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PRIORITY STATEMENT UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 119(E) &amp; 37 C.F.R § 1.78  
       [0001]     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the prior U.S. provisional applications entitled “INTERLOCKING RETAINING WALL BLOCKS AND SYSTEM”, Application Nos. 60/349,973, filed Jan. 18, 2002, and 60/363,942, filed Mar. 12, 2002, and the prior U.S. provisional applications entitled “SECURABLE RETAINING WALL BLOCK AND SYSTEM”, Application Nos. 60/350,265 filed Jan. 18, 2002 and 60/363,906 filed Mar. 12, 2002, in the name of Larry Shaw. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to retaining walls, and more particularly disposed, but not by way of limitation, to retaining wall systems using interlocking retaining wall blocks that may incorporate stabilizing elements between the retaining wall blocks, and methods of their manufacture.  
         [0004]     2. History of Related Art  
         [0005]     Retaining walls having been used in general construction, and particularly in landscaping for many years. The design of and the materials used for retaining walls have varied over time. Retaining walls are typically used to support or retain soil or the like in place, but also may be used to enhance the appearance of a surrounding area. Such walls typically stand on a ground region and retain therebehind an earthen section or other fill material, which earthen section would otherwise form a natural slope in place of the retaining wall. Such retaining walls are typically vertical or at a slight angle. A generally vertical retaining wall may begin to deform as the mass of the earth retained behind it presses against it. A wall must resist this tendency. In addition, designers of retaining walls are constantly striving to construct retaining walls providing greater strength for support of a greater weight.  
         [0006]     One of the most popular, and aesthetically pleasing forms of retaining wall construction involves the use of manually positionable individual blocks. The blocks may be stacked one on top of the other to form a pattern on an outside face of the retaining wall. It can be very time consuming and tedious aligning numerous blocks to form the proper pattern in the retaining wall. Moreover, a retaining wall may have one or more curved portions. The very design of many retaining wall blocks to assist in maintaining stability may be counter to the formation of a curved wall portion. In addition, current retaining wall anchors are very cumbersome and laborious to install. These wall anchors include one end which is placed in a void of a retaining wall block. The block is then filled with concrete or a similar substance in order to secure the anchor attachment. The concrete must then dry or settle before the assembly of the retaining wall can continue. A block for retaining walls and a retaining wall system is needed which provides enhanced structural support for both curved and linear wall portions, and is simple to use as well as simple and inexpensive to manufacture.  
         [0007]     Related art references discussing subject matter bearing some relation to matters discussed herein include U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,042 to Dueck (Dueck), U.S. Pat. Re. 37,278 to Forsberg (Forsberg), U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,183 to Woolford (Woolford), U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,761 to Rossi (Rossi), U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,898 to Beretta (Beretta), U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 to Sievert (Sievert), U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,130 to Shatley (Shatley), U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,236 to Gravier (Gravier), German Gebrauchsmuster DE 295 00 694 U1 to Ming Su (Ming Su), U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,006 to Dawson (Dawson), U.S. Design Pat. No. 380,560 to Forsberg, U.S. Design Pat. No. 384,168 to Stevenson, U.S. Design Pat. No. 397,451 to Stevenson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,525 to Miller (Miller), U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,097 to Martin (Martin), U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,623 to Anderson et al (Anderson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,511 to Keller, Jr. (Keller), U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,551 to Scheiwiller (Scheiwiller), U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,320 B1 to Di Lorenzo (Di Lorenzo), U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,275 to Trahan (Trahan), U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,293 to Brown et al. (Brown), U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,682 to Egan (Egan), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,059 B1 to Cantarano et al (Cantarano). Dueck discloses a retaining wall block with downward-extending cylindrical knobs. Forsberg discloses pins and pockets for interlocking overlapping blocks. Woolford discloses a masonry block which has a centrally-located and dogbone-shaped, or two centrally-located circular, protrusions aligned with an opposing inset (or insets) extending partially into the block. Rossi discloses dry-mounted construction elements for use in a retaining wall with a series of openings within each block. Beretta discloses retaining wall blocks with a cambered front, tapering side walls and an abutment for engagement with an adjacent lower block. Sievert discloses a solid composite masonry retaining wall block with a flange extending down from the block back surface past the height of the block. Shatley discloses a retaining wall building block with rearward and forward aligning elements extending downward, holes extend through the blocks and pins for interlocking them together. Gravier discloses retaining wall blocks with an upward lateral extending front lip and a laterally extending recess. Ming Su apparently discloses a retaining wall block with upward-extending cylindrical knobs. Dawson discloses a retaining wall block with a flange extending downward from the block&#39;s rear surface. The Forsberg design patent discloses a three faceted broken front face retaining wall block with a rear edge protrusion from the bottom surface of the block. The 384,168 Stevenson design patent discloses a retaining wall block with 2 rear protrusions from the bottom surface of the block. The 397,451 Stevenson design patent discloses a portion of a retaining block wall using the retaining wall blocks of the 384,168 design patent. Miller discloses a groove in the side of a block and uses a small slat inserted in the groove. Martin discloses an array of projections on the top face of a block that fits into an array of apertures on a bottom face of a higher block. Anderson discloses vertical rods inserted through holes of the blocks in order to form reinforced columns. Keller discloses block having a dovetail section for fitting together with adjacent blocks. The Scheiwiller discloses blocks having holes for attaching with other blocks by filling the holes with concrete. Di Lorenzo discloses wall flanges held together by rods or cables that are held in each adjacent brick. Trahan discloses a block with a lower lip that fits into the block below it. Brown discloses a wall using a tieback to connect to a lower member. Egan discloses a modular wall block with rearward abscesses for receiving grid connectors. Cantarano discloses a wall form panel with interlocking protrusions around the edges which make the panel reversibly symmetric.  
         [0008]     It would be a distinct advantage to have a block which is simple to make and to use in building retaining walls, and which provides greater support, while maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the segmental block pattern.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention relates to retaining walls, and more particularly, one aspect of the present invention involves a retaining wall block system incorporating a mounting surface for receiving a stabilizing element and may further include an interlocking mechanism. The retaining wall blocks may be secured by placing a stabilizing element on the mounting surface of two or more adjacent blocks, thereby providing additional support and sturdiness the a retaining wall block system. An entire row, or large portions thereof, can be provided significant stabilization from one or a series of stabilizing elements. The mounting surface receives a stabilizing element without disturbing the assembly of the blocks into the retaining wall system.  
         [0010]     In another embodiment, the block may include a block body having opposing front and back body portions, and two opposing side body portions which define a void in the interior of the block. The block may also include at least one aligning element located on an upper surface of the block body, on the side body portions, adjacent to the void. The aligning elements may be integral with the respective side body portion from which it extends, and may extend across the width thereof The aligning elements are separated laterally from each other. The aligning elements may also extend rearwardly of a line defined by the rear surface defining the void, thereby forming a generally L-shaped element having a rear section extending across a portion of the width of the rear body portion also adjacent to the void. When assembling the blocks on top of each other, the blocks are staggered, so that each block in an upper row rests upon parts of two blocks in a lower row. The void in the upper block is placed over an aligning element of each of the two lower blocks. Configuration of the aligning elements and void size permits use in both straight and curved retaining wall sections without necessitating removal of any parts of the aligning elements. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present will become more apparent by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying Detailed Description.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of a first embodiment of an interlocking block constructed in accordance with the principles of a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view illustrating the block in  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view illustrating two of the interlocking blocks of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  coupled together by a stabilizing element and secured in place by an anchoring element constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational cross sectional view of a portion of a straight retaining wall and depicting the placement of the stabilizing element of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating several rows of a straight retaining wall using one embodiment of the interlocking blocks of the present invention, and depicting the stabilizing element, staggered blocks, and a mesh section;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a portion of a curved retaining wall constructed in accordance with the present invention utilizing stabilizing elements therewith;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a retaining wall system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and incorporating one embodiment of the interlocking blocks of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7A  is a top plan view illustrating a second embodiment of an interlocking block according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevational view illustrating the block in  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a portion of a curved retaining wall incorporating the interlocking blocks of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , stabilizing elements, and anchoring elements;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are top plan views further illustrating the interlocking blocks of  FIGS. 7A and 7B ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a retaining wall block constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 10B  is a side elevational view illustrating the block in  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0025]     The present invention relates to a retaining wall system incorporating interlocking wall blocks, stabilizing elements, and anchoring elements forming that wall, and the method of manufacture of the wall blocks.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  2  in combination, interlocking retaining wall blocks  1  are used in construction of a retaining wall system  50 , which rests upon the ground comprising a supporting surface therefore. Each of the blocks  1  are formed to support both the weight of the blocks  1  disposed above, and also to resist the force of fill material behind, and supported by, the retaining wall system  50 . Commonly, concrete or brick is used to form a block  1 . A block body  27  of the block  1  comprises a left body portion  20  and an opposing right body portion  21 , which each join a front body portion  18  opposing a rear body portion  19 . The left body portion  20  further includes a left interior surface  11 , a left exterior surface  14 , and upper and lower surfaces  2 ,  3 . The upper surface  2  and lower surface  3  may be substantially flat. Similarly, the right body portion  21  has a right interior surface  12 , right exterior surface  15 , and upper and lower surfaces  2 ,  3 . The width of the front body portion  18  may vary, depending on the construction of the block, and whether and how it is split during that construction. The front body portion  18  may have a “flat” front (not shown), or may be “faceted.” Each front body portion  18  has a forward interior surface  10 , left and right facets  5 , front facet  4 , and upper and lower surfaces  2 ,  3 . Rear body portion  19  has rear interior surface  9 , left and right exterior surfaces  14 ,  15 , and upper and lower surfaces  2 ,  3 . In this embodiment, the rear body portion  19  and the left and right body portions  20 ,  21  are shown as substantially uniform in width, but could vary. The forward interior surface  10 , rear interior surface  9  and left and right interior surfaces  11 ,  12  define a void  8  within the block  1 . In one embodiment, the void  8  is substantially centered within the block  1 , and is substantially trapezoidal, with the forward interior surface  10  forming the long side thereof.  
         [0027]     Referring still to  FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  2  in combination, the block  1  also includes a left aligning element  29 , formed on the left body portion  20  and a right aligning element  30 , formed on the right body portion  21 . The aligning elements  29 ,  30  extend upwardly from the block body  27  and are used for aligning one interlocking block  1  with another block  1  for forming the retaining wall system  50 , and for causing the blocks  1  to interlock and strengthen the wall. The aligning elements  29 ,  30 , extending upwardly (rather than down from the bottom surface  3  of the block body  27 ), are an advantage because this arrangement permits placing blocks  1  on a flat surface without requiring further actions to accommodate a downwardly extending aligning element. For instance, a concrete footing (not shown), may be used in place of the ground in  FIG. 4 . Without special design of the concrete footing, it would not accept a downwardly extending aligning element, unless the installation included the additional step of breaking off the downwardly extending aligning element, which takes some time. In addition, a block with a downwardly extending aligning element, if placed on the ground, might require excavating small holes for the aligning elements, or removing them, as above. This would also consume time. In this embodiment, the left and right sides of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  comprise, respectively, left exterior and interior surfaces  14 ,  11  and right interior and exterior surfaces  12 ,  15 . The left aligning element  29  extends completely across the width of the left body portion  20 ; likewise, the right aligning element  30  extends completely across the width of the right body portion  21 , and both are adjacent to the void  8 . This design creates fewer surfaces and corners, and is thus easier to produce. However, the aligning elements  29 ,  30  could also be inset slightly from the left and right interior and exterior surfaces  11 ,  12 ,  14  and  15 . The aligning elements  29 ,  30  also each have a front face  16  and a rear face  17 . The aligning elements  29 ,  30  have a substantial depth (from face  16  to  17 ) and extend forward from the rear face  17  a substantial portion of the length of the body portions  20 ,  21 . In one embodiment, the aligning elements  29 ,  30  extend about one-half of the length of the body portions  20 ,  21 , but do not extend as far forward as the forward interior surface  10 . In this embodiment, the rear faces  17  of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  extend only to, and are flush with, the rear interior surface  9 , and are forward of the rear exterior surface  7  of the block body  27 . This permits a rear body portion  19  of an upper block  1  to rest upon the rear body portion  19 . The full width of the left aligning element  29  (from the left exterior surface  14  to the left interior surface  11 ) and the right aligning element  30  (from the right exterior surface  15  to the right interior surface  12 ) and substantial depth provides a larger aligning element, and specifically a greater cross-sectional size, to support interlocking with the upper blocks  1  (as described below) without a mechanical failure of the aligning elements  29 ,  30 . Either of the front faces  16  and/or rears face  17  may be substantially flat. A flat configuration of the rear faces  17  is an advantage by providing larger bearing surfaces against the force applied to it by upper blocks. A flat configuration of the front faces  16  is an advantage by helping retain mesh  22  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The rear faces  17  may be aligned to intersect the line formed by an edge between the rear interior surface  9  of the rear body portion  19  and the upper surface  2 . This alignment of the rear faces  17  ensures that when another block  1  is placed on top, and aligned using the aligning elements  29 ,  30 , it does not overhang in front of the lower block (see  FIG. 4 , described below). In this embodiment, the aligning elements  29 ,  30  do not extend rearwardly of the rear interior surface  9 . The aligning elements  29 ,  30  can be integrally formed with the block body  27 . This is advantageous, as the absence of a joint improves strength, and reduces cost and complexity of manufacture.  
         [0028]     Referring specifically now to  FIG. 2 , a stabilizing element  51  is shown. In addition to the stabilizing force of the aligning elements  29 ,  30 , a groove  49  (also seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) may be provided for receipt of stabilizing element  51  inset in the upper surface  2  of the block body  27 . The groove  49  as herein shown, includes a front face  52 , rear face  54 , and bottom face  53 . The groove  49  is preferably formed deep enough to retain the entire stabilizing element  51 , but may also be deeper than the height of the stabilizing element  51 . The stabilizing element  51 , such as a length of rebar, rests in the groove  49 , so that when the blocks  1  are stacked on top of each other, the upper surface  2  of the lower block, and the lower surface  3  of the upper block are flush against each other. The groove  49  may be implemented anywhere along the upper surface  2  of the block  1 , however, for this particular embodiment, the grooves  49  are laterally located between the forward interior surface  10  and the aligning elements  29 ,  30 . The stabilizing element  51  may be a length of rebar or other sturdy material placed between two blocks, or, alternatively, the stabilizing element  51  may run the entire length of, or a large portion of the retaining wall system  50 . The stabilizing element  51  may also be used to trap or hold the mesh  22  in place as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0029]     A retaining wall system  50  may also need supplementary securement in addition to the aligning elements  29 ,  30 , and the stabilizing element  51 . In this case, an anchoring element  55  can be attached at one end to the stabilizing element  51 , and the other end of the anchoring element  55  can be secured in the ground. These anchoring elements  55  can be placed throughout the retaining wall system  50 . The anchoring elements  55  of the present invention are advantageous to previously used anchors due to the fact that the anchoring elements  55  can be immediately secured to the stabilizing element  51  without waiting for drying concrete, which secured the previous anchors.  
         [0030]     Now referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  in combination,  FIG. 3  is a side elevation/section view depicting two stacked and interlocking blocks of  FIG. 2  described above. As shown, the aligning element  30  of a lower block  1 ′ fits into the void  8  of the upper block  1 . The groove  49  is sufficiently deep so that the upper surface  2  of the lower block  1 ′ fits flush against the lower surface  3  of the upper block  1  wherein stabilizing element  51  runs therethrough. The stabilizing element  51  provides additional support for the retaining wall system  50  shown in partial detail as retaining wall  26  in  FIG. 4 . As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the stabilizing element  51  is placed in the groove  49 . Another securing element shown in  FIG. 3  is provided in mesh  22  which can be used in conjunction with the retaining wall system  50  of the present invention. The stabilizing element  51  may run the entire length of the row of the retaining wall  26 , or may span just a few blocks  1  of the retaining wall  26 . One or several stabilizing elements  51  can be used to enhance the sturdiness of the retaining wall  26 . The stabilizing elements  51  may also hold the mesh  22  in place. One or more anchoring elements  55  as shown in  FIG. 2  may also be integrated into the retaining wall  26  to increase sturdiness. Furthermore, mesh  22  may be interposed between upper and lower blocks  1 ,  1 ′, and may be placed between each layer, or row, of blocks in the retaining wall  26 . Mesh  22  is commonly used in retaining walls to provide additional support to the retaining wall, by transferring forces to the fill material. As shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 4 , the mesh  22  includes longitudinal wires  23  and cross-ties  24  joined at generally right angles and forming a welded wire gridwork panel. The mesh  22  may also comprise some other form of metal mesh (such as one having a mesh size smaller than the size of aligning elements on a block), or a geo-synthetic material, such as geogrid. A reinforcing material such as the mesh  22  aids in forming a mechanical interlock of the fill material in or through the relatively flat surface of mesh  22 , transferring tension in mesh  22  to the fill material. A flat geo-synthetic sheet may also be used, which reinforces the wall in much the same way using friction between the sheet and the fill material. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a space among cross-ties  24  and wires  23  is placed over aligning elements  29 ,  30 . Cross-ties  24  mechanically interlock with the front faces  16  of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  of the blocks  1  of the row, which transfers tension to the mesh  22  and provides better support for the retaining wall  26 . Where the mesh size is too small to permit placing it over the aligning elements  29 ,  30 , or where a sheet or geogrid is used, a large enough portion of the mesh  22  is placed over the aligning elements  29 ,  30  to permit upper blocks  1  to be placed thereover. The mesh  22  may also be deformed to secure it over the aligning elements  29 ,  30  before placing upper blocks  1 , or that step may cause the deformation. For low walls, or in other situations when reinforcement may be unnecessary, mesh  22  may also be omitted from the system. If so, lower surface  3  of upper block  1  will rest directly on upper surface  2  of lower block  1 ′. Aggregate, concrete or other reinforcing material, may also be placed within each void  8  of the blocks, again enhancing the overall strength of the retaining wall  26 .  
         [0031]     Again referring to  FIG. 4 , blocks  1 ,  1 ′ may be aligned adjacently in a line (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), or may be curved or angled (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). Fill material, such as dirt or gravel (not shown), is placed behind the first row of blocks  1 ′, preferably up to about upper surface  2 . If mesh  22  is to be used, the mesh  22  is placed on top of the fill material, and secured above to the aligning elements  29 ,  30  of the first row of the blocks  1 ′. A second row of blocks  1  is placed on top of the first row, trapping the mesh  22  between the rows. Each block  1  of the upper row can be staggered laterally, aligning void  8  of the blocks of the upper row over right aligning element  30  of a left block  1 ′ below and over left aligning element  29  of a right block  1 ′ below, adjacent to the right block  1 ′, and place rear face  17  of left and right aligning elements  29 ,  30  in contact with and flush with rear interior surface  9  of rear body portion  19  (as shown in  FIG. 3A ). If the retaining wall system  50  is angled or curved, only an edge of rear face  17  may be in contact with rear interior surface  9  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). These steps are repeated as necessary with further rows of blocks  1 , mesh  22 , and fill. Note, that this forms a vertically-aligned retaining wall system  50 , in which the vertical faces of the rear body portions  19  of the blocks  1  lie substantially in a plane, and each row of blocks  1  is not stepped back with reference to blocks  1  below. Although the retaining wall system  50  as shown includes blocks  1  of the same type throughout the retaining wall system  50 , other types of blocks  1  may be dispersed within the retaining wall system  50 . For example, every third block may include a groove  49  and stabilizing element  51 , whereas the remainder of the blocks  1  may include aligning elements  29 ,  30 .  
         [0032]     The top plan view of  FIG. 5  depicts a curved or angled portion of such a wall. The curved portion in  FIG. 5  differs primarily in that the left exterior surface  14  of the right block  1 ′ is brought closer to the right exterior surface  15  of the left block  1 ′. Although the exterior surfaces  14 ,  15  are shown here as touching along their length, they may be left apart to provide a curve in retaining wall with the desired radius of curvature. Conversely, the exterior surfaces  14 ,  15  may be placed so that only the rear portions thereof are contacting, to provide a smaller-radius curve. The upper block  1  is set forward so that the rear interior surface  9  of the rear body portion  19  is in contact with the rear faces  17  of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  of the lower blocks  1 ′. Only an edge of the rear faces  17  at the corners of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  contacts the rear interior surface  9  of the upper block  1 . In a curved portion of a retaining wall system  50 , the grooves  49  come together at an angle. Therefore, for a curved wall, either the stabilizing element  51  can be shaped at a particular curvature in order to fit into the angled grooves  49 , or the stabilizing element  51  may be omitted. Other block retaining wall systems include aligning elements on upper and lower blocks that permit alignment only if the blocks form a straight line. Similarly, such systems may include elements to secure placement of a reinforcing material, such as geogrid. If a curved wall is desired, it is often required to break off the aligning or securing elements, which is time-consuming. Blocks  1  with aligning elements  29 ,  30  permit alignment, and provide secure placement of mesh  22 , in a curved wall, while reducing this disadvantage.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment to the retaining wall of  FIGS. 4 and 5  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the groove  49  and stabilizing element  51  are not included in the retaining wall system  50 . The construction of the retaining wall system  50  is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , excluding the placement of the stabilizing element  51  in the groove  49 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a first row of blocks  1 ,  1 ′ are arranged so that the left exterior surface  14  of the first block  1  makes contact with the right exterior surface  15  of the second block  1  thereby forming a curved portion of a retaining wall system  50 . However, the embodiment described in  FIG. 6  is equally applicable to a straight retaining wall. A second row of blocks  1  may be stacked on top of the first row of blocks  1 ,  1 ′ to form the retaining wall system  50 . The blocks  1  of the second row of the retaining wall system  50  are staggered laterally so that the void  8  of the blocks  1  receives the aligning elements  29 ,  30  of the blocks  1 ,  1 ′ of the first row. The void  8  of the block  1  of the second row is placed over the left aligning element  29  of the first block  1  and the right aligning element  30  of the second block  1 ′. The void  8  is large enough to accommodate at least one aligning element  29 ,  30  from each of the two adjacent blocks  1 ,  1 ′ in the first row. The aligning elements  29 ,  30  ensure that the blocks of the second row are staggered one half unit laterally with respect to the first row of blocks. Staggering the blocks in adjacent rows provides additional stability when compared with a strictly vertical arrangement, particularly if a stabilizing element  51 , aggregate, or another fill material is placed in the voids  8 . The blocks  1  of the second row are also set forward so that its rear interior surface  9  of the rear body portion  19  is in contact with the rear faces  17  of the aligning elements  29 ,  30  of the blocks of the first row. This position allows the aligning elements  29 ,  30  to help blocks of the second row resist forces that fill material such as dirt will apply to the rear exterior surface  7  (and to a lesser extent, exterior surfaces  14 ,  15 ). The blocks  1  form a vertical retaining wall system  50  without the use of the groove  49  or the stabilizing element  51 . This alternate embodiment is also pertinent to stepped retaining wall systems  50  utilizing the retaining wall blocks described below.  
         [0034]     Now referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , top plan  FIG. 7A  and elevation  FIG. 7B  depict an alternative interlocking block  31  of the present invention. The block  31  is constructed in a similar fashion as the block  1  of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to items that do not differ. The upward orientation of these aligning elements is advantageous as described above. The block  31  differs in the configuration of the left and right aligning elements  34 ,  35 , which are substantially L-shaped. The left aligning element  34  comprises a rear portion  42  and a forward portion  36 . The forward portion  36  of the left aligning element  34  extends upwardly from the left body portion  20 , and the rear portion  42  upwardly from the left side of the rear body portion  19 . Similarly, the right aligning element  35  comprises a rear portion  43  and a forward portion  37 . The forward portion  37  of the right aligning element  35  extends upwardly from the right body portion  21 , and the rear portion  43  upwardly from the right side of the rear body portion  19 . In this embodiment, the left and right sides of the aligning elements  34 ,  35  comprise, respectively, left exterior and interior surfaces  14 ,  11  and right interior and exterior surfaces  12 ,  15 . The forward portion  36  of the left aligning element  34  extends completely across the width of the left body portion  20 ; likewise, the forward portion  37  of the right aligning element  35  extends completely across the width of the right body portion  21 , and both are adjacent to the void  8 . This creates fewer surfaces and corners, and is easier to produce. However, as above, the aligning elements  34 ,  35  could also be inset slightly from surfaces  11 ,  12 ,  14  and  15 . The forward portions  36 ,  37  of the aligning elements  34 ,  35  are similar to the aligning elements  29 ,  30  in  FIGS. 1A , B, and may be integrally-formed with the rear portions  42 ,  43 . The left rear portion  42  comprises a rear face  44  and a left side face  40 . The right rear portion  43  also comprises a rear face  44  and a right side face  41 . The rear faces  44 , and side faces  40 ,  41 , are rearward of a line extending along an edge formed at the void  8  by the rear interior surface  9  of the rear body portion  19  and by the upper surface  2 . The rear faces  44  are forward of the rear exterior surface  7  of the block body  27 . This is an advantage to structural strength of a wall formed of blocks  31 , because a rear body portion  19  of an upper block  31  may rest upon that part of the rear body portion  19  of the lower block  31  rearward of the rear faces  44 . The aligning elements  34 ,  35  have a substantial depth from faces  16  to  44  and extend forward from the rear faces  44 , a substantial portion of the length of the body portions  20 ,  21 . In one embodiment, the aligning elements  34 ,  35  extend somewhat more than one-half of the length of the body portions  20 ,  21 , but do not extend as far forward as the forward interior surface  10 . This depth includes the depth of both forward portions  36 ,  37  and rear portions  42 ,  43 . The full width of the left aligning element  34  (from the left exterior surface  14  to the left interior surface  11 ) and the right aligning element  35  (from right exterior surface  15  to right interior surface  12 ) and substantial depth (from faces  16  to  44 ) provides a larger aligning element, which is advantageous as described above. In particular, the aligning elements  34 ,  35  have a substantial depth in the direction resisting the forward force applied by interlocking blocks. Left and right rear portions  42 ,  43  extend laterally inwardly from, respectively the left and right exterior surfaces  14 ,  15 , to, respectively, the side faces  40 ,  41 . Although shown as contacting surfaces  14 ,  15 , the rear portions  42 ,  43  could also be offset somewhat therefrom. In this embodiment, the rear portions  42 ,  43  extend inwardly of, respectively, the left and right interior surfaces  11 ,  12 , creating an angled, or an L-shaped structure. This provides additional cross-sectional structure for the aligning elements  34 ,  35 . The rear portions  42 ,  43  of the aligning elements  34 ,  35  do not contact one another, and do not extend over the whole lateral extent of the rear body portion  19 .  
         [0035]     As in the interlocking blocks of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a groove  49  for receiving a stabilizing element  51  is inset in the upper surface  2  of the block body  27 . The groove  49  includes a front face  52 , rear face  54 , and bottom face  53 . The stabilizing element  51  rests in the groove  49 , so that when the blocks  31  are stacked on top of each other, the upper surface  2  of the lower block, and the lower surface  3  of the upper block are flush against each other. As noted with respect to the first embodiment, the groove  49  may be implemented anywhere along the upper surface  2  of the block  31  however, for this particular embodiment, the grooves  49  are laterally located between the forward interior surface  10  and the aligning elements  34 ,  35 . The groove  49  should be deep enough to retain the entire stabilizing element  51 , but may also be deeper than the height of the stabilizing element  51 . The stabilizing element  51  may be placed between two blocks, or, alternatively, the stabilizing element  51  may run the entire length of, or a large portion of the retaining wall system  50 .  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , this figure is a top plan view of a portion of a retaining wall  26  using the blocks described above and in  FIGS. 7A, 7B . The aligning elements  34 ,  35  of the blocks  31  permit forming both straight and curved wall sections. There must be a sufficient gap between a left side face  40  and right side face  41  to permit placing therebetween a right body portion  21  of a left block  31  of an upper row and a left body portion  20  of an adjacent left block  31  of an upper row, even when the lower row of blocks  31 ′ is arranged in a line, or for a negative curvature radius (i.e. a curve whose center lies forward of the blocks) (not shown). The retaining wall  26  is constructed in a similar fashion as described in relation to  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5 . The stabilizing elements  51 , anchoring elements  55 , and mesh  22  may be used as discussed above. As compared to a wall such as that shown in  FIG. 4 , a wall  26  formed by the blocks  31  will have successive rows of blocks  31  that will be stepped back, or battered, rather than vertical. This is because the aligning elements  34 ,  35  of the blocks  31  extend rearwardly of the rear interior surface  9 , so stacked blocks form a vertical offset. This offset increases the overall stability and strength of a wall.  
         [0037]     Referring again to  FIGS. 7A, 7B  and  8 , the depth of the aligning elements  34 ,  35  between the rear face  44  and front faces  16  must be less than, and may be significantly less than, the distance between the rear and forward interior surfaces  9 ,  10 . This permits two aligning elements  34 ,  35  of lower blocks  31  to be placed in an angled relationship in the void  8  to form a curved wall section as depicted in  FIG. 8 . The rear faces  44  may be substantially flat, which is advantageous as described above.  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in another embodiment, the rear portions  42 ,  43  may extend no further laterally inward than, respectively, the left and right interior surfaces  11 ,  12 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the left and right side faces  40 ,  41  may be aligned, respectively, with the interior surfaces  11 ,  12 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9B , the side faces  40 ,  41  may extend straight rearwardly. In yet other embodiments, all or part of the rear faces  44  and side faces  40 ,  41  may be replaced by a convex curved bearing surface, or the rear faces  44  may be angled with respect to the rear exterior surface  7 , such as by it extending more forward inwardly.  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the block  1  may also be a solid retaining wall block  1  with a groove  49  inset on the upper surface  2 . In this embodiment, the groove  49  includes a front face  52 , bottom face  53 , and rear face  54 . The stabilizing element (not shown) rests in the groove  49  without disrupting the level of the upper surface  2 . The stabilizing element can be used to anchor one block  1 , or, alternatively, can be used to anchor several blocks, or an entire row of blocks into place. Although the groove  49  depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 1B  is positioned roughly equidistant from the front facet  4  and the rear exterior surface  7 , the groove  49  may be located anywhere between the front facet and rear exterior surface  4 ,  7 . Additionally, though the groove  49  is shown as extending from the left and right exterior surfaces  14 ,  15 , the groove  49  may be disposed at any angle. Furthermore, the groove  49  may extend from the front facet  4  to the rear exterior surface  7 .  
         [0040]     It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Summary:
Retaining wall blocks, retaining wall system formed thereby, and method for manufacturing the retaining wall blocks. The blocks are adapted for assembly to form a retaining wall system. A block of an upper row is laterally positioned by positioning it on top of two lower blocks. Each block also includes at least one mounting surface for securing a stabilizing element therewith. The mounting surface can be embodied as a groove which is inset into the upper surface of the blocks. Each block may additionally include opposing front and back body portions, and opposing side body portions, defining a void therein. The blocks may include aligning elements extending upwardly from an upper surface of the block body. The aligning elements of the lower blocks fit into the void of the upper block and assist in aligning the upper block on the lower blocks and, optionally, in securing a reinforcing structure placed between the layers. The wall, which may be either straight or curved, includes a plurality of blocks stacked in one or more rows. The aligning elements fit into the void and perform the aligning and reinforcing function in straight rows and when the rows curve to form a curved retaining wall. When the wall is assembled, anchoring elements may be placed throughout the wall by attaching an end of the anchoring element to the stabilizing element, while securing another end of the anchoring element to another stable surface, such as the ground.