross webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Miller
  • Patent number: 6280121
    Abstract: A reinforced retaining wall is provided comprised of precast, concrete block facing elements connected by suitable connectors to reinforcing members which extend from the facing elements into the adjacent reinforced soil to form a mechanically stabilized earthen wall construction. The connectors which affix the reinforcing members at their connecting ends to the facing elements comprise concrete poured into a part or all of certain of the void spaces within selective facing blocks, which concrete may or may not be reinforced and which concrete, when dry and cured, envelops and secures the connecting ends of the reinforcement members to their corresponding blocks and forms anchors thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Suheil R. Khamis
  • Publication number: 20010004822
    Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of like blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block includes a front face and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A locking shear key extends outwardly from either of the top or bottom of the wall block, and is adapted for residing between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course to anchor the wall block in position. A severable area is formed with the shear key for being removed to accommodate placement and orientation of the wall block between respective adjacent sides of like blocks in an adjacent upper or lower course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: James S. Martin, Curtis W. Shillingburg
  • Patent number: 6250850
    Abstract: A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. This gap assists the block in resting on the lower course of blocks by providing a space where small amounts of rubble and dirt may exist without interfering with the stacking of the blocks. Preferably, the block's bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves which provide additional clearance in the gap for larger stones. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Price, Raymond R. Price
  • Patent number: RE37981
    Abstract: A embeddable mounting device and method for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device comprises a first rectangular metal plate member; a second rectangular metal plate member having dimensions equal to the first metal plate; and a pair of vertical spacer members secured between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal plate members, and in a manner to hold the first and second metal plate members in parallel relationship with each other such that when said first and second metal plate members simultaneously contact a planar surface the first and second metal plate members are both perpendicularly oriented to the planar surface. A method of installing a fixture utilizing the mounting device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Steel Block, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. Layne