Masonry unit for constructing a multi-wythe wall

Abstract

A masonry unit for constructing a wall is disclosed. The masonry unit includes at least three substantially vertical parallel partitions. Each of the partitions connects to an adjacent partition by a web thereby defining a pair of oppositely-facing open-ended recesses on either side of the web. Each of the webs connecting the partitions is offset from any adjacent webs in the masonry unit. A plurality of separated continuous vertical cavities extending through multiple layers of stacked masonry units are formed within the wall when positioning the multiple layers of stacked masonry units on top of each other in a horizontally offset and vertically inverted manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 326,346 filed Apr. 21, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention generally relates to masonry materials, particularly masonry units for constructing multi-wythe walls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Masonry units (e.g., clay or concrete bricks or blocks) have been used for many years in the construction of building walls. To form a wall, multiple masonry units are typically stacked vertically with cementitious mortar materials placed between them in order to permanently bind the units together. In many cases, the masonry units are stacked in a single-wythe structure (i.e., a structure having a width of one masonry unit). While single-wythe walls are popular and relatively easy to construct, in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a masonry unit for constructing a wall with separated continuous vertical cavities. The masonry unit has at least three substantially vertical parallel partitions connected by webs in a widthwise direction. The webs are offset in a lengthwise direction from each other, forming a plurality of continuous vertical cavities within the wall. The masonry unit also includes a vertically-extending support along one of the partitions for added load-bearing capacity. The masonry units can be easily interface with standard corners, end pieces, and other fittings. The masonry unit offers advantages over conventional concrete masonry units with closed cavities, including easier construction of a single wall and better thermal and acoustic transmission properties."

Problems solved by technology

These requirements have proven difficult to meet, both physically and economically, using single-wythe wall designs.

The construction of a composite wall of this type is typically time consuming and labor intensive.

Because vertical rods are typically four to eight feet in length, this task can be very strenuous.

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