The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 20, 1998
Filed:
Oct. 15, 1996
The Tensar Corporation, Atlanta, GA (US);
Abstract
An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet. Free end portions of the projections are configured to retain block-forming material cast to surround the projections. Multiple layers of interconnected blocks may be made without waiting for the concrete to set by using preformed mold elements which are left in place in the final product and which act to support superimposed layers as they are cast. A sleeve may be secured to a leading edge of the matrix sheet to receive and retain a sand-filled tube or the like to prevent lifting of the matrix sheet by wave action or the like.