ANCHORING INSERT FOR MORTARLESS BLOCKWALL

Abstract: A device for internally anchoring hollow core building blocks in mortarless wall construction. The device (31) internally bridges the junction between an upper and lower block by means of two pairs of cross tensioned projectings (33); the first pair bearing against opposite internal walls of the upper block (1B) and the second pair (35 and 37) against internal walls of the lower block (1A) perpendicular to the first pair. The device is made of thin filiform material which does not interfere with the installation of strengthening rods and the pouring of grout through the block's core.

Description: DeseripfcLon Anchoring -Insert fcr Mcrtarless ElDckwalL Background of the Invention This invention relates to the construction of hlockwalls without mortar joints and more specifically to the construction of mortarless block walls using hollow core precision concrete blocks. The elimination of mortar between blocks in the construction of a wall can result in a substantial savings in terms of time, cost of material, and use of unskilled, rather than skilled or semi-skilled labor. Mortar joints are known to be the weakest point in hlockwalls as they are particularly vulnerable to vibration and seismic disturbances. In the absence of mortar, other methods or agents must be used for restraining the relative lateral movement of the blocks. Prior Art Prior techniques for the construction of mortarless wall have included the use of interlocking blocks as disclosed in U.S. Patent Ncs. 468,838, Steiger; 1,422,258, Emery; 3,643,392, Martinez; 3,783,571, Horwath. Another favorite technique is the use of mechanical restraining structures inserted between the blocks. The latter is illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,24y.69, Yokes, and 3,902, 296, Thomas. The best examples of use of inserts in conjunction with standard precision blocks are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,325,956, Mαraetes, and 4,091,587, Depka. The devices disclosed in these two patents represent the most pertinent prior art to this invention; but retain some very serious drawbacks. Firstly, their rigid construction does not accom modate itself to the variation in size between the same type of blocks. This variation is due to the difference in the origin of the blocks and the progressive wear of the mold or matrix in which they are manufactured. Secondly, when grouting is poured through the open core of the blocks, these devices tend to interfere with the flow of grout and its reaching the joint area between blocks. Furthermore, their size and/or complexity result in an intolerably high material cost. Summary of the Invention In contrast to the prior art, the present invention offers an anchoring device which can be inserted into the hollo w core of standard precision concrete blocks in order to secure the upper course block to the lower course block i mediately below it. The surfaces which contact the cavity walls of the blocks are cross- tensioned by their resilient support. Size variation between blocks can thus be automatically accom modated. Furthermore, the resilient feature of the anchor provides a certain degree of flexibility which dampens the effect of vibrations. The filiform construction does not interfere with the progress of the grouting toward the joints between blocks. When the fϋ-if orm anchor is captured in the hardened grout, a tight but flexible, weblike strengthening array is formed which is intimately bonded to the blocks. The structural and geometrical simp-licity of the anchor is such that the same ' element can be used for straight course walls as well as for right turns, left turns, and half bLocks; while the priuor art provides a multiplicity of devices in order to achieve the same purpose. Another feature of the invention, which is not im mediately apparent but nonetheless very important in protecting the integrity of the wall in case of strong lateral impact or vibration, resides in the anchor ability to return a block to its initial position after a lateral shift due to impact or vibration. This property is achieved by cross coupling the transversal holding element with the longitudinal element by means of a series of flexible arms. While in the prior art the lateral shifting of a block is immediately transmitted to the upper and lower layers through the rigid anchoring insert; in the present invention a lateral shift is first absorbed by the tensioned anchor and converted into an increase of pressure against the wall paralleling the motion without disturbing the upper and lower block layers. The anchor recoil tends also to return the block to its initial position. The anchor also holds the blocks in tensioned alignment during the dry stacking phase. Other advantageous features of this invention will become apparent through the following description of the preferred embodiments. Brief Decription of the Drawing Figure 1 is a perspective view of a standard precision block used in describing the invention; -it- Figure 2 is a bottom view thereof; Figure 3 is a transversal cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2 ~ Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first e bodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a top plan view thereof; Figure 7 is a front view thereof; Figure 8 is a right side view thereof; Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the first embodiment installed at the junction of two building blocks; Figure 10 is a transversal cross sectional view thereof; Figure U is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is an end view thereof; Figure 13 is a side view thereof; Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross sectional vie of the second embodiment of the invention installed at the junction of two building blocks; and Figure 15 is a tranversal cross sectional view thereof. Desα-iptϊon of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawing, the invention will be explained in conjunction with the building of a mortarless wall using standard precision concrete hlocks of the type described in Figures 1 through 4. It should be understood, however, that the invention could be adapted fcr use in mαrtarl ss walls built from blocks of different designs. IHustrated in Figures 5 through 10 is a first embodiment of the invention which comprises a filiform anchoring structure 31 designed to be installed during the construction of a blockwall within, and at the junction of a lower course block 1A and an upper course block B. The type of block used in the description of the invention is characterized by a hollow core divided into two cells 3 and 5 by a central wall 7. These cells 3 and 5 being open at the top and bottom faces of the block contribute to the formation of vertical channels when a . plurality of such blocks are superimposed such as in the construction of a walL The cells 3 and 4 are further delimited by a front wall 9, a back wall 11, (face walls), a left wall 13 and right wall 15 (end walls). The length of the block is equal to twice its width. In order to facilitate the extraction of the block from its manufacturing mold, the walls 7, 9, H, 13 and 15 have internal surfaces which are slightly tapered downward, whereby the lower perimeter of each cell 21 is longer than its upper perimeter 19. In crder to facilitate the handling of the block, the upper part 17 of the central wall 7, in some but not all blocks, is broadened to form a pair of protrusions 23 on each side of the wall by. which the block may be hand-held. In the construction of a wall, the blocks are inter-tied by shifting each block laterally by one-half its length in relation to the blocks im mediately below it. Accordingly, the central waU 7A of the lower course block supports the end walls 13B and 7C of upper course blocks and at the end wall 15 A of a lower course block, supports the central wall 7B of an upper course block. As more specifically illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the anchoring structure 31 is designed to bridge the junction between the lower course block 1A and the upper course block IB, and is contoured and dimensioned to accom odate the difference in wall thickness in that area between the two blocks. The anchoring structure 31 comprises two opposite projections 33 designed to bear against the internal front and back face walls of the upper course block IB and two lateral projections 35 and 37 which contact, respectively, the center all and one of the end walls of the lower course bLock 1A. While the side projections 33 are designed to lay flat against the face walls, the right projection 37 has a flange 43 which wraps around the upper edge of the side wall 15 A. The left projection 35 projects against the center all 7 and in some cases as illustrated under the ledge 23 formed by the center waU hand-grip 17. Recessed areas 41 in the lower part of each of the front and back projections 33 are also designed to wrap around the upper edge of the lower course block 1A. The various projections are cross coupled by members 39 which are as the" other elements of the structure made of flexible material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the filiform structure 31 is made from steel wire, although other types of material, including plastic, might be suitable. The overall dimensions of the anchoring structure 31 are such that it will fit snugly at the junction of the two blocks. The outline of the right projection 39 facilitates the quick positioning of the anchor and the downward deflection imposed upon the left projection 35 in order to place it against or under protrusion 23 locks the device into position. A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures IL through 15- This anchoring structure 51 is preferably made of flexible plastic material^ although other material, such as steel, could be used in its fabrication. The structure comprises two opposite projections 53 in the form of elongated strips having a bearing surface applied against the internal front and back face wall of the upper course block ID. The lower part of the strip 53 forms a recessed area 61 which wraps around the upper edge of the lower course block lC. A lateral projection in the form of a pad 57 having recessed area 63 which rests against the upper edge of the lower course block face waU 15 C. The pad 57 is connected at each end to one of the side projections 53 by means of a pair of arcuate members 59. An arcuate projection 55 bridges the opposite ends of ' the two side projections 53 and can be deflected downward and locked under the ledge formed by the hand-grip portion of the central wall IC. This second embodiment 51 of the anchoring structure may be molded as one single piece. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, changes may be made thereof and configurations can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims: Cl aims 1. In a masonary work comprising symmetrical building blocks, each having at least one vertical transversal cavity open on the upper and lower faces of the block, wherein an upper block is stacked above a lower block whereby their open cavities are lined up to form a generally vertical channel through which strengthening rods can be run and grouting can be poured, within said channel, and anchoring structure bridging the junction of said upper and lower blocks comprising: first and second opposite lateral projections applied against the lower internal walls of the upper block; third and fourth opposite projections per- pendicular to said first and second projection, applied against the upper internal walls of the lower block; and resiliently compressible cross-members joining said' first and third, said third and second, said second and fourth, and said fourth and first projections, respectively. 2. The anchoring structure claimed in Claim 1, in a masonary work wherein each of said blocks has two symmetrical, vertical, transversal cavities characterized. .----.» , r -, g-.*? -r— < '-^ET * SUESi' -a~~~~'~' 1 * 7 Ϊ ϋ ~ by downwardly tapered walls whereby the lower edge perimeters of the cavities are larger than their upper edge perimeters, the wall separating said two cavities further having an enlarged, hand-grippable 5 upper section, wherein: each said first and second projections has a inwardly recessed area wrapping around the upper inter edge of the lower course block; the third projection has an outwardly projec lOing flange wrapping around the upper edge of .one of th walls of the lower course block; and the fourth projection is deflected against s enlarged hand-grippable upper section. 3. The anchoring structure of Claim 1, Clair-i 2 or Cla 153 wherein said projections and said cross menbers are from a single filiform element of flexible material forming a generally horizontal orthogonal pattern wher two opposite and one side perpendicular thereto of sai pattern are bent upwardly to form vertical bearing are 204. The anchoring device of Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim wherein said projections and said cross members are ma from a single filiform element of flexible material fo a generally horizontal orthogonal pattern wherein two 25 SUBSTITU --?~ :τ / £U n. OΛ. 2v- V. ' iP opposite and one side perpendicular thereto of said pattern are bent upwardly to form vertical bearing areas . 4. The anchoring device of Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 5 3 wherein said projections and said cross members are made from a single filiform element of flexible material forming a generally horizontal orthogonal pattern wherein two opposite and one side perpendicular thereto of said pattern are bent upwardly to form vertical bearing areas. 1° 5. The anchoring device of Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein: said first and second projections comprise two parallel elongated strips having generally vertical bearing surfaces contoured to bear flatly against said " internal walls; said third projection comprises a pad having a generally vertical bearing surface contoured to bear against said internal walls of each said cross member comprising an arcuate segment of flexible material. 20 6. The anchoring device of Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 usable alternately for straight course walls, right turns, left turns and half blocks. 25 * ϊ ~ m*$ m TU cr.:-

Inventors: SEXTON J
Applicants: SEXTON J
Application year: 1981
Main classification: E04B2
IPC codes: E04B2