GB2294067A - A building block and associated framework - Google Patents

Abstract

An interlocking building block (1) comprises parallel front and rear rectangular facing portions (2, 3) between which is located an offset central portion (4) of the same overall length and width dimensions as the faces (2, 3) but not necessarily of the same depth dimension. Resilient seals (15) can be provided, as can channels (10) into which studs (9) (Fig. 2, not shown) of adjacent blocks can be located. A building framework includes upwardly-ribbed (25) base members (23), channeled columns (18), and ribbed cross members (19). Flat roofing arrangements are also described. The constructions are "dry", and can be used for e.g. model making as well as full scale buildings. <IMAGE>

Description

A BUILDING BLOCK AND ASSOCIATED BUILDING FRAMEWORK The present invention relates to a building block and to an associated framework for use in the construction of a building by "dry construction", that is without the use of mortar of other bonding medium.

Whilst the invention has been developed with the intention that the building block and framework will be made of a suitable material and to a suitable scale for the construction of buildings and other similar erections, it will be appreciated that by scaling down the block and framework the invention is suitable for use as a toy for children or as a means of model making.

The building block and framework have been designed to be easy to assemble and erect so that a kit of parts can be supplied for a particular building construction, which can then be assembled by a layman. In addition, as the block and framework have been designed to be made, inter alia, from plastics or other similar lightweight synthetic materials, and as the mode of construction involves the interlocking of the various components of a constructions together, the resulting construction is suitable for use in countries where earth tremors can cause damage to conventional brick built buildings.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a building block comprising front and rear rectangular facing portions between which is located a central portion of the same overall length and width dimensions as the faces but not necessarily of the same depth dimension, the front and rear facing portions lying in parallel planes and in-line with one another transversely, and the central portion being offset laterally both lengthwise and widthwise with respect to the front and rear facing portions to define at one side of the block a first channel and at an opposed side of the block a first projecting portion capable of slotting into the first channel of an adjacent similar block, and at the bottom of the block a second channel and at the top of the block a second projecting portion capable of slotting into the second channel of an overlying similar block.

Preferably, the second projecting portion defines at least one receptacle and the second channel is provided with at least one stud which can locate within said one receptacle of an underlying block.

Preferably also, the second projecting portion comprises a transverse groove formed over the whole depth of the central portion.

Preferably also, the top and side faces of the first and second projecting portions are convex and the bottoms of the first and second channels are concave.

Preferably also, a sealing means is provided on the opposed surfaces of the front and rear facing portions within at least the second channel.

Preferably also, the sealing means comprises resilient beading which runs along the length of the front and rear facing portions and which is compressed by the second projecting portion of the underlying block when it is located in the second channel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a framework for a construction which can be infilled by building blocks according the the first aspect of the invention, the framework comprising a base frame which is provided with upstanding ribs for location into the second channels of a first course of blocks overlying the frame; upright members which are each provided channels into which the first projecting portions of a series of blocks forming an adjacent wall can be located; and lateral members which are each provided with a lateral rib for location in the second channels of a second course of blocks overlying the lateral member.

Preferably, the base frame and the upright members are provided with spigot and socket connectors whereby they can be connected to one another prior to infilling of the framework by the blocks.

Preferably also, the first projecting portion of each block is provided with a first substantially vertical groove which registers with a second substantially vertical groove located on the interior surface of that portion of an upright member defining the channel when the projecting portion is inserted into the channel to define a substantially cylindrical aperture into which a pin can be located to lock the block to the upright member.

Preferably also, the framework comprises a series of struts which can be attached to the lateral members and used to support roof tiles for the building.

Preferably also, the roof tile comprise channels into which the struts locate when the tiles are laid over a roof space.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a building block according to the first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the block shown in Fig.1; Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the two ends respectively of a corner member of a building framework for use with the block shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the corner member and the building block when fitted together; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a building framework comprising the corner member shown in Figs 3 and 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a partially completed building made from blocks as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 and the framework shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one wall of the building shown in Fig. 7 showing a window opening;; Figs. 9 to 12 are perspective views showing successive stages in the completion of the roof of the building, Figs. 11 and 12 each showing the underside of a roofing tile prior to placement in the roof; and Fig. 13 is an end view of a building block similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 but incorporating a modification; and Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the block shown in Fig. 13 together with an associated locking member.

A building block 1 as shown in Figs. 1 to comprises front and rear rectangular facing portions 2 and 3 between which is located a central portion 4 of the same overall length and width dimensions as the facing portions 2 and 3 but not necessarily of the same depth dimension.

Preferably, the depth of the central portion 4 is substantially greater than that of the facing portions 2 and 3 and whereas the front and rear facing portions are made of a solid sheet of material, the central portion 4 may be hollow.

The front and rear facing portions 2 and 3 lie in parallel planes, in-line with one another transversely.

However, the central portion 4 is offset laterally lengthwise with respect to the front and rear facing portions 2 and 3 to define at one side of the block a first channel 5 and at an opposed side a first projecting portion 6 capable of slotting into the first channel 5 of an adjacent similar block. The central portion 4 is also offset laterally widthwise with respect to the front and rear facing portions 2 and 3 to define a second channel 7 at the bottom of the block 1 and a second projecting portion 8 at the top of the block capable of slotting into the second channel 7 of an overlying similar block. Thus it will be appreciated that adjacent blocks 1 fit together using a tongue and groove type connection formed by the respective projecting portions 6 and 8 and channels 5 and 7.

In order to provide a more positive connection between adjacent courses of blocks, the second projecting portion 8 and channel 7 of a block 1 can be provided respectively with studs 9 and receptacles 10 in which the studs of an adjacent block engage. Preferably, the receptacles 10 each comprise a transverse groove formed over the whole depth of the central portion 4. This gives a degree of play between adjacent courses of blocks.

Preferably also, two studs 9 and channels 10 are provided per block, although any number could be provided, and they are spaced so that the blocks can be bonded using a conventional "stretcher" type bond wherein the vertical joints between adjacent blocks in adjacent courses of blocks are spaced approximately half a block's length apart.

In order to ensure a firm fit between adjacent blocks, the top and side faces 11 and 12 respectively of the first and second projecting portions 6 and 8 are made convex and the bottoms 13 and 14 respectively of the first and second channels 5 and 7 are made concave and capable of a close abutment with the convex surfaces 11 and 12 of adjacent blocks.

As it is intended that the blocks wil be used to construct walls by a dry method without the use of mortar, cement or similar bonding medium, a sealing means 15 is provided on the opposed surfaces of the front and rear facing portions 2,3 within at least the second channel 7.

Preferably the sealing means 15 comprises a resilient plastics or rubber beading which runs along the length of the front and rear facing portions 2,3 and is compressed by the second projecting portion 8 of an underlying block when it is located in the second channel 7. A similar sealing means (not shown) could also be provided running vertically down the front and rear faces of the first projecting portion 6.

It will be appreciated that the blocks 1 can be made of any appropriate size for the construction in question.

However, in all scales it is convenient if the length of the block 1 is twice the height and approximately four times the depth. It is anticipated that for building houses or similar buildings that a convenient size of block 1 will have the front and rear facing portions with dimensions of 750 mm x 375 mm and a depth of 190 mm. Half blocks, namely those with a length of only 375 mm can also be produced to fill in gaps, typically at the end of walls produced by use of the conventional stretcher bond.

The blocks 1 as described above can be used with a framework to produce buildings by "dry construction". This framework will now be described with reference to Figs 3 to 12.

Essentially, the framework comprises a base frame 16, upright corner members 17, upright dividing members 18, and lateral members 19. The corner members 17 and the dividing members 18 are each provided with complimentary spigot and socket type connectors at their ends so that they can be attached to one another and to the base frame 16, which is provided with socket connectors only.

The connectors are shown in Figs. 3 and 4 for a corner member 17. A spigot connector at one end of the member 17 comprises one or a pair (as shown) of projecting spigots 20 and a socket connector at the other end comprises one or a pair (as shown) of cylindrical sockets 21 into which the spigots 20 of an adjoining member or members can be inserted. In this way the corner members 17 and the dividing members 18 can be connected to base members 16 or be stacked one above the other and, if necessary, lateral members 19 interposed therebetween.

