Retaining block

#The present invention relates, in general, to a prefabricated building block and is more particularly concerned with a reinforced concrete block preferably for constructing retaining walls.

#Some retaining walls are constructed from conventional concrete blocks. These blocks are joined by cement mortar. Some of the problems associated with the walls constructed in this manner are that the wall is costly and time consuming to make, the blocks are relatively hard to handle, and the wall is very susceptible to cracking and deterioration due to lateral forces on the wall from the retained earth.

#The prior art also teaches the use of blocks that are specifically made for constructing retaining walls. In this connection, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,054 to Saginor. This patent shows a T-shaped concrete block. However, there are certain disadvantages associated with the specific structure taught by this patent. In the first place because of the particular construction of the block, it is quite difficult to construct the block by any well known pouring technique using a mold. Also, this prior art block is susceptible to breakage problems and because of the particular construction of the prior art block, it is difficult to properly back fill the earth about the block.

#Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention will now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view which is partially cut away showing a retaining wall constructed with the blocks of this invention;

#FIG. 2 is a plan view of the block of this invention;

#FIG. 1 shows a retaining wall composed of the blocks 10 of this invention. The retaining wall is for retaining the earth 12. Typically, a retaining wall is used to prevent earth on a slope from washing away. It provides a step between two different levels of earth. As shown in FIG. 1, the first course of blocks 10 may be disposed on both sides completely or partially under the earth 12. The blocks 10 of FIG. 1 are arranged in a similar manner to the arrangement of a typical concrete block wall. When the retaining wall is finished, in fact, it has the appearance of a concrete block wall without the requirement of mortar being used between the blocks.

#Each of the blocks 10 comprise a facing wall portion 14 and a somewhat elongated support bar or lever 16. These two portions of the block are integrally formed as clearly indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4. The block is composed basically of a concrete mixture and is constructed in a mold. The portion 14 is of generally rectangular shape and has a top tongue 18 extending therealong. The bottom surface of the portion 14 has a groove 20 which interlocks with a tongue 18 on an adjacent block. It is noted that the elongated support bar 16 has a bottom surface 22 which is flush with the bottom surface of the facing wall portion 14. Also, the length of the bar 16 is preferably several times the height of the facing wall portion 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the length of the support bar is approximately four times the height of the facing wall portion. However, this ratio is not necessarily fixed. For a high wall of say 6 feet or greater, this ratio could be 4 to 1 but for a lower wall the ratio could be less. For a low wall of 8-24 inches in height the support bar may be 24 inches long.

#This construction, that is where the support bar extends from the bottom end of the facing wall portion, is most advantageous as far as constructing the wall is concerned. With this arrangement, one can start with a flat surface and rest the block on that surface. The earth is then filled to the top of the block and the next course of blocks is laid upon the first course.