Abstract:
A block assembly includes integral connection mechanisms specifically designed for incorporation into engineered retaining walls. These connection mechanisms specifically accommodate the use of reinforcing grids in the formation of a retaining wall which, when used, will stabilize the retaining wall and provide additional strength. The connection mechanism is formed prior to fabrication of the block itself, and thus can be integrally incorporated during casting/fabrication of the block itself. The connection mechanism defines a connection slot usable during retaining wall fabrication (by allowing easy connection to the reinforcing grid) while also accommodating holding and lifting of the block assembly. Due to the fabrication method, the configuration of the connection mechanisms inserted into the block can be uniquely designed to provide desired physical coupling once the concrete is hardened. This further allows the use of different materials and different structures to provide the desired strength and allow the use of optimal materials.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to stackable block members and a method of using the block members to build retaining walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to stackable, pre-cast block members having an improved connection mechanism allowing retaining walls to be anchored in place so as to minimize movement of the block members after construction. 
     Retaining walls have long been used to prevent berms, slopes and embankments from sliding and slumping. Additionally, retaining walls are used as one mechanism to control soil erosion. These structures are often used to support naturally occurring slopes and embankments while also accommodating the construction of artificial slopes, embankments, planters, stairways, stream banks and similar earthworks. In these applications Pre-cast concrete blocks are a particularly useful and versatile material for constructing retaining walls. 
     A number of complex, and expensive, retaining wall systems have been developed for building relatively tall retaining walls (i.e. those over about 12 feet in height). The construction of such tall retaining walls typically involves (or requires) soil studies and professional engineering support. In typical conditions, retaining walls up to approximately 40 inches in height may be constructed from concrete blocks of reasonable size and the concrete blocks alone are sufficient to prevent sliding and slumping. These relatively short walls are often designed and built by contractors and home owners and do not require either soil studies or professional engineering support. 
     Many applications exist which require retaining walls taller than 40 inches in height, including commercial/industrial applications. Generally speaking, concrete blocks of reasonable size alone are not sufficient for these retaining walls and some method of holding the concrete blocks in position is required. 
     As one example of an engineered solution, a three-block system which uses wall blocks mechanically connected to and anchored by a trunk block and a tail block is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,256 to Hammer. In that system, each of the wall blocks in each course of wall blocks is connected to a trunk block which is in turn mechanically connected to a tail block. The combination of the trunk block and the tail block serves to anchor the wall block. The relative sizes of the blocks used in that system are such that the weights of the trunk block and the tail block are each nearly as great as the weight of the wall block. Unfortunately the number of trunk and tail blocks required, and the labor necessary to lay those additional blocks drives up the cost of constructing such a retaining wall. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,304 to Sorheim et al. describes an alternate system to achieve anchoring of the wall. More specifically, a network of uniform anchor blocks can be attached to facing blocks to provide the necessary anchoring behind the wall. 
     Additional systems of wall blocks which rely upon a mechanical connection between wall blocks in adjacent courses are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 to Sievert, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,034 to Dueck. Such systems rely upon the weight of the wall blocks and are not sufficient for building retaining walls of even an intermediate height. 
     A method of anchoring wall blocks with a lattice-like grid (i.e., “geogrid”) connected to the wall blocks is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,910 to Scales. Such grids are positioned between stacked wall blocks and extend rearwardly away from the blocks. The grids are then buried within fill material behind the retaining walls to anchor the blocks in place. While attachment of the geogrid is conveniently achieved, this structure becomes difficult to use with larger blocks (e.g. 24″×36″ blocks). 
     Another alternative to the design disclosed in the &#39;910 patent to Scales is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , each wall block includes a channel on a top surface thereof that is structured to receive an elongate bar member. A grid structure is wrapped around the elongate bar member prior to positioning the bar member within the channel. The grid structure is then routed toward the rear of the block, and a second block is stacked on top of the first block. As a result, the grid structure is “sandwiched” between the first and second blocks. 
     One problem with designs such as those disclosed in the &#39;910 patent to Scales and illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the interference of the grid structure with successively stacked blocks. In particular, the grid structure introduces an additional thickness between the top surface of a first block and the bottom surface of a second block stacked on top of the first block. For example, the thickness of the grid structure may be about 0.125 inches. However, as more and more blocks are stacked on top of one another, the combined thickness of each grid structure adds up quickly and causes the retaining wall to “lean forward” (i.e., become “non-vertical”) and lose stability. 