In the corner members 17 only, there is also provided a cylindrical channel 22 which runs the full length of the member 17 and through which can be passed a bolt (not shown) for use in bolting the corner member 17 to the base frame 16 and to the ground.

The base frame 16 comprises linear base members 23 which are intended to run the complete length of each room of the building and of a length which is an exact multiple of the length of the front and rear facing portions 2,3 of each block 1 plus the width of a corner member 17. Such base members 23 are chamfered at their ends 24 so that a plurality of such members 23 can be laid out in a ground plan of the building to be constructed and then rag-bolted down to the ground or to a concrete raft on which the building will be built. In addition, as indicated above, each of the chamfered ends 24 is provided with one socket connector similar to the sockets 21 so that two adjoining ends 24 together have a pair of sockets for connection to the spigots 20 of a corner member 17.Corner members 17 can then attached thereto and bolted through the members 23 down to the ground via the apertures 23. Dividing members 18 can also be attached to form a framework for the building prior to infilling using blocks 1.

In order to connect with the block 1, each of the base members 23 comprises an upstanding rib 25 of suitable dimensions for location into the second channels 7 of a first course of blocks 1 overlying the frame 16. In contrast, the corner members 17 comprise a central solid portion 26 and define two channels 27 oriented at 90" to one another. The channels 27 are dimensioned so that the first projecting portions 6 of a second series of blocks 1 forming the end of an adjacent wall can be located therein.

Similarly, the upright dividing members 18 also comprise a central solid portion 26 but define three channels 27 which are each oriented at 90" to one another so that they cab be used for supporting internal partition walls.

The way in which the blocks 1 are connected to the corner and dividing members 17 and 18 is shown in Fig. 5.

In order to make the structure more rigid at the end of an exterior wall wherein the first projecting portions 6 of the end blocks 1 are located into the channel 27 defined by the corner members 17, pins 28 can be inserted into cylindrical apertures formed by registering vertical semicircular grooves 29 and 30 located on each side of the first projecting portions 6 of each block and the interior surface of the members 17 defining the channels 27 respectively. Such pins 28 can be inserted in every course of blocks 1 or every other course, as appropriate.

In order to ensure a sound structure, at the end of a wall opposite that wherein the projecting portions 6 of the end blocks 1 locate into the channel 27 defined by a corner members 17 or a dividing member 18, filler blocks can be used. Each filler block has a height which is the same as the overall height of the blocks 1, a length which is twice the length of the first projecting portions 6, and a depth which is the same as the central portion 4 of a block 1. The filler block can then be inserted into the rectangular aperture defined by the first channel 5 of an end block and the adjacent channel 27 of the corner or upright member 17 or 18.

In addition, to add rigidity to the structure, rigid tie members 31 can be inserted between several courses of blocks 1, which members 31 run the whole width of a wall between two corner members 17 and are provided with tongues at their ends to locate into the channels 27, as shown in Fig. 7.

The lateral members 19 comprise a central planar portion 32 on each side of which is formed upstanding ribs 33, similar to the ribs 25, of suitable dimensions for location into the second channels 7 of a first course of blocks 1 overlying the members 19. However, as will be appreciated from a consideration of Fig. 7, the underlying course of blocks must comprise special finishing blocks (not shown) which are made with channels similar to the second channels 7 both at the top and at the bottom of the block and into the latter of which the second projecting portions of the course of blocks below can locate and into the former of which the lowermost ribs 33 of the lateral members 19 can locate.

The ends of the lateral members 19 can either be chamfered for fitment around corners of the structure for use in exterior walls or be provided with uppermost ribs 25 which have projecting ends 34 that can overlie the central portion 32 of an adjacent lateral member 19 located at 90" thereto, as is the case when two walls at 90" to one another join. Both of these arrangements can be seen in Fig. 6.

Thus, a structure can be built up by building a framework of the required dimensions and ground plan, and in-filling using the blocks 1 together with the filler blocks, tie members 31 and finishing blocks as appropriate. Lateral members 19 can be used when required between storeys and at the top of the structure to assist in support of the roof, as is described below.

In order to form windows and doors, appropriate holes can be left in the in-filling walls of blocks 1 which are finished by lintels 35, jambs 36, and cills 37, as shown in Fig 8, which are each provided with appropriate channels or ribs so that they can be frictionally fitted to adjacent blocks 1 without the need to use any fixing means such as screws, nails or the like. These components are preferably also provided with an upstanding rib 38 on their exterior surface which faces the aperture. When the components 35, 36 and 37 are positioned correctly, the four ribs 38 adjoin to form a frame to which a separate door frame or window frame can then be fitted in conventional manner.

By connection in a similar way, other building features can be employed within the structure, for example a cantilever balcony or overhanging canopy.

Once a building has reached the required height, a flat roof can be fitted to a building formed of the blocks 1 and other components described above by using roofing tiles and supporting struts 40 which are adapted for fitment to the blocks 1 and other components using tongue and groove type attachments as before. This arrangement will now be described.

The tops of all the interior and exterior walls are finished using lateral members 19 as described above. Each room of the building is then roofed separately. Between the lateral members 19 of opposing walls of each room are laid two struts 39 which are located equidistantly and parallel to the other two walls of the room. Six further cross-struts 40, which are similar in cross-sectional shape to the struts 39 but only around a third of their length, are then laid between the members 19 and the struts 40 at right angles to the latter to form a regular grid defining nine square apertures. Each of the struts 39 and cross-struts 40 is provided with an upstanding rib 41 similar to the upstanding ribs 33 formed in the members 19. Four leading roof tiles 42 are then laid into the central apertures adjacent each wall as shown in Fig.

and supported by the struts 39, the cross-struts 4C and the lateral members 19 at the top of the walls. The undersides of the tiles 42 are provided with appropriately located channels (not shown) into which the ribs 41 locate.

Corner tiles 43 are then positioned to cover the four corner apertures, again by locating appropriately located channels 44 over the ribs 33 and 41. Finally, a central finishing tile 45 is located over the central aperture.

The underside of finishing tile 45 has a projecting central projection 46 surrounded by overhanging rims which rest on the edges of the leading tiles 41.

To ensure that the roof is secure, the tiles 41 and 43 can be bolted to the struts 39 and to the underlying members 19. In addition, the finishing tile can be bolted to the struts 39 and the two cross-struts 40 on which it rests.

The top of every room of the building can be roofed individually in the same way.

In order to ensure that the tiles 41, 43 and 45 are the weather sealed, sealing beads (not shown) similar to the beads 15 can be located in the channels formed in them and around the projection 46. On outside walls, adjacent tiles 41, 43 can be made to overhang the underlying lateral members 19 to form eaves. In contrast, on internal walls, the tiles 41, 43 are made slightly shorter to abut a similar tile 41, 43 roofing the adjoining room.

So that use can be made of the roof space, on outside walls adjacent tiles 41, 43 can also be provided with upstanding fencing boards 48 or rails.

It is envisaged that only one course of blocks 1 would be needed to finish a building so that the building has a single skin. However, as the blocks 1 can be made with appropriate insulating properties to suit the climate of the location where they are to be used the lack of a cavity wall would not be missed. As the blocks 1 can be made hollow, utilities, such as water pipes and electricity cables can be supplied throughout the building through conduits passing inside the blocs 1.

In order to make a structure comprising the blocks 1 even more stable, in particular in areas subject to earth tremors, the block 1 can be modified as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Here, the opposed surfaces of the first and second channels 5 and 7 can be provided with opposing grooves 49 and 50 respectively. Likewise the first and second projec'ins portions 6 and 8 are also provided with pairs of grooves 51 and 52 respectively on each of their sides.

The grooves 49 and 51 are located such that when two identical blocks 1 are fitted together side by side, the grooves 49 and 51 on each side of the blocks 1 register to form two vertical channels. Similarly, when two identical blocks 1 are fitted together one on top of the other, the grooves 50 and 52 on each side of the blocks 1 register to form two horizontal channels.

The 'hanneis are used to accommodate locking members 53 in the form oF trips such as is shown in Fig. 1 which are used to lock adjacent blocks 1 together. When two or three such blocks have been fitted together along a copse of the structure, two looking strips 53 o: a length commensurate with the length of two blocks 1 a inserted horizontally into the channels between the two blocks formed by the grooves 50 and 52. Thus, along the course, a series of hori..ontal locking strips 53 are inserted which form a continuous length along the course, the end of one strip 53 abutting the end of an adjacent strip. Similarly, after insertion of the horizontal locking strip, two locking strips 53 of an appropriate length commensurate with the height of each block between the grooves 50 and 52 are inserted vertically into the channels between the two blocks fcre by the grooves 49 and 51. However, unlike the horizontal strips, the vertical strips do not form a continuous length as the structure rises as these strips are interrupted in each course by the horizontal strips.

It has been found that once a wall of blocks 1 has been interlocked using the locking strips 53, it is impossible for them to be pulled apart. Thus, the use of such strips 53 greatly increases the stability and rigidity of a structure which incorporates them.

In addition, when blocks of this construction are used, it has been found that the corner members 17 and the dividing members 18 of the framework can be replaced by blocks 1 fashioned into right angle blocks and T-shaped blocks respectively. The arms of such blocks can be made of a similar size to that of a single block as well as of a similar size ts that of a half block so that these blocks can be used alternatively to create a vertical column drirg the building process. In this way, the rest of the blocks . forming each wall interlinked with the column will interlock with a conventional stretcher bond.

Claims (15)

1 A building block comprising front and rear rectangular facing portions between which is located a central portion of the same overall length and width dimensions as the faces but not necessarily of the same depth dimension, the front and rear facing portions lying in parallel planes and in-line with one another transversely, and the central portion being offset laterally both lengthwise and widthwise with respect to the front and rear facing portions to define at one side of the block a first channel and at an opposed side of the block a first projecting portion capable of slotting into the first channel of an adjacent similar block, and at the bottom of the block a second channel and at the top of the block a second projecting portion capable of slotting into the second channel of an overlying similar block.

2. A building block as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second projecting portion defines at least one receptacle and the second channel is provided with at least one stud which can locate within said one receptacle of an underlying block.

3. A building block as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said receptacle comprises a transverse groove formed over the whole depth of the central portion.

4. A building block as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the top and side faces of the first and second projecting portions are convex and the bottoms of the first and second channels are concave.

5. A building block as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein a sealing means is provided on the opposed surfaces of the front and rear facing portions within at least the second channel.

6. A building block as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the sealing means comprises resilient beading which runs along the length of the front and rear facing portions and which is compressed by the second projecting portion of the underlying block when it is located in the second channel.

7. A building block as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein opposed surfaces defining the second channel are each provided with a groove and the second projecting portion is provided with two grooves, one on each side thereof, whereby when two such blocks are fitted together with the second projecting portion of one block within the second channel of the other block, adjacent grooves register to define channels into which a locking member can be located.

8. A building block as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein opposed surfaces defining the first channel are each provided with a groove and the first projecting portion is provided with two grooves, one cn each side thereof, whereby when two such blocks are fitted together with the first projecting portion of one block within te first channel of the other block, adjacent grooves register to define channels into which a locking stip can be located.

9. A framework for a construction which can be infilled by building blocks as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, the framework comprising a base frame which is provided with upstanding ribs for location into the second channels of a first course of blocks overlying the frame; upright members which are each provided channels into which the first projecting portions of a series of blocks forming an adjacent wall can be located; and lateral members which are each provided with a lateral rib for location in the second channels of a second course of blocks overlying the lateral member.

10. A framework as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the base frame and the upright members are provided with spigot and socket connectors whereby they can be connected to one another prior to infilling of the framework by the blocks.

11. A framework as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the first projecting pol-tion of each block is provided with a first substantially vertical groove which registers with a second substantially vertical groove located on the interior surface of that portion of an upright member defining the channel when the projecting portion is inserted into the channel to define a substantially cylindrical aperture into which a pin can be located to lock the block to the upright member.

12. A framework as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 11, comprising a series of struts which can be attached to the lateral members and used to support roof tiles for the building.

13. A framework as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the roof tile comprise channels into which the struts locate when the tiles are laid over a roof space.

14. A building block substantially as described herein with reference to any of Figs. 1, 2, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A framework for a construction substantially as described herein with reference to any of Figs. 3 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.