Patent Publication Number: US-2022228368-A1

Title: Vegetated retaining wall block apparatus and method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of Invention 
     A stackable growth media filled porous fabric block-shaped container includes either an internal seed carrier to facilitate the growth of various plants from within the block, or an outer three dimensional open structure media retention sleeve to support external growth of vegetation via hydromulching to create a vegetated retaining wall or slope facing. 
     Background 
     Prior Art 
     There is a trend in the construction industry to utilize eco-friendly solutions as alternatives to conventional solutions. The use of green or living walls as an alternate to conventional stacked concrete block retaining walls is one such example. There are a number of available systems to address this desired result of creating a vegetated retaining wall. Below are the common vegetated retaining wall systems. 
     Vegetated Structures 
     The most common system comprises non-woven geotextile bags filled with soil that utilizes plastic spiked plates to interlock the system. This and similar systems rely on the ability to establish vegetation by planting the exterior of the bag and relying upon the roots to penetrate a geotextile bag exterior with limited porosity, typically less than 8% open area, or by planting between the bag courses. 
     This limitation has proven to make dense sustainable vegetation difficult to achieve. 
     Another technique to create vegetated structures is to build a series of soil lifts using outer wraps of geotextiles or erosion blankets to encapsulate the soil and upon which to establish vegetation. This technique is also difficult to vegetate and to construct. 
     Another system utilizes open-celled precast concrete or plastic modules that can be stacked to create planting pockets where vegetation is established. 
     Another system utilizes tubular socks manufactured from a mesh that is soil filled, stacked and vegetated. 
     The currently available solutions to creating a sustainable vegetated retaining wall are only marginally successful due to difficulties that include: construction difficulty, costly to build, costly to maintain, difficulty in creating and maintaining preferred geometry and difficulty in establishment and maintenance of dense vegetation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14  (PRIOR ART), US Patent Publication US 2011-0110728 by Kim describes a method for constructing an environmentally-friendly retaining wall using a soil bag for vegetation and fixing members and an installation structure thereof, in which the retaining wall is constructed by staggering soil bag blocks filled with regular amounts of soil. In detail, the upper and lower soil bag blocks are firmly fixed into a single body by a plurality of fixing members of a predetermined shape, a geogrid sheet of a predetermined length is set up and firmly fixed to the fixing members to form a retaining wall, a core net is installed on the surface of the retaining wall, soil and seeds of plants to be vegetated are mixed, and the mixture is placed so that the seeds can be actively germinated and the surface of the retaining wall can be fully afforested, thus not only enabling easy storage, transportation and installation of materials for the construction of the retaining wall, improving work efficiency and workability, and shortening the working time and reducing the economic burden of a constructor, but also improving the firmness and stability of the retaining wall by connecting and fixing a plurality of soil bag blocks into a single body through the fixing members, improving the germination of seeds, enabling the roots of germinated plants to be easily struck into the soil bag blocks, and thus providing perfect areas of greenery on the surface of the retaining wall. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 15 (PRIOR ART), U.S. Pat. No. 8,230,643 to Chang describes a slope planting structure which includes containing bags laid on the surface of a slope, stuffing filled in the containing bags, and fasteners. The containing bags are provided with plant seeds. The stuffing composed of plant growing material and absorbent material is filled into the containing bags. The containing bags are laid on the surface of the slope, and then the fasteners are inserted through the containing bags to secure the containing bags on the slope. The containing bags are integrated with the slope to secure the slope, providing protection and green effects. In various embodiments, Chang describes mixing seeds with bag fill material; sprinkling seeds on the surface of the containing bags; and sprinkling seeds between two adjacent containing bags. 
     US Patent Publication US 2014-0190076 by Weinzapfel describes a vegetation growth bag comprising a casing, where the casing is made from a biodegradable material such as burlap or hessian; a mixture of organic matter within the casing; where the mixture of organic matter includes a plurality of plant seeds, where as the plant seeds grow they erupt through the casing; and a pair of closures at each end of the casing; where the pair of closures prevent the mixture of organic matter from spilling from the casing. During use the vegetation growth bags are arranged along a barren land area, and left to allow rain and sunlight to promote growth of the seeds within the casing. Eventually the vegetation growth bags incorporate themselves into the barren land area by allowing the roots to anchor the casing to the ground. FIG. 16 (PRIOR ART) shows a plurality of bags of this type stacked to reinforce a bank. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 17 (PRIOR ART), U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,123 to Sakate et al describes The laying of a vegetation mat in close contact with a clad surface. The vegetation mat has a net, which prevents freezing or flow-away of vegetation material without the need for stretching a separate net. The mat comprises a layer of vegetation material selected from the group consisting of soil improvement material, fertilizer, organic material, vegetation seeds and combinations thereof, a front and back sheet, which are capable of being at least partly decomposed and are coupled together to wrap the vegetation material. A net having a mesh size permitting the budding and growth of the vegetation seeds, is provided on the front surface of the front sheet. 
     Open structure mesh materials may be used to cover reinforced slopes and provide a surface to hold soil to enable root systems to grow. The open structures can hold dirt or a hydroseeding substrate. An example mat material is Enkamat™ which is a three-dimensional polyamide mat with an open structure. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, highly porous fabric block-shaped containers are filled with a growth media to create block structures that are placed or stacked and vegetated to create a sustainable vegetated retaining wall or slope facing. 
     Porous fabric block-shaped containers are formed from a specific size and pattern of porous fabric with an arrangement of front gussets and sewn front edge and side seams with an open back that can be closed, once the fabric container is filled with a pre-determined volume of growth media, with a series of folded flaps with hook and loop fasteners to create a uniform block shape. 
     In some examples, the fabric containers have a porosity of 20-50% and include openings which are large enough to permit plant growth through exposed front or top block faces; and to permit root growth through the bottom or side faces of a block into adjacent blocks. The rapid root growth into adjacent blocks facilitates a natural interlocking of blocks, as well as healthy plant growth. This interlocking root growth can eliminate or reduce the need for pins to be placed through blocks to hold the blocks in place. 
