Retaining wall masonry block

Abstract

A masonry block that may be used in construction of block walls particularly retaining walls for retaining soil and preventing soil erosion. A masonry block having at least one body with a front face, back face, a pair of sides extending therebetween a top face and a bottom face, defining a block having six major surfaces. One of the sides has an opening therethrough that is in communication with a cavity extending inwardly in relation to the body. The cavity is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a hand therein to provide structure for easily grasping and lifting the block. The centerline of the cavity extends from the opening inwardly so that the angle between the centerline and the portion of the side adjacent to the opening is less than 90 degrees, so that the cupped fingers of a user may be received therein.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The current invention relates generally to masonry blocks that may be used in construction of block walls. These masonry blocks are particularly useful for constructing retaining walls for retaining soil and preventing soil erosion.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] Masonry blocks that are used to construct walls are well-known for both commercial and residential construction. Often during construction of homes, buildings, bridges or other residential and commercial structures, the existing soil levels must be cut vertically or to sharp slopes which cannot be naturally maintained. Varied structural elements have been used to construct retaining walls to retain the soil therebehind and thus prevent erosion.[0005] The strength of the retaining walls depends upon the height of the soil cut, the slope of the cut and the type of soil being retained, whether sandy, loam or clay. Certainly walls of solid concrete with extensive footers and d...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Often during construction of homes, buildings, bridges or other residential and commercial structures, the existing soil levels must be cut vertically or to sharp slopes which cannot be naturally maintained.

The same wall could be constructed of concrete block that is cemented in place; however, this type wall would not be as strong and could not withstand the same pressures as the solid concrete wall.

Retaining wall blocks must be heavy to accomplish their purpose, and are therefore difficult to lift, carry and place in the selected location.

In order to carry the blocks it is necessary to place the fingers underneath the blocks, which means the block must be lifted in order to grip them from underneath, which is difficult and awkward.

Also, by carrying the blocks in this way the fingers are between the block and the previous course of blocks which makes placing the blocks difficult and can readily cause injury to the fingers.

These designs are difficult and expensive to mold.

Square blocks are difficult to use for curved walls as the corners and edges of the square blocks will project outwardly in convex curves.

Builders and masons are skilled in the art of breaking bricks and blocks to fit in tight spaces or to form curved walls; however, those less skilled find it difficult to break the blocks in a uniform manner.

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