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. This gap assists the block in resting 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 further comprises a plurality of grooves which further reduce the weight of the block and provide additional clearance in the gap for larger stones. It is envisioned that these grooves be “V” shaped, thereby having angled walls which act to funnel the larger stones into an area of adequate clearance when the block is being placed on a lower course of similar blocks.

1 . A block for use in constructing a multiple course retaining wall, the block comprising: 
 a top surface;    a bottom surface;    opposing side surfaces, with each opposing side surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface; and with each opposing side surface defining a plane;    a front surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and extending between the opposing side surfaces, the front surface having an upper edge, a lower edge, and side edges, with the upper and lower edges being substantially parallel as viewed in front elevation, and with the side edges being substantially parallel as viewed in front elevation;    a back surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and extending between the opposing side surfaces;    wherein the plane defined by one of the opposing side surfaces intersects the plane defined by the other opposing side surface; and,    wherein the bottom surface has an upwardly recessed portion intersecting with and extending from one of the opposing side surfaces towards the other opposing side surface, with the upwardly recessed portion creating a gap between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when said block is placed on the lower course of blocks in construction of the retaining wall.    
   
   
       2 . The block of  claim 1  wherein the upwardly recessed portion accounts for greater than one-quarter of the total surface area of the bottom surface.  
   
   
       3 . The block of  claim 1 , further comprising a downwardly extending projection, with the projection configured and arranged to engage a block in an adjacent lower course of blocks.  
   
   
       4 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the front surface comprises a plurality of generally planar parts.  
   
   
       5 . The block of  claim 4 , wherein one of the generally planar parts of the front surface is substantially parallel to the back surface of the block.  
   
   
       6 . The block of  claim 4 , wherein at least two of the generally planar parts of the front surface are angled with respect to each other.  
   
   
       7 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the upward recessed portion defines at least one area of contact for the bottom surface of the block when it is disposed upon the top surface of a block in a lower course of blocks;  
   
   
       8 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the upward recessed portion defines at least one area of contact for the bottom surface of the block when it is positioned on top of a lower course of blocks in a retaining wall structure.  
   
   
       9 . The block of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface further comprises at least one groove, with the groove configured to effectively increase the height of the gap formed by the upwardly recessed portion.  
   
   
       10 . A block for use in constructing a multiple course retaining wall, the block comprising: 
 a top surface;    a bottom surface;    opposing side surfaces, with each opposing side surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;    a front surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and extending between the opposing side surfaces, the front surface having an upper edge, a lower edge, and side edges, with the upper and lower edges being substantially parallel as viewed in front elevation, and with the side edges being substantially parallel as viewed in front elevation;    a back surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and extending between the opposing side surfaces;    wherein the bottom surface has an upwardly recessed portion intersecting with and extending from one opposing side surface to the other opposing side surface, the upwardly recessed portion creating a gap between the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of a lower course of blocks when said block is placed on the lower course of blocks in construction of the retaining wall.    
   
   
       11 . The block of  claim 10  wherein the upwardly recessed portion accounts for greater than one-quarter of the total surface area of the bottom surface.  
   
   
       12 . The block of  claim 10 , further comprising a downwardly extending projection, with the projection configured and arranged to engage a block in an adjacent lower course of blocks.  
   
   
       13 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein the front surface comprises a plurality of generally planar parts.  
   
   
       14 . The block of  claim 13 , wherein one of the generally planar parts of the front surface is substantially parallel to the back surface of the block.  
   
   
       15 . The block of  claim 13 , wherein at least two of the generally planar parts of the front surface are angled with respect to each other.  
   
   
       16 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein the bottom surface further comprises a groove, with a portion of the groove extending along the upwardly recessed portion of the bottom surface, wherein the groove effectively increases the height of the gap formed by the upwardly recessed portion.  
   
   
       17 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein the bottom surface further comprises a groove extending from a point in proximity to the intersection of the front and bottom surfaces to a point in proximity to the intersection of the rear and bottom surfaces.  
   
   
       18 . The block of  claim 10 , wherein the upward recessed portion defines peripheral areas of contact for the bottom surface of the block when it is disposed upon the top surface of a block in a lower course of blocks.  
   
   
       19 . The block of  claim 18 , wherein the peripheral areas of contact comprise two spaced-apart portions.