METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MAKING A BUILDING BLOCK FOR MORTARFREE
CONSTRUCTION
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and
components for preparing a building block for mortar-free construction. In some
embodiments, building blocks are described that have unique finishes and features for
home, office, factory or other construction based on a single or plurality of pre-made
blocks that together provide walls with complete internal and external finishes.
One of the most basic necessities form mankind is housing. People need a place to
live and a home is oftentimes the biggest investment that an individual or family will ever
make. Home construction varies throughout the world, though the basic requirements of
keeping the elements out and allowing for successful living within are true everywhere.
The prior art generally describes blocks and methods for constructing structures
using pre-made building blocks of various materials that do not include pre-made internal
and external final finishes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a purpose of the present invention, in some embodiments, to
describe methods and devices for building structures with a single or small set of unique
building blocks that have all the features required for on-site complete construction and
use as provided without any further action such as painting, wall-papering or adding
siding. In some embodiments of the invention, hollow interiors of building blocks allow
for passage of pipes, wires, and the like.
The invention includes a substantially hollow block for the mortar-less and
column-less construction of a structure, wherein the block has a top side that includes a
first joining feature, a bottom side including a complementary second joining feature, an
outer side having a first finish, an inner side having a second finish, a plurality of
connectors at the ends of the block, and an inner space closed by a transiently removable
face, the space adapted to accept infrastructure elements.
In one aspect of the block, the first joining feature is a plurality of joining
features, and wherein the second joining feature is a plurality of joining features.
In another aspect of the block, the joining features include at least one strip of
two-sided tape.
In another aspect of the block, the joining features include at least one male
joining feature and at least one female joining feature.
In another aspect of the block, the building is a house, room, office, factory,
school, hospital, public structure, sky scraper or private building or room.
In another aspect of the block, the insulation and energy saving materials placed
inside the space.
In another aspect of the block, the infrastructure elements are selected from
piping, wiring, cables, or telephone lines.
In another aspect of the block, the first finish is weatherproofed and selected from
paint, wood, brick, aluminum siding, stone, glass, composite materials, metal.
In another aspect of the block the second finish is selected from paint, wallpaper,
stone, wood, brick, aluminum, glass, metal, composite materials, or drywall.
In another aspect of the block, the first finish and the second finish are identical.
In another aspect of the block, the face is transiently removed by the aid of a
vacuum.
The invention includes a method for building a structure without mortar or
internal columns, including the following: selecting a site for construction of a structure;
pouring concrete over at least a portion of the site of construction; placing a first plurality
of building blocks in a line, wherein the line defines the base of a wall of the structure
and wherein the blocks have top sides that includes first joining features, bottom sides
including a complementary second joining features, connectors for side-to-side
connections between blocks, and inner hollow spaces including transiently removable
faces, the spaces adapted to accept infrastructure elements; placing a second plurality of
building blocks on top of the first plurality of building blocks, wherein the second
plurality of building blocks are secured to the first plurality of building blocks through
joining features and double-sided tape; adding additional building blocks until a
predetermined height of the wall has been reached; placing a closure element over the
highest level of blocks so as to lock all blocks associated with the wall in place and to
form a ceiling; building additional walls of the structure, including internal walls through
appropriately adapted connectors; and, completing construction of the structure, wherein
the blocks are used in the construction of the internal and external load-bearing walls of
the structure.
In one aspect of the method, the building blocks are a plurality of building blocks
with different structural, thermal, optical or aesthetic properties.
In another aspect of the method, the building blocks include elements to accept
prefabricated windows or doors.
In another aspect of the method, the building blocks include blocks that may be
used in building of a roof.
The invention additionally includes a building block for mortar-less and paint-less
construction, wherein the block is made of a pre-painted polymeric material and includes
a plurality of elements for self-joining with other such building blocks as well as a face
that can be transiently removed by vacuum force for access to infrastructure elements
within the building block .
In one aspect of the block, the building block includes spaces for passing through
electrical wiring, pipes, tubes, cables and telephone lines.
In another aspect of the block, the elements for self-joining allow for contact
between blocks, wherein the contact does not allow for passage of wind or rain.
