GB2603200A

GB2603200A - A modular construction block

Info

Publication number: GB2603200A
Application number: GB2101413.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mckie Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2021-02-02
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-02
Also published as: GB2603200B; GB202101413D0

Abstract

The modular construction block 10 comprises a first face 12 comprising a first connector 14, and comprising a second face 16 comprising a second connector 18. The second connector 18 is configured for engaging against the first connector 12A from a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block. The block also comprises a first contoured surface 20 between the first face and the second face 16, and a second contoured surface 22 between the first face 12 and the second face 16. The first contoured surface is configured for engaging with the second contoured surface 22B from a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block. In this way, the modular construction block 10 is configured to allow the creation of curved walls 100 or structure or buildings 200 comprising such walls 100.

Description

A MODULAR CONSTRUCTION BLOCK

Field

The present disclosure relates to a modular construction block. Background In the context of the construction industry, the general shape of a construction block has not significantly changed. In that respect, this general shape has taken the form of a generally rectangular/cuboidal shaped block, which has faces that are substantially flat and perpendicular to each other. Whilst this shape of block has a number of advantages in being able to construct assemblies, such as walls; structures; or buildings, having straight edges, these blocks are less suited for forming assemblies with more complex or curved geometries.

A further difficulty in respect of such construction blocks is how they adjoin together in quite a compact/dense fashion, which leads to resultant walls; structures; or buildings, using such blocks being relatively heavy/dense, which in some instances may be undesirable.

Various approaches are therefore described herein which seek to help address the issues noted above.

Summary

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a modular construction block comprising: a first face comprising a first connector; a second face comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured for engaging against the first connector from a second modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block; a first contoured surface between the first face and the second face; and a second contoured surface between the first face and the second face, wherein the first contoured surface is configured for engaging with the second contoured surface from a third modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an assembly comprising the modular construction block according to the first aspect, and further comprising the second modular construction block, wherein the second connector from the modular construction block is engaged with the first connector from the second modular construction block.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an assembly comprising the modular construction block according to the first aspect, or comprising the assembly according the second aspect, wherein the assembly further comprises the third modular construction block, wherein the first contoured surface of the modular construction block is engaged with the second contoured surface from the third modular construction block.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a wall comprising a plurality of the modular construction blocks according to the first aspect, or comprising the assembly according to the second or third aspects.

According to a fifth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a structure or building constructed using a plurality of the modular construction blocks according to the first aspect, or using at least one wall according to the fourth aspect.

According to a sixth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of recycling waste material to form the modular construction block according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises taking the waste material and shaping this into the shape of the modular construction block, such to form the modular construction block.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A schematically represents in perspective view a modular construction block in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 1B schematically represents a bottom end view of the block from Figure 1A; Figure 2 schematically represents a straight wall created from a plurality of the modular construction blocks from Figures 1A and 1B in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, Figure 3 schematically represents in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure a first, curved, wall created from a plurality of the modular construction blocks from Figures 1A and 1B, as well as represents a second straight wall created from a plurality of the modular construction blocks from Figures 1A and 1B, wherein the second wall abuts and intersects the first wall; Figure 4 illustrates a plurality of the modular construction blocks from Figures 1A and 1B intersecting and abutting each other, to create intersecting walls, in accordance with certain

embodiments of the disclosure; and

Figure 5 illustrates a top down/cross-sectional view of a plurality of modular construction blocks from Figures 1A and 1B when used as part of a cladded wall, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates in general to a modular construction block 10 for use in creating a larger assembly, such as a wall 100, or a structure or building 200. In terms of the construction block being described as modular, this is intended to mean that the construction block can be used with identical versions of itself in ways that allow for these construction blocks 10, collectively, to be used with each other to create an altogether larger assembly, such as the above noted wall 100 or structure/ building 200-which are also as shown with reference to the embodiments from the herein provided Figures 1A-5.

Appreciating the foregoing, and with reference to the Figures, provided herein is a modular construction block 10, which as will be appreciated in accordance with some embodiments is not a toy modular construction block 10, such as a Lego 0 or Duplo 0 block.

Mindful of the above, the construction block 10 comprises a first face 12 comprising a first connector 14, and a second face 16 comprising a second connector 18. At a general level, the second connector 18 is configured for engaging with and/or against the first connector 14A from a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In this way, the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 may be configured for inhibiting movement, such as shear or lateral movement between the modular construction block 10 and the second construction block 10A when the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged against the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A. This can be seen with reference to the embodiment from Figure 2-4, where the first and second connectors 14;18 from the interconnected modular constructions blocks 10 are inhibited from moving with respect to each other, and in particular inhibiting from moving laterally, or shearing, with respect to each other.

Staying with the first and second connectors 14;18, in accordance with some embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 may be configured for allowing rotational movement between the modular construction block 10 and the second construction block 10A when the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged with, and/or against, the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A. Put differently, the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 may be configured for allowing the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A to rotate relative to the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 when the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged with, and/or against, the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A.

Thus from the above, it can be seen the modular construction block 10 may be configured to connect with a second (identical) modular construction block 10A via the first and second connectors 14;18. This functionality of the modular construction block 10 aside, the modular construction block 10 is also provided with a first contoured surface 20 between the first face 12 and the second face 16, and a second contoured surface 22 between the first face 12 and the second face 16. In this way, and with reference to the embodiments from the Figures, the first contoured surface 20 (which may be adjacent to, or next to, the second contoured surface 22) may be configured for engaging with the second contoured surface 22B from a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In accordance with some embodiments more specifically, the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 may be therefore configured for allowing the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 10B to rotate relative to the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 when the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged against the second contoured surface 223 from the third modular construction block 103.

For completeness, where the term 'contoured' is used herein, e.g. in respect of the first contoured surface 20 and/or the second contoured surface 22, this is intended to mean that the surface is not completely flat. Put differently, the surface may thus have an element of curvature about it, such to allow the second contoured surface 223 from the third modular construction block 10B to engage against the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 about a plurality of different rotational positions. In this respect, in accordance with some embodiments, each contoured surface may comprise a continuously curved surface and/or may comprise a plurality of sequential flat surfaces (e.g. 10 or more) which together allow for the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 10B to engage against the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 about a plurality of different rotational positions.

Aside from the first contoured surface 20 and/or the second contoured surface 22, in accordance with some embodiments, such as those shown in the Figures, the modular construction block 10 may also comprise a third contoured surface 26 and a fourth contoured surface 28. In accordance with such embodiments, the third contoured surface 26 and the fourth contoured surface 28 may be between the first face 12 and the second face 16, and be configured such that the third contoured surface 26 engages with the fourth contoured surface 280 from a fourth modular construction block 100 which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In this way, where the third contoured surface 26 and a fourth contoured surface 28 are additionally provided in the modular construction block 10, this may allow the modular construction block 10 to adjoin two neighbouring (third and fourth) modular construction blocks 10B;100 about the respective first contoured 20 surface and third contoured surface 26 from the modular construction block 10, as is apparent for instance with reference to the embodiments from Figures 3 and 4.

In terms of some of the potential, more specific, features which may be present in the modular construction block 10, as alluded to above, the first contoured surface 20 may be configured for allowing the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 103 to rotate against the first contoured surface 20, as can be seen with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Additionally/alternatively, the first contoured surface 20 may be configured for allowing the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 103 to abut against the first contoured surface 20. With this abutting action, better weather and wind resistance properties may be exhibited by any wall 100 encompassing such a modular construction block 10.

In terms of the shape for each of the contoured surfaces, in accordance with some embodiments the first contoured surface 20 may comprise a first arcuate portion 30, with the second contoured surface 22 comprising a second arcuate portion 32. In this way, the first arcuate portion 30 may be configured for engaging and/or rotating against the second arcuate portion 323 from the third modular construction block 10B. Appreciably, where such arcuate portions are employed, the first arcuate portion 30 may in some embodiments be either convex or concave, and the second arcuate portion 32 respectively either concave or convex (i.e. to be the opposite curvature to that of the first arcuate portion). Such a latter embodiment is shown with reference to the embodiment from Figure 3, where the first arcuate portion 30 is configured for rotating against the second arcuate portion 323 from the third modular construction block 10B.

Equally, in embodiments where the first contoured surface 20 comprises the first arcuate portion 30, and the second contoured surface 22 comprises the second arcuate portion 32, such that the first arcuate portion is configured for engaging and/or rotating against the second arcuate portion 32 from the third modular construction block 10B, in an appreciably similar way, the third contoured surface 26 may comprise a third arcuate portion 31, and the fourth contoured surface 28 may comprise a fourth arcuate portion 33, such that the third arcuate portion 31 is configured for engaging and/or rotating against the fourth arcuate portion 33C from the fourth modular construction block 10C. In that respect as well, and in accordance with some particular embodiments, any such third arcuate portion 31 may be either convex or concave, with the fourth arcuate portion 34 respectively either concave or convex.

As to the shape of any provided arcuate portion 30;31;32;33, in accordance with some embodiments, the arcuate portion may comprise a segment which defines an arc from a portion of a circle. Put differently, in accordance with such embodiments, the segment may have a fixed radius of curvature. This can be seen at least with reference to the embodiment of Figure 3, where the first arcuate portion 30 of the modular construction block 10, and the second arcuate portion 323 from the second (neighbouring) modular construction block 103, each comprises a segment which defines an arc from a portion of a circle, wherein the segment has a fixed radius of curvature. In this way, the segments from these arcuate portions 30;32B allow them to better rotate relative to each in an abutting fashion, as can be seen from Figure 3.

Staying with the geometry of the contoured surfaces, in accordance with some embodiments, for improving the alignment between courses of the modular construction block 10 when used together to form a wall 100, each of the contoured surfaces 20;22;26;28 may be perpendicular to each of the first face 12 and the second face 16. Similarly, and for completeness, in accordance with some embodiments (such as those shown in the Figures), the first face 12 may be parallel to the second face 16. Additionally/alternatively, the first (second) contoured surface 22 (24) may be opposite any provided third (fourth) contoured surface 26 (28), and/or the first and third contoured surfaces 20;26 may be between the second and fourth contoured surfaces 22;28.

To yet further provide for a more uniform shape of modular construction block 10, in accordance with some embodiments where the third and fourth contoured surfaces 26;28 are employed, the first contoured surface may be a mirror image of the third contoured surface, and/or the second contoured surface may be a mirror image of the fourth contoured surface. Put differently, in accordance with such embodiments, the modular construction block 10 may in some embodiments comprise rotational symmetry. In the particular embodiment of modular construction block 10 shown in the Figures, this rotational symmetry can be seen through the modular construction block 10 having the shape of an hourglass.

As noted above, in accordance with some embodiments, the modular construction block 10 may define an hourglass shape. In such embodiments, the first and third contoured surfaces 20;26 may comprise a primary (inner/concave) portion 34 and a secondary (outer/convex) portion 36, wherein the second portion is located either side of the primary portion 34, and wherein the secondary portion 36 is located nearer to the second and fourth contoured surfaces 22;28 than the primary portion is located to the second and fourth contoured surfaces 22;28. In such embodiments, the first and third contoured surfaces 20;26 may be located closer to each other at the primary portion 34 than at the secondary portion 36. In this way, the hourglass shape may be thus defined.

Appreciating the foregoing, it can be seen that the contoured surfaces from the modular construction block 10 allow it to engage against other identical modular construction blocks, about a plurality of different rotational positions, and in a convenient and efficient manner.

Moving away from the contoured surfaces 20;22;26;28, and reverting back to any provided first connector 14 and second connector 18, as noted above a function of these connectors 14;18 is to inhibit neighbouring modular constructions blocks 10 which are connected via these connectors from moving/shearing with respect to each other. Put differently, the second connector 18 may be configured for inhibiting shear movement between the modular construction block 10 and a second (neighbouring) construction block 10A when the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged against the first connector 14A from the second (neighbouring) modular construction block 10A.

For improving symmetry of the construction block, in accordance with some embodiments, the first connector 14, and/or the second connector 18, may be equidistant between the first and third contoured surfaces 20;26.

To yet further improve the weather and wind resistance properties of the modular construction block 10 when connected to such a second (neighbouring) modular construction block 103, in accordance with some embodiments relating to the first and second connectors 14;18, the first connector 14 and the second connector 18 may be configured to allow, in use, the second face 16 from the modular construction block 10 to abut the first face 12A from the second modular construction block 10A when the second connector 18 from the construction block 10 is engaged with the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A. Such an embodiment can be seen with reference to the wall 100 from the Figures, where the second face 16 from the modular construction block 10 abuts the first face 12A from the second modular construction block 10A.

In terms of the construction of any provided first connector 14 and second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10, in accordance with some embodiments, the first connector may comprise a plurality of first connectors, and/or the second connector may comprise a plurality of second connectors. In this way, and as will described, this may allow for a more improved/robust connection between the modular construction block 10 and any neighbouring modular construction block(s) 10A via these connectors 14;18.

In this respect for instance, in accordance with some further embodiments, the plurality of first connectors may comprise one connector 40 which is located closer to the second contoured surface 22 than another of the connectors 42 from the plurality of first connectors 14 is located to the second contoured surface 22. Similarly, the plurality of second connectors 18 may then comprise one connector 44 which is located closer to the second contoured surface 22 than another of the connectors 46 from the plurality of second connectors 18 is located to the second contoured surface 22. In this way, one connector 44 from the plurality of second connectors 18 may be configured for engaging against one connector 42A from the plurality of first connectors 14A from the second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In this way as well, the another connector 46 from the plurality of second connectors 18 may be configured for engaging against a connector 40A' from the plurality of first connectors 14A' from yet another second modular construction block 10A' which is identical to the modular construction block 10 (and at the same time as the one connector 44 from the plurality of second connectors 18 engaging against the one connector 42A from the plurality of first connectors 14A from the second modular construction block 10A). Such an arrangement is shown for instance, with reference to the embodiment of wall illustrated in Figure 2. In this way, and put differently, the second face 16 from the modular construction block 10 may be configured to face and/or abut the first face 12A from the second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10, and simultaneously face and/or abut the first face 12A' from the another second modular construction block 10A' which is identical to the modular construction block 10 (again as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2) With respect to the shape/profile of each of the first face 12 and the second face 16, for improving the alignment between courses of the modular construction block 10 when used together to form a wall 100, in some embodiments each of the of the first face 12 and the second face 16 may be flat and/or parallel to each other.

In any case though, and staying with the first and second connector 14;18, as to their shape, it will be appreciated that these may be varied so long as they can achieve their ultimate purpose of allowing the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 to engage against the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In that respect for instance, in accordance with some embodiments, each connector 14;18;42;44;46;48 may comprise a projection or a recess. In that respect for instance, in a particular embodiment, each first connector 14 may comprise a projection, with each second connector 18 comprising a recess. Appreciably however, each first connector 14 could equally comprise a recess, with each second connector 18 comprising a projection. Yet further still, where each of the first connector 14 and the second connector 18 each comprises a plurality of connectors, it will be appreciated that the plurality of first connectors (and/or the plurality of second connectors 18) could in accordance with some embodiments equally comprise a mixture of projections and recesses to allow one or more projection(s) and recess(es) from the plurality of first connectors 14 to engage with one or more projection(s) and recess(es) from the plurality of second connectors 18.

Where any projection is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, at least one or all of the projections may be hollow to help reduce the overall weight of the modular construction block 10, as shown for instance with reference to the embodiment of modular construction block 10 illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B.

Moving away from any provided connectors on the modular construction block 10, in accordance with some embodiments, the modular construction block may be provided with at least one hole 50 extending into the modular construction block 10. Each such hole 50 may be configured for allowing the modular construction block 10 to be engaged with an external member, such as a rod or pipe section. In accordance with some embodiments, the external member could be a scaffolding member (such as a scaffolding rod/tube/pipe); a piece of foundation; and/or a reinforcement member/support. In accordance with some particular embodiments thereof, each such hole 50 may be configured to extend from at least one of the first connector 14 and the second connector 18, as shown for instance in the embodiment of modular construction block 10 from Figures 1A and 1B. In some more particular embodiments thereof, each such hole 50 may extend from the first connector 14 through to the second connector 18, and/or extend through from one external face of the modular construction block 10 (such as either a face on the first connecter 14, and/or the first face 12) through to another external face (such as the second face 16 or face of the second connector 18) of the modular construction block 10.

In accordance with some embodiments, where the at least one hole 50 is provided, any number of the holes 50 may be provided with a threaded arrangement, or be a threaded hole. In this way, the hole may allow for it to receive and connect with a threaded component, such as a threaded scaffolding component (such as a scaffolding rod/pole/tube); piece of foundation; and/or a reinforcement member/support. In some particular embodiments, any such threaded arrangement may be located in a surface of the hole itself, or the hole may comprise an adapter, such as a collar, on which this threaded arrangement is located.

Equally, where any such adapter is provided, in some particular embodiments thereof, the adapter may be configured to be removable and/or replaceable for allowing the size of the hole to be varied, and/or to configure the hole to receive threads of different sizes.

As to the exact dimensions of the modular construction block 10, it will be appreciated that these may be varied depending on a given application for the modular construction block 10. That being said, so as to provide a shape/dimensions of the modular construction block 10 which better matches the shape of existing conventional rectangular/cuboidal shaped block/bricks, in accordance with some embodiments the modular construction block may have any combination of: i) a maximum length L of at least 150mm (or in some narrower embodiments, at least 170mm, or yet narrower embodiments at least 190mm), and/or no more than 1000mm (or in some narrower embodiments no more than 800mm, or in some embodiments no more than 600mm, or in some embodiments no more than 400mm, or in some yet narrower embodiments no more than 350mm, or yet narrower embodiments no more than 300mm, or even yet narrower embodiments no more than 250mm); ii) a maximum width W of at least 50mm (or in some narrower embodiments, at least 70mm, or yet narrower embodiments at least 85mm), and/or in accordance with some embodiments no more than 500mm (or in some embodiments no more than 400mm, or in some embodiments no more than 300mm, or in some yet narrower embodiments no more than 200mm, or in some yet narrower embodiments no more than 150mm, no more than 130mm, or yet narrower embodiments no more than 110mm); Hi) a maximum height H of at least 40mm (or in some narrower embodiments, at least 45mm, or yet narrower embodiments at least 50mm), and/or no more than 400mm (or in some narrower embodiments no more than 350mm, or in some embodiments no more than 300mm, or in some embodiments no more than 250mm, or in some embodiments no more than 200mm, or in some embodiments no more than 150mm, no more than 110mm, or yet narrower embodiments no more than 90mm).

Similarly, and staying with dimensions/geometry of the modular construction block 10, in accordance with some embodiments, the maximum length L of the modular construction block 10 may be no more than three times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, or in some narrower embodiments no more than 2.8 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, or in some yet narrower embodiments no more than 2.6 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10. Additionally/alternatively, as a lower bound, in accordance with some embodiments, the maximum length L of the modular construction block 10 may be at least 1.3 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, or in some embodiments at least 1.7 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, or in some narrower embodiments at least 2 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, or in some yet narrower embodiments at least 2.2 times the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10. With these ratios between the maximum length L and the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10, this may therefore better allow for some of the geometries as illustrated in the Figures, which are particularly suited for allowing the first contoured surface 20 (third contoured surface 26) to suitably engage with the second contoured surface 22 (fourth contoured surface 28) -such as via the segments having a fixed radius of curvature.

In respect of any such recited length L, width W, and height H, as can be seen from Figures 1A and 1B, these represent axes extending perpendicular to one another, to thus effectively define a Cartesian co-ordinate system where the length L, width W, and height H respectively define the x, y, and z axes of this Cartesian co-ordinate system.

With respect to the maximum height H1 of any provided first connector 14, in accordance with some embodiments, the maximum height H1 of the first connector 14 may be no more than 60mm (or in some narrower embodiments no more than 50mm, or yet narrower embodiments no more than 40mm, or in yet further narrower embodiments no more than 30mm, or in yet additionally narrower embodiments no more than 20mm, or no more than 15mm in a particularly narrow embodiment).

Similarly, with respect to the maximum height H2 of any provided second connector 18, in accordance with some embodiments, the maximum height H2 of the first connector 18 may be no more than 60mm (or in some narrower embodiments no more than 50mm, or yet narrower embodiments no more than 40mm, or in yet further narrower embodiments no more than 30mm, or in yet additionally narrower embodiments no more than 20mm, or no more than 15mm in a particularly narrow embodiment).

Appreciating the foregoing, there has thus been described a modular construction block 10 which is useable in a wide variety of different applications. In this respect, and in a broad sense, in accordance with some embodiments the modular construction block 10 may be a modular masonry construction block 10, and/or form part of an assembly comprising the modular construction block 10 and a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block, wherein the second connector 18 from the modular construction block 10 is engaged against the first connector 14A from the second modular construction block 10A.

Equally, and in accordance with some embodiments, the modular construction block 10 may form part of an assembly comprising the modular construction block 10 and a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block, wherein the first contoured surface 20 of the modular construction block 10 is engaged with the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 10B.

In the above assemblies, the assembly may also comprise the combination of these two broader assemblies, such that the assembly comprises the modular construction block 10, the second modular construction block 10A, and the third modular construction block 10B. Such assemblies could appreciably additionally/alternatively comprise any of the other modular construction blocks described herein, such as the fourth modular construction block 10C and/or the another second modular construction block 10A'.

In accordance with some embodiments, a potential application of the herein described modular construction block 10, and/or any of the assemblies described above, is a part of a wall 100, where the wall 100 comprises a plurality of the (identical) modular construction blocks 10 as described herein, and/or which comprises any of the assemblies as described above. Such a wall 100 is shown for instance in the embodiments from Figures 2-4.

Appreciating that any such wall 100 may in some instances comprise some vacancies and/or voids V between neighbouring modular construction blocks 10, such as those illustrated in Figure 2, in some instances to help better insulate against these vacancies and/or voids V, there may be provided a cladded wall comprising any of the wall 100 configurations described herein, alongside a first face layer 105 for covering a first side 102 of the wall 100, and/or a comprise second face layer 110 for covering a second side 104 of the wall 110-which in some particular embodiments may be opposite the first side of the wall 100. Such an embodiment of cladded wall is illustrated in Figure 5, which shows the wall 100 alongside a first face layer 105 and the second face layer 110.

For the sake of completeness, in respect of any vacancies and/or voids V between neighbouring modular construction blocks 10, these can actually be beneficial in so far as these voids V may help to reduce the weight of any wall 100 or structure 200 created using the modular construction blocks 10. Put differently, the second connector 18 may be configured for engaging against the first connector 14A from a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10, and the second connector 18 may be further configured for engaging against the first connector 14A' from another second modular construction block 10A' which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In accordance with some embodiments thereof, the second connector 18 may be configured to provide a void V between the modular construction block 10, the second modular construction block 10A, and the another second modular construction block 10A.

Any such void V, as noted above, may therefore assist with reducing the weight of any wall or structure 200 created using said modular construction blocks 10.

Any such voids V which are present may yet further be advantageous in allowing for an element of ventilation in the wall, which in some instances may be particularly desirable, such as where the wall 100 is intended to protect an object/area yet otherwise allow for such an object/area to remain suitably ventilated. Appreciably therefore, the presence of the voids V between neighbouring modular construction blocks 10 in a given course of said neighbouring modular construction blocks, as illustrated in Figure 2 at least, may therefore be particularly advantageous in accordance with certain embodiments. In this respect as well therefore, and for helping provide these voids V, it will be appreciated that the modular construction block 10 described herein, in accordance with certain embodiments, may be configured such that the second face 16 is configured for engaging with, and/or abutting against, the first face 12A from a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10, and further configured for engaging against the first face 12A' from another second modular construction block 10A' which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In such embodiments, a void V, gap, or separation, may in some embodiments thereof be created between the second modular construction block 10A and the another second modular construction block 10A'. Again, this is shown with reference to the embodiment disclosed in Figure 2.

Irrespective of whether the void(s) V is present or not, however, and returning to the extent of the general disclosure provided herein, it will be appreciated that this disclosure thus also provides for a structure or building 200 constructed using a plurality of the modular construction blocks 10 as described herein, or using at least one wall 100 as described herein. Such a structure or building, in accordance with some particular embodiments, could be for instance a residential home; an office; an industrial unit (such as a factory or warehouse); a commercial unit (such as a shop); or appreciably other things, such as a hospital, or some other service such as a police or fire station.

Moving away from the shape of the modular construction block, another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the materials used for the modular construction block 10. In this respect, and in accordance with some embodiments, each modular construction block 10 may be a modular masonry construction block, such as by being formed of concrete or clay.

Though in accordance with some more environmentally friendly embodiments, each modular construction block 10 may also be made out of recycled material. In this respect for instance, in accordance with some embodiments, each modular construction block 10 may be made of a plastic, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In this way, for instance, each modular construction block 10 may then be potentially formed out of existing waste, such as used milk bottles made out of HDPE, to form a modular construction block 10 made out of recycled materials.

Equally, in accordance with some environmentally friendly embodiments as well, it is envisaged that the modular construction block may be made of wood, or a reformed wood. In this way, and again, each modular construction block 10 may also be therefore made out of recycled material (such as wooden waste, e.g. in respect of abandoned/used wooden furniture).

Appreciating the above, disclosed herein is thus also a method of recycling waste material to form any embodiment of modular construction block described herein, wherein the method comprises taking the waste material and shaping this into the shape of the modular construction block, such to form the modular construction block. In accordance with some embodiments of this method, the waste material may be conceivably wooden waste and/or waste plastic, such as a waste HDPE.

Even if the modular construction block 10 is made out concrete, or any other material which is not necessarily recycled, another advantage of the herein described modular construction block 10 is its shape with contoured surfaces allows it to use less material than a standard rectangular/cuboidal shaped block On some cases as much as 30% less material). Put differently, in accordance with some embodiments, this may be achieved by at least one of the contoured surfaces defining/comprising a recessed cavity 60;62 in the modular construction block for reducing the mass of the block. In this respect, in accordance with some embodiments, a recessed cavity may be defined by any combination of the herein described contoured surfaces 20;22;26;28. In accordance with some more particular embodiments, for instance, such as that shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, each contoured surface which comprises an arcuate concave portion may define a recessed cavity 60;62. Put differently, in accordance with some embodiments, the first contoured surface 20 (or second contoured surface 22) may define a first recessed cavity 60 in the modular construction block for reducing the mass of the block, and/or the third contoured surface 26 (or fourth contoured surface 28) may define a second recessed cavity 62 in the modular construction block for reducing the mass of the block.

As to the size of any provided recessed cavity, it will be appreciated that the size of each such recessed cavity 60;62 may be varied to suit the extent of mass reduction capable for the modular construction block 10, which still allows the first contoured surface 20 from the modular construction block 10 to achieve its function of being configured for engaging with the second contoured surface 22B from a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In this respect, and in accordance with some embodiments however, any given (or each) recessed cavity 60;62 may extend at least 20%, or in some narrower embodiments at least 30%, or in some yet narrower embodiments, at least 40% across the maximum length L of the modular construction block 10. Similarly, in accordance with some embodiments, any given (or each) recessed cavity 60;62 may extend at least 20%, or in some narrower embodiments at least 30%, or in some yet narrower embodiments, at least 40% across the maximum width W of the modular construction block 10. And similarly, in accordance with some embodiments, any given (or each) recessed cavity 60;62 may extend at least 20%, or in some narrower embodiments at least 30%, or in some yet narrower embodiments, at least 40% across the maximum height H of the modular construction block 10.

For the sake of completeness as well, in respect of how the modular construction block 10 may be secured in place against any other (adjacent) modular construction block (such as any of the second modular construction block 10A; the another second modular construction block 10A'; the third modular construction block 103; or the fourth modular construction block 10C, it is not necessarily required to have an adhesive connection between the blocks. Though in accordance with some embodiments, for better securing the modular construction block 10 to any provided second modular construction block 10A; the another second modular construction block 10A'; the third modular construction block 10B; and/or the fourth modular construction block 10C (e.g. as part of a wall 100, assembly, or structure/building 200), the wall 100; assembly; or structure/building 200 may comprise an adhesive connection between the modular construction block 10 and any of the other present modular construction block(s) 10A;10A';10B;10C. Appreciably, such an adhesive connection in accordance with some embodiments, may comprise a mortar connection and/or a liquid adhesive connection (e.g. via a glue).

Appreciating the foregoing, there has therefore been described a modular construction block comprising: a first face comprising a first connector; a second face comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured for engaging against the first connector from a second modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block; a first contoured surface between the first face and the second face; and a second contoured surface between the first face and the second face, wherein the first contoured surface is configured for engaging with the second contoured surface from a third modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block.

There has also been described an assembly comprising the modular construction block according described above, and further comprising the second modular construction block, wherein the second connector from the modular construction block is engaged against the first connector from the second modular construction block.

There has also been described an assembly comprising the modular construction block according described above, or comprising the assembly described above, wherein the assembly further comprises the third modular construction block, and wherein the first contoured surface of the modular construction block is engaged with the second contoured surface from the third modular construction block.

There has also been described a wall comprising a plurality of the modular construction blocks as described above, or comprising either assembly(ies) as described above.

There has also been described a structure or building constructed using a plurality of the modular construction blocks as described above, or using at least one wall as described above.

There has also been described a method of recycling waste material to form the modular construction block described above, wherein the method comprises taking the waste material and shaping this into the shape of the modular construction block, such to form the modular construction block.

There has also been described a modular construction block 10 comprising a first face 12 comprising a first connector 14, and comprising a second face 16 comprising a second connector 18. The second connector 18 is configured for engaging against the first connector 12A from a second modular construction block 10A which is identical to the modular construction block 10. The block 10 also comprises a first contoured surface 20 between the first face 12 and the second face 16, and a second contoured surface 22 between the first face 12 and the second face 16. The first contoured surface 20 is configured for engaging with the second contoured surface 22B from a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block 10. In this way, the modular construction block 10 is configured to allow the creation of curved walls 100 or structure or buildings 200 comprising such walls 100.

For completeness, with respect to any reference numerals used herein, and purely for the avoidance of any doubt, any reference numeral ending in 'A' relates to a second modular construction contraction block 10A which is identical to the (first) modular construction block 10. Similarly, any reference numeral ending in 'B' relates to a third modular construction block 10B which is identical to the modular construction block 10; any reference numeral ending in 'C' relates to a fourth modular construction block 10C which is identical to the modular construction block 10; and any reference numeral ending in 'A" relates to another second modular construction block 10A' which is identical to the modular construction block 10.

Equally, in respect of any of the described features or characteristics relating to the first contoured surface 20 and/or the second contoured surface 22 from the modular construction block 10, it will be entirely appreciated by the skilled person that such features or characteristics may be additionally and/or alternatively employed in respect of the third contoured surface 26 and/or the fourth contoured surface 28 from the modular construction block 10, where the third contoured surface 26 and/or the fourth contoured surface 28 are additionally provided. In this respect for instance, in accordance with some embodiments, noting that the first contoured surface 20 may be configured for allowing the second contoured surface 22B from the third modular construction block 10B to rotate against the first contoured surface 20, as can be seen with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in a similar way the third contoured surface 26 may be configured for allowing the fourth contoured surface 220 from the fourth modular construction block 100 to rotate against the third contoured surface 26.

Thus in order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. In effect, any combination of feature(s) from one set of claims many be combined with any other individual feature(s) from any of the remaining set of claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular construction block comprising: a first face comprising a first connector; a second face comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured for engaging against the first connector from a second modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block; a first contoured surface between the first face and the second face; and a second contoured surface between the first face and the second face, wherein the first contoured surface is configured for engaging with the second contoured surface from a third modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block.
2. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first contoured surface is configured for allowing the second contoured surface from the third modular construction block to rotate against the first contoured surface.
3. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first contoured surface is configured for allowing the second contoured surface from the third modular construction block to abut against the first contoured surface.
4. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first contoured surface comprises a first arcuate portion, and the second contoured surface comprises a second arcuate portion, wherein the first arcuate portion is configured for engaging and/or rotating against the second arcuate portion from the third modular construction block.
5. The modular construction block according to claim 4, wherein the first arcuate portion is either convex or concave, and the second arcuate portion is respectively either concave or convex.
6. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to allow, in use, the second face from the modular construction block to abut the first face from the second modular construction block when the second connector from the construction block is engaged with the first connector from the second modular construction block.
7. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connector is configured for inhibiting shear movement between the modular construction block and the second construction block when the second connector from the modular construction block is engaged with the first connector from the second modular construction block.
8. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector comprises a plurality of first connectors, and the second connector comprises a plurality of second connectors.
9. The modular construction block according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of first connectors comprises one connector which is located closer to the second contoured surface than another of the connectors from the plurality of first connectors is located to the second contoured surface; and wherein the plurality of second connectors comprises one connector which is located closer to the second contoured surface than another of the connectors from the plurality of second connectors is located to the second contoured surface.
10. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein each connector comprises a projection or a recess.
11. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the modular construction block comprises at least one hole extending into the modular construction block
12. The modular construction block according to claim 11, wherein each hole extends from at least one of the first connector and the second connector.
13. The modular construction block according to claim 12, wherein each hole extends from the first connector through to the second connector.
14. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first face is parallel to the second face.
15. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the modular construction block comprises a third contoured surface and a fourth contoured surface; wherein the third contoured surface and the fourth contoured surface are between the first face and the second face; and wherein the third contoured surface is configured for engaging with the fourth contoured surface from a fourth modular construction block which is identical to the modular construction block.
16. The modular construction block according to claim 15, wherein the first contoured surface is opposite the third contoured surface.
17. The modular construction block according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first and third contoured surfaces are between the second and fourth contoured surfaces.
18. The modular construction block according to any of claims 15-17, wherein the first contoured surface is a mirror image of the third contoured surface.
19. The modular construction block according to any of claims 15-18, wherein the first contoured surface comprises a first arcuate portion, and the third contoured surface comprises a third arcuate portion, wherein the first and third arcuate portions are either both concave or both convex.
20. The modular construction block according to any of claims 15-19, wherein the second contoured surface comprises a second arcuate portion, and the fourth contoured surface comprises a fourth arcuate portion, wherein the second and fourth arcuate portions are either both concave or both convex.
21. The modular construction block according to any of claims 15-20, wherein the second contoured surface is a mirror image of the fourth contoured surface.
22. The modular construction block according to any of claims 15-21, wherein the first and third contoured surfaces comprise a primary portion and a secondary portion; wherein the secondary portion is located either side of the primary portion; wherein the secondary portion is located nearer to the second and fourth contoured surfaces than the primary portion is located to the second and fourth contoured surfaces; and wherein the first and third contoured surfaces are located closer to each other at the primary portion than at the secondary portion.
23. The modular construction block according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the primary portion and the second portion is arcuate.
24. The modular construction block according to any preceding claim, wherein the first face is flat, and wherein the second face is flat.
25. An assembly comprising the modular construction block according to any preceding claim, and further comprising the second modular construction block, wherein the second connector from the modular construction block is engaged with the first connector from the second modular construction block.
26. An assembly comprising the modular construction block according to any of claims 124, or comprising the assembly according to claim 25, wherein the assembly further comprises the third modular construction block, wherein the first contoured surface of the modular construction block is engaged with the second contoured surface from the third modular construction block.
27. A wall comprising a plurality of the modular construction blocks according to any of claims 1-24, or comprising the assembly according to claims 25 or 26.
28. A cladded wall comprising the wall according to claim 27, and a first face layer for covering a first side of the wall.
29. A cladded wall according to claim 28, wherein the cladded wall further comprises a second face layer for covering a second side of the wall.
30. A structure or building constructed using a plurality of the modular construction blocks according to any of claims 1-24, or using at least one wall according to any of claim 27-29.