     Providing the retaining wall blocks in the shape of uniform rectangular prisms permits a tight and attractive stacking of the blocks. The growth media filled fabric blocks can be placed or stacked in a variety of geometric arrangements ranging from a slope facing to a near vertical retaining wall. In one example, the vertical or inclined exposed front faces can be stacked to form a uniform exposed wall surface which can be vegetated. Block uniformity is enhanced by incorporating superabsorbent polymers to the growth media in the blocks, so that when water is added, the growth media expands to tightly pack the blocks. 
     A plant growth promotion structure is used in combination with the retaining wall blocks in order to provide rapid and uniform plant growth. In one example, the plant growth promotion structure is a media retention sleeve which is installed over the block to provide a three dimensional open structure matrix as an outer covering that improves friction between stacked blocks and holds hydromulch on exposed surfaces to establish vegetation from the outside of the blocks. 
     In other examples, the plant growth promotion structure is a seed carrier that provides a uniform layer of seeds and soil amendments which is placed internal to the fabric container and in proximity to an exposed block surface. The seed carrier is a degradable water soluble material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol film, that holds seeds in place until the seeds are released by wetting the film at a desired time and thus dissolving the film, thereby allowing the seeds to germinate. The seed carrier may include a seed layer of one seed type or various combinations of multiple seed types. The seed layer may also include one or more soil amendments such as fertilizer, moisture retention agents, and natural or synthetic herbicide and pesticide agents. The seed carrier may be a polyvinyl alcohol film that serves as a substrate upon which to adhere the seeds and soil amendments to the film until the film is dissolved when water is applied. The seed carrier may be supplied as a single support layer, or with an additional polyvinyl alcohol film cover layer used to cover the seed layer. The seeds can be glued to the polyvinyl alcohol film with water soluble adhesive or by attaching the seeds to the naturally adherent surface of the wetted and partially dissolved polyvinyl alcohol film. 
     In some examples, the landscape blocks are created at a job site by filling gusseted block-shaped fabric containers with a growth media and providing a plant growth promotion structure. In other examples, the landscape blocks are filled with a growth media and seed carrier at a remote site and then delivered to a job site. In other examples, the landscape blocks are filled with a growth media and media retention sleeves are applied to the blocks before delivery. In other examples, plant growth is initiated before block installation. 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of a hanging support filling frame  600  and an empty fabric container  102 .  FIG. 6B  is an end view of the hanging support filling frame and a block-shaped fabric container of  FIG. 6A . In this example, the filling frame is a steel rod structure with a base  602 , angled side walls  604 , and a top frame  606 . 
     These embodiments provide improvement over previous systems in the several ways:
         The blocks can be simply and reliably vegetated with a variety of plants to create dense and sustainable vegetation on the retaining wall or slope faces.   The porous fabric exterior of the block, coupled with the ability to be vegetated from within the block via biodegradable water soluble seed carriers or externally via hydromulch sprayed into the open structure matrix of a media retention sleeve that is placed around the block, ensures that dense vegetation can be established and maintained.   The use of a hanging support filling frame and rear fabric container closure permits seed carriers with a uniform seed distribution, and optional soil amendments, to be placed in proximity to the exposed front or top face of the block in order to facilitate rapid and uniform plant growth on exposed surfaces.   The form of the growth media filled gusseted porous fabric block allows a consistent and preferred geometry for improved ease of installation, structural stability and vegetative establishment.   The porous fabric blocks allow the root systems of the plants to grow through the sides, bottom and back of the block and into adjacent blocks and surrounding soil to create a contiguously reinforced structure that is anchored to adjacent soil zones.       

    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross section view of a porous fabric block-shaped container with seed carrier positioned on the inside of the front face of the fabric container and the rest of the fabric container filled with a growth media to create an inclined face block. 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross section of a porous fabric growth media filled block wrapped in an open structure matrix sleeve that is filled with hydromulch on exposed top or front surfaces. 
         FIG. 1C . is a cross section of two growth media filled blocks with interlocking media retention sleeves. 
         FIG. 1D  is a detailed cross section view of a portion of the interface between the two growth media filled blocks of  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 2A . is a side cross section view of three blocks stacked in a configuration of an inclined face retaining wall. The blocks are fully vegetated and the root systems are growing through adjacent blocks and into adjacent soil zones. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of a seed carrier in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned between and adhered to two layers, a support layer and a cover layer, of polyvinyl alcohol film so the seeds cannot move. 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of a single layer seed carrier in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned on and adhered to the top surface of the seed carrier. 
         FIG. 3A  is a left side view of a inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container with open back flaps. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of a inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3A  with open back flaps. 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3A  with the left side flap folded inward. 
         FIG. 3D  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3A  with the left side flap folded inward. 
         FIG. 3E  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3A  with the left and right side flaps folded inward. 
         FIG. 3F  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3E  with the left side flap and the right side flaps folded inward. 
         FIG. 3G  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3F  with left and right and top and bottom flaps folded inward and secured with hook and loop fasteners. 
         FIG. 3H  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3G  with left and right and top and bottom flaps folded inward and secured with hook and loop fasteners. 
         FIG. 3I  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container of  FIG. 3H  with vegetation growing on the exposed top surface and inclined front surface. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side cross section view of a fabric container with seed carrier supported in an open position on a support filling frame. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side cross section view of the fabric container of  FIG. 4A  being filled with a growth media. 
         FIG. 4C  is a side cross section view of the fabric container of  FIG. 4B  with open flaps and filled with a growth media. 
         FIG. 4D  is a top cross section view of the filled wall block of  FIG. 4C  with closed flaps and removed from the filling frame. 
         FIG. 4E  is a front view of a stack of filled blocks with seed carrier oriented toward the exposed front surface of the block stack. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side cross section view of a fabric container in an open position on a hanging support filling frame and being filled with a growth media. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side cross section view of the fabric container of  FIG. 5A  with open flaps and filled with a growth media. 
         FIG. 5C  is a top cross section view of the filled block of  FIG. 5B  with closed flaps and removed from the support filling frame; and a media retention sleeve positioned for insertion over the block. 
         FIG. 5D  is a top view of media retention sleeve of  FIG. 5C  partially covering the block of  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 5E  is a front view of a block stack of filled blocks of  FIG. 5D  where each block is covered with a media retention sleeve, and hydromulch is being sprayed on the block stack. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a hanging support filling frame and an empty block-shaped fabric container. 
         FIG. 6B  is an end view of the hanging support filling frame and an empty block-shaped fabric container of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a side cross section view of a retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system connected with staples to a plurality of retaining wall blocks with an inclined front face. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side cross section view of a retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system connected with steel staples to blocks with an inclined front face, with sod placed on the inclined front face of the retaining wall. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section view of a retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system connected to retaining wall blocks with an inclined front face, where the blocks are set back to create a less inclined face than the face of  FIG. 7B . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross section view of a vertical retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system which wraps in front of a plurality of vertical faced retaining wall blocks. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross section view of a vertical retaining wall utilizing a percussion anchoring system connected to connecting rods that are driven vertically through stacked blocks with a vertical front face. 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross section view of a slope facing with vertical faced blocks utilizing a percussion anchoring system connected to the blocks with a rod that is threaded through the back flaps of the blocks. 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross section view of a slope facing with vertical faced blocks utilizing a percussion anchoring system of  FIG. 11A  with sod placed on the slope facing. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of an example porous fabric. 
         FIG. 13A  is a top view of an example media retention sleeve material. 
         FIG. 13B  is a top perspective view of an example media retention sleeve. 
         FIG. 14  (PRIOR ART) is a side cross section view of a retaining wall constructed of soil bag blocks with seeds implanted in an overlaying a core net of US Patent Application Publication 20110110728. 
         FIG. 15  (PRIOR ART) is a side cross section view of a retaining wall constructed of soil bag blocks with seeds provided in bag fill material of U.S. Pat. No. 8,230,643. 
         FIG. 16  (PRIOR ART) is a side cross section view of a bank reinforcement constructed of biodegradable soil bags with seeds provided in bag fill material as described in US Patent Publication US 2014-0190076. 
         FIG. 17  (PRIOR ART) is a top perspective view of vegetation mat of U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,123. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     List of Elements 
     The following element numbers are provided for convenience in reviewing the attached figures.
     growth media filled gusseted fabric block  100 
       upper growth media filled block  100   a      lower growth media filled block  100   b      
       gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102 
       front face  110     inclined front face  120     vertical front face  130     top face  140 
           rear edge of top face  142     top face flap  144 
               hook and loop fastener  146     
               
           bottom face  150 
           bottom face flap  154 
               rear edge of bottom flap  155     hook and loop fastener  156     
               
           right side face  160 
           rear edge  162     right face flap  164     right face flap extension  165 
               hook and loop fastener  166     
               
           left side face  170 
           left face flap  174 
               rear edge of left flap  175     hook and loop fastener  176     
               bottom face short flap  177     side flap connector strap  178 
               hook and loop fastener  179   a ,  179   b      
               
           rear face  180 
           open rear face  181     right top triangular fold  182     right bottom triangular fold  183     left top triangular fold  184     left bottom triangular fold  185     rear face top fold  186     rear face bottom fold  187     
           
       seed carrier  200 
       support layer  211 
           top surface of support layer  212     bottom surface of support layer  214     polyvinyl alcohol support film  215     wetted surface  216     
           seed layer  220 
           first seed type  222     second seed type  224     
           seed and agent layer  221 
           perlite  225     herbicide agent  226     pesticide agent  227     fertilizing agent  228     moisture retention agent  229     
           cover layer  230 
           top surface of cover layer  231     bottom surface of cover layer  232     polyvinyl alcohol support film  235     
           
       vegetation layer  240     root systems  242     grass sod  245     growth media  250     media retention sleeve  300 
       upper block media retention sleeve  300   a      lower block media retention sleeves  300   b      interlocking media retention sleeves  300   c      three dimensional open structure matrix material  302     high friction layer  304     edges  305 ,  306     loops  307     hydromulch  310     
       fold  400 
       left face fold  410     right face fold  420     top face fold  430     bottom face fold  440     
       sewn seam  450     geogrid sheet  500 
       geogrid sheet wrapped in front of wall  501     
       percussion anchor  510     geogrid anchor  520     sod staple  521     connecting rod  530     hanging filling frame  600 
       base  602     angled side walls  604     top frame  606     
       growth media hopper  610     block stack  700 
       top layer of blocks  710 
           exposed top layer  712     
           
       retaining wall  720 
       top surface  722     inclined front surface  724     setback front surface  726     
       porous fabric  740 
       openings  742     
       

     Definitions 
     In this specification, the term “retaining wall” refers to a structure that is formed from one or more rows of growth media filled fabric containers that take the form of a block. 
     In this specification, the term “vegetated retaining wall” refers to a structure that is formed from one or more rows of blocks that are filled with a soil mixture to promote plant growth, and which have plants growing from exposed surfaces of the blocks. 
     In this specification, the terms “retaining wall block” and “landscape block” refer to a fabric container which is filled with a soil mixture, and has the shape of a rectangular prism with a generally flat top, bottom, front, and side faces. The front face is typically either vertical or inclined. The fabric container typically has a rear closure. 
     In this specification, the term “fabric” includes material produced by any combination of weaving, knitting, or otherwise processing textile fibers or synthetic polymers. 
     In this specification, the terms “gusset”, “gusseted fabric block”, “gusseted fabric block-shaped containers”, and “gusseted porous fabric block” refers to sewn seams along the sides of the front face and bisecting the sides, where folds are provided in one or more of the front face, rear face, or side faces of the block to create a rectangular block shape, to reinforce the block, and to provide rectangular faces on the block. In some examples, no additional reinforcement element is provided, and the extra material in the folds provides stiffening and shapes the block. In other examples, a reinforcement element may be inserted before sewing the block, or prior to filling the block. 
     In this specification, the term “plant growth media” or “growth media” means dirt, mulch, compost, soil mixtures, or other organic material mixtures suited to support the growth of plants. 
     In this specification, the terms “fill material” or “soil mixture” means a plant growth media, or a mixture of plant growth media and one or more of organic or inorganic fillers or fertilizers. 
     In this specification, the term “seed carrier” means a degradable or porous material coated with or supporting seeds and other amendments which facilitate plant growth. 
     In this specification, the term “support layer” means the bottom layer of a one or two layer seed carrier system of polyvinyl alcohol films or porous materials. 
     In this specification, the term “seed layer” means a layer of plant seed. 
     In this specification, the term “cover layer” means a sheet, film or mat of organic or inorganic material which protects the plant seeds inside a retaining block until the desired time of growth. 
     In this specification, the term “hydromulching” means a method of hydraulic seeding involving a mixture of seed and mulch. 
     In this specification, the terms “block sleeve” or “media retention sleeve” mean an open structure matrix of fused fibers sewn into a sleeve shape which covers the exterior of the block. 
     A retaining wall block in the general shape of a rectangular prism may be provided with a vertical front face or an inclined front face. Stacking blocks with a vertical face provides a retaining wall with a vertical face, or with steps if the blocks are offset. Stacking blocks with an inclined front face can provide an inclined wall surface. 
     In this specification, the term “geogrid” means a planar geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. Geogrids are commonly used to reinforce the soils of mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls and slopes, as well as subbases or subsoils below roads or structures. Geogrids are strong tensile elements. 
     Gusseted Highly Porous Fabric Container or Block 
       FIG. 12  is a top view of an example highly porous fabric  740 . This example is a knitted monofilament material that has an open area of approximately 30%. The fabric has many large openings  742  which permit plant stems or roots to easily grow through the material. 
       FIG. 1A  is a cross section view of an example porous fabric block  100  with seed carrier  200  positioned on the inside of an inclined face  120  of the block, with the block filled with a growth media  250 . In this example, the growth media includes perlite  225 , a fertilizing agent  228 , and a moisture retention agent  229 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a cross section of a porous fabric block  100  wrapped in a media retention sleeve  300  which forms an open structure matrix that is filled with hydromulch  310  on exposed top and front surfaces. In this example, seeds and initial growth media are provided in the hydromulch, and the hydromulch is retained in proximity to the exposed block surfaces. A vegetation layer  240  grows from the hydromulch. 
       FIG. 1C  is a cross section of two growth media filled blocks, upper filled block  100   a  and lower filled block  100   b  with interlocking media retention sleeves  300   b.    
       FIG. 1D  is a detailed cross section view of a portion of the interface between the two growth media filled blocks,  100   a  and  100   b  of  FIG. 1C . The upper block media retention sleeve,  300   a  interlocks with the lower block media retention sleeve,  300   b  to create the interlocking interface,  300   c  between the two blocks. 
       FIG. 2A  is a side cross section view of three blocks  100  stacked in a configuration of an inclined face retaining wall. The blocks are fully vegetated and the root systems  242  are growing through adjacent blocks and into adjacent soil zones. 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of a seed carrier  200  in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned between and adhered to two layers of film or porous material. In this example, the seed carrier  200  sandwiches a seed layer  220  between support layer  211  and a cover layer  230 . In one example, the support layer  211  is provided as a polyvinyl alcohol support film; and the cover layer  230  is provided as a polyvinyl alcohol support film. In this example, the seed layer  220  includes a plurality of seeds of a first seed type  222  and a second seed type  224 , a plurality of fertilizing agent particles  228 , and a plurality of moisture retention agent particles  229 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a side view of a seed carrier  220  in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned on and adhered to the top surface  212  of a support film layer  211 . In this example, no cover layer is provided. 
       FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of an inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container with open back flaps. The top, left side and back faces are visible. In this example, an open porous fabric block-shaped container  102  has an inclined front face  120 , a top face  140 , a bottom face  150  (not labeled), a right side face  160  (not labeled), a left side face  170 , an open rear  181 , and sewn seams  450 . In this example, the rear face will be formed by closing flaps extending from the top, bottom, and side faces. The top face flap  144  has a length equal to the thickness of the block, and extends from the top face, and includes an upwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  146  attached to the exterior of the flap in proximity to the rear edge  142  of the top face. The bottom face flap  154  has a length equal to the thickness of the fabric block, and extends from the bottom face and includes an upwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  156  attached to the interior surface of the flap proximity to the rear edge  155  of the bottom flap. The right face flap  164  has a length equal to the thickness of the fabric block. In this example, the right flap extension  165  extends from the right face flap  164 . The length of the right face flap  164  plus the length of the right face flap extensions equals the width of the fabric block minus the length of the left flap  174 . An inwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  166  is provided near the rear edge  162  of the right face. In this example, the left flap  174  has a length equal to the thickness of the fabric block, and extends from the left face. An outwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  176  is provided near the rear edge  175  of the left flap. The right flap extension  165  and left flap  174  are designed to overlap slightly so that their hook and loop fasteners can mate at a point to secure the flaps at width equal to the width of the top and bottom faces. 
       FIG. 3D  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with the left flap folded inward. A left face fold  410  is made by folding the left flap  164  inward, thereby creating triangular fold section  184  on the left end of the top face  140 , and triangular fold section  185  on the left end of the bottom face  150 . 
       FIG. 3F  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with the left flap  174  folded inward and the right flap folded inward. A right face fold  420  is made by folding the right flap  164  and the right flap extension  165  inward, and securing the inwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  166  to the outwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  176  of the left flap  174 , thereby creating triangular fold section  182  on the right end of the top face  140  and triangular fold section  183  on the right end of the bottom face  150 . 
