Lintel block and method

Abstract

A modular lintel block includes a rectangular base member, a first rectangular side member, a second rectangular side member and a plurality of spacer members. The base member has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first side member is coupled to the first longitudinal side of the base member. The second side member is spaced from the first side member and is coupled to the second longitudinal side of the base member. The plurality of spacer members are coupled between the first and second side members. A method of forming a lintel in a block wall is provided that includes the steps of constructing the block wall with an opening using a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry. A modular lintel block is installed and secured into the block wall above the opening with the cementing slurry.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An embeddable lintel block comprising: 
 a rectangular base member having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;    a first rectangular side member coupled to said first longitudinal side of said rectangular base member;    a second rectangular side member spaced from said first rectangular side member and coupled to said second longitudinal side of said rectangular base member; and    a plurality of spacer members coupled between said first and second rectangular side members.    
     
     
         2 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said spacer members are configured to form a substantially straight longitudinal passageway arranged between said first and second longitudinal side members.    
     
     
         3 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 2 , further comprising 
 a reinforcing bar coupled to said lintel block, said reinforcing bar being arranged within said longitudinal passageway.    
     
     
         4 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said first and second rectangular side members are fixedly coupled to said first and second longitudinal sides, respectively to form a substantially U-shaped cross-section.    
     
     
         5 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said rectangular base member and said first and second rectangular side members are integrally formed together as a one-piece unitary member.    
     
     
         6 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 each of said spacers includes a first mounting flange fixedly coupled to said first longitudinal side member and a second mounting flange fixedly coupled to said second longitudinal side member.    
     
     
         7 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein said lintel block is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         8 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said spacer members are fixedly coupled to said first and second rectangular side members by welding.    
     
     
         9 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said lintel block has at least four of said spacer members.    
     
     
         10 . The embeddable lintel block according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said rectangular base member has a first opening arranged at a first end of said lintel block and a second opening arranged at a second end of said lintel block.    
     
     
         11 . A method of forming a lintel in a block wall, comprising the steps of: 
 constructing said block wall with an opening using a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry;    installing and securing a modular lintel block into said block wall above said opening with said cementing slurry, said modular lintel block having a height and width substantially equal to a corresponding height and width of said construction blocks, and a length larger than a corresponding length of one of said construction blocks, said modular lintel block comprising 
 a rectangular base member having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;  
 a first rectangular side member coupled to said first longitudinal side of said rectangular base member;  
 a second rectangular side member spaced from said first rectangular side member and coupled to said second longitudinal side of said rectangular base member; and  
 a plurality of spacer members coupled between said first and second rectangular side members.  
   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein 
 said length of said modular lintel block is substantially equal to a predetermined integer multiple of one-half lengths of said construction blocks.    
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein 
 said spacer members are configured to form a substantially straight longitudinal passageway arranged between said first and second longitudinal side members.    
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein 
 a lintel reinforcing bar is coupled to said modular lintel block within said longitudinal passageway.    
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein 
 said rectangular base member has a first opening arranged at a first end of said modular lintel block and a second opening arranged at a second end of said modular lintel block.    
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing first and second wall reinforcing bars;    inserting said first and second wall reinforcing bars in said first and second openings of said modular lintel block.    
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein 
 said rectangular base member has a first opening arranged at a first end of said modular lintel block and a second opening arranged at a second end of said modular lintel block.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing first and second reinforcing bars;    inserting said first and second wall reinforcing bars in said first and second openings of said modular lintel block.    
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: 
 pouring said cementing slurring into said modular lintel block.    
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein 
 said modular lintel block includes at least four of said spacer members.    
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein 
 said modular lintel block is constructed of metal.