Patent Abstract:
A block for landscaping purposes. The landscaping block has one generally planar surface and another corresponding generally parallel planar surface, which further defines a protrusion and a cavity conformed to receive another protrusion of the same dimension in a male/female relationship with the planar surfaces of the block in close proximity and parallel to each other. Two or more of the landscaping blocks may best be joined together by inserting the protrusion of one block into the conformed cavity of the next block. A series of blocks may be joined together either in an extended line, or in a shape which reaches closure, with all of the blocks interlocked.

Full Description:
PRIOR PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
     Applicant claims the benefit under 35 usc 119(e) of provisional application No. 60/035,240, filled Jan. 9, 1997. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of construction, in building or retaining blocks, more particularly, blocks utilized in landscaping applications. 
     This field encompasses plants surrounds, lawn edges, interlocking concrete pavers edges, flower beds and the like. The current invention is designed to be part of a system comprised of a number of identical one-piece units accomplishing all of the above applications, while interlocking with each other without the utilization of any additional materials or components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The concept of using blocks, or other elements for retaining soil, or other landscaping applications, is known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,587, issued to Waltz, provides for irregularly shaped landscaping blocks which have holes provided through extending portions, so that an additional element may be extended through the blocks, holding them in place. U.S. Pat. No. 1,634,357, issued to Himmelright, discloses a refractory block wherein one block has a pair of nubs, or protrusions on one side, and a corresponding set of indentations on the other side of the block. A similar concept is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,195, issued to Sease, which likewise discloses a pair of protrusions on one side of the block with a pair of corresponding indentations on the opposing side. U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,034, issued to Dueck, also discloses a retaining block utilizing extensions, or nubs, as a connecting feature. Documentation of Adam Sehring &amp; Söhne, a German manufacturer, discloses a retaining wall block element which requires the use of a fastening device which is not inherent within the retaining wall block element itself. 
     There are many products which are utilized as landscaping blocks. None, however, incorporate the particular features of the instant invention. The Waltz patent, and similar applications, also lack the ability to make angles of 90° or greater and demand the use of additional pieces or pins to provide interlock, or the use of a “cap block” to give the project a finished look, as, often, unless two different types of blocks are used, the upper level of the block, without the “cap block,” would show the perforations or indentation used to interlock the blocks. Other known uses include smaller retaining wall blocks which comprise a one-piece system, but do not have the ability to interlock with each other and have to be cut to produce corners. There is no previously known system utilizing a singular unit only, which provides interlock, allows up to 180° exterior angles in a landscaping project perimeter and which may be easily produced on a conventional block or paver-producing machine. In addition to blocks, timbers and treated 2×4&#39;s, among other materials, have been utilized as landscaping blocks for edges and surrounds, as well as for flower planters and the like. Such wood products have to be cut in length and fastened mechanically. They are subject to decay and deterioration as well. Conventional clay bricks and concrete blocks have also been used, but provide no interlockings or horizontal or vertical fastenings, which allows for movement between the elements. Small retaining wall blocks may solve the vertical interlock problem, but do not address the horizontal interlock. Small retaining wall blocks also require cutting to make corners and many need pins to interlock and a cap to finish the top to provide the appearance of a smooth unitary surface. Others may require multiple pieces for interlock. Poured-in-place concrete has also been used, but requires more excavating, needs finishing after placement, is prone to cracking, and cannot be transported in units. 
     The ideal solution for a landscape block would require only one piece, provide interlock both horizontally and vertically, be able to be installed making angles up to 180°, be useful for planters, edges, surrounds and steps, be able to be produced with minimal labor on a conventional block machine, be easily made and packaged, be easy to install and long-lasting, all the while requiring very little modifications to complete a project. While a number of products currently being used as landscaping blocks may fill one or more of these requirements, none, save the present invention, fulfills all of them. The Waltz patent and other similar applications require multiple pieces and do not allow for corners of 90° or more and are difficult if not impossible to fabricate on conventional block machines. The invention disclosed by Dueck, and other similar inventions, requires modification to make square corners and angles of 45° or more, and most require cap blocks to finish the product. Conventional bricks and blocks, as stated, do not provide any type of interlock, allowing for excessive movement. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a landscaping block which is comprised of a singular unitary piece, can provide interlock both vertically and horizontally, which can be made on the conventional block machine, which can be utilized to form landscaping structures including angles of up to 180°, which may provide positive interlock and which interlock may permit rotation from the point of interlock or may not. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to provision of a landscaping block which will permit functional and aesthetic landscape designs, and ease of installation, replacement and modification. It was disclosed in a provisional application entitled “Box Blocks,” filed Jan. 9, 1997. 
     More specifically, this invention is directed to provision of a homogeneous landscape block which may be used in combination with other like blocks, only, to provide landscaping structures. 
     An additional feature of the invention is to provide a landscaping block which, without the need for additional components, may interlock on both a horizontal, and a vertical, basis in landscaping structures. 
     According to an important feature of the invention, the landscaping block has at least one generally planar surface which, in landscaping applications would either the directed downward, or upward. This planar surface, additionally, contains a protrusion and an indentation which correspond in size with each other so that the protrusion of one block and the corresponding indentation of another block may be readily joined together in a male/female relationship. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the protrusion is in the form of an extended, truncated cone, and the indentation is in the form of an indented truncated cone. However, broadly considered, the protrusion and corresponding male/female indentation would be in any corresponding geometric shapes which permit interlock in a male/female relationship. 
     According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, the block is generally longer than it is wide, and the protrusion and corresponding indentations are located along a line generally bisecting the planar surface in a lengthwise manner. 
     According to a further feature of the invention, the block has a first and a second generally planar surface, the first containing the above-mentioned protrusion and corresponding indentation. 
     According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, the protrusion and corresponding indentation are each centered on a line bisecting the block lengthwise and are further located so that the protrusion is centered on one half of the length of the block and the corresponding indentation is centered in the other one half of the length of the block. 
     According to a further feature of the invention, in the preferred embodiment, a plurality of blocks may be utilized to create structures in generally circular, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or other geometric forms, and to provide structures which close and structures which do not close. 
     According to a further feature of the block, the block is scored, or grooved, between the protrusion and indentation, to provide a means to divide the block into two separate sections for utilization in structure construction. 
     According to a further feature of the block, the block may be constructed of brick, concrete or ceramic tile composition, or other like suitable material. 
     According to a further feature of the invention, the planar surface, or surfaces of the block, may be rectangular, may have straight sides with semicircular ends, and may be otherwise polygonal, or elliptical, or of other geometric shapes consistent with the spirit of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the block embodying this invention, showing the same in rectangular form; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the block embodying this invention, showing the same with semicircular ends; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a polygonal structure comprised of a plurality of blocks; 
     FIG. 5 is an expanded view of the polygonal structure shown in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an approximately circular structure comprised of blocks as shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 7 is an expanded view of the structure showing FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stylized block; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative stylized block; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second alternative stylized block; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third alternative of a stylized block; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in rectangular form, showing preferred relative dimensions; 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention with semicircular ends showing preferred relative dimensions. 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a section of four blocks from a structure of blocks. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The invention block for landscaping and like purposes, broadly considered, includes a block  10  element having a vertical dimension  11 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the block  10  comprises a first generally planar surface  12  and a corresponding second generally planar surface  13 . The first planar surface  12  and second planar surface  13  face oppositely outward and are substantially parallel as shown in FIG.  3 . The perimeter of the first planar surface  12  is defined by a first unitary edge  14  which extends completely around it. The corresponding perimeter of the second planar surface  13  is defined by a second unitary edge  15  which extends completely around it. A unitary side surface  16  extends between the first unitary edge  14  and the second unitary edge  15 . The side surface  16  encloses the depth dimension  11  of the block  10 . As shown in FIGS. 3,  1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 , the combination of the first planar surface  12 , second planar surface  13  and unitary side surface  16  define the outward shape of the block  10 . 
     The unitary side surface  16 , in enclosing the block  10 , between the first planar surface  12  and second planar surface  13 , in order to reach closure, may do so by angled corners  17  as shown in FIG. 1, or by curvature  18  of the side surface  16  as shown in FIG. 2, or by combination thereof. The planar surfaces  12  and  13  each have a corresponding length  30  and a corresponding width  31 . The length  30  is at least as long as the width  31 . In the preferred embodiment, the planar surfaces  12  an  13  each have a corresponding length  30  which is approximately twice the corresponding width  31  of each of said planar surfaces  12  and  13 . Each of the planar surfaces  12  and  13  has two ends,  35   a  and  35   b , and two sides,  36   a  and  36   b.    
     The first planar surface  12  has a nub or protrusion  20  extending outwardly from it and a corresponding indentation  21  defined on the first planar surface  12  and extending into the depth dimension  11  of the block  10 . The indentation  21  is geometrically conformed to the protrusion  20  so that the protrusion  20  of a like block  10  will fit within the indentation  21  in a male/female relationship. 
     The protrusion  20  and indentation  21  are aligned along a line  40  which bisects the first planar surface  12  along its length  30 . As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the protrusion  20  is centered at a point  22  located so as to bisect a first one half  33  of the length  30 . The indentation  21  is centered at a point  23  so as to bisect the corresponding second one half  34  of the length  30 . Accordingly along the line  40  bisecting the first planar surface  12  the protrusion  20  is centered at a point  22  which divides length  30  in a ratio of three to one and the indentation  21  is centered at another point  23  which likewise divides length  30  in a ratio of three to one. 
     To further illustrate, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the preferred embodiment, the protrusion  20  and the indentation  21  are centered at points  22  and  23  on length  30  along line  40  so that the distance between points  22  and  23  is approximately equal to one half of the length  30  of the first planar surface  12 , with point  22  being a distance approximately equal to one fourth of length  30  from end  35   a  and point  23  being a distance approximately equal to one fourth of length  30  from end  35   b.    
     While the preferred embodiment of the block  10 , as herein disclosed, displays a second planar surface  13 , corresponding with the first planar surface  12 , block  10  requires only the first planar surface  12 , to provide the most obvious benefits of the invention. The opposing surface may, accordingly, be adaptable to other geometric configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Likewise, the shape of the first planar surface  12  (and, correspondingly, the second planar surface  13 ) may be subject to various geometric variations, including polygonal and elliptical variations, or a combination of them. In the preferred embodiment, said planar surface  12  is rectangular, as shown in FIG. 1, with the ends  35   a  and  35   b  essentially parallel, or, as shown in FIG. 2, ends  35   a  and  35   b  may be substantially semicircular about a radius  50 , from points  22  and  23  respectively. In the latter instance, as shown in FIG. 12 the unitary edge  14  is defined by ends  51   a  and  51   b  which are outwardly semicircular at ends  35   a  and  35   b , at points  53   a ,  53   b ,  53   c  and  53   d  on the said unitary edge  14  defined by the intersection of the edge  14  with two lines  52   a  and  52   b  perpendicular to line  40  and running through points  22  and  23 , respectively, together with two parallel lines  54   a  and  54   b , joining points  53   a  and  53   b , and  53   c  and  53   d , respectively. 
     As may be seen in FIGS. 8,  9 ,  10  and  11 , the benefit of the preferred embodiment remains present with various ornamental variations in the shape of unitary side surface  16  and corresponding unitary edges  14  and  15 . The variations demonstrated in FIGS. 8 through 11, specifically retain the relative dimensions of length  30  and width  31  where length  30  is measured along line  40  and width  31  is measured along lines  52   a  and  52   b.    
     In an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, the first planar surface  12  of the block  10  contains an aperture or groove  19 . Said groove  19  extends inwardly, perpendicular to the planar surface  12  into the depth dimension of block  10 . Groove  19  is linear on first planar surface  12  along its width  31  dimension, between sides  36   a  and  36   b . It is of a lesser length  19   a  than width  31  and it extends inwardly at a lesser depth  19   b  than the length of depth dimension  11 , so that the groove is visible on first planar surface  12 , but not visible on second planar surface  13 , or on unitary side surface  14 , on either side  36   a  or  36   b . Said groove  19  provides a breakpoint for dividing block  10  into separate sections, for structure finishing purposes where a combination of blocks  10  does not reach closure in the manner shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, groove  19  is located equidistant between protrusion  20  and protrusion  21  on first planar surface  12 . 
     In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the protrusion  20  is in the shape of a truncated cone extending outwardly from the first planar surface  12 . Likewise, in corresponding with the shape of protrusion  12 , indentation  13  is conformed in the shape of an inverted truncated cone so as to be able to accept the protrusion  12  of another like block  10  in a male/female relationship. The truncated cone embodiment of protrusion  12  is shown in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3 ,  5 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 . The truncated cone design facilitates interlock between blocks  10  when used in combination as shown in FIG. 14, by allowing a first block  10  to interlock with a second block  10  through the respective protrusion  12  of one block and the indentation  13  of the other without requiring exact vertical alignment prior to initiating the male/female alignment between the first block  10  and the second block  10 . In each case of interlock between protrusion  20  of a block  10  and an indentation  21  of a like block  10 , or vice versa, the first planar surface  12  of the interlocking blocks  10  will be proximate the first planar surface of the other block  10 . Said design also provides an interlock which will permit rotation of a protrusion  20  within an indentation  21 . The invention is not limited to a particular geometric configuration of the protrusion  12  and corresponding indentation  13 . Various geometric shapes may be utilized so long as the shape of the indentation  13  is conformed as necessary to accept the shape of the protrusion  12  in a male/female relationship. 
     The landscaping block of the present invention may be constructed of brick, concrete, or ceramic tile composition, or other like suitable material. 
     As shown in FIG. 14, multiples of the block  10  may be used in series to create landscaping structures by interlocking the indentation  21  of a first block  10   a  with the protrusion  20  of a next block  10   b , the indentation  21  of said next block  10   b  with a protrusion  20  of a further next block  10   c  and the indentation  21  of said further next block  10   c  with the protrusion  20  of a further next block  10   d , and proceeding in like manner with each next adjoining block  10  depending upon the total number of blocks in the structure, providing a structure in which the interlocking, through each alternative protrusion  20  and indentation  21  of adjoining blocks, creates a structure which is interlocked horizontally, and provides double the depth dimension  11  of the singular block  10  and is likewise interlocked vertically. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, structures may be constructed of interlocked blocks  10  approximating the shape of a circle, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a rectangle, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or other geometric configurations which may be linear, curved, or angled, and which may, or may not, provide closure. 
     Whereas, a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the disclosed embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4