US4041660A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-aligning blocks
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1976-01-29
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Granted: 1977-08-16
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Expires: 1996-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A self-aligning construction block consisting of a basic double block having two flat vertical sides connected by two flat vertical end surfaces, the sides being twice the length of the ends with compound angled top and bottom surfaces having two hollowed center portions for receiving a reinforcing cement fill. The top and bottom surfaces of the basic blocks complement each other for automatic stacking. In construction of a wall, the top surface of modified top blocks and the bottom surfaces of modified bottom blocks are flat and at right angles to the side and end surfaces. The angular relationships of the basic block's top and bottom surfaces perforated by two hollow wells allow for reinforcement rods to lie in a transverse axis and at right angles thereto across each hollow well in a substantially coplanar relationship. Any odd space at the end of a wall is taken up by a half block which is constructed exactly as one half of the basic double block. Similar half blocks of special top and bottom configuration fill odd spaces at the ends of the top and bottom block courses.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Yensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:12
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/02; E04B2/14; E04B2/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
A self-aligning construction block comprising: a basic block having two flat vertical sides connected by two flat vertical end surfaces; a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one of said top surface and bottom surface being a compound angled surface consisting of first, second, third, and fourth facets, said first and second facets having high points at two top corners of one of said two flat vertical sides, and low points at the top center of said one of two flat vertical sides, and two low points at the top corners of the other of said two flat vertical sides; said third and fourth facets having a high point at the top center of said other of two said flat vertical sides and a low point at the top center of said one of said two flat vertical sides, and low points at the top two corners of said another of said flat vertical sides; and first and second hollow wells extending from said top surface through said bottom surface to define a central divider section therebetween; said divider section having a slot entrant therein from one of said surfaces and aligned essentially parallel to said sides to receive a portion of a steel reinforcing rod.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
A self-aligning construction block comprising: a basic block having two flat vertical sides connected by two flat vertical end surfaces; a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one of said top surface and bottom surface being a compound angled surface consisting of first, second, third, and fourth facets, said first and second facets having high points at two top corners of one of said two flat vertical sides, and low points at the top center of said one of two flat vertical sides, and two low points at the top corners of the other of said two flat vertical sides; said third and fourth facets having a high point at the top center of said other of two said flat vertical sides and a low point at the top center of said one of said two flat vertical sides, and low points at the top two corners of said another of said flat vertical sides; and first and second hollow wells extending from said top surface through said bottom surface to define a central divider section therebetween; said divider section having a slot entrant therein from one of said surfaces and aligned essentially parallel to said sides to receive a portion of a steel reinforcing rod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
Structure according to claim 1 and including a plurality of cut-away portions approaching portions of the exterior surface of said block from the interior but leaving the exterior surface intact and continuous to define optional knock-out portions to accomodate horizontal reinforcing rods or to retain a continuous surface if horizontal reinforcing rods are not used.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
Structure according to claim 2 wherein two of said knock-out portions are defined adjacent said flat vertical end surfaces respectively in alignment with the slot in said divider section such that a longitudinally extended horizontal reinforcing rod might be accomodated through all or a portion of said block.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
Structure according to claim 3 and further including knock-out portions defined in the sides of said block by cut-aways extending laterally outwardly from both sides of each of said wells to define two potential lateral reinforcing rod corridors in addition to the longitudinal corridor defined in part by said slot and the vertical passageways defined by said wells, such that optionally reinforcing rods can be used in any or all of the three dimensions, but all exposed vertical surfaces of a construction of blocks can be retained continuous.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-15 | 1981-02-14 | 1981-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-15 | 1985-02-14 | 1985-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-15 | 1989-02-14 | 1989-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |