Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to and is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/978,961, filed on Nov. 1, 2004, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/331,407, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/736,598, filed on Dec. 13, 2000, and of which the entire contents of each are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of retaining walls to protect and beatify property in all types of environmental settings is a common practice in the landscaping, construction and environmental protection fields. Walls constructed from various materials are used to outline sections of property for particular uses, such as gardens or flower beds, fencing in property lines, reduction of erosion, and to simply beautify areas of a property. 
         [0004]    Numerous methods and materials exist for the construction of retaining walls. Such methods include the use of natural stone, poured in place concrete, masonry, landscape timbers or railroad ties. In recent years, segmental concrete retaining wall units, sometimes known as keystones, which are dry stacked (i.e., built without the use of mortar), have become a widely accepted product for the construction of retaining walls. Examples of such units are described in U.S. Pat. No. RE 34,314 (Forsberg) and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 (Sievert). 
         [0005]    However, many of the materials utilized in the construction of retaining walls are susceptible to deterioration and/or are not very aesthetically appealing. The ability of these retaining walls to withstand sunlight, wind, water, general erosion and other environmental elements is a problem with most retaining wall products. 
         [0006]    A particular concern is the utilization of erosion protection materials in water shorelines. Leaving the shoreline natural can lead to erosion, cause an unmanageable and unusable shoreline, create high maintenance, and inhibit an aesthetically pleasing property. Many materials utilized in retention of shorelines are subject to immediate deterioration and/or are not as aesthetically appealing as one would desire. Furthermore, many materials utilized on shoreline structures are difficult to maintain due to the awkward location in the water and also the prevalent growth and presence of organic materials that can get caught and flourish in such a structure. For example, many lakeshore or ocean side properties utilize riprap as a retention device for prevention of erosion. Riprap is a configuration of large to medium size stones placed along the shoreline. A problem with waterfront properties that use a continuous wall of typical riprap is the shoreline will retain some organic material or will accumulate additional organic material brought in by the water. This usually leads to an unmanageable and aesthetically displeasing shoreline or higher maintenance. Furthermore, the riprap is never uniform in color and size and therefore does not as provide the most aesthetically pleasing shoreline or complete coverage of the shoreline. The lack of uniform shoreline coverage allows for some erosion, collection of various materials and the growth of weeds. 
         [0007]    Another problem with materials normally utilized in the construction of retaining walls, such as poured in place concrete, masonry, landscape timbers, railroad ties or keystones is that regulations in most states and counties prohibit their use in or near bodies of water because of the crumbling or deterioration of the material into the body of water over time. Many of these retaining wall materials dissolve, crumble, break apart and/or float into the body of water for which they line causing problems with the shoreline and pollution of the water. For example, the average life of a concrete block or keystone in water is approximately a couple of years. A need exists for a retaining wall, which would be resistant to such deterioration. 
         [0008]    An additional concern that exists in the construction of retaining walls is the weight of the materials. Concrete blocks, large stones, timbers or keystones can be heavy to move into the wall location and maneuver when constructing the wall. Many locations for which retaining walls are constructed are positioned in awkward terrain. Heavy building materials are difficult to move into the location and furthermore are difficult to position when constructing the retaining wall thereby adding additional cost and labor for installation. However, the heavy materials are needed once the wall is constructed to provide stability and security to the structure. Therefore, the easy to install light-weight units used for the construction of a retaining wall, which can be weighted once placed into position thus retaining the block in position and stabilizing the completed retaining wall, would be beneficial to construction of such structures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    As previously mentioned the present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also ultimately provides stability and security to the retaining wall constructed of such blocks. More specifically, the deterioration resistant block comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a wall assembly and an optional anchoring device. One or more chambers are created by adjoining the top panel, bottom panel and wall assembly. The chambers are adapted for receiving and retaining fill materials. such as sand, dirt, gravel, pea rock, crushed rock, concrete or any other similar material, which provides the permanent weighting and stability of the retaining wall block. 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention are comprised of a deterioration resistant retaining block for use in constructing retaining walls on a number of property terrains, such as along waterfront properties. The deterioration resistant blocks are particularly useful for terrains near water or underwater due to their resistance to degradation. However, the deterioration resistant blocks could also be used for land applications for those that want a light-weight retaining wall block that can be filled on-site to add weight and stability and doesn&#39;t require heavy equipment for moving. Therefore, the deterioration resistant retaining wall block could be utilized to construct any form of wall or fence structure. 
