EP0267334A1 - Improved interlocking building block - Google Patents
Improved interlocking building block Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0267334A1 EP0267334A1 EP86308831A EP86308831A EP0267334A1 EP 0267334 A1 EP0267334 A1 EP 0267334A1 EP 86308831 A EP86308831 A EP 86308831A EP 86308831 A EP86308831 A EP 86308831A EP 0267334 A1 EP0267334 A1 EP 0267334A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- block
- web
- sidewalls
- webs
- blocks
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- E04B2/42—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities
- E04B2/52—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities the walls being characterised by fillings in some of the cavities forming load-bearing pillars or beams
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- 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
- E04B2/42—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities
- E04B2/44—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities using elements having specially-designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls
- E04B2/46—Walls having cavities between, as well as in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts, kept in distance by means of spacers, at least one of the parts having cavities using elements having specially-designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls by interlocking of projections or inserts with indentations, e.g. of tongues, grooves, dovetails
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- 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
- E04B2002/0206—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections of rectangular shape
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- 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
- E04B2002/0226—Non-undercut connections, e.g. tongue and groove connections with tongues and grooves next to each other on the end surface
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to construction materials and, more particularly, to a mortarless wall block of an improved type.
- interlocking blocks have been devised in the past to facilitate block laying.
- most such blocks are very expensive to produce since the interlocking portions, usually grooves and protrusions, normally are sawed into or otherwise fashioned in the blocks after they are initially formed by molding.
- those interlocking blocks in which the interlocking components are initially molded usually are very difficult to mold to acceptably close tolerances.
- the design of the block should be such that it can be readily moulded and released from the forming mold with full detail preserved, obviating any subsequent reshaping, finishing, etc.
- the block should be easily strengthened with reinforcing bars, if needed, and be capable of being fabricated in a full array of sizes and shapes.
- the block includes a pair of parallel sidewalls interconnected by preferably a plurality of spaced parallel transverse webs extending from the bottom of the sidewalls to above the top thereof and dividing the block into cells.
- the webs and sidewalls are tapered from bottom to top in that they have at least one non-vertical upraised side.
- at least one of the two raised sides of the web includes a central concavity at the upper end thereof tapering down linearly or not linearly to a complementary convexity at the central lower end thereof.
- the thickness of the web at the midpoint of that side is about equal to one-half of the combined thicknesses of the web at any two points along that center and equidistant from that midpoint, i.e., above and below that midpoint. Therefore, the mass of the web is balanced, the block has increased stability, the web pres ents a larger surface area for connection to cement poured into a cell, and the block more easily releases from a single forming mold during its fabrication.
- the convexities and concavities can be triangular, rectangular, dish-shaped or the like.
- the webs preferably each have a plurality of spaced slits parallel to the sidewalls and extending down into the web from the top of the sidewalls a distance equal or greater than the thickness of a reinforcing bar which could be placed longitudinally in the block. If it is desired to use such bars, the appropriate knock-off portions defined in the webs by the slits are broken away and the reinforcing bars are laid in their place. Certain slits can also separate the upper ends of the web from the sidewalls and are useful for providing knock-off portions for insertion of two parallel reinforcing bars to compensate for bending stresses in certain structural locations.
- the blocks can be designed to interlock at their opposite ends by means of tongues and grooves or the like, to form courses. No mortar is needed.
- the courses may be disposed upon each other without the use of mortar, with the blocks in one course staggered with respect to those of the adjacent courses.
- the upper portions of the webs of blocks in a given course are positioned to point contact the underside of the webs of the course next above to interlock the blocks and courses together.
- the cells thereof are in staggered array and exhibit angled walls and a greater surface area for joinder to concrete when the latter is poured into vertically connected cells to strengthen the thus formed wall.
- the new improved building blocks are simple, rapid and inexpensive to fabricate and to use and provide a superior wall when laid up in the described manner. Further features of the present invention are set forth in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
- Figures 1-8 a first preferred embodiment of the improved building block of the present invention is schematically depicted therein.
- Figures 1 and 2 depict the form of the block which is used between the ends and corners of a wall construction.
- Figures 3 and 4 depict a long corner form of the same type block, and
- Figures 5 and 6 depict a short end form of the block.
- Figures 7 and 8 depict a wall constructed of the blocks of Figures 1-6.
- Block 20 is shown.
- Block 20 can be of any suitable construction material, such as poured set cement, concrete, or can be a so-called cinder block or a block of ceramic clay or other suitable construction material.
- Block 20 comprises a spaced, parallel pair of vertical sidewalls 22 and 24 interconnected by integral vertical webs 26, perpendicular to sidwalls 22 and 24 and disposed in a predetermined arrangement in block 20.
- each of sidewalls 22 and 24 have flat parallel or tapered opposite faces 34 and 36, flat bottoms 38 and flat tops 40.
- Opposite ends 28 and 30 of walls 22 and 24 are provided with interlocking means in the form of tongues 32 and grooves 33 for joining blocks 20 lengthwise in a course during laying up of a wall.
- Webs 26 and sidewalls 22 and 24 divide block 20 into cells 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 spaced along the length of block 20 and open at the bottom and top thereof and of predetermined size.
- Webs 26 extend from about bottoms 38 to above tops 40, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Preferably, webs 26 extend above tops 40 about 10% of the height of block 20.
- sidewalls 22 and 24 may be about 8 inches high with webs 26 extending about 3/8 inch thereabove. Other dimensions are also suitable.
- the upper portion 52 of each of webs 26 is preferably divided by four spaced, parallel vertical slits 54 extending down therethrough and totally across the thickness of portion 52 parallel to sidewalls 22 and 24 so as to form three separate top break-off sections 56, 58 and 60 in each portion 52. Central section 58 usually is wider than side sections 56 and 60.
- Slits 54 extend down in portion 52 a sufficient distance below tops 40 so that each of sections, 56, 58 and 60 is deep enough to accommodate, when broken off, the full thickness of a reinforcing bar (not shown) which is adapted to extend longitudinally in block 20 below tops 40. It will be understood that the desired number of the same type of break-off sections can be removed from the particular webs 26 involved in block 20 so as to accommodate the full length of such a bar.
- section 58 is not used as a break-off section. Instead, section 58 and portion 62 lying below section 58 and extending to the bottom of each web 26 is specially configured, so as to include a generally triangular concavity 64 in section 58 and a complementary generally triangular convexity 66 in portion 62, which grades thereinto. Each triangular configuration has curved sides.
- Concavity 64 and convexity 66 appear in only one side 68 of each web 26, the opposite side 70 thereof being flat and vertical (not shown) or slightly sloped toward portions 66 and 68 from the bottom surface 74 towards the upper surface 76 (as shown in the figure) to form a double taper to web 26 between the bottom surface 74 and upper surface 76 which provides an improved disengagement of the block from its forming mold. This is more easily seen in Figure 2.
- concavity 64 nor convexity 66 is present at the center midpoint 72 along the length of side 68 of each web 26, neither concavity 64 nor convexity 66 is present.
- each web 26 at point 72 is equal to one-half the sum of the thicknesses of the web at any two points equidistant from point 72; that is, above and below point 72 and along the center longitudinal cross-section.
- each web 26 uniformly or non-uniformly slopes from concavity 64 to convexity 66 so that the bottom 74 of each web 26 is thicker than the top 76 thereof at the center of side 68. This improves the stability of block 20 and facilitates its release from an open bottomed mold. This also increases the total surface area of web 26 for improving its adhesion to reinforcing cement which may be poured into cells 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50.
- Block 20 is simple, rapid and inexpensive to mold in a single operation from a single mold and is easy to use in constructing a wall.
- Block 20 ⁇ is shown which is similar to block 20. Components thereof similar to those of block 20 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the prime sign " ⁇ ".
- Block 20 ⁇ includes sidewalls 22 ⁇ and 24 ⁇ and webs 26 ⁇ , one of which is shown in Figure 3.
- Block 20 ⁇ also includes an end wall 80 interconnecting sidewall 22 ⁇ and 24 ⁇ and a pair of spaced vertical supports 82 and 84 integrally connected to sidewalls 22 ⁇ and 24 ⁇ , respectively, and disposed in space 86 between wall 80 and web 26 ⁇ .
- One tongue 32 ⁇ and one groove 33 ⁇ are present in end 30 ⁇ of each of sidewalls 22 ⁇ and 24 ⁇ .
- Corner block 20 ⁇ is used in a wall assembly, such as is shown in Figures 7 and 8.
- Block 20 ⁇ is shown which is similar to block 20 and block 20 ⁇ . Components thereof similar to those of block 20 and/or block 20 ⁇ bear the same numerals but are succeeded by the double prime sign " ⁇ ".
- Block 20 ⁇ includes short sidewalls 22 ⁇ and 24 ⁇ , end wall 80 ⁇ and vertical supports 82 ⁇ and 84 ⁇ , as well as tongue 32 ⁇ and groove 33 ⁇ , but no transverse web. Block 20 ⁇ is used in a wall assembly, such as is shown in Figures 7.
- Figure 7 schematically depicts an L-shaped wall 90 laid up very easily, rapidly and accurately without professional labor and without mortaring by using blocks 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ to form stacked horizontal courses 92.
- blocks, 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ are interconnected one by one lengthwise by their respective tongues and grooves so that no mortar whatsoever is needed to lay up courses 92.
- Courses 92 are laid up with blocks 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ of one course offset lengthwise with blocks 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ of the two adjoining courses ( Figure 7).
- courses 92 are easily kept straight and level because tops 40 and bottoms 38 are flat and horizontal, the bottoms 38 of one course 92 resting directly on the tops 40 of the next lower course 92.
- the cells in blocks 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ have extended surface area due to the angling of portions of webs 26 and 26 ⁇ so that when wet aggregate (see Figure 8 at the right side of the Figure) is poured thereinto to bond wall 90 together, that aggregate more readily and strongly bonds thereto, and wall 90 has a resultingly increased strength.
- Figures 9-14 depicts further embodiments of the improved block of the present invention which materially differ from blocks 20, 20 ⁇ and 20 ⁇ only in regard to the number of webs employed and their particular spacing of such webs.
- the overall shapes of such webs are generally the same as webs 26 and 26 ⁇ .
- the relative dimensions of the various webs depicted in Figures 9-14 can be easily compared with webs 26 and 26 ⁇ by reference to proportion reference indications of component portions marked L, A1, A2, B1, B2, and C in Figures 9-14 and L, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 in Figures 2, 4 and 6.
- the blocks of the present invention follow the same proportional relationships as are embodied in the formulas set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,888,060.
- L (length) B1 + B2 +A1 + A2 + C1 + C2 as described in the patent.
- Block 20b shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14 has three webs 26b, each of which is similar to webs 26 and 26 ⁇ .
- Figure 14 schematically depicts a wall laid up using blocks 20b.
- FIGs 15, 16 and 17 depict blocks of the present invention which differ from block 20 only in the particular shape of center portion of the webs thereof.
- block 20c is shown which is identical to block 20 except that each web 26c has a central dish-shaped top concavity 64c sloping downwardly into a bottom dish-shaped convexity 66c.
- Concavity 64c and the convexity 66c are located in, respectively, sections 58c and 62c.
- the thickness of web 26c along its center longitudinal cross-section follows the same rules generally as specified for web 26.
- Web 26c has increased surface area, as does web 26.
- Figure 16 depicts block 20d identical to block 20 ⁇ in all respects except that each web 26d thereof has a rectangular concavity 64d sloping down and blending into a rectangular convexity 66d, and except that the two most central of slits 54d extend only part of the way through the thickness of web 26d, so that web 26d is strengthened. Web 26d also has increased surface area for improved adhesion to poured aggregate.
- Figure 17 depicts block 20e which is identical to block 20 in all respects except that each web 26e thereof has a dish-shaped concavity 64e and a dish-shaped convexity 66e in each of its two sides 68e and 70e, and except that web 26e contains no slits 54 at all and thus is relatively stronger.
- the thickness of web 26e along its center longitudinal cross-section follows the rules previously described for web 26. Accordingly, web 26e has substantially increased surface area.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Revetment (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to construction materials and, more particularly, to a mortarless wall block of an improved type.
- Conventional concrete block walls are laid up by a time-consuming difficult procedure which involves troweling a layer of concrete mortar onto a level concrete or stone base or the like, or the top of a course of previously laid blocks and then setting blocks one at a time in the mortar layer, in each instance also applying mortar to the end walls of each block to join the blocks together. This procedure is continued until the required number of courses are laid. Great care must be taken to keep each course perfectly horizontal and straight. Few people have the skill to carry out such a procedure in a competent manner. Therefore, the cost of such construction is always high.
- Various types of interlocking blocks have been devised in the past to facilitate block laying. However, most such blocks are very expensive to produce since the interlocking portions, usually grooves and protrusions, normally are sawed into or otherwise fashioned in the blocks after they are initially formed by molding. Moreover, those interlocking blocks in which the interlocking components are initially molded usually are very difficult to mold to acceptably close tolerances.
- An improved interlocking mortarless building block overcoming these deficiencies is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,888,060 issued June 10, 1975, to the inventor of the present invention. That block has been used successfully for a number of years. The block includes flat faced, spaced vertical sidewalls joined by flat faced vertical transverse webs to form a series of cells. The blocks are disposed one upon another in ascending courses in staggered relationship during the construction of a wall. The superposed block cells fully communicate with each other.
- It has been found that under certain circumstances, additional structural strength is needed and that when wet concrete is poured into the cells and allowed to dry the poured concrete does not always fully adhere to the flat cell walls with maximum strength. Strength is in part due to the surface area of contact between the block walls and the set poured cement.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to provide an improved mortarless building block featuring improved adaptability, strength and economy. The design of the block should be such that it can be readily moulded and released from the forming mold with full detail preserved, obviating any subsequent reshaping, finishing, etc. Moreover, the block should be easily strengthened with reinforcing bars, if needed, and be capable of being fabricated in a full array of sizes and shapes.
- The improved building block of the present invention satisfies all the foregoing needs. The block is substantially as set forth in the Abstract above. Thus, the block includes a pair of parallel sidewalls interconnected by preferably a plurality of spaced parallel transverse webs extending from the bottom of the sidewalls to above the top thereof and dividing the block into cells. The webs and sidewalls are tapered from bottom to top in that they have at least one non-vertical upraised side. Specifically, at least one of the two raised sides of the web includes a central concavity at the upper end thereof tapering down linearly or not linearly to a complementary convexity at the central lower end thereof. In case of linear tapering the thickness of the web at the midpoint of that side is about equal to one-half of the combined thicknesses of the web at any two points along that center and equidistant from that midpoint, i.e., above and below that midpoint. Therefore, the mass of the web is balanced, the block has increased stability, the web pres ents a larger surface area for connection to cement poured into a cell, and the block more easily releases from a single forming mold during its fabrication. The convexities and concavities can be triangular, rectangular, dish-shaped or the like.
- The webs preferably each have a plurality of spaced slits parallel to the sidewalls and extending down into the web from the top of the sidewalls a distance equal or greater than the thickness of a reinforcing bar which could be placed longitudinally in the block. If it is desired to use such bars, the appropriate knock-off portions defined in the webs by the slits are broken away and the reinforcing bars are laid in their place. Certain slits can also separate the upper ends of the web from the sidewalls and are useful for providing knock-off portions for insertion of two parallel reinforcing bars to compensate for bending stresses in certain structural locations.
- The blocks can be designed to interlock at their opposite ends by means of tongues and grooves or the like, to form courses. No mortar is needed. The courses may be disposed upon each other without the use of mortar, with the blocks in one course staggered with respect to those of the adjacent courses. The upper portions of the webs of blocks in a given course are positioned to point contact the underside of the webs of the course next above to interlock the blocks and courses together. The cells thereof are in staggered array and exhibit angled walls and a greater surface area for joinder to concrete when the latter is poured into vertically connected cells to strengthen the thus formed wall.
- Thus, the new improved building blocks are simple, rapid and inexpensive to fabricate and to use and provide a superior wall when laid up in the described manner. Further features of the present invention are set forth in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a first preferred embodiment of an open ended type of the improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal center cross- section of the block of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a first preferred embodiment of an end or corner type of the improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal center cross-section of the block of Figure 3;
- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a short end type of the improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal center cross-section of the block of Figure 5;
- Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an L-shaped wall during construction thereof, said wall employing the blocks of Figures 1, 3 and 5;
- Figure 8 is a schematic fragmentary longitudinal center cross-section of the wall of Figure 7;
- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view, partly broken away, of a second preferred embodiment of an open ended type of the improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 10 is a schematic longitudinal center cross-section of the block of Figure 9;
- Figure 11 is a schematic fragmentary longitudinal center cross-section of a wall utilizing a plurality of the blocks of Figure 9;
- Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view partly broken away, of a third preferred embodiment of the open ended type of improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 13 is a schematic longitudinal center cross-section of the block of Figure 12;
- Figure 14 is a schematic fragmentary longitudinal center cross-section of a wall constructed of a plurality of the blocks of Figure 12;
- Figure 15 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the open ended type of improved building block of the present invention;
- Figure 16 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the open ended type of improved building block of the present invention; and,
- Figure 17 is a schematic fragmentary perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the open ended type of improved building block of the present invention.
- Now referring, more particularly, to Figures 1-8, a first preferred embodiment of the improved building block of the present invention is schematically depicted therein. Thus, Figures 1 and 2 depict the form of the block which is used between the ends and corners of a wall construction. Figures 3 and 4 depict a long corner form of the same type block, and Figures 5 and 6 depict a short end form of the block. Figures 7 and 8 depict a wall constructed of the blocks of Figures 1-6.
- In Figures 1 and 2,
block 20 is shown.Block 20 can be of any suitable construction material, such as poured set cement, concrete, or can be a so-called cinder block or a block of ceramic clay or other suitable construction material.Block 20 comprises a spaced, parallel pair ofvertical sidewalls vertical webs 26, perpendicular tosidwalls block 20. Preferably, each ofsidewalls opposite faces 34 and 36,flat bottoms 38 andflat tops 40. Opposite ends 28 and 30 ofwalls tongues 32 andgrooves 33 for joiningblocks 20 lengthwise in a course during laying up of a wall.Webs 26 andsidewalls divide block 20 intocells block 20 and open at the bottom and top thereof and of predetermined size. -
Webs 26 extend from aboutbottoms 38 to above tops 40, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Preferably,webs 26 extend above tops 40 about 10% of the height ofblock 20. For example, sidewalls 22 and 24 may be about 8 inches high withwebs 26 extending about 3/8 inch thereabove. Other dimensions are also suitable. Theupper portion 52 of each ofwebs 26 is preferably divided by four spaced, parallelvertical slits 54 extending down therethrough and totally across the thickness ofportion 52 parallel to sidewalls 22 and 24 so as to form three separate top break-offsections 56, 58 and 60 in eachportion 52.Central section 58 usually is wider than side sections 56 and 60.Slits 54 extend down in portion 52 a sufficient distance below tops 40 so that each of sections, 56, 58 and 60 is deep enough to accommodate, when broken off, the full thickness of a reinforcing bar (not shown) which is adapted to extend longitudinally inblock 20 below tops 40. It will be understood that the desired number of the same type of break-off sections can be removed from theparticular webs 26 involved inblock 20 so as to accommodate the full length of such a bar. - Normally,
section 58 is not used as a break-off section. Instead,section 58 and portion 62 lying belowsection 58 and extending to the bottom of eachweb 26 is specially configured, so as to include a generallytriangular concavity 64 insection 58 and a complementary generallytriangular convexity 66 in portion 62, which grades thereinto. Each triangular configuration has curved sides.Concavity 64 andconvexity 66 appear in only oneside 68 of eachweb 26, theopposite side 70 thereof being flat and vertical (not shown) or slightly sloped towardportions bottom surface 74 towards the upper surface 76 (as shown in the figure) to form a double taper toweb 26 between thebottom surface 74 andupper surface 76 which provides an improved disengagement of the block from its forming mold. This is more easily seen in Figure 2. Thus, at thecenter midpoint 72 along the length ofside 68 of eachweb 26, neitherconcavity 64 norconvexity 66 is present. The thickness of eachweb 26 at point 72 (the midpoint of the center longitudinal cross-section of web 26) is equal to one-half the sum of the thicknesses of the web at any two points equidistant frompoint 72; that is, above and belowpoint 72 and along the center longitudinal cross-section. In effect, eachweb 26 uniformly or non-uniformly slopes fromconcavity 64 toconvexity 66 so that the bottom 74 of eachweb 26 is thicker than the top 76 thereof at the center ofside 68. This improves the stability ofblock 20 and facilitates its release from an open bottomed mold. This also increases the total surface area ofweb 26 for improving its adhesion to reinforcing cement which may be poured intocells webs 26 have theirweb sides 68 differently oriented, as shown in Figure 1, i.e,. facing away or toward each other, as more particularly referred to below.Block 20 is simple, rapid and inexpensive to mold in a single operation from a single mold and is easy to use in constructing a wall. - Figure 3 and 4 schematically depict a corner form of the block of the same embodiment as that of Figures 1 and 2. Thus, block 20ʹ is shown which is similar to block 20. Components thereof similar to those of
block 20 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the prime sign "ʹ". Block 20ʹ includes sidewalls 22ʹ and 24ʹ and webs 26ʹ, one of which is shown in Figure 3. Block 20ʹ also includes anend wall 80 interconnecting sidewall 22ʹ and 24ʹ and a pair of spacedvertical supports space 86 betweenwall 80 and web 26ʹ. One tongue 32ʹ and one groove 33ʹ are present in end 30ʹ of each of sidewalls 22ʹ and 24ʹ. Corner block 20ʹ is used in a wall assembly, such as is shown in Figures 7 and 8. - Figures 5 and 6 schematically depict a short end form of the block of the same embodiment as that of Figures 1 and 2. Thus, Block 20ʺ is shown which is similar to block 20 and block 20ʹ. Components thereof similar to those of
block 20 and/or block 20ʹ bear the same numerals but are succeeded by the double prime sign "ʺ". Block 20ʺ includes short sidewalls 22ʺ and 24ʺ, end wall 80ʺ and vertical supports 82ʺ and 84ʺ, as well as tongue 32ʺ and groove 33ʺ, but no transverse web. Block 20ʺ is used in a wall assembly, such as is shown in Figures 7. - Figure 7 schematically depicts an L-shaped
wall 90 laid up very easily, rapidly and accurately without professional labor and without mortaring by usingblocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ to form stackedhorizontal courses 92. It will be noted that blocks, 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ are interconnected one by one lengthwise by their respective tongues and grooves so that no mortar whatsoever is needed to lay upcourses 92.Courses 92 are laid up withblocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ of one course offset lengthwise withblocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ of the two adjoining courses (Figure 7). Moreover,courses 92 are easily kept straight and level becausetops 40 andbottoms 38 are flat and horizontal, thebottoms 38 of onecourse 92 resting directly on the tops 40 of the nextlower course 92. - In addition, lateral displacement of the
respective blocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ is prevented due to the fact thatupper portions 52 of thewebs 26 and 26ʹ ofblocks 20 and 20ʹ in a givencourse 92, as well as supports 82 and 84, 82ʺ and 84ʺ project upwardly into the respective cells of the blocks in the next abovecourse 92. Those projectingwebs 26 and 26ʹ abut by point contact the lower portions ofwebs 26 and 26ʹ. This is shown in those blocks in the upper course providing positive alignment of thecourses 92 containingblocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ. M oreover, the cells inblocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ have extended surface area due to the angling of portions ofwebs 26 and 26ʹ so that when wet aggregate (see Figure 8 at the right side of the Figure) is poured thereinto tobond wall 90 together, that aggregate more readily and strongly bonds thereto, andwall 90 has a resultingly increased strength. - Figures 9-14 depicts further embodiments of the improved block of the present invention which materially differ from
blocks 20, 20ʹ and 20ʺ only in regard to the number of webs employed and their particular spacing of such webs. The overall shapes of such webs are generally the same aswebs 26 and 26ʹ. The relative dimensions of the various webs depicted in Figures 9-14 can be easily compared withwebs 26 and 26ʹ by reference to proportion reference indications of component portions marked L, A1, A2, B1, B2, and C in Figures 9-14 and L, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 in Figures 2, 4 and 6. The blocks of the present invention follow the same proportional relationships as are embodied in the formulas set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,888,060. Thus, L (length) = B1 + B2 +A1 + A2 + C1 + C2 as described in the patent. - It will thus be seen that in Figures 9-11 and
block 20a is substantially identical to block 20, except it contains only twowebs 26a, rather than four webs, as inblock 20. -
Block 20b shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14 has threewebs 26b, each of which is similar towebs 26 and 26ʹ. Figure 14 schematically depicts a wall laid up usingblocks 20b. - Figures 15, 16 and 17 depict blocks of the present invention which differ from
block 20 only in the particular shape of center portion of the webs thereof. Thus, in Figure 15,block 20c is shown which is identical to block 20 except that eachweb 26c has a central dish-shapedtop concavity 64c sloping downwardly into a bottom dish-shaped convexity 66c.Concavity 64c and the convexity 66c are located in, respectively,sections 58c and 62c. The thickness ofweb 26c along its center longitudinal cross-section follows the same rules generally as specified forweb 26.Web 26c has increased surface area, as doesweb 26. - Figure 16 depicts
block 20d identical to block 20ʹ in all respects except that eachweb 26d thereof has arectangular concavity 64d sloping down and blending into a rectangular convexity 66d, and except that the two most central ofslits 54d extend only part of the way through the thickness ofweb 26d, so thatweb 26d is strengthened.Web 26d also has increased surface area for improved adhesion to poured aggregate. - Figure 17 depicts
block 20e which is identical to block 20 in all respects except that eachweb 26e thereof has a dish-shapedconcavity 64e and a dish-shapedconvexity 66e in each of its twosides web 26e contains noslits 54 at all and thus is relatively stronger. The thickness ofweb 26e along its center longitudinal cross-section follows the rules previously described forweb 26. Accordingly,web 26e has substantially increased surface area. - Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additions can be made in the improved building block of the present invention, its components and their parameters. All such modifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.
Claims (23)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/754,136 US4640071A (en) | 1985-07-12 | 1985-07-12 | Interlocking building block |
DE8686308831T DE3678581D1 (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | INTERLOCKING BLOCK. |
AT86308831T ATE62302T1 (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | INTERLOCKING BLOCK. |
EP86308831A EP0267334B1 (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | Improved interlocking building block |
ES86308831T ES2021279B3 (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | IMPROVED GLOBAL BUILDING BLOCKS. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP86308831A EP0267334B1 (en) | 1986-11-12 | 1986-11-12 | Improved interlocking building block |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0267334A1 true EP0267334A1 (en) | 1988-05-18 |
EP0267334B1 EP0267334B1 (en) | 1991-04-03 |
Family
ID=8196210
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP86308831A Expired EP0267334B1 (en) | 1985-07-12 | 1986-11-12 | Improved interlocking building block |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0267334B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE62302T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3678581D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2021279B3 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0472993A1 (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1992-03-04 | RDB PLASTOTECNICA S.p.A. | Hollow block for a retaining wall |
LU91818B1 (en) * | 2011-05-25 | 2012-11-26 | Univ Luxembourg | Concrete building block and system for building a wall with such blocks |
CN107246106A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2017-10-13 | 吴韬 | A kind of surface cuts shaping haydite concrete prefabricated panel |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB353101A (en) * | 1930-04-29 | 1931-07-23 | John Alfred Atkinson | Improvements in tie bricks for cavity walls |
US3888060A (en) * | 1973-12-17 | 1975-06-10 | Juan Haener | Construction assembly and method including interlocking blocks |
-
1986
- 1986-11-12 AT AT86308831T patent/ATE62302T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-11-12 EP EP86308831A patent/EP0267334B1/en not_active Expired
- 1986-11-12 DE DE8686308831T patent/DE3678581D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-12 ES ES86308831T patent/ES2021279B3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB353101A (en) * | 1930-04-29 | 1931-07-23 | John Alfred Atkinson | Improvements in tie bricks for cavity walls |
US3888060A (en) * | 1973-12-17 | 1975-06-10 | Juan Haener | Construction assembly and method including interlocking blocks |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0472993A1 (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1992-03-04 | RDB PLASTOTECNICA S.p.A. | Hollow block for a retaining wall |
US5214898A (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1993-06-01 | Rdb Plastotecnica S.P.A. | Block particularly for building loose-laid retaining walls |
LU91818B1 (en) * | 2011-05-25 | 2012-11-26 | Univ Luxembourg | Concrete building block and system for building a wall with such blocks |
WO2012160150A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2012-11-29 | Université Du Luxembourg | Concrete building block and system for building a wall using such blocks |
CN107246106A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2017-10-13 | 吴韬 | A kind of surface cuts shaping haydite concrete prefabricated panel |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0267334B1 (en) | 1991-04-03 |
DE3678581D1 (en) | 1991-05-08 |
ES2021279B3 (en) | 1991-11-01 |
ATE62302T1 (en) | 1991-04-15 |
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