CA1210249A - Module for walls and free standing structure - Google Patents
Module for walls and free standing structureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1210249A CA1210249A CA000430639A CA430639A CA1210249A CA 1210249 A CA1210249 A CA 1210249A CA 000430639 A CA000430639 A CA 000430639A CA 430639 A CA430639 A CA 430639A CA 1210249 A CA1210249 A CA 1210249A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- formations
- opposed
- module
- faces
- modules
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C1/00—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
- E04C1/39—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra
- E04C1/395—Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings characterised by special adaptations, e.g. serving for locating conduits, for forming soffits, cornices, or shelves, for fixing wall-plates or door-frames, for claustra for claustra, fences, planting walls, e.g. sound-absorbing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
- A01G9/022—Pots for vertical horticulture
- A01G9/025—Containers and elements for greening walls
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
A hollow module useful for retaining wall structure or the like defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation pre-senting front, rear and opposed side faces having generally pla-nar upper and lower surfaces, and a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given face, the lower planar surface in the regions of the opposed side faces present-ing at least a pair of opposed depending lug formations project-ing therebelow of dimensions such that when measured in the front to rear direction the extent of same are always less than the front to rear extent of the opposed side faces so as to de-fine with the lower planar surface recess formations for selec-tive registration over the upper planar surfaces of other like or compatible modules whereby such modules are selectively interlockingly interengaged; and wherein suitable slabs are pro-vided with depending lug formations projecting therebelow for disposition upon upper planar surfaces of such modules with the lug formations projecting therewithin and securing the slabs and modules against separation.
A hollow module useful for retaining wall structure or the like defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation pre-senting front, rear and opposed side faces having generally pla-nar upper and lower surfaces, and a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given face, the lower planar surface in the regions of the opposed side faces present-ing at least a pair of opposed depending lug formations project-ing therebelow of dimensions such that when measured in the front to rear direction the extent of same are always less than the front to rear extent of the opposed side faces so as to de-fine with the lower planar surface recess formations for selec-tive registration over the upper planar surfaces of other like or compatible modules whereby such modules are selectively interlockingly interengaged; and wherein suitable slabs are pro-vided with depending lug formations projecting therebelow for disposition upon upper planar surfaces of such modules with the lug formations projecting therewithin and securing the slabs and modules against separation.
Description
Field of Invention .
This invention relates -to improvements in hollo~,~ r.~od-ules or units with open tops useful in themselves singly or in groups as enclosures for soil to serve as planters or when arranged together with other like or compatible modules or units and mounted upon a suitable footing and in courses one upon the other and securely anchored in place by depositing earth or fill within the modules serve as a retaining wall or embankment or other useful or decorative structure in a landscaped setting.
Objects of This Invention One very important object of this invention is to provide a versatile hollow module or unit which of itself will have sufficient breadth and mass as is required to serve as a planter or as a footing or wall unit and is interlockingly interengageable with like or compatible superimposed modules or units so -that in combination an improved stable retaining wall or other load bearing struc-ture can be established.
More particularly, it i5 an object of this invention to provide an improved precast concrete hollow module or unit which is selectively interlockingly interengageable one with the other in alternative dispositions so as to establish a variety of stable supportiny or free standing structures.
~, 3lf~
Still another important object is to provide such hollow module or unit which in combination with other like or compatible modules or units are readily secured against separation or displacement over a range of alternative groupings whereby requisite stability required by munici-pal regulations can be demonstrated and acceptance assur-ed.
It is another o~ject of this invention to provide a novel hollow module or unit which ca~ be readily combined with a cover or slab which registers upon the open top thereof to serve as a seat, a stairtread in a staircase or as a platform.
It is also an important object to provide such hollow module or unit in a fundamental configuration readily adaptable to precast concrete moulding techniques and of proportions which can be readily handled as well as trans-ported.
Another very important object is to provide a module or unit which offers a variety of attractive or pleasing arrangements enabling one to achieve in any given setting a certain style or distinctiveness that commands a-ttention and there~ore likely to commend itsel~ to archi-tects, landscape gardeners or other designers in rendering a pro-32~
posal or layout for all manner of domestic or co~nercial sites.
Still another very important cbject is to provide a novel hollow module or unit which in assembly in a select-ed precise interlocking i.nterengagement with other likemodules automatically gives rise to a retaining wall hav-ing the requisite angle of inclination from the vertical so as to fall within the controlling specifications or regulations of the municipality, province or state.
~eatures of the Invention One very important feature of this invention resides in providing a module or unit in the form of a hollow body defined by an upstanding wall formation of recti-linear outline presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces with generally planar upper and lower surfaces and having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given wall face, the lower planar surface in each of the regions of the opposed side faces presenting opposed depending lug formations project-ing therebelow of dimensions such that when measured in the front to rear direction the extent of same are always less than the front to rear extent of the opposed side faces, thereby defining with the lower planar surface recess formations for registration upon the upper planar ~Z~
surface of another like or co-mpatible module or modules, so that the modules can be interlockingly interengaged.
More particularly, according to the invention in the preferred embodiment the wall thickness of the module is constant throughout ana the depending lug formations in the region of the front face are separated therefrom a distance of up to the module wall thickness and in the region of the rear face are separated therefrom forwardly thereof a distance up to twice the module wall thickness less the first men-tioned distance such that the depending lug formations will snugly regis-ter within a like or com-patible module or modules when the lug formations are so oriented and presented to the upper planar surface there-of.
