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: 
     
         1 . A building block, comprising:
 a rectangular frame;   a protruding connecting portion extending from a top surface of the rectangular frame; and   a recessed connecting portion formed in a first side surface of the rectangular frame.   
     
     
         2 . The building block of  claim 1 , further including a tongue extending from a side surface of the protruding connecting portion. 
     
     
         3 . The building block of  claim 1 , wherein the protruding connecting portion of a first building block is inserted into the recessed connecting portion of a second building block. 
     
     
         4 . The building block of  claim 1 , further including an opening formed in a second side surface of the rectangular frame. 
     
     
         5 . The building block of  claim 1 , further including a cable extending through the rectangular frame. 
     
     
         6 . The building block of  claim 1 , wherein the rectangular frame includes a plurality of openings extending through the rectangular frame and a plurality of protruding connecting portions extending from the top surface of the rectangular frame. 
     
     
         7 . A building block, comprising:
 a frame;   a first connecting portion extending from a top surface of the frame; and   a second connecting portion formed in a first side surface of the frame.   
     
     
         8 . The building block of  claim 7 , further including a tongue extending from a side surface of the first connecting portion. 
     
     
         9 . The building block of  claim 7 , wherein the first connecting portion of a first building block is inserted into the second connecting portion of a second building block. 
     
     
         10 . The building block of  claim 7 , further including an opening formed in a second side surface of the frame. 
     
     
         11 . The building block of  claim 7 , further including a cable extending through the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The building block of  claim 7 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings extending through the frame and a plurality of protruding connecting portions extending from the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The building block of  claim 7 , further including an end cap coupled to the first connecting portion. 
     
     
         14 . A method of making a building block, comprising:
 providing a frame;   providing a first connecting portion extending from a top surface of the frame; and   providing a second connecting portion formed in a first side surface of the frame.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further including forming a tongue extending from a side surface of the first connecting portion. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first connecting portion of a first building block is inserted into the second connecting portion of a second building block. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further including forming an opening in a second side surface of the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further including providing a cable extending through the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings extending through the frame and a plurality of protruding connecting portions extending from the top surface of the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further including providing an end cap coupled to the first connecting portion.