In another aspect of the block, the block includes at least one male and at least
one female joining element as well as one connector at each end.
In another aspect of the block, the building block is used for the construction of
walls, floors, ceilings, and roof of a multistory column-free home.
The invention includes a method for constructing a multi-storey structure without
internal columns, including the following: selecting a site for construction of a structure;
preparing a floor from a plurality of prefabricated blocks and finished floor pieces,
wherein the blocks have complementary joining features on their sides as well as joining
features for securely holding the finished floor pieces; placing a first plurality of building
blocks in a straight line over the floor, wherein the line defines a wall of the structure and
wherein the blocks have top sides that includes first joining features, bottom sides
including a complementary second joining features, connectors for side-to-side
connections between blocks, and inner spaces including removable faces, the spaces
adapted to accept infrastructure elements; placing a second plurality of building blocks on
the first plurality of building blocks, wherein the second plurality of building blocks are
secured to the first plurality of building blocks through joining features and double-sided
tape; adding additional building blocks until a predetermined height of the wall has been
reached; placing a ceiling over the blocks, wherein the ceiling is prepared from blocks
with joining elements adapted to join with elements from the highest blocks of the wall;
laying flooring pieces over the ceiling to form a floor of a second storey; building
additional walls of the structure above the floor; repeating steps of erecting a ceiling and
building additional walls above the ceiling; and, completing construction of the structure,
wherein the blocks are used in the construction of all internal and external walls of the
structure, as well as floors, ceilings and roof of the structure of a predetermined number
of stories.
The invention includes a block system for construction of a structure, including
the following: a plurality of building blocks, the blocks prepared from polymeric
materials and including a transiently removable face for access to a hollow space for
infrastructure elements; a closing element, wherein the closing element is adapted to fit
within joining elements associated with a plurality of the building blocks stacked upon
each other; and, glue, wherein the glue is applied between adjacent building blocks to
hold together the building blocks.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical andlor scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the
invention pertains. "Plastic" as applied to materials used in construction of a building
block may include any type of synthetic material, polymer, composite material or
combinations of synthetic and natural materials. In case of conflict, the patent
specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the
drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the
description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how
embodiments of the invention may be practiced. It is noted that similar elements in
various drawings will have the same number, advanced by the appropriate multiple of
100.
In the drawings:
FIGS. 1A - 1C are schematic views of building blocks according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A - 2B are schematic views of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic bottom view of a building block according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a wall built with a plurality of building blocks
prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of unique inner and outer finishes on a building
block according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a building block according to the instant
invention and its prefab exterior surface;
FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a building block according to the instant
invention and its prefab interior surface;
FIGS. 8A - 8B shows a schematic view of a building block according to the
instant invention adapted for passage of wires, pipes or the like;
FIG 9 shows a schematic view of a house built with blocks according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart associated with a method of the present invention;
FIGS. 11 - 19 show various views of blocks or combinations of blocks, floors, and
ceiling components according to an embodiment of the instant invention; and,
FIG. 20 which shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the instant invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates the manufacture and
use of building blocks, wherein said building blocks require no mortar for construction
and are may be prepared with internal and external finishes so as to obviate any
requirement for painting or further manipulation post-construction. A structure built
according to embodiments of the present invention will have no requirement for internal
columns. Most terms herein employed may have their normal meanings as understood in
the relevant arts. Some terms unique to the instant invention are herewith further defined.
"Connectors" may generally refer to elements, often male and female, placed at the ends
of blocks to allow for their facile connection. A typical block may have a male connector
at one end, a female connector at another end, and independently, a plurality of male
joining elements on its top and a plurality of complementary female joining elements on
its bottom. Ceiling and floor elements may include connectors as well as joining elements
on one or a plurality of sides. Some blocks may include three or more sets of connectors
to allow for construction of internal spaces in a building. "Vacuum force" may refer to the
use of a vacuum-based device for removing a face covering space set aside for
infrastructure elements in a block. A "closing element" may generally be a component
that may be placed in joining elements of a plurality of blocks so as to hold the blocks
tightly in place. A closing element may generally have a shape similar to the shape of the
joining elements and it may also include threading to allow for screwing the closing
element into place when holding a plurality of blocks together. It is understood that blocks
as described in the following embodiments may be made of any relevant materials or
combinations of materials. Concrete, carbon fibers, sand, chalk, metal, glass, marble,
carbon composites, stone, and plastics are all non-limiting examples of materials that may
be used either for constructing blocks or for combination in the construction of blocks
used as per the instant invention.
For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention,
as illustrated in Figures 1-19 of the drawings, reference is first made to FIG. IA.
First Embodiment
FIG. 1A shows a building block 100 including an internal side 110 that faces
inwards in a structure, an external side (not visible in figure), two joining sides 130 as
well as a top side 120 including joining elements 125 and a bottom side 140. The block
100 may be made of any material, though polymers are preferred. The block is generally
hollow in its construction and may be of any size or dimension desired. The joining
elements 125 are shown here schematically and may be of number, shape, and size as
required for optimal use. A block 100 is generally joined with identical blocks on its
joining sides, where there may or may not be adhesive or other connection. Additional
blocks may be attached from top and/or bottom through the agency of joining elements
125 so as to build up a wall of a building structure.
FIG. 1B shows a top view of a building block 100 in which the joining elements
125 are arranged in a honeycomb shape that includes protruding 126 and receding 127
elements. This physical arrangement allows for optimal joining of blocks 100, one on top
of another. FIG. 1C shows a complementary bottom side 140 with joining elements 145
that are complementary to the joining elements (125, FIG. IB) both in shape and physical
arrangement. Namely, receding 146 and protruding 147 honeycomb elements allow for
very tight block to block attachment.
Second Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 2A, which shows a building block 200 further
including two-sided strong adhesive tape 226 applied to the top of said block 200 and in
proximity to joining elements 225. The tape 226 is applied to the block 200 during
manufacture and the second adhesive side of the tape 226 is exposed at a time of
construction. Two sided tape 226 allows for very strong and nearly irreversible joining of
building block 200 to a second building block (not shown). FIG. 2B shows a top view of
the tape 226 as applied adjacent to joining elements 225. Two strips of tape are shown for
example purposes only, and any number of pieces of tape of any appropriate size and
dimensions may be utilized in the instant invention.
Attention is now turned to FIG. 3 which shows a bottom 340 region of a building
block 300 according to the present invention. The bottom 340 may include joining
elements 325 as well as pins 348 or other elements that aid in either stabilizing blockblock
binding andlor allow for better fit between successive blocks. It is noted that the
two-sided tape (226, FIG. 2) binds top and bottom (340, FIG. 3) regions of a block 300 in
addition to joining elements which both join and align building blocks 300.
Third Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 4. Blocks from the instant invention may be used in
the construction of single-unit or multi-unit housing projects. In FIG. 4, a concrete
foundation 485 is poured over a predetermined building area. Individual building blocks
400 are used to form a first row 41 1 of blocks 400. The blocks 400 can be secured to the
concrete foundation 485 by any means including but not limited to two-sided tape. The
blocks 400 of the first row 41 1 also can be held together through side-mounted doublesided
tape (not shown) or other appropriate prefab binding elements. Additional rows
412 are added, with blocks from additional rows sitting above blocks 400. Joining
elements as previous described assist in the tight linking of successive rows of blocks 400
to the desired height of the wall 405. At the top of the wall 405 is placed a closure
element 455 which sits above the last row of blocks 400. The closure element 455 serves
to secure the final row of blocks 400 and the entire wall 405 as constructed of individual
prefab blocks 400. The wall 405 is just one part of a larger structure (not shown), but it is
constructed without recourse to mortar. Additionally, the inner and outer surfaces are
already painted or otherwise prepared so as to be in their final state. The wall 405, once
constructed, requires no further treatment or manipulation.
