Abstract: A wall block, system, and method for creating a straight and/or curved wall such that the front and back sides of the wall will have generally the same appearance. The block is asymmetrical and is designed to abut the ends of like blocks that are upright or inverted relative thereto.

Abstract: A building set with building elements, having coupling means in the form of projecting studs and corresponding cavities for interconnection of building elements, consists of building elements with U-shaped edges and single row of studs and cavities allowing construction of flexible angle structures with pivoting parts.

Abstract: A modular wall or fence construction system includes at least first and second I-profile blocks, each having an I-shape in planform. The I-shape defines a parallel pair of flanges across opposite ends of a web extending between the flanges. The I-profile blocks have generally planar and parallel upper and lower surfaces and a uniform vertical height. Each of the flanges of the first and second I-profile blocks have radiused rib keys formed in opposite parallel edges of the flanges. The edges are distal on the flanges relative to the web. A first pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of convex rails along the parallel edges on a first side of the web. A second pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of concave channels along the parallel edges on a second side of the web opposite the first side of the web. Each flange has oppositely disposed, on opposite edges, one convex rail and one concave channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a step stone for a stairway comprising an upper essentially horizontal stepping surface, a front essentially vertical setting surface, a rear back surface, which is located opposite the setting surface and which, with the stepping surface, forms an upper rear edge, and comprising an underside. A supporting section with a recess is provided in the front area of the underside of the step stone, whereby said recess enables the step stone to be supported on a step stone located directly underneath in order to form a stairway. To this end, the supporting section has a number of stepped recesses, which are offset with respect to one another and with which the step stone can be placed as desired onto the rear edge of the step stone located directly underneath.

Abstract: A modular construction unit including an assembly of a multiplicity of interlocking blocks, at least one of the blocks including, on at least one male end, a male element adapted to be introduced partially and held in place in a concave female element provided in another one of said blocks. The male element has at one end thereof, a first part having in section an essentially circular form of a selected diameter Z and a locking part having in section an essentially square form of larger section to create at longitudinal ends of the first part protruding planes S1 and S2, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part and. The female element has an opening having in section an essentially square form and creating a protruding plane P1, the length of sides of the square form being essentially equal to the diameter Z of the first part, as well as at least one cavity having a section larger than the section of the opening and creating a protruding plane P2.

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 is herein disclosed. The non-planar portion permits the block to rest on a lower course of blocks and provides a space where small amounts of rubble and dirt may exist without interfering with the stacking of the blocks. The non-planar portion of the block reduces the unit weight of the block without significantly affecting the structural integrity of the block. The block's bottom surface may further comprise a plurality of grooves and a gutter constructed and arranged with respect to the non-planar portion so as to define a bearing surface therebetween.

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

Abstract: 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.

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 and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. A generally J-shaped anchor has a connecting end and an anchoring end integrally joined by a setback spacer. The connecting end is adapted for being inserted into the wall block to secure the anchor to the block. The anchoring end extends outwardly from one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of like blocks in an upper or lower course. The spacer locates the anchoring end a spaced distance from the rear of the block. The anchor secures the block in the retaining wall at a predetermined setback relative to like blocks in the upper or lower course.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a 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. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A building material apparatus forms a shaped structure about and protects a support. A plurality of blocks are stackable in vertical and horizontal positions such that the blocks stack vertically adjacent for a length of the column and horizontally adjacent for a perimeter of the column. The blocks are made of a material which may be restored to an original condition after being damaged. An inner surface of each block is sized and shaped to cooperate with the column such that the inner surface substantially abuts the column. A plurality of reinforcing members supports the blocks. The reinforcing members have a length based on the vertical length formed by the blocks and are disposed in between discontinuous surfaces of horizontally adjacent blocks. An adhesive material securely joins the plurality of blocks to the reinforcing members.

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.

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.

Abstract: A set of modular blocks for the construction of buildings in general, specially designed to meet different situations arising during work execution. It comprises a standard block and various supplementary blocks which show, on their external side faces, straight longitudinal grooves arranged centrally, extending from one end to the other, and matching with a pass-through duct defined in an equidistant central section; supplementary blocks meet the same constructive criteria and are characterized by the combination of side extensions—equivalent to the thickness of each block—with middle section cuts to define split blocks, with flat supporting bases (which eliminate two of the legs), and with the side extension of the shorter section, the set being completed by the inclusion of supplementary blocks to serve as closing covers and anchorage caps.

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.

Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A building block for forming a masonry structure comprises at least two stone members disposed one above the other and connected firmly to each other, each of which having a wide section at one end and a narrow section at the opposite end. The sections map into each other via an intermediate section and the stone members are disposed relative to each other in such a manner that, in each case, the wide section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the narrow section of the respective stone member lying beneath same and the narrow section of an upwardly disposed stone member seats on the wide section of the stone member lying beneath same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a masonry lawn edging block assembly for a multi-grade landscape setting where the ground level of the lawn is lower than the adjacent areas. The assembly includes a plurality of like-shaped straight blocks, outside cornering blocks and like-shaped inside cornering blocks that create a border between the lawn and the adjacent area. The present invention has an L-shaped cross section that includes a vertically extending wall portion and a horizontally extending base portion. Dowels are used to connect adjacent blocks. A series of like-shaped blocks are connected in an end-to-end, end-to-side and end-to-rear arrangements to form the border. The base of each block includes a platform, and these platforms form a continuous deck upon which a conventional lawnmower can travel to cut the grass along the edging block assembly in an even manner and to the same desired height as the rest of the lawn.

Abstract: For military as well as for civil applications there is provided a construction element comprising a disc-shaped central part (1) with at least four legs (2) extending outwards substantially radially with respect to a transversal axis (3) of the central part (1) and having longitudinal axes arranged in a plane perpendicular to the transversal axis (3) of the central part (1). The central part (1) has a face recess (4) extending inwardly from the central part (1) periphery between two adjacent legs (2). The face recess (4) has a width corresponding to the central part thickness and a depth being equal from one to two thirds of the central part width measured along an axis (8) of the face recess (4). The central part (1) is also furnished with a first passage (5) the axis (6) of which is parallel to the transversal axis (3) of the central part (1), and with a second passage (7), opening into the central part (1) face walls and having an axis (9) perpendicular to the axis (8) of the face recess (4).

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.

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

Abstract: A masonry block having indentations and rounded and recessed portions to facilitate the bundling and transport of a bundle of the masonry blocks using convention bundling straps. A bundle of masonry blocks is formed such that on the top row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing upward, and on the bottom row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing the ground. The masonry blocks are also positioned such that the external edges of the rows of the bundle comprise rounded and recessed portions of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and 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, and 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. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stone structure assembly, comprising a plurality of stones, especially concrete blocks, having similar height, upper and lower sides extending on parallel planes and vertical side walls. In order to place the thirteen stone blocks pertaining to said assembly in such a way that they cannot be displaced and that similarly narrow spacing gaps are formed in-between said stones, two stones are shaped as a prism with the same surface area and eleven stones are shaped as a trapezium with differing surface areas. The stones in the stone structure assembly are configured as a single piece with a bottom section and a top section set back from the peripheral surface of the base section at least in certain areas.

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.

Abstract: A block for landscaping purposes. The landscaping block has one generally planar surface and another corresponding generally parallel planar surface, which further defines a protrusion and a cavity conformed to receive another protrusion of the same dimension in a male/female relationship with the planar surfaces of the block in close proximity and parallel to each other. Two or more of the landscaping blocks may best be joined together by inserting the protrusion of one block into the conformed cavity of the next block. A series of blocks may be joined together either in an extended line, or in a shape which reaches closure, with all of the blocks interlocked.

Abstract: An earth retaining wall formed by a plurality of panels which are matingly stacked together in jigsaw puzzle like fashion against an earth embankment. The panels are arranged one above another and are held together by vertical bars which pass through hollow pipes formed at peripheral portions of each panel. Each bar is formed at a terminal end with a ball foot formation which rests in a matingly engageable ball foot formation plate or footing positioned in the embankment. The upper terminal end of the wall is capped by a plate member. Wave breakers can be installed on the faces of the panels when the wall is employed as a sea wall. Two walls also can be installed in cooperative fashion to function as a water dam.

Abstract: A mason wall cementitious building block system comprising two lightweight dry-stackable block units and methods of using such units, including a wall unit and a corner/end unit, connected one to another in an interlocking fashion by means of male posts and female sockets, and variants on each of said units for capping the uppermost course of an assembled wall. The male posts angle rearwardly to define partial apertures, such that adjoining blocks define an aperture which extends vertically between the adjoined blocks for placement of vertical reinforcement, electrical and plumbing chase, and for the introduction of mortar or cement. The top surface defines a recessed cavity for placement of rebar when stacked. The corner/end unit of the present invention interconnects with wall units also by means of posts and sockets and may function as either an end or a corner, requiring only the removal of a small portion of the block at prescored cut lines to alter functions.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a 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. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

Abstract: Structural elements for the production of self-supporting structures are composed of a composition containing mineral and organic components and molded in modular structural shapes including a cube of side length L having vertical and horizontal holes traversed by threaded rods, a fork-shaped element, a Z-shaped element and a lintel element with projections of a width equal to L/3. The entire structure is held together by interfitting the projections and gaps between projections and with the threaded rods.

