MASONRY BLOCK ANCHOR SYSTEM

Abstract

A system and method of masonry construction using masonry blocks and anchors, wherein the blocks are laid end to end, and an anchor is inserted between them. The anchor both spaces and secures the blocks, even before mortar is applied. The anchors contain legs recess between the walls of the masonry construction, and create a space for the walls to recess in to on the anchor, thereby providing multi-directional securement of the system. Embodiments of the system also contain grooves for additional securement and complemental engagement of the anchors.

Claims

1. A masonry system constructed of non-combustible material, comprising: at least one anchor having three vertical legs attached to a central horizontal member, and two vertical legs attached to said central horizontal member extending in an opposite direction from said three vertical legs, wherein said three vertical legs include a central leg and two outer legs; said two vertical legs meet said central horizontal member at a connection point opposite of a spacing between said three vertical legs; at least one block having four outer walls and one inner wall defining two internal vertical cavities, wherein said four outer walls include two sidewalls connected by two end walls; said inner wall connecting to said two sidewalls; said three vertical legs of said at least one anchor are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of said end walls of said at least one block; said two vertical legs of said at least one anchor are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of said inner wall of said at least one block; each of the at least one anchors includes two spaces, formed from space created between said inner leg and each of said outer legs, for recessing said end walls; and each of the at least one anchor includes one space, formed from space created between said two vertical legs, for recessing said inner wall of said at least one block.

2. The masonry system as recited in claim 1, wherein a thickness of said three vertical legs, said two vertical legs, and said central horizontal member, are configured for spacing standards between blocks in masonry construction.

3. The masonry system as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said at least one block includes a plurality of blocks with at least one upper block and at least one lower block; and a staggered configuration of said spacing between said three vertical legs of said at least one anchor and spacing between said two vertical legs of said at least one anchor, wherein said staggering of said spacing provides for staggering of said at least one upper block and at least one lower block.

4. The masonry system as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a combination and engagement of said at least one anchor with said plurality of blocks, wherein said combination and engagement provides for spacing and anchoring of said plurality of blocks when said plurality of blocks are placed end to end and secured with at least one anchor; said combination and engagement of said at least one anchor with said plurality of blocks further includes recession of said sidewall of said at least one block within said space between the outer leg of said at least one anchor and said inner leg of said at least one anchor; said combination and engagement of said at least one anchor with said plurality of blocks further includes recession of said inner wall of said at least one block within said space between the two vertical legs of said at least one anchor; and said at least one anchor secures the plurality of blocks in a multilateral direction, wherein said multilateral direction includes both X axial and Y axial directions, and a vertical Z axial direction is secured from weight of a plurality of blocks on a row of blocks above.

5. The masonry system as recited in claim 4, further comprising: said combination and engagement of said at least one anchor with said plurality of blocks provides said at least one upper block and said at least one lower block with interlocking anchoring allowing a configurable distance for lateral and vertical spacing above, below, and between all blocks within said plurality of blocks that provides for a standard and uniform spacing.

6. The masonry system as recited in claim 5, further comprising: mortar included within said spacing above, below, and between all blocks within said plurality of blocks.

7. The masonry system as recited in claim 6, further comprising: said configurable distance is about a ⅜″ space between each block in said plurality of blocks to meet standard masonry construction requirements.

8. The masonry system as recited in claim 6, wherein said block further includes grooves cut in to an upper surface and grooves cut in to a lower surfaces, wherein said grooves begin at an inner surface of a vertical cavity of said two vertical cavities and extend to an outer surface of a wall of said four outer walls.

9. The masonry system as recited in claim 8, wherein said grooves are defined by a thickness of said at least one anchor's central horizontal member, to allow for a complemental fit of said central horizontal member of said at least one anchor within said groove of said block.

10. The masonry system as recited in claim 8, wherein said wall of said four walls is an end wall.

11. The masonry system as recited in claim 8, wherein said wall of said four walls is sidewall.

12. The masonry system as recited in claim 6, wherein said block further includes grooves cut in to an upper surface and grooves cut in to a lower surfaces, wherein said grooves begin at an inner surface of a vertical cavity of said two vertical cavities and extend to the second internal cavity of said two vertical cavities.

13. The masonry system as recited in claim 12, wherein said grooves are defined by a thickness of the central horizontal member of said at least one anchor, to allow for a complemental fit of said central horizontal member of said at least one anchor within said groove of said at least one block.

14. A method of using a 2-part masonry block anchor system in masonry construction, comprising: providing at least one block having four outer walls and one inner wall defining two internal vertical cavities, wherein said four outer walls include two sidewalls connected by two end walls, said inner wall connecting to said two sidewalls; providing at least one anchor having three vertical legs attached to a central horizontal member, and two vertical legs attached to said central horizontal member extending in an opposite direction from said three vertical legs, wherein said three vertical legs include a central leg and two outer legs, said two vertical legs meet said central horizontal member at a connection point opposite of a spacing between said three vertical legs, said three vertical legs of said at least one anchor are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of said end walls of said at least one block, said two vertical legs of said at least one anchor are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of said inner wall of said at least one block, each of the at least one anchors includes two spaces, formed from space created between said inner leg and each of said outer legs, for recessing said end walls, and each of the at least one anchor includes one space, formed from space created between said two vertical legs, for recessing said inner wall of said at least one block; placing a plurality of said at least blocks end to end; combining and engaging said at least one anchor with said plurality of blocks by securing with at least one anchor, thereby securing the plurality of blocks in a multilateral direction, wherein said multilateral direction includes both X axial and Y axial directions by recessing said sidewall of said at least one block within said space between the outer leg of said at least one anchor and said inner leg of said at least one anchor, and recessing said inner wall of said at least one block within said space between the two vertical legs of said at least one anchor; administering mortar to a top surface of a block in said plurality of blocks; placing at least one block on top of a joint of two lower blocks, thereby engaging at least one of said block anchors where the walls of said block are secured between the legs of said block anchors; and securing a vertical Z axial direction with weight of a plurality of blocks on a row of blocks above.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising: providing uniform spacing between said least one upper block and said at least one lower block; including said mortar within spacing above, below, and between all blocks within said plurality of blocks; and configuring a thickness of said three vertical legs, said two vertical legs, and said central horizontal member, for spacing standards between blocks in masonry construction.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising: including grooves cut in to an upper surface and grooves cut in to a lower surfaces, wherein said grooves begin at an inner surface of a vertical cavity of said two vertical cavities and extend to an outer surface of a wall of said four outer walls; and allowing for a complemental fit of said central horizontal member of said at least one anchor within said groove of said block by defining a thickness of said grooves to be comparable to that of at least one anchor's central horizontal member.

17. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising: including grooves cut in to an upper surface and grooves cut in to a lower surfaces, wherein said grooves begin at an inner surface of a vertical cavity of said two vertical cavities and extend to the second internal cavity of said two vertical cavities; and allowing for a complemental fit of said central horizontal member of said at least one anchor within said groove of said block by defining a thickness of said grooves to be comparable to that of at least one anchor's central horizontal member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a block element of the system.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of the anchor element of the system.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a conceptual perspective view showing the engagement of the elements of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the engagement of the elements of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the system.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the block element of the first embodiment of the system.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of the block element of the first embodiment of the system.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an end view of the block element of the first embodiment of the system.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a front view of the block element of the first embodiment of the system.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the system.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the block element of the second embodiment of the system.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a top view of the block element of the second embodiment of the system.

[0030] FIG. 13 is an end view of the block element of the second embodiment of the system.

[0031] FIG. 14 is a front view of the block element of the second embodiment of the system.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the system.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the block element of the third embodiment of the system.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a top view of the block element of the third embodiment of the system.

[0035] FIG. 18 is an end view of the block element of the third embodiment of the system.

[0036] FIG. 19 is a front view of the block element of the third embodiment of the system.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the system

[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the block element of the fourth embodiment of the system.

[0039] FIG. 22 is a top view of the block element of the fourth embodiment of the system.

[0040] FIG. 23 is an end view of the block element of the fourth embodiment of the system.

[0041] FIG. 24 is a front view of the block element of the fourth embodiment of the system.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a front view of a plurality of blocks of the system with mortar applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present masonry block anchor system is a tool that is used in the layout of masonry construction. As mentioned, masonry is the construction of a structure by smaller units, such as masonry blocks, which are bonded together by mortar. The purpose of the masonry block anchor system is to ensure that the blocks are laid out uniformly as well as reinforcing each joint and the entire structure. The present masonry block anchor system restricts movement laterally in both the x-axial direction and y-axial direction and vertically in the z-axial direction. This system is made of non-combustible material and has x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis dimensions.

[0044] The present invention consists of three legs facing downwards in the z-axial direction with two outer legs gripping on the outer web of the two adjacent masonry blocks and the middle leg separating from one block to the other, configurable with ⅜″ space between the blocks to meet standard masonry construction requirements. The blocks are to be arranged in the x, z plane and the masonry block anchor is to be placed In between them along the x-axial direction. The application in the z-axial direction differs mainly that the two top legs are to secure the center web of the upper block.

[0045] The resulting configuration would look as if there were two blocks laid out in the x-axial direction with one masonry block anchor in between them, with that same masonry block anchor in the middle of two successive blocks the system secures one block directly above it in the middle, giving the impression of a pyramid, triangular shape structure.

[0046] The masonry block anchor system has two types of applications: (1) Blocks without grooves and (2) blocks with grooves. In the system using blocks without grooves, no precut grooves will be cut into the block and the masonry block anchor will attach to the block with adhesive, such as pre-applied double-sided adhesive tape with peal cover. In the system using blocks with grooves, a precut grove will be cut into the block to allow for improved stability allowing the masonry block anchor to settle into the block and use the block itself for structural reinforcement.

[0047] The purpose of placing these masonry block anchors in between each of the masonry structures is to secure each unit and create an overall system. This system will act like a monolithic wall held together by the masonry block anchors, drawing on each unit for it's overall strength. This system's application can benefit structures to withstand both gravity, lateral, seismic, and uplift loads due to wind. Improving the overall structure's strength is the primary goal of the masonry block anchor system. Further benefits include preventing walls from caving in or being easily penetrated with objects such as cars and heavy equipment. The restriction of movement of each masonry unit allows the structure to move as one. That is, the entire block wall works together as a compound unit, rather than individual blocks with only mortar joints for lateral loads. The theory behind the system is that, the overall structure is only as strong as its weakest link. By not over-stressing the weakest link—the mortar joint between the block—the wall structure will be able to withstand in the absence of proper support (partial support) under the wall, including weaker foundations.

[0048] The secondary purpose of the masonry block anchor system is to provide ease of constructability with limited experience in masonry construction. The joint created by the masonry block anchor system meets Florida Building Code and NCMA standards (⅜″), creating a uniform joint. The uniform joint allows the user to construct a wall system that meet building code standards (such as Florida Building Code, National Concrete Masonry Association, and Portland Cement Association) and is ultimately more uniform in construction. The grout can be applied in a more uniform application and ultimately reduce any inconsistencies with traditional construction methods.

[0049] In addition to uniform construction, the masonry anchor system allows the user to construct the structure's sections without skilled labor. The uniform joint and correct alignment of the blocks allows the user to construct without the added cost of skilled labor. The masonry block anchor provides the user independence, consistency and overall quality product.

[0050] Shown in FIG. 3 is the masonry system constructed of non-combustible material, having at least one anchor 10, shown in FIG. 2, having three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, attached to a central horizontal member 112, and two vertical legs 108 and 110 attached to the central horizontal member 112 extending in an opposite direction from the three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, wherein the three vertical legs include a central leg 104 and two outer legs 102 and 106, wherein two vertical legs meet the central horizontal member at a connection point 114a/114b opposite of a spacing 116a 116b between the three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106.

[0051] Shown in FIG. 1 is at least one block 12 having four outer walls 118, 120, 122, and 124, and one inner wall 126 defining two internal vertical cavities 128 and 130, as shown more particularly in FIG. 7, wherein the four outer walls include two sidewalls 118 and 120 connected by two end walls 122 and 124, and the inner wall 126 connecting to the two sidewalls 118 and 120.

[0052] Shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, the block may further includes grooves 138a and 142a cut in to an upper surface 136 and grooves 138b/142b cut in to a lower surfaces, wherein the grooves begin at an inner surface 132 of a vertical cavity of the two vertical cavities and extend to an outer surface 134 of a wall of the four outer walls. Grooves 140a may also exist, wherein the grooves begin at an inner surface of a vertical cavity of the two vertical cavities and extend to the second internal cavity of the two vertical cavities, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

[0053] The grooves 142a/142b, 138a/138b, or 140a are defined by a thickness of the central horizontal member 112 of the at least one anchor 10, to allow for a complemental fit of the central horizontal member 112 of the at least one anchor within the groove 142a/142b, 138a/138b, or 140a, of the at least one block 12, which may be seen by viewing the anchor 10 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 and the block 12 in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106 of the at least one anchor 10 are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of the end walls 122/124 of the at least one block 12, and two vertical legs 108 and 110 of the at least one anchor are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of the inner wall 126 of the at least one block 12. Each of the at least one anchors 10 includes two spaces 116a/116b, formed from space created between the inner leg 104 and each of the outer legs 102/106, for recessing the end walls 122/124, and each of the at least one anchor 10 includes one space 116c, formed from space created between the two vertical legs 108 and 110, for recessing the inner wall 126 of the at least one block 12. FIG. 9 further shows a schematic view of the layout of the block 12 from a front view. As noticed, the end walls 122/124 are shown, wherein the boundaries of the wall are indicated in dashed lines, as is a inner wall 126.

[0055] A thickness of the three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, the two vertical legs 108 and 110, and the central horizontal member 112, are configured for spacing standards between blocks in masonry construction.

[0056] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show the at least one block 12 as a plurality of blocks with at least one upper block 12a and at least one lower block 12b. The blocks 12a/12b are in a staggered by a configuration, known as a running bond, of the spacing 116a/116b between the three vertical legs 102/104/106 of the at least one anchor 10 and spacing 116c between the two vertical legs 108/110 of the at least one anchor 10, wherein the staggering of the spacing provides for staggering of the at least one upper block 12a and at least one lower block 12b.

[0057] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a combination and engagement of the at least one anchor 10 with the plurality of blocks 12, wherein the combination and engagement provides for spacing and anchoring of the plurality of blocks 12 when the plurality of blocks 12 are placed end to end and secured with at least one anchor 10. The combination and engagement of the at least one anchor 10 with the plurality of blocks 12 further includes recession of the sidewall 122/124 of the at least one block 12 within the space 116a/116b between the outer leg 102/106 of the at least one anchor 10 and the inner leg 104 of the at least one anchor 10, as shown in FIG. 4. Fig. FIG. 4 shows the recession of the inner wall 126 of the at least one block 12 within the space 116c between the two vertical legs 108 and 110 of the at least one anchor 10.

[0058] As noticed in FIG. 3, the at least one anchor 10 secures the plurality of blocks 12 in a multilateral direction, wherein the multilateral direction includes both X axial and Y axial directions, and a vertical Z axial direction is secured from weight of a plurality of blocks 12b on a row of blocks 12a above, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0059] The combination and engagement of the at least one anchor 10 with the plurality of blocks 12 provides the at least one upper block 12a and the at least one lower block 12b with interlocking anchoring, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, allowing a configurable distance 144a/144b for lateral spacing 144a and vertical spacing 144b above, below, and between all blocks 12 within the plurality of blocks that provides for a standard and uniform spacing. The most common configurable distance should be about a ⅜″ space between each block 12 in the plurality of blocks to meet standard masonry construction requirements. Mortar 146 is included within this spacing above, below, and between all blocks within the plurality of blocks, as shown in FIG. 25.

[0060] The present invention provides for a method of using the 2-part masonry block anchor system in masonry construction is shown primarily in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, and includes providing at least one block 12 having four outer walls 118, 120, 122, and 124, and one inner wall 126 defining two internal vertical cavities 128 and 130, wherein the four outer walls comprise two sidewalls 118 and 120 connected by two end walls 124 and 122, the inner wall 126 connecting to the two sidewalls 118 and 120.

[0061] The method further includes providing at least one anchor 10 having three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106 attached to a central horizontal member 112, and two vertical legs 108 and 110 attached to the central horizontal member 112 extending in an opposite direction from the three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, wherein the three vertical legs include a central leg 104 and two outer legs 102 and 106, and the two vertical legs 108 and 110 meet the central horizontal member 112 at a connection point 114a and 114b opposite of a spacing 116a and 116b between the three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, as shown in FIG. 2. The three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106 of the at least one anchor 10 are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of the end walls 122 and 124 of the at least one block 12, and the two vertical legs 108 and 110 of the at least one anchor 10 are spaced apart from one another a complementary distance to a thickness of the inner wall 126 of the at least one block. Each of the at least one anchors includes two spaces 116a and 116b, formed from space created between the inner leg 104 and each of the outer legs 102 and 106, for recessing the end walls 122 and 124, and each of the at least one anchor 10 includes one space 116c, formed from space created between the two vertical legs 108 and 110, for recessing the inner wall 126 of the at least one block 12.

[0062] After providing the blocks 12 and anchors 10, the method further includes placing a plurality of the at least blocks end to end, combining and engaging the at least one anchor 10 with the plurality of blocks 12 by securing with at least one anchor 10, thereby securing the plurality of blocks 12 in a multilateral direction, wherein the multilateral direction includes both X axial and Y axial directions by recessing the sidewall 122 and 124 of the at least one block 12 within the space 116a and 116b between the outer leg 102 and 106 of the at least one anchor 10 and the inner leg 104 of the at least one anchor 10, and recessing the inner wall 126 of the at least one block 12 within the space 116c between the two vertical legs 108 and 110 of the at least one anchor 10, administering mortar to a top surface 136 of a block 12 in the plurality of blocks, placing at least one block 12 on top of a joint of two lower blocks 12, thereby engaging at least one of the block anchors 10 where the walls 122, 124, and 126 of the block 12 are secured between the legs 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 of the block anchors 10, and securing a vertical Z axial direction with weight of a plurality of blocks on a row of blocks above.

[0063] It is important to provide uniform spacing. As such, the method includes providing uniform spacing between said least one upper block 12a and said at least one lower block 12b. This may further include applying mortar within spacing above 144a, below 144a, and between 144b all blocks 12a/b within said plurality of blocks. Another important aspect of the method is configuring a thickness of said three vertical legs 102, 104, and 106, said two vertical legs 108 and 110, and said central horizontal member 112, for spacing standards between blocks in masonry construction. By configuring the thickness, the anchors 10 can provide a uniform spacing between blocks 12, which can be a challenge of prior masonry construction when the only spacing is achieved by the amount of mortar between blocks.

[0064] Another important aspect for achieving proper securement is including grooves 142a, 142b, 142c, 138a, 138b, 140a, and 140b in the blocks 12. The method includes cutting grooves 142a, 142b, 138a, 138b, 140a, and 140b in to upper 136 and lower 145 surfaces. Grooves 138a/138b can be along the outer walls 118/120, wherein said grooves begin at an inner surface 132 of a vertical cavity 128/130 of said two vertical cavities 128 and 130 and extend to an outer surface 130 of a wall 118/120 of said four outer walls, or inner walls 126 wherein grooves begin at an inner surface 132 of a vertical cavity 128/130 of said two vertical cavities 128 and 130 and extend to the second internal cavity 128/130 of said two vertical cavities 128 and 130. This allows for a complemental fit of said central horizontal member 112 of said at least one anchor 10 within said groove 142a, 142b, 140a, and 140b of said block 12, and defines a thickness of said grooves 142a, 142b, 140a, and 140b to be comparable to that of at least one anchor's central horizontal member 112.

[0065] As may be appreciated from FIGS. 6, 11, 16, and 21, grooves may be cut in a variety of different orientations that extend from the inner cavity to the outer wall surface. FIGS. 6, 11, 16, and 21 show a transparent view of different arrangements of the block, allowing a view of all the walls and surfaces. As discussed, grooves provide for enhanced securement of the blocks when mortar is placed within the spaces between the blocks, because the grooves act as a secondary anchor for the system. Therefore, groove orientation may be selected for desired areas of further structural support.

[0066] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 show one orientation of grooves. On the horizontal surface 136 of the block 12 exist grooves 138a, 140a, and 142a. The bottom surface contains a mirror of the grooves on the top surface 136. In the end wall 124 exists grooves 142c. As such, end wall 122 will also have a mirror of the groves in wall 124. There are no vertical grooves cut in to sidewalls 118 or 120. The groove 142c in sidewall 124 connects grooves 142a on the upper surface 136 and 142b on the lower surface 145.

[0067] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 show another orientation of grooves. The primary difference between this orientation and the previous block shown in FIG. 6, is that this block contains horizontal grooves on the horizontal surfaces, but no vertical grooves. On the top surface 236 of the block 22 exist grooves 238a, 240a, and 242a. The bottom surface contains a mirror of the grooves on the top surface 236. In the end wall 224 no vertical grooves exist. As such, end wall 222 will also have a mirror of the groves in wall 224. There are no vertical grooves cut in to sidewalls 218 or 220. Also shown in the FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are the lower groove 240b in the inner wall, lower groove 238b in the sidewall, lower groove 242b in the end wall, inner wall 226, vertical cavities 228 and 230, lower surface 245, inner surface 232, and outer surface 234.

[0068] FIG. 10 also shows at least one upper block 22a and the at least one lower block 22b and the configurable distance 244a/244b for lateral spacing 244a and vertical spacing 244b above, below, and between all blocks.

[0069] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 show a further orientation of grooves. The primary difference between this orientation and the prior block shown in FIG. 6, is that this block contains horizontal grooves on the horizontal surface of the side walls and vertical grooves on the end walls, but no horizontal grooves on the end walls. On the top surface 336 of the block 32 exist grooves 338a. The bottom surface contains a mirror of the grooves on the top surface 336. In the end wall 324 vertical grooves 342c exist. As such, end wall 322 will also have a mirror of the groves in wall 324. There are no vertical grooves cut in to sidewalls 318 or 320. Also shown in the FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are the lower groove 338b in the sidewall, inner wall 326, vertical cavities 328 and 330, lower surface 345, inner surface 332, and outer surface 334.

[0070] FIG. 15 also shows at least one upper block 32a and the at least one lower block 32b and the configurable distance 344a/344b for lateral spacing 344a and vertical spacing 344b above, below, and between all blocks.

[0071] FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 show an additional orientation of grooves. The primary difference between this orientation and the prior block shown in FIG. 6, is that this block contains horizontal diagonal grooves on the horizontal surface of the side walls and end walls but no vertical grooves on the end walls. On the top surface 436 of the block 42 exist grooves 442a and 438a. The bottom surface contains a mirror of the grooves on the top surface 436, including lower groove 442b. In the end wall 424, no vertical grooves exist. As such, end wall 422 will also have no grooves. There are no vertical grooves cut in to sidewalls 418 or 420. Inner wall 426 will have grooves 440a and lower groves 440b. Also shown in the FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 are the lower groove 438b in the sidewall, inner wall 426, vertical cavities 428 and 430, lower surface 445, inner surface 432, and outer surface 434.

[0072] FIG. 20 also shows at least one upper block 42a and the at least one lower block 42b and the configurable distance 444a/444b for lateral spacing 444a and vertical spacing 444b above, below, and between all blocks.

[0073] While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.