Further, according to the invention in the preferred embodiment at least two pairs of opposed depending lug formations project below the lower planar surface in each of the regions of the opposed side faces, each pair of opposed lug formations being separated by a pair of like opposed recesses, each of a dimension of the order of twice the module wall thickness whereby such recess formations when so oriented can embrace abutting walls of two like or compatible modules over their respective upper ;:~
~p~
planar surfaces and secure same against displacement in one direction.
Still more particularly, in the preferred el~bodiment Oe the invention the hollow module has a rectilinear con-fiyuration and in plan view has an outer perimeter and aninner perimeter of parallelogrammatical configuration uni-formly separated so as to establish the constant wall thickness throughout, with the lower planar surface of such hollow module in each of the regions of the opposed side faces presenting at least a front and rear pair of opposed depending lug formations projecting therebelow and extending in a direction front to rear to define with the lower planar surace of the aforementioned regions a cen-tral recess formation having a dimension of the order of twice the wall thickness and in the region o~ the front face the depending lug projections are spaced therefrom a distance when measured in front to rear direction less than or equal to the module wall thickness, with the rear pair of depending lugs spaced forwardly from the rear face a distance when measured in the front to rear direction twice the module wall thickness less the aforementioned distance from the front face of the front pair of depend-ing lug for~ations.
By so selecting such spacings and dimensions fGr th-depending lug formations, when like or compatible hollow modules are superimposed upon groupings of suc'n modules disposed in a lower course so that one face of one module is presentecl to ano-ther :face of another module in abutment or in selected spaced apart relation in-terengaging rela-tionships are established thereby securing the module grouping or structure against separation in one direction while shiftable over a range of positions in another dir-ection whereby variations in the support s-truc-ture erec-ted can be achieved.
Still more particularly, by establishing through the dimensions of the depencling lug formations a precise over-lapping of modules in the superior course to the modules in the inferior course a precise inclination of the struc-ture is automatically established as the modules are laid one upon the other to fall within the acceptable range of the controlliny specifications or regulations where such structure serves, as a retaining wall.
It is also a feature to provide a slab formation or element for disposition upon the upper planar surface of such modules to establish therewith a supporting surface such slab including lug formations projecting therebelow and so spaced apart as to regis-ter within the wall forma-tion of one or more modules or span abu-tting wall forma-tions of such module and thereby secure same together.
Drawings These and other objects and features will become ap-
This invention relates -to improvements in hollo~,~ r.~od-ules or units with open tops useful in themselves singly or in groups as enclosures for soil to serve as planters or when arranged together with other like or compatible modules or units and mounted upon a suitable footing and in courses one upon the other and securely anchored in place by depositing earth or fill within the modules serve as a retaining wall or embankment or other useful or decorative structure in a landscaped setting.
Objects of This Invention One very important object of this invention is to provide a versatile hollow module or unit which of itself will have sufficient breadth and mass as is required to serve as a planter or as a footing or wall unit and is interlockingly interengageable with like or compatible superimposed modules or units so -that in combination an improved stable retaining wall or other load bearing struc-ture can be established.
More particularly, it i5 an object of this invention to provide an improved precast concrete hollow module or unit which is selectively interlockingly interengageable one with the other in alternative dispositions so as to establish a variety of stable supportiny or free standing structures.
~, 3lf~
Still another important object is to provide such hollow module or unit which in combination with other like or compatible modules or units are readily secured against separation or displacement over a range of alternative groupings whereby requisite stability required by munici-pal regulations can be demonstrated and acceptance assur-ed.
It is another o~ject of this invention to provide a novel hollow module or unit which ca~ be readily combined with a cover or slab which registers upon the open top thereof to serve as a seat, a stairtread in a staircase or as a platform.
It is also an important object to provide such hollow module or unit in a fundamental configuration readily adaptable to precast concrete moulding techniques and of proportions which can be readily handled as well as trans-ported.
Another very important object is to provide a module or unit which offers a variety of attractive or pleasing arrangements enabling one to achieve in any given setting a certain style or distinctiveness that commands a-ttention and there~ore likely to commend itsel~ to archi-tects, landscape gardeners or other designers in rendering a pro-32~
posal or layout for all manner of domestic or co~nercial sites.
Still another very important cbject is to provide a novel hollow module or unit which in assembly in a select-ed precise interlocking i.nterengagement with other likemodules automatically gives rise to a retaining wall hav-ing the requisite angle of inclination from the vertical so as to fall within the controlling specifications or regulations of the municipality, province or state.
~eatures of the Invention One very important feature of this invention resides in providing a module or unit in the form of a hollow body defined by an upstanding wall formation of recti-linear outline presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces with generally planar upper and lower surfaces and having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given wall face, the lower planar surface in each of the regions of the opposed side faces presenting opposed depending lug formations project-ing therebelow of dimensions such that when measured in the front to rear direction the extent of same are always less than the front to rear extent of the opposed side faces, thereby defining with the lower planar surface recess formations for registration upon the upper planar ~Z~
surface of another like or co-mpatible module or modules, so that the modules can be interlockingly interengaged.
More particularly, according to the invention in the preferred embodiment the wall thickness of the module is constant throughout ana the depending lug formations in the region of the front face are separated therefrom a distance of up to the module wall thickness and in the region of the rear face are separated therefrom forwardly thereof a distance up to twice the module wall thickness less the first men-tioned distance such that the depending lug formations will snugly regis-ter within a like or com-patible module or modules when the lug formations are so oriented and presented to the upper planar surface there-of.
Further, according to the invention in the preferred embodiment at least two pairs of opposed depending lug formations project below the lower planar surface in each of the regions of the opposed side faces, each pair of opposed lug formations being separated by a pair of like opposed recesses, each of a dimension of the order of twice the module wall thickness whereby such recess formations when so oriented can embrace abutting walls of two like or compatible modules over their respective upper ;:~
~p~
planar surfaces and secure same against displacement in one direction.
Still more particularly, in the preferred el~bodiment Oe the invention the hollow module has a rectilinear con-fiyuration and in plan view has an outer perimeter and aninner perimeter of parallelogrammatical configuration uni-formly separated so as to establish the constant wall thickness throughout, with the lower planar surface of such hollow module in each of the regions of the opposed side faces presenting at least a front and rear pair of opposed depending lug formations projecting therebelow and extending in a direction front to rear to define with the lower planar surace of the aforementioned regions a cen-tral recess formation having a dimension of the order of twice the wall thickness and in the region o~ the front face the depending lug projections are spaced therefrom a distance when measured in front to rear direction less than or equal to the module wall thickness, with the rear pair of depending lugs spaced forwardly from the rear face a distance when measured in the front to rear direction twice the module wall thickness less the aforementioned distance from the front face of the front pair of depend-ing lug for~ations.
By so selecting such spacings and dimensions fGr th-depending lug formations, when like or compatible hollow modules are superimposed upon groupings of suc'n modules disposed in a lower course so that one face of one module is presentecl to ano-ther :face of another module in abutment or in selected spaced apart relation in-terengaging rela-tionships are established thereby securing the module grouping or structure against separation in one direction while shiftable over a range of positions in another dir-ection whereby variations in the support s-truc-ture erec-ted can be achieved.
Still more particularly, by establishing through the dimensions of the depencling lug formations a precise over-lapping of modules in the superior course to the modules in the inferior course a precise inclination of the struc-ture is automatically established as the modules are laid one upon the other to fall within the acceptable range of the controlliny specifications or regulations where such structure serves, as a retaining wall.
It is also a feature to provide a slab formation or element for disposition upon the upper planar surface of such modules to establish therewith a supporting surface such slab including lug formations projecting therebelow and so spaced apart as to regis-ter within the wall forma-tion of one or more modules or span abu-tting wall forma-tions of such module and thereby secure same together.
Drawings These and other objects and features will become ap-
2~
parent upon reading the followiny description in conjuric-tion with the sheets of drawiny s in which .
Fiyure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred em-bodiment o-f a hollow prismatic .-nodule made in accordance with the invention taken from a point to the righ-~ and up-wardly of the front wal 1 thereof .
E'igure 2 is a perspective view of the module of Fig-ure 1 taken from a point to the lef t and downwardly of t'ne front wall thereof.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view taken from the right of the module of Figure 1~
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the rnodule of Fig-ures 1 to 3 inclusive.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of sev-eral modules of the structures of the modules of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive arranged in accordance with one preferred method of placement so as to establish a retaining wall structure .
Figure 6 is an alternative assernbly of several mod-ules of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive in accordance with anoth-er preferred method of placement shown in perspective and constituting a free standing struc-ture which includes in cornbination slab elements serving as a support surface.
Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the lines 7-7 of the s-tructure of Figure 6.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment -The hollow module or unit 10 embodying the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive takes the form of a hollow prism and includes 2 front face 12, r~ar face 14 and spaced opposed side faces 16 and 18 respectively.
Each ~ace in Figures 1 to 4 is provided with spaced apart decorative grooves 12a, 14a, 16a and 18a respective-ly, the surfaces however can be plain as depicted in Fig-ures 5, 6 and 7 or given other surface treatments for aes-thetic purposes throughout this description whether with decorative grooves or plain surfaces modules 10 are locat-ed as the same.
According to this preferred embodiment, hollow prism-atic module lC in the bottom plan view illustrated in Fig-ure 4 is seen to have an outer perimeter 20 of square con-figuration and an inner perimeter 22 of like configuration but of lesser perimetral extent and uniformly separated throughout from said outer perimeter 20 a selected dis-tance designated "t" thereby establishing a substantially uniform wall thicXness for the hollow module throughout.
Upper and lower surfaces 24, 26 of hollow prismatic module 10 are planar. Lower surface 26 has in the region of opposed side faces 16, 18 opposed depending lug forma-tions including a like or matching front pair 28, 30 and a like or matching rear pair 32, 34 projecting therebelow.
2~
Front pair of depending lug formations 28, 30 are separated from the rear pair 32, 34 by opposed like reces-ses 36, 38 which when measured in the front to rear direc-tion are of the order of twice wall thicXness "t".
Moreover in this preferred embodiment the front pair 28, 30 of opposed depending lug formations in the region of the front face 12 are separated therefrom by opposed like or matching recess formations 40, 42 a distance when measured in the front to rear direction of the order of one-half the wall thickness "t".
Accordingly in this embodimen-t the rear pair of op-posed depending lug formations 32, 34 in the region of the rear face 14 are spaced forwardly therefrom a distance of the order of 1 1/2 times the wall thickness "t" when mea-sured in the front to rear direction thereby defining opposed like or matching recess formations 44, 46.
