Patent ID: 9447578
Filing Date: 2016-09-20
CPC Classification: E04B

Claim Text:
1. A block module for a modular block system, each block module comprising: inner and outer structural members, wherein each of the inner and outer structural members includes upper and lower retaining grooves, wherein each of the upper and lower retaining grooves each include an expanded inner portion defined within each of the inner and outer structural members, wherein the expanded inner portion extends a length of each respective inner and outer structural member, wherein each expanded inner portion is accessible through a securing aperture disposed at an end of the expanded inner portion, wherein each securing aperture is defined within an end wall of a respective inner and outer structural member; a bottom spanning member extending a length of the inner and outer structural members, wherein the bottom spanning member is configured to be retained within the lower retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members, and wherein the bottom spanning member includes a first retaining feature; a top spanning member extending the length of the inner and outer structural members, wherein the top spanning member is configured to be retained within the upper retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members, and wherein the top spanning member includes a second retaining feature that is configured to cooperate with the first retaining feature of an adjacent block module wherein the top spanning member includes a first pair of securing members that are configured to be secured within the expanded inner portion of the upper retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members, and wherein the bottom spanning member includes a second pair of securing members that are configured to be secured within the expanded inner portion of the lower retaining grooves of the inner and outer structural members, wherein the first and second pair of securing members are configured to position the inner and outer structural members at a predetermined distance; and an insulation member disposed within an interior volume defined between the inner and outer structural members and the top and bottom spanning members, wherein the insulation member is compressed between the inner and outer structural members, and wherein the top and bottom spanning members engage the upper and lower retaining grooves to exert a laterally inward compressive force against the inner and outer structural members to compress the insulation member between the inner and outer structural members and secure the inner and outer structural members, the top and bottom spanning members and the insulation member in a unitary member.