Landscaping block and system for use

Abstract

An “L”-shaped landscaping block provides a ledge for supporting concrete slabs used to create landscaping structures such as walkways, stairs and the like. A ridge or openings with protruding members on the bottom of the block engage a lower slab when used as a riser to create steps and prevents shifting of the riser and slabs relative to one another. Stands are provided which are pinned into the ground and support the landscape blocks from beneath to prevent shifting, heaving or sinking with the ground. Angled or curved landscaping blocks are used to created angled or curved corners. Profiled landscaping blocks and slabs are used to create lowered curbs at driveway accesses.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a regular application claiming priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 539,591, filed Jan. 29, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to blocks and particularly to shaped concrete blocks and systems for use in landscaping for forming sidewalks, ramps, steps and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is known to use blocks, typically made from molded, poured concrete, in landscaping to form sidewalks, stairs, patios and the like. [0004] Typically, large 2′×2′ patio blocks or sidewalk slabs are used to create these structures, by first excavating an area, laying a foundation of gravel and sand and then placing the slabs, one next to the other in the desired arrangement. For creating stairs, it is also known to use a smaller cement riser which is positioned, on edge, between patio slabs which may or may not l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] A substantially “L”-shaped landscaping block provides support for concrete slabs such as patio or sidewalk slabs for creating landscaping structures such as walkways, stairs and the like, at least a portion of the slabs being supported on an inner inset ledge of the landscaping block. Restraining means acting between the landscaping block and the slabs is particularly useful for creating a step or stairs which resist shifting as a result of a disturbance in the ground or foundation. Further, a system, incorporating stands pinned into the ground, provides additional support for the landscaping blocks to prevent shifting, heaving or sinking.

[0025] The restraining means, which may be a downwardly depending ridge unitary with the block or a groove or dado or plurality of openings which correspond with a protruding member such as a metal strip, pegs, wafers or the like, is particularly useful when the landscaping block is used as a riser in creating stairs or steps. The restraining means engages between the treads in the steps to prevent outward shifting of the riser and the slabs relative to one another. Further, stands can be used to support a portion of the landscaping blocks from beneath to provide additional support and resistance to shifting, heaving or sinking.

[0028] When a stair or step is to be incorporated into the landscaping structure, such as in a walkway, the restraining means on the landscaping block engages the lower tread as previously described providing additional resistance to shifting of the slabs and landscaping blocks, relative to one another.

Problems solved by technology

The use of slabs to create walkways and landscaping structures is particularly problematic in northern climates where freezing and thawing of the ground may result in heaving and sinking of the foundation beneath the structure.

Alterations in the foundation typically create uneven structures which, as soon as any amount of weight is place on the slabs, may crack as the slabs become unsupported from beneath.

Further, and particularly in the case of stairs, the slabs and risers may be caused to shift, resulting in unstable and unsafe arrangements that are not only dangerous, but are also aesthetically unpleasing.

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