         [0011]    One unique feature of the present invention is the lightweight characteristic of the block before it is filled. As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention can be waterproof and may be filled with any type of fill material located at the site, such as rocks, sand, gravel, soil, pea rock, crushed rock or similar materials. The filling characteristic of the deterioration resistant block means that when the block is not filled it is very light-weight. The light-weight feature provides individuals constructing such walls the advantage of easily moving large numbers of the blocks to the site of construction with relative ease. Furthermore, the lightweight characteristic of the blocks allows for easy maneuvering of the blocks into final position when constructing the wall and still allows for the stability of a heavy block after it is filled. These characteristics are met by the block being made of a lightweight material and also configured to receive a heavy fill material once it is about to be placed or has been placed in its final position on the retaining wall. 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the present invention further fills an unmet landscaping need for shorelines in that the deterioration resistant blocks are easily manufactured. Examples of possible manufacturing methods include but are not limited to injection-molding, thermoforming, compression molding and blow-molding. Also any high volume application for production may be utilized in manufacturing the present invention. The individual units are light-weight, attractive, easy to install, prevent shoreline and other terrain erosion and compliment existing retaining wall block. The deterioration resistant blocks are also waterproof, can withstand ice damage due to their flexible nature and are easily replaced in case of damage. Furthermore, they are rugged and very low maintenance. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are easily transportable and storable due to their light-weight and possible stacking features. 
         [0013]    Individuals would be more inclined to install block made of a deterioration resistant material themselves rather than cement block, timbers, keystones and the like, because of the ease of installation, due to the lightweight material and also the longevity of the block. The minimum weight of most regular garden block is approximately 30-50 lbs, whereas embodiments of the present invention may be approximately 0.1-10 lbs, in various embodiments 1-2 lbs. Of course, weight may vary depending on the size and materials utilized in manufacturing embodiments of the present invention. Also, as previously mentioned the blocks of the present invention retain the final stability and weight by filling the block with an appropriate fill material either prior to or after it has been permanently installed. 
         [0014]    As previously suggested, embodiments of the present invention are also resistant to deterioration, such as wear, crumbling and breaking, therefore, the deterioration resistant block does not have to be replaced as often and/or increases the lifespan of the retaining wall. The block has approximately the lifespan of at least 5-10 times the life of a regular cement block made by the dry cement process such as the Keystone® style retaining wall block. The increased lifespan of the block translates to fewer or no occurrences of replacement of individual blocks or the potential complete reconstruction of the entire wall. Furthermore, retaining wall materials, such as concrete block, timbers and dry cement process block, are typically not used in water applications because they dissolve, crumble and/or break down over time and exposure. The durability and resistant characteristics of the present invention reduce and prevent this deterioration, therefore making it very beneficial for all applications that come in contact with water. 
         [0015]    Another consideration relating to the water application of embodiments of the retaining wall block of the present invention is the block&#39;s resistance to ice damage when installed around a body of water when it freezes. When ice expands and/or moves it shifts, tears and damages various types materials utilized for shoreline retention, such as keystone, concrete block, rip rap, landscape timbers or anything rigid. Embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured with a material that has flexibility and would flex in a similar way as a Rubbermaid® trash can flexes. Considering that the deterioration resistant block would be filled with a fill material, the deformation would be minimal, but still enough to prevent damage to the retaining wall block and/or the entire wall. Furthermore, upon melting or shifting of the ice the deterioration resistant block would return to its original configuration. 
         [0016]    Another advantage of embodiments of the present invention relates to the high cost of waterfront property and people&#39;s inclination to improve their property to keep it well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. As previously mentioned riprap, is commonly stacked along property shorelines to prevent erosion. The trouble with this shoreline preservation application is that the rock leaves many crevices for organic material to reside and, since it is close to water, the crevices are prominent areas for the growth of vegetation. The advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they fit next to each other and prevent organic material from getting in-between the blocks, therefore preventing vegetation from growing in such structures. 
         [0017]    In addition, many waterfront properties suffer water damage when water levels rise above the shoreline. The retaining wall block of the present invention is a solution to water retention and erosion problems in such areas of threatening high or rising water levels. Furthermore, the retaining wall block poses a solution in locations where there is a flood plane or areas that are washed out by any type of water movement. Sandbags have been a solution to such problems, but are not a permanent or aesthetically pleasing solution. The retaining wall block can replace sand bags in an area for which a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing alternative is desired. 