Front and rear pair of opposed depending lug forma-tions 28, 30, 32, 34 all have outer surfaces coplanar to the respective outer surfaces of opposed side faces 16, 18 and in the preferred e~bodiment inner surfaces coplanar -to the inner surfaces of the respective walls.
Lug formations 28, 30, 32, 34 in the preferred embod-iment have a constant depth dimension in that they extend down~ardly an equal distance from the lower planar surface _ g _ 26 of module 10 in each of the regions of the opposed side faces 16, 1~. This fea-ture ensures stability when the module is used as a footing for the composite structure detailed in Figure 5 of the drawings and in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings.
Recess formations 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44, 46 as indi-cated are all bounded uppermost by the lower planar sur-face 26 of prismatic module 10 which surface 26 in all composite structures is adapted to register upon -~he upper planar surface 24 of liXe or compatible modules arranged in a lower or inferior course as will be demonstrated.
Moreover, the end walls 48, 50 and 49, 51 of recess formations 36, 38 are adapted to extend in close proximity and contact the opposed inner wall surfaces of the abut-ting modules of lower or inferior courses, with surfaces52, 54 of recess formations 40, 42 and surfaces 56, 58 of recess formations 44, 46 also being adapted to extend in close proximity and contact the inner wall surfaces of the respective modules of the lower or inferior courses as likewise will be demonstrated.
Retaining Wall Structure -The composite structure illustrated in Figure 5 demonstrates the utility of module 10 as a component of a 2~9 retaining wall struc-ture which is generally indicated at 60.
The lowermost course 62 of retaining wall 60 is com-prised of like modules 10 disposed in side face 16 to side face 18 abutting relation, with front faces 12 and rear faces 14 arranged in alignment.
This lower course 62 is adapted to be mounted upon a suitable footiny, not illustrated, either crushed stone or poured concrete if desired, with each module 10 anchored in place by depositing crushed stone suitable earth, fill or concrete mix therewithin.
It will be understood that each module has the attri-bute of a crlb structure with the wall presenting the front face 12 tied to the wall presenting the rear face 14 by the spaced opposed side walls presenting the side faces 16 and 18 respectively. So considered each module in it-self consti-tutes a very stable structural uni-t for retain-ing wall or like construction.
The second or superior course 64 is derived from like modules 10, so oriented that forward recess formations 40, 42 register or seat with upon the upper planar surfaces 24 of adjacent lower modules 10 in the regions of -their front faces 12 and recesses 44, 46 of the modules 10 of superior course 64 register or seat upon the upper planar surfaces ~ . .
g 24 of adjacent lower modules 10 in the regions of their rear faces 14.
Likewise, in the third course 66 and all succeeding courses which are derived from like rnodules 10 the same relationships as have been detailed in connection with the second and first courses of modules 10 can be established.
It will be observed in connection with the structure 60 illustrated in Figure 5 that the fron-t faces 12 of the second course 64 of modules 10 are stepped back from the fron-t faces 12 of the lowermost course 62 of modules 10 a selected distance of the order of one-half the -thickness "t" of the module wall.
By selecting a particular height dimension "h" and a particular wall thickness dimension "t" for module 10 an appropriate inclination from the vertical can be automati-cally established upon the erection of such structure as is depic-ted in Figure 5.
It is to be noted that in the arrangement proposed the end walls 52, 54 of recess formations 40, 42 and the end walls 56, 58 of the recess ormations 44, 46 contact the inner surfaces respectlvely of the walls presenting the front and rear faces 12, 14 of lower course modules 10 .
,.
Accordingly in this arrangement the position of the superior modules 10 are fixed in relation to the inferior modules 10 in the front to rear direction throughout all levels or courses and with the structure automatically assuming a predetermined or selected inclination depending upon the selected height dimension and the selected -thick-ness dimension, as earlier outlined.
It is of course within the framework of this proposal that the front pair of lug formations 2~, 30 can be spaced from the front face 12 a lesser distance than one-half the wall thickness "t" or a greater distance up to wall thick-ness "t" to provi.de a range in the inclination of the com-posite structure, with the rear pair of depending lug formations 32, 34 likewise being spaced at a greater or lesser distance from rear face 14 respectively -to substan-tially secure the superimposed modules against displace-ment in the front to rear direction as indicated by arrow 70.
It will also be understood having regard to the structure revealed by Figure 5 that all of the modules in the superior courses 64, 66 and above are displaceable or can slide upon the upper planar surfaces 24 of the respec-tive modules 10 of the lower courses in the side to side direction as indicated by arrow 72 up to the limit position z~
when projecting lug formations 2~, 30 and 32, 34 contact the inner surface of the walls presenting side faces 14 and 16 respectively.
When the position of the superior modules 10 is es-tablished -they can then be filled if desired with soil or crushed stone or the like and so firmly anchored in posi-tion.
It is to be understood from Figure 5 that the wall s~ructure 60 par-tly defined by interengaging modules 10 is to be extended in either direction side to side and in a direction upwardly to a selected height to es-tablish the requisite wall or embankment.
It will also be appreciated tha-t as viewed in Figure 5 exposed modules at the end of the retaining wall can be filled with garden soil and serve as planters for flowers, shrubs, cacti or receptacles for decorative boulders, stones or the like.
Free Standing Structures The structure 80 illustrated in Figure 6 is derived from like modules 10.
The lower course 82 of structure 80 is comprised of six such modules 10 arranged with their respective side and rear and front faces in contact.
