Interlocking Construction Blocks and Methods for Using Them

Abstract

A prefabricated interlocking building block is used in the construction of structures. The block is composed of a material comprising polyvinyl chloride and is substantially hollow, with a density of not more than 10 lbs. per cubic foot.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A structure, comprising:
 a plurality of prefabricated, interlocking blocks coupled together to form an assembly;   wherein said plurality of blocks are composed of a material comprising polyvinyl chloride,   and wherein said plurality of blocks have a density of less than 10 lbs. per cubic foot and a compression strength of at least 30 psi.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least 80% of the total volume circumscribed by the outer limits of one or more of the plurality of blocks is hollow. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of a building-related material is positioned at least partially within the assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the material of which the plurality of blocks are composed has been expanded through a foaming process. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 2 , wherein vertical or horizontal structural support beams are positioned within the plurality of the blocks. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a foundation portion;   at least one board positioned across a top portion of the plurality of blocks; and   at least one cable positioned at least partially within the plurality of blocks, the at least one cable coupled to the foundation portion and to the at least one board;   wherein the at least one cable is in tension such that the plurality of blocks are secured between the at least one board and foundation portion.   
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of blocks are composed of a material that is substantially reflective of heat and light. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one wall comprised of the plurality of blocks;   at least one footing comprised of the plurality of blocks, the footing being positioned below the at least one wall;   wherein the at least one footing is substantially filled with concrete.   
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein a compound covers one or more seams between two or more of the plurality of blocks. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the plurality of blocks have sufficient weight-bearing strength to bear the load of a roof.   
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of blocks are coupled by an adhesive compound. 
     
     
         12 . A method of constructing a structure, comprising:
 coupling together a plurality of prefabricated, interlocking blocks to form at least a portion of a wall;   wherein said blocks are comprised of at least 20% polyvinyl chloride by weight; and   wherein the total volume defined by the outer limits of the blocks comprises at least 80% hollow space.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 forming footings for the structure by filling a portion of at least one course of blocks with a material having a density greater than 10 lbs. per cubic foot;   wherein a second course of blocks is laid on top of the first course to ensure the first course is properly aligned.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 securing a top course of the plurality of blocks to a static substrate below the blocks with a support cable.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 creating a bond between two or more of the plurality of blocks using a heat welding process.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 blowing insulation into two or more of the plurality of blocks after they have been assembled.   
     
     
         24 . A wall, comprising:
 a plurality of prefabricated blocks composed of a material comprising at least one foamed polymer and at least 5% barium sulfate by weight;   wherein one or more of the blocks has a cavity forming a vertical channel through the block.   
     
     
         25 . The wall of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of blocks have physical features rendering them self-aligning. 
     
     
         26 . The wall of  claim 24 , wherein a majority of the plurality of blocks have a density of less than 10 lbs. per cubic foot. 
     
     
         27 . The wall of  claim 24 , wherein one or more of the blocks have openings allowing lateral access to one or more building-related materials disposed within the wall. 
     
     
         28 . The wall of  claim 24 , wherein the wall is textured to resemble walls finished with drywall.