The Tensar Corporation

Joseph S Bailey, Ii

Robert A Miller

Joseph D Emberson

A modular wall block is formed with two integral, transverse projections extending upwardly from its top surface, spaced from the front face of the block and spaced from each other by an upwardly opening groove. Each block also includes two downwardly opening, transversely extending, grooves of different widths spaced from the front face and spaced from each other by a downwardly extending projection. The width of the downwardly extending projection and the upwardly opening groove are approximately the same and the combined distance between the extreme edges of the two upwardly extending projections is substantially equal to the width of the larger of the two downwardly opening grooves. The height of the upwardly extending projections is equal to or less than the depth of the two downwardly opening grooves. By this arrangement, it is possible to selectively superimpose such blocks in a manner which either positions the front faces of superior blocks in a vertically aligned orientation or a vertically set-back orientation. An optional recessed area located in the upper surface behind the two projections is adapted to receive a grid-like sheet of reinforcing material which is captured therein by the lower surface of a superimposed block. The blocks of this application are dimensioned to be integrated in a retaining wall constructed of a mixture of these blocks and more robust modular wall blocks interconnected by a comb-like device. Multiple wall blocks are simultaneously formed on their side to enhance the high speed molding techniques.

Modular block retaining wall system

A modular wall block is formed with a T-shaped through-opening defining arm sections projecting from a stem portion in each surface of the block. One arm section in the upper surface of each block is dimensioned to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like connection device which may thereby secure an end portion of sheet of reinforcing material such as a geogrid or the like, to the block. The connection device includes enlarged tabs projecting away from the fingers to engage in a different width arm section defined in the lower surface of superimposed wall blocks for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically set back relationship depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs. Stair-step sections of interconnected blocks may be interleaved to form a retaining wall. Additional connection devices may be inverted to further integrate juxtaposed stair-step sections. Likewise, the sheet of reinforcing material may span a plurality of blocks in each course to secure the stair-step sections to each other. The blocks may be used as corner blocks provided with similar aesthetic patterns on a front and a side surface for forming corner portions of sections of a retaining wall extending at right angles to each other.

A modular wall block is formed with a groove in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like connection device which may extend through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of reinforcing material. The connection device includes enlarged tabs projecting away from the fingers to engage in a widened slot defined in the bottom of superimposed wall blocks for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically set back relationship depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs. The groove and the slot are formed at opposite ends of a tapered through-opening extending between top and bottom surfaces of the block. By virtue of the taper, the width of the groove is less than a width of the slot to accommodate the different portions of the connector device. Both the groove and the slot, as well as other selected depressions and recesses can be formed from one side of the block during manufacture to simplify the manufacturing equipment and minimize the cost of the wall blocks. Corner blocks are provided having perpendicular front and side surfaces with similar aesthetic patterns for forming corner portions of sections of a retaining wall extending at right angles to each other.

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Roswell, GA, United States of America

Joseph S Bailey, Ii