Landscaping block and system for use

Abstract

An “L”-shaped landscaping block provides a ledge for supporting concrete slabs used to create landscaping structures such as walkways, stairs and the like. A ridge or openings with protruding members on the bottom of the block engage a lower slab when used as a riser to create steps and prevents shifting of the riser and slabs relative to one another. Stands are provided which are pinned into the ground and support the landscape blocks from beneath to prevent shifting, heaving or sinking with the ground. Angled or curved landscaping blocks are used to created angled or curved corners. Profiled landscaping blocks and slabs are used to create lowered curbs at driveway accesses.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a regular application claiming priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 539,591, filed Jan. 29, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to blocks and particularly to shaped concrete blocks and systems for use in landscaping for forming sidewalks, ramps, steps and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is known to use blocks, typically made from molded, poured concrete, in landscaping to form sidewalks, stairs, patios and the like. [0004] Typically, large 2′×2′ patio blocks or sidewalk slabs are used to create these structures, by first excavating an area, laying a foundation of gravel and sand and then placing the slabs, one next to the other in the desired arrangement. For creating stairs, it is also known to use a smaller cement riser which is positioned, on edge, between patio slabs which may or may not l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] A substantially “L”-shaped landscaping block provides support for concrete slabs such as patio or sidewalk slabs for creating landscaping structures such as walkways, stairs and the like, at least a portion of the slabs being supported on an inner inset ledge of the landscaping block. Restraining means acting between t

Problems solved by technology

The use of slabs to create walkways and landscaping structures is particularly problematic in northern climates where freezing and thawing of the ground may result in heaving and sinking of the foundation beneath the structure.

Alterations in the foundation typically create uneven structures which, as soon a

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