       FIG. 3H  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with left flap and right flap and right flap extension folded inward and the top and bottom flaps folded inward. A top face fold  430  is made by folding top face flap  144  inward. A bottom face fold  440  is then made by folding bottom face flap  150  inward and securing inwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  156  to outwardly facing section of hook and loop fastener  146 . 
       FIG. 3I  is a top perspective view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container,  102  of  FIG. 3H  with vegetation,  240  growing on the exposed top surface,  140  and inclined front surface,  120 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a left side view of a inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with open face flaps.  FIG. 3C  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with the left flap  174  folded inward.  FIG. 3E  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with the left and right flaps folded inwards.  FIG. 3G  is a side view of the inclined face gusseted fabric block-shaped container  102  with left flap and right flap and right flap extension folded inward and the top and bottom flaps folded inward. 
     This folding process produces an example gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container which facilitates the placement of a seed carrier against the inside inclined front face surface, or against the inside top face surface as described below, and facilitates the on-site or factory filling of the blocks. The rear flaps of this example permit a uniform rear closure and flat rear face. 
     A fabric block-shaped container with a vertical front face may be constructed in a similar manner to  FIGS. 3A-3I  where the front face is orthogonal to the side faces rather than inclined. 
     Example—Preparing Vertical Front Face Block-Shaped Containers 
     In one example, block-shaped fabric containers may be formed with the following procedure:
     Step  100  mark cut lines
       Step  101  cut fabric block material   
       Step  110  mark fold and sew lines
       Step  111  sew along sew lines to create front face gussets   Step  115  sew along side sew lines to create sides   
       Step  120  mark cut lines for right face flap extension
       Step  121  cut right face flap extension   Step  122  sew right face flap extension to right face flap   
       Step  130  cut hook and loop fastener to desired lengths
       Step  131  sew hook and loop fastener onto top face flap   Step  132  sew hook and loop fastener onto bottom face flap   Step  133  sew hook and loop fastener onto left face flap   Step  134  sew hook and loop fastener onto right face flap extension   Step  140  turn fabric block inside out   
       Step  150  crease fabric block along fold lines until fabric block has taken a rigid block form   

     Example—Preparing Inclined Front Face Block-Shaped Fabric Containers 
     In another example, block-shaped fabric containers with an inclined face may be formed with the following procedure:
     Step  100  mark cut lines
       Step  101  cut fabric block material   
       Step  110  mark cut lines for inclined face
       Step  111  cut inclined face cutout   
       Step  120  mark fold and sew lines
       Step  121  sew along sew lines to create front face gussets   Step  125  sew along side sew lines to create sides   
       Step  130  mark cut lines for right face flap extensions
       Step  131  cut right face flap extension   Step  132  sew right face flap extension to right face flap   
       Step  140  cut hook and loop fastener to desired lengths
       Step  141  sew hook and loop fastener onto top face flap   Step  142  sew hook and loop fastener onto bottom face flap   Step  143  sew hook and loop fastener onto left face flap   Step  144  sew hook and loop fastener onto right face flap extension   
       Step  150  turn fabric block inside out   Step  160  crease fabric block along fold lines until fabric block has taken a rigid block form with an inclined front face   

     In one example, the porous fabric container material is a knitted polyethylene fabric that creates a porous exterior of the block. 
     In other examples, the front face may be vertical rather than inclined. 
     In other examples, the length of the left flap can be the same as the length of the right flap, and the hook and loop material may be positioned on the exterior of the left and right flaps, so that a separate elongated strap can be provided with hook and loop fasteners on both ends. 
     In other examples, the hook and loop fastener material may be omitted from the right and left flaps, so that the rear end is closed folding the side flaps in and then securing the bottom flap to the top flap, such as described above. 
     In other examples, the hook and loop fastener material may be omitted, then the flaps can be secured by other means such as sewing, stapling, heat fusing or tying. 
     In one embodiment, a gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container is sewn out of a porous woven fabric and filled with growth media and incorporating a plant growth promotion structure creating a block-like shape that can be used for building vegetated retaining walls or slope faces that might otherwise be built out of stone or concrete blocks. 
     In one embodiment, a gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container is sewn out of a relatively porous non-woven fabric and filled with growth media creating a block-like shape. Blocks of this configuration may be externally vegetated with the aid of the media retention sleeve into which hydromulch is applied to establish vegetation. 
     In one embodiment, a gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container is sewn out of a porous three-dimensional continuously woven matrix of polypropylene yarns and filled with growth media creating a block-like shape. 
     In one embodiment, a gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container is sewn out of an open structure matrix of fused fibers that is fused or sewn to a porous fabric and filled with growth media creating a block-like shape 
     Promoting Vegetation 
     The growth of vegetation can be enhanced by placing growth media in porous fabric block-shaped containers to create vegetated retaining wall blocks. The growth media can contain a mixture of many different soils and soil amendments. Some of these include topsoil, a highly porous perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, superabsorbent polymers, humus, and compost. To increase strength of the block, the growth media can be compacted slightly causing the fabric sides of the block to be put under tension and create intimate contact between the growth media and the porous fabric walls of the block. The use of superabsorbent polymers and perlite provides a light weight, but tightly packed, block that supports good root growth in and through the block and into adjacent blocks. 
     The superabsorbent polymers will expand when moistened and put the block fabric walls under more tension creating a stable block and intimate fabric wall and growth media contact. When the superabsorbent polymers absorb moisture they typically expand to at least 30 times their size which assures completely filled blocks and assures good soil to block wall contact without the need to further compact the growth media. This intimate contact between the growth media and the block walls assures that when internal seeds germinate, the plant growth passes through the porous fabric and allows consistent vegetative establishment. In the case of exterior planting, roots are able to contact the soil and establish vegetation. 