     Generally, most prior retaining wall block assemblies utilized friction between wall face units to generate a “connection.” Differential settlement or other problems would often diminish or eliminate this connection. Other types of connections included, for example, a bar “botkin connection.” However, this type of connection had a lesser capacity than the grid structure itself, making the connection the weak link. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a retaining wall system which: (a) utilizes pre-cast wall blocks of large size and weight; (b) provides a cost effective method of anchoring the wall blocks; (c) eliminates the positioning of a grid structure between the top surface of one wall block and the bottom surface of another wall block; and (d) can be built to significant heights while minimizing the risk of tipping or becoming otherwise unstable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To address the above-discussed needs, a retaining wall block is provided which includes integrated attachment mechanisms easily accommodating geogrid type stabilizing structures. Further, the attachment mechanism allows for more convenient handling of the blocks themselves. Further, the retaining wall block is easily constructed to include this connection mechanism in a manner that is efficient and effective. 
     The retaining wall blocks in the present invention are pre-cast blocks fabricated utilizing predesigned molds. As common in the fabrication of pre-cast blocks, a concrete or a cement mixture is poured into the mold and allowed to appropriately cure. As is typical, the mold includes an open top end, thus exposing a portion of the concrete. As anticipated, the block itself is designed to cause this exposed surface to be the back or rear portion of the block. In one embodiment of the present invention, this exposed surface is utilized to accommodate the incorporation of an integral attachment mechanism within the fabricated block itself. In this case, an attachment structure is prefabricated and on hand during the block forming process. Once concrete has been poured into the mold, this attachment structure is then inserted into the wet concrete at the open end of the mold itself. Subsequently, the concrete is allowed to harden thus causing the holding structure to be an intracal portion of the block itself. 
     Utilizing a similar process, blocks of different types can be easily formed. Further, wall-panels or other structures can also be easily fabricated. 
     The retaining wall block or panel assemblies fabricated as outlined above have many benefits: The retaining wall block assemblies may be made of materials already utilized or produced by the pre-cast concrete industry, thus reducing out of pocket costs. Further, the retaining wall block assemblies are constructed with reduced complexity, thus helping to control costs and increase productivity. 
     As an alternative, the block assembly could be formed in one mold. This approach somewhat complicates the mold to be used, but would achieve a similar result. The mold involved would require structures to form the attachment mechanism, and would need to accommodate removal. This option would require the block to be formed side down, as opposed to face down. Alternatively, such a block assembly could be formed face up, with the face surface finished in some other process. 
     Creating the retaining wall block assemblies as discussed above allows the use of multiple components and materials. Additionally, the connection mechanism can be formed prior to forming the retaining wall block. Also, the connection mechanism can be used as a lifting device, thus eliminating the need for such a structure on top of the retaining wall block. 
     In the present block assembly, a concrete of differing strength can be used in the connection mechanism, thus optimizing the use of higher cost materials (e.g. locating them at the point of highest load concentration). 
     The retaining wall block assemblies solve the engineering problem of attaching a grid structure to a concrete panel using the integrated connection mechanism. This approach provides a cheaper and structurally superior method. 
     The two part construction of the connection mechanism takes advantage of the high compression strength of concrete and the high tensile strength of steel. 
     The connection mechanism of the present invention may include reinforcing components encased in high density concrete as opposed to a coating that may be damaged or corrode over time, adding to the structural superiority of the connection mechanism. Further, the connection mechanism may include curved edges to protect the grid structure from being damaged. 
     When used to create a wall structure, the retaining wall blocks are allowed to settle without generating additional shears on the grid structure due to the wrap-around configuration of the grid structure. This enables the grid structure to rotate and not just shear. In a similar manner, the connection mechanism accommodates the use of more economical strips of high strength grid structure. These strips are more easily handled than large mats and are a more efficient use of material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a prior art retaining wall block anchoring system. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a retaining wall block assembly in accordance with the present invention, which includes a retaining wall block and a connection mechanism. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the retaining wall block assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism illustrating the position of a block connector disposed therein. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustrating a pair of retaining wall block assemblies incorporating a stabilizing grid structure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment, which includes a wall panel and a related connection mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a pair of retaining wall block assemblies having the connection mechanism of  FIG. 8  attached thereto. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism having a block connector that is completely encased within concrete. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment with the reinforcing member and legs configured at angles. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment having a curved reinforcing member. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment, using a curved reinforcing member which is completely encased in concrete. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a retaining wall block assembly  10  is illustrated. Retaining wall block assembly  10  generally includes retaining wall block  12  and connection mechanism  14  attached thereto. 
     Retaining wall bock  12  may be formed using numerous methods and from numerous materials as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, for purposes of example and not limitation, the present discussion will focus on a retaining wall block  12  formed by pouring concrete into a casting shell. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , retaining wall block  12  includes front surface  16 , rear surface  18 , first side  20 , second side  22 , top surface  24 , and bottom surface  26 . In this particular embodiment, retaining wall block  12  is shaped with unequal face lengths, wherein the length L 1  of front surface  16  is greater than the length L 2  of rear surface  18 , and wherein first and second sides  20  and  22  form an obtuse angle with rear surface  18 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that retaining wall blocks having various shapes, sizes, surface lengths, and/or a numbers of “sides” are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , connection mechanism  14  is coupled to and extends from a rear portion of retaining wall block  12 . Connection mechanism  14  generally includes main body  30 , first arm  32 , and second arm  34 . When assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 , end portions  36  and  38  of first and second arms  32  and  34 , respectively, are integral with a rear portion of retaining wall block  12 . These components form a connection slot  39  formed between main body  30  and rear portion of retaining wall block  12 . Furthermore, inner surface  40  of connection main body  30  includes curved or rounded edges to help prevent a coupled grid structure from tearing or otherwise becoming damaged (discussed in further detail to follow). In addition, inner surfaces  42  and  44  of first and second arms  32  and  34 , respectively, may also include curved edges similar to inner surface  40  of main body  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the retaining wall block assembly  10  of  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , connection mechanism  14  further includes an internal strengthening member  48  having main body portion  50 , first arm  52 , and second arm  54 . First arm  52  includes first flange member  56  extending therefrom, while second arm  54  includes a similar flange member  58 . In one embodiment, internal strengthening member  48  is preconfigured reinforcing bar material which is typically available to most concrete companies. Other materials contemplated may include other steel or metal materials, coated metals, carbon fiber, fiberglass, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or other composite materials depending on the particular application. 
     As stated above, retaining wall block  12  may be formed from a concrete material, such as wet cast or low slump concrete. Connection mechanism  14  may also be formed from materials similar to those used to form retaining wall block  12 , although using such similar materials is not necessary. In one exemplary method of constructing retaining wall block assembly  10 , connection mechanism  14  may be formed prior to forming retaining wall block  12 , such as one or more days in advance of retaining wall block  12 . This allows first and second flange members  56  and  58  (along with a portion of first and second arms  52  and  54 ) of connection mechanism  14  to be positioned within the un-solidified concrete being used to form retaining wall block  12 . Thus, when the concrete of retaining wall block  12  solidifies, connection mechanism  14  will be securely coupled to retaining wall block  12  due to the hardening of concrete around first and second flange members  56  and  58 . Further, a portion of first and second arms  32  and  34  may also be submerged in the unsolidified concrete. The angle portions of flange members  56  and  58  function similar to “hooks” and are structured to prevent first and second arms  52  and  54 , respectively, from being pulled from within retaining wall block  12  when an opposing force is applied to connection mechanism  14 . 
     As an alternative, the connection mechanism  14  and block  12  could be formed in a single mold. Naturally, this approach requires a more complex mold, and must specifically accommodate the connection mechanism (e.g. form this structure while also allowing the mold to be removed). Also, an appropriate holding structure would be necessary to position internal strengthening member. While the mold will be more complicated, a single molding step can be used. 
     As those skilled in the art will appreciate, internal strengthening member  48  may be formed from any suitable material that has a high tensile strength. For example, internal strengthening member  48  may be formed from a steel bar as is typical for many concrete products. However, numerous other materials such as various other metals, fiberglass, fiberglass reinforced plastics, carbon fiber and the like, are also contemplated. 
     Connection mechanism  14  is able to provide improved structural superiority due to its “two part” construction. In particular, the two part construction of connection mechanism  14  of the above described embodiment takes advantage of the high compression strength of concrete as well as the high tensile strength of steel. More specifically, this design provides an advantage over other products which simply include various elements embedded into the concrete, as such elements typically act alone in shear and/or bending. Conversely, the two part construction of the present invention allows the two materials to work in conjunction with one another. 
     In alternative embodiments, retaining wall block  12  and connection mechanism  14  may be made from different materials, such as different types of concrete. This allows, for example, a stronger concrete to be used at the point of highest load concentration (i.e. in the connection mechanism  14 ) and a slightly weaker concrete to be used in retaining wall block  12  where the load concentration is not as high. As a result, retaining wall block assemblies may be constructed so as to maximize strength in the critical areas as well as to minimize overall cost. 
     As those skilled in the art will appreciate, moving a large and heavy retaining wall block during construction of a retaining wall can be very awkward and difficult. Connection mechanism  14  helps to alleviate these problems by also serving as a handle or lifting device for moving retaining wall block  12 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of connection mechanism  14  illustrating the position of internal strengthening member  48  within main body  30 , first arm  32 , and second arm  34 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , main body portion  50 , first arm  52 , and second arm  54  form a generally “U” shaped member mirroring the structure of connection mechanism  14 . Thus, first and second arms  52  and  54  each form an angle A with main body portion  50  of internal block connector  48  that is about 90 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments, the shape of internal block connector  48  as well as its position within connection mechanism  14  may be modified without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. For example, first and second arms  52  and  54  of internal block connector  48  may alternatively form an angle with main body portion  50  that is greater or less than about 90 degrees. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of connection mechanism  14  shown and described above in reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . More specifically, this cross-section is shown along section lines  5 - 5  shown in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, internal strengthening member  48  is approximately centered within connection mechanism  14  in the vertical direction V, while being off-centered in the horizontal direction H. This positioning provides strength advantages when subject to horizontal pulling forces. However, in other embodiments, internal strengthening member  48  may be approximately centered within connection mechanism  14  or off-centered by other amounts and/or directions without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , connection mechanism  14  has rounded edges  60  on each of the four corners. The presence of rounded edges  60  helps to protect a grid structure positioned adjacent connection mechanism  14  from the rough or squared off edges of the connection mechanism that would otherwise be present, thereby minimizing the possibility of cutting or otherwise damaging the grid structure. 
     Connection mechanism  14  has a vertical height  61  that may be selected based upon the size of the retaining wall block with which it will be used. However, in one exemplary embodiment, vertical height  61  may be about 6 inches. 
     Although internal strengthening member  48  is shown as having a generally circular cross-section, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated. For example, alternative embodiments of internal strengthening member  48  may have a generally oval, square, or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape and/or dimensions of the block connector may vary at different points along the block connector. For instance, in one embodiment, first and second arms  52  and  54  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape with a first diameter, while main body portion  50  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape with a second diameter that is different than the first diameter. In another embodiment, first and second arms  52  and  54  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, while main body portion  50  may have a generally square cross-sectional shape. The actual configuration may also be somewhat dependent upon the particular materials utilized and the manufacturing methods utilized to create internal strengthening member  48 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a pair of retaining wall block assemblies  10  in accordance with the present invention illustrating the positioning of a grid structure G and the stackability of blocks  10 . In particular, a grid structure G may be wrapped around inner surface  40  (not shown) of connection mechanism  14 . Because connection mechanism  14  is designed with rounded edges  60  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), grid structure G contacts only smooth, formed concrete. As a result, the wear on grid structure G is minimized, thereby greatly reducing the possibility that grid structure G may fail (such as by breaking or otherwise becoming damaged) after the retaining wall is constructed. 
     During construction of a retaining wall, a first retaining wall block assembly  10  is set in place, and a fill material such as dirt or gravel is inserted behind retaining wall block  12 . Next, a first layer  70  of grid structure G is positioned on top of the fill material and wrapped around connection mechanism  14 . Another layer of fill material is then inserted between first layer  70  and second layer  72 . Yet another layer of fill material is then inserted on top of second layer  72 , and the process continues with additional block assemblies until the desired wall height has been reached. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , top surface  24  of retaining wall block  12  may also include a protrusion  74  structured to cooperate with a recess  76  in bottom surface  26  of a retaining wall block  12 . The combination of protrusion  74  and recess  76  serves as a “locking system” and may help to prevent movement of stacked retaining wall blocks  12  relative to one another after construction of the retaining wall. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a wall assembly  10 A, which is one alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. In particular, wall assembly  10 A is similar to retaining wall block assembly  10  described above, with retaining wall block  12  being replaced by a taller, thinner concrete wall panel  12 A. As illustrated, wall panel  12 A includes a pair of connection mechanisms  14  similar to the connection mechanism previously described coupled to and extend from rear surface  18 A. Once again, each connection mechanism  14  includes internal strengthening member  48 , which may be formed from preconfigured reinforcing bar material typically available to concrete companies. Furthermore, internal strengthening member  48  includes a pair of arms with a corresponding pair of flange members extending into wall panel  12 A, which are structured to prevent the arms from being pulled from within wall panel  12 A when an opposing force is applied to connection mechanism  14 . 
     Optionally, each flange member may be structured to engage a vertical reinforcing member  80  positioned within wall panel  12 A. Vertical reinforcing member  80  may also be formed from a preconfigured reinforcing bar material similar to that used to form internal strengthening member  48 . As outlined above in relation to the blocks  12 , connection mechanisms could be formed prior to the fabrication of wall panels  12 A, thus allowing for easy “attachment” during the fabrication process. 
     In addition, a cap member  82  structured to act as a transport dunnage may be coupled to a back side of each connection mechanism  14 . Cap member  82  may be formed from any suitable material, including plastics and the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a separate grid structure G may be wrapped around each connection mechanism  14  in a manner similar to that previously described in order to construct a wall by stacking a plurality of wall panels  12 A on top of one another and burying the grid structures G in a fill material. While  FIG. 7  illustrates a pair of connection mechanisms  14  evenly distributed across wall panel  12 A, alternative configurations are possible. For example, in applications where only a portion of wall panel  12 A will be backfilled, only a single connection mechanism  14  will be necessary. In this alternative example, additional wall members would obviously not be stacked on top of the existing wall member  12 A. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative connection mechanism  114 . Connection mechanism  114  is similar to connection mechanism  14  described above in reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , however, has a vertical height  116  that is greater than that previously discussed. In one embodiment, the vertical height  116  is about twice the corresponding vertical height of connection mechanism  14 , or about 12 inches. In addition to having a greater vertical height, connection mechanism  114  also includes a second internal strengthening member  48  to provide additional strength advantages when subject to horizontal pulling forces. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and location of block connectors within connection mechanism  114  may vary from the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a pair of retaining wall block assemblies  110  in accordance with the present invention being stacked in order to create a retaining wall. Each of the retaining wall block assemblies  110  includes connection mechanism  114  coupled to a retaining wall block  112 . Retaining wall block  112  may be similar in size to retaining wall block  12  previously described in reference to  FIGS. 2-7 . Alternatively, retaining wall block  112  may have a vertical height  118  that is greater than the corresponding vertical height of retaining wall block  12  in order to better accommodate the larger connection mechanism  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a grid structure G may be wrapped around connection mechanism  114  in the manner previously described. When assembling a retaining wall with retaining wall blocks  112 , the 12-inch vertical height of connection mechanism  114  allows a 12-inch layer of fill to be inserted between the layers of the grid structure G, such as first and second layers  70  and  72 . This may be important because, for example, the building code may require layers of fill material that are 12 inches in height instead of 6 inches. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of connection mechanism  214 , which is another alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism in accordance with the present invention. Connection mechanism  214  further includes first and second flange encasement members  216  and  218  encasing first and second flange members  56  and  58 , respectively. First and second flange encasement members  216  and  218  may be integral with and extend from first and second arms  52  and  54  of connection mechanism  214 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, first and second flange encasement members  216  and  218  may be formed from a concrete material that is the same or similar to the concrete material used to form main body  30  and first and second arms  32  and  34  of connection mechanism  214 . Thus, connection mechanism  214  may be preferred over connection mechanism  14  when it is desirable to have a concrete-to-concrete connection between the connection mechanism and the retaining wall block to which it will be affixed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , yet another alternative embodiment is illustrated. More specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates a more angled connection mechanism  314  which is specifically configured to more evenly distribute stress. In this particular embodiment, connection member  314  has a first leg  332  and a second leg  334 , both of which are arranged in an angled orientation. Additionally, a slightly reconfigured reinforcing member  348  is utilized. As can be seen, reinforcing member  348  includes two angles or bends B at the corners. When compared with reinforcing member  48  of  FIG. 4  above, it will be clear that these angles are greatly reduced, thus more evenly distributing pulling forces. 
     In a similar manner, yet an additional alternative embodiment for a connection mechanism  414  is illustrated at  FIG. 12 . In this particular embodiment, a revised reinforcement member  448  is utilized which is continuously curved. This particular configuration allows for the use of alternative materials, such as a carbon fiber material or fiberglass reinforced plastic. Naturally, using these alternative materials for reinforcing mechanism  448  provides alternative weight/strength combinations, as desired. As illustrated in this  FIG. 12 , the body of connection mechanism  414  is otherwise substantially similarly configured as connection mechanism  314  illustrated in  FIG. 11  above. 
     Lastly, referring to  FIG. 13 , yet a further alternative embodiment is illustrated. In this case, a connection mechanism  514  is shown again utilizing a continuously curved reinforcing member  548 . In this embodiment, however, reinforcing member  548  is completely encased in concrete. Connection mechanism  514  does include a first leg  532  and a second leg  534 , both of which encase the ends of reinforcement mechanism  548 . As also illustrated, first leg  532  and second leg  534  of connection mechanism  514  are angled outwardly from top to bottom (as oriented in  FIG. 13 ). This angled structure allows connection mechanism  514  to be immersed in concrete when utilized to form a retaining wall block. Due to the angles or flares of first leg  532  and second leg  534 , a mechanical connection can be formed thereby providing secure attachment. This type of immersed attachment methodology is very similar to that discussed above in relation to  FIG. 10 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.