CZ20011511A3 - Manually breakable block - Google Patents

Abstract

A manually breakable block (21) comprising a first block component (22), a second block component (23) and a manually breakable bridging means (24) connecting the first block component (22) to the second block component (23). The manually breakable bridging means (24) is manually breakable so as to separate the first block component (22) and the second block component (23) by application of a manual levering action on one block component relative to the other block component. The manually breakable block (21) of the present invention may be manually broken into at least two block components which may be used to build structures such as walls or the like.

Description

Technical field

I-ii.

The invention generally relates to a block which can be manually broken into at least two blocks that can be used to build buildings such as walls and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stackable and interconnectable bricks for building walls or similar structures without the use of mortar are known in the art.

For example, PCT International Application No. PCT / CA 96/00348 (International Publication No. WO 96/38636, disclosing the date of publication of December 5, 1996) discloses wall building blocks that can be stacked and interconnected, without being held together by a coupling agent such as h for example mortar. These blocks have an upper face which is provided with a tongue-like element and a lower face which is provided with a groove-like element. Both of these elements are arranged such that when stacking the blocks, the lower face of each block occupies with the upper face of an underlying block located below it, while the upper face of each block occupies with the lower face of a similar block located above it.

• ·

As described in the above-mentioned PCT patent application, these blocks can be obtained by mechanically splitting a base block representing a pair of such blocks connected at their front faces, the front faces being delimited by a splitting line extending from the upper groove to the lower groove. .

The problems with the above-mentioned base blocks are that they have to be mechanically split by pressing a splitting device consisting of a blade or a knife against one of said grooves, which requires a considerable pressure. The mechanical cleavage of similar base blocks requires very demanding machinery, which is expensive, requires proper and frequent maintenance, and must also be operated by several workers for whom it presents a certain hazard.

Another difficulty is that the type of blocks thus obtained has a front face which inevitably has the appearance of a broken stone, which may not be desirable in all circumstances.

Other breakable blocks are also known which require the use of splitting or separating tools, such as chisels, chisels or machinery, such as splitting or splitting devices, for the purpose of splitting them into several separate blocks.

In this connection reference may be made, for example, to U.S. Pat. Nos. 697,914 (Griffin), US 1,872,522 (Stuckey),

US 4,335,549 (Dean), US 5,496,129 (Dube), US 5,598,679 (Orton et al.) And US 5,688,079 (Bolduc et al.), As well as EP-A-0 733 752 and DE. -C-826 062, which disclose further frangible blocks.

It would be advantageous to develop a breakable block having an arrangement such that block splitting machinery is not required to break the block.

In particular, it would be advantageous to develop such a frangible block that could easily be separated manually by hand

- locally, - without the use of cutting tools or equipment.

It would also be advantageous to provide a manually breakable block, the breakage of which would result in block portions having a smooth frontal wall surface area.

In particular, it would be advantageous to develop a manually breakable block that would provide block portions with a smooth front wall surface and which could be manufactured using conventional machinery and corresponding molds.

It would also be advantageous to develop a manually breakable block that provides block portions, and wherein the frangible linking bridging means could maintain and protect the smooth surface area of the front wall of each block portion from rubbing against the other block portion during handling and transportation.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manually breakable block comprising a first block portion, a second block portion, and a manually breakable coupling means connecting the first block portion and the second block portion. These manually breakable connecting means may be manually broken to separate the first block portion 1

| and a second block portion by means of manual prying, which acts on one block portion with respect to the other block portion _. .

In accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable coupling means may, for example, comprise a manually breakable connecting bridge portion.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, each block portion may comprise a front wall region and a back wall region, wherein the manually breakable bridging portion may, for example, connect the rear wall regions.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, each block portion may comprise a tongue portion for interconnecting and a groove portion for interconnecting, wherein the manually breakable linking bridge portion may be disposed centrally between the tongue portion for interconnecting and the groove portion for interconnecting each block part.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable bridging portion may be positioned adjacent the tongue portions for interconnection.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable bridging portion may be positioned adjacent the groove portion for interconnection.

In accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable bridging portion may, for example, connect the exposed areas of the front face.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the exposed front face region may comprise a front wall smooth surface portion and a front wall rough surface portion, wherein the manually breakable bridging portion may, for example, connect the front wall rough surface portions.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, both the first block portion and the second block portion may comprise a heel portion and a ledge or terrace portion, wherein the manually breakable linking bridge portion may be positioned, for example, midway between the ledge or terrace portion and the heel portion. .

For example, in accordance with the present invention, each front wall smooth surface portion may be divided by a front wall rough surface portion.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable bridging portion may be positioned adjacent to the cornice or terraced portions.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable connecting bridge portion may be positioned adjacent the heel portions.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable block may comprise a pair of notched notches arranged to define a break line along which the manually breakable connecting bridge portion may be broken.

In accordance with the present invention can _? for example, the manually breakable block comprises a third block portion and a second manually breakable connecting bridge portion connecting the second block portion and the third block portion.

In accordance with the present invention. For example, the manually breakable coupling means may comprise a manually breakable coupling portion.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the frangible connection portion may connect the exposed areas of the rear face.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable connecting portion may be disposed adjacent the tongue portion for interconnection.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the first and second block portions may each comprise an upper end surface and a lower end surface opposed to the upper end surface, wherein the manually breakable connecting portion may, for example, connect , • *. »,» •;

• · · · · *..............

a lower front surface of the first block portion and an upper front surface of the second block portion.

In accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable connecting portion may, for example, connect the exposed areas of the front face.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, the manually breakable connecting portion may be disposed adjacent the heel portions.

In accordance with the present invention, the pair of notched notches may be arranged to define a fault line along which the manually breakable connecting portion may be broken.

Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manually breakable block comprising a first block portion, a second block portion, and a manually breakable coupling means, wherein each first block portion and the second block portion have a exposed front face area and a exposed back area. a frontal surface, wherein said exposed frontal surface region is vertically offset downwardly relative to the exposed rearal surface region,

each block portion comprising an upper end face and an opposing lower end face, said upper end face defining a tongue portion for engagement with each other, and said lower end face defining a groove portion for engagement and a foot portion, said manually breakable connecting means connecting

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said first block portion and said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion, and said manually breakable coupling means are arranged such that said manually breakable coupling means acts as a pivot point around which the block part may be forced to slide with respect to the other block portion, said manually breakable coupling means being bold broken to separate said first block portion and said second block portion by hand levering one of said block portions relative to the other block portion, said hand levering comprising gripping one grip member selected from the group comprising tongue portions for engagement with one another and a foot portion of the first block portion, and another grip member selected from the group comprising tongue interlock component and the foot portion of the second block portion, the block portion may be constrained to move around said pivot point relative to the other block component.

F

Ϊ

Said hand-breakable coupling means comprise a manually breakable bridging portion.

Said manually breakable bridging portion connects one of said exposed face regions of said first block portion with one of said exposed face regions of said second block portion.

• it • « • to · to · • it ·· ' • ·> • · • this · · ' • do it ··, this • to '· to to · • • ·· • · • · • to · • this ·· • · ·· ' • · • · • ··· • · · • · · · to ·

Said manually breakable linking bridge portion connects the exposed rear face area of said first block portion with the exposed rear face area of said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion, and said manually breakable linking bridge portion are arranged such that said · *, the bridging part is manually breakable for separation

said first block portions and said second block portions. part by hand lever comprising grasping the heel portion of one block portion and the heel portion of another block portion, wherein the block portion may be forced to move about said pivot point relative to the other block portion.

Said manually breakable bridging portion is located centrally between said tongue portion for interconnection and said groove portion for interconnecting each said block portion.

The manually breakable block of the present invention preferably comprises a pair of notched notches positioned to define a fault line along which the manually breakable linking portion is manually breakable.

Said manually breakable coupling means comprises a manually breakable coupling part.

Said manually breakable coupling portion connects one of said exposed face regions of said first block portion with one of said exposed face regions of said second block portion.

Said manually breakable coupling portion connects the exposed front face area of said first block portion with said exposed front face area of said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion, and said manually breakable connecting portion are arranged such that said the manually breakable coupling portion is manually breakable to separate said first block portion and said second block portion by hand levering, comprising gripping a tongue portion to connect one block portion and a tongue portion to connect another block portion to each other, the block portion being forced to moving about said pivot point relative to the other block portion.

Each said front face region comprises a front wall smooth surface portion and a front wall rough surface portion, said manually breakable connecting portion joining said front wall rough surface portions.

Each said front wall smooth surface portion is divided by said front wall rough surface portion.

The manually breakable block according to the invention preferably comprises a pair of notched notches arranged to define a break line along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable.

• · ·

The upper face of each of said block portions defines a cornice or terrace portion, said manually breakable connecting portion being located adjacent said cornice or terrace portion.

The manually breakable block according to the invention preferably comprises a pair of notched notches arranged to define a break line along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable.

Preferably, the manually breakable block of the present invention comprises a third block portion and a second manually breakable linking bridge portion connecting said second block portion and said third block portion.

Said manually breakable connecting portion connects said lower face of said first block portion and said upper face of said second block portion.

The manually breakable block according to the invention further preferably comprises a pair of notched notches arranged to define a break line along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable.

For the purposes of the following description, it should be noted that the term "manually breakable" means that it is manual breakage by hand, for example, as will be explained in more detail below.

It should also be noted that the term " hand lever " means that the block portions may exhibit a lever function, and may even amplify the force applied to them.

For example, the block portions may be rotated about a longitudinal axis which passes through the manually breakable linking bridging means and which acts as a pivot point.

For example, the respective portion of each block portion may be gripped by hand, either directly or indirectly, and a force may be exerted on the block portion either inwardly so that the block portions are pressed against each other or outwardly so that they are the block portions are pulled away from each other.

Thus, a tension is exerted at the location of the manually breakable fasteners which outperforms their strength, i. cohesiveness in the fault line, causing the breakage of the manually breakable fasteners and subsequent breakage

I separate the block parts from each other.

For example, the portions of each block portion that may be gripped may be different, i.e., the upper portion of the first block portion and the lower portion of the second block portion may be gripped when the respective portions are either pressed toward each other or stretched apart.

and

As mentioned above, the manually breakable coupling means may, for example, comprise a manually breakable joining bridge portion that connects the block parts at a certain distance from each other. For example, the manually breakable coupling means may comprise a manually breakable coupling part. In such a case, the manually breakable coupling part can connect the block parts so that they are aligned with each other, that is to say they are directly supported on or adjacent to each other.

