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(11) | EP 2 990 558 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
Wall building system and method for builing said wall system Wandkonstruktionssystem und Verfahren zur Herstellung des Wandsystems Système et procédé de fabrication de paroi |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to building construction, and particularly to a wall building system and method that includes a block for building walls and other structures without the use of mortar or other binding adhesives.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Most building blocks used for wall construction and the like are made of brick, concrete, terra cotta, etc. and employ an adhesive, such as mortar, to bind the blocks together to form the wall structure. The applied architectural techniques utilized in this form of construction are labor-intensive, require extensive planning, and are relatively expensive. Recently, prefabricated building blocks made of composite materials have been utilized in an effort to minimize both labor and material costs. The construction industry would certainly welcome an improved composite building block having a specifically designed profile that would enhance building techniques, lower expenses and permit easily assembled wall prototypes. This also allows, for the first time, the opportunity to prototype a full house in a showroom, for example. Thus, a wall building system according to claim 1 and method according to claim 5 solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
[0003] US 5,802,797 A discloses a masonry system comprising a plurality of bricks connected vertically by sticking each brick on top of each other and connecting horizontally by placing respective bricks adjacent to each other to form the masonry system. Each brick including a core connecting a front face and a rear face, and side faces and, a top bed face, a bottom bed face and grooves extending around the respective parameter of the brick. The grooves are inwardly spaced from and extending in parallel to the front face and the rear face.
[0004] US 738, 643 A discloses a wall which is produced by a plurality of superimposed building blocks including upper and lower faces, corresponding end faces and inner face and an exterior face. Each building block further includes two connecting grooves extending around the perimeter of the building block and a core connecting an inner face to the exterior face.
[0005] US 2010/236179 A1 discloses a building structure bricked by a plurality of building blocks. Each building block has a first and second exterior wall, facing each other and spaced from each other in back and fourth directions. Additionally each building block comprises a connection portion connecting the first and the second exterior walls to each other and leakage preventing grooves which are respectively formed at outer peripheries of the first and second exterior walls.
[0006] Moreover, US 2010/095628 A1 discloses a wall system and a single masonry block having a first block member including an outer face member and a second block member comprising an inner face member. The first and the second block member are connected to each other via a connecting element like a core member extending between the block members. Masonry block additionally comprises grooves defining horizontal and vertical portions thereof extending along the perimeter of the block members respectively. US5921046A discloses a further wall building system according to the state of the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The wall building system is based upon a block for building walls and other structures. Although composite material is preferred, the block may be fabricated from a single material, if suitable. The block is formed with an external face member and an internal face member connected by an inner core, which has an outer surface formed with a concave profile. The block is fabricated in one piece to enhance strength and stability. Each face is provided with a continuous groove therearound. The continuous grooves are adapted to receive locking elements therein to interlock the blocks. Utilizing a locking element eliminates the need for binding compounds, such as mortar, thereby greatly reducing labor and material costs. This arrangement allows a prototype wall up to three stories high to be built without the need for any additional supporting structure. When the blocks are assembled, the configuration of the inner core will define channels and passages between the respective blocks to receive electrical wiring, plumbing conduits, and other utility items therethrough. The block is fabricated from materials that have good insulating qualities, thereby allowing the block to be effectively employed in hot, cold, and humid environments. The internal profile of the blocks is compatible for wooden, steel, or concrete skeletal structure.
[0008] Accordingly, the invention presents prefabricated construction blocks that are easy to assemble and allow the use of a dry-build method, thereby eliminating the need for adhesive binders. The blocks are sturdy and comply with international building codes. The blocks can be designed and fabricated in various shapes and sizes such that different architectural styles can be effectively accommodated. Alternative surfaces, such as wood, steel, or leather, could be applied. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
[0009] These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]
Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a portion of a wall constructed in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention, shown partially in section to show details thereof.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a rectangular building block in a wall building system and method according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed with triangular-shaped building blocks in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a partial wall constructed with curved and circular building blocks in accordance with a wall building system and method according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a building block having concave faces in a wall building system and method according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a building block having convex faces in a building system and method according to the present invention.
[0011] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Referring to Figs, 1-3, the wall building system is generally indicated at 10. Walls in the system 10 comprise a series of prefabricated block elements 12 that are assembled layer by layer to form the wall. Each block element 12 comprises an inner face member 14 and an outer face member 16 that are connected via a profiled core member 18. Each face member 14, 16 is provided with a continuous groove 20 around the face. The core member 18 is designed in a concave profile so that channels or passages 22 are formed in the wall when the blocks 12 are assembled. The core 18 is fabricated from materials having good insulation qualities. As indicated above, the passages 22 permit the insertion of electrical wiring, plumbing conduits and the like during the assembly process. The exposed surfaces of each face member 14, 16 can be plastered and painted before assembly. Connecting elements 24, fabricated from steel, are inserted in the grooves 20 and interwoven between respective blocks 12 to lock the blocks 12 together.
[0013] As mentioned above, the blocks 12 may be fabricated in various shapes and sizes. Examples of such variety are illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. Fig 4 shows a wall 30 made from an assembly of triangular blocks 32. Fig. 5 shows a wall 40 made from an assembly of respective curved and circular blocks 42, 44. Fig. 6 shows a block having concave faces, and Fig. 7 shows a block having convex faces, respectively. It is emphasized that the blocks are not limited to the configurations shown and discussed above. The blocks can be designed in almost any geometrical shape (hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) to accommodate different architectural styles and aesthetic tastes.
an inner face member (14) spaced from an outer face member (16), the inner face member (14) and outer face member (16) having a perimeter, each of the face members (14,16) having a groove (20) formed along the perimeter of the face members (14,16); and
a core member (18) spanning the space between and connecting the inner face member (14) to the outer face member (16);
characterized in that said building blocks (12) are assembled in a dry-built layered pattern, each groove (20) of said building blocks (12) is continuous around each respective perimeter, and in that
said locking members (24) are fabricated from steel and are disposed in each of the grooves (20) to interlock the building blocks (12).
the inner face member (14) is parallel to the outer face member (16).
an inner face member (14) spaced from an outer face member (16), the inner face member (14) and outer face member (16) having a perimeter, each of the face members (14,16) having a groove (20) formed along the perimeter of the face members (14,16); and
a core member (18) spanning the space between and connecting the inner face member (14) to the outer face member (16);
the method comprising the steps of:
positioning a plurality of the building blocks (12) in a layered array,
characterized in that the building blocks (12) being dry-stacked to form the layered array, and by
inserting said locking members (24) fabricated from steel in each of the grooves (20) to interlock the building blocks (12), wherein each groove (20) of said building blocks (12) is continuous around each respective perimeter.
ein inneres Flächenelement (14), das beabstandet von einem äußeren Flächenelement (16) ist, wobei das innere Flächenelement (14) und das äußere Flächenelement (16) einen Umfang aufweisen, wobei jedes der Flächenelemente (14,16) eine Nut (20), die entlang des Umfangs des Flächenelements (14,16) ausgebildet ist, aufweist; und
ein Kernelement (18), das den Raum zwischen dem inneren Flächenelement (14) und dem äußeren Flächenelement (16) überbrückt und diese verbindet;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Baublöcke (12) in einer Trockenbauweise in einem geschichteten Muster zusammengebaut sind, wobei die Nut (20) der Baublöcke (12) kontinuierlich um jeden entsprechenden Umfang ist, und dadurch, dass
die Verschlussglieder (24) aus Stahl hergestellt und in jeder Nut (20) zum gegenseitigen verschließen der Baublöcke (12) angeordnet sind.
ein inneres Flächenelement (14), das beabstandet von einem äußeren Flächenelement (16) ist, wobei das innere Flächenelement (14) und das äußere Flächenelement (16) einen Umfang aufweisen, wobei jedes der Flächenelemente (14, 16) eine Nut (20), die entlang des Umfangs des Flächenelements (14, 16) ausgebildet ist, aufweist; und
ein Kernelement (18), das den Raum zwischen dem inneren Flächenelement (14) und dem äußeren Flächenelement (16) überbrückt und diese verbindet;
wobei das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:
Positionieren einer Mehrzahl an Baublöcken (12) in einer geschichteten Anordnung,
dadurch gekennzeichnet dass die Baublöcke (12) trockengestapelt sind zum Bilden der geschichteten Anordnung, und durch Einsetzen der Verschlussglieder (24), die aus Stahl hergestellt sind, in jede der Nuten (20) zum gegenseitigen Verschließen der Baublöcke (12), wobei jede Nut (20) der Baublöcke (12) kontinuierlich um den entsprechenden Umfang ist.
un élément (14) de face intérieure à distance d'un élément (16) de face extérieure, l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure ayant un périmètre, chacun des éléments (14, 16) de face ayant une rainure (20) formée le long du périmètre des éléments (14, 16) de face; et
un élément (18) formant coeur s'étendant dans l'espace entre l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure et reliant l'élément (14) de face intérieure à l'élément (16) de face extérieure;
caractérisé en ce que les blocs (12) de construction sont assemblés suivant une configuration en couche à construction à sec, chaque rainure (20) des blocs (12) de construction étant continue autour de chaque périmètre respectif, et en ce que
les éléments (24) de verrouillage sont fabriqués à partir d'acier et sont disposés dans chacune des rainures (20) pour interverrouiller les blocs (12) de construction.
un élément (14) de face intérieure à distance d'un élément (16) de face extérieure, les éléments (14) de face intérieure et (16) de face extérieure ayant un périmètre, chacun des éléments (14, 16) de face ayant une rainure (20) formée le long du périmètre des éléments (14, 16) de face; et
un élément (18) formant coeur s'étendant dans l'espace entre l'élément (14) de face intérieure et l'élément (16) de face extérieure et reliant l'élément (14) de face intérieure à l'élément (16) de face extérieure;
le procédé comportant les étapes dans lesquelles :
on positionne une pluralité de blocs (12) de construction suivant un réseau en couche,
caractérisé en ce que les blocs (12) de construction sont empilés à sec pour former le réseau en couche et par le fait d'insérer les éléments (24) de verrouillage fabriqués à partir d'acier dans chacune des rainures (20) pour interverrouiller les blocs (12) de construction, chaque rainure (20) des blocs (12) de construction étant continue autour de chaque périmètre respectif.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description