Patent Publication Number: US-7584584-B2

Title: Reusable modular block wall assembly system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a building system. Particularly, the present invention relates to a building system with individual building components connected together. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The art of constructing buildings or enclosures to protect people and things from the weather has been done throughout the ages. Building systems and methods have been devised to accomplish the assembly of buildings in a more orderly and predetermined fashion using a variety of building materials. 
   The most commonly used method in both residential and commercial wall construction is known as stick-built construction. Stick-built construction is relatively slow, requiring numerous types of materials and steps to complete the assembly process. It is relatively low technology and typically does not require special or large equipment for installation. A typical wall system in a commercial assembly requires at least four and as many as seven trades. Stick-built construction is seldom successful in achieving high-performance structures as the high number of parts, steps, and trades generally leads to problems with air barrier and insulation performance. Further, stick-built construction is never reusable. 
   Another method used is known as prefabricated and/or panelized construction. In this method, some of the construction steps of the stick-built method are performed in a factory and then the components are shipped to the site in the form of larger, pre-assembled units. Prefabricated and/or panelized construction is typically more expensive than stick-built construction and requires heavy equipment and specialized trades for installation. Panelized construction is seldom used successfully to achieve high-performance structures due to the difficulty in achieving high-performance gasketing or sealing systems as well as the difficulty in achieving good building envelope continuity at transitions between these systems and other portions of the construction such as the roof, the foundation, the window and door systems, etc. Prefabricated and/or panelized construction is rarely reusable. 
   Yet another method used is known as modular block construction. Modular block construction uses smaller prefabricated modular units that incorporate a variety of interlocking modular shapes and sizes. Modular block systems on the market are typically systems where the blocks are forms for casting poured-in-place concrete. These systems require heavy equipment and specialized trades to install them. Others are not insulated or require finishes to be added and are not weather tight. None of these “block” systems are complete wall system assemblies. Most of these block systems are not reusable at all or, at least, not in their original form. Examples of some of these block systems are disclosed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,279 (1988, Isshiki) discloses an assembly block formed from a poly-olefin foam. The block has a body that has a pair of opposite surfaces of which one is provided with a plurality of regularly spaced apart holes, while the other surface is provided with a plurality of regularly spaced apart projections of which each can be fitted into one of the holes of another block. At least one bore extends through the body between the opposite surfaces for receiving a reinforcing bar. The blocks are lightweight and used for assembling a piece of furniture or a part of a building such as a table, stool, gate, or arch. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,640 (1997, Bourgeois et al.) discloses stackable and connectable foam building blocks. The building blocks include pairs of parallel side walls and multiple transverse members extending between the side walls at regular intervals. Each end wall has a U-shaped cutout section at its top to allow concrete flow between cavities of adjacent blocks and for supporting rebars. The upper edge of the end wall defining the lower part of the U-shaped section gradually increases from the outer surface to the inner surface of the end wall to form a downward and inward sloping surface for the lower part of the U-shaped section. Each transverse member includes a pair of structures substantially identical to the end walls. The two structures are positioned back-to-back, such that each cutout surface slopes inward and downward from the middle of the transverse member towards the adjacent cavity and a ridge is formed where the two sloping surfaces meet. The inner surfaces of the side walls, transverse members and end walls defining the cavities have a substantially vertical upper portion, and inward and downward sloping intermediate portion and outward and downward sloping bottom portion. The inner surfaces of the side walls are curved where the side walls meet the transverse members and the end walls, giving the cavities a generally octagonal shape. Stacking members on the upper and lower edges of the side walls, and connectors on outer surfaces of end walls connect blocks in horizontal rows. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,035 (2000, Roberts) discloses a reinforced foam block wall. The foam wall assembly includes vertical passageways that guide wall support elements. The wall assembly has a lower end and an upper support element that are affixed to the wall support elements. The foam wall has inner and outer thermal barriers that thermally isolate the wall support elements. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,102 (1999, Ozawa) discloses a cellular resin block and structural unit for an exterior structure using such block. The cellular block is integrally molded from suitable foamable resin and includes vertical grooves at the transversely opposite extremities, a vertical bar passage at the transversely middle and mortar wells extending on the upper end of the block. Brick is adhesively laid on the surface of the block using elastic mortar to form a structural unit. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,316 (2003, Van Der Heijden) discloses a building system having a plurality of building elements and connecting mechanisms where each of the building elements has an upper and a lower surface which are substantially parallel to each other and at least one opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, and each building element is adapted for alignment with respect to an opening in another building element. Each connecting mechanism is dimensioned to fit within and extend through an opening in a building element and interconnect a plurality of building elements and deformation members. Deformation members are positioned between a lower surface of a building element and a connecting mechanism of another building element, and deformable by a predetermined force to induce a stress in the connecting mechanism of a building element such that it is pressed with a second predetermined force to another building element. 
   Each of the disclosed prior art devices has one or more of the following shortcomings on the way to creating a complete, sustainable building envelope. These include, but are not limited to, a lack of gasketing between the blocks, a lack of a water shedding profile, a lack of a stand-alone integral structure, no integral raceways, no integral fastening system, and most are not reusable at all or, at least, not in their original form. 
   Therefore, what is needed is a reusable structural block that easily forms a complete building enclosure and can be used in place of stick-built construction. What is further needed is a reusable modular block wall system that includes an integral fastening system. What is also needed is a reusable modular block system that is lightweight, easy to handle and assemble with a minimal number of tools and specialized training. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Overview: The modular block system of the present invention is used to create a structural building enclosure wall construction system that provides a reusable product, a high-performance thermal building envelope, flexibility in the installed shape and appearance, an easy interface with accessory building materials, a secure building system, and ease and speed of construction at a reasonable cost. The present invention is completely reusable in its original form, incorporates the means of accommodating usual electrical systems, has superior thermal performance, and performs the structural needs necessary for low-rise buildings or infill curtain wall construction. The reusability characteristics allow for installation, demounting, and reinstallation of the components in their original form without modification. 
   Design Flexibility: The present invention provides a complete modular wall system that can be assembled to meet most building designs without custom fitting of the parts and is compatible with other common building components (windows, doors, etc.). The modular block system of the present invention provides components in sizes and configurations that allow maximum design flexibility. The component sizes of the structural block system of the present invention are configured to meet common structural building component sizes such as, for example, multiples of one foot (1′) (30.38 cm). These suggested building sizes are only exemplary, and it should be understood that other sizes or multiples of other sizes may easily be made and are within the scope of the present invention. In addition to providing a number of structural block configurations to allow virtually unlimited design arrangements, the present invention includes interior and exterior skins/facings that can serve as finishes or receive and support additional surfacing treatments and built-in assemblies. These facings (which, by way of examples, can be stamped or molded “veneers”) can be changed to provide different aesthetic “looks.” The basic and optional facings also provide code-compliant fire and weather protection for the cellular foam or other insulating core material of the blocks. 
   Structural System Parts: While one of the goals of the system of the present invention is to have as few different parts as possible to simplify and reduce distribution and storage costs, an adequate number of parts and sizes are necessary to provide a complete and flexible building system. The structural block system includes one or more block configurations such as a horizontal block, a corner block, a sill cap block, a head cap block, a side jamb block, and the like. A line or series of specialized parts may be required for special conditions found in commercial and high-rise curtain wall system applications that are not typically used in residential construction. 
   Multiple uses: The structural block system of the present invention is also useable in more or less formal situations. One scenario that the system addresses is a do-it-yourself homeowner who wants to add a bedroom to his existing home. The present invention is configured so that the owner can demount the existing blocks where the new room is to be added, buy the additional blocks needed at a local building supply house, take the lightweight blocks home on a trailer or in a pickup truck, and lay up the new walls using a combination of the blocks that were removed and the newly purchased blocks. Another scenario would be use in a disaster relief situation. The basic structural blocks of the present invention could be air dropped to a remote area and the victims could assemble their own shelters. These materials could be reused later in the permanent residences of the victims. At the other end of the spectrum, the structural block system of the present invention is usable as an infill wall system in high-rise commercial steel-framed structures with high-end finishes installed on either or both sides. By stacking and attaching the units to the structure at each floor level, the structural block system of the present invention would provide the same advantages as they provide in low-rise structures. 
   Ease of Construction, storage, and handling: It is important that each structural block be a stand-alone member that has all components of the system in a single part and can be assembled with a minimum of common hand tools. The present invention provides structure, closure, insulation, and finishes in a simple one-step process. Each individual structural block of the present invention provides the interior and exterior finishes and weather protection. The present invention has a reliable installation procedure. In fact, the block structural configuration makes the installation process easy and intuitive, requiring minimal training and/or installation instructions. Components of the structural block system can be shipped in small vehicles and assembled and demounted without special tools or heavy equipment. The individual structural blocks of the system of the present invention are manageable (i.e. can be handled) by one person. The blocks can be stored outside and remain exposed without protection during the installation process. 
   Cost effectiveness: The modular block system of the present invention has numerous advantages over other construction methods and systems. The present invention is low tech and provides for efficient construction. Construction is faster than with conventional stick-built construction. The use of the insulation as the structure provides the cost-effective use of higher than current standard insulation values. 
   Integral electrical raceways: In addition, the structural block system of the present invention provides optional integral raceways for normal in-wall electrical systems. The structure of the modular block is configured to provide both horizontal and vertical internal raceways for wiring in and between adjacent blocks, avoiding routing problems and surface-mounted electrical systems. 
   Structural Characteristics: The system of the present invention uses the molded insulating core as the entire structure of the component. It doesn&#39;t have to be filled with concrete or reinforcing steel or installed with internal framing or other structural elements. It does, however, include optional structure provisions for managing concentrated loads through the use of one or more tubular openings that extend from the top to the bottom of the blocks. The tubular openings are sized to accommodate standard sized construction lumber. The component blocks interlock and are fastened together so that they maintain alignment and transfer structural loads. The system further allows for a staggered stacking pattern to provide additional horizontal strength. 
   Integral Fastening System: The modular block system of the present invention provides a means of structurally connecting the components to each other. This secure attachment also provides a continuous attachment from the foundation to provide resistance to high wind and earthquake loading. The fastening system also provides structural hold-down points for a roof system so that it can be continuously attached to the foundation to resist wind uplift. The integral fastening system also reinforces the assembled blocks by means of post-tensioning the blocks together. The integral metallic fastening system, when fully installed, runs continuously both vertically and horizontally in a structural spacing pattern that provides adequate security for the inhabitants of the structure. The integral fastening system of the structural blocks of the present invention provides the connection between the blocks and compresses the inter-block gaskets. In addition, the fastening system provides adequate post-tensioning for short spans (one to two blocks). The fastening system in each structural block configuration includes at least one connecting mechanism that extends through the insulating core with a fastener extending end and a fastener receiving end. The extending end of the fastener is configured to connectively attach to the fastener receiving end of an adjacent block. The connecting mechanism may optionally include a securing member that is embedded within the block core to prevent the connecting mechanism from separating from the block, but also provides for free operation of the connecting mechanism. The modular block system includes an integral fastening system for speed and ease of construction and provides a molded structural member that does not violate the continuity of the insulation and structural characteristics of the component. 
   Complete High-performance Building Envelope: Unlike prior-art systems, the modular block system of the present invention provides the entire thermal envelope (insulation, vapor control, air barrier, structure, etc). The basic block is made of a molded closed-cell foam or other insulating material in a thickness that will provide a level of energy performance many times better than that of normal construction. An assembled wall system using the structural blocks of the present invention provides high-performance thermal insulation along with good sound isolation in to out. The high-performance nature of the present invention (2 to 3 times more energy efficient than other systems) makes it a material of choice for the new “zero energy” market. Each structural component of the system includes a gasket system that provides an airtight envelope to reduce air infiltration to levels much lower than conventional construction. The integral fastening system described above assures a tight seal at all block interfaces. The present invention also provides a completely weather-tight assembly including a water-shedding interlock profile complete with capillary breaks. The structural blocks of the present invention are weather resistant and don&#39;t require protection. The structural configuration of the structural blocks of the present invention may also optionally provide for one or more capillary break structures to prevent water retention at their junctions when the structural blocks are assembled. 
   Sustainability: There is a current industry-wide need to meet sustainability goals. There are several unique characteristics of the modular block system of the present invention that are designed to meet these needs. The modular block system of the present invention is totally reusable. Make a mistake in construction. It can be taken down and re-assembled correctly, no waste. Want to add a room? The floor plan can be changed using the original parts. While the materials may not be 100% recycled content, the structural blocks of the present invention are one hundred percent (100%) reusable, unlike any other building system currently on the market. The minimal energy and resources required to install/assemble the structural block system of the present invention is also an advantage in this market. 
   In summary, the present invention achieves these and other objectives by providing a reusable, energy-efficient modular block system. The reusable modular block system includes a lightweight, high-performance structural block having an insulating core, an inside facing and an outside facing, a gasketing system connected to the structural block, and a fastening system within the insulating core that extends horizontally and vertically through the insulating block and connects both vertically and horizontally to the adjoining blocks. It is easy to store and install. Other aspects of the present invention include compliance with all applicable building codes and standards; in addition, it provides a means of securing the components together, to accessory building components, and to the foundation. It is easy to store and install. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a horizontal structural block. 
       FIG. 2  is a side transparent view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  showing the inside facing, the shoulder, and the protruding edge of the central portion. 
       FIG. 3  is a side transparent view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  showing the outside facing and the protruding edge of the central portion. 
       FIG. 4  is an end view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  showing the first block end with the end shoulder and the protruding end edge of the central portion. 
       FIG. 5  is an end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the second block end having the recessed channel. 
       FIG. 6  is an end view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  showing the internal horizontal raceway created when two horizontal blocks are assembled. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing one embodiment of a corner block. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 7  showing the assembly of the corner block with two of the horizontal blocks shown in  FIG. 1  and the vertical internal raceways at each interlock of the assembly of two structural blocks. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing another embodiment of the corner block. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of the embodiment in  FIG. 9  showing the assembly of the corner block with two of the horizontal blocks shown in  FIG. 1  and the vertical internal raceways at each interlock of the assembly of two structural blocks. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention showing one embodiment of an end block. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a side jamb block. 
       FIG. 13  is an end view of the side jamb block in  FIG. 12  showing one of the recessed channels containing a piece of conventional lumber installed in the recess provided in the jamb block. 
       FIG. 14  is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a head cap block with optional conventional lumber. 
       FIG. 15  is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a head cap block with an optional concentrated load support member and optional conventional lumber installed in the recess provided in the head cap block. 
       FIG. 16  is an end view of another embodiment of the present invention showing one embodiment of a sill cap block with optional conventional lumber installed in the recess provided in the sill cap block. 
       FIG. 17  is an end view of another embodiment of the flush sill cap block in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is an end view of another embodiment of the flush sill cap block in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 19  is an end view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  showing its use as a base block with a base sill fastener with optional conventional lumber installed in the interlock. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-19 .  FIG. 1  shows a structural block  10  of the structural block system of the present invention. Structural block  10  includes an insulating core  20  with a shoulder  23 , an outside facing  40  (this may optionally wrap around the two ends), an inside facing  60 , a gasketing system  80 , a fastening system  100 , and one or more optional tubular openings  120 . Insulating core  20  is an insulating core material, preferably a closed-cell foam and, more preferably, a two-part closed-cell foam. Examples of acceptable closed-cell foams are polyurethane, polystyrene, foam glass, and the like. Outside facing  40  and inside facing  60  are preferably made of a code-compliant fire protection material such as, for example, a metal or other fire-retardant cladding. Outside and inside facings  40 ,  60  are preferably about 0.030 inches (0.76 mm) thick and are connected to insulating core  20 . Various conventional methods may be used for attaching the facings  40 ,  60  to insulating core  20  such as mechanical, mold-injecting, adhesive, and other bonding techniques known to those skilled in the relevant art. 
     FIG. 2  is a side, transparent view of structural block  10  showing the inside facing  60 . Shoulder  23  extends a predefined distance above the top of inside facing  60  and beyond the end of inside facing  60  at a first block end  16 . Shoulder  23  is instrumental in forming internal raceways, which will be more clearly disclosed and explained later. Insulating core  20  extends above a block top  12  and beyond first block end  16 . As can be seen from the side view, a recess channel  24  extends the length of a block bottom  14  and a second block end  18 . Recess channel  24  is more clearly illustrated in the remaining figures. 
