EP1079024A2

EP1079024A2 - Paving block and laying structure thereof

Info

Publication number: EP1079024A2
Application number: EP99122959A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shohei c/o Nihon Kogyo Co. Ltd. Wada
Original assignee: Nihon Kogyo KK
Current assignee: Nihon Kogyo KK
Priority date: 1999-08-27
Filing date: 1999-11-18
Publication date: 2001-02-28
Also published as: JP2001064902A; EP1079024A3

Abstract

A paving block comprises a base (1) of quadrangular prismatic shape formed with a plurality of projections (11) and indentations of interlockable and complementary configuration formed on each side wall of the base. On two opposite side walls (30, 40) the projections (11) and the indentations (12) are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, whereas on the other two opposite side walls (10, 20) the projections (11) and the indentations (12) are arranged in an alternate pattern. The paving block may further include an elevated portion (2) mounted on a top surface of the base and having a top surface which has a smaller area than the top surface of the base. The blocks can be laid in various layout patterns to form the laying structure of attractive appearance by interlocking the interlocking projections and indentations with each other. The grooves defined between the elevated portions (2) may be filled with earth for planting or with an elastic material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a paving block utilised as a paving material for roads, premises, etc., and a laying structure thereof.
As conventional paving blocks, there are known a paving block which represents a square in a plan view, and an interlocking block which has zigzag side walls composed of projections and indentations such that the side walls of adjacent blocks are interlocked with each other on the paved surface.
Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. S47-36642 (36642/1972) discloses a turf pavement construction method. The paving blocks used herein are each provided with holes at appropriate intervals and laid on the top surface of a base plate. The holes in the blocks and the gaps defined between the blocks are filled with earth and planted with turf or artificial turf.
Japanese Utility Model Laid-open Publication No. S55-36247 (36247/1980) discloses a paving block made of concrete and provided with a plurality of holes, which are filled with earth to grow turf.
Japanese Utility Model No. 3002002 discloses a paved surface structure constructed of T-shaped blocks arid square blocks. In the crosswise layout, a corner of the square block is contacted on a square indentation located on either side of the T-shaped block, and each square block is continuously laid as spaced by the width of the leg of the T-shaped block. In the lengthwise layout, a side wall of the square block is contacted on the basal wall of the T-shaped block, and each square block is continuously laid as spaced by the width of the cross bar of the T-shaped block. The height of the T-shaped block is less than that of the square block. Consequently, earth can be filled on the top surface of the T-shaped blocks as well as in the gaps defined between the blocks.
However, these techniques have some deficiencies. In the structure constructed of the paving block which represents square in a plan view, the paved surface is prone to succumb to a heavy load imposed by passing vehicles or the like. As a result, the paving blocks are dislocated and cause bumps or unevenness in the paved surface.
In this respect, the known interlocking blocks ensure positional stability of the paving blocks and maintain a bump-free level surface. In another respect, however, the surface paved with these blocks are artificial and monotonous.
Indeed, the turf pavement construction method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. S47-36642 provides a planted paved surface with an attractive appearance. However, due to the failure to effect interlocking between the blocks, the paving blocks laid on the ground are easily dislocated out of position. Besides, the block has sacrificed its rigidity in return for the holes therein.
Likewise, Japanese Utility Model Laid-open No. S55-36247 provides a planted paved surface with an attractive appearance. However, due to the failure to effect interlocking between the blocks, the paving blocks laid on the ground are easily dislocated out of position. Besides, the block has sacrificed its rigidity in return for the holes therein.
Further, the paved surface structure disclosed in Japanese Utility Model No. 3002002 requires two types of blocks, i.e. square blocks and T-shaped blocks. The construction process is inevitably complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention intends to provide a paving block which can be conveniently employed in pavement construction, which ensures firm interlocking between the blocks on a paved surface and which provides an attractive appearance, and a laying structure thereof.
A paving block of claim 1 (hereinafter referred to as Aspect I) comprises a base of quadrangular prismatic shape and an interlocking section composed of a plurality of projections and indentations of interlockable and complementary configuration formed on each side wall of the base, wherein first interlocking sections located on two opposite side walls are comprised of the projections and the indentations in a symmetrical pattern, and second interlocking sections located on the other two opposite side walls are comprised of the projections and the indentations in an alternate pattern.
When such paving blocks are laid on the ground, they are interlocked with each other by the interlocking sections comprised of the projections and indentations of complementary configuration. The interlocked paving blocks are resistant to dislocation.
In a preferable arrangement of Aspect I, the first interlocking sections are comprised of four or more projections and three or more indentations on each side wall in a symmetrical pattern, and the second interlocking sections are comprised of four or more projections and three or more indentations on one side wall and three or more projections and two or more indentations on the other side wall. The projections and the indentations are of interlockable and complementary configuration with respect to each other.
When such paving blocks are laid on the ground, they are interlocked with each other by the interlocking sections comprised of the projections and indentations of complementary configuration. The interlocked paving blocks are resistant to dislocation. Besides, various layout patterns can be designed by changing the interlocking positions between the interlocking sections.
The paving block of the invention may further comprise an elevated portion formed on a top surface of the base. This elevated portion includes a top surface which has a smaller area than the top surface of the base.
According to this arrangement, grooves are defined between the elevated portions. The grooves can be filled with earth and planted with turf or the like. Thus, the paved surface can include a planted area to improve its appearance.
The paving block of the invention may further include a multiple of pores formed at least in the base. The pores lead to a plurality of surfaces of the base.
The paving block of this arrangement is imparted with moisture permeability. Since the moisture on a surface of the paving block can penetrate through to the ground, the moisture is less likely to rest on the block surface. Besides, the pores promote not only heat dissipation but also air/water supply to the ground. Thus, the paving block creates a suitable environment for the growth of plants.
Preferably, the base and the elevated portion of the paving block are detachable from each other.
In one aspect, this arrangement facilitates the manufacture of the paving block. In another aspect, the base and the elevated portion can be made of different materials to manufacture a diverse variety of paving blocks in a simple manner. By way of example, the bases are made in the same specification, while the elevated portions are made in various textures, colours and shapes. Except when the elevated portion is integrated with the base by adhesive bonding, the elevated portion can be replaced independently. The separate structure simplifies the maintenance operations. In addition, since the base and the elevated portion are prepared as separate components, each each weighs less than an integral paving block and thus easier to construct a pavement. Moreover, the paving blocks of various heights can be obtained simply by arranging the height of the elevated portion.
It is possible to employ the paving blocks with the elevated portion in combination with those without the elevated portion.
A pavement block laying structure of claim 6 (hereinafter referred to as Aspect II) is characterised in interlocking the interlocking sections of the above paving blocks comprising the base and the elevated portion, and filling a groove defined between the elevated portions with earth. Preferably, a plant is arranged in the earth-filled groove. According to this laying structure, grooves defined between the elevated portions can be filled with earth to plant turf or the like. Thus, the paved surface can include a planted area to improve its appearance.
In the paving block laying structure of Aspect II, the groove defined between the elevated portions may be filled with an elastic material. According to this arrangement, when vehicles travel on the icy paved surface in winter, the surface ice is easily broken as the portion filled with the elastic material sinks under the loads imposed by the vehicles. Thus, the laying structure prevents the formation of an icy road surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a front view of the second embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the third embodiment of the paving block according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a mode of integrating the base and the elevated portion of the paving block.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing another mode of integrating the base and the elevated portion of the paving block.
Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the first layout pattern constructed of the paving blocks of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the second layout pattern constructed of the paving blocks of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the third layout pattern constructed of the paving blocks of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the fourth layout pattern constructed of the paving blocks of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the fifth layout pattern constructed of the paving blocks of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing the first embodiment of the paving block laying structure according to the present invention.
Fig. 15 is a sectional view showing the second embodiment of the paving block laying structure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the paving block of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the attached drawings.
Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the first embodiment of the paving block of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a front view thereof.
The paving block of the first embodiment comprises a base 1 of quadrangular prismatic shape and an elevated portion 2 of truncated quadrangular pyramid shape formed on the top surface 50 of the base 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the left wall 10 of the base 1 (on the left side in Fig. 1) is continuously formed with three projections 11 of triangular prism shape having a right isosceles triangular horizontal section. The right wall 20 of the base 1 (on the right side in Fig. 1) is continuously formed with three indentations 12 in an alternate pattern with respect to the projections 11 on the left wall 10. The projections 11 and the indentations 12 are of interlockable and complementary configuration. The top wall 30 (on the top side in Fig. 1) and the bottom wall 40 (on the bottom side in Fig. 1) of the base 1 are both continuously formed with five projections 11 and four indentations 12 of interlockable and complementary configuration, wherein the projections 11 and indentations 12 on the top wall 30 are symmetrical with respect to those on the bottom wall 40. The base 1 has a circumscribed dimension of 268 mm (X) by 193 mm (Y) with a height of 90 mm. The horizontal section of the projection 11 represents a right isosceles triangle with a bottom side of 50 mm.
The elevated portion 2 of truncated quadrangular pyramid shape has a rectangular bottom surface measuring 220 mm long (x₁) and 145 mm wide (y₁) as well as a rectangular top surface measuring 200 mm long (x₂) and 125 mm wide (y₂). Thus, these rectangular planes have smaller areas than the top surface 50 of the base 1.
In the paving block of the first embodiment, the base 1 and the elevated portion 2 are prepared in an integral structure. Instead, they can be prepared separately and the elevated portion can be detachably mounted on the top surface of the base. The paving block of separate structure is manufactured more easily than the paving block of integral structure.
With regard to the separate preparation process, Figs. 7 and 8 exemplify, in section, modes of integrating the base and the elevated portion of the paving block. In the paving block of Fig. 7, the bottom surface 60 of the elevated portion 2 is adhesive-bonded on the flat top surface 50 of the base 1. In the paving block of Fig. 8, the top surface 50 of the base 1 is formed with a projection 51, while the bottom surface 60 of the elevated portion 2 is formed with a recess 61 which can fit the projection 51. An integral paving block is obtained by fitting the projection 51 with the recess 61. In the paving block of Fig. 8, the projection 51 and the recess 61 are detachable with respect to each other. As described above, the base 1 and the elevated portion 2 can be integrated by bonding, fitting or a combination thereof, in which case the two components are united more firmly.
When the paving blocks of the first embodiment are laid on the ground, a groove 3 is defined between the elevated portions 2 of adjacent blocks (see Figs. 9 to 13). The vertical section of the groove 3 represents a trapezium with a top side of 50 mm, a bottom side of 30 mm and a height of 60 mm. An ideal planted paved surface is achieved by filling the groove 3 with earth and planting turf or the like therein.
Next, description is turned to the second embodiment of the paving block. Fig. 3 is a plan view thereof and Fig. 4 is a front view thereof.
The paving block of the second embodiment comprises a base 1 of near-quadrangular prismatic shape with a projected/indented perimeter, and an elevated portion 22 of quadrangular prismatic shape formed on the top surface 50 of the base 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the left wall of the base 1 (on the left side in Fig. 3) is formed with three indentations 12, and the right wall of the base 1 (on the right side in Fig. 3) is formed with three projections 11 in an alternate pattern with respect to the indentations 12 on the left wall. The top wall (on the top side in Fig. 3) and the bottom wall (on the bottom side in Fig. 3) of the base 1 are both continuously formed with seven projections 11 and six indentations 12, wherein the projections 11 and indentations 12 on the top wall are symmetrical with respect to those on the bottom wall. As with the first embodiment, the projections 11 and the indentations 12 are of interlockable and complementary configuration. In addition, a rectangular pit 13 is provided in the top surface 50 of the base 1. The elevated portion 22 of quadrangular prismatic shape is fitted into the pit 13. Further, as with the first embodiment, the base 1 and the elevated portion 22 of this embodiment may be prepared in an integral structure, or they can be prepared separately and integrated together in the modes shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
The third embodiment of the paving block is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 is a plan view thereof and Fig. 6 is a front view thereof.
The paving block of the third embodiment comprises a single base 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the left wall of the base 1 (on the left side in Fig. 5) is continuously formed with three projections 11 of triangular prism shape having a right isosceles triangular horizontal section. The right wall (on the right side in Fig. 5) is continuously formed with three indentations 12 in an alternate pattern with respect to the projections 11 on the left wall. The projections 11 and the indentations 12 are of interlockable and complementary configuration. The top wall (on the top side in Fig. 5) and the bottom wall (on the bottom side in Fig. 5) of the base 1 are both continuously provided with five projections 11 and four indentations 12 of interlockable and complementary configuration, wherein the projections 11 and indentations 12 on the top wall are symmetrical with respect to those on the bottom wall. The base 1 has a circumscribed dimension of 268 mm (X) by 193 mm (Y) with a height of 150 mm. The horizontal section of the projection 11 represents a right isosceles triangle with a bottom side of 50 mm.
This paving block has the same configuration as the base 1 of the first embodiment, but its height is equal to the total height of the base 1 and the elevated portion 2 of the first embodiment. This block configuration increases the interlocking area with respect to adjacent blocks. As a result, the paving blocks are interlocked more firmly to exhibit enhanced resistance to dislocation.
In the construction of pavements, the paving block of the third embodiment can be employed in combination with the paving block of the first embodiment.
The paving blocks of the above embodiments are usually made of concrete, but the material may be suitably selected from wood, plastic, synthetic wood, natural stone, slug and other recycled materials, etc. Preferably, the base has a porous structure which comprises aggregates bound by a binding agent and pores leading to the base surfaces, so that a paving block is imparted with excellent moisture/air permeability. Additionally, where the paving block is made of porous concrete comprising cement as the binding agent, remarkable weatherability is achieved as well.
It should be understood that the configuration of the elevated portion is not limited to the quadrangular prismatic shape or truncated quadrangular pyramid shape as described in the above embodiments. The configuration may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or any other shape within the scope of the present claims.
Now, preferred embodiments of the paving block laying structure are described with reference to the drawings.
To begin with, examples of the layout patterns of the paving blocks are shown in Figs. 9 to 13, wherein the positions and directions (right, left, top, bottom, etc.) are defined in each figure.
For the purpose of explanation, the following layout patterns are constructed of the paving blocks of the first embodiment, which are laid continuously by interlocking the projections and the indentations with each other. Fig. 9 shows a layout pattern called straight joints, wherein the orientation of the block is inverted with respect to the crosswise adjacent blocks. In the straight joint pattern, the grooves defined between the adjacent elevated portions are aligned in both of lengthwise and crosswise directions.
The layout pattern of Fig. 10 is called breaking joints, wherein grooves defined between the crosswise adjacent blocks (i.e. grooves extending in the lengthwise direction) are aligned but grooves defined between the lengthwise adjacent blocks (i.e. grooves extending in the crosswise direction) are alternate with each other. The blocks forming a lengthwise line is displaced by half the length of the block with respect to the blocks forming adjacent lines on the right and left sides.
The layout pattern of Fig. 11 is called herringbone joints, wherein each block is arranged in an alternate orientation relative to the adjacent blocks. Even when the paving blocks are laid in different orientations, the paving blocks of the present invention can firmly interlock with each other and prevent dislocation thereof. This is because the interlocking sections composed of the projections and indentations are provided on four side walls of the paving block and capable of interlocking with the others.
The layout patterns illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, which correspond to the breaking joints in Fig. 10 and the herringbone joints in Fig. 11, respectively, are characterised in that adjacent blocks are partly spaced by a gap 4. Since a part of the ground is exposed through the gap 4, these patterns are more desirable for the growth of turf. Besides, such gaps can provide a greater planted area.
The paving block laying structures of the present invention are adopted in the above layout patterns.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing the first embodiment of the laying structure, which employs the paving blocks of Figs. 1 and 2. Each paving block comprises the base 1 and the elevated portion 2 made of porous concrete. When the blocks are laid according to any of the above layout patterns, grooves 3 are defined between the elevated portions 2. The grooves 3 are filled with earth 33, in which turf 34 or the like is planted. Water and air are supplied to the ground through the pores in the porous concrete. Thus, this laying structure creates a suitable environment for the growth of plants.
Fig. 15 is a sectional view showing the second embodiment of the laying structure.
This structure is similar to that of Fig. 14, but different in filling the grooves 3 with an elastic material 35. According to this arrangement, when vehicles travel on the icy paved surface in winter, the surface ice is easily broken as the portion filled with the elastic material 35 sinks under the loads imposed by the vehicles. Thus, the laying structure prevents the formation of an icy road surface. The elastic material 35 can be selected from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, elastic synthetic resins and the like.

Claims

A paving block comprising a base of quadrangular prismatic shape and an interlocking section composed of a plurality of projections and indentations of interlockable and complementary configuration formed on each side wall of the base, wherein first interlocking sections located on two opposite side walls are comprised of the projections and the indentations in a symmetrical pattern, and second interlocking sections located on the other two opposite side walls are comprised of the projections and the indentations in an alternate pattern.
A paving block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first interlocking sections are comprised of four or more projections and three or more indentations on each side wall in a symmetrical pattern, and the second interlocking sections are comprised of four or more projections and three or more indentations on one side wall and three or more projections and two or more indentations on the other side wall, the projections and the indentations being of interlockable and complementary configuration.
A paving block as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein an elevated portion is formed on a top surface of the base, the elevated portion having a top surface which has a smaller area than the top surface of the base.
A paving block as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a multiple of pores are formed at least in the base, the pores leading to a plurality of surfaces of the base.
A paving block as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the base and the elevated portion are detachable from each other.
A pavement block laying structure which is characterised in interlocking the interlocking sections of the paving blocks of claim 3, 4 or 5, and filling a groove defined between the elevated portions with earth.
A pavement laying structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plant is arranged in the earth-filled groove.
A pavement laying structure which is characterized in interlocking the interlocking sections of the paving blocks of claim 3, 4 or 5, and filling a groove defined between the elevated portions with an elastic material.