         [0018]    As previously suggested, the deterioration resistant retaining wall block can comprise any type of shape, configuration, color and design. In addition the retaining wall block may include any design or color located anywhere on any panel or wall of the block. Furthermore, the utilization of conventional type materials for retaining walls, such as concrete blocks, timbers or concrete retaining wall blocks, are heavy to install and may not provide long term or permanent solutions, due to the previously mentioned deterioration problems. Therefore, the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing solution and replacement for materials, including sandbags, presently utilized in retaining wall construction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a split top panel having teeth. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a split top panel having intertwining fingers. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes a retaining flange. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a wall reinforcement fastener in the form of rivets. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  depicts a side view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a wall reinforcement fastener in the form of rivets on the top panel and flange. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a wall reinforcement fastener in the form of tack strips. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a wall reinforcement fastener in the form of a grid retention rod system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4D  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a geogrid fabric adjoined to the block. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  depicts a front view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes insertable pegs. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective view of deterioration resistant retaining wall blocks, which includes an aperture in the form of a trough for receiving lockable insertable pegs. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the bottom panel of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes insertable pegs. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  depicts a perspective view of the bottom panel of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes conduit insertable pegs that include protrusions. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the bottom panel of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes insertable pegs that slide within a mounting tray. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of deterioration resistant retaining wall that depicts the pegs of one embodiment of a block being lowered into the apertures of two blocks positioned below. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9A  depicts a perspective view of deterioration resistant retaining wall that includes staggered rows and a stabilizing rod and geogrid system adjoined to the wall. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9B  depicts a perspective view of deterioration resistant retaining wall that includes staggered rows and molded designs on the front panel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block containing multiple chambers. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  depicts a top view of a multiple chamber deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes a top panel with multiple apertures. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12A  depicts a perspective view of a cover of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12B  depicts a perspective view of a cover with extended overlapping panels form fitted over a deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0040]      FIG. 12C  depicts a perspective view of a cover with an extended overlapping panel having a front face with an apron form fitted over a deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0041]      FIG. 13A  depicts a side view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block including a hingedly attached cover. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13B  depicts a perspective view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block including recessions for receiving tabs of a cover. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13C  depicts a side view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block including a hingedly attached cover. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13D  depicts a side view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block including a hingedly attached split cover. 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  depicts a top view of a partial section of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0046]      FIG. 14A  depicts a perspective view of a block end cap. 
           [0047]      FIG. 14B  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a block including cap hooking devices. 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  depicts a top view of a multi-unit deterioration resistant retaining wall block, which includes disengaging tabs. 
           [0049]      FIG. 16  depicts a front view of a multi-unit deterioration resistant retaining wall block. 
           [0050]      FIG. 17  depicts a top view of a multi-unit deterioration resistant retaining wall block with disengaged tabs. 
           [0051]      FIG. 18  depicts a top view of a deterioration resistant retaining wall block that includes interlocking clips and pockets. 
           [0052]      FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of more than one stackable deterioration resistant retaining wall blocks. 
           [0053]      FIG. 20  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a partial row of deterioration resistant capping blocks. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of the deterioration resistant retaining wall block  10  comprising a top panel  12 , a bottom panel  14  and a wall assembly  16 .  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention that includes a top split panel  12 , which includes a first section  18  and a second section  20 . It is noted that a number of embodiments included in the present invention may include a top panel  12  that is not split. The top split panel  12  may also include one or more apertures  22 . The apertures  22  may be of any size and shape suitable for receiving one or more anchoring devices as will be described below. The bottom panel  14  includes a relatively flat surface or contoured to rest uniformly with the top panel  12  of one or more blocks  10  positioned below. In other embodiments of the present invention the top panel  12  and bottom panel  14  may include apertures  22  that align with apertures positioned on the top panel and bottom panel of adjacent blocks above and below. Such alignment of apertures  22  allow for the intermingling of fill material that may add additional friction between the blocks and may provide a potential securing feature for geogrid fabric positioned between rows of blocks. 
         [0055]    As previously mentioned, the deterioration resistant retaining block  10  also includes a wall assembly  16 , which is also depicted in  FIG. 1 . The wall assembly  16  comprises one or more outside wall panels  24 . Many embodiments of the present invention include wall assemblies  16  that are adjoined to the top panel  12  and bottom panel  14 . The adjoinment of the wall assembly  16  to the top panel  12  and bottom panel  14  creates a chamber  26  located within the retaining block  10 . The chamber  26  is normally filled with materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, concrete, crushed rock, pea rock or other like materials to provide weight and structure stability to the retaining block  10  and the entire retaining wall. 
         [0056]    Additionally, the wall assembly  16  will generally include a front face  17  that is visible to an observer when a wall is constructed from the blocks  10  of the present invention. In various embodiments of the present invention the front face  17  will have a natural earthen appearance simulating the color and texture of earth environments. For example, the front face may be colored and textured to have the appearance of rock, stone, sand, soil, clay, trees and foliage, water, or any other natural environment type look. Additionally, in additional embodiments the front face  17  may further include one or more designs (e.g. symbols, company names, logos, images) that may be positioned in the natural earthen appearance (e.g. the NTR logo embedded in a stone color and texture). 
         [0057]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict various embodiments of a top split panel  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 2A , one embodiment of a top split panel  12  of the present invention comprises a second section  20  having a plurality of teeth  28 . The teeth  28  may extend downward from the second section  20  when in a closed position and may be utilized to engage one or more wall stabilization devices (not shown), such as geogrid or geowebbing. It is noted that the teeth  28  may be considered a wall reinforcement fastener (a further explanation of wall reinforcement fasteners will be described below). The second section  20  may abut flush to the front edge of the first section  18  of the top split panel  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  or may overlap and/or engage the first section  18 . One embodiment of the engagement of the top panel section is depicted in  FIG. 2   a . As depicted in  FIG. 2   a , the first section  18  may include a plurality of notches  30 , which receive and engage the teeth  28  of the second section  20  when the split top panel  12  is in the closed position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2B  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein the top split panel  12  includes a first section  18  and a second section  20  with intertwining fingers  32  that alternate with each other when the top split panel  12  is in the closed position. 
         [0059]    In various embodiments of the present invention, the bottom panel  14  may optionally include or be adjoined to a flange  34 .  FIG. 3  depicts the side view of an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a retaining flange  34  adjoined to the bottom surface  14  of the block  10 . On a constructed wall, each retaining flange  34  is a wall retention device that operates to align the block being placed with the row below and generally inhibits outward movement of the wall. Normally, the retaining flange  34  extends downward from the back of the bottom panel  14  and rests against the back of the retaining block  10  located below the bottom panel  14 . The retaining flange  34  may be a unitary piece extending downward from the back of the retaining block  10  or may be a series of fingers (not shown) extending downward from the back of the retaining block  10 . 
         [0060]    The retaining block  10  of the present invention may also include a means for attaching wall stabilization devices, such as geogrid.  FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a wall reinforcement retention device  38  comprising a plurality of rivets  40  operably adjoined to the front section  20  of the top panel  12  of a retaining wall block.  FIG. 4A  depicts an embodiment of the block including the rivets  40  positioned on the top panel  12  and flange  34 . However, it is noted that the rivets  40  may be positioned anywhere on the block, which is optimum to hook and retain the webbing of a geogrid or other device that extends back from the wall into the slope being protected. The rivets may be of any size and shape, which optimize the attachment of the geogrid or other devices reinforcing the wall structure. 
         [0061]      FIG. 4B  depicts another embodiment of a wall reinforcement retention device  38  in the form of tack strips  42 . Tack strips  42  generally include a series of projections  44  that angle away from the force exerted by the geogrid. The geogrid is normally hooked by the projections  44  and extends back into the slope. It is noted that in embodiments that include a top split panel  12  the projections are generally attached to the second section  20 , which tend to pull the front of the block  10  back towards the slope. 
         [0062]    Yet another embodiment of a block  10  of the present invention which includes a wall reinforcement device  38  is depicted in  FIG. 4C .  FIG. 4C  depicts a top panel  12  that includes a front panel  20  having an elongated member  46 . In this embodiment the elongated member  46  extends the width of an edge of the second section  20  of the top panel  12 . The elongated member  46  may be a section of textured environment resistant material, such as a plastic rod, that may be integral with the second section  20 . The second section  20  in this embodiment may further include a ridge  48  positioned a distance from and running parallel with the elongated member  46 , which thereby forms a groove  50  sized to receive and retain a grid retention rod  52 . The ridge  48  may be a continuous structure of polymeric material or may be a series of pegs spaced apart from each other, but spanning the length of the second section  20 . 
         [0063]    In operation, the wall reinforcement fastener  38  depicted in  FIG. 4  functions by extending a section of geogrid fabric  54  over the first section  18  of a block  10  and under and around the rod  52 . Once around the rod  52 , the geogrid fabric  54  extends back towards the slope and the rod  52  is positioned in groove  50 . The wall reinforcement retention device  38  depicted in  FIG. 4  generally holds the geogrid  54  in place by positioning the elongated member  46 , ridge  48  and rod  52  within a channel  56  positioned on a lower panel  14  of a block when the block is lowered onto the top panel  12  of a block below. 
         [0064]    Finally, another embodiment of a wall reinforcement retention device  38  that may be utilized with blocks  10  of the present invention may be to integrate the geogrid fabric  54  with the block  10 . Integration of the geogrid  54  to the block  10  may be done by utilizing a fastener or means to fasten the geogrid fabric to the block or by molding the geogrid  54  directly into the block  10 . This may be done by utilizing any fastening means know in the art, such as adhesives, staples, solvent welding, clips, rivets and any other fastening means, which would retain the fabric  54  to the block  10 .  FIG. 4D  depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the geogrid  54  is integrated into the top panel  12  the block  10 . Alternatively, it is noted that the geogrid may be integrated into the bottom panel  14  or wall assembly  16 , such as the back wall panel. 
         [0065]    The retaining wall block  10  of the present invention may further include one or more anchoring devices that interlock the blocks and rows of the constructed retaining walls utilizing such blocks  10 .  FIG. 5A  depicts one embodiment of the present invention wherein the anchoring devices include one or more insertable pegs  58 . The pegs  58  may be inserted into apertures  22  shaped similar to the pegs  58  or in a slightly oblong configuration to accommodate adjacent block fitting issues that may arise during construction of a wall. Alternatively, the insertable pegs  58  may also be received by a block  10  position below that includes a single aperture  22  that is in the shape of a trough  59  that extends across the width of the top panel  12  as depicted in  FIG. 5B . In one embodiment of the present invention, the trough may be positioned between the first section  18  and second section  20  of the top panel  12 . In various embodiments the pegs  58  may be closed structures or, alternatively, open conduits that allow for the flow of fill material from one block to the blocks positioned below. 
