Patent ID: 12188195

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, top, bottom, front, back, right and left refer to the illustrated embodiment as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions up or down and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

Referring toFIG.1, a retaining wall generally referred to with reference numeral20having a combination of wall segments spatially arranged with a surrounding interstitial surface10. The retaining wall20includes a plurality of wall segments including at least three of the following, a lower segment30, an intermediary segment40, an upper segment21, a left-walled upper segment60, a left-walled intermediary segment65, a left-walled lower segment69, a right-walled upper segment70, a right-walled intermediary segment75, a right-walled lower segment79, an alternative intermediary segment83, alternative upper segment80, an alternative left-walled upper segment62, and an alternative right-walled upper segment73. The retaining wall2illustrated inFIG.1includes a vertically extending front face90and a vertically extending side face92, the front face90being angularly oriented to the side face92. Although the embodiment depicted inFIG.1illustrates a generally normal angular orientation between the front face90and the side face92, the angular orientation may vary in magnitude between 0 and 335 degrees depending on the desired contour.

As depicted inFIG.2, each wall segment includes a rear face22from which an earthen anchor50extends. The rear face22is generally spaced opposite a fascia23which together with the other walled segments presents the front face90, also referred to herein as a planar front face. A pair of sides27extend from the fascia23to the rear face22. Each walled segment includes a top and a bottom surface26a,26which is a least partially planar.

In one embodiment the sides are coplanar with the substantially planar top surface26aand said substantially planar bottom26b. Alternatively, one of the sides27may extend from said substantially planar top surface26aa distance for supporting the received wall segment and supporting it in a generally horizontal orientation such as the alternative embodiments illustrated inFIGS.4,10.

The fascia23presents a visually appealing surface which is formed during the formation process of the wall segment. The visually appealing surface can be formed using a resilient member using during the formation process.

A masonry façade28is depicted inFIG.2, which extends rearwardly from the fascia23. The masonry façade28allows for a consistent visual appearance of the retaining wall as the wall segment is rotated.

The retaining wall20includes a plurality of wall segments with a rotational interconnecting structure49illustrated inFIG.17which generally extends into the interstitial surface10between adjacent wall segments. The interstitial surface10is a communication network which surrounds the various wall segments and is presented by the adjacently positioned wall segments which form the retaining wall20.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the interstitial surface10extends vertically between each horizontally adjacent wall segment and horizontally between each vertically adjacent wall segment. The interstitial surface10is presented between the sides27and the top and bottom planar surfaces26a,26bof adjacent wall segments. In addition, the interstitial surface10is in networked communication throughout the retaining wall20so that the interstitial surface10adjusts in response to adjustments in each of the wall segment. For example, as the horizontal and vertical wall segments are rotated, moved or aligned, the interstitial surface10surrounding the manipulated wall segments varies and the interstitial surface10surrounding the non-manipulated wall segments also changes. For example, movement of a pair of proximal wall segments in closer proximity, causes the interstitial surface10between the proximal wall segments to shrink. The movement also causes the interstitial surface10surrounding a distal wall segment to expand. The change in the interstitial surface10is associated with the movement of the proximal wall segments from the distal wall segment. The increase of the interstitial surface10surrounding the distal wall segment corresponds to the decrease in the interstitial surface10surrounding the proximal wall segments.

As further illustrated inFIGS.17-19, the rotational interconnecting structure49includes a downward depending arcuate lip25and an upward presenting channel24. The upward presenting channel24is configured for rotational receipt of an adjacent wall segment's downward depending arcuate lip25. Generally, the downward depending arcuate lip25includes a convex arcuate surface which is directed from said rear face22towards said fascia23. As the associated wall segment is rotated, the downward depending arcuate lip25rotates within the channel24. Because the downward depending arcuate lip25is generally convex, at least two points of contact of engagement are maintained by the rotational interconnecting structure49. The downward depending arcuate lip25extends downwardly from the substantially planar bottom surface26band radially inward from the rear face22in a convex shape. The upward presenting channel24includes a vertical projection24aand a horizontal projection24bjoined to the vertical projection24aalong an edge. The vertical projection24ais generally consistent with the height of the downward depending arcuate lip25, so that the rotational interconnecting structure49is generally planar or level. However, it may be desirable to provide for a slight angular alignment, which may be helpful to divert water. According to the embodiment of the channel24depicted inFIG.2, the vertical projection24aextends normal from the horizontal projection24b.

The wall segments associated with the upper portion of the retaining wall like the upper segment21, the left-walled upper segment60and the right-walled upper segment70include an upwardly extending projection19. The downward depending arcuate lip25extends downwardly from the bottom surface26band radially from the rear face22.

The upwardly extending projection19extends from the fascia and is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aby a parabolic region19a. The parabolic region19aextends rearwardly from the upwardly extending projection19to the top planar surface26a. The upwardly extending projection19and the parabolic region19apresent a retaining structure for receiving the plurality of particles54providing for an embankment on the backside of the retaining wall20opposite the front face90. The received particles provide for a counterweight to the retaining wall20, helping to maintain the structure in a vertically upright manner and retain the particles54on the backside thereof.

The intermediary wall segments, such as the intermediary segment40, the left-walled intermediary segment65and the right-walled intermediary segment75extend from the fascia23to the rear face22with a pair of sides27. The channel24extends from the top planar surface26anear the rear face22and the downward depending arcuate lip25extends downwardly from the bottom surface26band radially from the rear face22.

An alternative downwardly depending lip125is illustrated inFIGS.4-5,10-11and a second alternative downwardly depending lip225is illustrated inFIGS.13-16. The alternative downwardly depending lip125has an increased curvature for greater rotation of the wall segment and is illustrated in association with the left-walled and right-walled wall segments. The alternative downwardly depending lip125includes an offset arcuate region125aspaced along one side27and configured for receipt by an alternative channel124. The alternative channel124extends from one27side and terminates at a spacer125b. The spacer125bhas complementary shape and size to support a side of the overlying wall segment providing stability during rotation. Together, the alternative downwardly depending lip125and the alternative channel124form an alternative rotational interconnecting structure149as illustrated inFIG.18which allows for rotation of a first wall segment about a second wall segment while maintaining constant engagement between at least two points of contact.

A second rotational interconnected structure249is illustrated inFIG.19, with a second alternative downwardly depending lip225and a second alternative channel224. The second alternative downwardly depending lip225has an increased curvature which allows for greater rotation of the wall segment and is illustrated in association with the alternative left-walled and alternative right-walled wall segments. The second alternative downwardly depending lip225includes a circular sector which extends towards the fascia23from the rear face22. The second alternative downwardly depending lip225is configured for receipt by the second alternative channel224. As depicted inFIG.13, the second alternative downwardly depending lip225is offset from the center of the depicted wall segment, the alternative left-walled upper segment62. The second alternative interconnected structure249allows for rotation of a first wall segment about a second wall segment while maintaining constant engagement between a plurality of contact points.

An abatement29is presented behind the fascia23along the top planar surface26a. The abatement29extends downwardly from the top planar surface26awith a circumscribing sidewall. In one embodiment the abatement29receives a connecting structure for lifting and placement of the desired wall segment.

An embodiment of the intermediary segment40is depicted inFIGS.2,8. Generally, the intermediary segment40is configured for supporting and rotationally receiving the upper segment21and for rotational receipt and support by the lower segment30. The intermediary segment40extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The intermediary segment40also includes the upward presenting channel24and a downwardly depending lip25associated with the rear face22. In addition, the intermediary segment40includes the abatement29located near the fascia23. In addition, the masonry fascia28extending at least partially along the side27from the fascia23towards the rear face22. The earthen anchor50is depicted as extending rearwardly from the rear face22.

An embodiment of the left-walled upper segment60is depicted inFIG.4. Generally, the left-walled upper segment60is configured for support and rotational receipt by the left-walled intermediary segment65or the left-walled lower segment69. The left-walled upper segment60extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The left-walled upper segment60includes the alternative downwardly depending lip125associated with the rear face22. In addition, the left-walled upper segment60includes the upwardly extending projection19which wraps around from the facia23to the side27. The upwardly extending projection19is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aalong the facia23by the parabolic region19a.

An embodiment of the left-walled intermediary segment65is depicted inFIG.5. Generally, the left-walled intermediary segment65is configured for supporting and rotationally receiving the left-walled upper segment60and for rotational receipt and support by the left-walled lower segment69. The left-walled intermediary segment65extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The left-walled intermediary segment65also includes the alternative upwardly presenting channel124and the alternative downwardly depending lip125associated with the rear face22. As depicted inFIG.5, the alternative upwardly presenting channel124extends partially along the rear face22. The abatement29is illustrated inFIG.5along the top planar surface26anear the fascia23. The masonry fascia28is illustrated as extending at least partially along the side27from the fascia23towards the rear face22.

An embodiment of the left-walled lower segment69is depicted inFIG.6. Generally, the left-walled lower segment69is configured for supporting and rotationally receiving the left-walled upper segment60or the left-walled intermediary segment65. The left-walled lower segment69extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The left-walled lower segment69also includes the alternative upwardly presenting channel124associated with the rear face22. As depicted inFIG.6, the alternative upwardly presenting channel124extends partially along the rear face22. The abatement29is illustrated inFIG.6along the top planar surface26anear the fascia23. The masonry fascia28is illustrated as extending at least partially along the side27from the fascia23towards the rear face22.

An embodiment of the upper segment21is depicted inFIG.7. The upper segment21extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The upper segment21includes the downwardly depending lip25associated with the rear face22. In addition, the upper segment21includes the upwardly extending projection19which extends from the facia23. The upwardly extending projection19is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aby the parabolic region19a.

An embodiment of the lower segment30is depicted inFIG.9. Generally, the lower segment30is configured for rotational receipt of the intermediary segment40or the upper segment21. The lower segment30extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The lower segment30also includes the upwardly presenting channel24associated with the rear face22. As depicted inFIG.9, the upwardly presenting channel24extends along the rear face22. The abatement29is illustrated inFIG.9along the top planar surface26anear the fascia23. The masonry fascia28is illustrated as extending at least partially along the side27from the fascia23towards the rear face22.

An embodiment of the right-walled upper segment70is depicted inFIG.10. Generally, the right-walled upper segment70is configured for rotational receipt and support by the right-walled intermediary segment75and the right-walled lower segment79. The right-walled upper segment70extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The right-walled upper segment70includes the alternative downwardly depending lip125associated with the rear face22. In addition, the right-walled upper segment70includes the upwardly extending projection19which wraps around from the facia23to the side27. The upwardly extending projection19is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aalong the facia23by the parabolic region (not shown).

An embodiment of the right-walled intermediary segment75is depicted inFIG.11. Generally, the right-walled intermediary segment75is configured for supporting and rotationally receiving the right-walled upper segment70and for rotational receipt and support by the right-walled lower segment79. The right-walled intermediary segment75extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The right-walled intermediary segment75also includes the alternative upwardly presenting channel124and the alternative downwardly depending lip125associated with the rear face22. As depicted inFIG.11, the alternative upwardly presenting channel124extends partially along the rear face22. The abatement29is illustrated inFIG.5along the top planar surface26anear the fascia23. The spacer125bextends between the alternative upwardly presenting channel124and the side27with complementary shape and size of the downwardly depending lip associated with an overlying wall segment such as a right-walled upper segment70. Generally, the spacer125bprovides sufficient support for receiving the overlying wall segment and providing stability and maintain engagement during rotation and while at rest.

An embodiment of the right-walled lower segment79is depicted inFIG.12. The right-walled lower segment79extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The right-walled lower segment79also includes the alternative upwardly presenting channel124associated with the rear face22. As depicted inFIG.12, the alternative upwardly presenting channel124extends partially along the rear face22. The abatement29is illustrated inFIG.12along the top planar surface26anear the fascia23. The spacer125bextends between the alternative upwardly presenting channel124and the side27with complementary shape and size for supporting an overlying wall segment such as a right-walled intermediary wall segment75or right-walled upper wall segment70. Generally, the right-walled lower segment79can receive and support a right-walled intermediary wall segment75or a right-walled upper wall segment70.

Another embodiment of a walled wall segment is illustrated inFIG.13with an alternative left-walled upper segment62. Generally, the alternative left-walled upper segment62is configured for rotational receipt and support by an alternative intermediary segment83and an alternative lower segment (not shown). The alternative left-walled upper segment62extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The alternative left-walled upper segment62includes the second alternative downwardly depending lip225centrally offset and associated with the rear face22. In addition, the alternative left-walled upper segment62includes an alternative upwardly extending projection119which wraps around from the facia23to the side27. The alternative upwardly extending projection119is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aalong the facia23by the parabolic region19a.

Another embodiment of a walled wall segment is illustrated inFIG.14with an alternative embodiment of an alternative upper segment80. Generally, the alternative upper segment80is configured for rotational receipt and support by an alternative intermediary segment83and an alternative lower segment (not shown). The alternative upper segment80extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The alternative upper segment80includes the second alternative downwardly depending lip225centrally offset on the rear face22opposite the fascia23. In addition, the alternative upper segment80includes an upwardly extending projection19. The upwardly extending projection19is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aalong the facia23by the parabolic region19a.

Another embodiment of a walled wall segment is illustrated inFIG.15with an alternative embodiment of the intermediary segment83. Generally, the alternative intermediary segment83is configured for supporting and rotationally receiving one of the alternative upper segments, such as the alternative80, the alternative left-walled upper segment62or the alternative right-walled upper segment73. In addition, the alternative intermediary segment83is configured for rotational receipt and support by a lower segment (not shown). The alternative intermediary segment83extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The alternative intermediary segment83also includes a second alternative upwardly presenting channel224and the second alternative downwardly depending lip225centrally offset along the rear face22. The second alternative downwardly depending lip225is generally spaced opposite the fascia23. In addition, the alternative intermediary segment83includes the abatement29located near the fascia23. In addition, the masonry fascia28extending at least partially along the side27from the fascia23towards the rear face22.

Another embodiment of a walled wall segment is illustrated inFIG.16with an alternative right-walled upper segment73. Generally, the alternative right-walled upper segment73is configured for rotational receipt and support by an alternative intermediary segment83and an alternative lower segment (not shown). The alternative right-walled upper segment73extends rearwardly from the facia23to the rear face22, from the top planar surface26ato the bottom planar surface26b. The alternative right-walled upper segment73includes the second alternative downwardly depending lip225centrally offset the rear face22and opposite the fascia23. In addition, the alternative right-walled upper segment73includes an alternative upwardly extending projection119which wraps around from the facia23to the side27. The alternative upwardly extending projection119is vertically separated from the top planar surface26aalong the facia23by the parabolic region (not shown).

The earthen anchor50depicted inFIGS.1-3presents a generally planar structure which extends from a rear face22associated with the intermediary wall segment40. One end of the earthen anchor50may be encapsulated within the associated wall segment, and configured for rearward extension from the rear face22. Alternatively, one end of the earthen anchor50may be grouped together with, for example, a band (not shown) and the grouped end (not shown) inserted into a channel (not shown) formed in the wall segment.

The earthen anchor50generally provides a horizontal structure which provides improved support and load distribution of the supported wall segment. The earthen anchor50depicted inFIGS.2-3is generally a woven material with interconnected elongated strands53and bands51which presents channels52for receiving particles. Generally, the impregnated earthen anchor50extends at least partially through and rearwardly from the rear face22of the walled segment and as depicted extends approximately midway between the top planar surface26aand the bottom planar surface26b. The channels52provide openings into which particles54such as soil or gravel can recede and overlay, reinforcing and strengthening the in-plane torsional rigidity, flexural modulus, shear force resistance and load distribution of the supported load. The earthen anchor50generally converts the load of the vertically extending wall segment, horizontally rearwardly into the supporting ground surface. By extending the earthen anchor50from a plurality of stacked wall segments, a layered support structure100is presented, the layered support structure100extending rearwardly from the front face90and providing improved support and load distribution for the retaining wall20.

An embodiment of the layered support structure100is depicted inFIG.3with a plurality of earthen anchors50separated by a layer of particles54. The layered support structure100provides rearward support for the retaining wall20and maintains the front face90in a vertically extending upright manner.

The fascia23presents a visually appealing surface which is formed during the formation process of the wall segment. The visually appealing surface can be formed using a resilient member using during the formation process.

As illustrated inFIG.1, plural wall segments are positioned and arranged in relation to an upright axis11associated with the retaining wall2and normal to a horizontal support axis22extending rearwardly from the retaining wall along the earthen anchor50. The wall segments including the lower segment30, the intermediary segment40, the upper segment21, the left-walled upper segment60, the left-walled intermediary segment65, the left-walled lower segment69, the right-walled upper segment70, the right-walled intermediary segment75and the right-walled lower segment79, the alternative intermediary segment83, alternative upper segment80, the alternative left-walled upper segment62, and the alternative right-walled upper segment73are vertically and horizontally arranged with the rotational interconnecting structure49,149,249having an downwardly depending structure25,125,225and an upward receiving structure24,124,224which are adapted for engagement and rotation of the vertically arranged wall segments30,40,21,60,65,69,70,75,79,83,80,62,73in at least two points of contact.

In general, the rotational interconnecting structure provides for rotation of an overlying block, such as the first block10, about a rotational axis36of an underlying block, such as the second block20. The rotational axis36may have the same orientation as the retaining wall upright axis34as illustrated inFIG.1or it may vary depending on the underlying block. In general, the overlying block may include, but is not limited to, the first or second blocks10,20while the underlying block may generally include, but is not limited to, the second or third blocks20,30. The retaining wall includes the first block10overlying the second block20, the second block20overlying the third block30, with additional optional layers of the second block20overlying another second block20in the preferred configuration of the retaining wall2.

InFIG.3an illustration of the upper structure50aincludes a depending lip52which is shown associated with the rear surface16, having a non-linear outwardly facing edge54and extending from a bottom surface17of the masonry block10. The non-linear edge54provides for rotation of the block10about the rotational axis36(shown inFIG.4) allowing the block10to adjust to the contour of the earth surface4or other rear facing landscaping surfaces. Although the non-linear edge54is indicated as being arcuate, the edge may have alternative configurations which provide for the rotation of the masonry block10about the rotational axis36.

Another illustration of the interlocking structure50is depicted inFIG.4in which the lower structure50bis illustrated as being associated with the upper surface28and presenting an inwardly facing edge60on the second block20. A recessed portion58is adapted for receiving the depending lip52at a zone of contact56illustrated inFIG.1A. The zone of contact56provides for the rotation of the first block10about the rotational axis36of the second block20, the zone of contact56being located at the junction of the inwardly facing edge60and the outwardly facing edge54illustrated inFIG.3, the zone of contact56extending along the width of the inwardly facing edge60.

When the first and second masonry blocks10,20are collectively arranged inFIGS.10and11, the underlying, second block20contains the rotational axis36around which the overlying first block10may be rotated.FIG.10illustrates the blocks vertically aligned. The first and second blocks10,20are rotated inFIG.11, with the depending lip52of the first block10engaging the recessed portion58of the second block20. The first block10is rotated about the rotational axis36of the second block20while the depending lip52of the first block10is secured within the recessed portion58of the second block20. In this manner, the masonry blocks10,20may form the retaining wall2generally having a curvature which may vary 60 degrees of rotation along the rotational axis36of the second block20generally between −30 to 30 degrees from the retaining wall's upright axis34.

It should be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.