     The blocks can be seeded internally giving the option to grow a variety of plants including but not limited to grasses, vines, flowering plants and succulents. When the blocks are filled with growth media they are filled with the exposed face down, making it easy to throw seed into the face of the block or to place a seed carrier inside the block and then fill the block with growth media. A seed carrier may be made with a water absorptive rapidly biodegrading mat, sheet or film. This sheet is sprayed with a water-soluble adhesive and seed is spread onto the sheet and adhered to it. The seed carrier can also be provided as a polyvinyl alcohol film that is wetted to become adhesive allowing seeds to adhere to the film. The seed carrier can either be a single sheet with seed adhered to it or comprised of two sheets with seed sandwiched in between. Additionally, fertilizer may be mixed in with the adhesive or wetting liquid when it is sprayed onto the mat. Granular fertilizer and/or superabsorbent polymers can also be spread onto the seed carrier with the seed. 
     The blocks can be pre-vegetated prior to construction of the final structure form, which is beneficial, allowing immediate root growth into adjacent blocks and surrounding soil thus locking the wall together and anchoring it to adjacent soil zones. Additionally, the pre-established vegetation will reduce soil loss from the wall maintaining strength of the wall. 
     In one embodiment, a mesh is sewn into the exposed face(s) of the block. The shape of the block will be more uniform to increase appeal of the block to installers and consumers. The uniform shape also increases the strength of the wall since the weight of the wall and load on it can be evenly distributed among all blocks. Uniformly shaped blocks are also easier to build with since the blocks fit together similarly to typical building blocks. 
     The blocks can be made with a front face that is vertical or has an incline. The vertical face block would be particularly useful for slope facing applications because the blocks would be square and lay next to each other without gaps that would otherwise channel and concentrate flow causing erosion. These vertical faced blocks may also be used to create walls. The blocks with an inclined face are particularly useful for building vegetated walls. The slope of the front face of the blocks produces better plant growth since the blocks will absorb more water through the face during rainfall events or during irrigation, the plants receive more sunlight, and the slope on the face allows the plants to grow vertically with less obstruction. Additionally, the sloping face will allow seedlings to be deposited onto the face during seed dispersion, allowing the vegetated structure to replant itself. 
     In one embodiment, the block is wrapped in a media retention sleeve. This sleeve is made of an open structure matrix of fused fibers that is sewn into a sleeve shape that can be slid around the block. The sleeve is elastic and smaller in circumference than the outside of the block and is stretched and slid over the outside of the block preventing it from sliding off the block. The sleeve increases the friction of the blocks and stops the blocks from sliding out of the wall which reduces the need for anchoring the blocks together. Further, the sleeve can be made of a rubberized filament creating a more frictional interlock. This sleeve creates an open structure to which hydraulically applied mulch can be sprayed into and trapped within creating a method for external seeding. 
     In one embodiment, the blocks have a hook and loop closure on the back or bottom of the block that can be used to close the block. Since the hook and loop fastener is two inches wide there is enough adjustability to put the fabric under tension when closing the block. The closure is folded like a present. After the block is filled and closed the closure system creates a loop that can be used like a handle making the blocks easier to carry. Additionally, a bar or board may be threaded through this loop and two people can easily carry multiple blocks at a time. A bar can be threaded through this loop in between adjacent blocks and used to anchor the blocks into the soil with soil anchors. 
     Media Retention Sleeve 
       FIG. 13A  is a top perspective view of an example media retention sleeve  300 .  FIG. 13B  is a top view of an example three dimensional media  302 . In this example, two edges  305  and  306  of the three dimensional media  302  are sewn in order to create the sleeve. The sleeve may be expanded slightly for insertion over a block. The three dimensional media includes loops  307  of filament that serve to increase friction between blocks, and to hold hydromulch on exposed surfaces. 
       FIG. 5A  is a side cross section view of a block-shaped-fabric container in an open position on a support filling frame and being filled with a growth media. 
       FIG. 5B  is a side cross section view of the block-shaped fabric container with open flaps and filled with a growth media. 
       FIG. 5C  is a top cross section view of the filled block  100  with closed flaps and removed from the support filling frame; and a growth media retention sleeve  300  positioned for insertion over the filled block. 
       FIG. 5D  is a top view of media retention sleeve  300  partially covering the filled block  100 . 
       FIG. 5E  is a front view of a block stack of filled blocks of  FIG. 5D  where each block is covered with a media retention sleeve  300 , and hydromulch  310  is being sprayed on the block stack. In other examples, growth media retention sleeves  300  are provided only on blocks which will have exposed surfaces. 
     A media retention sleeve may be constructed of an open structure matrix of fused fibers that is sewn into a sleeve shape that can be slid around the block. The sleeve is elastic and smaller in circumference than the outside of the block and is stretched and slid over the outside of the block preventing it from sliding off the block. The sleeve creates an open structure matrix to which hydraulically applied mulch can be sprayed into and trapped within creating a method for external seeding. This growth media retention sleeve may be used in conjunction with or in place of a seed carrier or seed mat. A media retention covering may be affixed to the fabric block by sewing onto a face of the fabric block, or by other means such as stapling or thermal fusing. A media retention sleeve may be used with conventional soil filled non-woven geotextile bags and sprayed with hydromulch to enhance vegetative establishment. Additionally, the media retention covering may be placed around the fabric block by wrapping the exposed face of the block and tucking the mat, comprised of the media retention material, between adjacent block layers. 
     The sleeve also increases the friction of the blocks and stops the blocks from sliding out of the wall which reduces the need for anchoring the blocks together. The sleeve can be made of a rubberized filament creating a more frictional interlock between blocks. The open mesh of a sleeve permits an area to be reseeded. 
     In one example, a media retention sleeve is provided in a single mesh material. In other examples, a sleeve may be provided with a mesh material on the face or faces which will be exposed, and a second material, such as a high friction layer may be provided on other faces of a block. 