~z~
Each module 10 of the second or superior cours~ 24 of structure 80 spans four of the lower course mo~ules 10 with the cen~ral opposed recess formations 36 and 38 of each module embracing from above the double wall thickness of the abutting rear and front faces of the lower modules 10 as illustrated.
Thus, it can be seen that t'ne superior course modules 10 secure the modules 10 of the lower course against sepa-ration front to rear in the direction denoted by the arrow 86.
The lower course modules 10 are adapted to be anchor-ed by depositing fill or crushed stone or earth therewith-in or by small boulders Eor use as planters or decorative displays.
Further, it will be understood that modules 10 of the supericr course can be displaced in a side to side direc-tion of the arrow 8~ with the central recess formations 36 and 38 still engaging or embracing the abutting wall form-ations of the modules therebelow up to a limit position when depending lug formations contact the inner surfaces of the side walls of modules 10 of the lower course 82 when the superior modules are shifted or displaced to -the right or to the left as viewed in Figure 6, but always ~z~
constraining the modules 10 of the lowermost course agairl-st separation.
Structures Including Supporting Surfaces A typical slab 90 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 is provided with depending lug projections 92 and 94 shown in broken ou-tline in Figure 6 which projections 92, 94 are spaced inwardly from -the front and rear faces 96, 98 and from the side faces 100, 102 and from each other as at 104 so as to project within the open tops of abutting modules 10 of lower course 82 with the spacings so dimensioned as to capture the abutting side walls of the respective mod-ules the.rebetween and secure the units against further separation.
Thus it will be observed that the slab 90 rests se-curely upon the upper planar surfaces of the respective abutting modules 10 of lower course 82, the dimensions of -the slab being selected in this proposal such that the rear surface 98 thereof abuts front face 12 of the module 10 of the superior course as particularly shown in Figure 7.
It will be obvious to persons skilled in this field that other slab dimensions can be selected to cover the open tops of particular modules in their entirety or only partly in a like or similar manner and with such modified slab units composite structures such as staircases 32~
can be erected or the slabs installed to serve as seats or platforms all in the manner prescribed.
Alternative Structures It will be understood that the modules 10 can be so arranged in the superior courses of the structures as to interlock with the inferior courses in the manner illus-trated by Figure 5 and by Figure 6 to achieve still fur-ther variation in dispositions of the interlocking modules beyond those illustrated.
It will be understood further that variations or mod-ifications can be undertaken in the module illustrated anddescribed by those persons skilled in the art and as well in the composite structures derived therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
parent upon reading the followiny description in conjuric-tion with the sheets of drawiny s in which .
Fiyure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred em-bodiment o-f a hollow prismatic .-nodule made in accordance with the invention taken from a point to the righ-~ and up-wardly of the front wal 1 thereof .
E'igure 2 is a perspective view of the module of Fig-ure 1 taken from a point to the lef t and downwardly of t'ne front wall thereof.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view taken from the right of the module of Figure 1~
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the rnodule of Fig-ures 1 to 3 inclusive.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of sev-eral modules of the structures of the modules of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive arranged in accordance with one preferred method of placement so as to establish a retaining wall structure .
Figure 6 is an alternative assernbly of several mod-ules of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive in accordance with anoth-er preferred method of placement shown in perspective and constituting a free standing struc-ture which includes in cornbination slab elements serving as a support surface.
Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the lines 7-7 of the s-tructure of Figure 6.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment -The hollow module or unit 10 embodying the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive takes the form of a hollow prism and includes 2 front face 12, r~ar face 14 and spaced opposed side faces 16 and 18 respectively.
Each ~ace in Figures 1 to 4 is provided with spaced apart decorative grooves 12a, 14a, 16a and 18a respective-ly, the surfaces however can be plain as depicted in Fig-ures 5, 6 and 7 or given other surface treatments for aes-thetic purposes throughout this description whether with decorative grooves or plain surfaces modules 10 are locat-ed as the same.
According to this preferred embodiment, hollow prism-atic module lC in the bottom plan view illustrated in Fig-ure 4 is seen to have an outer perimeter 20 of square con-figuration and an inner perimeter 22 of like configuration but of lesser perimetral extent and uniformly separated throughout from said outer perimeter 20 a selected dis-tance designated "t" thereby establishing a substantially uniform wall thicXness for the hollow module throughout.
Upper and lower surfaces 24, 26 of hollow prismatic module 10 are planar. Lower surface 26 has in the region of opposed side faces 16, 18 opposed depending lug forma-tions including a like or matching front pair 28, 30 and a like or matching rear pair 32, 34 projecting therebelow.
2~
Front pair of depending lug formations 28, 30 are separated from the rear pair 32, 34 by opposed like reces-ses 36, 38 which when measured in the front to rear direc-tion are of the order of twice wall thicXness "t".
Moreover in this preferred embodiment the front pair 28, 30 of opposed depending lug formations in the region of the front face 12 are separated therefrom by opposed like or matching recess formations 40, 42 a distance when measured in the front to rear direction of the order of one-half the wall thickness "t".
Accordingly in this embodimen-t the rear pair of op-posed depending lug formations 32, 34 in the region of the rear face 14 are spaced forwardly therefrom a distance of the order of 1 1/2 times the wall thickness "t" when mea-sured in the front to rear direction thereby defining opposed like or matching recess formations 44, 46.