Attention is turned to FIG. 5 which shows a window 507 as prepared according to
the present invention. In the wall (FIG. 4, 405) previously described, no window was
present. Obviously, any housing structure must have light and air access. Thus,
windows, doors, and the like must be present. The window (FIG. 5, 507) may be built to
any size or specification. Generally, there will be a block 500 on the bottom, glass 560 in
the middle and another block 500 on the top. The blocks 500 do not have to be the same
size or even of the same material. The glass 560 can be any appropriate material and may
be tinted andlor have openinglclosing features. The window 507 is integrated into a wall
(not shown) through the attachment of the upper and lower blocks 500 to additional
blocks (not shown) comprising the wall. Thus, windows, doors and other construction
elements can be incorporated into buildings, whereby building blocks 500 are
incorporated to facilitate insertion of windows, doors and the like into walls comprised of
regular building blocks as described in FIGS. 1 & 2.
Fourth Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 6A which shows an embodiment of the present
invention. A block 600 includes an inner coating 610 which is prepared prior to insertion
of the block 600 into a building structure. The inner coating 610 may be paint, wallpaper,
tiles, dry-board or any material used for decorative or functional purposes. By
having an inner coating 610 present on block 600 prior to building, one does not require
additional treatment of block 600 after construction. When construction is complete, a
wall (not shown) has a complete, ready inner side that may appear painted, covered in
wall-paper or otherwise decorated as a wall in a traditional house or building would be
decorated.
FIG. 6B shows a completed wall 605 with the inner coating 610 over the entire
wall 605. In the figure, only one block type was used. It is obvious that a plurality of
different blocks having different inner coatings may be employed to give predetermined
designs or effects.
In FIG. 7A, one sees a schematic view of a block 700 which includes an outer
coating 770 that is prepared prior to block 700 use and is generally made from materials
that would be typically present on the outer face of a structure: paint, siding, stucco, brick
faqade, stone faqade, wood, or the like. The block 700 is prepared with the outer coating
770 ready from the factory so that one hiring a builder would choose which outer coating
helshe wishes to have at different points in the final, built structure (not shown).
Ostensibly, a builder would have a catalogue of standard production blocks 700 that are
available with a wide range of different outer coatings 770 and inner coatings (FIG. 6B,
610). A consumer or client would choose the inner and outer coatings desired either for
the entire structure or in a room-by-room manner and the supplier or contractor would
deliver for use ready pre-made blocks that have full construction capability as well as the
desired inner and outer finishes. As such, no mortar, paint, siding, wallpaper or the like
must be used after construction. After building has been completed, no further finishing
work is required. Obviously, if one wishes to add paint, wallpaper or the like, helshe can
do so. But with the instant invention, there would be no further requirement to do so.
FIG. 7B shows a final wall 705 with a complete outer coating. While the lines between
blocks (not shown) might be visible, the engineering of the blocks allows for
minimization of the lines between blocks or their cover with the outer coating or inner
coating (FIG. 6B, 610).
Fifth Embodiment
Attention is now turned to FIG. 8A which shows a schematic view of an
embodiment of the present invention. A block 800 is adapted to allow for passage of
infrastructure element 885 between blocks and through a final wall. Infrastructure
elements may include but are not limited to electrical wiring, water or steam pipes,
Internet or phone wires, cables or the like. Such elements are generally run through the
floor, walls, or ceiling and as such a block 800 may be adapted through appropriate holes
880 or the like to allow for passage of infrastructure element 885. When a final wall is
constructed (not shown), the holes 880 are not visible as they stand between blocks and
are not visible either on the inside or the outside of the final structure.
Attention is now turned to FIG. 8B which shows a schematic view of an
alternative embodiment of the invention. A removable face 88 1 is included in a block 800
and serves to allow for insertion of pipes, wires, and other infrastructure elements (not
shown in this view). The face 881 may be attached by any means including but not
limited to screws or adhesive. Removal of the face 881 may require application of a
vacuum to the face 88 1. The face 88 1 is transiently removed as suggested by the doublearrows.
The face 881 is removed, wires, pipes, cables and the like are entered and then
face 88 1 is replaced to its original position. It is expected that a subset of all blocks used
in a construction job will require space for pipes, wires and the like and such blocks will
have a capability as shown in FIGS. 8A - 8B to seamlessly handle such elements.
Should floors be built by similar block methods, they too can include either holes
andlor removable elements to receive wires and piping that traditionally are laid beneath
floors during construction. The same would apply to ceilings built by the block methods
described for the present invention.
It is understood from the embodiments of the present invention that blocks 800
may be made of any size or shape that is relevant for an appropriate construction job.
Blocks may be made of various sizes and also appropriate shapes to allow for corner
construction. Thus, L-shaped blocks or blocks built at 90 degrees may be used to affect
corner construction within the embodiments of the present invention. Blocks may be made
of any materials, including but not limited to polymers, stone, metals, wood, concrete, or
composites.
Attention is turned to FIG. 9 which shows a schematic view of a house 990 built
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Blocks are used for construction of
wall 905, window 960, door 990 and roof 995. The blocks selected for each element may
be the same or different. The blocks are designed to allow for facile incorporation of
elements such as windows, doors, and the like into larger structures such as walls based
on the blocks. Of the advantages of the instant invention, there are the ease and speed
with which construction is performed: blocks are brought to a building site and the blocks
are appropriately assembled to yield a final structure. No mortar is required and after
building, the walls and other elements are complete, with no need for further painting or
treatment. The wall 905 has the outer coating 970 which is complete and ready to
withstand the elements. Blocks fit well enough together to prevent wind, rain, and bugs
from entering inside the structure. The first and second finishes associated with a block
are complete, in the sense that they require no further treatment or modification.
Sixth Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 10 which shows a method associated with the present
invention. In the method, a site is selected for construction of a structure. The structure
can be private or public, large or small, of any shape, with unique finishes outside and
inside. After selection of site, the site is leveled and concrete is poured over all or part of
the site. Infrastructure elements such as piping for hot and cold water may be encased in
the poured concrete. Above the poured concrete, walls of the structure are built, namely
by first placing a plurality of building blocks in a straight line or in any shape that reflects
the intended final shape of the structure. The first row of blocks is placed on the concrete
(or other base material) as previously described. A second, third and additional pluralities
of building blocks are sequentially placed over the first row of blocks, blocks being
attached top-to-bottom and side-to-side as previously described. Additional rows of
blocks are placed to the final desired height of any given wall. After a wall is completed, a
closure element may be placed to secure and complete a wall. Additional walls of the
structure are built in a similar manner until the structure's outer and inner walls/divisions
are complete. Infrastructure elements may be run through the blocks of the wall.
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application
variable mold technologies will be developed and the scope of the term of the invention is
intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term "about" refers to k 10 %.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their
conjugates mean "including but not limited to".
The term "consisting of means "including and limited to".
The term "consisting essentially of' means that the composition, method or
structure may include additional ingredients, steps andlor parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps andlor parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics
of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at
least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be
presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format
is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible
limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should
be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such
as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from
1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as
individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies
regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited
numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranginglranges
between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranginglranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein
interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all
the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
All technical terms may have their normal meaning as applied to the art unless
otherwise specified. "Infrastructure elements" may refer to cables, pipes, wires, and the
like traditionally used in construction. Such cables, pipes, and wires may move water,
telephone connections, electricity, TV connections or other items.
Example
Blocks are produced from polymeric material from a three-dimensional printer to
final dimensions of 50160 centimeters in length, 25/30 centimeters height, and 5110120
centimeters in width. The blocks are hollow and have multiple holes for the passage of
wires and pipes. The blocks additionally include insulation made from fiberglass. A
subset of the blocks include a removable wall that allows for insertion of piping and
electricallphone cables; the removable wall is placed over the piping and cables and may
be removed in order to service said piping and cables. The blocks may be used as they
are produced in the production of walls of a structure or alternatively, the blocks may be
painted and or treated to create unique inner and outer finishes prior to use of blocks in
construction of a plurality of walls in a structure. The finishes may be bonded, glued, or
otherwise associated with the blocks. A special glue may be employed to hold blocks
from a ceiling structure together-blocks being connected through joining elements in
the side of the blocks, and a very strong glue, 3M DP 601 as a non-limiting example of
the same, to hold them in place over an open space. DP 601 is appropriate for concrete
block elements, while for composite materials, 3M VHB is more appropriate for use,
though it is by no means limiting.
It is expected that in some embodiments of the instant invention, blocks without
any additional inner or outer coatings will be utilized. The blocks may be made from
natural, synthetic, or recycled materials, and may have properties that allow for
construction as herewith described, without any recourse to additional coatings beyond
the block material. Natural stone or other materials may be ground up, mixed with a
binder and poured into block construction-with all connector features, as well as a
removable face for access to wires, cables, and the like.
It is stressed that in many embodiments of the instant invention, the base block
will include at least one face that can be removed to access inner spaces of the block.
Removal of the face will generally be performed with a dedicated element that includes a
vacuum feature for removing said face. Said face is an integral part of a block and its
removal and replacement are critical to facile building methods and easy access to wires,
cables, pipes, and the like.
Critical features of buildings employing the instant invention are column-less
construction and additionally floors that may be fashioned out of blocks as previously
described. The blocks are load-bearing, as are the walls constructed from there.
Therefore, it is intended that no columns will be required in building with the block
system described herewith, and in some embodiments, in place of pouring a concrete
floor as described previously, the floor itself will be made of a block arrangement
connected as described for wall elements. Floors and ceilings produced from appropriate
blocks will include joining elements on the side of blocks but not necessarily on both the
top or bottom. Ceiling and floor pieces may be complete units connected to block-based
walls.
In some embodiments, a floor is built from block elements. The floor blocks may
include joining elements to join floor blocks into a single floor. Glue may also be used
for holding blocks together. In some of these embodiments, the floor blocks will include
male or female joining elements which allow for attachment of either wall blocks as
described above or floor finishing elements. For example, if the floor blocks are joined
and have exposed, upward facing male joining elements, marble floor squares (0.5 meter
x 0.5 meter) with complementary female joining elements on their bottom may be placed
for the floor, with male and female elements joined to allow for final floor preparation.
Marble floor squares are placed over the floor blocks until a complete marble floor is
prepared. In such a system, there is no requirement for sand beneath the marble floor
pieces and one can remove a floor piece easily. Glue may additionally be applied
between floor blocks and final floor pieces such as the marble squares described
herewith.
One of the advantages of embodiments of the instant invention is that heat may be
passively removed through the joining elements of the blocks. Heat that passes through
an inner side of the blocks may be taken up and out of a house or other structure through
the connected follow joining elements.
For multi-storey structures, a cable may be run through the blocks from base to
top to give added strength to block-based walls. In some embodiments, the joining
elements may be of a round shape, and a closing element may be run through the joining
elements to lock in groups of blocks. For example, for every four blocks stacked on top
of each other, a group of closing elements may be run through the round joining elements
to lock the group of blocks together. This arrangement may be in place of glue or in
addition to glue. Hollow closing elements give added block/wall strength in the event of
earthquakes and the like by locking blocks together through their mutual round joining
elements. It is assumed that embodiments of the instant invention will be used not only to
build multi-storey homes but also be applied for construction of towers of ten stories or
higher. Strengthening elements may be added to or applied to blocks or block-based
walls to allow for multi-storey construction. In some multi-storey structures employing
blocks herewith described, the ceiling of one floor may serve as the base for block
attachment and cablelwire space for the floor immediately above it for a plurality of
ceilinglfloor combinations.
In some embodiments of the instant invention, outside surfaces of blocks may be
adapted to accept or encourage growth of plants, ivies, or the like. The surfaces may
include pots or may have features that encourage natural growth of grasses, plants, trees,
shrubs, flowers or the like.
Seventh Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 11 which shows a block 1100 according to an
embodiment of the instant invention. FIG. 11 shows various angles of view of the block
1100 which includes joining elements 1125 and passage space 1180 for infrastructure
elements. Protruding 1126 and receding 1127 elements are used in joining blocks
securely. FIG. 12 shows the removable face 1281 attached and removed from the block
1200. Removing face 1281 allows for facile introduction or care of infrastructure
elements (not shown for reasons of clarity).
FIG. 13 shows a plurality of blocks 1300 joined together, both side to side and
top to bottom. Connectors 1390 are used for aligning and joining adjacent blocks 1300
while joining elements 1325 are involved in top-to-bottom attachment of blocks to form
higher structures. Each block 1300 includes a set of male and female connectors 1390 on
opposite sides to allow for facile joining of consecutive blocks 1300 in a row. Additional
materials such an adhesive (not shown) may be applied between blocks side-to-side and
top-to-bottom. FIG. 14 shows a corner arrangement in which blocks 1400 are joined
through connectors 1490 specifically designed to accept blocks at 90 degrees, as shown.
Attention is turned to FIG. 15 which shows a ceilinglfloor arrangement. Ceiling
block 1595 includes the floor 1596 for the storey immediately above said ceiling 1595.
The floor 1596 allows for placement of marble or other finishing pieces as well as next
level of blocks (not shown). FIG. 16 shows floor 1696 with plurality of holes 1697 for
passing infrastructure elements through the floor 1696. Water pipes, electrical wires, and
other critical building elements may be run through the floor 1696 through the agencies
of the prepared holes 1697 in the floor 1696 elements. FIG. 17 shows the floor 1797 open
to accommodate infrastructure and other elements.
Attention is turned to FIG. 18 which shows an internal wall 18 1 1 developed from
an external wall 18 10. The block 1800 shown in the circle includes three sets of
connectors 1890: two at the end for continuing the external wall 18 10 and one set for
starting the internal wall 18 1 1. This arrangement allows for building internal walls 18 1 1
at will and thus partitioning of a larger structure into functional rooms and spaces.
FIG. 19 shows flagstones 1903 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The flagstones 1903 may be placed with associated joining element 1925 onto
blocks used for a floor (not shown). Connectors 1990 are used for joining a plurality of
flagstones 1903.
Eighth Embodiment
Attention is turned to FIG. 20, which shows a block 2000 according to an
embodiment of the instant invention. The embodiment includes a closing element 2035
which fits into joining elements 2025 so as to allow for more solid connection between
blocks 2000 stacked upon each other. The closing element 2035 may be made of any
material including but not limited to polymers and metals. The closing element 2035
may include a groove 2038 which allows for screwing the closing element 2035 tightly
into stacked blocks 2000.
It is understood that while many of the figures associated with the present
invention show a "block" shaped structure, the instant invention may use blocks of any
material, shape, size, and feature. Thus, rounded or curved blocks, arch-shaped blocks,
or other shapes are all possible with varying embodiments and versions of elements of
the present invention. It is also understood that blocks similar to those herewith described
may be used in other forms of building, such as but not limited to ship and plane
construction, car building, and other forms of manufacture that require some type of
construction of larger structures from smaller building blocks.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity,
described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination
in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for
brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately
or in any suitable sub-combination. Insulation, electronic components or other items may
be included in the inside our outside of a block. Additionally, one could paint or
otherwise treat a block after building, should helshe wish. Such additional treatment
would not be required but could be done. In some embodiments, an entire built
structure-walls, floor, roof, etc. will be made from various forms of blocks as described
herewith; there will be no need for other building elements beyond windows and doors
which will be fitted into the structure created by the whole-block construction.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific
embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations
will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the
appended claims. The present invention could be employed for production of wide
variety of "building blocks" of non-rectangular shapes and for uses beyond traditional
building.
Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated
hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimental support in the
following example.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are
herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent
as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or
identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission
that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that
section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims
1. A substantially hollow block for the mortar-less and column-less construction of a
structure, wherein said block has a top side that includes a first joining feature, a
bottom side including a complementary second joining feature, an outer side having a
first finish, an inner side having a second finish, a plurality of connectors at the ends
5 of said block, and an inner space closed by a transiently removable face, said space
adapted to accept infrastructure elements.
2. The block according to claim 1, wherein said first joining feature is a plurality of
joining features, and wherein said second joining feature is a plurality of joining
features.
10 3. The block according to claim 2, wherein said joining features include at least one
strip of two-sided tape.
4. The block according to claim 2, wherein said joining features include at least one
male joining feature and at least one female joining feature.
5. The block according to claim 1, wherein said building is a house, room, office,
15 factory, school, hospital, public structure, sky scraper or private building or room.
6. The block according to claim 1, further including insulation and energy saving
materials placed inside said space.
7. The block according to claim 1, wherein said infrastructure elements are selected
from piping, wiring, cables, or telephone lines.
20 8. The block according to claim 1, wherein said first finish is weatherproofed and
selected from paint, wood, brick, aluminum siding, stone, glass, composite materials,
metal.
9. The block according to claim 1, wherein said second finish is selected from paint,
wallpaper, stone, wood, brick, aluminum, glass, metal, composite materials, or
25 drywall.
10. The block according to claim 1, wherein said first finish and said second finish
are identical.
11. The block according to claim 1, wherein said face is transiently removed by the
aid of a vacuum.
30 12. A method for building a structure without mortar or internal columns, including
the following:
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selecting a site for construction of a structure;
pouring concrete over at least a portion of said site of construction;
placing a first plurality of building blocks in a line, wherein said line defines
the base of a wall of said structure and wherein said blocks have top sides that
5 includes first joining features, bottom sides including a complementary second joining
features, connectors for side-to-side connections between blocks, and inner hollow
spaces including transiently removable faces, said spaces adapted to accept
infrastructure elements;
placing a second plurality of building blocks on top of said first plurality of
10 building blocks, wherein said second plurality of building blocks are secured to said
first plurality of building blocks through joining features and double-sided tape;
adding additional building blocks until a predetermined height of said wall has
been reached;
placing a closure element over the highest level of blocks so as to lock all
15 blocks associated with said wall in place and to form a ceiling;
building additional walls of said structure, including internal walls through
appropriately adapted connectors; and,
completing construction of said structure, wherein said blocks are used in the
construction of the internal and external load-bearing walls of said structure.
20 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said building blocks are a plurality
of building blocks with different structural, thermal, optical or aesthetic properties.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said building blocks include
elements to accept prefabricated windows or doors.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said building blocks include
25 blocks that may be used in building of a roof.
16. A building block for mortar-less and paint-less construction, wherein said
block is made of a pre-painted polymeric material and includes a plurality of elements
for self-joining with other such building blocks as well as a face that can be
transiently removed by vacuum force for access to infrastructure elements within said
30 building block.
17. The building block according to claim 16, wherein said building block
includes spaces for passing through electrical wiring, pipes, tubes, cables and
telephone lines.
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18. The building block according to claim 16, wherein said elements for selfjoining
allow for contact between blocks, wherein said contact does not allow for
passage of wind or rain.
19. The building block according to claim 16, wherein said block includes at least
5 one male and at least one female joining element as well as one connector at each end.
20. The building block according to claim 16, wherein said building block is used
for the construction of walls, floors, ceilings, and roof of a multistory column-free
home.
2 1. A method for constructing a multi-storey structure without internal columns,
1 o including the following:
selecting a site for construction of a structure;
preparing a floor from a plurality of prefabricated blocks and finished floor
pieces, wherein said blocks have complementary joining features on their sides as
well as joining features for securely holding said finished floor pieces;
15 placing a first plurality of building blocks in a straight line over said floor,
wherein said line defines a wall of said structure and wherein said blocks have top
sides that includes first joining features, bottom sides including a complementary
second joining features, connectors for side-to-side connections between blocks, and
inner spaces including removable faces, said spaces adapted to accept infrastructure
20 elements;
placing a second plurality of building blocks on said first plurality of building
blocks, wherein said second plurality of building blocks are secured to said first
plurality of building blocks through joining features and double-sided tape;
adding additional building blocks until a predetermined height of said wall has
25 been reached;
placing a ceiling over said blocks, wherein said ceiling is prepared from
blocks with joining elements adapted to join with elements from the highest blocks of
said wall;
laying flooring pieces over said ceiling to form a floor of a second storey;
building additional walls of said structure above said floor;
repeating steps of erecting a ceiling and building additional walls above said
ceiling; and,
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completing construction of said structure, wherein said blocks are used in the
construction of all internal and external walls of said structure, as well as floors,
ceilings and roof of said structure of a predetermined number of stories.
22. A block system for construction of a structure, including the following:
5 a plurality of building blocks, said blocks prepared from polymeric materials
and including a transiently removable face for access to a hollow space for
infrastructure elements;
a closing element, wherein said closing element is adapted to fit within joining
elements associated with a plurality of said building blocks stacked upon each other;
10 and,
glue, wherein said glue is applied between adjacent building blocks to hold
together said building blocks.