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It should be emphasized that the manually breakable coupling means are arranged to facilitate manual breakage of the manually breakable coupling means and to provide strength or consistency to keep the block parts in contact during transport and handling before they are separated from each other.

The cohesion of the manually breakable fasteners may vary depending on the material used to form the manually breakable block.

The manually breakable block may be made, for example, of concrete, clay, gravel, aggregate or other suitable material, such as a moldable material, adapted to be broken. For example, the manually breakable block may be made of a concrete mix containing 61% sand, 27% gravel or aggregate, 8% cement and 2% additives.

The cohesiveness of the block portion of the frangible block - it may have a manually frangible block is such that it does not fall off during the breaking of the hand fasteners. The hand-symmetrical shape passing vertically manually through the bridging means in their frangible block may also have an asymmetrical face.

breakable with respect to the longitudinal plane, by a breakable connecting center point. However, manually have other arrangements, so

It should be emphasized that the term "exposed area front

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The end face refers to the surface area of the block portion that is generally exposed when a building, such as a wall or the like, is constructed using a plurality of said block portions.

It should also be pointed out that the term "smooth surface area" refers to a surface area having the appearance given by the mold. The surface area given by the mold may be smooth, that is, it may have a uniform appearance as opposed to the appearance

- broken stone. The block portions obtained in accordance with the present invention may have a exposed front face area that includes a front wall smooth surface portion that partially or completely covers the front wall region of the block portion.

In some cases, as noted above, the front wall smooth surface portion obtained after breaking the manually breakable block may have a front wall rough surface portion. In some cases, the front wall smooth surface portion may be divided by a front wall rough surface portion.

's i

It should also be pointed out that the term "notch" means a notch or notch forming a line or groove on a surface that, by creating a non-continuous surface, locates the breakpoint at the breakpoint, allowing regular break along the break line defined by the pair notch notches.

• · «·

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of examples of specific embodiments thereof, the description of which will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art base block;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 3A is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 2 shown during break-up;

Fig. 3B is a side elevational view of the exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 2 shown during break-up;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing the manually breakable bridging means of the exemplary block of Fig. 3;

~ -rig. 4A is an enlarged view of the manually breakable bridging means of FIG. 3 showing three different exemplary arrangements of the manually breakable bridging means;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 6 shown during breakage;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a pair of block portions obtained by breaking the exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the hand-breakable linking bridging means of the exemplary block of Fig. 10;

-giant. 12 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary breakable block embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 9 shown during breakage;

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 9 showing an alternative break-up method;

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of a block portion formed by breakage of the exemplary block of Fig. 9;

Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of a pair of block portions obtained by breaking the exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 9;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a wall or wall comprising stacked block portions, such as the block portions shown in Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a block according to the present invention;

-giant. 20 is a plan view of the mold used to form the exemplary block of FIG. 9;

Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a block according to the present invention;

Fig. 22 is a side elevational view of the block portions obtained by breaking the exemplary embodiment of the block of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a block according to the present invention;

Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of the block portions obtained by breaking the exemplary block shown in Fig. 23; and Fig. 25 is a side elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a block according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the base block 10 is shown in the above-mentioned PCT International Patent Application.

The base block 10 comprises a pair of blocks 11 'and 12 which are connected at their front faces, the front faces being defined by a cleavage line extending from the upper groove 13 to the lower groove 14. Each of the blocks 11 and 12 has a respective upper face 15 comprising a tongue element 16 for interconnection and a cornice or terrace element 17, and a respective lower face 18 comprising a groove element 19 for interconnection and a heel element 20.

The tongue element 16 for interconnection and the groove element 19 for interconnection can be arranged such that

- 19 Dec • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · • · 4 · 4 • · · · ················ when they are blocks 11 and 12 stacked one on second, can lower face 18 block 11 abut on upper frontal area 15 block 12, placed underneath, taking upper frontal

the surface 15 of the block 11 may abut the lower face 18 of the upper block.

2 and 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 according to the present invention.

The hand-breakable block 21 comprises a first block portion 22, a second block portion 23, and a manually breakable jumper portion 24 that connects the first block portion 22 and a second block portion 23. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the manually breakable jumper bridging means is formed by a manually breakable a connecting bridge portion 24 connecting the first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23. Since the first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 are substantially similar after separation from each other, their components will be designated by the same reference numerals.

Each block portion, i. the first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 comprise a first side face 25 and a second side face 26 which are opposed to the first side face ₍ face 25). Each block portion 22 and 23 includes an upper face 27 that extends longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face 26 6. The upper face 27 defines a tongue portion 28 for interconnection, a cornice or terrace portion 29, and a first intermediate face 30 that connects the tongue portion 28 for interconnection with the cornice or a corrugated or terraced portion 29; terrace part 29.

·. · · ♦ ··· ·· ···· area 27, area

The lower face extends 25 to the second side

31, longitudinally opposed to the first upper front side face of the heel face defines a groove portion 32 for the portion 33 and a second intermediate front face.

26.

The lower front interconnection connects the groove portion 32 for the mutual portion 33.

area 34, which connects and heels

The exposed front face region 35 extends longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face? The exposed front face area 35 connects the ledge or terraced portion 29 of the upper face 27 and the heel portion 33 of the lower face 31. The exposed front face area 35 includes an exposed front wall smooth surface portion 36.

In the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown herein, the front wall smooth surface portion 36 substantially completely covers the front face area 35, that is, the front face area 35 has a generally smooth surface. The exposed front face area 35 is offset vertically downwardly relative to the tongue portion 28 for engagement with each other (as well as the estimated rear face area 37).

-Each block part, ie. the first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 also includes a revealed area 37 of the rear face. This exposed rear face region 37 extends longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face 2,6. The exposed area 37 of the rear face connects the groove portion 32 to connect the bottom face to each other.

• ♦♦ i • Φ · · · · · · · · · · ·

98 9 9 9999

9 9 9 9 9 99

9 -9 9 9 9 99 »999 99 9 · 999 999999 surface 31 and tongue portion 28 for connecting the top face 27 together.

The exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown here is arranged so that the rear face regions 37 face each other. Each revealed rear face region 37 includes a revealed rear wall smooth surface portion 38, which in the exemplary embodiment shown herein is divided into two portions by a manually breakable bridging portion 24, i.e. both above and below the manually breakable bridging portion 24.

The manually breakable bridging portion 24 extends longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face 26. However, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 may, for example, be shorter or discontinuous, that is, it may be formed by two or more spaced bridge bridges. connecting sections.

As can be seen in the figures, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 connects the exposed rear face areas 37, that is, a portion of each exposed rear-face area 37 is hidden by the manually breakable bridging section 24. The hidden portion becomes visible only if the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 is broken, as will be described in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the manually breakable bridge web portion 24 is positioned centrally between the groove portion 32 for interconnection and the tongue-like connection.

4 ' • 4 • · 4 • 4 ·· • 4 4 • 4 ^: • 4 4 · 4. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 '4 • 4 • 4 4 4 • 4 4 4 · • • 4 · 4 4 4 4. • • • 4 ·· ··· ·· 4 4 4 4

parts 28 for interconnecting each of the block parts 22 and 23.

However, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 may be located anywhere between the groove portion 32 to connect to each other and the tongue portion 28 to connect each of the block portions 22 and 23 to each other.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24 of the exemplary manually breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

As can be seen, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 includes a first notch notch 39a that is positioned between the manually breakable bridging portion 24 and the exposed rear wall smooth surface portion 38 adjacent the tongue portion 28 to connect the first block portion 22 together.

The second notch notch 39b is positioned opposite the first notch notch 39a between the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 and the exposed rear wall smooth surface portion 38 near the groove portion 32 to connect the first block portion 22 together.

The notch notch 39a and the second notch notch 39b form a first pair of opposed notch notches which define a first break line, as shown by the dashed line indicated by reference numeral A.

A third notch 39c is positioned between the manually breakable jumper portion 24 and the exposed rear BB. &Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; &quot; &lt; / RTI &gt; Β Β Β '

Β ,. Β Β Β Β Β · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·. A wall smooth surface portion 38 near the tongue portion 28 for interconnecting the second block portion 23.

The fourth notch notch 39d is positioned opposite the third notch notch 39c between the manually breakable bridging web portion 24 and the exposed rear wall smooth surface portion 38 near the groove portion 32 to connect the second block portion 23 together.

The third notch slit 39c and the fourth notch notch 39d form a second pair of opposed scoring _notches? which define a second fault line, represented by a dashed line, indicated by reference numeral B.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, said notch cuts 39a, 39b, 39c and 39d extend longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face 26, i.e. along the manually breakable bridge web portion 24.

Although the exemplary embodiment shown here is provided with notched notches 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d, the manually breakable block 21 can alternatively also be formed without these notches.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24 shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

As mentioned above, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 is configured to assist in manual breakage thereof, while at the same time providing sufficient strength or cohesiveness to hold the first

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the block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 together during transportation or handling of the manually breakable block 21.

As mentioned above, the cohesion of the manually breakable bridge web 24 may vary depending on the material of the manually breakable block 21. As a result, the manually breakable bridge web 24 will have dimensions that vary on the material used and its material composition.

For example, in the case where the manually breakable block 21 is formed from a concrete mixture comprising 61% sand, 27% gravel, 8% cement and 2% additives, the manually breakable jumper portion 24 may have the following dimensions. These dimensions are given for the manually breakable bridging portion 24 extending from one side face to the other as shown in the figures. The dimensions of the manually breakable bridge web 24 may vary if the manually breakable bridge web 24 is shorter or discontinuous, as discussed above.

It should be noted that these dimensions are given with respect to an exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 having 150 mm heights, indicated by the arrow P in Fig. 3, a block section thickness of 65 mm indicated by the arrow Q, and a length of 230 mm, which is measured between the first side face 25 and the second side face 26. The above dimensions are given by way of example only.

and

As shown in FIG. 4A, the manually breakable jumper portion 24 has a length that is &quot; &quot;

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9.9

9 9 9 9 9 9 99 99 9 9 99 9 9 99 9 9 99 99 marked with the arrow L, and which can advantageously vary up to a size of about 55 mm. The length L may preferably be 8 mm.

The manually breakable bridging portion 24 has a thickness that is measured at the break line between the upper surface and the lower surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the manually breakable block 21 comprises two such lines, which are indicated by arrows which are indicated by the reference numerals T _A and T _B. The thickness at one fault line may vary from 4 mm to 25 mm, preferably having a size of 6 mm.

The thickness at the first fracture line T _A and the thickness at the second fracture line T _B may be similar as shown herein. However, the thickness at the first break line T _A and the thickness at the second break line T _B may be varied if the manually breakable linking portion 24 is manually breakable at one break line. The manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 may be broken at the remaining break line by a hand tool such as a hammer.

The thickness of the manually breakable bridge component 24 between the two break lines, indicated by the arrow which is oznapena numeral T _c is greater than the thickness of the manually breakable bridge component 24 at the break line "in the case where there are more than one fault line, or on the break line, which is thicker when there are two break lines that have different thicknesses. The thickness T _c may preferably be 1.4 times greater than the thickness of the break line T _A or T _B. In the illustrated embodiment can have a thickness T _c, preferably 12 mm.

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The manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 may have any arrangement that allows it to be broken by hand. For example, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 may have an arrangement that is represented by a solid line D. However, the manually breakable bridging portion 24 may also have an arrangement that is shown by a dashed line E or a dashed line F.

The exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown in Figure 3 may be broken as follows.

The first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 may be gripped manually, for example, around their respective foot portions 33. The block portions 22 and 23 may be gripped directly or indirectly. Manual prying can be applied by pushing on the block portions 22 and 23 to direct the heel portions 33 towards each other as indicated by the arrow 13A. In this case, the block portions 22 and 23 may act as levers and may even amplify the force exerted upon them.

The manual prying produces, for example, a tension around the first oak notch 39a, which overcomes the cohesive force of the manually breakable bridge web 24 at the first break line. The block portions 22 and 23 rotate about the longitudinal axis of the manually breakable bridge web 24 which acts rotation. Breakage of the manually breakable bridge web 24 along the break line from the first notch 39a to the second notch 39b occurs along with the subsequent separation of the first block portion 22 from the second block portion 23 as shown in Figure 3A.

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Alternatively, the hand force may be externally applied to the block portions 22 and 23, i.e. in the direction of the arrows 13B, so that the block portions 22 and 23 are pulled away from each other. The tension thus generated will exert a tension around the second notch notch 39b, causing the manually breakable bridge web portion 24 to break from the second notch notch 39b along the first break line to the first notch notch 39a and subsequently separating the block portions 22 and 23 from each other.

The gripping portion may be different for each block portion, i.e., the upper portion of the first block portion 22 and the lower portion of the second block portion 23 may be gripped when the respective portions are either pressed against each other or expanded from each other.

As shown in FIG. 3A, breaking of the manually breakable bridging portion 24 reveals a rough surface portion 40 on the manually breakable bridging portion 24 and a rear wall rough surface portion 41 on the first block portion 22 where it was manually a frangible connecting bridge portion 24 is attached.

In the case where the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 or its part remains attached to one of the block portions 22 and 23, it may be removed by insulting or cutting off, for example using a hammer. For example, the user may insult the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 by striking in the direction of arrow 14A, causing the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 to break along the second break line and removing the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24 or its attachment portion from the second block portion 23 as shown. 3B.

I .i

9 ·

9, r • Λ, ”

Other suitable means may also be used for the purpose of separating the manually breakable bridging portion 24 or a portion thereof that remains attached to one of the block portions.

Due to the breakage of the manually breakable block 21, block portions of the type described in the above-mentioned PCT International Patent Application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, can be obtained.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 of the present invention, the configuration of which differs from that of the block shown in FIG. 2 in that the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24b is disposed adjacent to a tongue-like portion 28 for interconnecting each block portion 22 and 23.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the exposed rear wall smooth surface portion 38 of each rear face area 37 is not divided by the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24b.

'-First notched recess 39a' and a third notch slit 39c 'are disposed between the manually breakable bridge component 24b and the tongue-like portion 28 for interconnection with the respective block portions 22 and 23, while the second notched recess 39b' and the fourth notch ^of the notch 39d located between the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24b and the rear

a wall rough surface portion 36 of the respective block portion; and 23.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 of the present invention, the configuration of which differs from previous block embodiments in that the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24c is disposed adjacent to the groove portion 32 for interlocking with each other. each of the block portions 22 and 23.

As in the exemplary embodiment of the manually broken block shown in Figure 5, the rear wall smooth surface portion 38 of each rear wall region 37 is not separated by the manually broken link bridge portion 24c.

The first notch notch 39a '' and the third notch notch 39c '' are located between the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24c and the rear wall smooth surface portion 38 of the respective block portions 22 and 23, while the second notch notch 39b ' ^z and the fourth notch notch 39d ^z '. are located between the manually breakable connecting bridge portion 24c and the groove portion 32 for interconnecting the respective block portion 22a 23.

The manually breakable block 21 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. -6 can be broken as follows.

The first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 are hand gripped, for example, around their respective heel portions 33, wherein manual prying is performed by pushing on the block portion.

and 23 to direct the heel portions 33 to each other. * · ·> Φ »· ····· · · φ.

I '· «' · '· · * i Φ · ·! ·>

9 '·· · ·' ►. ··· · · φΐ · · · ·. · · · Φ φ · φ ·! Φ · · φ. φ φ. φ φ.

• ΦΦΦ ·· ·> ··· · ·. ···· to each other as shown by arrows 16A. For example, the manual pry generates tension around the first notch 39A '' which overcomes the cohesive force and the first break line and causes the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24c to break along the first break line from the first notch notch 39a '' to the second notch notch 39b ''. subsequently separating the first block portion 22 from the second block portion 23, as shown in FIG. 7.

A similar result can be achieved by gripping each of the block portions 22 and 23 around the respective tongue portion 28 for interconnection and by pulling on the block portions 22 and 23 to direct the tongue portions 28 for interconnection relative to each other as shown by arrows 16B on FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, breaking of the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24c reveals a rough surface portion 40 'on the manually breakable jumper bridge portion 24c and a rear wall rough surface portion 41' on the block portion 22 where the manually breakable jumper bridge portion the portion 24c attached.

The manually breakable bridging portion 24c can then be removed by insulting or snapping it off, as described above with respect to FIG. 3A.

Referring to FIG. 8, the block portions 22 and 23, obtained by breaking the exemplary embodiment of the hand-held block 9999 of the breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 3, are shown.

As mentioned above, the block portions 22 and 23 are substantially the same after separation. The orientation of the first block portion 22 has been inverted laterally so that its second side face 26 now faces the plane of the drawing. As can be seen here, the first block portion 22 is positioned above the second block portion 23 in communication with each other. The front wall smooth surface portion 36 completely covers the front wall region 35 of each block portion 22 and 23, while the respective area 37 &apos; The rear wall comprises a smooth surface portion 38 separated by a coarse surface portion 41.

Figures 9 and 10 show yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block according to the present invention.

In this case, the manually breakable coupling portion 24d connects the respective revealed front face areas 35, that is, the revealed rear face areas 37 are not joined by the manually breakable coupling portion 24d. The exposed front face regions 35 face each other. The manually breakable connecting portion 24d is disposed adjacent to the ledge or terraced portion 29 of each block portion 22 and 23. \

Each exposed front face area 35 comprises a exposed smooth surface portion 36 which is located below the manually breakable connecting portion 24d and a coarse surface portion that is covered by the manually breakable connecting portion 24d. However, the exposed front face region 35 is exposed

«'· • it to · • • this • to ¹ · ». tjto · - to '' «'' it to • • · '· It this* to.i to * t • it • ·! To '· it • it to it- to- · • · it it ♦ it · * · »· it·,":·

fully exposes when the block portions 22 and 23 are separated, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the manually breakable connecting portion 24d of the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 10.

The manually breakable coupling portion 24d is provided with a pair of notched notches 43 and 44 that are opposed to each other in an upward and downward orientation. These notches 43 and 44 extend longitudinally from the first side face 25 to the second side face 26, as seen in Figure 9. The notches 43 and 44 define a fault line extending from the first notch 43 to the a second notched notch 44, as indicated by the dashed line, wherein the manually breakable connecting portion 24d can be broken along this fault line.

FIG. 12 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 of the present invention, the configuration of which differs from the embodiment of the manually breakable block shown in FIG. 9 in that the manually breakable connecting portion 24d is disposed adjacent to the foot portion 33 of each block portion 22 and 23. The respective front wall smooth surface portions 36 are located above the manually breakable connecting portion 24d.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 of the present invention, which differs from the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 of the present invention.

···· 9 «9 4 4:44 * ·· · · 4'4 4. 4 4 4

4 444 4 444 4 44 44 4 of a breakable block shown in the figures of FIG. 9 and FIG.

12, in that the manually breakable coupling portion 24d is located at the center, i.e. equidistantly between the ledge or terrace portion 29 and the heel portion 33 of each block portion 22 and 23.

However, the manually breakable connecting portion 24d may be located anywhere between the ledge or terrace portion 29 and the heel portion 33. The front wall smooth surface portion 36 of each block portion 22 and 23 is divided by the manually breakable connecting portion 24d, i.e. the front wall head the surface portion 36 is divided into two portions which are located both above and below the manually breakable connecting portion 24d.

As shown in Figure 14 above, the manually breakable block 21 can be broken by grasping each block portion 22 and 23 around its respective tongue portion 28 to connect to each other and by performing a manual levering in the direction of the arrows 14. After breaking manually the frangible connector portion 24d reveals a front wall rough surface portion 42 of each block portion 22 and 23.

A similar result can be achieved by gripping the block portions 22 and 23 by their respective foot portions 33 and by levering in the direction of the arrows 14B.

FIG. 15 illustrates another method of breaking a manually breakable block 21 onto a first block portion 22 and a second block portion 23.

• 4 ··· * ·· 4 ·, 9 4 • « • 4 • • • • 4 • • 4 • 4 4 4 * 4 • 4 4 4 • 4 4 • • 4 • 4 • 4 • • · • 4 · • 4 • 4 44 ·· • 4 • 4 44 · 4 4 • 44 4

The block portions 22 and 23 are gripped, for example, by their respective tongue-like parts 28 for interconnection, wherein the manual prying is performed by pulling the tongue-like parts 28 interconnected from each other in the direction of the arrows 15A.

A similar result can be obtained when the block portions 22 and 23 are gripped by their respective foot portions 33, by manually levering them by pressing the respective foot portions 33 together as shown by arrows 15B. _? .

As shown in FIG. 16, after detaching the block portions 22 and 23, the exposed front face area 35 then includes the exposed front wall smooth surface portion 36 and the front wall rough surface portion 42. The front wall rough surface portion 42 projects from the region. 35, and extends in the longitudinal direction from the first side face 25 to the second side face 26. Since the front wall rough surface portion 42 is formed by breaking the manually breakable connecting portion 24d, it has the appearance of a broken stone.

FIG. 17 shows a first block portion 22 and a second block portion 23, obtained by breaking the manually breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 10, which are placed in communication with each other. The lateral orientation of the second block portion 23 has been reversed by 180 ° so that the second side face 26 now faces the plane of the figure.

·········································· ····························

Figure 18 illustrates how several similar block portions 22 and 23, obtained by breaking the manually breakable block shown in Figure 10, can be stacked for the purpose of building a wall or similar structure without using a binder, such as for example mortar. As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the front wall rough surface portion 42 has the appearance of broken stone, while the front wall smooth surface portion 36 has a smooth appearance.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 'of the present invention comprising more than two block portions.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 19, the manually breakable block 21 / comprises a first block portion 49 coupled to the second block portion 50 via the manually breakable coupling means 51 in an arrangement similar to that of the manually breakable block shown in FIG. 10, that is, the manually breakable coupling means 51 connect the front face regions 35 of the first block portion 49 and the second block portion 50 adjacent their cornice or terrace portions.

and

However, the arrangement of the manually breakable block 21 'differs in that the third block part 52 is connected to the second block part 50 by means of the second manually breakable jumper bridge section 53, that is, the second manually breakable jumper bridge section 53 connects the exposed rear area 37 the faces of the second block portion 50 and the exposed area 37;

the rear face surfaces of the third block portion 52 near their groove portion 32 for interconnection.

The fourth block portion 54 is coupled to the third block portion 52 via a third manually breakable bridging portion 55. This third manually breakable bridging portion 55 connects the front face area 35 of the third block portion 52 and the front face area 35 of the fourth block portion 54 proximate their cornice or terraced parts thereof.

As shown in FIG. 20, the advantage of the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable blocks 21 shown in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13 is that they can be manufactured using conventional manufacturing machinery. and commonly known molds such that the machinery and molds are used to produce the base blocks described in the above-mentioned PCT International Patent Application, i.e. it is a splitting machine of the model V3-12F Vibrapac manufactured by Besser.

As shown in FIG. 20, a prior art mold modification needs to be made by inserting a protrusion 56 against a notch notch 43 within the mold to provide the front wall smooth surface portion 36 of the rear face 37 in the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 21 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 of the present invention.

The manually breakable bridging means are formed by the manually breakable connecting portion 24e. As mentioned above, the manually breakable coupling portion connects the rear face regions of the first block portion 22 and the second block portion 23 so that they are aligned with each other, that is, they are directly supported on or adjacent to each other.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the manually breakable connecting portion 24e then connects the rear face regions 37 of the block portions 22 and 23 near their respective tongue-like portions 28 for interconnection. Opposite notches 45 and 46 define a break line, shown by a dashed line, along which the manually breakable connecting portion 24e can be broken.

Figure 22 shows the block portions 22 and 23 obtained by breaking the exemplary manually breakable block 21 shown in Figure 21, the block portions 22 and 23 being arranged one above the other.

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 '' of the present invention.

The arrangement of the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 '' shown here differs from the above-described exemplary arrangements of the manually breakable blocks 21 in that the manually breakable coupling portion 24f connects the lower face 31 of the first block portion 22 and the upper face 27 of the second block portion 23.

More specifically, the manually breakable coupling portion 24f connects the second intermediate face 34 of the lower face 31 of the first block portion 22 and the first intermediate face 30 of the upper face 27 of the second block portion 23.

The manually frangible connector 24f is provided with a first notch notch 47 and a second notch notch 48 positioned opposite the first notch notch 47 to define a break line along which the manually frangible notch portion 24f may be broken.

FIG. 24 shows the block portions 22 and 23 obtained by breaking the exemplary embodiment of the manually breakable block 21 shown in FIG. 23, the block parts 22 and 23 being superimposed.

FIG. 25 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a manually breakable block 21 '' 'of the present invention.

-i /

The manually breakable connecting portion 24g connects the exposed frontal areas 35 of the block portions 22 and 23. The orientation of the first block portion 22 is reversed in the longitudinal direction as compared to the above described exemplary embodiments of the manually breakable blocks 21.

and

In other words, the upper face 27 of the first block portion 22 abuts the lower face 31 of the second block portion 23 and vice versa.

The first notch 47 is located near the region 35 of the front face of the first block portion 22 and the top face 27 of the second block portion 23.

The second notch 48 is positioned opposite the first notch 47 near the upper face 27 of the first block portion 22 and the front face region 35 of the second block portion 23.

Other advantages of the manually breakable blocks, such as the manually breakable blocks 21 shown in the figures of Figures 10, 12, 13 and 19, i.e., are provided with manually breakable linking bridge portions 24 connecting the areas 35 the front faces of each block portion 22 and 23 are characterized in that the front wall smooth surface portion 36 of each front face area 35 is protected against abrasion during handling and transportation, while being held intact and undamaged by manually breakable bridging bridges 24 which connect the front face regions 35 at a distance from each other.

Although specific embodiments of the manually breakable block according to the present invention have been described above and shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that the above description has been made by way of example only, and various other embodiments and arrangements can be made without to escape from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (7)

PATENT CLAIMS A manually breakable block comprising: a first block portion, a second block portion, and a manually breakable coupling means, wherein each first block portion and the second block portion have a revealed front face area and a revealed rear face area, said revealed portion; the area of the front face is offset vertically downwards relative to the exposed area • front-and rear _surfaces? . each block portion comprising an upper face and an opposing lower face, said upper face defining a tongue portion for engagement with each other, and said lower face defining a groove portion for engagement with the heel portion, said manually breakable connecting means connecting said first block portion and said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion, and said manually breakable coupling means are arranged such that said manually breakable coupling means acts as a pivot point around which the block part may be forced to slide relative to further block portions, said manually breakable coupling means being manually breakable so as to separate said first block part and said second block part by the action of a hand lever directed to one of said block portions relative to another block portion, said hand lever comprising grasping one grip member selected from the group comprising tongue-like portions for engaging and a foot portion of the first block part and another grip member selected from the group comprising a tongue portion for engaging with each other and a foot portion of the second block portion, wherein the block portion may be forced to move about said pivot point relative to the other block portion. 2. The manually breakable block of claim 1, wherein said manually breakable coupling means comprises a manually breakable joining bridge portion. 3. A manually breakable breakable block by connecting the bridges of said exposed areas of said front block portion of said surface. 4. Manually according to claim, said portion joining surfaces said to one of said exposed second block portions. a frangible block according to the areas of claim 2, manually one front 3, wherein said manually breakable bridging portion connects the exposed rear end region of said first block portion with the exposed rear end region of said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion and said manually the frangible connection bridge portion is arranged such that said manually frangible part is said to be manually breakable. The bridging portion is manually breakable to separate said first block portion and said second block portion by hand levering comprising gripping the heel portion of one block portion and the heel portion a further block portion, wherein the block portion may be forced to move about said pivot point relative to the other block portion. 5. The breakable block of claim 4, wherein said manually breakable linking bridge portion is located centrally between said tongue portion for interconnection and said groove portion for interconnecting each said block portion. 6. The manually breakable block according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a pair of notched notches positioned to define a fault line along which the manually breakable connecting bridge portion is manually breakable. 7. Manually breakable block according to claim 1, ..... j i c i se t that listed by hand breakable connecting means contain i by hand breakable in connecting part. 8. Manually breakable block according to claim 7, v y ‘z-- n a č u j i c i se t that listed by hand broken connecting part connects one of the above revealing a front surface region of said first block portion with one of said revealed front surface regions of said second block portion. ·· * · «· ř i • • · • · * • · • · ··· »· 9 E • • * • · ì · 6 9 • • • «I · • 99 «« • • · ·· • · · · «···· The hand-breakable block according to claim 8, wherein said manually breakable coupling portion connects the exposed front face area of said first block portion with said exposed front face area of said second block portion, said first block portion, said second block portion and said manually breakable connecting portion are arranged such that said manually breakable coupling portion is manually breakable to separate said first block portion and said second block portion by hand levering comprising grasping a tongue portion to connect one block portion and a tongue portion to connect another block portion to each other, wherein the block portion may be forced to move about said pivot point relative to the other block portion. 10. The breakable block of claim 9, wherein each said front face region comprises a front wall smooth surface portion and a front wall rough surface portion, said manually breakable connecting portion joining said front wall rough surface portions. 11. A breakable block according to claim 10, wherein each said front wall smooth surface portion is divided by said front wall rough surface portion. 12. The breakable block according to claim 11, comprising a pair of notched notches arranged to define a break line along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable. 13. The breakable block according to claim 10, wherein the top face of each said block portion defines a cornice or a terraced portion, said by hand breakable the connecting part is placed nearby listed rims or terraced parts. 1A. Manually breakable block according to claim _? . 13, mark i is that that it contains a pair notched notches arranged to define a break line along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable. 15. The breakable block of claim 1, comprising a third block portion and a second manually breakable linking bridge portion connecting said second block portion and said third block portion. A manually breakable characterized breakable block connecting portion according to claim 1, wherein said block 7, by hand the surface of said surface of said joins the portions of said lower frontal 17. Manually first block second block parts. said top face frangible characterized by t notched slots, arranged block according to claim 16 that contains a pair to define the 'fault line, i m, ^r B • * 1 B · • · • (B) IN' Ť · .. 4. · Β B * B · "and B ‘ B ·· 9 B 9 « • • • B (B) (B) • »B * • • B ' (B) (B) 9 · B ··. · • • · ' (B) ·. • Β Β · along which said manually breakable connecting portion is breakable.