Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1 332288
:
IN ERLOCKING UNITS FOR THE ERECTION OF WALLS, THE STRENGTHE-
NING OF SLOPES AND THE BUII.DING OF RIVERBEDS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention refers to a kit comprising a
plurality of interlocking construction units capable of be-
ing assembled for the construction of walls and for the
strengthening of slopes and the building of riverbeds.
Construction units which are assembled with a double
dovetail key, being inserted into each one dovetailed groo-
ve of two blocks is known from the French Patent Applica-
tion No. 2,376,269. This units are only capable of being
; assembled into uniformly looking walls.
The European Patent Application No. 0,092,892 disclo-
ses a sound deadenin~ structure with a box shaped part with
a plurality of coupling members for receiving trough-shaped
members and plates, connected by pins or the like. With
this construction it is necessary to pile one trough-shaped
part onto the other, resulting in a heavily and compact
-~ lookin~ structure.
Finally, the German Utility Model No. 7,309,326 shows
an interlocking stone for lawns, said stone being formed in
a honeycomb structure, with limited interlocking capabili-
~` 20 ty.
- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
~- It is a feature of the present invention to realize a
kit of interlockinq units capable of beinq assembled for
the erection of walls and horizontal constructions of
the most different kinds, which are also more particularly
assembled in the horizontal direction, which may comprise a
curvature and which are capable to be provided with plants
as well as beinq erected in full composite structure.
~. .
~ Further, in relation with the plurality of possible -
(~ applications, the kit must comprise relatively few elements -~i
~ . i
~ 332~88
and it must be economically and rationally produced.
The kit of interlockinq units according to the
invention comprises at least some of said units havinq
structural features including connecting parts of a dove-
tai~ joint and a groove on the surface of said units,said grooves being arranged perpendicular to the sides and
at the center of said connecting parts, the kit comprising
a trouqh stone with at least one of said connecting parts
at each side thereof, a column stone having a central
ii .
opening and at least two sides having the same length as
the small sides of said trough stone, and said connecting
parts, and further comprisinq a connecting element having
at one side thereof one of said connecting parts and the
qroove arranqed at the side opposite to the side with said
connecting part.
The invention will be further described by way of
practical examples with reference to the accomnpanying
drawinqs.
~ 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
-~ Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first example of execution
' of a trough stone,
~ 25 Fig. 2 is a section along the line II-II of Fig.1,
;. ' ' :
Fig. 3 shows a bottom element for the trough stone,
. .
Fig. 4 is a plan view of a first example of execution
3~ of a column stone,
Fig. 5 is a section along the line V-V of Fig.4,
- .
Figs. 6 and 7 show plan views of two connecting ele-
ments,
Fig. 8 is a plan view of another trough stone,
- 2 -
::
' 1 332288
..
~` :
Fig. 9 shows a variant of execution of a trough stone
according to Fig.1,
Fig. 10 shows a variant of execution of a column
stone according to Fig.4,
.
Fiq. 11 shows a further connecting element,
::
Fig. 12 shows a trough connecting part,
: 10
; Fig. 13 shows a section of a variant of execution of
the trough stones and column stones,
Fig. 14 is a plan view of a wall erected utilizing
the preceding mentioned elements,
Fiq. 15 is a side view of the wall of Fig.14,
~ .
Fig. 16 is a section along the line XVI-XVI of
Fig.14,
j- Fig. 17 is a section along the line XVII-XVII of
Fig.14,
Fig. 18 is a section along the line XVIII-XVIII of
14
~ .
r:~` Fig. 19 is a section along the line XIX-XIX of
i Fig.14,
`~ 30
Fig. 20 shows in section an application of the trough
stones for the strengthening of a slope,
, ~ .
Fig. 21 shows a wall constructed from different
elements and comprising additional slope
strengthening,
_
, ~ ~
2~
1 332288
.
Fig. 22 shows a pyramide constructed with trough
stones and column stones, and
i
- Fig. 23 shows another example of a wall which canj 5 also be utilized as horizontal construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVENTION
Fig. 1 illustrates a trough stone 9 the length of
which is two times as great as its width. The trough stone
comprises at its small side 10 a dovetail groove 3 and at
its other small side 11 a dovetail key 4. The side 10 has
a concave slope 8a and the side 11 a convex slope 8b.