   Gasketing system  80  includes an inside gasket  82  and an outside gasket  92 . As illustrated, inside gasket  82  and outside gasket  92  are configured along two sides of structural block  10 . Inside gasket  82  is connected along a pre-selected surface of block top  12  and first block end  16  while outside gasket  92  is connected along a pre-selected surface of block bottom  14  and second block end  18 . When two adjacent structural blocks  10  are connected to each other, gasketing system  80  creates a weather tight seal spaced from the inside facing  60  and outside facing  40  around the periphery of structural block  10 . It should be understood that the gasket material may optionally surround the periphery of structural block  10  on all sides, but this only adds cost to the block without any noticeable improvement in system performance. The gasket material is preferably a resilient material that retains its ability to provide a seal even when the structural blocks are disassembled and reassembled. 
   Fastening system  100  typically includes at least one vertical connecting mechanism  102  and at least one horizontal connecting mechanism  110  for each structural block  10 ; although in some limited block components of the present invention, there may be only a vertical connecting mechanism, a horizontal mechanism, or no component of fastening system  100  whatsoever. The structural block illustrated is one example of structural block  10  having a length of 4 feet (1.22 m) and a height of 1 foot (30.5 cm). As previously explained, structural block  10  may be provided in various lengths and heights, but preferable in commonly used multiples of sizes typical of the building trade. For example, structural blocks  10  could be provided in 1 foot (30.5 cm) or ½ foot (15.25 cm) increments in either the length or height dimensions, or both. It is further noted that the width of structural block  10  could vary as well depending on R-value or other structural reasons. 
     FIG. 3  is a transparent side view of structural block  10  showing the outside facing  40 . Insulating core  20  extends along top  12  and first block end  16  while recess  24  extends along bottom  14  and second block end  18 , which creates a male-female interlocking mechanism for assembling a plurality of modular blocks  10  of the present invention. A plurality of vertical and horizontal connecting mechanisms  102 ,  110  are within insulating core  20 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated an end view of first block end  16 . Insulating core  20  has a central portion  22 , an outside portion  26 , and an inside portion  30 . Central portion  22  has a shoulder  23  that extends a predefined distance above the top of inside portion  30  and extends beyond first block end  16  such that it is extending toward the viewer of  FIG. 4 . Recess channel  24  along bottom  14  is illustrated. Inside gasket  82  is connected to the inside portion  30  of insulating core  20  and spaced from inside facing  60 . Outside portion  26  includes optional capillary break structures  27 . Outside facing  40  has an optional flashing extension  28  that extends over the top of outside portion  26  and up a predefined distance along the extension of central portion  22 . As can be seen, outside gasket  92  does not extend over the entire length of first block end  16  of insulating core  20 . It should be noted that the preferred embodiment illustrates the inside facing  60  and the outside facing  40  as optionally wrapping around the top  12  and the bottom  14 . It also shows that this wrapping of the facings is not necessary. 
     FIG. 5  shows an end view of second block end  18 . Outside gasket  92  extends along the bottom of central portion  22  and up the end of central portion  22  at second block end  18  and spaced from outside portion  26 . Recess channel  24  extends the entire length of central portion  22  at this second block end  18 . Recess channel  24  and the extension of central portion  22  provide the interlocking mechanism in both the horizontal and vertical direction that makes assembly of the modular block system of the present invention easy and intuitive. 
     FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of two structural blocks  10 ,  10 ′ assembled to each other as viewed from first block end  16 . It should be noted that the method of assembly does not require the vertical junctions of blocks  10 ,  10 ′ to be staggered because of fastening system  100  and the interlocking features of blocks  10 . The extension of central portion  22 ′ and shoulder  23 ′ of the lower block  10 ′ mate with recess channel  24  of the upper block  10 . Vertical connecting mechanism  102  extends through the central portion  22  of insulating core  20  from top  12  to bottom  14 . 
