Patent ID: 7628570

Claim:
A modular retaining wall for use in controlling land erosion in contact with water which comprises: at least two generally U-shaped self-supporting polymeric modules, each having a vertical longitudinal interior channel disposed therein enclosed by three sides; each of said modules having an open side with a pair of vertical edges, and an opposed side with a pair of vertical edges, each vertical edge connected to a pair of generally parallel sides and a fastening means near each edge; said modules at least partially extending below a surface of water; each of said modules connected by mating engagement of a pair of fastening means on at least one first module with a pair of fastening means on said at least one second module, said mating engagement between said fastening means on said at least one first module with said fastening means on said at least one second module being a pair of mating J-shaped hooks; each mating pair of fastening means comprising two essentially parallel, essentially vertical surfaces, said surfaces having a gap between at least a portion of said vertical surfaces of said J-shaped hooks to allow fluid flow therebetween; at least one generally L-shaped polymeric module having a pair of interconnected sides forming an acute angle and a channel having an open end; each side of said open end having a J-shaped hook fastening means near said end for engagement with said module fastening means, each J-shaped hook fastening means having a vertical surface; one of said sides of said at least one L-shaped polymeric module having a pair of J-shaped hook fastening means near opposed ends of said side, each J-shaped fastening means having a vertical surface; and a vertical surface of each of said J-shaped hooks of said L-shaped module and said opposed vertical surface of said J-shaped hook of said module having a gap between at least a portion of said vertical surfaces to allow fluid flow therebetween.