Retaining wall block system

• US 6,149,352 A
• Filed: 02/11/1999
• Issued: 11/21/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems Incorporated (THE QUIKRETE Cos. LLC)
• Original Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems Incorporated (THE QUIKRETE Cos. LLC)
• Inventors: MacDonald, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lillis, Eileen D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEE, JONG SUK
• Application Number:
  US09/248,435
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 405/284, 405/285, 405/286, 52/596, 52/603, 52/604, 52/606, 52/608, 52/609, 52/610, 52/612, 52/747.12
• US Class Current: 405/284
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/0266 made up of preformed elements
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/0245 Pegs or pins
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/0265 Building elements for making arcuate walls
• CPC Class Codes: E04C 1/395 for claustra, fences, planting walls, e.g. sound-absorbing pots for vertical horticulture A01G9/022

Abstract

A retaining wall block includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.

Claims

1. A wall having a front surface and a rear surface, the wall comprising:

at least a first lower course and a second upper course, each course comprising a plurality of blocks;

each block having an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, thereby defining a block thickness;

each block having opposed and substantially parallel first and second faces, the first face having an area greater than the second face;

each block having opposed and non-parallel side surfaces, the first and second faces being orthogonal to one of the side surfaces, the first and second faces together with the upper, lower and side surfaces forming a block body; and

the blocks being positioned in the courses such that the front surface of the wall comprises the first faces of a plurality of the blocks and the second faces of a plurality of the blocks to thereby provide an irregular block pattern.

2. The wall of claim 1 wherein the blocks in each course comprise first, second, and third blocks, the widths of the first, second, and third blocks being different, the blocks being positioned in the courses such that the front surface of the wall is comprised of the first faces of a plurality of the first, second and third blocks and the second faces of a plurality of the first, second, and third blocks.

3. The wall of claim 1 wherein the first face, the second face, and at least one side surface are textured in a manner resulting in the appearance of natural stone.

4. The wall of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of each block has first, second, and third pin receiving apertures aligned along first, second, and third axes which are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces, the third pin receiving aperture being substantially equidistant between the first and second faces, the first pin receiving aperture being between the first face and the third pin receiving aperture and the second pin receiving aperture being between the second face and the third pin receiving aperture, the first, second, and third pin receiving apertures being arranged in a row perpendicular to the first and second faces.

5. The wall of claim 4 wherein the first and second pin receiving apertures are equidistant from the third pin receiving aperture.

6. The wall of claim 1 wherein the lower surface of the block comprises a channel that is parallel to and equidistant from the first and second faces.

7. The wall of claim 1 wherein the block comprises a core extending the thickness of the block.