NL2015716B1

NL2015716B1 - Building block and buildings build using such blocks.

Info

Publication number: NL2015716B1
Application number: NL2015716A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Frederik Derkman Willem; Xie Wei
Original assignee: Paperfoam Holding B V
Priority date: 2015-11-04
Filing date: 2015-11-04
Publication date: 2017-05-24

Abstract

Building block for building buildings, made of at least a biodegradable material and a method for providing building materials for building a building, comprising the steps of providing a series of nested building blocks, de-nesting the building blocks, filling at least part of at least a number of said building blocks with a filling material and stacking pairs of such building blocks.

Description

Title: Building block and buildings build using such blocks

The invention relates to building blocks for building buildings such as for example sheds, shelters and the like buildings.

Building blocks for building houses and the like buildings are known in the art and are commonly made from for clay or concrete. They are commonly made substantially massive and are therefore voluminous and relatively heavy. This means that transporting and storing such building blocks can be cumbersome and costly. Moreover, after their economic use they have to be dumped which leads to much waste, whereas they have to be crushed to be disposed of. Removing these building block to a proper dumpsite is also costly.

It is known to produce building blocks from concrete, which may have channels extending through them. Such blocks are known as cinder blocks. Although these blocks may be less heavy than massive blocks, they are still relatively heavy. Moreover,, they are voluminous during transport and storage. US3449878 discloses building blocks having a rectangular shape, defined by a wall enclosing an internal volume open to the top and bottom side of the block. At least one partitioning wall is provided between a front and rear wall. At a top side of the block extensions are provided which can fit in the lower open side of a similar block, such that the blocks can be interlocked. The extensions are also provided above the at least one partitioning wall, such that the building blocks can also be stacked in a staggered configuration. The building blocks are made of a plastic material. In a wall built from these blocks some of vertical voids through stacked blocks may be filled with concrete in order to provide for support columns. Such blocks may be light but require a lot of space for transportation and storage. Moreover, concrete is necessary to provide sufficient building strength. US5333970 discloses foldable structures for in situ forming building blocks which may be filled with sand, concrete, ash or soil and rock, stone and rubble. The walls of the building blocks are formed by wire mesh wall panels pivotably interconnected and lined with a liner. The wire structure can be folded concertina like for transport and storage, thus requiring relatively little space. When unfolded the mesh panels form void open to top and bottom. When stacked said filling can be inserted into the interconnected voids. These building blocks are cumbersome to manufacture and set up and are costly. Moreover these building blocks require a separate liner to be provided on said panels. US 2011/0107706 discloses building blocks formed from blanks. These blocks have to be folded into shape, with male connecting elements formed by flat blank portions have to extend outward from the block. These male elements are arrow shaped and have to be forced into mating slits forming female connecting elements. This is cumbersome, labor intensive and prone to mistakes, for example due to misalignment, folding of the connecting elements or for example wetting. Moreover, the connecting elements have to be flexible in order to be able to be mated and can easily be separated again.

Therefore there is a need for an alternative building block. There is a need for building blocks which are preferably easy to manufacture and/or store and/or transport. There is a need for building blocks which are easy to use for building and/or to dispose of after their economic use.

At least one of these or other aims can be obtained at least in part with a building block according to this disclosure.

In an aspect a system according to this description a building block is made of at least a biodegradable material.

In this description a building block has to be understood as an element for building a wall or wall element of a building, using a series of such building blocks. The building blocks can have different dimensions and are suitable for building a building suitable to be entered by humans and/or life stock, such as but not limited to sheds, shelters, housing and the like. The building blocks are especially suitable for building temporary buildings such as refugee shelters, temporary storage facilities and the like.

In this description a biodegradable material has to be understood as at least meaning a material which is designed to be structurally sound during a period in which it is to be used for a building, but which structurally disintegrates relatively rapidly after such use and/or which can be mixed in a waste stream, especially an existing waste stream, such as but not limited to GFT, compostable materials or paper. Such bio degradable material can contain or exist of natural fibers, such as but not limited to starch. Such bio degradable material can contain or exist of starch from for example potatoes, tapioca or pea starch, corn starch, Polylactic acid, PolyHydroxyAlkanoate, Polyhydroxybutyrate or Polycaprolactone.

In an aspect a building block according to the disclosure can be a thin walled, hollow block which is nestable inside and/or over a similar building block, such that the building blocks can be stored and transported occupying relatively little space, whereas the building blocks can moreover be relatively light compared to for example bricks or concrete blocks such as cinder blocks.

In an aspect a building block according to the disclosure can be provided with a number of first and second connecting elements, which can be used to interconnect the building blocks. Such connecting elements can be provided at different side surfaces of the building block. Each building block can be provided with at least one first and one second connecting element, which fit inside and/or over each other for connecting the building blocks. The connecting elements can for example be extensions from and/or undercuts in wall portions of the wall of the building block. The can taper in one or more directions in order to be able to slide the connecting elements into and/or over each other into a locking position, and preferably also slide out again, more preferably in a direction opposite to the sliding in direction, for releasing them again.

In an aspect a building block according to the description can be designed to fit onto a second such building block, in an inverted position, such that the two building blocks provide for an internal volume, preferably substantially closed to the environment. At least one such building block can be filled at least partly with a filling material, such as sand, mud, rubble or any other suitable material, such as but not limited to granular material.

Bottom sides of such stacked building blocks can in such embodiment face each other, such that top surfaces of said stacked building blocks face away from each other and the stacked building blocks define a common internal volume. A first of said building blocks, especially a lower one, can then at least partly be filled with said filling material, especially through a substantially open bottom side facing upward. A second of the pair of building blocks is then positioned on the first building block, with the bottom side of the second building block facing the bottom side of the first building block, closing off an internal volume of the two stacked building blocks. Additionally or alternatively the building blocks can have an indentation extending from the top surface into the common internal volume, wherein at least one of said indentations is filled with said filling material.

In such embodiments the filling material is preferably relatively heavy compared to the material of the building block, such that the filling material can weight down the building blocks when used for building a building. If only the lower part of the internal volume of two stacked building blocks is filled, by filling the lower building block, and only the indentation of the upper building block is filled with the filling material, a wall build using such stacked building blocks will be sufficiently sturdy and heavy for building a building, and be partly filled with air as insulation. Alternatively the internal volume can be filled differently, for example further, such as for example substantially entirely, for example through an opening in the top surface or the indentation. Moreover more than one indentation could be provided per building block.

In an aspect the disclosure is directed to a method for providing building materials for building a building, comprising the steps of providing a series of nested building blocks, de-nesting the building blocks, filling at least part of at least a number of said building blocks with a filling material and stacking pairs of such building blocks.

Building blocks according to the present disclosure can especially be used for building buildings which can for example be for semi-permanent use, such as for example shelters for refugees, or for building in remote locations, where transport of building materials is difficult. Making the building blocks of a bio degradable material will prevent difficulty in removal of waste after the economic or technical life span of the building has been exceeded. Moreover, if local material is used for filling material, such as for example sand, also only a limited portion of the building materials have to be transported to such site. Nevertheless the same building blocks can also be used for other purposes. They could also be made of different materials, such as less biodegradeable materials, e.g. plastic such as recycled plastic, e.g. PET, board, coconut fiber or the like.

In further elucidation of the present disclosure embodiments of building blocks, buildings built with such blocks and methods will be described, with reference to the drawings, which are only shown in elucidation and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure in any way. In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1 schematically a building block in perspective top view;

Fig. 2 schematically a building block in perspective bottom view;

Fig. 3A and B a pair of building blocks, during pairing and after pairing them, one of them in inverted position relative to the other;

Fig. 4 a building block in perspective top view, with an indentation filled with a filling material;

Fig. 5 three building blocks in interconnected position, wherein they are partly filled with a filling material;

Fig. 6 the building blocks of fig. 5, during pairing two of them with an inverted building block, as shown in fig. 4;

Fig. 7 a series of connected building blocks resulting from fig. 6, during positioning of an superimposed pair of further building blocks;

Fig. 8 the building blocks of fig. 7, resulting from the step of fig. 7;

Fig. 9 the building blocks of fig. 8 with two further superimposed pairs of building blocks placed;

Fig. 10 a wall part built with building blocks according to the disclosure, in perspective view;

Fig. 11 in side view a wall part built using building blocks according to the disclosure, partly in cross section, showing an example of filling material distribution;

Fig. 12 a comparison between a cinder block according to prior art and a pair of superimposed building blocks according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 in perspective view and in top view a corner portion of a building built using building blocks of this disclosure;

Fig. 14A - C in perspective view different wall part intersections built using a building block of the present disclosure;

Fig. 15 a series of nested building blocks of the disclosure;

Fig. 16 a schematic disclosure of weight and volume of a series of nested building blocks and a wall portion built with such building blocks;

Fig. 17A - I in nine steps the building of a building using building blocks according to the disclosure.

In this description the same or similar elements have the same or similar reference signs. The embodiments disclosed are for disclosure purpose and should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the invention as claimed in the appending claims.

In this description wording like substantially should be understood as meaning that slight variations on a value, dimension or other property it refers to should also be considered allowable. For example but not limited to variations or deviations of up to 25% or at least up to 20%, such as but not limited to variations or deviations of up to 15%, more specifically up to 10%, such as for example up to 5%.

In this description a building block has to be understood as an element or assembly suitable for building for example wall elements for buildings. A building block according to the present disclosure can have different dimensions and shapes, is not necessarily block shaped in the sense that all faces have to be rectangular. Some or all of the faces may be shaped differently, for example trapezium shaped, such that the building block is substantially truncated pyramid shaped, especially truncated pyramid shaped having a rectangular bottom side and top side.

In this description a top side or a bottom side of a building block should not be understood as limiting the building block to a specific orientation. In use a bottom side of a building block may face down or up or in another direction, as may a bottom side. Bottom side and top side should be understood as at least meaning opposite sides of a building block. When a building block according to this description has a substantially truncated pyramid shape, a bottom side refers to the wider and surface or side of such pyramid shape, the top side to the narrower side.

In this description examples of building blocks will be described which are basically thin walled structures forming boxes or shells open to at least one side, especially a bottom side. Thin walled should be understood as meaning that walls of the building block have an average wall thickness significantly smaller than the outer dimensions of the building block. The wall thickness can for example be between a minimum wall thickness and a maximum wall thickness achievable when injection moulding such building block from a plastic material such as PET. The wall thickness can for example be between 1 and 15 mm for a building block having outer dimensions between 350 by 150 by 90 mm and 200 by 100 by 45 mm (L*w*H).

In this description examples of building blocks will be described which can be nested. Nested should in this description be understood as at least meaning that a building block can be inserted into a substantially identical building block to an extend that the outer dimension of two nested building blocks is at least in one direction substantially smaller than that of the two building blocks superimposed on each other, measured in the same direction. The building blocks can preferably be nested to an extend that the nested height of two building blocks is less than 75% of the combined height of two building blocks, more preferably less than 65%, more preferably less than 60%.

Building blocks according to this description may be shells or trays, having an at least partly open side, a peripheral wall and a substantially closed side opposite the at least partly open side, such that it can hold an amount of filling material, even if that filling material is for example granular or fluid. The peripheral wall can be designed to form connecting elements. The peripheral wall can be designed to bear load from building blocks superimposed on the building block. The substantially closed side can have one or more indentations which can be designed to bear part of the load of building blocks super imposed on such building block. Such indentations can moreover be designed to hold filling material too, especially when the substantially closed side is facing upward during use.

Building blocks according to the disclosure can be provided with a number of connecting elements, especially extending inward and/or outward from a peripheral wall of the building block or formed as such by parts of the peripheral wall. The connecting elements are preferably designed such that two such building blocks can be interconnected by said connecting elements by sliding one such connecting element of a first block into and/or over a connecting element of a second building block. Preferably the connecting elements can be slid over and/or into each other in a first direction to a locking position, and slid in an opposite second direction to be uncoupled again. In the locking position preferably movements of such locked connecting elements is prevented in all directions but the second direction. In embodiments a building block can have for example at least one first connecting element and two or three second connecting elements, wherein a first connecting element can be connected with each of the second connecting elements of a similar or compatible building block. In such embodiments the first and second connecting elements are preferably provided at different sides of the building block, such that building blocks can be interconnected in different directions.

Building blocks according to the present disclosure are preferably made of bio degradable and/or natural, recyclable material, such as starch based and//or natural fiber based materials. In advantageous embodiments the building blocks can be made of a suspension containing starch, such as but not limited to potato or tapioca starch, which has been baked in a mould, such that the starch is at least gelatinized and preferably heated such that cross linking of at least natural polymers in the material is obtained. Natural fibers can be provided in the material, increasing the materials strength. Preferably the material is brought into the mould as a suspension at a temperature close to or below the gelatinization temperature of the natural polymers, which allows for easy an relatively low pressure filling. After baking, i.e. after cross slinking of the natural polymers preferably the wall of the building blocks has a cellular structure. The structure can be a foamed structure. The cells could be closed cells and/or open cells. Methods for manufacturing such products are for example known from WO96/30186 or W096/13184, which applications are owned by the same applicant and are incorporated herein by reference, as an example of such manufacturing method and suspensions that could be used for the manufacture. Such processes are for example used for injection moulding products in heated moulds. Such processes are for example used for the manufacture of Paperfoam® products. The material can be provide with a coating, for example a water resistant or water repellant coating, on an outside and/or an inside. Alternatively the building blocks could be made from a different material, for example from plastic, especially recycled plastic, such as but not limited to PET.

By way of example only embodiments of building blocks according to the description shall be discussed hereafter with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 schematically show in perspective view a building block 1 according to the description, in two opposite views. The building block is basically an open box or tray having a top side 2, a peripheral wall 3 and a bottom side 4. As indicated before, top side and bottom side should not be understood as defining a direction of use of the building block 1 but are used for identification of two opposite sides 2, 4 of the building block 1. The peripheral wall 3 has an edge 5 at a side remote from the top side, which edge 5 in this embodiment substantially defines a plane B. In this embodiment the top side 2 is provided with a top surface 6, from which the wall 3 extends. The top surface 6 and the plane B preferably extend substantially parallel to each other. The wall 3 in this embodiment is angled outward from the top surface 6, such that the surface area enclosed by the top surface within the peripheral wall 3 is smaller than the area of the plane B enclosed within the edge 5. In this embodiment the building block 1 has, in top or bottom view, i.e. in a view substantially perpendicular to the plane B, a substantially rectangular shape. In this embodiment the building block 1 has a generally truncated pyramid shape, narrowing from the bottom side 4 towards the top side 2.

In the embodiments shown the building block has a relatively thin wall 3, for example having a wall thickness on average of between 1 and 15 mm, wherein the building block can for example have outer dimensions between 350 by 150 by 90 mm and 200 by 100 by 45 mm (Length *Width*Height). Height H can be understood in these embodiments as the normal distance between the top surface 6 and the plane B, whereas the width W and length L can then be understood as two perpendicular dimensions, measured in the plane B, preferably without taking into account connecting elements, if provided for, as will be discussed later. In embodiments the building block can for example have a length of about 290 mm, a width of 220 mm and a height of 90 mm, wherein the wall thickness is preferably relatively constant and on average can be between about 1 to 5 mm, preferably between about 1,5 and 3 mm, for example about 2,5 mm. These dimensions are given by way of example only and should by no means be understood as limiting. Building blocks van be smaller or larger, with different wall thickness. They may have different shapes, for example substantially polygonal or triangular.

As can be seen in fig. 1 and 2 an indentation 7 can be provided for in the top surface 6. In the embodiments shown one such indentation is provided for, but obviously a different number of such indentations could be provided. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 the indentation 7 is substantially truncated pyramid shaped, having a peripheral wall 8 and an end wall 9. The peripheral wall 8 and the end wall 9 may be closed. The indentation 7 can thus form a pocket or receptacle within the building blockl accessible from an outside of the building block, especially from the top side 2 thereof. . The top surface 6 and the wall 3 may be closed. The end wall 9 is in the embodiments shown positioned at the level of the plane B. The indentation 7 preferably narrows from the top surface 6 towards the end wall 9. The peripheral wall 8 preferably includes an angle with the top surface and plane B. The said angle can be substantially similar to the angle the peripheral wall 3 encloses with the top surface 6 and plane B, but in opposite direction, or can be different. The indentation can have a substantially rectangular, for example substantially square cross section parallel to the plane B.

The indentation 7 can be positioned central to the top surface 6.

At the top surface the peripheral wall 8 at two opposite sides can be positioned close to the peripheral wall 3, whereas two further sides can be positioned further away from the peripheral wall 3. In such embodiments on two opposite sides of the indentation 7 part of the internal volume V of the building block 1 can be provided for, open to the bottom side 4, whereas at two further sides, opposite each other, a smaller part of said volume V can be provided for. A building block 1 according to these embodiments can be nested inside a similar building block 1, as will be shown and discussed further in relation to fig. 15, showing five such building blocks 1 nested into each other.

As can be seen from for example fig. 1 and 2, a building block 1 can be provided with first and second connecting elements 10, 11 for interconnecting building blocks 1 according to the disclosure or similar building elements provided with compatible connecting elements. In the embodiments shown the wall 3 has four wall parts 3A - 3D, extending at four sides of the substantially rectangular building block 1. In this embodiment one such wall part 3A is provided with a first connecting element 10, whereas the three further wall parts 3B — 3D are provided with a second connecting element 11, compatible with the first connecting element 10. The connecting elements 10, 11 are formed by the respective wall parts 3A - 3D, as protrusion (the first connecting element 10) and intrusions (the second connecting elements 11).

In the embodiments shown the first connecting element 10 is a substantially dove tail shaped protrusion. The protrusion can have to opposite side wall portions 10A, B positioned such that they divert relative to each other outward, connected by an end wall portion IOC. Moreover at least the side wall portions 10A, B divert relative to each other in a direction from the top surface 6 to the bottom side 4. The width Wd(bottom) at the bottom side 4 side of the dove tail shaped protrusion 10 is thus wider than the width Wd(top) at he opposite top side 2. The second connecting elements 11 are basically intrusions, form by parts of the relevant wall parts 3B - 3D, and are complementary to the first connecting element 10, but in an inverted position. The intrusions 11 are again substantially dove tail shaped, with the side wall portions 11 A, B extending inward into the internal volume V, and diverging in that direction relative to each other, and diverging relative to each other in a direction away from the bottom side 4 towards the top side 2. Thus the width Wd(bottom) of the intrusion 11 at the bottom side 4 is smaller than the width Wd(top) at the top side 2.

From the above it follows that in such embodiments the first connecting element 10 can be slid into any one of the second connecting elements 11 in a first direction Sin, and out in the opposite direction Sout. When sliding the first connecting element 10 into the second connecting element 11 the first connecting element 10 will be slid into a locking position, as for example shown in fig. 5, in which at least the side wall portions 10A, B will at least partly abut the side wall portions 11A, B of the second connecting elements 11, preventing sliding further. In this position preferably the top surface 6 of a first of two interconnected building blocks 1 will lie substantially flush with the plane B defined by the other of said two interconnected building blocks 1, as shown for example in fig. 5.

By providing first and second connecting elements 10, 11 at all sides of a building block 1 connections between building blocks can be made in different directions, as for example shown in fig. 13 and 14. In embodiments a building block can be provided with a first and connecting element 10, 11 only on two opposite sides, such that the building blocks can only be connected in a longitudinal direction. Obviously different numbers of first and second connecting elements can be provided. In embodiments building blocks can be provided with first or second connecting elements only, whereas further building elements can be provided with the same or similar connecting elements 10 and/or 11 for cooperation with the building blocks 1 as disclosed. In embodiments building blocks can be formed without first and/or second connecting elements.

In embodiments, for example as shown in fig. 1 and 3, the top surface 6 can provided with at least one top connecting provision 12 for cooperation with a compatible top connecting provision 12 of a similar or identical building block 1. In the embodiments shown the top connecting provision 12 comprises a first indentation 12A and a second indentation 12B, as well as a first protrusion 12C and a second protrusion 12D. The first protrusion 12C is dimensioned such that it can fit within the first indentation 12A, preferably relatively snugly. The second protrusion 12D is dimensioned such that it can fit within the second indentation 12B, preferably relatively snugly. Thus if the two top surfaces 6 of two building blocks 1 are positioned against each other, the indentations 12A, B receive the protrusions 12C, D, thus coupling the building blocks 1, at least to such extend that relative movement other than moving the top surfaces 6 away from each other is prevented, especially a sliding movement.

In embodiments as for example shown in fig. 2 and 3A the end wall 9 of the indentation 7 can be provided with at least one bottom connecting provision 13 for cooperation with a compatible bottom connecting provision 13 of a similar or identical building block 1. In the embodiments shown the bottom connecting provision 13 comprises a first indentation 13A and a first protrusion 13B. The first protrusion 13B is dimensioned such that it can fit within the first indentation 13A, preferably relatively snugly. Thus if the two end walls 9 of two building blocks 1 are positioned against each other, the indentation 13A receives the protrusion 13B, thus coupling the building blocks 1, at least to such extend that relative movement other than moving the bottom sides 4, or at least the end walls 9, away from each other is prevented, especially a sliding movement.

In embodiments and indentations 12A, B and the protrusions 12C, D are shaped and/or positioned such that the top surfaces 6 of two blocks 1 can only be properly positioned against each other in one orientation. To that end for example the first indentation 12A can be shaped, dimensioned and/or positioned different from the second indentation 12B and/or the first protrusion 12C can be shaped, dimensioned and/or positioned different from the second protrusion 12D. Similarly the first indentation and the first protrusion 13A, B can be made such that the end walls 9 of two blocks can only be positioned properly against each other in one orientation.

Preferably building blocks 1 have both top and bottom connection provisions 12, 13.

As indicated, preferably building blocks 1 are moulded, such as injection moulded, thermos formed, press moulded or the like. Building blocks 1 are preferably made of a relatively light material, such as but not limited to material lighter than brick or concrete. Building blocks 1 can preferably be nested, as shown in fig. 15, wherein a first building block 1 can be inserted into a second building block 1, the top side 2 first entering through the substantially open bottom side 4 of said second block 1. The building blocks 1 can be nested to such extend that the overall height Hnest of said two building blocks is smaller than twice the height H of the individual building blocks 1. Preferably the building blocks 1 can be nested to such extend that only a very small portion of the one building block 1 extends above the edge 5 of the wall 3 of the other building block 1. For example only less than 25% of the height H of the one block may extend above said edge 5 of the other block, more preferably less than 20%, such as for example only 10% or less. Preferably the nesting is maximal, only limited by the inclination of the walls 3, 8 and the wall thickness t.

As is shown in fig. 3A and B, a pair of building blocks IA, IB can be superimposed, by placing the one building block IB with the bottom side 4 against the bottom side of the other building block 1A of the pair. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A and B the end walls 9 of the indentations 7 of both building blocks IA, IB will be brought into an abutting position, as will be the edges 5 of the walls 3 of both building blocks IA, IB, as is shown in fig. 3B. Thus the combined building blocks IA, IB will define a combined internal volume Vc. By providing the bottom connecting provisions which allow only one orientation for connecting them it can further be ensured that the orientation of the building blocks IA, IB is correct in the sense that the first connecting elements 10 of both building blocks are at the same side of the superimposed building blocks IA, IB. The thus superimposed building blocks IA, IB can together also be referred to as a building element 100. The building blocks can be superimposed freely, without using any adhesive or other means for fastening them to each other. Alternatively the building blocks IA, IB may be fixed in position by such means such as but not limited to adhesive, cement, tape, bolting or the like, or may be filled with a material connecting them together. A building element can preferably be handled as one entity in forming a building.

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 5, the internal volume V of a building block 1 and/or the volume Vi of the indentation 7 of a building block 1 can be filled at least partly with a filling material 14. In embodiments the filling material can be a granular or fluid material. The filling material 14 can for example be sand, mud, rubble or other, preferably natural material. Filling material used can be material provided for locally at a site where a building is to be erected using building blocks 1. This prevents having to move such filling material over large distances, reduces the risk of contamination by material foreign to the said site and/or ensures that the filling material can be redeposited at the site after use. Alternatively or additionally the filling material can be of comprise a foaming material, for example an insulating foam, a solid block, or for example a granular material comprising a binder for mechanically and/of chemically binding the filling material. This could prevent the material from falling out of the volume V, Vi.

In fig. 5 three building blocks IA, 1C and ID are shown, interconnected by connecting elements 10, 11 in a row, in this embodiment forming a substantially straight line. The first and third building blocks 1A, ID are positioned with the bottom side 4 facing upward and the middle building block 1C inverted, i.e. in this fig. having the bottom side 4 facing down. In the first and third building blocks 1A, ID the internal volume V has been filled with filling material 14, whereas in the middle block 1C the indentation volume Vi has been filled with such material 14. In the embodiment shown the filling material 14 can be sand.

In fig. 6 two building blocks IB are shown, in an orientation corresponding to that of the middle block 1C, again having the volume Vi of the indentation 7 filled with filling material 14. The internal volume V of these building blocks can be empty, i.e. containing air. As can be seen in fig. 7, the building blocks IB can be positioned over the bottom sides 4 of the first and third building blocks 1A, ID, with the bottom connecting provisions 13 of the relevant building blocks 1A and IB and ID and IB interconnected and the edges 5 thereof positioned substantially in abutment. Thus two pairs of building blocks IA, IB and ID, IB are formed. They may be adhered to each other but can also be placed without such adherence. The pairs of building blocks form building elements 100. As can be seen in fig. 7 such building element 100 can also be prepared first and then placed. The building element can comprise filling material 14 as discussed, or could be filled differently or could be empty.

As can be understood from fig. 7 and 8, a further building element 100 can be placed on the top surface 6, between the second building blocks IB. The top connecting provisions 12 can interlock. The connecting elements 10, 11 of the lower one of the building blocks 1 forming said building element 100 can be slid over or into the corresponding connecting elements 11, 10 of the second building blocks IB, for interconnecting the building elements 100.

From fig. 9 it follows that again further building elements can be staked in a similar way on the top surfaces 6 of the building blocks IB, interconnecting with the intermediate building element 100. Thus a wall 101 can be constructed of interconnected building elements as shown in fig. 10.

In fig. 11 view of a wall part 101 is shown, partially in cross section, showing the distribution of filling material 14 in the wall part 101, especially in the building elements 100 in an advantageous embodiment. As can be seen compartments filled with filling material 14 and air filled compartments are intermittently provided in each row 102 of building blocks 1, whereas in two adjacent rows 102 they are displaced, such that above each compartment filled with filling material 14 a compartment is provided filled with air and vice versa. The compartments are formed by either part of the internal volume V or the volume of the indentation Vi. Thus the forming of cold bridges are substantially avoided, increasing insulating capacity of the wall part 100. As can be seen in fig. 10, the filling material 14 can also fill a first connecting element 10.

As is for example clear from fig. 11, end walls 9 if indentations 7 of pairs of building blocks 1 can rest against each other. This increases the loadbearing capacity of the building elements 100 formed therewith. It should be noted that also embodiments of building blocks 1 could be designed without such indentations, with indentations which will not connect when forming a building element 100 or with a different design, position and/or number of indentations.

In fig. 12 schematically a cinder block 200 is shown, having substantially similar outer dimensions as an example of an embodiment of a building element 100 according to the disclosure. The cinder block 200, made of concrete, has outer dimensions of 200*300*150 mm and weighs about 6.5 to 7.5 kg. The building element 100 as shown, filled with sand has outer dimensions of about 220*290*180 mm and weighs about 6.9 kg. Without the sand the building element weighs about 0.19 kg. Thus for shipping building blocks according to the disclosure in such embodiment transport weight is reduced to about l/36th of the weight of the cinder blocks.

Fig. 15 shows a series of building blocks 1 nested. The overall height Htotal is significantly reduced compared to the combined heights H of the individual building blocks 1. In the embodiment shown, by way of example only, about l/5th or 20% of the height H of a building block 1 nested inside another block 1 protrudes above the edge of the building block 1 it is nested in. Thus about six building blocks nested will have the same overall height Htotal as the combined height of two separate building blocks. By way of example and for comparison only, for example 720 building blocks could be loaded in nested position in a volume of about 0.8 m3,from which a wall could be assembled of for example 8 by 2 m. A comparable wall built of cinder blocks as shown in fig. 12 would require at least about 270 cinder blocks, having a combined weight of at least 1755 to 2025 kg, and requiring about 2.45 m3 for transport and storage.

Fig. 16 schematically shows a possible embodiment of transport of building elements, by helicopter, for forming a wall section 101. As discussed here above, a container 104 or a pallet or other transport provision could be filled with or attacked with a series of building elements 1 in nested position, which could be transported for example by helicopter 105, being relatively light. For example 720 such building blocks 1 could be stacked in a volume of about 0.8 m3, with which a wall section 101 could be built having a length Lw of 8 m, a height Hw of 2 m and a weight, once filled as discussed with a filling material of e.g. about 2500 kg, whereas the building blocks weigh only about 70 kg.

Fig. 13 and 14 A - C disclose different wall parts and building sections, which can be built using embodiments of building blocks 1 cq building elements 100 according to the disclosure. In fig. 3 in perspective view and top view a corner section is shown. In fig. 14A a section of a building is shown in which a first wall section 101A is connected perpendicular to a portion of a second wall section 101B, forming a basically T-shaped connection. In fig. 14B an intersection of two wall sections 101A, B is shown, forming a substantially X-shaped configuration. In fig. 14C in perspective view and in top view a substantially rectangular building section is shown, having four wall sections 101 enclosing an internal space 103. Obviously many more configurations are possible, including but not limited to combinations of wall sections and connections as shown in fig. 13 and 14. Moreover, openings can be formed in such wall sections, for example for doors and/or windows.

Fig. 17 A - I show in a series of steps an example of a building 106 built using building elements 100 according to the disclosure. In this embodiment the building may be a shelter of temporary, semi-permanent or permanent use.

Fig. 17A shows the laying of a foundation 107, which may be made of any suitable material, and will only be provided if necessary. The foundation 107 can for example be formed of building blocks 108 similar to the blocks as discussed here before, but having connecting elements such that they can all be coupled having an open bottom side 4 facing upward, to be filled with a filling material. A foundation 107, if necessary, could also be made of pother materials, for example in a more conventional or traditional way, of concrete, cement, rock, cinder blocks, wood or the like.

Fig. 17B shows the foundation 107 filled with a filling material, which may be the same or different from the filling material used for filling the building blocks 1.

As can be seen in fig. 17C if desired a floor finish 109 can be provided on top of the foundation 107, for example board, cement, sand or any other suitable material.

As is shown in fig. 17D then walls 101 can be erected on top of the finish or foundation 107, using building blocks 1 cq building elements 100 of this disclosure. A door opening 110 and a window opening 111 can be provided in a conventional manner. In the embodiment shown at least two adjacent wall sections 101 have a sloping top edge 112.

In fig. 17E it is shown that a network of beams 113 can be provided on the wall sections 101, resting on top of the top edges 112. As shown in fig. 17F these can for example be secured by ropes 114 tied to the foundation 107. Then a roof 115 can be placed on top of the beams 113, for example made of board, textile, such as canvas, metal sheet, leaves or any suitable material. Preferably such material can be provided for locally.

As can be seen in fig. 17H due to the sloping upper wall edges 112, the roof 115 will slant towards a corner. H water tank can be placed under the lowest corner 116, for collecting rain water from the roof 115.

As is schematically shown in fig. 171, the roof can be positioned such that a dominant wind direction will be orientated over the sloping roof, from a lower side to a higher side. Since the upper edge 112 of the walls will be stepped, openings will be provided between the edges 112 and the roof 115, allowing the wind blowing over the roof to draw air out from the internal space of the building.

In the embodiment shown only one internal space is provided in the building. Obviously, by using different configurations, for example as shown in fig. 13 and 14, the space could be provided with compartments, such as rooms.

As discussed, it can be advantageous to manufacture the building blocks using biodegradable material, such as from natural resources, such that after there economic or technical life span, they can be resorbed or recycled easily, be used for compost or fuel or making new products. Alternatively they could be made more durable, for example from plastic, such as but not limited to recycled plastic, such as e.g. PET, or bio plastic. Building blocks 1 could be made having different dimensions and sizes, with different numbers of connecting elements and/or connecting provisions, with different connecting elements and/or connecting provisions or even without such connecting elements or provisions. Building blocks could be provided such that different sizes of such building blocks could be combined, for example full and half blocks 1, or building blocks could be designed such that one building block could bridge two or more other building blocks, for example for increasing wall strength. In embodiments building blocks 1 of the disclosure could be interconnected permanently on a building site or even prior to transport to a building site. In embodiments a building element could be made water tight and could partly or fully be filled with water or another liquid.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments as shown and/or described in this description. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the claims, including at least all combinations of parts and elements of the embodiments and parts thereof shown, in any combination or permutation.

These and other alterations and modifications are supposed to be disclosed within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A building block for building buildings made from at least one biodegradable material.

The building block of claim 1, wherein the building block is made from a starch-based material.

A building block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the building block has a wall comprising said biodegradable material, in particular starch-based, which is preferably baked, the wall being relatively thin in relation to the outer dimensions of the building block.

Building block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the building block is substantially hollow.

Building block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the building block is open on at least one side.

The building block of claim 5, wherein the building block has a first part that is open to a first side building block, and a second part that is open to a second side of the building block, opposite the first side.

Building block according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building block has a number of walls or wall parts which comprise at least one connecting element for connecting the building block to a comparable or identical building block provided with at least one such connecting element.

Building block according to claim 7, wherein the building block has at least a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element at least partially fits within a second connecting element of a comparable or identical building block, the first and second connecting element being preferably formed for sliding the one connecting element into and / or over the other connecting element in a first direction to a blocking position, and sliding in an opposite second direction for releasing it.

A building block according to claim 8, wherein the building block has at least a first connecting element and at least two second connecting elements, for example a first and three second connecting elements, regularly distributed around four sides of the building block, wherein the building block has a substantially rectangular shape.

A building block according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building block has a substantially truncated shape, with a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side being wider and / or longer than the top side, measured in parallel planes, the bottom side being substantially open and is defined by at least one edge of a wall extending from the top.

11. Building block as claimed in claim 10, wherein the top side comprises an upper surface from which the wall extends, wherein at least one indentation is provided in the upper surface, preferably provided with an end wall substantially parallel to and more preferably located in the plane defined turned away from the top surface by the edge of the wall on one side.

A building block according to claim 10, wherein the upper surface is provided with at least one top connection facility, for cooperation with a compatible top connection facility from a similar or identical building block.

A building block according to claim 11, wherein the end wall is provided with at least one bottom connection facility for cooperation with a compatible bottom connection facility of a similar or identical construction block.

A building block according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building block can be nested in an equal building block.

A set of two building blocks, preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building blocks are equal, each provided with an upper side and a lower side, wherein the building blocks are designed to be positioned in a stacked relationship, with the undersides next to each other and at preferably connected to each other, such that the stacked building blocks determine an internal volume, substantially closed to the environment.

A set according to claim 15, wherein each of the building blocks comprises an indentation extending from the top to the bottom, and provided with a circumferential wall part and an end wall, wherein the end walls of said two building blocks are preferably provided such that when the building blocks in the stacked position, the end walls are adjacent to each other and are preferably mutually connected.

A set according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the internal volume is filled with a filling material, in particular a granular material such as sand.

Set according to claim 16, wherein the indentation of at least one of the building blocks is filled with a filling material, in particular a granular material such as sand.

A building block according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or a set according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the building blocks are manufactured by using a starch-based suspension, preferably baked in a mold.

A building manufactured using building blocks and / or a set of building blocks according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. Method for providing building material for building a building, comprising the steps of providing nested building blocks, denesting the building blocks, filling at least a part of at least a number of the building blocks with a filling material and stacking the building blocks .

A method according to claim 21, wherein pairs of building blocks are provided, one of which is placed on top of the other, in an inverted position, such that the undersides of said stacked building blocks face each other and the upper sides thereof face away from each other and the stacked building blocks joint internal volume, wherein: a first of said building blocks, in particular a lower one, is filled with said filling material, in particular by a substantially open underside facing upwards, the second building block of the pair being placed on the first building block, the underside of the second building block facing the underside of the first building block, thereby closing an internal volume of the two stacked building blocks; and / or the building blocks have an indentation in the joint internal volume, wherein at least one of the indentations is filled with said filling material.

The method of any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the nested building blocks are provided in a container separated from the filling material.