CA1332288C - Interlocking units for the erection of walls, the strengthening of slopes and the building of riverbeds - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The kit comprises a trough stone provided at its sides with alternating dovetail grooves and dovetail keys.
Grooves are provided at its upper side in the center of the dovetail parts for receiving sound deadening plates.
These troughs which are capable to be provided with plants may be either directly connected together or by means of column stones comprising as well at all of their sides a dovetail part and a groove over it. The column stone further comprises an opening in its center for receiving a hinge bolt. The kit further comprises other elements like connecting elements, ground elements and sound deade-ning plates. The kit permits the erection of a plurality of walls of all kinds, i.e. sound deadening walls capable to be provided with plants and also buildings of riverbeds or windbreaker walls. The denticulation by means of the dovetail connecting parts permits a full dry construction.

Description

:
IN ERLOCKING UNITS FOR THE ERECTION OF WALLS, THE STRENGTHE-NING OF SLOPES AND THE BUII.DING OF RIVERBEDS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a kit comprising a plurality of interlocking construction units capable of be-ing assembled for the construction of walls and for the strengthening of slopes and the building of riverbeds.
Construction units which are assembled with a double dovetail key, being inserted into each one dovetailed groo-ve of two blocks is known from the French Patent Applica-tion No. 2,376,269. This units are only capable of being ; assembled into uniformly looking walls.
The European Patent Application No. 0,092,892 disclo-ses a sound deadenin~ structure with a box shaped part with a plurality of coupling members for receiving trough-shaped members and plates, connected by pins or the like. With this construction it is necessary to pile one trough-shaped part onto the other, resulting in a heavily and compact -~ lookin~ structure.
Finally, the German Utility Model No. 7,309,326 shows an interlocking stone for lawns, said stone being formed in a honeycomb structure, with limited interlocking capabili-~` 20 ty.

- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

~- It is a feature of the present invention to realize a kit of interlockinq units capable of beinq assembled for the erection of walls and horizontal constructions of the most different kinds, which are also more particularly assembled in the horizontal direction, which may comprise a curvature and which are capable to be provided with plants as well as beinq erected in full composite structure.
~. .
~ Further, in relation with the plurality of possible -(~ applications, the kit must comprise relatively few elements -~i ~ . i ~ 332~88 and it must be economically and rationally produced.
The kit of interlockinq units according to the invention comprises at least some of said units havinq structural features including connecting parts of a dove-tai~ joint and a groove on the surface of said units,said grooves being arranged perpendicular to the sides and at the center of said connecting parts, the kit comprising a trouqh stone with at least one of said connecting parts at each side thereof, a column stone having a central ii .
opening and at least two sides having the same length as the small sides of said trough stone, and said connecting parts, and further comprisinq a connecting element having at one side thereof one of said connecting parts and the qroove arranqed at the side opposite to the side with said connecting part.
The invention will be further described by way of practical examples with reference to the accomnpanying drawinqs.

~ 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

-~ Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first example of execution ' of a trough stone, ~ 25 Fig. 2 is a section along the line II-II of Fig.1, ;. ' ' :
Fig. 3 shows a bottom element for the trough stone, . .
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a first example of execution 3~ of a column stone, Fig. 5 is a section along the line V-V of Fig.4, - .
Figs. 6 and 7 show plan views of two connecting ele-ments, Fig. 8 is a plan view of another trough stone, ::

' 1 332288 ..
~` :

Fig. 9 shows a variant of execution of a trough stone according to Fig.1, Fig. 10 shows a variant of execution of a column stone according to Fig.4, .
Fiq. 11 shows a further connecting element, ::
Fig. 12 shows a trough connecting part, : 10 ; Fig. 13 shows a section of a variant of execution of the trough stones and column stones, Fig. 14 is a plan view of a wall erected utilizing the preceding mentioned elements, Fiq. 15 is a side view of the wall of Fig.14, ~ .
Fig. 16 is a section along the line XVI-XVI of Fig.14, j- Fig. 17 is a section along the line XVII-XVII of Fig.14, Fig. 18 is a section along the line XVIII-XVIII of ~ .
r:~` Fig. 19 is a section along the line XIX-XIX of i Fig.14, `~ 30 Fig. 20 shows in section an application of the trough stones for the strengthening of a slope, , ~ .
Fig. 21 shows a wall constructed from different elements and comprising additional slope strengthening, _ , ~ ~

2~

.

Fig. 22 shows a pyramide constructed with trough stones and column stones, and i - Fig. 23 shows another example of a wall which canj 5 also be utilized as horizontal construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVENTION

Fig. 1 illustrates a trough stone 9 the length of which is two times as great as its width. The trough stone comprises at its small side 10 a dovetail groove 3 and at its other small side 11 a dovetail key 4. The side 10 has a concave slope 8a and the side 11 a convex slope 8b.
The long sides 12 comprise each two dovetail connecting parts, whereby as seen from above, the dovetail parts alternate with respect to each other. Each of these dove-tail elements comprises at its upper side a groove 5 for receiving a partition wall. As shown in Fig.2, the long '5j sides comprise at their base each an internal thickening 13 which serve as a support for the bottom elements 14. While the width of the bottom element corresponds to the opening -1 of the trough stone, its length amounts to a part, i~e. 1/4 of the length of the opening of the trough stone, in order to facilitate its production.
~5 Fiq.4 shows a column stone 1 having a square ground ~; .
plane and comprising a circular opening 2 in its center.
At the center part of the sides is provided either a dovetail qroove 3 or a dovetail key 4, whereby the arrange~
ment like i.e. according to Fig.4 may be choosen, that is with two opposite dovetail keys or grooves or an arrange~
ment accordinq to Fig.10 or two equal succeding parts or four dovetail grooves or keys. A groove 5 is provided at ~;
the upper part of the column stone, at the center of the `~ sides and the dovetail connecting parts for receiving ` 35 partition walls. The groove 5 must not obligatorily be `- through passing but it can be more easily produced in this way. Figs.6 and 7 show two connecting ~-:~ . _ 4 _ :
....... /~ :

~.. : .. .-- ... , : : :: :: : : :
.' , .
,:: ~"." ' . .: ~

:

elements 6 and 7 which comprise at one side the same dovetail groove 3 or dovetail key 4 as the column stone 1 or the trough stone 9 and at the other side the through passinq groove 5. The sides with the dovetail parts are inclined toward the outside, respectively toward the inside. A comparison of these connecting elements with the bottom elements 14 shows that they may also be used as bottom elements. The sides 8a of the column stones 1 with the dovetail grooves 3 are inclined toward the outside as seen from the arooves while the sides 8b of the column stones with the dovetail keys are inclined toward the inside as seen from the keys. An advantage of these incli-ned sides is that the stones may be tightly bound end to end. Other advantages will appear from the description of Figs.14 - 19 illustrating a wall erected using such and other elements.
Examples of dimensions of the column stones are 60x60x25 cm and 120x60x25 cm for the trough stones accor-~`~ ding to Fig.1. It is clear that the length of the trough stones can amount to other multiples of the length of the ~ edge of the column stone. Fig.8 shows an example of a `l triple trough stone 19, the dovetail parts 3, 4 of which being so arranged that it may be directly coupled with a , same trough stone as well in the longitudinal direction as ;i 25 in the perpendicular direction thereof. Further, it compri-- ses the same grooves 5 and the same inclinations 8a and 8b as well as thickenings 13 for reception of bottom elements like the other trough stones.
In Fiqs.9 - 12 is illustrated a variant of execution in which the side walls 21 of the trouqh stone 22 and the side walls 23 of the column stone 24 are straight and the trough stone 22 comprises only dovetail grooves 25, the column stone 24 comprising only dovetail keys 26. For this reason, the connecting element 27 cannot be directly joined to the trouqh stone 22 but only indirectly, either through ; the column stone 24 or through a trough connecting element 28 with which such trough stones and other trough stones i . . . . ~ , . ~

; .
may be directly joined together. It is also possible to use a connectinq element with a dovetail key. In this case, the element 2R may be omitted. The connecting element 27 further comprises the qroove 5 for receiving partition walls. All connecting elements 5, 6, 27, 28 have the same height than the other stones. In order to suppress the connectinq elements 27 which serve at the same time as supportinq elements, when stackinq up trouqh stones one ~' upon the other, it is possible in another variant of l 10 execution to provide the dovetail qrooves and keys with g offsets 29 and 30 as shown in Fig.13. This permits to -l interlock the individual elements in the vertical direc-tion.
It is clear that dimensions different from the ones 15 indicated above may be used and it is above all possible to ~` use elements, more particularly trough stones, two times as =~ high as indicated. Moreover the ground plane of the column stone must not necessarily be of a square form, it can be i.e. in form of a polygone. Further, it is not essential 20 for the invention that the opening 2 of the column stone be of circular form, it can also have another regular form.
~; The trough stones may also be used without bottom ,~ elements, i.e. in a smaller execution, for example as lawn ,,i4, checker stones of full composite structure, whereby the 25 thickening 13 at the inside of the long sides is not neces-s sary.
As may be seen from the preceding examples of appli-~`~ cations, the dovetail connections are not necessary for the erection of some wall constructions, because usual grooves 30 and keys may also fulfill the foreseen purpose. However, when using connecting elements, the dovetail connections ` are necessary.
~; Figs.14 - 19 show a wall construction using the ` elements 1, 9, 19, 6 and 7. This wall serves as an example ; 35 for the different possibilities of applications of these elements. One sees for example that the trough stones may be either directly connected together by their small and ~; - 6 -., ~

``;1 332288 lonq sides or through column stones and that the connecting elements may be provided at the trough stones as well as at the columns stones. From Fig.4 it is further to be seen - that the elements may not only be arranged perpendicularly to each other but also under any desired anqle, whereby hinqe bolts or plug-in boxes 16 may be inserted in the openinqs 2 of the column stones, these hinge bolts being i.e. in tubular form and having either the same height than ;, the column stones or any other height. In the first part of ~ -~
10 the wall that is in the left hand part of Fig.16 is shown -~
that the neiqhbourinq trough stones are not arranged in the same height but that they are offset. In the example of ~ Fig.16, the first column of trough stones on the left is `! provided below with a partition plate or sound deadening plate 17 and the next column of trough stones with a trough stone 19. It is practical to fix the lowest elements to a basement 18 (Fig.15). At each trough stone at which a partition plate is attached is provided a corresponding connecting element 6 or 7, whereby the partition plate is held in the grooves 5 of these connecting elements as well as in the grooves of the bottom elements 14. As illustrted -~ in Fig.16, the connecting elements have not only the func-tion of holding the partition plates but they serve also as a support for the trough stones arranged over them.
This provides a very good anchorage of the trough stones in the horizontal plane as well in the longitudinal direction as in the direction perpendicular thereof and a full support of all trough stones and partition plates.
The column of trough stones, i.e. from double trough stones 9, which are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wall may be filled with earth or possibly - with a more denser material and it serves in the example described as an anchoring element.
If desired, it is possible to omit two, three or more trouqh stones and to provide either partition plates 17 or plants in the breaks. This permits to obtain greater green surfaces than in the wall previously described. Fig.17 :.
:-. -- , :
, ' ' - : ~ ~ :

1~ ~ 1 3322~8 shows that the connecting elements 6 or 7 are also connec-3 ted to the column stones. It would also be possible to arranqe these connectinq elements at places where no trough stones are provided, whereby these connecting elements ~ 5 would then serve as ornaments. From Fig.17 is further to be `! seen that the trough stones may be also directly connected ` toqether, however only in the case where they lie in the - same plane.
The section shown in Fig.18 illustrates that in the case of continuation of the wall with an angle different l from 90, the two columns of trough stones and the columns `~` stones must lie in the same plane. Fig.18 shows the hinge bolt 16 as a tubular piece in this example, the column stones 1 as well as on the left and the right, trough `15 stones 19 arranged under an angle as well as the partition plates 17 and the connecting elements 6 or 7. The construc-tion shows that any desired angle between the two parts of the wall is possible.
Fig.19 shows a variant of execution of the wall of 20 Fig.17 in which the corner is not comprised of a column ~,stone but in which the troughs are directly connected toge-ther at right angle for forming a corner. As can be seen .from Figs.14 and 19, it is possible to provide connecting and supporting elements 6 and 7 as well at the outside as :~!25 at the inside for a better support of the corner so that the corner lies on the columns formed each of connecting or supporting elements. The two connecting elements provided at the outside serve also as ornaments. Fig.19 shows how ~Ithe partition plate is held in the grooves 5 at the bottom 30 part of the ground element 14.
~;The preceding example of execution shows clearly the -plurality of configurations which are rendered possible by the descrihed elements. In this respect it is to be consi-~dered that none of the elements, that is neither the trough <35 stones nor the partition plates are clamped so that they are all the time well supported statically. Further, the lateral inclined sides of the trough stones and column ~:, .
;: `
,.~ ~ - 8 -. .. .
~: ~ ' ` . ` !
~:
,.. :, :'~,: . :

t 332288 .

stones provide a breakinq of the sound which enhances the effectiveness in the case of the erection of sound deade~
ning walls. For the reason that the elements are standardi-zed and mutually adapted, it is also possible to utilize 5 the connecting elements as bottom parts if their greater thickness with respect to the bottom elements 14 is taken ~t into account. Further, with the exception of the basement, ~! such walls may be erected in the full dry construetion method.
- 10 The following Figures 20 - 23 show examples of execu-., tion of walls or lyinq constructions which are erected using the elements 1, 9, 19, 20 as well as 5 or 6. Fig.21 shows that the trough stones 9 or 19, or 22 as the case may arise, may be offset in the longitudinal direction, which , , 15 permits i.e. the erection of a pyramid shaped column according to Fig.22. In this case, the trough stones are filled with earth and stones or similar.
Fig.21 shows a closed wall consisting of column sto-nes 1 and adjacent trough stones 9 or 19 to which is atta-20 ched a further column of column stones 1. At this wall further trough stones may be attached in a direction perpendicular thereof, these trough stones being i.e.
offset and ascending and they may be filled and provided with plants.
~- 25 One sees from Fig.22 that the column stones and trough stones may also serve as ornament, i.e. a pyramid shaped construction utilizing these stones. In this case, layers of trough stones connected together and column sto-nes are vertieally offset one upon the other in dependence 30 on the size.
Fig.23 shows a full connected wall consisting of trough stones and column stones. Sueh a construction may be used as well in a horizontal plane as in a vertieal plane. When used in a horizontal construetion, it may be 35 provided i.e. for building a river bed whereby all elements are connected toqether and well anchored for example by filling up with gravel or by filling up individual elements _ 9 _ ,~ , , .

1 33228~
`
.
with concrete. In this case, troughs with a greater height could be used in order to improve the anchorage.
It is also possible to use the trough stones not only 3 as troughs arranged one upon the other and capable to be ~j 5 filled or provided with plants but for the erection of walls which i.e. in accordance with Fig.23 may extend in the vertical direction and whereby the openings of the trouqh stones as well as of the column stones are closed with glass or similar, objects being capable to be then ~10 deposited in the niches thus created in the wall.
-~The preceding description shows that the column stones and trough stones capable to be connected together have a plurality of possible applications. Beside of the illustrated applications for sound deadening walls, walls, strengthening of slopes, other applications are possible:
By direct denticulation, in layers as basement stones for basements, walls of cellars or of buildings, any closed wall systems or shaft constructions which may be provided ;with concrete or with foam for better heat insulation. By all-round direct denticulation, as fortification for flat constructions capable to be provided with qrass like a pavement of flat surfaces in composite structure, i.e.
ramps, steep slopes or dunes. By all-round direct denticu-lation as constructions lying on the side for walls with hole pattterns similar to the one of Fig.23 which, if desired, may be also provided with glass, as close walls for real estate or windbreaker walls of terraces, swimming pools and similar. By the all-round direct denticulation, a certain backwards diagonal displacement is possible for constructions lying on the side.
~ s a material for the stones, one uses the usual concrete materials while the partition plates or sound deadening plates may also be constructed from another `~ material and they may be of different colours and structu-res for ornamental purposes. The stones themselves may be ::
also of different colours. It is clear that other dimen-sions different from the ones mentioned above may be used ' .'~ ~ .

r; ~

.
: ~ .
and more particularly, smaller troughs may be produced ~ -for being attached to the trough stones in order to produce :
additional surfaces to be provided with plants and for a beiter composition.
In the case of walls erected with angle parts like in Fig.14, it is often practical to seal the sound deadenin~
plates 17 which do not run in qrooves 5. To this end, the connecting elements 6 and 7 may be provided with cuts 20 in which packing tapes may be inserted. ;
.. ;
'~ ' :: `
. ~ .
, :
: ~.
:.
.:
,'~
'-` :
.,~,, ., ~, .
: ,.
'''.`' . '

Claims (16)

1. A kit comprising a plurality of interlocking construc-tion units capable of being assembled for the construction of walls and for the strengthening of slopes and the buil-ding of riverbeds, at least some of said units having structural features including connecting parts of a dove-tail joint and a groove on the surface of said units, said grooves being arranged perpendicular to the sides and at the center of said connecting parts, the kit comprising a trough stone with at least one of said connecting parts at each side thereof, a column stone having a central opening and at least two sides having the same length as the small sides of said trough stone, and said connecting parts, and further comprising a connecting element having at one side thereof one of said connecting parts and the groove arranged at the side opposite to the side with said connecting part.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the long sides of the trough stones comprise a thickening at the inside for receiving bottom elements.

3. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the length of the trough stone is equal to its width or a multiple thereof.

4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the dovetail joint comprises a dovetail groove and a dovetail key, the sides of the stones adjacent to the dovetail grooves being in-clined toward the outside and the sides adjacent to the dovetail keys being inclined toward the inside.

5. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the dovetail grooves and dovetail keys are arranged alternatively around the trough and column stones.

6. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the trough stone comprises alternating dovetail grooves and dovetail keys and the column stone dovetail grooves and dovetail keys respectively facing each other.

7. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the trough stone is three times as long as wide, whereby the grooves and keys are facing each other by pairs.

8. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the sides of the stones are straight and wherein the trough stone comprises only dovetail grooves and the column stone only dovetail keys.

9. A kit according to claim 2, wherein the bottom element adapted to be received in the trough stones comprises the groove at its bottom side.

10. A kit according to claim 4, comprising a trough connec-ting part having at both sides a dovetail key.

11. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the dovetail parts comprise at their front parts an offset cooperating by pairs.

12. A kit according to claim 1, comprising a partition plate or a sound deadening plate fitting in the groove.

13. A kit according to claim 1, comprising a hinge bolt fitting in the opening of the column stone.

14. Utilization of a kit according to claim 1, comprising trough stones, column stones, connecting elements and sound deadening plates for the erection of a sound deade-ning wall capable to be provided with plants.

15. Utilization of a kit according to claim 4 in a lying position for erection of riverbed buildings.

16. Utilization of trough stones with dovetail connecting parts according to claim 4 as lawn checker plates.