Abstract: A retaining wall block 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.

Abstract: The construction system can be achieved through the use of a novel prefabricated construction footing. The footing, can have a circular or rectangular top, and a circular base. The sides are downwardly tapered thereby forming a conical shape. If the shape is viewed as a cone or pyramid, then the top portion is truncated thereby forming a frustrum of a cone or pyramid. The top serves as a support surface for a post. The top surface can be curved thereby forming a dome like structure. The dimensions of the footing are such that the ratio of the surface area of the top to the bottom, is on the order of from about 1:1.3 to about 1:8.3. The top surface is substantially parallel to the bottom surface and the angle between the side surface and a line perpendicular to the top surface is at least about 20 degrees. That is, the footing is conical or pyramidal in shape, with a truncated top.

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: The improved revetment system is created using a plurality of substantially identical blocks which comprise a body having at least one channel therein leading to a slot and at least one arm extending outwardly of the body and terminating in a locking ear. The ear engages in a slot of an adjacent block and is of less depth than the slot, with the arm being of a length at least equal to and preferably greater than that of the channel, the slot including a removable spacer tab therein which abuts a terminal edge of the ear to keep the blocks spaced apart and an area of the block defined by the arm and ear having an arcuately downwardly sloped top surface with a terminal edge of the ear defining a lowermost position along the arcuate surface.

Abstract: An arcuate structure containing at least sixty six-sided building blocks, and said six-sided building blocks are independently able to provide means for connecting one of said six-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The outside face of the six-sided block has a substantially rhomboidal shape, and is substantially parallel to the inside face of the six-sided block. The right edges and the left edges have equal lengths and form equal angles with the inside face and outside face. The left and right sides of the six-sided block are congruent with each other, are in the shape of a parallelogram, and contain two recesses and two projections within their borders.

Abstract: Construction blocks having a generally octagonal configuration. The octagonal shape is defined by first through eighth external side portions respectively connected end-to-end to define an octagonal shape with respective first through eighth corners; a transverse chord portion extending from said first corner to said fourth corner; a perpendicular segment portion extending perpendicularly from said transverse chord portion to said third corner defining a right angled cutout; an angled segment portion extending from said second corner to said transverse chord portion defining a triangle cutout; and a middle cutout defined by said triangle cutout, said right angle cutout and said transverse cord portion.

Abstract: A multi-coursed stackable block structure having a system for forming a corner. The corner is formed by a two pieced beveled corner unit system to form a miter joint. The beveled corner units are stacked on top of one another to form the corner. A pin and aperture system may be used to reinforce and strengthen the two pieced mitered corner unit system in the wall construction. Additionally, the corner system provides for alternating the length of the corner units such that there is a substantial overlap between the corner units and standard wall block units to maintain the structural integrity of the corner and to maintain a strong structural relationship between the corner the surrounding block units. The corner system also allows for the maintenance of a running half bond in the structure to create a more stable and better visually appearing corner and wall construction.

Abstract: A trenchless landscape edging system and corresponding components and methods are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of anchoring members, an edging member having no or substantially no barrier extending downwardly therefrom and corresponding interconnecting or adjoining blocks having recesses disposed therein. The blocks, in combination with the anchoring members and the edging member, may be employed to separate adjoining lawn, garden, walkway, driveway or other areas from one another. The present invention permits the effects of undesired displacement forces acting on the blocks, such as frost heave, to be reduced or minimized and further permits rapid installation of the system since no trench for receiving lawn edging need be excavated.

Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.

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. The left and right sides of the six-sided block are congruent with each other, are in the shape of a parallelogram, and contain a recess and projection within their borders.

Abstract: A cast cementitious block for constructing a low-rise interconnected ornamental wall having a first course of the blocks placed side-by-side and a second course of the blocks stacked in side-by-side relation on the first course and off-set relative the first course. The blocks define a bottom surface and an opposing top surface, a front face and an opposing back face, and two opposing sides that each define side faces between the front face and the back face. The top surface defines a recessed cavity having an alignment point, and the block further defines a bore extending therethrough and open at the top surface and the bottom surface. The longitudinal axis of the bores of the blocks in the second course align with respective alignment points of the recessed cavities of the blocks in the first course. Adhesive fills the aligned recessed cavities and at least a portion of the respective bores. The adhesive cures to define rivets interconnecting the blocks in the first and the second courses.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a 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.Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

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: A retaining wall is made from a plurality of blocks arranged in rows superimposed on each other and pinned together. Each block has a body with an exterior face and rearwardly diverging side walls joined to a neck. A head having outwardly directed ears is joined to the neck. The body has holes and pockets for pins that interlock overlapped blocks together.