   In the embodiment illustrated, vertical connecting mechanism  102  has an elongated member  104  with a fastener extending end  105  and a fastener receiving end  106 . Fastener ends  105 ,  106  are matingly configured so that the fastener extending end  105  connectively attaches to the fastener receiving end  106 ′ of a vertical connecting mechanism  102 ′ in an adjacent block  10 ′. In this example, fastener extending end  105  has a predefined number of threads and fastener receiving end  106  has an outer structure shaped like a nut with a threaded internal recess. As the blocks  10 ,  10 ′ and the connecting mechanisms  102 ,  102 ′ are aligned, the fastener extending end  105  of the top block  10  is threaded into the fastener receiving end  106 ′ of the bottom block  10 ′ by turning fastener receiving end  106 . As tensioning occurs, inside gasket  82  and outside gasket  86  are compressed between blocks  10 ,  10 ′ creating a weather-tight seal. It should be understood that  FIG. 6  illustrates the assembled blocks before tensioning in order to show the positions of the inside and outside gaskets  82 ,  86 , respectively.  FIG. 6  also illustrates an optional retaining member  107  connected to connecting mechanism  102 . Retaining member  107  is retained by central portion  22  of foam block  20  to prevent accidental loss of connecting mechanism  102 . 
   One of the key features of the modular block system of the present invention is the continuous, horizontal, internal raceway  200  created by the assembly of adjacent structural blocks  10 . For each run of horizontal blocks  10 , a horizontal raceway is formed by the central portion  22  and the inside portion  30 . The surfaces that create raceway  200  may optionally be covered with an electrically conductive material for grounding purposes. As will be explained later, continuous, vertical, internal raceways are similarly created upon assembly. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated a top view of one embodiment of a corner block of the present invention. Like the horizontal block previously discussed, corner block  10   a  has central portion  22  with shoulder  23 , outside portion  26 , inside portion  30 , outside facing  40 , inside facing  60 , first block end  16 , second block end  18 , vertical connecting mechanism  102 , horizontal connecting mechanism  110 , and tubular openings  120 . Recess  24  at second block end  18  is substantially perpendicular to the central portion  22 . Outside portion  26  and outside facing  40  wrap around second block end  18  forming an outside wall corner. As shown, tubular opening  120  at second block end  18  provides access to fastener receiving end  106  for tensioning horizontal connecting mechanism  110 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates the use of the embodiment of corner block  10   a  with horizontal blocks  10 . Line  300  indicates the center line for outside gasket  92  and line  310  indicates the center line for horizontal connecting mechanism  110 . First block end  16  connects with second block end  18  forming an internal, vertical raceway  210  at each junction between adjacent blocks. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated a top view of another embodiment of a corner block of the present invention. In this embodiment, corner block  10   b  has central portion  22  with shoulder  23 , outside portion  26 , inside portion  30 , outside facing  40 , inside facing  60 , first block end  16 , second block end  18 , vertical connecting mechanism  102 , horizontal connecting mechanism  110 , and tubular openings  120 . The extension of central portion  22  at first block end  16  is substantially perpendicular to the recess channel  24  at second block end  18 . Outside portion  26  and outside facing  40  wrap around first block end  16  forming an outside wall corner. As shown, tubular opening  120  at first block end  16  provides access to fastener receiving end  106  for tensioning horizontal connecting mechanism  110 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates the use of the embodiment of corner block  10   b  with horizontal blocks  10 . Line  300  indicates the center line for outside gasket  92  and line  310  indicates the center line for horizontal connecting mechanism  110 . First block end  16  connects with second block end  18  forming an internal, vertical raceway  210  at each junction between adjacent blocks. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of an end block  10   c . End block  10   c  includes insulating core  20  having a central portion  22  with tubular opening  120 , and vertical and horizontal connecting mechanisms  102 ,  110 , respectively. The facing may be either outside facing  40 , inside facing  60 , or both depending on the use of the end block. It should be also understood that any of the structural blocks of the present invention may have the same facing material on both sides of the structural blocks, i.e., inside facing or outside facing, depending on where the wall is being located. A narrower end block is also contemplated that would not have a central portion  22 . 
     FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate one embodiment of a side jamb block  10   d .  FIG. 12  shows a side view of one embodiment of a side jamb block  10   d  with central portion  22 , outside portion  26 , inside portion  30 , outside facing  40 , and inside facing  60 .  FIG. 13  is a top end view of side jamb block  10   d  showing insulating core  20  with recess channel  24  and  24 ′ on either side of central portion  22  between inside portion  26  and outside portion  30 . In one of the recess channels  24 ,  24 ′, a piece of convention lumber  2  may be connected to provide a surface for attachment of an accessory door or window unit. Side jamb block  10   d  may optionally be provided as left or right side jambs for doors or with the same or different inside facings for indoor use. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates an end view of one embodiment of a head cap block  10   e . Like previous structural blocks, head cap block  10   e  has an insulating core  20  with central portion  22 , outside portion  26  and inside portion  30 . Outside facing  40  is attached to outside portion  26  and inside facing  60  is attached to inside portion  30 . Shoulder  23  of central portion  22  is adjacent inside portion  30  and insulating core  20  has gasketing system  80  connected thereto. In this embodiment, outside gasket  92  seals head cap block  10   e  to the wood. In this way, the wood is sealed to the window/door as in conventional construction for air barrier continuity. Recess channel  24  may optionally contain conventional lumber  2  held in place by a cap fastener  114 , which may be the same or similar to a sill cap fastener  115  disclosed below. 
     FIG. 15  illustrates the embodiment in  FIG. 14  but with an additional, optional member. Within recess channel  24 , there is illustrated a concentrated load support member  116 . Load support member  116  is a reinforcing structural lintel section (preferably two angled components as shown) that provides additional load-bearing support to the structural blocks. Load support member  116  preferably attaches to the vertical connecting mechanism in a similar way that one connecting mechanism attaches to another connecting mechanism. 
     FIGS. 16-18  illustrate various embodiments of a sill cap block  10   f .  FIG. 16  is an end view of sill cap block  10   f  showing an insulating core  20  with an outside facing  40  and an inside facing  60 . Because it is used as a sill cap, sill cap block  10   f  has only an outside gasket  92 . In shape, the embodiment of sill cap block  10   f  is similar in profile to side jamb block  10   d . Sill cap block  10   f  has a central portion  22 , an outside portion  26 , an inside portion  30 , and recess channels  24 ,  24 ′ on either side of central portion  22  between outside portion  26  and inside portion  30 . In this configuration, a piece of convention lumber  2  in inserted within recess channel  24 ′ in order to provide a flat surface for receiving the bottom of a window.  FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of a sill cap  10   f ′. In this embodiment, sill cap  10   f ′ has only one recess channel  24  and a top  12  that is substantially flat over its entire top surface without any part of central portion  22  extending beyond top  12  (these flat versions are for windows that are set farther inward in the block section where the top of the block shows outside beyond the window sill).  FIG. 18  illustrates another embodiment of a sill cap. In this embodiment, sill cap  10   f ″ has one recess channel  24  and a top  12  that is substantially flat over a major portion of its top surface. A recessed shoulder  25  is created along the top outside portion  26  of insulating core  20 . Outside facing  40  preferably has an optional flashing extension  28  that covers recessed shoulder  25 . Flashing extension  28  provides flashing for water running off of the sill, which is set back (inward) on block  10 . 
     FIG. 19  illustrates the interface between a structural block  10  of the present invention and a base such as a foundation  5 . All conventional foundations have a sill board  7  installed on the top surface of the foundation  5 . The sill board  7  is typically pressure-treated lumber that is secured in place with securing straps or anchor bolts (not shown) that are anchored in the concrete of the foundation. A structural block  10  that is used as the starter blocks on a base/foundation requires a means for securing the block  10  to the foundation. Alternately, a similar wood sill board would be attached to a wood floor deck or platform. A base sill fastener  115  is configured for attachment to the connecting mechanism  102  of a block  10  at fastener extending end  105 . Base sill fastener  115  has a threaded recess on one end for receiving fastener extending end  105  and a mechanism for attaching to the sill board. In the illustration in  FIG. 19 , the mechanism for attaching to the sill board  7  is a screw configuration that screws into the sill board  7  to anchor structural block  10  to the base/foundation  5 . 
   Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.