Front and rear pair of opposed depending lug forma-tions 28, 30, 32, 34 all have outer surfaces coplanar to the respective outer surfaces of opposed side faces 16, 18 and in the preferred e~bodiment inner surfaces coplanar -to the inner surfaces of the respective walls.
Lug formations 28, 30, 32, 34 in the preferred embod-iment have a constant depth dimension in that they extend down~ardly an equal distance from the lower planar surface _ g _ 26 of module 10 in each of the regions of the opposed side faces 16, 1~. This fea-ture ensures stability when the module is used as a footing for the composite structure detailed in Figure 5 of the drawings and in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings.
Recess formations 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44, 46 as indi-cated are all bounded uppermost by the lower planar sur-face 26 of prismatic module 10 which surface 26 in all composite structures is adapted to register upon -~he upper planar surface 24 of liXe or compatible modules arranged in a lower or inferior course as will be demonstrated.
Moreover, the end walls 48, 50 and 49, 51 of recess formations 36, 38 are adapted to extend in close proximity and contact the opposed inner wall surfaces of the abut-ting modules of lower or inferior courses, with surfaces52, 54 of recess formations 40, 42 and surfaces 56, 58 of recess formations 44, 46 also being adapted to extend in close proximity and contact the inner wall surfaces of the respective modules of the lower or inferior courses as likewise will be demonstrated.
Retaining Wall Structure -The composite structure illustrated in Figure 5 demonstrates the utility of module 10 as a component of a 2~9 retaining wall struc-ture which is generally indicated at 60.
The lowermost course 62 of retaining wall 60 is com-prised of like modules 10 disposed in side face 16 to side face 18 abutting relation, with front faces 12 and rear faces 14 arranged in alignment.
This lower course 62 is adapted to be mounted upon a suitable footiny, not illustrated, either crushed stone or poured concrete if desired, with each module 10 anchored in place by depositing crushed stone suitable earth, fill or concrete mix therewithin.
It will be understood that each module has the attri-bute of a crlb structure with the wall presenting the front face 12 tied to the wall presenting the rear face 14 by the spaced opposed side walls presenting the side faces 16 and 18 respectively. So considered each module in it-self consti-tutes a very stable structural uni-t for retain-ing wall or like construction.
The second or superior course 64 is derived from like modules 10, so oriented that forward recess formations 40, 42 register or seat with upon the upper planar surfaces 24 of adjacent lower modules 10 in the regions of -their front faces 12 and recesses 44, 46 of the modules 10 of superior course 64 register or seat upon the upper planar surfaces ~ . .
g 24 of adjacent lower modules 10 in the regions of their rear faces 14.
Likewise, in the third course 66 and all succeeding courses which are derived from like rnodules 10 the same relationships as have been detailed in connection with the second and first courses of modules 10 can be established.
It will be observed in connection with the structure 60 illustrated in Figure 5 that the fron-t faces 12 of the second course 64 of modules 10 are stepped back from the fron-t faces 12 of the lowermost course 62 of modules 10 a selected distance of the order of one-half the -thickness "t" of the module wall.
By selecting a particular height dimension "h" and a particular wall thickness dimension "t" for module 10 an appropriate inclination from the vertical can be automati-cally established upon the erection of such structure as is depic-ted in Figure 5.
It is to be noted that in the arrangement proposed the end walls 52, 54 of recess formations 40, 42 and the end walls 56, 58 of the recess ormations 44, 46 contact the inner surfaces respectlvely of the walls presenting the front and rear faces 12, 14 of lower course modules 10 .
,.
Accordingly in this arrangement the position of the superior modules 10 are fixed in relation to the inferior modules 10 in the front to rear direction throughout all levels or courses and with the structure automatically assuming a predetermined or selected inclination depending upon the selected height dimension and the selected -thick-ness dimension, as earlier outlined.
It is of course within the framework of this proposal that the front pair of lug formations 2~, 30 can be spaced from the front face 12 a lesser distance than one-half the wall thickness "t" or a greater distance up to wall thick-ness "t" to provi.de a range in the inclination of the com-posite structure, with the rear pair of depending lug formations 32, 34 likewise being spaced at a greater or lesser distance from rear face 14 respectively -to substan-tially secure the superimposed modules against displace-ment in the front to rear direction as indicated by arrow 70.
It will also be understood having regard to the structure revealed by Figure 5 that all of the modules in the superior courses 64, 66 and above are displaceable or can slide upon the upper planar surfaces 24 of the respec-tive modules 10 of the lower courses in the side to side direction as indicated by arrow 72 up to the limit position z~
when projecting lug formations 2~, 30 and 32, 34 contact the inner surface of the walls presenting side faces 14 and 16 respectively.
When the position of the superior modules 10 is es-tablished -they can then be filled if desired with soil or crushed stone or the like and so firmly anchored in posi-tion.
It is to be understood from Figure 5 that the wall s~ructure 60 par-tly defined by interengaging modules 10 is to be extended in either direction side to side and in a direction upwardly to a selected height to es-tablish the requisite wall or embankment.
It will also be appreciated tha-t as viewed in Figure 5 exposed modules at the end of the retaining wall can be filled with garden soil and serve as planters for flowers, shrubs, cacti or receptacles for decorative boulders, stones or the like.
Free Standing Structures The structure 80 illustrated in Figure 6 is derived from like modules 10.
The lower course 82 of structure 80 is comprised of six such modules 10 arranged with their respective side and rear and front faces in contact.
~z~
Each module 10 of the second or superior cours~ 24 of structure 80 spans four of the lower course mo~ules 10 with the cen~ral opposed recess formations 36 and 38 of each module embracing from above the double wall thickness of the abutting rear and front faces of the lower modules 10 as illustrated.
Thus, it can be seen that t'ne superior course modules 10 secure the modules 10 of the lower course against sepa-ration front to rear in the direction denoted by the arrow 86.
The lower course modules 10 are adapted to be anchor-ed by depositing fill or crushed stone or earth therewith-in or by small boulders Eor use as planters or decorative displays.
Further, it will be understood that modules 10 of the supericr course can be displaced in a side to side direc-tion of the arrow 8~ with the central recess formations 36 and 38 still engaging or embracing the abutting wall form-ations of the modules therebelow up to a limit position when depending lug formations contact the inner surfaces of the side walls of modules 10 of the lower course 82 when the superior modules are shifted or displaced to -the right or to the left as viewed in Figure 6, but always ~z~
constraining the modules 10 of the lowermost course agairl-st separation.
Structures Including Supporting Surfaces A typical slab 90 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 is provided with depending lug projections 92 and 94 shown in broken ou-tline in Figure 6 which projections 92, 94 are spaced inwardly from -the front and rear faces 96, 98 and from the side faces 100, 102 and from each other as at 104 so as to project within the open tops of abutting modules 10 of lower course 82 with the spacings so dimensioned as to capture the abutting side walls of the respective mod-ules the.rebetween and secure the units against further separation.
Thus it will be observed that the slab 90 rests se-curely upon the upper planar surfaces of the respective abutting modules 10 of lower course 82, the dimensions of -the slab being selected in this proposal such that the rear surface 98 thereof abuts front face 12 of the module 10 of the superior course as particularly shown in Figure 7.
It will be obvious to persons skilled in this field that other slab dimensions can be selected to cover the open tops of particular modules in their entirety or only partly in a like or similar manner and with such modified slab units composite structures such as staircases 32~
can be erected or the slabs installed to serve as seats or platforms all in the manner prescribed.
Alternative Structures It will be understood that the modules 10 can be so arranged in the superior courses of the structures as to interlock with the inferior courses in the manner illus-trated by Figure 5 and by Figure 6 to achieve still fur-ther variation in dispositions of the interlocking modules beyond those illustrated.
It will be understood further that variations or mod-ifications can be undertaken in the module illustrated anddescribed by those persons skilled in the art and as well in the composite structures derived therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. A building module in the form of a hollow body defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation of rectilinear outline, said hollow body presenting opposed front and rear outer and inner faces and opposed side outer and inner faces and having a generally planar upper and lower surface and a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given face, a pair of matching depending lug formations presented respectively below the said lower planar surface in each of the regions of said opposed side faces only and wherein each said depending lug formation in the region of said front outer face is rearwardly separated therefrom an extent measured rearwardly along said lower planar surface less than the thickness between said front outer and inner faces so as to define a first recess formation and in the region of said rear outer face is forwardly separated therefrom an extent measured forwardly along said lower planar surface greater than the thickness between said rear inner and outer faces so as to define a second recess formation and with each said lug formation having an extent front to rear corresponding to the separation between said inner front and inner rear faces whereby when the lower surface of one such module is presented to the upper surface of another such module one of said depending lug formations so presented thereto is registrable within the other such module to extend between the front inner and rear inner faces and with said first and second recess formations engaging the upper planar surface thereof in offset aligned mating relation therewith and displaceable thereover throughout a range of offset aligned mating positions between the opposed inner side faces thereof.
2. A building module according to claim 1 wherein each said depending lug formation includes a third recess formation located intermediately thereof and opening downwardly from said lower planar surface and of an extent measured front to rear of the order of twice any one of said wall thicknesses.
3. A building module according to claim 2 wherein a vertical plane bisecting said opposed side faces bisects said third recess formations located intermediately of said lug formations.
4. A building module according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the wall thickness throughout the extent of one given face is equal to the wall thickness throughout the extent of every other given face.
5. A building module according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said module has a vertical plane of symmetry extending front to rear.
6. A building module according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said inner and outer side faces and the corres-ponding surfaces of said lug formations depending there-below extend in coplanar relation front to rear.
7. A building module or the like in the form of a hollow prism defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation of rectilinear outline and parallelogrammatical configuration, having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout, said hollow prism presenting like front and rear faces and like opposed side faces, the lower planar surface thereof in each of the regions of said opposed side faces presenting at least a front and rear pair of opposed matching depending lug formations projecting therebelow separated by a first pair of opposed matching recess formations which extend in a direction front to rear, each such recess formation having a dimension when measured in the front to rear direction of the order of twice the thickness of said wall formation and wherein said front pair of depending lug formations in the region of said front face are separated from said front face by a second pair of opposed matching recess formations when measured in the front to rear direction a dimension less than said wall thickness and said rear pair of depending lug formations in the region of said rear face are separated from said rear face forwardly thereof by a third pair of opposed matching recess formations when measured in the front to rear direction a dimension of the order of twice said wall thickness less the second men-tioned dimension and wherein a vertical plane bisecting the opposed side faces of said module bisects the first mentioned matching recess formations.
8. A building module according to claim 7 wherein said module has a vertical plane of symmetry extending front to rear.
9. A building module according to claims 7 or 8 wherein the opposed side faces and respective pairs of depending lugs extend in coplanar relation front to rear.
