Retaining wall block with face connection

Abstract

Single and multiple retaining wall blocks and block systems are disclosed. The blocks are provided with a face connection system which includes at least one front lip extending from a top surface of the block and a bottom channel formed into a front face and bottom surface of the block. The front lips have a length which is less than the width of the blocks.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 630,898, filed Nov. 24, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to retaining wall blocks having a front face connection system and to retaining walls constructed from those blocks and to methods of making the blocks and constructing walls from the blocks. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Numerous methods and materials exist for the construction of retaining walls. Such methods include the use of natural stone, pored in place concrete, masonry, and landscape timbers or railroad ties. In recent years, segmental concrete retaining wall units which are dry stacked (i.e., built without the use of mortar, have become a widely accepted product for the construction of retaining walls. Such products have gained popularity because they are mass produced, and thus relatively inexpensive. They are structurally soun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The invention comprises first and second wall block systems which include face connection systems which allow for construction of a wall providing safety and stability as well as a desired face appearance.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of using blocks having a rear flange is that their use naturally creates a setback between courses which produces a visible line or seam between courses which is noticeable to an observer.

As with rear flanged blocks, there are disadvantages of prior art continuous front flanged blocks.

First, their use naturally creates a set back that accentuates the horizontal lines between succeeding courses of the retaining wall.

Second, the continuous flange on these blocks makes it difficult to form smooth inside or outside curves in a wall formed from the blocks.

Third, because the flange of a front (or rear) flanged block extends in a straight line across the entire width of the block, the blocks tend to set back excessively when a curve in the wall is constructed.

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