     Seed Carrier 
     In this specification, a seed film, seed mat or seed carrier comprises at least one layer of a support film or organic mat. Seeds and other additives may be adhered to the seed carrier to be held in place. The seed carrier holds the seeds at a desired location and promotes a uniform distribution of seeds and other plant growth agents relative to the exposed surface of a growth media filled block by holding seeds and other agents in place and preventing them from moving during filling of the block-shaped fabric container with growth media, placing and watering. The seed carrier promotes the germination of seeds by holding the seeds at a desired depth near the front or top face of the block in contact with growth media. A seed carrier may be made of a water soluble film such as polyvinyl alcohol which dissolves at a select time by watering the film. It could also be comprised of an organic mat such as wood or cellulose fibers that will biodegrade over time. 
     Example—Seed Carrier with Support Layer and Cover Layer 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of a seed carrier  200  in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned between and adhered to a support layer  211  and a cover layer  230 . In one example, the support layer  211  is provided as a polyvinyl alcohol support film; and the cover layer  230  is provided as a polyvinyl alcohol support film. In this example, the support layer  211  has a top surface  212  and a bottom surface  214 . A plurality of plant seeds  222  are positioned on the top surface  212  of the support film  211 . The seeds are adhered to the support film either using a water soluble adhesive or by means of partially dissolving the top surface  212  of the film causing the wetted surface  216  of the film to have adhesive properties. In this example, the cover layer  230  has a top surface  231  and a bottom surface  232 . The bottom surface of the cover layer  232  is adhered to seeds, soil amendments and portions of the top surface of the support film either by using a water soluble adhesive or by means of partially dissolving the bottom surface  232  of the cover film causing the wetted surface  216  of the film to have adhesive properties. 
     Example—Seed Carrier with Seeds on Top Surface of Single Support Film 
       FIG. 2C  is a side view of a seed carrier  220  in which the seeds and soil amendments are positioned on and adhered to the top surface  212  of a support film layer  211 . In this example, no cover layer is provided. 
     In some examples, the seed carrier  200  may further comprise a plurality of fertilizing agent particles  228  positioned on and adhered to the top or bottom layer of a polyvinyl alcohol support film. 
     In some examples, the seed carrier  200  may further comprise a plurality of moisture retention particles  229  positioned on and adhered to the top or bottom layer of a polyvinyl alcohol support film  211 . 
     In some examples, the seed carrier  200  may further comprise a plurality of herbicide particles  226  or pesticide particles  227  positioned on and adhered to the top or bottom layer of a polyvinyl alcohol support film  211 . 
     Example—Seed Film with Seeds on Inverted Single Support Film 
     In other examples, a single cover layer may be used to confine seeds and other materials over growth media. A thin layer of growth media may be added to a block and tamped. Seeds and other materials may be provided on a film. When the seed film is inverted over the tamped material, the support film serves as a cover layer to protect the seeds until water is applied. 
     Example—Retaining Wall Block with Seed Carrier 
     In this example, a retaining wall block  100  has a back face, a front face having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a top face having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a bottom face. A seed carrier  200  is positioned along at least a portion of the interior surface of the front face, or along at least a portion of the interior surface of the top face. The first seed film comprises a support film and at least one seed layer comprising a plurality of plant seeds provided on the support film. 
     The support film holds the seeds at a desired depth near the exposed surfaces of the retaining wall block, and is designed to permit the seeds to germinate. Germination may be facilitated by providing a support film such as polyvinyl alcohol which dissolves upon contact with water. In this example, water may be deliberately applied after retaining wall blocks are placed, either as irrigation or rainfall causing the film to dissolve, initiating germination and moisten the fill material. 
     Other examples of degradable support films include organic mats such as wood or cellulose fibers. 
     In other examples, the seed carrier may be provided on the front face, or both the front face and the top face. 
     Example Method of Filling Fabric Containers with Seed Carriers 
       FIG. 6A  is a front view of a hanging support filling frame  600  and an empty block-shaped fabric container  102 .  FIG. 6B  is a side view of the hanging support filling frame and a block-shaped fabric container of  FIG. 6A . In this example, the support filling frame is a steel rod structure with a base  602 , angled side walls  604 , and a top frame  606 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a side cross section view of an empty block-shaped fabric container  102  with seed carrier supported in an open position on a support filling frame  600 . An empty fabric container is inserted in the support filling frame so that the top, bottom and side flaps of the fabric container wrap over the top frame  606  of the support filling frame. For clarity, the figure shows the lower portion of the fabric container as slightly elevated above the ground or table. This slight gap allows the fabric container material to elongate slightly assuring that the fabric is in tension as it is being filled with growth media. As the fabric material elongates, the lower surface would typically rest against the ground or support surface in order to permit the growth media to be tamped or otherwise compressed. The flaps may be temporarily attached to the top frame of the support filling frame with clips (not shown). In this example, a seed carrier  200  is positioned in the lower portion of the block-shaped fabric container before growth media is added to the block-shaped fabric container. 
       FIG. 4B  is a side cross section view of an empty block-shaped fabric container  102  being filled with a growth media  250  from a funnel or growth media hopper  610 .  FIG. 4C  is a side cross section view of the block-shaped fabric container  102  with open flaps and filled with growth media  250 .  FIG. 4D  is a top cross section view of the filled fabric block  100  with closed flaps and removed from the support filling frame. 
       FIG. 4E  is a front view of a block stack  700  formed from a plurality of filled blocks  100 . In this example, the seed carriers of the top layer  710  of filled blocks are oriented upwards toward the exposed top surface  712  of the block stack. Seeds are contained near the tops of the upper layer of blocks, and along the front of exposed faces of all the blocks where rain or watering the exposed surfaces will initiate seed germination. 
     The retaining wall block may be provided as a pre-filled block with fill material and the seed carrier; or may be provided as an unfilled porous fabric block-shaped container with seed carrier that can be filled on site; or may be provided as a porous fabric block-shaped container and separate seed carrier roll or sheet that can be placed in a unfilled fabric container and then filled with growth media on-site. 
     Example retaining wall blocks are typically 4-8″ high, by 12-24″ wide, and 6-18″ deep, but can be larger or smaller than these dimensions. A common retaining wall block size is 6″ high by 18″ wide by 12″ deep. 
     Example—Pre-Filled Retaining Wall Block with Seed Carrier 
     In this example, a pre-filled retaining wall block comprises of a gusseted porous fabric block-shaped container with a front face, a rear face, a top face, a left side face, a right side face and a bottom face. A first seed carrier positioned along at least a portion of the interior surface of the front face, or along at least a portion of the interior surface of the top face. The seed carrier comprises a support layer and a plurality of plant seeds positioned on a support film. The fabric block-shaped container is then filled with a soil mixture, closed and transported to a job site. A plurality of blocks are aligned or stacked to form a retaining wall where the top or front faces with the seed carriers are exposed. Water is then applied to the exposed faces in order to dissolve the seed support layer, and to dissolve the cover layer if a cover layer is used, releasing the seeds to come in contact with the soil and germinate. 
     Example—Filling Retaining Wall Block on Site 
     In this example, a soil mixture, gusseted porous fabric block-shaped containers and seed carriers are transported to a job site where a first seed carrier is positioned along at least a portion of the interior surface of the front face, or along at least a portion of the interior surface of the top face. The seed carrier comprises a support layer and a plurality of plant seeds positioned on and adhered to a support film. The porous fabric block is then filled with a soil mixture and closed. A plurality of blocks are aligned or stacked to form a retaining wall where the top or front faces with the seed films are exposed. Water is then applied to the exposed faces in order to dissolve the seed support layer, and to dissolve the cover layer if a cover layer is used, thus activating the seeds. 
     Method of Filling Retaining Wall Fabric Block with Seed Carriers 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A  a fabric block support filling frame is provided, and a porous fabric block-shaped container is positioned in the support filling frame with top, bottom and side flaps folded over the frame. A seed carrier is placed in the porous fabric block-shaped container along the inside surface of the front face or other selected face. In this example, the block-shaped fabric container is placed so that the desired seeded face is positioned at the bottom of the frame. This orientation permits fill material to be placed against the seed carrier. 
     Other growth promotion agents are added as desired. 
     In other examples, the growth promotion agents may be provided on one or more separate support films, and the films may be spaced apart in the fabric block, such as by adding a thin layer of fill material such as dirt or compost between the layers. 
     Methods of Constructing a Vegetated Retaining Wall 
     Loops may be sewn into the backside corners of the block. These loops can be used as additional carrying handles during installation. Additionally, soil anchors can be attached to the loops to help hold the blocks in place and prevent them from sliding out of the wall. A rod can be threaded through the loops and anchored to the soil behind the wall thus anchoring multiple blocks with just one anchor. 
     In one embodiment, the blocks can be supplementally anchored together using steel staples or pins. These staples or pins are driven through the top of the block all the way through the block and down into the block underneath it, locking the two together and eliminating them from sliding. This vertical anchor can also be used to connect the blocks to a geogrid sheet to create a mechanically stabilized earth wall. 
     In one embodiment, soil with the addition of superabsorbent polymers is compressed into a cohesive block, and the block is slid into the block-shaped fabric container. When this block is watered it expands and fills the voids of the block. 
     In one embodiment, drip irrigation is placed in between the blocks. This irrigation line is hidden from sight and will not easily become dislodged since it is in between the blocks. 
       FIG. 7A  is a side cross section view of a retaining wall  720  utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system connected with geogrid anchors  520  to plurality of retaining wall blocks  100  with an inclined front faces. A plurality of geogrid sheets  500  are positioned on top of retaining wall blocks, and anchored to the blocks, in order to improve wall stability and strength. Vegetation  240  on the inclined front surface  724  may be promoted as described above, such as by providing seed carriers in the the blocks, or by placing a media retention sleeve around the exterior blocks. 
       FIG. 7B  is a side cross section view of a retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system connected with geogrid anchors to blocks with an inclined front face. Grass sod is placed on the inclined front face of the retaining wall. A plurality of geogrid sheets  500  are positioned as described above. After construction of the retaining wall, a layer of sod  245  is stapled to the inclined face with sod staples  521 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross section view of a retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system as described above. In this example, the blocks  100  on the inclined front face are setback to form a setback front surface  726 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross section view of a vertical retaining wall utilizing a geogrid reinforcement system where a portion  501  of the geogrid sheets are wrapped in front of a plurality of vertical faced retaining wall blocks. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross section view of a vertical retaining wall utilizing a percussion anchoring system  510  connected with connecting rods  530  to blocks with a vertical front face. 
       FIG. 11A  is a cross section view of a slope facing with vertical faced growth media filled fabric blocks utilizing a percussion anchoring system  510  and connecting rods  530 . A plant growth promotion structure is utilized to establish vegetation.  FIG. 11B  is a cross section view of the system of  FIG. 11A  with sod placed or grown on the slope facing. 
     Berm Construction 
     Rectangular blocks or blocks with other geometries, such as trapezoidal or blocks with rounded tops may be provided to construct berms. These blocks may use seed carriers, or hydromulched media retention sleeves to promote vegetation. 
     Green Roof 
     Rectangular blocks or blocks with other geometries, may be used to construct or cover a roof. These blocks may use seed carriers, or hydromulched media retention sleeves to promote vegetation. 
     Prevegetated Blocks 
     In other examples, prevegetated blocks may be supplied by germinating seeds provided in either a seed carrier, or provided in hydromulched media retention sleeves on the blocks. 
     Interior or Exterior Architectural Wall Treatment 
     Rectangular blocks or blocks with other geometries, may be used to construct or cover an exterior or interior wall. These blocks may use seed carriers, or hydromulched media retention sleeves to promote vegetation. 
     It is to be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described above are by way of illustration, and not limitation. Various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill, and the scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims.