Patent ID: 8540915
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: B28B,B29B,B29C,E04B,E04C

Abstract:
1. A method of making a concrete block having a three-dimensional patterned face; the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mold having a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity; the mold including: an open mold top, an open mold bottom closed by a pallet; and a mold surface having a three-dimensional pattern thereon, and a maximum relief, in the three-dimensional pattern, of at least about 0.5 inch; (b) introducing dry cast concrete into the mold cavity through the open top of the mold; (c) molding a pre-cured block by pressing a stripper shoe downwardly through the open top of the mold into the dry cast concrete; the stripper shoe comprising the mold surface having the three-dimensional pattern thereon with a mirror image of the three-dimensional patterned face to form the pre-cured concrete block with the mold surface having the mirror image of the desired block face forming the desired three-dimensional patterned face on the pre-cured block; (d) discharging the pre-cured block from the mold cavity onto the pallet; and (e) curing the pre-cured concrete block.