CA2438565A1 - Retaining wall block with clippable wings - Google Patents
Retaining wall block with clippable wings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2438565A1 CA2438565A1 CA 2438565 CA2438565A CA2438565A1 CA 2438565 A1 CA2438565 A1 CA 2438565A1 CA 2438565 CA2438565 CA 2438565 CA 2438565 A CA2438565 A CA 2438565A CA 2438565 A1 CA2438565 A1 CA 2438565A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- block
- retaining wall
- clippable
- wings
- shaped
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
- E02D29/02—Retaining or protecting walls
- E02D29/025—Retaining or protecting walls made up of similar modular elements stacked without mortar
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C1/00—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
- E04C1/39—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra
- E04C1/395—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra for claustra, fences, planting walls, e.g. sound-absorbing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0202—Details of connections
- E04B2002/0204—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections
- E04B2002/0208—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections of trapezoidal shape
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2002/0256—Special features of building elements
- E04B2002/026—Splittable building elements
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Retaining Walls (AREA)
Abstract
A retaining wall block for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall.
This block has a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges. It also has a top surface and a bottom surface.
Each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of the block. Each of the opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, which extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively. Each clippable wing projects outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface. In use, the wings may be kept or cut depending on the shape selected for the wall to be erected.
This block has a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges. It also has a top surface and a bottom surface.
Each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of the block. Each of the opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, which extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively. Each clippable wing projects outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface. In use, the wings may be kept or cut depending on the shape selected for the wall to be erected.
Description
RETAINING WALL BLOCK WITH CLIPPABLE WINGS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to retaining wall blocks. More specifically, the invention relates to retaining wa!! blocks that can easily be adapted for to use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Concrete blocks are often used in the construction of retaining walls and the ~.5 like. For example, they are particularly suitable for landscaping around residential or commercial structures to retain and preserve the surrounding soil while maintaining the aesthetics of the area.
A problem with the existing blocks is that they usually have parallel sidewalk.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to retaining wall blocks. More specifically, the invention relates to retaining wa!! blocks that can easily be adapted for to use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Concrete blocks are often used in the construction of retaining walls and the ~.5 like. For example, they are particularly suitable for landscaping around residential or commercial structures to retain and preserve the surrounding soil while maintaining the aesthetics of the area.
A problem with the existing blocks is that they usually have parallel sidewalk.
2 o Of course, it is always possible to place them at an angle with respect to each other in order to build up a curved and/or serpentine wall. However, in such a case, their sidewalls are not adjacent (only their front or rear edges are adjacent to each other) and such may cause a problem of stability in addition to reducing the efficiency of the wall to retain earth, especially in the case of rain. US patents Nos 6,149,352 25 (MacDonald), 5,598,679 (Orton et al.), 5,282,700 (Radrique), 6,152,655 (Hull) and 6,082,933 (Maguire et al.) show such retaining blocks.
To remedy this major drawback regarding this type of block, blocks have been devised which have severabie elements intended for adjusting the shape of the block, 3 o and, in some cases, to facilitate the construction of serpentine walls while using a single building element. For example, wall blocks having rear wings that may be clipped whenever required, are well known in the art. These blocks allow the construction of a curved wall. Even if the design of such blocks often allows to form inward curves or outward curves in a wall, it rarefy offers the possibility to construct an efficient serpentine wall. As examples of such blocks, reference can be made to US
patents Nos 6,168,354 (Martin et al.), 5,941,042 {Dueck), 5,865,006 {Dawson), 5,795,105 (Goth), 5,711,129 {Woolford), 5,709,062 (Woolford), 5,704,183 {Woolford), 5,653,558 (Price), 5,505,034 (Dueck), 5,490,363 (Woolford), 4,920,712 (Dean, Jr.), US patent Application No 2009!0004822 {Martin et a(.) and International patent 1 o Application WO 94/08097 {Sievert), Moreover, most of existing retaining blacks are generally provided with a protruding structure intended to help anchor the block in position after construction.
