PLASTIC BUILDING BLOCKS

Abstract

A modular plastic building block for constructing a continuous wall of a structure is provided. The modular block has body that is rectangular or L-shaped depending on the position of the block within the desired structure. Each end of the modular block has a connecting member, either a male or female connecting member configured to connect to a respective female or male connecting member of an adjacent modular block. The modular block includes a pair of locking channels having at least one locking groove enabling a user to lock adjacent modular blocks vertically using a locking member. The modular plastic building block is designed for inexpensive building construction, while still providing efficient insulation and a sturdy base due to the density of plastic as the structure is mostly solid. A conduit may be provided to allow for electrical and plumbing connections within the blocks. In some instances, recycled plastic is used.

Claims

1. A plastic building block comprising: a rectangular body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a left side, a right side, a front surface, and a rear surface; a male connecting member positioned on the left side; a female connecting member positioned on the right side; at least one locking channel extending entirely through the rectangular body from the top surface to the bottom surface; a locking groove positioned in the at least one locking channel, wherein the locking groove is configured to receive a portion of a locking member; and, the plastic building block is configured to join and connect with an adjacent plastic building block, wherein the adjacent plastic building block is configured to connect to the left side or right side via the male or female connection respectively, or alternatively above or below the plastic building block via the locking member.

2. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the male connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface.

3. The plastic building block of claim 2, wherein the female connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface.

4. The plastic building block of claim 3, wherein the male connecting member is a cylindrical protrusion.

5. The plastic building block of claim 4, wherein the female connecting member is a cylindrical groove configured to match the size and shape of the cylindrical protrusion.

6. The plastic building block of claim 1, further comprising a conduit extending entirely through the rectangular body from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the conduit is configured to enable electrical and plumbing connections to pass through the rectangular body.

7. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface is sloped from the rear side to the front side, wherein the sloped top surface is to facilitate water runoff.

8. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the front surface or rear surface includes an additional male or female connecting member configured to allow the adjacent plastic building block to connect perpendicularly to the rectangular body.

9. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the plastic building is entirely comprised recycled plastic.

10. (canceled)

10. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the rectangular body is approximately 18 in length, 12 in height, and 5.5 in width.

11. The plastic building block of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking channel is a pair of locking channels, wherein each locking channel of the pair of locking channels comprises a locking groove.

12. A plastic building block comprising: a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are perpendicular such that the body forms an L-shape; a male connecting member positioned on the first end; a female connecting member positioned on the second end; at least one locking channel extending through the body from the top surface to the bottom surface; a locking groove positioned in the at least one locking channel, wherein the locking groove is configured to accept a portion of a locking member; and, the plastic building block is configured to join and connect with an adjacent plastic building block, wherein the adjacent plastic building block is configured to connect to the first end or second end via the male or female connection respectively, or alternatively above or below the plastic building block via the locking member.

13. The plastic building block of claim 12, wherein the male connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface.

14. The plastic building block of claim 13, wherein the female connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface.

15. The plastic building block of claim 14, wherein the male connecting member is a cylindrical protrusion.

16. The plastic building block of claim 15, wherein the female connecting member is a cylindrical groove configured to match the size and shape of the cylindrical protrusion.

17. The plastic building block of claim 12, wherein the plastic building block is comprised of recycled plastic.

18. The plastic building block of claim 12, wherein the L-shape is configured to be positioned in a corner of a structure.

19. A modular building block for constructing a continuous wall of a structure comprising: a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are parallel or perpendicular such that the body is rectangular or L-shaped respectively; a male connecting member positioned on the first end, wherein the male connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface; a female connecting member positioned on the second end, wherein the female connecting member extends entirely from the top surface to the bottom surface; the modular building block is configured to join and connect with an adjacent modular building block, wherein the adjacent modular building block is configured to connect to the first end or second end via the male or female connection respectively in a horizontal plane, or alternatively above or below the plastic building block in a vertical plane, wherein the modular building block and the adjacent modular building block are configured to lock together in the vertical plane; and, wherein the body is entirely comprised of recycled plastic.

20. The modular building block of claim 19, wherein the body further comprises a pair of locking channels extending through the body from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein each locking channel comprises a locking groove configured to receive a portion of a locking member, wherein the locking member is configured to lock the modular building block and the adjacent modular building block in the vertical plane via the adjacent locking grooves.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic building block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the plastic building block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 3A-B are side views of a locking member according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 4A-B is a partial transparent side view of the plastic building block showing the locking channel and locking member locking to adjacent blocks in a vertical plane.

[0018] FIGS. 5A-B are side and front views respectively of an alternative locking member according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an L-shaped plastic building block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIGS. 7-8 are top views of an alternative plastic building block having perpendicular connection members according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 9A-B are side views of an alternative locking member according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of a plastic building block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide plastic building blocks.

[0024] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined to mean at least one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, not necessarily mechanically, and not permanently. The term providing is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. As used herein, the terms about, generally, or approximately, apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0025] Referring now to either of the accompanying FIGS. 1-2, a plastic building block 100 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the plastic building block 100 comprises a rectangular body 101 having a top surface 102, a bottom surface 103, a left side 110, a right side 111, and a front and rear surface 112 and 113 respectively. Advantageously, each plastic building block 100 is configured to join and connect with an adjacent block to form a continuous wall of a structure. The adjacent block is configured to be left, right, above, or below the block, i.e. the plastic building block 100 is configured to attach to an adjacent block at a planer location to the first block, either horizontal and/or vertical. In one embodiment, a male connecting member 104 shaped as a protruding cylinder is provided on the left side 110 of the block and a similarly shaped female connecting member 105 or groove 105 is provided on the right side 111 of the block 100. This provides a tongue and groove method of attaching adjacent blocks together on a horizontal plane. It should be understood that the shape of the male connecting member or protruding element may vary as well as the female connecting member. The respective connecting members should be similarly shaped to enable a connection as well known in the art.

[0026] In one embodiment, a pair of locking channels 106A and 106B are provided, wherein the pair of locking channels extend entirely through the block from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface 103. In one embodiment, each locking channel 106A/106B comprises protruding material 114A/114B having a locking groove 115A/115B, wherein the protruding material is positioned approximate or in-line with the top surface 102 of the block 100. In some embodiments, the protruding material is comprised from the top surface. In some embodiments, the position of the protruding material provides the locking groove approximately 1 inch below the top surface.

[0027] Best seen in FIGS. 3A-4B, in some embodiments, the locking groove is configured to receive a locking member 200A/B. More specifically, in one embodiment, the locking groove is configured to receive a portion 202/203 of the locking member, wherein the locking member is L or U shaped, having a vertical portion 201 and one or two perpendicular locking portions 202/203. The perpendicular portion is configured to slide into the locking groove securing the locking member in place. In one embodiment, each locking channel of the pair of locking channels is comprised of a quarter circle shape enabling enough room to manipulate and configure the locking member. Ideally, this space should be minimized such that the volume of plastic used in the block is maximized, as it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a sturdy block capable of withstanding heavy winds and other environmental weather disasters.

[0028] In one embodiment, a locking member 200B is configured to lock two adjacent vertical blocks together via locking portions 202/203 configured to engage the adjacent locking grooves of the respective blocks. Since there are two locking grooves per block, two locking members would be used securing the first block to the second block in a vertical position. During use, a user would use the locking channel to move and rotate the locking member 200B and respective locking portions in position within the adjacent locking grooves. This configuration enables a user to unlock the locking member by rotating the locking portions out of the locking grooves if desired. Advantageously, this enables the blocks to be reused if desired. In some embodiments, a hinge (205; FIGS. 9A-B) is provided enabling the locking portion 203 to rotate from perpendicular to parallel (90 degrees) relative to the vertical portion 201. This functionality helps the user install and position the locking member during use.