         [0066]    In  FIG. 5A  the insertable pegs  58  are positioned on the bottom panel  14  and are configured to be securely receivable in the apertures  22  of one or two top panels  12  of one or two adjacent retaining blocks  10  positioned below. The insertable pegs  58  can be made of any shape and size, which can be securely fit into the apertures  18  of the top panel  12  and optionally penetrate into the fill material of the block below. For example the pegs may be shaped as a cone or rod, wherein the bottom of the peg is pointed to better penetrate the fill material inserted in the block below. The insertable pegs  58  may also function to seal the interior of the below adjacent retaining block  10  from outside elements. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 6 and 7  depict other types of peg configuration.  FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom panel  14  of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the insertable pegs  58  are aperture inserts. Each insertable peg  58  of this embodiment includes a peg extension  60  which extends down from a sealing panel  62 . In operation, the peg extensions  60  are placed into an aperture  22 , which is position on the bottom panel  14  of a block. The aperture  22  may be oblong to accommodate lateral movement of the insertable peg  58  so that it may line up with a corresponding aperture on the top panel of a block positioned below. The sealing panel  62  will be generally larger than the aperture  22  positioned on the bottom panel  14  to properly seal the aperture  22  when the insertable pegs  58  adjoined to a block are locked into position on the wall. The insertable pegs  58  will be set into position upon entry into the aperture and fill material of the block below and with the weight of the fill material upon filling the block of which the insertable pegs are placed. The insertable pegs  56  may be solid in structure or may be an open conduit for the intermingling of fill material from one block to the next. Such intermingling of fill material may be beneficial in adding extra friction between blocks and thereby increase their connectivity. 
         [0068]    In an alternative embodiment, wherein the insertable pegs  56  include an open conduit as depicted in  FIG. 6A , the peg extensions  60  may comprise a plurality of protrusions  64  extending from the sealing panel  62 . The protrusions  64  may be pointed to better penetrate the fill material of the block positioned below and together may form the general shape of the aperture they project from. 
         [0069]    In an alternate embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 7 , the insertable pegs  58  may slide within a mounting tray  66  positioned on the bottom panel  14 . The sealing panel  62  is generally sized to fit within the mounting tray  66  so that the panel  62  is retained within the upper tray edges  68  and slides freely in a lateral movement within the tray  66 . The lateral movement of the peg  58  will be available until the peg  58  is placed in an aperture  22  of a top panel  12  of a block positioned below. 
         [0070]    In operation a block  10  is maneuvered so that the pegs  58  of one block  10  are inserted into the apertures  22  of one or more blocks.  FIG. 8  illustrates a block  10 , which includes insertable pegs being lowered into the apertures  22  of two blocks  10  positioned below. This application is beneficial if the blocks of adjacent rows are staggered in positioning. See  FIGS. 9A and 9B  for an illustration of a staggered retaining wall. The interlocking of the blocks assists in vertical and horizontal connectivity of a constructed wall. 
         [0071]      FIG. 9A  depicts another embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of stabilizing rods  70  are extended through the apertures  22  of the blocks  10  to further interlock the blocks  10  and rows of block into position on the wall. Additionally, the stabilizing rods may further be utilized to retain geogrid fabric  54  that is positioned between the rows of block and extends back into the slope adjacent to the wall. 
         [0072]    Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 10-11 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  comprises a deterioration resistant retaining block  10  with the top panel removed, wherein the wall assembly  16  defines more than one chamber  26  within the retaining block  10 . The multiple chambers  26  are defined by interior partitions  28 . The interior partitions  72  may also be utilized to add additional support to the retaining block  10  to prevent any possible crushing of the block  10 . The interior partitions  72  may also act as wall panels if the block is cut to accommodate partial blocks for properly fitting a wall.  FIG. 11  depicts one embodiment of the top panel  12  of a partitioned retaining block  10 . The interior partitions  72  are within the interior of the retaining block  10  and are depicted by dashed lines. The top panel  12  in this embodiment is permanently fixed to the wall assembly  16  and includes one or more apertures  18  or a trough (not shown) that may accommodate filling of each individual chamber  26  with appropriate fill material, such as sand, gravel, soil, cement or any other suitable material or may be utilized to receive pegs for anchoring the other blocks of a wall into position. 
         [0073]      FIG. 12A  depicts another possible embodiment of the top panel  12 , which is configured in a cover formation that may be adapted to securely fit over the retaining wall block  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or  10 . The top panel  12  of this embodiment comprises a closed section  74  that includes overlapping panels  76 , which overlap securely over the outside walls of a wall assembly  16 , but does not include apertures. However, the top panel may also secure to the wall assembly  16  in other ways, such as locking tabs, twist locks, clamps, clips, adhesives or any other fastener. The top panel may further include optional top partitions  78  to fit over wall panels if a block  10  is cut to form partial blocks. 
         [0074]    The top panel  12  may also be manufactured so that the overlapping panels  76  are sized to completely cover the wall assembly  16  and/or the front panel  80  of the block  10 .  FIG. 12B  depicts an embodiment of a block  10  wherein the top panel  12  includes overlapping panels  76  that extend over the wall assembly  16  of the block  10 . In various embodiments, the overlapping panels  76  or front face  82  may also include designs or textures that provide a rock or stone appearance. As in other embodiments the overlapping panels  76  and/or front face  82  may include any design or color that may be molded or blended into the polymeric material. The block  10  may further include a ridge  82  that extends around the base of the block  10  to receive the edges of the overlapping panels  76  of the top panel  12  after filling of the block  12  and closing with the top panel  12 . 
         [0075]    An alternative embodiment of a block  10  of the present invention that includes overlapping panels is depicted in  FIG. 12C . The embodiment in  FIG. 12C  includes a top panel  12  having an overlapping panel in the form of a front face  82  that extends substantially over the front of the block  10  and may include a design or texture, such as a rock or stone appearance. The front face  18  may also include an apron  91  that extends back from the front face  82  and is received and surrounds the front of the block  10  when the top panel is placed over the block  10 . The top panel  12  may further include a wrap around latching device  93  that extends around the back of the block  10  and hooks or secures the top panel  12  in position when the top block  10  is closed or sealed. The top panel  12  may further include overlapping tabs  89  that may extend from the side edges of the top panel and are received by recesses  87  positioned on the side panels of the block  10 . Furthermore, the production of such a block with an overlapping front face may allow for the block portion to be prepared from a lower grade material (e.g. recycled plastic) and/or without additives, such as color or UV light stabilizers and the top panel  12  with an overlapping front face to be made with such additives. However, it is noted that in various embodiments the entire block, including top panel and overlapping front face, may be made of recycled plastic. 
         [0076]    In other embodiments of the present invention, the top panel  12  may optionally be hingedly secured to the retaining block  10  by any type of hinge device  86 , thereby providing a unitary configuration of the retaining wall block  10 . For example the hinge device  86  may be a living hinge wherein the hinge is a section of scored plastic that provides a folding point for the top panel  12 . However, it is noted that any type of hinge may be utilized.  FIG. 13A  depicts one embodiment of the present invention including a top panel  12  hingedly adjoined to a front panel of the retaining wall block  10 . It is noted that the top panel  12  may be hingedly attached from any wall panel  24  of the block including the back, sides or front. The hinging of the top panel  12  to the front or side panels of a block  10  may provide filling benefits by allowing greater ease in filling the blocks  10  during the backfilling of fill material behind the wall being constructed. It is also noted that in various embodiments the top panel  12  may be stationary or fixed to the block  10  and other panels of the block may be hingedly attached so that these panels may be opened to accommodate the filling of the block  10 . For example, the back panel or a side panel may be hingedly attached to the top or bottom panel so as to allow the back of the block or the side of the block to receive fill material before closing and placing into position. 
         [0077]    In another embodiment of the present invention the block  10  may include one or more recesses  87  for receiving overlapping tabs  89  that fit over and within the recesses  87 .  FIG. 13B  depicts one embodiment of a block  10  that includes recesses  87 . The recesses  87  may be of any shape or size, but are generally of a depth so that the overlapping tabs  89 , when received to no expand the width of the upper portion of the block  10 .  FIGS. 13C and 13D  depict two embodiments of top panels  12  that include overlapping tabs  89 .  FIG. 13C  depicts a one piece top panel that may include a hinge  86 , such as a living hinge that is an integrated plastic hinge, and the overlapping tabs  89 . It is noted that in various embodiments the top panel  12  may be disengaged or separated from the block, but still include tabs  89  on any of the edges of the panel  12  for engaging the recesses of the block  10 .  FIG. 13D  includes a top panel  12  that includes a first section  18  and second section  20 . Each section  18 ,  20  include hinge devices  86  and tabs  89  that hold the position of the split top panel  12  within the recesses. It is noted that the overlapping tabs  89  may provide additional structural support for a filled block by inhibiting the top portion of the block from bulging after filling with a fill material. 
         [0078]    As previously mentioned, multiple chambers  26  allow for the retaining block  10  to be cut, either at installation or during manufacture, into various shapes and still maintain a chamber that can receive and retain fill materials.  FIG. 14  depicts a section of the retaining block  10  as shown in  FIG. 10  wherein the corners have been removed and the block  10  has been cut in half. However, a block may be configured to be cut into any size block (e.g. quarter block, half block, three quarter block . . . ). The ability to cut the retaining block  10  and still retain the same features is particularly useful in preparing ends and awkward segments of retaining walls. Dashed lines depicted in  FIG. 12  illustrate one embodiment of alternate cover configurations to conform to the various shapes of a retaining block  10  or portions thereof. 
         [0079]    In an alternate embodiment, a block  10  may be cut and sealed with an end cap  77 . The end cap  77  will generally include a sealing section  79  and a block hooking device  81  for securing the sealing section  79  to the block. In one embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 14A , the wall hooking device  81  is in the form of a wall section. A wall section normally traverses around or partially around the perimeter of the sealing section  79  and either may extend over the top panel, bottom panel, front face and back panel of a block or may extend within the block and contact the interior of one or more of these panels. The end cap  77 , as depicted in  FIG. 14A , depicts an end cap  77  that includes a wall section that extends within the interior of the block  10  and further includes a hooking crest  85  that may engage one or more hook receiving devices  83  positioned within a block. The hooking crest  85  may be a crest that extends around the entire interior edge of the end cap  77  or may be a plurality of tabs positioned around the periphery of the interior edge of the end cap  77 .  FIG. 14A  depicts the embodiment with a plurality of tabs as the hooking crest  85 . An example of a block  10  that includes one or more hook receiving devices  83  is depicted in  FIG. 14B , wherein a series of ridges are present within the interior of the block  10 . 
         [0080]    In operation utilizing one embodiment of the present invention, a block  10  may be cut in a straight line alone one of the hook receiving devices  83 , such as a ridge. Next the cap  77  is inserted into the side of the cut end of the block  10  and the hooking device  81 , such as a wall section with a crest  85 , is allowed to hook a hook receiving device  83 , such as a ridge, adjacent to the cut line. Caps  77  may be manufactured to properly fit either side of the block depending upon which side requires cutting. It is noted that the cap  77  may include other alternative hooking devices  83 , such as recesses and tabs, or hook and piles, to secure the sealing section  79  into a secure position and maintain the fill material within the chamber  26 . 
         [0081]    An additional embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 .  FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of a multi-unit retaining wall block  88  wherein multiple units  90  are incorporated into a single block  88 . A single multi-unit block  88  provides the appearance of multiple retaining blocks present in a single structure. The top panel  12  may be a single sheet or multiple sheets of material which may be adapted to cover each unit  90  and optionally may include apertures  22 . The interior of the retaining block  88  of this embodiment includes one or more interior partitions  72 . Removable tabs  92  may be positioned between the partitions to properly space the blocks and hold the individual units  90  together. The tabs  92  may be a simple piece of plastic or other polymeric material that may be removed by cutting or breaking to free the individual units  90  or maneuvering them if a rounded wall is desired. 
         [0082]      FIG. 16  depicts the front view of the multi-unit retaining block  88 , which has the appearance of multiple separate units or blocks  90 . These multiple separate units  90  provide the appearance similar to the partial assembly of a retaining wall comprising a plurality of individual blocks, such as depicted in the walls of  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The multi-unit retaining block  88  may include a top panel  12  that is a unitary structure or may include multiple covers, such as a multi-unit block  88  including multiple separate top panels similar to the top panel depicted in  FIG. 12  or a hinged panels similar to that depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 17  depicts another embodiment of a multi-unit retaining wall block  88 , wherein a few of the tabs  92  in the back have been collapsed inward on pivot points on the tabs and the multiunit block has been rounded. It is noted that in other embodiments the tabs may be removed by cutting to also perform the rounding function. In this embodiment of the present invention, tabs  92  may be positioned between each individual unit  90  on the front, middle and/or back of the multi-unit block  88 . If a curved wall is desired, the tabs  92  may be disengaged, collapsed or extended, thereby allowing one or more multi-unit blocks  88  to be maneuvered into a curved position. It is noted that the tabs  92  may include one or more hinges to allow for the rotation of each unit  90  while maintaining their connection or the hinges may be disengaged to allow for separation of the units  90 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 18  depicts an additional embodiment of the present invention, similar to hook and pile attachments, wherein the retaining wall block  10  includes an interlocking feature that comprises a clip  94  and optional pocket  96 . In such an embodiment one or more clips  94  may extend from one side of a retaining wall block  10  over another side of an adjacent retaining wall block into a trough or one or more corresponding pockets  96 . Such interlocking mechanisms provides for a overall secure retaining wall structure by reducing the amount of lateral movement that may occur with unsecured stacking of individual blocks. 
         [0085]    In various embodiments of the present invention the blocks may be nestable for stacking. Various embodiments of the present invention, such as those depicted in  FIG. 19 , also provide for ease in transport and storage of large numbers of these blocks due to stackable features. An additional example of a stackable retaining block  10  may be similar to that as shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the top panel  12  is removable or hinged and allows for the retaining block  10  to be inserted within the chamber  26  of another block  10 . Generally the slight sloping of the wall assembly allows for the nesting of such blocks. Angles of the wall assembly may vary, but generally include a 1° to 15° angle, preferably 2° to 5°. The top panel  12  for such a retaining block  10  may include a cover similar to any of the top panels  12  shown in the Figures herein. 
         [0086]    As previously mentioned, the present invention may be manufactured from a deterioration resistant, substantially rigid composite or polymeric material including, but not limited to, plastic, a rubber composition, fiberglass, or any other similar material or a combination thereof. Preferable materials are light-weight and slightly flexible. In various embodiments of the present invention plastics, such as high density or low density polyethylene, polypropylene or plastic polymer blends may be utilized. Furthermore, plastics that include additives such as wood fibers or clay may be used in the process to form the blocks of the present invention. Generally, the embodiments of the present invention may comprise any type of material that would have the similar characteristics to plastic, vinyl, silicone, fiberglass, rubber or a combination of these materials. However, it is noted that the material utilized in the present invention should be rigid enough to hold its form upon addition of filling material and also when placed in contact with other objects. Another preferable material may be comprised of a material similar to that utilized in the production of some types of garbage cans or the utilization of recycled rubber from objects such as tires. Such materials would be capable of holding rigidity and still offer flexibility when placed in contact with other objects, such as other retaining wall blocks or ice. Also, such materials have the ability to regain its original form when the object or material has been removed. 
         [0087]    Embodiments of the present invention may also vary in appearance. Since embodiments of the present invention may be manufactured by a process such as injection molding, the molds may include any type of design, texture or shape. For example, the front face and top panel of blocks may be textured and colored to take on the appearance of stone or rock formations. Furthermore, the front panels of the retaining wall block  10  could be molded in almost any type of configuration. Examples of designs are depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9A . In one embodiment, multiple retaining wall blocks could be molded to include designs that, when positioned on a retaining wall, would complete a larger single design, such as the spelling of a company or school name in large letters or the completion of a large image. Also, since the present invention may be manufactured from a number of different products, such as plastic, a rubber composition or fiberglass, the retaining wall block may comprise any color or a multitude of colors. For example, a retaining wall installed in a beach setting may be manufactured of a plastic or rubber product and be colored in so that organic matter wash up on it would not show up as readily. 
         [0088]    As previously suggested the environment resistant retaining wall block is utilized in the construction of any type of wall or border. In application, a foundation is first created in the area that the wall or border is to be constructed. The foundation preferably is flat and or level, firmly packed to reduce settling and can accommodate one or more retaining blocks  10 . Once a foundation is completed, a first row is laid by filling each individual retaining block  10  with a fill material and placing each individual or multi-unit block, side by side until the row is completed. It is noted that individual rows or partial rows of blocks may be placed into position and then filled to create ease in wall construction. Such action would allow for filling of the block during the backfilling behind the block. The filling of the retaining wall block gives it the added weight that it needs to retain its structure and hold it in place. A funneling device may be utilized, which fits securely into the openings or apertures of the retaining wall block to guide fill into the chamber of the block. The first row may be straight or rounded. An example of a rounded first row is depicted in  FIG. 17 . Upon completion of the first row, additional rows are constructed by performing the same filling process and placing the retaining wall block  10  in the proper position until a continuous retaining wall is completed. Generally, a continuous retaining wall may include stacked rows wherein individual retaining blocks are placed adjacently to one another thereby eliminating or minimizing cracks or gaps in the wall. Retaining wall blocks  10  may be positioned directly over other retaining wall blocks  10  in lower rows or may be staggered. It is noted that each retaining wall block placed in the retaining wall may be configured to retain and seal the contents of the fill material. This is accomplished by either one or more plugs or covers that seals each open aperture or by enclosing or covering an open aperture with a portion of an adjacent block. Furthermore, the retaining wall blocks  10  of the upper rows may overlap the back of retaining wall blocks  10  of lower rows if a retaining flange  24  is included on the block or in some embodiments when the blocks include anchoring devices. In the alternative or additionally, each individual retaining block  10  may be locked into position with adjacent blocks if pegs  24  and apertures  18  or clips  94  are present on the retaining block  10 . 
         [0089]    Upon completion of the top row of the retaining wall, a cover or capping block  98  may be placed over the top row to close the apertures  18  of the top panels  12  or to provide a finishing border to the top of the retaining wall. An example of a capping block  98 , as depicted in  FIG. 20 , may be polygonal in shape and include textured faces on both the front panels  80  and back panels  100  of the block  98 . The capping blocks  98  may further include pegs (not shown), similar to those depicted in the previous block embodiments, that may be utilized to secure the capping block to the blocks positioned below. Alternatively, the capping blocks may be secured to the blocks below by any means known in the art, such as clips, tacks, adhesives or the like. The capping blocks may be filled with a fill material, similar to the other embodiments of the present invention, or may be a simple thinner block that may include a plurality of reinforcing partitions  72  as disclosed in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0090]    Embodiments of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with regular dry cement process blocks, bricks or stones, such as those produced by Keystone® or Anchor Wall Systems. A retaining wall constructed in water or along a waterfront property may utilize the retaining wall block of the present invention at water level and below and then the regular keystone or retaining wall materials can be used on top of the retaining wall block of the present invention. The utilization of the retaining wall block of the present invention would be easy to match colors with the conventional retaining wall building materials because the materials utilized to manufacture the present invention can be colored and designed to match virtually any type of retaining wall construction material. 
         [0091]    Furthermore, the retaining wall block may be manufactured in a multitude of different sizes, shapes and configurations. For example, an embankment or steep shoreline could support a retaining wall configured in a step like arrangement or design. Such a structure, may be utilized as a retaining wall and/or a stairway down to the beach or to the water. 
         [0092]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4