Building blocks

Abstract

The present invention is a block having an elongated and hexagonal shape. A central void runs through the block. The block is formed of an elastomeric and water-repellant material. The hexagonal shape facilitates stacking of blocks having identical hexagon dimensions, although the elongated dimension, or length, of the blocks may be different. The central void of the block may be filled with one or more materials that impart additional characteristics to the block and the resulting structure.

1 . A structure formed of building blocks, comprising:
 a plurality of blocks, wherein each of the blocks of the plurality of blocks consists of six sides that surround a central void, wherein the central void extends from a first end of each of the blocks to a second end of each of the blocks, the six sides forming an equilateral hexagonal shape at the first end of each of the blocks and an equilateral hexagonal shape at the second end of the each of the blocks, and wherein one of the six sides of each of the blocks contacts one of the six sides of another of the plurality of blocks;   wherein each of the blocks is a solid and unitary member formed of an elastomeric and water repellent material.   
     
     
         2 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the central void of each of the blocks comprises an inelastic material. 
     
     
         3 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric and water repellent material is rubber. 
     
     
         4 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the central void of each of the blocks comprises an aggregate. 
     
     
         5 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric and water repellent material comprises a reinforcing material. 
     
     
         6 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a first end of one of the plurality of blocks is recessed relative to a first end of another of the plurality of blocks that adjoins and contacts said one of the plurality of blocks. 
     
     
         7 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a first end of each of the plurality of blocks is positioned relative to another of the plurality of blocks to form an irregular surface configuration in the structure formed of building blocks. 
     
     
         8 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a weep hole that extends through a block of the plurality of blocks from an exterior of the block to the central void of the block. 
     
     
         9 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a block of the plurality of blocks is positioned over a rigid base, and a central axis of the central void of the block extends generally vertically from the rigid base. 
     
     
         10 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks are positioned under a rigid base and provide support for the rigid base, and a central axis of the central void of each of the at least two blocks extends generally vertically. 
     
     
         11 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks are positioned under a rigid base and provide support for the rigid base, and a central axis of the central void of each of the at least two blocks extends generally vertically, and wherein an end of at least one additional block of the plurality of blocks joins an end of another block of the plurality of blocks so that the central voids thereof align and form a conduit. 
     
     
         12 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein an end of a block of the plurality of blocks joins an end of another block of the plurality of blocks so that the central voids thereof align and form a conduit. 
     
     
         13 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the central void of the plurality of blocks comprises a compressible and energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         14 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the central void of the plurality of blocks comprises an acoustic energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         15 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a block of the plurality of blocks is positioned over a base, and a central axis of the central void of the block extends generally vertically from the rigid base, and wherein the central void is filled with concrete to form a bollard. 
     
     
         16 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a central axis of the central void of at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks extends generally vertically, and the plurality of blocks forms a wall. 
     
     
         17 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein a central axis of the central void of at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks extends generally vertically, and the top surfaces of the at least two blocks are in substantially the same plane. 
     
     
         18 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric and water repellent material comprises an elastomeric material obtained from recycled tires. 
     
     
         19 . A structure formed of building blocks as described in  claim 1 , wherein the central void is a cylindrical void.