10. A composite structure derived from several like or compatible building modules laid in courses one upon the other wherein each module has the form of a hollow body defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation of rectilinear outline, said hollow body presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces and having generally planar upper and lower surfaces, and further having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given face, the lower planar surface thereof in each of the regions of said opposed side faces pre-senting at least a pair of opposed depending lug formations projecting therebelow such that when measured in the front to rear direction the extent of said lug formations is always less than the extent of said opposed side faces whereby said extent differential defines recess formations in each of the regions of said opposed side faces, said recess formations being adapted to register upon like or compatible upper planar surfaces presented by a lower course of modules, said modules in the lower course being arranged so that one of said faces of one such module is presented in abutment to one of said faces of another such module to thereby present a double wall thickness and with the upper planar surfaces thereof disposed in coplanar relation, and another such module in the upper course being oriented such that at least one of the said recess formations embraces said double wall thickness presented by said abutting modules therebelow to thereby secure same against separation.
11. A composite structure according to claim 10 wherein said hollow body takes the form of a prism and said planar upper and lower surfaces are arranged in substantially parallel relation to one another.
12. A composite structure according to claim 11 wherein said surrounding wall formation of the module is of rec-tilinear outline and parallelogrammatical configuration and having substantially constant wall thickness through-out.
13. A composite structure derived from several like or compatible building modules laid in courses one upon the other wherein each module has the form of a hollow body defined by an upstanding surrounding wall formation of rectilinear outline, said hollow body presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces and having generally planar upper and lower surfaces, and further having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout the extent of any given face, the lower planar surface thereof in each of the regions of said opposed side faces pre-senting at least a pair of opposed depending lug formations projecting therebelow wherein said depending lug formations in the region of said front face are separated therefrom by a pair of opposed matching recess formations and in the region of said rear face are separated therefrom forwardly by a pair of opposed matching recess formations such that the extent of said opposed depending lug formations when measured in the front to rear direction is always less than the extent of said opposed side faces when measured in a front to rear direction, and said upper course module is so oriented such that said lug formations of at least one of said opposed side faces is disposed within the hollow space of said lower course module disposed with at least certain of said recess formations thereof in contact with the upper planar surface and inner perimetral surface of respective opposed faces of one of said lower course modules.
14. A composite structure according to claim 13 wherein said hollow body takes the form of a prism and said planar upper and lower surfaces are arranged in substantially parallel relation to one another.
15. A composite structure according to claims 13 or 14 wherein said surrounding wall formation of said module is of rectilinear outline and parallelogrammatical configura-tion and having a substantially constant wall thickness throughout.
16. A composite structure according to claims 10, 11 or 12 which includes a slab member or the like presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces and of rec-tilinear outline, said slab member having generally planar upper and lower surfaces, said lower planar surface presenting at least a pair of spaced apart depending lug formations projecting therebelow and wherein the extent of said lug formations in relation to the total surface area of said lower planar surface is less by an amount that defines with such lower planar surface, at least two recess formations extending front to rear and side to side respectively which register upon the upper planar surface of at least one of said modules and is supported therefrom.
17. A composite structure according to claim 13 which includes a slab member or the like presenting front and rear faces and opposed side faces and of parallelogram-matical configuration, said slab member having generally planar upper and lower surfaces, said lower planar surface presenting at least a pair of spaced apart opposed depending lug formations projecting therebelow and wherein the extent of said lug formations in relation to the total surface area of said lower planar surface is less by an amount that defines with such lower planar surface, at least two recess formations extending front to rear and side to side respectively which register upon the upper planar surface of at least one of said modules and is sup-ported therefrom.
18. A composite structure according to claim 17 wherein said recess formation extending front to rear is substan-tially uniform and of the order of twice the thickness of the wall formation of said module when measured side to side whereby said slab member when disposed in overlying relation to present said latter mentioned recess formation to the upper planar surfaces of abutting modules registers thereupon and secures same against separation.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000430639A CA1210249A (en) | 1983-06-17 | 1983-06-17 | Module for walls and free standing structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000430639A CA1210249A (en) | 1983-06-17 | 1983-06-17 | Module for walls and free standing structure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1210249A true CA1210249A (en) | 1986-08-26 |
Family
ID=4125503
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000430639A Expired CA1210249A (en) | 1983-06-17 | 1983-06-17 | Module for walls and free standing structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1210249A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5540525A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1996-07-30 | The Tensar Corporation | Modular block retaining wall system and method of constructing same |
| US6829867B2 (en) | 2001-02-20 | 2004-12-14 | Recon Wall Systems, Inc. | Blocks and block forming apparatus and method |
| US7341685B2 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2008-03-11 | Recon Wall Systems, Inc. | Block forming method |
| US8882398B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2014-11-11 | Brampton Brick Limited | Retaining wall block and system |
-
1983
- 1983-06-17 CA CA000430639A patent/CA1210249A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5540525A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1996-07-30 | The Tensar Corporation | Modular block retaining wall system and method of constructing same |
| US6829867B2 (en) | 2001-02-20 | 2004-12-14 | Recon Wall Systems, Inc. | Blocks and block forming apparatus and method |
| US7341685B2 (en) | 2002-05-02 | 2008-03-11 | Recon Wall Systems, Inc. | Block forming method |
| US8882398B2 (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2014-11-11 | Brampton Brick Limited | Retaining wall block and system |
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| MKEX | Expiry |