However, this protruding structure often restricts the placement of the retaining block and its movements relative to the adjacent blocks.
Therefore, there is a need for retaining wail blocks having clippable wings on both their front and rear walls to allow the construction of a curved wall or a serpentine wall whenever desired.
SUMMARY OF THE tNVENTiON
An object of the present invention is to provide a stackable retaining wall block allowing the construction of a straight, curved or serpentine wail.
In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved with a retaining wall block for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall, which block comprises a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces is V-3 a shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block.
Each of the opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings.
These clippable wings extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as fiar away as the corresponding side surface. 6n use, the wings may be kept or cut depending on the shape selected forthe wall to be erected.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a concrete splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as defined above and having their front surfaces in integral adjacent relationship. The two retaining wall blocks are separable by splitting their front surfaces, thereby giving a rough aspect to their front surfaces.
The present invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of several preferred embodiments thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
2 o Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a retaining wal! block according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a concrete splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1.
Figs. 3 and 4 are top plan views of a retaining wall block as shown in Fig. 1, a clippable wing of which has been removed.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of three retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1, the 3 o rear wings of the central block having been clipped to form a convex wall.
To remedy this major drawback regarding this type of block, blocks have been devised which have severabie elements intended for adjusting the shape of the block, 3 o and, in some cases, to facilitate the construction of serpentine walls while using a single building element. For example, wall blocks having rear wings that may be clipped whenever required, are well known in the art. These blocks allow the construction of a curved wall. Even if the design of such blocks often allows to form inward curves or outward curves in a wall, it rarefy offers the possibility to construct an efficient serpentine wall. As examples of such blocks, reference can be made to US
patents Nos 6,168,354 (Martin et al.), 5,941,042 {Dueck), 5,865,006 {Dawson), 5,795,105 (Goth), 5,711,129 {Woolford), 5,709,062 (Woolford), 5,704,183 {Woolford), 5,653,558 (Price), 5,505,034 (Dueck), 5,490,363 (Woolford), 4,920,712 (Dean, Jr.), US patent Application No 2009!0004822 {Martin et a(.) and International patent 1 o Application WO 94/08097 {Sievert), Moreover, most of existing retaining blacks are generally provided with a protruding structure intended to help anchor the block in position after construction.
However, this protruding structure often restricts the placement of the retaining block and its movements relative to the adjacent blocks.
Therefore, there is a need for retaining wail blocks having clippable wings on both their front and rear walls to allow the construction of a curved wall or a serpentine wall whenever desired.
SUMMARY OF THE tNVENTiON
An object of the present invention is to provide a stackable retaining wall block allowing the construction of a straight, curved or serpentine wail.
In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved with a retaining wall block for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall, which block comprises a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces is V-3 a shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block.
Each of the opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings.
These clippable wings extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as fiar away as the corresponding side surface. 6n use, the wings may be kept or cut depending on the shape selected forthe wall to be erected.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a concrete splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as defined above and having their front surfaces in integral adjacent relationship. The two retaining wall blocks are separable by splitting their front surfaces, thereby giving a rough aspect to their front surfaces.
The present invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of several preferred embodiments thereof made with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
2 o Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a retaining wal! block according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a concrete splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1.
Figs. 3 and 4 are top plan views of a retaining wall block as shown in Fig. 1, a clippable wing of which has been removed.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of three retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1, the 3 o rear wings of the central block having been clipped to form a convex wall.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of four retaining wall Mocks as shown in Fig. 1, the front wings of these blocks having been clipped to form a concave wall.
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a plurality of retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1 stacked one above the other to form a concave curved wall.
Fig. 8 is a side elevated view of two stacked retaining wail blocks according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 7.
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of two stacked retaining wall blocks according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a top plan view of two stacked retaining wall blocks according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective front view of a retaining wall block according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1 shows a retaining wall block 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall.
The retaining wall block comprises a front surface 31, a rear surface 41 and a pair of opposite side 2 5 surfaces 3, 5 defining four vertical edges, and a top surface 11 and a bottom surface 21. Each of the side surfaces 3, 5 is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces 11, 21 of the retaining wail block 1. Each of the opposite side surfaces 3, 5 is provided with two integral clippab(e wings 13, 23 and 15, 25 3 0 respectively. The clippable wings 13, 23, 15, 25 extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface 3, 5, respectively, and project outwardly from the corresponding side surface 3, 5 so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface 3, 5. The wings 13, 23 and 15, 25 are sized in such a manner as to project to the same extent on both sides of the retaining wail block 7 .
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a plurality of retaining wall blocks as shown in Fig. 1 stacked one above the other to form a concave curved wall.
Fig. 8 is a side elevated view of two stacked retaining wail blocks according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 7.
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of two stacked retaining wall blocks according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a top plan view of two stacked retaining wall blocks according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective front view of a retaining wall block according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1 shows a retaining wall block 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall.
The retaining wall block comprises a front surface 31, a rear surface 41 and a pair of opposite side 2 5 surfaces 3, 5 defining four vertical edges, and a top surface 11 and a bottom surface 21. Each of the side surfaces 3, 5 is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces 11, 21 of the retaining wail block 1. Each of the opposite side surfaces 3, 5 is provided with two integral clippab(e wings 13, 23 and 15, 25 3 0 respectively. The clippable wings 13, 23, 15, 25 extend along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface 3, 5, respectively, and project outwardly from the corresponding side surface 3, 5 so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface 3, 5. The wings 13, 23 and 15, 25 are sized in such a manner as to project to the same extent on both sides of the retaining wail block 7 .
5 Accordingly, the blocks 1 may be positioned side by side in adjacent relationship to form a rectilinear wall as shown in the bottom portion of Fig. 5. in such a case, each retaining wall block 1 has its wings 13, 23 in contact with the wings 15, 25 of the adjacent block and vice versa (see again the bottom portion of Fig. 6).
zo Each clippable wing 13, 23, 15, 25 is preferably provided with a notch 19 parallel to the adjacent vertical edge of the retaining wall block 1 for facilitating clipping of said wing from the vertical edge. Preferably, the notch 19 extends along the corresponding side surface of the retaining wail block 1. Thanks to the presence of the notch 19, the wing can be easily clipped by a hammer or a chisel.
Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, each of the clippable wings 13, 23, 15, 25 is provided with an external sloping contact surface 53, 63, 55, 65, positioned laterally with respect to the retaining wall block 1. Each sloping contact surface is in alignment with a portion of the adjacent V-shaped side surface that is opposite to the clippable 2 o wing on the same side surface so as to allow correct juxtaposition of the retaining wall blocks when at least one of the clippable wings is clipped (as better seen on Fig. 5).
Preferably, each of said V-shaped side surfaces 3, 5 is provided with an apex a, which is preferably of about 160 degrees when seen in top or bottom plan view for allowing such a juxtaposition (see Fig. 4). Due to the fact that the block 1 may be of different 2 s sizes and shapes (square or rectangular) andlor provided with wings of a given width, the apex of the V-shaped side surfaces may, of course, be modified so as to allow two adjacent portions of the V-shaped side surfaces of two adjacent blocks to be in alignment. Moreover, in order to allow the construction of a wall having a smaller or greater curvature radius, the retaining wall block 1 may be provided with clippable wings more or less wide, thereby, the apex of the V-shaped side surfaces and the sloping contact surfaces could be slightly adapted.
Clipping one or both wings at one end of the block makes it possible to position the block at an angle to the adjacent and similarly clipped block, with the tapering side walls of the adjacent blocks remaining in contact. F'or example, Fig. 5 shows a concave wall constructed from three retaining wall blocks 1, the two rear wings 23, 25 of the central retaining wall block 1 having been clipped. As can be seen, the sloping contact surfaces 53, 55 of the front wings 13, 15 of the central block 1 are in integral to contact with the adjacent sloping contact surfaces 53, 55 of the front wings 13, 15 of the adjacent retaining wall blocks.
Fig. 6 shows another wall, a portion of which is convex and another portion is straight. The straight wall portion is constructed by placing several retaining wall blocks 1 side by side, with the wings of the adjacent blocks remaining in contact at both sides and both ends of the block 1. To construct the convex wall portion, the front wings 13, 15 of the different blocks 1 must be clipped prior to placing the blocks side by side.
2 o Thus, Figs. 5 and 6 show that, thanks to the V- shape of the side surfaces 3, 5 and the removal of the suitable clippable wings, one can construct a serpentine wall, a curvilinear wall, a convex or a concave wail, in stacking up rows of retaining wall blocks 1. Moreover, each side surface of all the blocks is still in adjacent relationship with the side surface of the adjacent block, thus providing a better stability of the wall 2 5 in addition to improve the efficiency of the wall to retain earth, especially in the case of rain.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the top and the bottom surfaces 11, 21 are each provided with locking elements 7, 9 to allow said retaining wail block 1 to be stacked 3 o above other similar blocks to form a retaining wall.
zo Each clippable wing 13, 23, 15, 25 is preferably provided with a notch 19 parallel to the adjacent vertical edge of the retaining wall block 1 for facilitating clipping of said wing from the vertical edge. Preferably, the notch 19 extends along the corresponding side surface of the retaining wail block 1. Thanks to the presence of the notch 19, the wing can be easily clipped by a hammer or a chisel.
Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, each of the clippable wings 13, 23, 15, 25 is provided with an external sloping contact surface 53, 63, 55, 65, positioned laterally with respect to the retaining wall block 1. Each sloping contact surface is in alignment with a portion of the adjacent V-shaped side surface that is opposite to the clippable 2 o wing on the same side surface so as to allow correct juxtaposition of the retaining wall blocks when at least one of the clippable wings is clipped (as better seen on Fig. 5).
Preferably, each of said V-shaped side surfaces 3, 5 is provided with an apex a, which is preferably of about 160 degrees when seen in top or bottom plan view for allowing such a juxtaposition (see Fig. 4). Due to the fact that the block 1 may be of different 2 s sizes and shapes (square or rectangular) andlor provided with wings of a given width, the apex of the V-shaped side surfaces may, of course, be modified so as to allow two adjacent portions of the V-shaped side surfaces of two adjacent blocks to be in alignment. Moreover, in order to allow the construction of a wall having a smaller or greater curvature radius, the retaining wall block 1 may be provided with clippable wings more or less wide, thereby, the apex of the V-shaped side surfaces and the sloping contact surfaces could be slightly adapted.
Clipping one or both wings at one end of the block makes it possible to position the block at an angle to the adjacent and similarly clipped block, with the tapering side walls of the adjacent blocks remaining in contact. F'or example, Fig. 5 shows a concave wall constructed from three retaining wall blocks 1, the two rear wings 23, 25 of the central retaining wall block 1 having been clipped. As can be seen, the sloping contact surfaces 53, 55 of the front wings 13, 15 of the central block 1 are in integral to contact with the adjacent sloping contact surfaces 53, 55 of the front wings 13, 15 of the adjacent retaining wall blocks.
Fig. 6 shows another wall, a portion of which is convex and another portion is straight. The straight wall portion is constructed by placing several retaining wall blocks 1 side by side, with the wings of the adjacent blocks remaining in contact at both sides and both ends of the block 1. To construct the convex wall portion, the front wings 13, 15 of the different blocks 1 must be clipped prior to placing the blocks side by side.
2 o Thus, Figs. 5 and 6 show that, thanks to the V- shape of the side surfaces 3, 5 and the removal of the suitable clippable wings, one can construct a serpentine wall, a curvilinear wall, a convex or a concave wail, in stacking up rows of retaining wall blocks 1. Moreover, each side surface of all the blocks is still in adjacent relationship with the side surface of the adjacent block, thus providing a better stability of the wall 2 5 in addition to improve the efficiency of the wall to retain earth, especially in the case of rain.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the top and the bottom surfaces 11, 21 are each provided with locking elements 7, 9 to allow said retaining wail block 1 to be stacked 3 o above other similar blocks to form a retaining wall.
In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 1 and 8, the locking elements 7, 0 include a tongue 7 projecting transversally on the top surface 11 of the retaining wall block 1 and a groove 9 extending transversally in the bottom surface 21 of the block 1 for receiving the tongue ~ of another similar block positioned below. The groove 9 must be wider than the tongue 7 for allowing an angular orientation of the block 1 with respect to the other similar block positioned below, as shown on Fig. 7.
Zo In a second preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the locking elements 7, 9 include a diamond-shaped connector 7 of a given width projecting centrally on the top surface 11 of the retaining wall block 1 and a groove 9 extending transversally in the bottom surface 21 of the block for receiving the diamond-shaped connector 7 of another similar block positioned below. The diamond-shaped connector 7 allows an angular orientation of the retaining wall block 1 with respect to the other one positioned below.
In a third preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the locking elements 7, 9 include two circular connectors 7 transversally and centrally aligned and projecting on 2 o the top surface 11 of the retaining wall block and a groove 9 extending transversally in the bottom surface 21 of the block 1 for receiving the circular connectors of others similar blocks positioned below for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the others positioned below.
In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig.
11, the retaining wall block 1 is hollow-shaped to make it lighter and thus easier to handle. In this illustrated embodiment, the locking elements 7, 9 include a partial tongue 7, as in the first preferred embodiment.
Obviously, any other types of suitable locking elements to retain the blocks in stacked relationship, such those known in the art, could be considered.
in practice, the retaining wall block is preferably made of concrete.
Moreover, its front surfiace 31 is preferably provided with a rough aspect, as can be seen in Figs.
1 and 3, thereby giving a better appearance to the retaining wail block 1 and consequently to the wall to be constructed.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the front surface 31 of the retaining wall block 1 to preferably has a top edge, a bottom edge and two sidE; edges which are all bevelled for providing an attractive look to the retaining wall block 1.
Fig. 2 shows a splittable block 10 comprising tvvo retaining wall blocks 1.
The two retaining wall blocks 1 have their front surfaces 31 in integral adjacent relationship. So, the two retaining wall blocks are separable by splitting their front surfaces 31, thereby giving a rough aspect to the front surfaces 31. Moreover, given the fact that the edges of the front surface 31 are bevelled, it becomes easier to split the block 10.
2 o Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
Zo In a second preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the locking elements 7, 9 include a diamond-shaped connector 7 of a given width projecting centrally on the top surface 11 of the retaining wall block 1 and a groove 9 extending transversally in the bottom surface 21 of the block for receiving the diamond-shaped connector 7 of another similar block positioned below. The diamond-shaped connector 7 allows an angular orientation of the retaining wall block 1 with respect to the other one positioned below.
In a third preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the locking elements 7, 9 include two circular connectors 7 transversally and centrally aligned and projecting on 2 o the top surface 11 of the retaining wall block and a groove 9 extending transversally in the bottom surface 21 of the block 1 for receiving the circular connectors of others similar blocks positioned below for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the others positioned below.
In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig.
11, the retaining wall block 1 is hollow-shaped to make it lighter and thus easier to handle. In this illustrated embodiment, the locking elements 7, 9 include a partial tongue 7, as in the first preferred embodiment.
Obviously, any other types of suitable locking elements to retain the blocks in stacked relationship, such those known in the art, could be considered.
in practice, the retaining wall block is preferably made of concrete.
Moreover, its front surfiace 31 is preferably provided with a rough aspect, as can be seen in Figs.
1 and 3, thereby giving a better appearance to the retaining wail block 1 and consequently to the wall to be constructed.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the front surface 31 of the retaining wall block 1 to preferably has a top edge, a bottom edge and two sidE; edges which are all bevelled for providing an attractive look to the retaining wall block 1.
Fig. 2 shows a splittable block 10 comprising tvvo retaining wall blocks 1.
The two retaining wall blocks 1 have their front surfaces 31 in integral adjacent relationship. So, the two retaining wall blocks are separable by splitting their front surfaces 31, thereby giving a rough aspect to the front surfaces 31. Moreover, given the fact that the edges of the front surface 31 are bevelled, it becomes easier to split the block 10.
2 o Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
Claims (17)
1. A retaining wall block for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall, said retaining wall block comprising a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges, and a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein:
- each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block; and - each of said opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, said clippable wings extending along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface.
- each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block; and - each of said opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, said clippable wings extending along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface.
2. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with locking elements including a tongue projecting transversally on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the tongue of another similar block positioned below, said groove being wider than said tongue for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the other similar block positioned below.
3. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with looking elements including a diamond-shaped connector of a given width projecting centrally on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the diamond-shaped connector of another similar block positioned below, said diamond-shaped connector allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the other one positioned below.
4. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with locking elements including two circular connectors transversally and centrally aligned and projecting on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the circular connectors of others similar blocks positioned below for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the others positioned below.
5. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein each clippable wing is provided with a notch parallel to the adjacent vertical edge of the block and extending along the corresponding side surface of the block for facilitating clipping of said wing from said vertical edge.
6. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein each of the clippable wings are provided with an external sloping contact surface positioned laterally with respect to the block, said sloping contact surface being in alignment with a portion of the adjacent V-shaped side surface that is opposite to the clippable wing on the same side surface so as to allow correct juxtaposition of the retaining wall blocks when at least one of the clippable wings is clipped.
7. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein each of said V-shaped side surfaces has an apex of about 160 degrees when seen in top or bottom plan view.
8. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein said front surface has a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges and said top, bottom and side edges are bevelled.
9. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein said block is hollow-shaped to make it lighter and thus easier to handle.
10. The retaining wall block according to claim 1, wherein said block is made of concrete.
11. A concrete retaining wall block for use to construct a straight, curved or serpentine wall, said retaining wall block comprising a front surface, a rear surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces defining four vertical edges, and a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein:
- said front surface has a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges and said top, bottom and side edges are bevelled;
- each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block, each of said V-shaped side surfaces when seen in top or bottom plan view; and each of said opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, said clippable wings extending along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface, each clippable wing being provided with a notch parallel to the adjacent vertical edge of the block and extending along the corresponding side surface of the block for facilitating clipping of said wing from said vertical edge, each of the clippable wings being provided with an external sloping contact surface positioned laterally with respect to the block, said sloping contact surface being in alignment with a portion of the adjacent V-shaped side surface that is opposite to the clippable wing on the same side surface so as to allow correct juxtaposition of the retaining wall blocks when at least one of the clippable wings is clipped.
- said front surface has a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges and said top, bottom and side edges are bevelled;
- each of the side surfaces is V-shaped and projects outwardly when seen in top or bottom plan view, thereby giving a general truncated diamond-shaped to the top and bottom surfaces of said block, each of said V-shaped side surfaces when seen in top or bottom plan view; and each of said opposite side surfaces is provided with two integral clippable wings, said clippable wings extending along the vertical edges of the corresponding side surface, respectively, each clippable wing projecting outwardly from the corresponding side surface so as to extend laterally at least as far away as the corresponding side surface, each clippable wing being provided with a notch parallel to the adjacent vertical edge of the block and extending along the corresponding side surface of the block for facilitating clipping of said wing from said vertical edge, each of the clippable wings being provided with an external sloping contact surface positioned laterally with respect to the block, said sloping contact surface being in alignment with a portion of the adjacent V-shaped side surface that is opposite to the clippable wing on the same side surface so as to allow correct juxtaposition of the retaining wall blocks when at least one of the clippable wings is clipped.
12. The retaining wall block according to claim 11, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with locking elements including a tongue projecting transversally on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the tongue of another similar block positioned below, said groove being wider than said tongue for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the other similar block positioned below.
13. The retaining wall block according to claim 12, wherein said block is hollow-shaped to make it lighter and thus easier to handle.
14. The retaining wall block according to claim 11, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with locking elements including a diamond-shaped connector of a given width projecting centrally on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the diamond-shaped connector of another similar block positioned below, said diamond-shaped connector allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the other one positioned below.
15. The retaining wall block according to claim 11, wherein the top and the bottom surfaces are each provided with locking elements including two circular connectors transversally and centrally aligned and projecting on the top surface of the block and a groove extending transversally in the bottom surface of the block for receiving the circular connectors of others similar blocks positioned below for allowing an angular orientation of the block with respect to the others positioned below.
16. A splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as defined in claim 1, said two retaining wall blocks having their front surfaces in integral adjacent relationship, said two retaining wall blocks being separable by splitting their front surfaces, thereby giving a rough aspect to said front surfaces.
17. A splittable block comprising two retaining wall blocks as defined in claim 11, said two retaining wall blocks having their front surfaces in integral adjacent relationship, said two retaining wall blocks being separable by splitting their front surfaces, thereby giving a rough aspect to said front surfaces.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2438565 CA2438565A1 (en) | 2003-08-27 | 2003-08-27 | Retaining wall block with clippable wings |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2438565 CA2438565A1 (en) | 2003-08-27 | 2003-08-27 | Retaining wall block with clippable wings |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2438565A1 true CA2438565A1 (en) | 2005-02-27 |
Family
ID=34230674
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2438565 Abandoned CA2438565A1 (en) | 2003-08-27 | 2003-08-27 | Retaining wall block with clippable wings |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2438565A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8141315B1 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2012-03-27 | Ridgerock Retaining Walls, Inc. | Modular wall block with block-locating jut and shear lug |
| US8882398B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2014-11-11 | Brampton Brick Limited | Retaining wall block and system |
| EP3647499A1 (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-05-06 | Francisco Javier Vidal Cavero | Concrete structure |
-
2003
- 2003-08-27 CA CA 2438565 patent/CA2438565A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8141315B1 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2012-03-27 | Ridgerock Retaining Walls, Inc. | Modular wall block with block-locating jut and shear lug |
| US8371086B1 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2013-02-12 | Ridgerock Retaining Walls, Inc. | Modular wall block with block-locating jut and shear lug |
| US8882398B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2014-11-11 | Brampton Brick Limited | Retaining wall block and system |
| EP3647499A1 (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-05-06 | Francisco Javier Vidal Cavero | Concrete structure |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6082933A (en) | Concrete block | |
| US6474036B2 (en) | Retaining wall block | |
| US5622456A (en) | Retaining wall blocks | |
| US7318764B2 (en) | 3-dimensional assembly | |
| US6398458B1 (en) | Mortarless retaining wall structure with improved lateral and longitudinal reinforcement for a vertical, set forward and/or set back retaining wall in whole or in part constructed by utilizing standardized blocks | |
| US7328537B2 (en) | Wall block, system and method | |
| US5154032A (en) | Building block system | |
| CA2114677C (en) | Block for constructing retaining wall | |
| EP1288385A1 (en) | Wall block with interlock | |
| US6115983A (en) | Block assembly and wall constructed therefrom | |
| US4695502A (en) | Interlocking landscape planking | |
| US20040102132A1 (en) | Construction toy formed of connectable components | |
| US20080244995A1 (en) | Wall Assembly | |
| US7351015B2 (en) | Invertible retaining wall block | |
| HU218243B (en) | Paving stone set | |
| US20040159065A1 (en) | Retaining wall block | |
| CA2438565A1 (en) | Retaining wall block with clippable wings | |
| GB2054393A (en) | Model building tiles | |
| GB2370239A (en) | Toy building blocks. | |
| US20020026759A1 (en) | Stockade | |
| WO2000056415A1 (en) | A module for buidling a toy structure | |
| US7090438B2 (en) | Block with multifaceted bottom surface | |
| US7328535B1 (en) | Pivotable interlock block connector | |
| US20070175161A1 (en) | Interlocking block | |
| AU2006249237A1 (en) | Block |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |