ZA200902513B

ZA200902513B - Building block arrangement

Info

Publication number: ZA200902513B
Application number: ZA2009/02513A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Jacobus Van Zyl Willem
Original assignee: Jacobus Van Zyl Willem
Priority date: 2008-01-16
Filing date: 2009-04-09
Publication date: 2010-02-24

Description

DrG REF: 676214 oo ' TITLE OF INVENTION . | Building block arrangement.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building block arrangement.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a building block arrangement for erecting walls, houses or other buildings and a construction method therefore.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Building blocks made of mineral materials, for example lattice type structures or with through holes, are known. Furthermore various ~~ methods of laying bricks are used in the construction industry.

US Patent 6,718,722 Worrell et al discloses a fortified adobe-type construction composition which includes soil, from about 12 to about 14 parts; water, from about 3 to about 4 parts; flyash, from about 2 to about 4 parts; and cement, from about 1 to about 2 parts. A wall : structure includes a frame structure having spaced-apart frame elements and a support structure affixed thereto to form an interior space. A core material resides within: the space, and the overlay composition is applied to an exterior surface. A method of constructing a building element includes the steps of erecting a frame structure comprising spaced-apart frame elements and affixing a support structure to the elements to form and interior space. A core material is inserted in the support structure interior space, and the overlay composition is applied to an exterior surface of the support structure.

DrG Ref: 676214

~ US Patent 6,349,522 Stevens discloses an apparatus and process for the manufacture of brick blocks, i.e. a concrete chimney or wall block, ' : with an impressed brick grout pattern on the face thereof, comprises a j mould adapted to fit a known concrete block manufacturing machine. h | 5 The mould has grout bars to impress a simulated laid brick pattern onto at least one vertical face of the block, the grout bar moveable in and out from a wall of the mould by hydraulic components. The hydraulic components utilize a unique multi-piston hydraulic block.

US Patent 4,226,067 Artzer discloses a modular lightweight structural panel which is made of a light weight expended plastic filler reinforced by wire lattice structures. A number of long, narrow filler elements are interleaved with a number of substantially flat lattice structures to form a laminated panel subassembly with corresponding surfaced of the filler elements collectively forming substantially planar surfaces of the panel cores. The subassembly is laterally compressed, in a direction perpendicular to the planes of laminations, to thereby force each of the lattice structures to be pressed into and partially embedded in mutually contiguous surfaces of adjacent ones of the filer elements.

US Patent 4,288,962 Kavanaugh discloses a method for constructing straight walls at a building site without use of nails or other fastening means. Appropriately flanged metal I-beam studs are erected with the + flanges in the direction of the wall, and expanded polyurethane foam is applied, such as by spraying, to a desired thickness between the I- beam flanges, thereby acting as a fastener and providing insulating properties. A fibreglass-cementitious mixture is then applied to provide a very hard, smooth, waterproof and durable surface of very high fire rating. The invention is equally applicable to interior walls, exterior walls, and roof panels.

US Patent 5,335,472 Philips discloses a reinforced concrete building which has vertical walls formed of prefabricated modules which may be } DrG Ref: 676214

4 Gl assembled offsite and then transported to the construction site for installation and application of concrete. The prefabricated modules are ’ supported between lower and upper: channel-shaped support members

TL and are spaced from each other a sufficient distance for a concrete column there-between. A backing member is secured between adjacent modules and vertical reinforcing rods are provided adjacent backing ~~ member in the space between the modules for the concrete columns.

Concrete is applied pneumatically against the backing member to fill the space between the modules to form the concrete column.

Unfortunately the known building bricks are either expensive or difficult to manufacture or facilities to manufacture bricks are not available.

It is an object of the invention to suggest a building block arrangement and a construction method therefore which will assist. in overcoming the afore-mentioned problems. "15 SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, a building block arrangement for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, includes (a) at least three substantially rectangular interlocking members which are adapted to be positioned and/or connectable to one another by means of interlocking means to form a building block framework; (b) the building block framework being adapted to be at least partially surrounded and/or lined by a rib and/or web-like structure for allowing the building block framework to receive a mineral mixture; and (c) the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ.

DrG Ref: 676214

Also according to the invention, a building block for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which is formed in ) situ and includes : (a) a building block framework adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework; and (b) a rib and/or web-like structure at least partially surrounding the building block framework, thereby allowing the building block framework to receive a mineral mixture; the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ.

Yet further according to the invention, a building block for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other ‘buildings, which is formed in situ and includes (a) a building block framework adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework; and (b) a grid-like structure associated with the building block framework, thereby allowing the building block framework to receive a mineral mixture; the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which includes the steps of (a) mounting building biock frameworks on top and/or adjacent to one another;

DrG Ref: 676214

(b) at least partially surrounding the building block frameworks, either individually and/or collectively with a rib and/or web- ) like structure; and ) (c) introducing a mineral mixture into the building block ’ 5 frameworks in situ.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which includes ‘the steps of (a) mounting building block frameworks, having at least one rib and/or grid, on top and/or adjacent to one another; and (b) introducing a mineral mixture into the building block frameworks in situ.

The mineral mixture may be concrete.

The arrangement may be adapted to allow the mineral mixture to ooze through the rib, grid and/or web-like structure to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture. :

The resultant building block or wall may be adapted to be plastered with cement and/or painted.

The interlocking panels may be substantially square and/or substantially rectangular and/or angular and/or circular.

The building block framework may include reinforcing or supporting beams.

The rib, grid and/or web-like structure may surround the building block framework individually and/or collectively.

The building block framework may be of a quadratic shape.

DrG Ref: 676214

;

The building block framework may consist of a plastics material and/or a flexible material and/or rigid material such as wire and/or wire mesh. . The building block framework may and/or may not be adapted to be : removed after introducing the mineral mixture into the building block ; 5 framework in situ and/or after the mineral mixture has cured and/or settled and may form part of the final construction. : ~ The building block framework may be foldable to facilitate transportation thereof.

The building block framework may include hollow profile or members for forming at least one centre core or cavity.

The hollow profile or members may be adapted not to be filled with the mineral mixture.

The hollow profile or members may be adapted to be filled with stones.

The hollow profiles or member may include stones for assisting air flow through the walls and/or for assisting in cooling of the walls.

The centre cores of one building block framework may be aligned to the centre cores of another building block framework. : The centre cores may be adapted to receive cables and/or pipes.

The centre cores may be adapted to receive reinforcement rods, for example steel wires, and therewith for construction security.

At least one centre core of one building block framework may be arranged in use to be substantially in alignment with at least one

Centre core of a neighbouring building block framework.

The centre cores may be defined by various shapes of hollow profiles.

The centre cores may be adapted to assist in air-flow.

DrG Ref: 676214

The building block may be used for playing, toy and/or educational purposes and/or construction training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

) The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in:

Figure 1: a perspective view of a building block framework in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: a first perspective view of a number of stacked building block frameworks shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3: a second perspective view of a number of stacked building block frameworks as shown in Figure ‘1, but including a substantially square building block framework in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4: a perspective view of a building block framework in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, having two centre cores;

Figure 5: a side view of the building block framework as seen from arrow Vin Figure 4;

Figure 6: a top view of the building block framework as seen from : arrow VI in Figure 5;

Figure 7: a perspective view of two sides of a building block framework in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention and showing the detail B:

DrG Ref: 676214

Figure 8: a front view of the building block framework as seen from arrow VIII in Figure 7 and showing the detail C being a side ot view of detail B in Figure 7; : ) Figure 9: a side view of the building block framework as seen from arrow IX in Figure 7; “Figure 10: a bottom view of the building block framework as seen from arrow X in Figure 7;

Figure 11: a perspective view of a building block framework in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12: a perspective view of a building block framework shown in.

Figure 11, but in exploded view;

Figure 13: a front view of the building block framework as seen from ~ arrow XIII in Figure 11; :

Figure 14: a top view of the building block framework as seen from arrow XIV in Figure 11;

Figure 15: a side view of the building block framework as seen from arrow XV in Figure 11; and

Figure 16: a perspective view of a building block framework in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention and showing details A and B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

: Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a building block framework in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.

DrG Ref: 676214

The building block framework 10 includes a substantially square interlocking panels 12 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 14 which are connected to one another by means of interlocking means 16 and supported by reinforcing or supporting beams 18. The ] 5 supporting beams 18 are optional and may be made of a different material such as wire if it is to be used to tie external plaster-walls together.

The building block framework 10 accordingly has a substantially rectangular shape similar to any brick shape or building block shape, 10 i.e. a quadratic shape and/or angular and/or circular and/or bent to form a curve.

In Figure 2, the building block framework 10 is adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework 20 and 22.

In Figure 3, the building block frameworks 24 and 26 (“full bricks”) are 1s adapted be mounted adjacent to another building block framework 28 which consists of a substantially square shape (.i.e. “half-brick”, va bricks, 3% bricks), including substantially square interlocking panels 30.

The building block frameworks 10, 20 and 22 consist of a plastics material, which is flexible material and/or rigid material such as wire and/or mesh.

The building block frameworks 10, 20 and 22 are foldable to assist in transportation thereof.

A web-like structure (not shown) then partially surrounds and/or lined as an inner lining to the building block frameworks 10, 22 and 22, thereby allowing the building block frameworks 10, 20 and 22 to be filled with a mineral mixture. The web-like structure surrounds and/or lined as an inner lining to the building block frameworks 10, 20 and 22 individually or collectively. : . DrG Ref: 676214

The building block frameworks 10, 20 and 22 are filled with the mineral mixture in situ and are thus integrally formed with the resultant to ‘building block and wall, building construction, house or building. The oe "mineral mixture may ooze through the web-like structure to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture.

The building block framework 10 is thus used for erecting walls, pillars, building constructions, houses or other buildings.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, a building block framework in accordance : with a third embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 32, is shown.

The building block framework 32 includes a substantially square interlocking panels 34 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 36 which are connected to one another by means of interiocking means 38.

The building block framework 32 accordingly has a substantially rectangular shape similar to any brick shape or building block shape, i.e. a quadratic shape.

The building block framework 32 includes a hollow profile or member 40 for forming two centre cores 42 and 44. The hollow profile or member 40 may be defined by various shapes of hollow profiles.

The centre cores 42 and 44 of one building block framework 32 are adapted to be aligned to the centre cores of another building block framework. The centre cores 42 or 44 of one building block framework 32 is arranged in use to be substantially in alignment with at least one centre core 42 or 44 of a neighbouring building block framework.

Thereby the mineral mixture in an adjacent building block framework 32 (either above or besides) does not fall into the cores 42 and 44.

DrG Ref: 676214

The centre cores 42 and 44 are adapted to receive cables and/or pipes and are adapted to receive reinforcement rods, for example steel ) wires, and therewith for construction security. This is a part of the normal building block framework (or brickform) where the steel is positioned inside the a row of adjoining building block frameworks before concrete is poured into the frames. It can be used in an upright manner as well to reinforce the structure "top-downs' as is required in pillars.

The centre cores 42 and 44 also assist in air-flow.

The building block framework 32 consists of a plastics material, which is flexible material and/or more rigid material such as wire and/or mesh.

The building block framework 32 is foldable to assist in transportation thereof.

The building block framework 32 is adapted to be mounted on top and “adjacent to another building block framework.

A .web-like and/or grid-like structure (not shown) then partially surrounds or lines the building block framework 32, thereby allowing the building block frameworks 32 to be filled with a mineral mixture with the hollow profile or member 40 left empty so as to form a cavity.

The web-like and/or grid-like structure surrounds or lines the building block framework 32 individually or collectively. k The mineral mixture may ooze through the web-like and/or grid-like structure to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture.

The building block framework 32 is filled with the mineral mixture in situ and are thus integrally formed with the resultant building block and

DrG Ref: 676214 wall, building construction, house, toy building structure, training structure or building. oo The building block framework 32 is thus used for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings.

The centre cores may be in a grid format of made of a solid material.

Referring to Figures 7 to 10, a building block framework in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 46, is shown.

The building block framework 46 includes a substantially square interlocking panels 48 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 50 which are connected to one another by means of interlocking means 52.

The building block framework 46 accordingly has a substantially rectangular shape similar to any brick shape or building block shape, i.e. a quadratic shape. :

The building block framework 46 consists of a plastics material, which is flexible material and/or rigid material such as wire and/or mesh.

The building block framework 46 is foldable to assist in transportation thereof.

The building block framework 46 is adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework and can result in straight and/or curved structures.

The substantially square interlocking panels 48 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 50 when locked are adapted to allowing the building block framework 46 to be filled with a mineral mixture.

DrG Ref: 676214

~The building block framework 46 may comprise of a single unit as opposed to comprising of interlocking section to form the framework 46.

The mineral mixture may ooze through the substantially square interlocking panels 48 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 50 to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture.

The building block framework 46 is filled with the mineral mixture in situ and are thus integrally formed with the resultant building. block and wall, building construction, house or building. Though the building block oo framework 46 cannot be removed after the mineral mixture has settled.

The building block framework 46 is thus used for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings.

The framework 46 may be filled with stones. In such a case, a supporting beam 18 may be used to prevent the frame from bulging - the supporting beam maybe made of wire which will hold opposite sides 50 in place. The exterior of 50 can then be plastered (25 - 35 mm) to form a solid outer shell. The plaster binds with the stones inside 46 as well as with the wire supporting beam to become a solid structure.

Referring to Figures 11 to 15, a building block framework in accordance : with a fifth embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 54, is shown.

Reinforcing steel and conduit pipes may be imbedded within the frame structure during construction.

DrG Ref: 676214

The building block framework 54 includes a substantially square interlocking panels 56 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 58. : ) The building block framework 54 accordingly has a substantially rectangular shape similar to any brick shape or building block shape, i.e. a quadratic shape. :

The building block framework 54 consists of a plastics material, which is flexible material and/or rigid material such as wire and/or mesh.

The building block framework 54 is foldable to assist in transportation thereof.

The building block framework 54 is adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework.

The substantially square interlocking panels 54 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 56 when locked are adapted to allowing the building block framework 58 to be filled with a mineral mixture.

The mineral mixture may ooze through the substantially square interlocking panels 56 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 58 to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture.

The building block framework 54 is filled with the mineral mixture in situ and are thus integrally formed with the resultant building block and wall, building construction, house or building. Though the building block framework 54 cannot be removed after the mineral mixture has settled.

DrG Ref: 676214

The building block framework 54 is thus used for erecting walls, ) building constructions, houses or other buildings.

The framework 54 may be filled with stones. In such an event a oT supporting beam 18 may be used to prevent the frame from bulging - : 5 the supporting beam maybe made of wire which will hold opposite sides 58 in place. The exterior of 58 can then be plastered (25 - 35 mm) to form a solid outer shell. The plaster binds with the stones inside 54 as well as with the wire supporting beam to become a solid structure. | :

The building block framework need not be made of separate parts which have to be interlinked to form the shape as depicted in Figure 11, it may be made out of a single structure resulting in a building block as featured in Figure 11 whilst still retaining all the other properties.

Referring to Figure 16, a building block framework in accordance with a ~ sixth embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 60, is shown.

The building block framework 60 includes a substantially square interlocking panels 62 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 64 which may be connected to one another by means of interlocking means 66.

The building block framework 60 accordingly has a substantially rectangular shape similar to any brick shape or building block shape, i.e. a quadratic shape.

The building block framework 60 consists of a plastics material, which is flexible material and/or rigid material such as wire and/or mesh. : | DrG Ref: 676214

The building block framework 60 is foldable to assist in transportation thereof.

The building block framework 60 is adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework.

The substantially square interlocking panels 60 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 62 when locked are adapted to allowing the building block framework 64 to be filled with a mineral mixture.

The building block framework 60 may be constructed as a single unit without the use of interlocking mechanisms whilst still retaining all other properties of the design.

The mineral mixture may ooze through the substantially square : interlocking panels 62 and substantially rectangular interlocking panels 64 to provide the exterior of the resultant building block or wall with a rough texture.

The building block framework 60 is filled with the mineral mixture in situ and are thus integrally formed with the resultant building block and wall, building construction, house or building. Though the building block framework 60 may not be removed after the mineral mixture has settled.

The building block framework 60 is thus used for erecting walls, building constructions, houses, toy structures (e.g. play-house), construction training, pillars or other buildings.

The framework 60 may be filled with stones. In such an event a supporting beam 18 may be used to prevent the frame from bulging - the supporting beam maybe made of wire which will hold opposite . sides 60 in place. The exterior of 60 can then be plastered (25 - 35 mm) to form a solid outer shell. The plaster binds with the stones

DrG Ref: 676214 .

inside 54 as well as with the wire supporting beam to become a solid structure. oo The building block frameworks 10, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 46, 54 and ’ 60 according to the invention, thus provides a convenient method of : 5 erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which includes the steps of (a) mounting building block frameworks on top and/or adjacent to one another; (b) partially surrounding the building block frameworks, either individually and/or collectively with a web-like structure or ribs in the frameworks; and (c) inserting a mineral mixture into the building block frameworks in situ.

DrG Ref: 676214 .

Claims

cL 19 i : PATENT CLAIMS

1. A building block arrangement for erecting walls, building } constructions, houses or other buildings, includes (a) at least three substantially rectangular interlocking C5 members which are adapted to be positioned and/or connectable to one another by means of interlocking means to form a building block framework: (b) the building block framework being adapted to receive a mineral mixture; and (c) the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the building block framework is at least partially surrounded by at least one rib or a web-like structure for allowing the building block framework.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the mineral mixture is concrete.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to allow the mineral mixture to ooze through the rib and/or web-like structure.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the resultant building block or wall is adapted to be plastered with cement and/or painted.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the interlocking panels are substantially square and/or substantially rectangular and/or constructed as a single unit without the use of interlocking mechanisms. DrG Ref: 676214

7. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building block framework includes reinforcing or ’ supporting beams.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in : 5 which the rib and/or web-like structure surround and/or lines the building block framework individually and/or collectively.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building block framework is of a quadratic shape.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building: block framework consists of a plastics material. and/or flexible material and/or rigid material. a

11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in ‘which building block framework is adapted not to be removed after introducing the mineral mixture into the building block framework in situ and/or after the mineral mixture has cured and/or settled. }

12. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building block framework is foldable to facilitate transportation thereof.

13. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building block framework includes hollow profile(s) or member(s) for forming at least one centre core or cavity.

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13, in which the hollow profile(s) or member(s) and/or building block framework are adapted not to be filled with the mineral mixture.

15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, in which the hollow profile or members are adapted to be filled with stones. DrG Ref: 676214

16. An arrangement as claimed in claim 14, in which the hollow profiles or member and/or building block framework includestones for assisting air flow through the walls and/or for assisting in cooling of the walls and/or facilitate faster construction. Co 5

17. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the centre cores of one building block framework are. aligned to the centre cores of another building block framework.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the centre cores are adapted to receive cables and/or pipes. :

19. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in : which the centre cores are adapted to receive reinforcement rods, for example steel wires, and therewith for construction security and/or strengthening. 1520.

An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one centre core of one building block framework is arranged in use to be substantially in alignment with at least one centre core of a neighbouring building block framework.

21. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the centre cores are defined by various shapes of hollow profiles.

22. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in . which the centre cores are adapted to assist in air-flow.

23. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the building block is adapted to be used for playing, toy and/or educational purposes.

: . DrG Ref: 676214

-

24. A building block for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which is formed in situ and includes a building block framework adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to } another building block framework, and being adapted to allowing the building block framework to receive a mineral mixture; the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ.

25. A block as claimed in claim 24, in which the building block framework is at least partially surrounded by at least one rib or a web-like structure for allowing the building block framework.

26. A block as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, in which the mineral : mixture is concrete and/or stones and/or air.

27. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, which is adapted to allow the mineral mixture to ooze through the rib and/or web-like structure.

28. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, in which the resultant building block or wall is adapted to be plastered with cement and/or painted.

29. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28, in which the interlocking panels are substantially square and/or substantially rectangular. : oo

30. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, in which the building block framework includes reinforcing or supporting beams.

31. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 30, in which the rib and/or web-like structure surround the building block framework : individually and/or collectively. ) DrG Ref: 676214

32. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 31, in which the building block framework is of a quadratic shape.

33. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 32, in which the building block framework consists of a plastics material and/or flexible material and/or rigid material.

34. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, in which the building block framework is not adapted to be removed after introducing the mineral mixture into the building block framework in situ and/or after the mineral mixture has cured and/or settled.

35. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 34, in which the building block framework is foldable to facilitate transportation thereof. | oo

36. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 35, in which the building block framework includes hollow profile(s) or member(s) for forming at least one centre core or cavity. :

37. A block as claimed in claim 36, in which the hollow profile(s) or member(s) are adapted not to be filled with the mineral mixture.

38. A block as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, in which the hollow profile or members and/or building block framework are adapted to be filled with stones.

39. A block as claimed in claim 38, in which the hollow profiles or “member include stones for assisting air flow through the walls and/or for assisting in cooling of the walls.

40. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 39, in which the centre cores of one building block framework are aligned to the centre cores of another building block framework. DrG Ref: 676214

41. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 40, in which the centre cores and/or hollow profiles are adapted to receive cables : and/or pipes. -

42. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 41, in which the centre cores are adapted to receive reinforcement rods, for example steel wires, and therewith for construction security.

43. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 42, in which at least one centre core of one building block framework is arranged in use to be substantially in alignment with at least one centre core of a neighbouring building block framework.

44. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 43, in which the centre cores are defined by various shapes of hollow profiles.

45. A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 44, in which the centre cores are adapted to assist in air-flow. : 1546.

A block as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 45, in which the building block is adapted to be used for playing, toy and/or educational purposes.

47. A building block for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which is formed in situ and includes (a) a building block framework adapted to be mounted on top and adjacent to another building block framework; and (b) a grid-like structure associated with the building block framework, thereby allowing the building block framework to receive a mineral mixture; the building block framework being adapted to be filled with the mineral mixture in situ. : oo DrG Ref: 676214

48. A block as claimed in claim 47, in which the mineral mixture is concrete and/or stone and/or air. :

49. A block as claimed in claim 47 or claim 48, which is adapted to } allow the mineral mixture to ooze through the web-like structure.

50. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49, in which the resultant building block or wall is adapted to be plastered with cement and/or painted.

51. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50, in which the interlocking panels are substantially square and/or substantially rectangular.

52. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51, in which the building block framework includes reinforcing or supporting oo beams. }

53. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 52, in which the rib and/or web-like structure surround the building block framework individually and/or collectively.

54. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 53, in which the building block framework is of a quadratic shape.

55. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 54, in which the building block framework consists of a plastics material and/or flexible material and/or rigid material.

56. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 55, in which the building block framework ‘is not adapted to be removed after introducing the mineral mixture into the building block framework in'situ and/or after the mineral mixture has cured and/or settled. : DrG Ref: 676214

57. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 56, in which the building block framework is foldable to facilitate transportation thereof.

58. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 57, in which the ’ 5 building block framework includes hollow profile(s) or member(s) for forming at least one centre core or cavity.

59. A block as claimed in claim 58, in which the hollow profile(s) or member(s) are adapted not to be filled with the mineral mixture.

60. A block as claimed in claim 58 or claim 59, in which the hollow profile or members are adapted to be filled with stones.

61. A block as claimed in claim 60, in which the hollow profiles or member which include stones assist in the air flow through the walls and/or assist in the cooling of the walls.

62. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 61, in which the centre cores of one building block framework are aligned to the centre cores of another building block framework.

63. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 62, in which the centre cores are adapted to receive cables and/or pipes.

64. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 63, in which the centre cores are adapted to receive reinforcement rods, for example steel wires, and therewith for construction security.

65. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 64, in which at least one centre core of one building block framework is arranged in use to be substantially in alignment with at least one centre core of a neighbouring building block framework. DrG Ref: 676214 ’

66. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 65, in which the centre cores are defined by various shapes of hollow profiles. }

67. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 66, in which the ’ centre cores assist in air-flow.

68.. A block as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 67, in which the building block is adapted to be used for playing, toy and/or educational purposes.

69. A method of erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, which includes the steps of (a) mounting building block frameworks on top and/or adjacent to one another; (b) at least partially surrounding the building block frameworks, either individually and/or collectively with a rib, grid and/or web-like structure; and (c) introducing a mineral mixture into the building block frameworks in situ.

70. A method of erecting walls, building constructions, houses or : other buildings, which includes the steps of (a) mounting building block frameworks, having at least one grid and/or rib, on top and/or adjacent to one another; and (b) introducing a mineral mixture into the building block frameworks in situ.

71. A method as claimed in claim 70, in which the building block framework is and/or is not removed after introducing the mineral mixture into the building block frameworks in situ and/or after the mineral mixture has cured and/or settled. DrG Ref: 676214

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72. A building block arrangement for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the : accompanying drawings. :

73. A building block for erecting walls, building constructions, houses or other buildings, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

74. A method of erecting walls, building constructions, houses, toy structures or other buildings substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. Date: 9 ia V4 N—/ OTTO CARL/GERNTHOLTZ DR GERNTHOLTZ INC Patent Attorneys of Applicants P O Box 8; CAPE TOWN 8000; SOUTH AFRICA 30 Union Road; MILNERTON 7441; SOUTH AFRICA Tel: (021) 551 2650 Fax: (021) 551 2960 DrG Ref.: 676214 : t:\files\14\676214\676214spec.doc DrG Ref: 676214