US5540525A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular block retaining wall system and method of constructing same
Assignee: Tensar Corp LLC
•
Filing: 1994-06-06
•
Granted: 1996-07-30
•
Expires: 2014-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A modular wall block is formed with a trough or recess in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like grid connection device. The fingers are engaged through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of material with the backbone of the rake overlying the grid-like sheet of material, the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly to reinforce the fill behind a retaining wall formed from a plurality of courses of the wall blocks. Positioning means in the form of slat members are selectively received in one of a pair of grooves defined in each side of the wall blocks with portions of the slats extending above the upper surface of the block to contact a surface of an opening formed in a superimposed block for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or rearwardly offset relationship. The slats also include portions projecting laterally from the sides of the block and spanning the space between adjacent blocks in a course of blocks to position juxtaposed blocks in each course relative to each other.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Miller
- 👤 Phil M. Taylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 23:58
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D29/00; E02D29/02; E02D29/0225; E02D29/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by a continuous recess extending across said wall block between said opposed sidewalls and dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector means overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by a continuous recess extending across said wall block between said opposed sidewalls and dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector means overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 1, further including positioning elements for positioning juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
89 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said positioning elements comprises upper portions projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said opening extends between said upper and lower surfaces of said wall block.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves to define the relationship of said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
129 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall and opening to said upper surface, said positioning elements including slats seated in said grooves with upper portions of said slats projecting above said upper surface of said wall block for reception in said opening defined in the lower surface of a wall block superimposed thereon to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of the retaining wall relative to each other, said slats further including portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks to span the space between adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to locate juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves to define the relationship of said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said positioning elements include portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks to span the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fingers of said grid connector include serrations to frictionally secure said fingers in said recess.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said grid connector is made of plastic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said grid connector is made of fiberglass reinforced plastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said recess includes substantially parallel sidewalls and said serrations frictionally engage said sidewalls.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the crossbar of said grid connector is less than or equal to the distance between said opposed sidewalls of said wall blocks.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the crossbar of said grid connector is less than or equal to the distance between said opposed sidewalls of said wall blocks.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
261 words
A retaining wall comprising: a plurality of courses of superimposed wall blocks, each course including a plurality of modular wall blocks each of which has a front face forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly therefrom, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material and passing through said openings, a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by a continuous recess extending across said wall block between said opposed sidewalls and frictionally receiving and retaining said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, and fill material behind said wall blocks, portions of said grid-like sheet of material being embedded in said fill material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
261 words
A retaining wall comprising: a plurality of courses of superimposed wall blocks, each course including a plurality of modular wall blocks each of which has a front face forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly therefrom, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material and passing through said openings, a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by a continuous recess extending across said wall block between said opposed sidewalls and frictionally receiving and retaining said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, and fill material behind said wall blocks, portions of said grid-like sheet of material being embedded in said fill material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 15, further including positioning elements positioning juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
87 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 16, wherein said positioning elements comprise upper portions projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves which vertically aligns said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks with each other.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
60 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves which rearwardly offsets said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
126 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 17, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall and opening to said upper surface, said positioning element including slats seated in said grooves with upper portions of said slats projecting above said upper surface of said wall block and received in said opening defined in the lower surface of a wall block superimposed thereon to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of the retaining wall relative to each other, said slats further including portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks spanning the space between adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
63 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 20, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves which vertically aligns said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
63 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 20, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves which rearwardly offsets said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 20, wherein said slats each include at least one elongated groove for bending of said slats.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
53 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 16, wherein said positioning elements include portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks spanning the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 15, wherein said fingers of said grid connector include serrations which frictionally secure said fingers in said recess.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 25, wherein said grid connector is made of plastic.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 25, wherein said grid connector is made of fiberglass reinforced plastic.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 25, wherein said recess includes substantially parallel sidewalls and said serrations frictionally engage said sidewalls.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
204 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, positioning elements for locating juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall, upper portions of said positioning elements projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other, and further portions of said positioning elements projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks to span the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
204 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, positioning elements for locating juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall, upper portions of said positioning elements projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other, and further portions of said positioning elements projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks to span the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
63 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 29, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves to define the relationship of said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks to each other.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
131 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 29, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall and opening to said upper surface, said positioning elements including slats seated in said grooves with upper portions of said slats projecting above said upper surface of said wall block for reception in said opening defined in the lower surface of a wall block superimposed thereon so as to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of the retaining wall relative to each other, said slats further including portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks to span the space between adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
67 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 31, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves to define the relationship of said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
201 words
A retaining wall comprising: a plurality of courses of superimposed wall blocks, each course including a plurality of modular wall blocks each of which has a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, positioning elements positioning juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall, upper portions of said positioning elements projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other, and further portions of said positioning elements projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks spanning the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
