Block with multifaceted bottom surface

Abstract

A block for use in constructing a retaining wall having a bottom with a non-planar portion which creates a gap between the bottom surface and the top surface of a lower course of similar blocks when the block is placed thereon. The gap allows the block to rest on the lower course of blocks in a stable, level manner by providing a space where small amounts of rubble and dirt may exist without interfering with the stacking of the blocks. The non-planar, preferably concave, portion is also advantageous in that it reduces the unit weight of the block without significantly affecting the structural integrity of the block. Preferably, the block's bottom surface also has a plurality of grooves which further reduce the weight of the block and provide areas of increased relief for larger stones. The grooves may be “V” shaped, and have angled walls for directing larger stones into the areas of increased relief when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A retaining wall block for constructing a multiple course retaining wall, said block comprising: 
 a body, the body having a substantially planar top surface; a front surface, wherein said front surface is of a substantially curvilinear shape; a rear surface; opposed side surfaces; and,    a bottom surface having a predetermined area and a non-planar portion, the non-planar portion comprising a continuous area making up at least one-quarter of the bottom surface and creating a cavity between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when the block is placed on the top surface of the lower course of blocks, the cavity allowing dirt and other foreign matter to exist between successive courses of blocks without creating instability between the block and the lower course of blocks.    
     
     
         2 . The block of  claim 1  wherein the non-planar portion comprises a continuous area making up at least one half of said bottom surface area.  
     
     
         3 . The block of  claim 1  wherein said non-planar portion is curved.  
     
     
         4 . The block of  claim 3  wherein said non-planar portion extends from one of said side surfaces to the other side surface.  
     
     
         5 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein said non-planar portion is concave.  
     
     
         6 . A retaining wall block for constructing a multiple course retaining wall, said block comprising: 
 a body, the body having a top surface; a front surface, wherein said front surface is of a substantially curvilinear shape.; a rear surface; opposed side surfaces;    a bottom surface having a predetermined surface area and a non-planar portion, the non-planar portion creating a cavity between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when the block is placed on the top surface of the lower course of blocks, the cavity allowing dirt and other foreign matter to exist between successive courses of blocks without creating instability between the block and the lower course of blocks; and,    at least one downwardly extending projection interposed between said rear surface and said non-planar portion, said downward projection having an abutting surface which contacts the rear surface of a lower course of blocks when the block is stacked thereon, thereby causing the block to be offset a predetermined distance rearwardly of the lower course of blocks.    
     
     
         7 . The block of  claim 6 , wherein said projection extends substantially from one of said side surfaces to the other side surface.  
     
     
         8 . The block of  claim 6 , wherein said projection is substantially parallel with said rear surface of said block.  
     
     
         9 . The block of  claim 6 , wherein said abutting surface is substantially parallel with said rear surface of said block.  
     
     
         10 . A block for constructing a retaining wall, the block comprising: 
 a body, the body having a substantially planar top surface; a front surface, wherein said front surface is of a substantially curvilinear shape; a rear surface;    a pair of multi-faceted side surfaces extending from the top surface and spanning from the front surface to the back surface, and,    a bottom surface having a predetermined surface area and a non-planar portion, the non-planar portion creating a cavity between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when the block is placed on the top surface of the lower course of blocks, the cavity allowing dirt and other foreign matter to exist between successive courses of blocks without creating instability between the block and the lower course of blocks.    
     
     
         11 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein said bottom surface further comprises a gutter, the gutter interposed between said rear surface and said non-planar portion of the block.  
     
     
         12 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein said gutter is collaterally aligned with said rear surface of the block.  
     
     
         13 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein said gutter substantially extends from one of said multifaceted side surfaces to the other multifaceted side surface.  
     
     
         14 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein the multifaceted side surfaces further comprise an inwardly inset sidewall portion that perpendicularly intersects the rear surface of the block.  
     
     
         15 . The block of  claim 14  wherein the multifaceted side surfaces further comprise a shoulder formed between the sidewalls and a forward portion of the multifaceted side surfaces, the shoulder and the forward portion of the multifaceted side wall intersecting at an obtuse angle.