Embedded interlocking cross member blocks

Abstract

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an interlocking, interchangeable wall system allowing for the formation of a plurality of form structures. Each parallel sidewall is embedded with stones or other materials into a composition base on one side. On the opposite side, the sidewalls are embedded with metal lathing and hardware to connect to bracing which connects to the opposing sidewall to form a plurality of structures, including an interlocking block system. Each sidewall interlocks with the panel or block next to it. When connected, the resulting interlocking composite blocks may be used in the construction of walls or other structures. The resulting sidewalls may be used in the decoration of existing construction or other structures. The present invention provides a significant improvement in labor and customization of structures.

Claims

1. A block comprising: a set of two linear sidewall panels in interlocking shape, the panels each having an interior and an exterior face, a plurality of hardware embedded into the interior faces, a plurality of decorative stones, bricks, tiles or glass embedded into the exterior faces, a metal lathing embedded into each sidewall panel behind the plurality of hardware, and a composition mortar containing temperature resistant additives in the sidewall panels; wherein the two sidewall panels are placed parallel to one another with the interior faces facing each other, connected by a four sided metal brace, the four sided metal brace containing two holes parallel to each other, and a connecting hardware fastener, said connecting hardware fastener joining the embedded hardware with the four sided metal brace forming a cavity between the two sidewall panels.

2. The block in claim 1 in which multiple blocks are placed next to one another and in a plurality of levels on top of one another connected by a linear metal crossbar rod, the rod containing two holes, one at each end, the rod connects to the connecting hardware fastener placed into the embedded hardware.

3. The block in claim 1 in which one of the cavity ends of the two sidewall panels connected by the four sided metal brace forming a cavity between the two sidewall panels is enclosed with the composition mortar and embedded lathing and stone material with the interlocking sidewall panels overhanging.

4. The block in claim 1 in which one end of the block is enclosed with the composition mortar and embedded lathing and stone material with the interlocking sidewall panels underhanging.

5. A block comprising: a set of two curved sidewall panels in interlocking shape, the panels each having an interior and an exterior face, a plurality of hardware embedded into the interior faces, a plurality of decorative stones, bricks, tiles or glass embedded into the exterior faces, a metal lathing embedded into each sidewall panel behind the plurality of hardware, and a composition mortar containing temperature resistant additives in the sidewall panels; wherein the two sidewall panels are placed parallel to one another with the interior faces facing each other, connected by a four sided metal brace, the four sided metal brace containing two holes parallel to each other, and a connecting hardware fastener, said connecting hardware fastener joining the embedded hardware with the four sided metal brace forming a cavity between the two sidewall panels.

6. A block comprising: a set of two sidewall panels which make a 90 degree turn, the panels in interlocking shape and the panels each having an interior and an exterior face, a plurality of hardware embedded into the interior faces, a plurality of decorative stones, bricks, tiles or glass embedded into the exterior faces, a metal lathing embedded into each sidewall panel behind the plurality of hardware, and a composition mortar containing temperature resistant additives in the sidewall panels; wherein the two sidewall panels are placed parallel to one another with the interior faces facing each other, connected by a four sided metal brace, the four sided metal brace containing two holes parallel to each other, and a connecting hardware fastener, said connecting hardware fastener joining the embedded hardware with the four sided metal brace forming a cavity between the two sidewall panels.

7. A block comprising: a set of two linear sidewall panels having non-interlocking side shapes, the panels each having an interior and an exterior face, a plurality of hardware embedded into the interior faces, a plurality of decorative stones, bricks, tiles or glass embedded into the exterior faces, a metal lathing embedded into each sidewall panel behind the plurality of hardware, and a composition mortar containing temperature resistant additives in the sidewall panels; wherein the two sidewall panels are placed parallel to one another with the interior faces facing each other, connected by a four sided metal brace, the four sided metal brace containing two holes parallel to each other, and a connecting hardware fastener, said connecting hardware fastener joining the embedded hardware with the four sided metal brace forming a cavity between the two sidewall panels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates block 100 of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exterior view of multiple block 100s in place to create a wall.

(4) FIG. 3 is an internal view of FIG. 2 showing one sidewall.

(5) FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of block 100 taken along line 160 in FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention, the corner block 500.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention, the curved block 600.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention, the end block 700.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention, an end block 800.

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of this invention.

(11) FIG. 10 is a profile view of multiple panels together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

(12) The present invention provides a combination comprising sidewalls, interchangeable cross-member bracing, embedded stones, tiles or other materials, and interlocking shapes to create an entirely new block structure that is capable of forming a variety of structures. The present invention comprises a variety of molded sidewall panels made out of a composition mortar and additives with embedded hardware for connectors and metal lathing on the interior sidewall. The exterior sidewall contains embedded stones, bricks, tiles or other materials. Each panel is capable of interlocking with the panel on either side of it. Each sidewall panel is connected via a cross-member brace to a parallel sidewall panel. The cross-member braces are interchangeable providing flexibility in width of the block. Each block can be put together and placed in the desired location by the end consumer. While suitable for construction purposes, it can also enhance the “do-it-yourself” consumers as well. The invention is mainly described with reference to its application in landscaping, retaining walls, fencing and other decorative sidewalls. The present invention is also capable of being load-bearing for structural capabilities if the hollow interior is filled with concrete and metal or steel rods as necessary. The term sidewall as used herein refers to one embedded interlocking panel.

(13) The present invention comprises a building block that is already decorated in aesthetically pleasing stonework or other materials.

(14) In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a plurality of wall blocks, comprising parallel sidewalls, cross-member bracing connecting each sidewall across the cavity, and cross-bar connecting each sidewall horizontally to the block on either end which each sidewall interlocks with. Embedded hardware in each sidewall panel for receiving a bolt and a bolt hole located in each cross-member bracing line up to connect each sidewall panel. A bolt hole in the cross-bar lines up to connect the sidewall panels on each end. Embedded stone work is visible on the exterior of both sides of this plurality of wall blocks.

(15) In another embodiment of this invention, the sidewall panel is modified and comprises an interlocking shape with a front and rear face. The front face is embedded with stones, bricks, tiles or other materials. The rear face contains the metal lathing with composite mortar and additives. In this embodiment, the metal lathing extends above the top of the rear face and there is no embedded hardware for connecting to a cross-brace. This sidewall panel may be bolted to a wall or structure to create a feature wall of stone, brick or other material. In another embodiment of this invention, the blocks are specially constructed form structures to account for corners and end pieces of the wall structure.

(16) FIG. 1 illustrates block 100 of the present invention. This block illustrates the metal lathing on each interior sidewall 110. FIG. 1 additionally illustrates the cross member bracing connecting each sidewall 120, the embedded hardware connecting the cross member bracing to each sidewall 130, the mortar composition and additive 140, and the embedded facade of stone, brick, tile or other material 150.

(17) FIG. 2 demonstrates how each block interlocks horizontally with the blocks on either side 210. Two blocks interlock on the bottom row 220, with two more blocks interlocking on the top row 230.

(18) FIG. 3 demonstrates how each interlocking block is connected to the interlocking block next to it via a metal cross-bar 310. FIG. 3 also demonstrates how the top level of blocks meets the lower level of blocks 320, how the inside of the blocks overlap 210, and how in certain embodiments the cross-brace 110 can provide additional stability at the junction 330. From the internal view of FIG. 3, the embedded hardware 130 which connects the cross-brace to the sidewall is visible.

(19) FIG. 4. Illustrates the cross member brace 410 which connects each sidewall 460. Embedded hardware 420 matches up with the cross member brace 410 and a hardware bolt 430 is used to connect the brace to the sidewall. FIG. 4 also illustrates the metal lathing 440 at the base of the mortar composition 450 and additive 410 and the embedded stone 150.

(20) FIG. 5. illustrates how the block makes a 90 degree corner turn 510 and in certain embodiments it has non-interlocking sides 520.

(21) FIG. 6. demonstrates the curved lathing 610, accompanying mortar composition 620, and embedded stone or other material 630.

(22) FIG. 7 illustrates an end block with underhung protrusion for connecting to adjacent blocks 720. In this embodiment, the metal lathing, mortar composition, and embedded stone enclose a third side of the block 710.

(23) FIG. 8 illustrates an end block with overhung protrusion for connecting to adjacent blocks 820. In this embodiment, the metal lathing, mortar composition, and embedded stone enclose a third side of the block 810.

(24) FIG. 9 illustrates the hanging sidewall panel 900. The hanging sidewall panel is mounted to surfaces by screwing or otherwise attaching the metal lathing 910 to the desired mount. As they are mounted, each panel overlaps above the metal lathing 920 of the panel below 930 and to the side of it 910.

(25) FIG. 10 shows multiple panes 900 together as assembly 1000 illustrating how the sidewall panels overlap with the panels on the side 910 and above 920 and below 930.