The long sides 12 comprise each two dovetail connecting
parts, whereby as seen from above, the dovetail parts
alternate with respect to each other. Each of these dove-
tail elements comprises at its upper side a groove 5 for
receiving a partition wall. As shown in Fig.2, the long
'5j sides comprise at their base each an internal thickening 13
which serve as a support for the bottom elements 14. While
the width of the bottom element corresponds to the opening
-1 of the trough stone, its length amounts to a part, i~e. 1/4
of the length of the opening of the trough stone, in order
to facilitate its production.
~5 Fiq.4 shows a column stone 1 having a square ground
~; .
plane and comprising a circular opening 2 in its center.
At the center part of the sides is provided either a
dovetail qroove 3 or a dovetail key 4, whereby the arrange~
ment like i.e. according to Fig.4 may be choosen, that is
with two opposite dovetail keys or grooves or an arrange~
ment accordinq to Fig.10 or two equal succeding parts or
four dovetail grooves or keys. A groove 5 is provided at ~;
the upper part of the column stone, at the center of the
`~ sides and the dovetail connecting parts for receiving
` 35 partition walls. The groove 5 must not obligatorily be
`- through passing but it can be more easily produced in this
way. Figs.6 and 7 show two connecting ~-
:~ . _ 4 _ :
....... /~ :
~.. : .. .-- ... , : : :: :: : : :
.' , .
,:: ~"." ' . .: ~
1 332288
:
elements 6 and 7 which comprise at one side the same
dovetail groove 3 or dovetail key 4 as the column stone 1
or the trough stone 9 and at the other side the through
passinq groove 5. The sides with the dovetail parts are
inclined toward the outside, respectively toward the
inside. A comparison of these connecting elements with the
bottom elements 14 shows that they may also be used as
bottom elements. The sides 8a of the column stones 1 with
the dovetail grooves 3 are inclined toward the outside as
seen from the arooves while the sides 8b of the column
stones with the dovetail keys are inclined toward the
inside as seen from the keys. An advantage of these incli-
ned sides is that the stones may be tightly bound end to
end. Other advantages will appear from the description
of Figs.14 - 19 illustrating a wall erected using such and
other elements.
Examples of dimensions of the column stones are
60x60x25 cm and 120x60x25 cm for the trough stones accor-
~`~ ding to Fig.1. It is clear that the length of the trough
stones can amount to other multiples of the length of the
~ edge of the column stone. Fig.8 shows an example of a
`l triple trough stone 19, the dovetail parts 3, 4 of which
being so arranged that it may be directly coupled with a
, same trough stone as well in the longitudinal direction as
;i 25 in the perpendicular direction thereof. Further, it compri-
- ses the same grooves 5 and the same inclinations 8a and 8b
as well as thickenings 13 for reception of bottom elements
like the other trough stones.
In Fiqs.9 - 12 is illustrated a variant of execution
in which the side walls 21 of the trouqh stone 22 and the
side walls 23 of the column stone 24 are straight and the
trough stone 22 comprises only dovetail grooves 25, the
column stone 24 comprising only dovetail keys 26. For this
reason, the connecting element 27 cannot be directly joined
to the trouqh stone 22 but only indirectly, either through
; the column stone 24 or through a trough connecting element
28 with which such trough stones and other trough stones
i . . . . ~ , . ~
- 1 332288
; .
may be directly joined together. It is also possible to use
a connectinq element with a dovetail key. In this case, the
element 2R may be omitted. The connecting element 27
further comprises the qroove 5 for receiving partition
walls. All connecting elements 5, 6, 27, 28 have the same
height than the other stones. In order to suppress the
connectinq elements 27 which serve at the same time as
supportinq elements, when stackinq up trouqh stones one
~' upon the other, it is possible in another variant of l 10 execution to provide the dovetail qrooves and keys with
g offsets 29 and 30 as shown in Fig.13. This permits to
-l interlock the individual elements in the vertical direc-
tion.
It is clear that dimensions different from the ones
15 indicated above may be used and it is above all possible to
~` use elements, more particularly trough stones, two times as
=~ high as indicated. Moreover the ground plane of the column
stone must not necessarily be of a square form, it can be
i.e. in form of a polygone. Further, it is not essential
20 for the invention that the opening 2 of the column stone be
of circular form, it can also have another regular form.
~; The trough stones may also be used without bottom
,~ elements, i.e. in a smaller execution, for example as lawn
,,i4, checker stones of full composite structure, whereby the
25 thickening 13 at the inside of the long sides is not neces-
s sary.
As may be seen from the preceding examples of appli-
~`~ cations, the dovetail connections are not necessary for the
erection of some wall constructions, because usual grooves
30 and keys may also fulfill the foreseen purpose. However,
when using connecting elements, the dovetail connections
` are necessary.
~; Figs.14 - 19 show a wall construction using the
` elements 1, 9, 19, 6 and 7. This wall serves as an example
; 35 for the different possibilities of applications of these
elements. One sees for example that the trough stones may
be either directly connected together by their small and
~; - 6 -
., ~
``;1 332288
lonq sides or through column stones and that the connecting
elements may be provided at the trough stones as well as at
the columns stones. From Fig.4 it is further to be seen
- that the elements may not only be arranged perpendicularly
to each other but also under any desired anqle, whereby
hinqe bolts or plug-in boxes 16 may be inserted in the
openinqs 2 of the column stones, these hinge bolts being
i.e. in tubular form and having either the same height than
;, the column stones or any other height. In the first part of ~ -~
10 the wall that is in the left hand part of Fig.16 is shown -~
that the neiqhbourinq trough stones are not arranged in the
same height but that they are offset. In the example of
~ Fig.16, the first column of trough stones on the left is
`! provided below with a partition plate or sound deadening
plate 17 and the next column of trough stones with a trough
stone 19. It is practical to fix the lowest elements to a
basement 18 (Fig.15). At each trough stone at which a
partition plate is attached is provided a corresponding
connecting element 6 or 7, whereby the partition plate is
held in the grooves 5 of these connecting elements as well
as in the grooves of the bottom elements 14. As illustrted
-~ in Fig.16, the connecting elements have not only the func-
tion of holding the partition plates but they serve also as
a support for the trough stones arranged over them.
This provides a very good anchorage of the trough
stones in the horizontal plane as well in the longitudinal
direction as in the direction perpendicular thereof and a
full support of all trough stones and partition plates.
The column of trough stones, i.e. from double trough stones
9, which are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal
direction of the wall may be filled with earth or possibly
- with a more denser material and it serves in the example
described as an anchoring element.
If desired, it is possible to omit two, three or more
trouqh stones and to provide either partition plates 17 or
plants in the breaks. This permits to obtain greater green
surfaces than in the wall previously described. Fig.17
:.
:-
. -
- , :
, ' ' - : ~ ~ :
1~ ~ 1 3322~8
shows that the connecting elements 6 or 7 are also connec-
3 ted to the column stones. It would also be possible to
arranqe these connectinq elements at places where no trough
stones are provided, whereby these connecting elements
~ 5 would then serve as ornaments. From Fig.17 is further to be
`! seen that the trough stones may be also directly connected
` toqether, however only in the case where they lie in the
- same plane.
The section shown in Fig.18 illustrates that in the
case of continuation of the wall with an angle different
l from 90, the two columns of trough stones and the columns
`~` stones must lie in the same plane. Fig.18 shows the hinge
bolt 16 as a tubular piece in this example, the column
stones 1 as well as on the left and the right, trough
`15 stones 19 arranged under an angle as well as the partition
plates 17 and the connecting elements 6 or 7. The construc-
tion shows that any desired angle between the two parts of
the wall is possible.
Fig.19 shows a variant of execution of the wall of
20 Fig.17 in which the corner is not comprised of a column
~,stone but in which the troughs are directly connected toge-
ther at right angle for forming a corner. As can be seen
.from Figs.14 and 19, it is possible to provide connecting
and supporting elements 6 and 7 as well at the outside as
:~!25 at the inside for a better support of the corner so that
the corner lies on the columns formed each of connecting or
supporting elements. The two connecting elements provided
at the outside serve also as ornaments. Fig.19 shows how
~Ithe partition plate is held in the grooves 5 at the bottom
30 part of the ground element 14.
~;The preceding example of execution shows clearly the
-plurality of configurations which are rendered possible by
the descrihed elements. In this respect it is to be consi-
~dered that none of the elements, that is neither the trough
<35 stones nor the partition plates are clamped so that they
are all the time well supported statically. Further, the
lateral inclined sides of the trough stones and column
~:, .
;: `
,.~ ~ - 8 -
. .. .
~: ~ ' ` . ` !
~:
,.. :, :'~,: . :
t 332288
.
stones provide a breakinq of the sound which enhances the
effectiveness in the case of the erection of sound deade~
ning walls. For the reason that the elements are standardi-
zed and mutually adapted, it is also possible to utilize
5 the connecting elements as bottom parts if their greater
thickness with respect to the bottom elements 14 is taken
~t into account. Further, with the exception of the basement,
~! such walls may be erected in the full dry construetion
method.
- 10 The following Figures 20 - 23 show examples of execu-
.,
tion of walls or lyinq constructions which are erected
using the elements 1, 9, 19, 20 as well as 5 or 6. Fig.21
shows that the trough stones 9 or 19, or 22 as the case may
arise, may be offset in the longitudinal direction, which
, ,
15 permits i.e. the erection of a pyramid shaped column
according to Fig.22. In this case, the trough stones are
filled with earth and stones or similar.
Fig.21 shows a closed wall consisting of column sto-
nes 1 and adjacent trough stones 9 or 19 to which is atta-
20 ched a further column of column stones 1. At this wall
further trough stones may be attached in a direction
perpendicular thereof, these trough stones being i.e.
offset and ascending and they may be filled and provided
with plants.
~- 25 One sees from Fig.22 that the column stones and
trough stones may also serve as ornament, i.e. a pyramid
shaped construction utilizing these stones. In this case,
layers of trough stones connected together and column sto-
nes are vertieally offset one upon the other in dependence
30 on the size.
Fig.23 shows a full connected wall consisting of
trough stones and column stones. Sueh a construction
may be used as well in a horizontal plane as in a vertieal
plane. When used in a horizontal construetion, it may be
35 provided i.e. for building a river bed whereby all elements
are connected toqether and well anchored for example by
filling up with gravel or by filling up individual elements
_ 9 _
,~ , , .
1 33228~
`
.
with concrete. In this case, troughs with a greater height
could be used in order to improve the anchorage.
It is also possible to use the trough stones not only
3 as troughs arranged one upon the other and capable to be
~j 5 filled or provided with plants but for the erection of
walls which i.e. in accordance with Fig.23 may extend in
the vertical direction and whereby the openings of the
trouqh stones as well as of the column stones are closed
with glass or similar, objects being capable to be then
~10 deposited in the niches thus created in the wall.
-~The preceding description shows that the column
stones and trough stones capable to be connected together
have a plurality of possible applications. Beside of the
illustrated applications for sound deadening walls, walls,
strengthening of slopes, other applications are possible:
By direct denticulation, in layers as basement stones for
basements, walls of cellars or of buildings, any closed
wall systems or shaft constructions which may be provided
;with concrete or with foam for better heat insulation. By
all-round direct denticulation, as fortification for flat
constructions capable to be provided with qrass like a
pavement of flat surfaces in composite structure, i.e.
ramps, steep slopes or dunes. By all-round direct denticu-
lation as constructions lying on the side for walls with
hole pattterns similar to the one of Fig.23 which, if
desired, may be also provided with glass, as close walls
for real estate or windbreaker walls of terraces, swimming
pools and similar. By the all-round direct denticulation, a
certain backwards diagonal displacement is possible for
constructions lying on the side.
~ s a material for the stones, one uses the usual
concrete materials while the partition plates or sound
deadening plates may also be constructed from another
`~ material and they may be of different colours and structu-
res for ornamental purposes. The stones themselves may be
::
also of different colours. It is clear that other dimen-
sions different from the ones mentioned above may be used
'
-- 1 0 --
.'~ ~ .
r; ~
1 332288
.
: ~ .
and more particularly, smaller troughs may be produced ~ -
for being attached to the trough stones in order to produce :
additional surfaces to be provided with plants and for a
beiter composition.
In the case of walls erected with angle parts like in
Fig.14, it is often practical to seal the sound deadenin~
plates 17 which do not run in qrooves 5. To this end, the
connecting elements 6 and 7 may be provided with cuts 20 in
which packing tapes may be inserted. ;
.. ;
'~ '
:: `
. ~ .
, :
: ~.
:.
.:
,'~
'-` :
.,~,,
.,
~, .
: ,.
'''.`'
. '