201 words
A retaining wall comprising: a plurality of courses of superimposed wall blocks, each course including a plurality of modular wall blocks each of which has a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, positioning elements positioning juxtaposed wall blocks relative to each other in the retaining wall, upper portions of said positioning elements projecting above said upper surfaces of said wall blocks, said wall blocks each including portions defining an opening extending to said lower surfaces thereof, said opening in an upper wall block receiving said upper portions of said positioning elements in a lower wall block with a surface defining said opening engaging said upper portions of said positioning elements to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other, and further portions of said positioning elements projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks spanning the space between sidewalls of adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
59 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 33, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves which vertically aligns said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks with each other.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 34, wherein said slats include at least one elongated groove for bending of said slats.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
60 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 33, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining at least two grooves spaced from said front face by different distances, said positioning elements comprising slats selectively seated in one of said grooves which rearwardly offsets said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
128 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 33, wherein each of said wall blocks includes portions defining grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall and opening to said upper surface, said positioning elements including slats seated in said grooves with upper portions of said slats projecting above said upper surface of said wall block for reception in said opening defined in the lower surface of a wall block superimposed thereon so as to position wall blocks in superimposed courses of the retaining wall relative to each other, said slats further including portions projecting laterally beyond said sidewalls of said wall blocks spanning the space between adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks to position juxtaposed wall blocks in said course of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
62 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 37, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves which vertically aligns said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks with each other.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
A retaining wall as claimed in claim 37, further comprising at least two grooves extending inwardly from each sidewall of said wall blocks, said grooves being spaced from said front face by different distances, said slats being selectively seated in one of said grooves which rearwardly offsets said front faces of wall blocks in superimposed courses of wall blocks relative to each other.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
130 words
A modular wall block comprising: a front face, a rear face, an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a recess defined below a level of said top surface for receiving a securing element for connecting a grid-like sheet of material to said modular wall block, a groove defined in each of said opposed sidewalls and opening to said upper surface for receiving positioning element for positioning adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks with respect to each other and for positioning a superimposed course of wall blocks with respect to a lower course of wall blocks, and an opening defined in said lower surface cooperating with said positioning element received in said groove.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
130 words
A modular wall block comprising: a front face, a rear face, an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a recess defined below a level of said top surface for receiving a securing element for connecting a grid-like sheet of material to said modular wall block, a groove defined in each of said opposed sidewalls and opening to said upper surface for receiving positioning element for positioning adjacent wall blocks in a course of wall blocks with respect to each other and for positioning a superimposed course of wall blocks with respect to a lower course of wall blocks, and an opening defined in said lower surface cooperating with said positioning element received in said groove.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein said opening is substantially centrally located between said opposed sidewalls.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 41, wherein said opening extends between said upper and lower surfaces.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 42, wherein said rear face includes an arcuate cut out portion extending towards said front face.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein said recess extends continuously between said opposed sidewalls.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 44, wherein said recess includes a gutter for draining of water.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein said recess is defined by a plurality of spaced recesses extending between said opposed sidewalls.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein the rearward portion of said upper surface is inclined upwardly from said recess toward said rear face.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein a lowermost surface of each of said grooves is angled downwardly towards its respective sidewall.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
A modular wall block as claimed in claim 40, wherein said opposed sidewalls converge toward each other from said front face to said rear face.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
271 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material including a plurality of elongated strands extending generally parallel to said front face of said blocks interconnected by a multiplicity of rearwardly extending elongated strands together defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members integrally extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and an elongated recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying a plurality of said rearwardly extending strands of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
271 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material including a plurality of elongated strands extending generally parallel to said front face of said blocks interconnected by a multiplicity of rearwardly extending elongated strands together defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members integrally extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and an elongated recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying a plurality of said rearwardly extending strands of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A modular wall block system as claimed in claim 50, wherein said crossbar overlies substantially all of said rearwardly extending strands.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
286 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material including a plurality of elongated strands extending generally parallel to said front face of said blocks interconnected by a multiplicity of rearwardly extending elongated strands together defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by an elongated recess extending transverse of said wall block and dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying a plurality of said rearwardly extending strands of said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
286 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material including a plurality of elongated strands extending generally parallel to said front face of said blocks interconnected by a multiplicity of rearwardly extending elongated strands together defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being defined by an elongated recess extending transverse of said wall block and dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying a plurality of said rearwardly extending strands of said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
256 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks with said grid-like sheet of material being positioned spanning across said wall blocks above said recess.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
256 words
A modular wall block system to be used for forming a retaining wall, said modular wall block system comprising: a plurality of wall blocks each having a front face for forming a portion of an exterior surface of the retaining wall, a rear face, upper and lower surfaces, and opposed sidewalls extending between said upper and lower surfaces and said front and rear faces, a grid-like sheet of material comprising end portions to be secured to selected wall blocks with the remainder of the grid-like sheet of material extending rearwardly into fill material behind the retaining wall to reinforce the retaining wall, said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material defining a plurality of laterally spaced openings, a grid connector for securing said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks, said grid connector comprising a crossbar and a plurality of finger members extending therefrom, said finger members being spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between selected openings in said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material, and a recess defined in each of said wall blocks below said upper surface thereof, said recess being dimensioned to frictionally receive and retain said fingers of said grid connector with said crossbar of said grid connector overlying said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to secure said end portions of said grid-like sheet of material to said selected wall blocks with said grid-like sheet of material being positioned spanning across said wall blocks above said recess.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-30 | 2000-01-29 | 2000-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-30 | 2004-01-29 | 2004-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-30 | 2008-01-29 | 2008-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |