Abstract:
Concrete molded fence blocks are provided having cores for receiving mortar or aggregate, and pin openings for receiving pins that interlock and align abutting courses of blocks in a fence block system. Groups of a column of blocks form a column support. Standard blocks are provided as spans between the column supports. Column blocks provide additional structural integrity to the fence system, and are larger in comparison to the standard blocks. The leading and trailing edges of the standard blocks have complimentary shapes to provide further interlocking capability between individual blocks. Various types of column blocks are provided for managing the layout of a particular fence system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to blocks used in the construction of a wall or fence, and more particularly, to fence blocks used in a mortarless wall or fence construction, wherein pins are used to interlock and align the blocks.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A multitude of construction methods and materials are available for the construction of fences and retaining walls. Common fence constructions include wood picket, stockade, chain length, concrete or stone columns with wood pickets spanning between the columns, and stone/brick fences, to name a few. Retaining walls are typically made of stone or brick, and may include reinforcement by incorporation of geotextile sheets.  
         [0003]     Recently, segmental concrete retaining wall units that are dry stacked have become a popular product for the construction of retaining walls. Because the units are dry stacked, they are built without the use of mortar that reduces the cost of construction since the services of a stone mason are not required, as well as savings realized in material costs. Without the use of mortar, retaining walls must incorporate some feature that interlocks and aligns the individual block units.  
         [0004]     One reference disclosing a mortarless retaining wall block and retaining wall system includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,561. This reference specifically discloses a retaining wall block having a core opening, pin receiving cavities, and pinholes. The pin receiving cavities and pinholes are arranged on the blocks symmetrically and substantially interior of the block corners thus resulting in a more structurally stable block yet permitting optimal alignment of the block cores when constructing a retaining wall. The cores may be filled with mortar or aggregate to increase the strength of the wall system.  
         [0005]     Another example of a reference disclosing a retaining wall block is the U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,809. This reference also discloses retaining wall blocks including a core, pin receiving cavities, and pinholes. However, the arrangement of the pinholes and pin receiving cavities is such that each successive row is set back from a lower row to form a slope angle of between about 30-75°.  
         [0006]     Another reference disclosing a wall block in a retaining wall construction is the U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,006. In this reference, the wall block includes a removable flange having pin apertures that pass through the flange and into the body of the block. This type of block allows construction of walls having flange connections between adjacent courses of blocks or, when the flange is removed, pin connections between adjacent courses of blocks.  
         [0007]     The U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,213 discloses yet another type of retaining wall system wherein blocks have different face sizes. The blocks in this reference may also incorporate pins for interconnecting courses of blocks. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width. These variations in width allow the retaining wall system to be built in a multitude of different linear or angular arrangements. Each block also has at least three faces that are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,813 discloses a wall block especially adapted for use in reinforced concrete wall systems to produce a sound barrier. The front end of the block has a protruding bullet shaped nose. A rear end of the block has a cavity shaped to receive the bullet shaped nose of an adjacent block. Blocks can be vertically stacked, or may be staggered with respect to one another to provide offset courses of blocks. Pins are used to interconnect courses of blocks.  
         [0009]     The construction of modular concrete retaining walls as disclosed in the above prior art references includes a few simple steps. First, a leveling pad of dense base material or non-reinforced concrete is placed, compacted and leveled. Next, the initial course of blocks is placed and leveled. For systems that utilize pins, the pins are then placed in each block in the designated pinholes. Next, a core fill material such as crushed rock aggregate is placed in the cores of the blocks and other spaces between the blocks to add mass and strength to the wall structure for strength, as well as to encourage drainage through the retaining wall. Succeeding courses of blocks are then placed in a pattern according to the design of the particular blocks. For example, succeeding courses of blocks may be placed in a pattern such that each block to be placed is located between the two blocks directly below it. Pin receiving cavities of the bottom blocks are configured to align with pinholes of the succeeding upper blocks thereby facilitating a pinned connection between upper and lower courses of blocks.  
         [0010]     Although segmental block construction is well known for retaining walls, it is less common for construction of fences. Many housing developments include a perimeter fence that delineates the boundaries of the particular development. Because of the cost of placing conventional brick fences or decorative stone fences, perimeter fences surrounding a development are typically made of much less costly materials such as wood pickets. However, particularly in wetter climates, wood picket fences quickly deteriorate, and must be replaced frequently. When a fence begins to deteriorate, it reflects poorly on the quality and overall reputation of the particular development. As metropolitan areas continue to grow, traffic noise has created problems for many suburban neighborhoods that were once fairly remote and not subjected to high traffic noise. Wood fences are inadequate structures for creating a sound barrier.  
         [0011]     Therefore, there is a need for an economical fence system having the attributes of a retaining wall in terms of permanency and strength, yet the fence system being especially adapted in a fence construction to include use of various block types to accommodate the number of required turns in a standard fence layout. Accordingly, the fence provided should be a permanent solution for perimeter fences, or any other locations that demand a more permanent solution to standard fence constructions. Additionally, there is a need for an economical fence construction that can reduce undesirable traffic noise.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     In accordance with the present invention, a mortarless fence block and fence block system are provided that fulfill the needs discussed above. In one aspect of the invention, various types of fence blocks are provided that enable construction of a fence block system. A first general type of block is referred to as a standard block. A second general type of block is referred to as a column block. The column blocks are vertically stacked to provide a column support. A plurality of column supports are used along a particular section of fence. The gaps spanning between the column supports are filled by a plurality of the standard blocks.  
         [0013]     Each standard block includes a front face, a rear face spaced from and substantially parallel to the front face, a nose or front portion that interconnects leading or forward edges of the front and rear faces, and a tail or trailing portion that interconnects trailing edges of the front and rear faces. The front portion of the standard block includes a pair of converging surfaces that extend in the leading direction, and terminate at a front edge. The rear portion of the standard block includes a trailing edge and a pair of diverging surfaces that diverge away from the trailing edge. The diverging surfaces each terminate at the line of intersection between the diverging surfaces and the respective front and rear faces. Each diverging surface and its corresponding trailing portion of the front/rear surface defines a flange or fin. A trailing chamfer may be made on the most trailing portion of each flange. Two central openings are provided in the standard block defining a pair of cores. Each core is spaced from one another along the long axis or longitudinal axis of the block. A pair of pinholes are formed in each standard block and extend vertically through the depths of the blocks. A longitudinal slot is formed on a lower surface of the block, the slot extending longitudinally along the lower surface. The block is symmetrical about a vertical plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the block. A standard half block is also provided that is similar to the standard block, but approximately one-half the length of the standard block. The standard half block has a nose portion and tail portion of the same configuration as the standard block; however, the standard block has a single core and a single pinhole.  
         [0014]     The column blocks of the present invention include various types each having a particular shape that accommodates construction of a fence system. More specifically, a first type of column block includes a standard column block that is used to interconnect spans of standard blocks when a fence extends in a single direction. Another type of column block includes a T-column block that can interconnect a pair of spans extending in a single direction, and accommodates the connection of another span of standard blocks that extends perpendicular to the first pair of spans. Another type of column block includes a corner column block that can interconnect a pair of spans extending perpendicular to one another. Yet another type of column block includes an end block that provides an end or termination point for a particular span. Each of the column blocks has one or more recesses that are formed by pairs of flanges. The recesses are sized to receive the front and rear portions of the standard blocks. Each of the column blocks further include a single central core, and at least two pin openings formed through the block and extending vertically through the depth of the block. A corresponding number of pinhead cavities are also formed on a lower surface of the block. The pinhead cavities communicate with the pinholes and are vertically aligned with pinholes. The pinhead cavities have a larger diameter than that of the pin openings.  
         [0015]     In another aspect of the invention, a block fence system is provided that incorporates the standard blocks, the standard half blocks, and the various types of column blocks. The system comprises at least one lower course of blocks, and at least one upper course of blocks, each course comprising a plurality of blocks laid in a pattern to suit the particular layout of the fence to be built. Each of the blocks in the lower course receive a pin inserted through the respective pinholes. Each of the pins includes a shaft and a head. The head of the pin has a larger diameter than that of the shaft. The head of the pin extends above the upper surface of the corresponding block in which it is inserted. The upper course is constructed by placing upper blocks over the lower course of blocks. For the column blocks, the upper course is joined to the lower course by aligning the heads of the pins with the pin cavities formed on the lower surface of the upper block. For the standard blocks, the pinheads are received in the longitudinal slots formed on the lower surface of the upper blocks.  
         [0016]     Aggregate and/or mortar may be placed in the cores of each of the blocks to add mass and strength to a fence system. Additionally, rebar may be used to further reinforce the fence by placing lengths of rebar through the aligned cores. The rebar may be grouted in the cores. The rebar may also be grouted to a bond beam that serves as a lower support when constructing a fence. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the block fence system of the present invention constructed in an example layout or pattern that incorporates each of the various types of blocks of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a standard block;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the standard block of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a vertical section taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is another vertical section taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a standard half block;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a vertical section taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a standard column block;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a corner column block;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of a T-column block;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of an end column block;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a vertical section taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a vertical section taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is a vertical section taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a vertical section taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of a modified column block; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is a vertical section taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]     For the detailed description of the standard block and standard half block, many of the same reference numbers are used throughout to identify elements that are similar in shape, size, relative placement, and/or function. The same convention also applies for the detailed description of the various types of column blocks wherein many of the same reference numbers are used to identify elements that are similar in shape, size, relative placement, and/or function.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one example of a fence block system  10  is shown including standard blocks  12 , standard half blocks  14 , standard column blocks  16 , corner column blocks  18 , T-column blocks  20 , and end column blocks  22 . Groups of column blocks in the form of column supports are spaced from one another a desired distance, and standard blocks and standard half blocks span the gaps between the column blocks. While  FIG. 1  represents one example in which blocks may be arranged, it will be apparent by those skilled in the art that the various types of block shown enable a fence builder to construct a fence that may be configured for use in many specific purposes to include, but not limited to, individual dwelling fences, development fences and the like.  
         [0037]     In order to provide level base for a particular section of fence, a bond beam  24  may be used. Alternatively, a leveling pad of dense base material or non-reinforced concrete may be placed, compacted and leveled. After placement of the bond beam  24 , successive courses or layers of blocks are then constructed over the bond beam  24 .  
         [0038]     The nose portion of a standard block is received in the tail portion of the adjacent standard block. The tail portion of a standard block that terminates one side of a span of standard blocks is received within the cavity of the adjacent column block. The nose portion of the standard block that terminates on one side of a span of standard blocks is received within the cavity of the adjacent column block. The complimentary shaped nose and tail portions of the standard blocks allow the standard blocks to span a distance of considerable length in the construction of a fence. The column supports are spaced from one another at desired intervals to provide the necessary additional support for the fence system and to provide a pleasing design feature as well.  
         [0039]     Although  FIG. 1  only show a maximum of two standard blocks and a standard half block as the longest span between groups of column blocks, it shall be understood that a number of additional standard blocks may be used to span the gap between column supports.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a standard block  12  is shown. The block  12  includes a front face  30 , a rear face  32 , upper surface  26 , lower surface  28 , nose or leading portion  34 , and a trailing portion  36 . Referring also to  FIG. 3 , the upper surface  26  and lower surface  28  are spaced from one another and extend substantially parallel to one another. The upper and lower surfaces extend substantially perpendicular to the front and rear faces. The front and rear faces extend substantially parallel to one another. The nose portion  34  includes a pair of converging surfaces  38 , and a front edge  40 . The trailing portion  36  includes a trailing edge  44 , and a pair of diverging surfaces  42  that diverge away from the trailing edge  44  at substantially equal angles. The diverging surfaces intersect the respective front and rear faces along the trailing edges of the front and rear faces. A trailing chamfer  46  may be formed on the trailing edges. A pair of openings define a pair of cores  48 . Pinholes  50  are formed through the block and extend vertically through the depth of the block.  
         [0041]     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the standard block  12  also includes a longitudinal slot  52  that extends through and along the lower surface of the block. The lower ends of the pinholes  50  communicate with the slots  52 . Longitudinal axis A-A is shown wherein the block  12  is symmetrical about a vertical plane taken through the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the slot  52  and the pinholes  50  extend along a centerline of the block defined by the axis A-A. Referring to  FIG. 4 , a pinhole  50  is shown extending through the depth of the block and communicating with the sot  52 . The slot  52  may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, or trapezoidal shape.  FIG. 5  further illustrates interior details of the block, to include the slot  52 , and the manner in which the pinholes  50  and the cores  48  extend through the depth of the block. As also shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the lower edges of the front and rear faces may include a lower chamfer  54 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates a standard half block  14 . The standard half block is very similar to the construction of the standard block  12 ; however, the half block is approximately half the length of the standard block  12 . Accordingly, the standard half block  14  preferably includes a single core  48 , and a single pinhole  50 .  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a standard column block  16  is shown. The shape of the block  16  is defined by front and rear faces  78  and  80 , and two pairs of flanges  68  that extend longitudinally, each flange being formed at a corner of the block. Webs  73  interconnect the front and rear faces. Each flange  68  is defined by an inner parallel face  70 , a transverse edge  69 , and a corresponding portion of the front or rear face. A transverse face  72  interconnects the spaced inner parallel faces  70 . Each pair of flanges define a cavity. A large central core  66  is provided between the front and rear faces and the transverse faces  72 . Near the base of each flange  68  is a pinhole  62  that extends through the depth of the block. In order to provide structural strength to the block, offset areas  63  are provided thereby increasing the sheer capacity of the block at that area. The offset areas are simply thickened parts of the block that surround each of the pinholes. The lower section or portion of each of pinhole  62  includes a corresponding pinhead cavity  64  that is simply an opening having a larger diameter than that of the pinhole. The pinhead cavities accommodate receipt of the heads of the pins, as discussed further below.  
         [0044]      FIG. 9  illustrates a corner column block  18 . Corner block  18  is similar to column block  16  by inclusion of a single pair of flanges  69 ; however, the second pair of flanges  69  are removed in favor of a transverse cavity defined by inner transverse faces  76  and inner parallel face  74 . Transverse faces  76  extend substantially parallel to transverse face  72 , and inner parallel face  74  extends substantially parallel to front and rear faces. Web  75  separates the transverse cavity from the core  66 . The featureless end of the block  18  can be referred to as end face  82 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the T-column block  18  is shown. The construction of this block is identical to the column block  12  with the exception of a transverse cavity formed on one face of the block, the transverse cavity being of the same configuration as the transverse cavity of the corner column block  18  shown in  FIG. 9 . Accordingly, the transverse cavity in the T-column block includes a pair of inner transverse faces  76 , and a single inner parallel face  74 .  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a column end block is shown. This block is similar to column block  12 , but simply includes only one pair of flanges  69 . Accordingly, the featureless end without the pair of flanges  69  is referred to as end face  84 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a portion of the fence of  FIG. 1  is shown in cross-section to illustrate the particular manner in which pins are used to interlock and align the fence.  
         [0048]     Each pin includes a head  58  and a shaft  56 . The lower course of blocks receive a pin so that the shaft of the pin extends through the pin openings  50 . The head of the pins  58  extend above the upper surfaces of the lower course of blocks. The upper course of blocks are placed over the lower course, and the pinheads  58  are received in the respective channels  52 . Because the channels  52  are continuous along the length of the blocks, it is thereby unnecessary for an installer to see the pinheads when placing an upper course of blocks. It is only necessary to initially align the upper course of blocks with respect to the front and rear faces of the lower blocks so that the upper course sets flush against the lower course. If any of the upper blocks do not set flush, then this indicates that the pins are not properly received in the slots  52 . An installer can easily adjust the location of each upper block over the lower blocks by sliding the block to the desired position.  
         [0049]     The positioning of the pinholes  50  allow the standard blocks to be placed in a typical staggered pattern, as shown in  FIG. 1  wherein successive courses of blocks are shifted by one half of a standard block length. However, the standard blocks can be stacked in vertical alignment if desired so there is no staggering between courses of blocks.  
         [0050]      FIG. 13  also shows proper pin emplacement wherein the head  58  of a pin extends into the corresponding recess  52  of the upper block. The pinhead  58  can be sized so that it extends substantially the entire depth of the slot  52 , or the pinhead  58  may extend only partially through the depth of the slot  52 . Also, with a slot having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, it is also possible to provide physical engagement of the pinhead against the surfaces defining the slot thereby further stabilizing the fence during construction until the cores are filled with mortar or aggregate.  
         [0051]      FIG. 14  shows a vertical section taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 1 . As shown, the column end blocks are stacked directly upon one another in a vertical fashion so that the pin holes  62  of a lower block align with the pinhead cavities  64  of the overlying block. Pins are inserted in each of the pinholes. The pinheads are received in the pinhead cavities  64  of the overlying blocks. The pinheads  58  may extend fully within the cavities  64 , or a gap can be provided so that the pinheads do not completely fill the cavities. Also, it is shown that the pin shafts  56  do not extend the entire length of the pinhole  62 , and rather extend only partly therethrough. The manner in which pins are incorporated in the other column blocks is the same as that illustrated in  FIG. 14 . More specifically, each of the column blocks are simply stacked upon one another so that the pins inserted in the pin openings of a lower block align with the pinhead cavities of the upper block.  
         [0052]     Mortar or aggregate such as rock, crushed stone, or gravel may be placed within the cores to enhance the strength of the fence system. Since the cores of the blocks are aligned with one another between courses, filling of the cores can be achieved after the last course of blocks has been placed.  
         [0053]     Additionally, rebar may be placed through the cores and used with mortar to further stabilize the fence system. Depending upon the particular fence application, it may be unnecessary to use any mortar or other fill material in the cores. The pins alone can be adequate in securing each of the individual blocks In order to complete the fence construction, cap members (not shown) may be installed over the top course of blocks. The caps may be especially designed to match a particular decor or style.  
         [0054]      FIG. 16  illustrates a modification that may be made to a column block. The modification is the creation of one or more transverse channels  90  that interconnect the pin head cavities  64  and the core of the block. If the core of the column block is filled with mortar or grout, the channels allows the mortar/grout to flow in contact with the heads of the pins, thereby providing additional reinforcement for tying the pins to the respective blocks.  FIG. 17  illustrates the channels  90  having depths that are substantially equal to the depths of the pin head cavities; however, the channels may have greater or lesser depths based upon the amount of grout/mortar desired to provide reinforcement. Although a particular type of column block is shown in  FIG. 16 , it shall be understood that selected ones or all of the various types of column blocks may incorporate channels  90  in the same manner.  
         [0055]     The blocks used in the present invention may be manufactured of concrete and cast in high speed masonry block machines. The openings which receive pins as well as the core openings are formed using core formers in the machines. Core formers may be tapered so that the bores formed in the blocks are somewhat wider at the upper surface of the block as compared to the lower surface of the block. Tapering eases manufacturing by not requiring core pullers to be used to pull the core formers away from the blocks after the blocks have set. Thus, although the figures of the present invention show that the pinholes have a uniform diameter and that the cores are vertically formed through the depth of the blocks, it shall be understood that there may be a slight tapering of both the pinholes and cores from the upper surface toward the lower surface of the block to accommodate manufacturing.  
         [0056]     It is also contemplated within the present invention to provide a desired surface texture. For example, it is well known in the art to form blocks as mirror image pairs joined at a front face, and then a block splitter is used to split the blocks to create front faces having a rough texture. The exposed faces of the blocks can be treated to provide the desired texture or color. For example, the exposed faces can be painted for color or roughened for texture. Additionally, in the molding process, pigment can be added to also provide blocks with a desired color.  
         [0057]     The blocks of the present invention provide many advantages. The blocks are especially adapted for use in a mortarless fence construction. Material costs may be reduced by use of standard blocks as spans between column supports. The standard blocks are smaller in size than column blocks, yet still provide adequate strength for a permanent fence solution. The various types of column blocks provide an adaptable fence system that accommodates typical fence layouts. The fence system is mortarless thereby eliminating the need for a skilled stonemason. The blocks are easily mass produced and are easy to install. Concrete has extreme durability and provides a permanent fence solution for most applications. The pins enable each block to be interlocked and aligned with surrounding blocks. The column blocks maximize core fill areas thereby providing sufficient mass to support long spans of standard blocks. The slots formed in the lower surfaces of blocks allow an installer to quickly locate a block for placement over the pin of a lower block.  
         [0058]     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail with respect to various block embodiments and a fence block system, the description of the preferred embodiments is for purposes of disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Thus, various modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.