[0029] In an example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a locking member 200 having portions 203 and 202 positioned in two adjacent grooves 115A and 115C within locking channels 106A and 106B of two vertically aligned blocks 100A and 100B respectively is shown. It should be understood, that the size of the grooves may vary such that two locking members may fit in a single groove to allow for further stacking. In other embodiments, multiple grooves may be provided to allow for the stacking and locking of three or more blocks. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may utilize this concept to provide similar variations of the described method, and the following are merely provided examples.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, an alternative locking member 200A is configured to lock into an adjacent block's 110B locking groove 115C, wherein the free end of the locking member is either retained within the primary block 100A such as in the material 214 in the protruding material surface or top surface, or secured via additional material, e.g. a bonding material such as concrete or plastic concrete aggregate filled in the locking channel after the locking member is in the locked position. In embodiments, where the free end of the locking member is secured within material 214, a nub 204 may be provided on the free end enabling the locking member to be secured within a hollow area of the material 214A. This version of the locking member is shown in FIGS. 5A-B. It should be understood that these are two exemplary instances of locking two adjacent blocks vertically, and other methods and techniques may be used, including but not limited to latches and similar locking methods, as well as bonding agents, such as epoxy, mortar, glues, etc.

[0031] Although the size may vary, in one embodiment, the rectangular block is approximately 18 in length, 12 in height, and 5.5 in width. In other embodiments, different shaped blocks may be used to complete the building structure formation. For example, an L-shaped block 300 (best seen in FIG. 6) may be used on a corner location of a wall of the building structure. In this example, the protrusion and groove location may be positioned as needed. Similarly, a variation of the rectangular shaped block may be provided when joining interior walls as seen in blocks 400 and 500 in FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively. In these examples, the blocks may include protrusions or grooves to connect with blocks that are aligned perpendicularly.

[0032] Best seen in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the plastic building block 100 comprises a conduit 107 enabling electrical wires and/or plumbing to be fed through one or more connected vertical blocks. Although not illustrated, blocks 300, 400, and 500 may also include a conduit configured to retain electrical and/or plumbing connections. Once installed, holes, cutouts etc. may be drilled, cut, or fabricated such that the electrical and/or plumbing connections may be accessed. Likewise, any traditional building techniques, including not limited to, insulation, drywall, switches, outlets, painting, etc. may be used with the blocks of the present invention. However, due to the construction of the dense plastic construction of the blocks, the blocks naturally provide effective insulation and are configured to be used and provide the exterior and interior of a building structure. The construction of the blocks will be discussed in further details below.

[0033] The plastic building blocks of the present invention may be used for the construction of any building or structure, including single story homes, multiple family units, multistory homes and structures, offices, commercial spaces, bridges, walls, sporting complexes, or other building structures. Further, they can be combined or integrated with other stick-built, brick, concrete, or modular structures.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plastic building block is entirely constructed from recycled plastic. In one embodiment, each block is formed via injection molding. In another embodiment, each block is formed via casting. The constructed process may be in one or more parts that are bonded together. In another embodiment, the plastic building block is constructed via 3D printing. In some embodiments, a combination of techniques may be used. For example, the shell or outer surface area of the building block may be made via a mold, wherein the remaining area can be filled with melted plastic, which when cooled is configured to form the plastic building block described herein. Preferably, the plastic building block is formed of dense plastic with minimal hollow spaces as needed, such as the locking channels and the conduit, allowing the block to provide a sturdy building base having effective insulation properties.

[0035] Best seen in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the top surface 102 of the plastic building block 100 is sloped from the rear side 113 to the front side 112, wherein the slope facilitates water runoff. In these embodiments, the bottom surface 103 is also sloped such that when vertically stacking blocks, the adjoining surfaces are flush.

[0036] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although not illustrated the conduit 107 may include horizontal passageways running lengthwise throughout the plastic building block such that electrical and plumbing connections may traverse horizontally through the structure if needed.

[0037] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0038] In addition, reference to first, second, third, and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.