Construction Blocks for Forming a Breeze Block Wall Having Different Depths at Its Edges

Abstract

Construction block designs for a breeze block wall are disclosed, in which the resulting wall creates a Trompe l'oeil (optical illusion) response where the wall appears differently depending on a viewing angle. This is achieved via blocks with unique three-dimensional shapes giving rise to a wall whose front surface is not perfectly planar. The blocks are preferably three-or four-sided, include an interior space, and can be opened (e.g., at their tops) or closed. The orientations of the blocks can be changed both vertically and / or horizontally on the wall. Despite their irregular shapes, the blocks in the resulting wall can be contiguous (i.e., with the blocks in contact, perhaps through intermediary materials) both vertically and horizontally, and with breeze holes formed in the wall and defined by the interior spaces in the blocks.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 721,799, filed Nov. 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and to which priority is hereby claimed.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to construction blocks useable in forming a breeze block wall for example, and in particular to blocks which when formed in a wall change their appearance in accordance with a viewing angle.INTRODUCTION

[0003] Construction blocks can be used to form a wall. One can imagine, for example, stacking cinder blocks to form a wall. Cinder blocks typically have two rectangular holes passing through them, and if these blocks were stacked with the holes facing outwards, the wall would be partially open, permitting light, sun, wind, etc., to pass through them. Such “breeze block walls” or “breeze block facades” have an array of different applications, including use as privacy partition walls or panels, sunscreens which may be used to minimize thermal gain in buildings, wall systems for controlling wind speeds, aesthetic architectural facades, etc. One might use such a breeze block wall, for example, to border an outdoor garden.

[0004] Breeze block walls, as well as being functional, are typically desired for their decorative aspects. In this regard, one could imagine forming a breeze block wall using construction blocks that are more decorative than traditional cinder blocks—for example, which employs blocks that have more complicated shapes and designs, and which may have holes that are not perfectly rectangular. Although functional and generally decorative, a breeze block wall formed of such blocks would be fairly simple and predictable in terms of its aesthetics. Stated simply, the wall would appear to a viewer as expected based on the individual shapes of the blocks that comprise the wall, regardless of the viewer's viewing angle.

[0005] A more interesting and aesthetically pleasing breeze block wall would be one that evoked a “Trompe l'oeil” (French for “deceiving the eye”) response for the viewer. A Trompe l'oeil response creates an optical illusion, with the wall appearing differently from what the viewer might expect. Preferably this illusion would change depending on the viewer's viewing angle. As just noted, a traditional breeze block wall formed of traditional blocks does not create a Trompe l'oeil response, because the wall would appear as the user expects regardless of vantage point.

[0006] By contrast, this application discloses a number of different block designs that do create a Trompe l'oeil response when formed in a breeze block wall. This is achieved via blocks with unique three-dimensional shapes.SUMMARY

[0007] A block stackable to form a wall is disclosed, in which the block may comprise: when viewed from a front, a bottom portion, a left portion, and a right portion, wherein the left portion is formed at a first angle with respect to the bottom portion, and the right portion formed at a second angle with respect to the bottom portion, wherein a bottom edge of the left portion and a top edge of the right portion have a first depth, and wherein a top edge of the left portion and a bottom edge of the right portion have a second depth different from the first depth, wherein left, bottom, and right portions surround an interior space.

[0008] In one example, the first and second angles are equal. In one example, the first and second angles are acute. In one example, the first and second angles are obtuse. In one example, the first and second angles are right angles. In one example, the first angle is acute, and wherein the second angle is obtuse. In one example, the right and left portions are parallel. In one example, the bottom edge of the left portion, the top edge of the right portion, the top edge of the left portion, and the bottom edge of the right portion are centered with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the left, right, and bottom portions. In one example, tops of the left and right portions are parallel with the bottom portion. In one example, the block further comprises a top portion, wherein the right portion is formed at a third angle with respect to the top portion, and the left portion is formed at a fourth angle with respect to the top portion, wherein the top portion encloses the interior space. In one example, the top and bottom portions are parallel when viewed from the front. In one example, the left and right portions are parallel when viewed from the front. In one example, the top, bottom, left and right portions form a square when viewed from the front. In one example, the top and bottom portions are not parallel when viewed from the front. In one example, the right and left portions are not parallel when viewed from the front. In one example, the first and third angles are right angles. In one example, the left and right portions are trapezoidally shaped when viewed respectively from the left and right. In one example, the left and right portions have curved edges when viewed respectively from the left and right.

[0009] A wall comprising a plurality of the blocks is also disclosed, wherein each block is any of the examples previously described. In the wall, the blocks are alternatively turned upside down and rotated from back to front when stacking the blocks vertically, and the blocks are alternatively turned upside down and rotated from back to front when stacking the blocks horizontally.

[0010] In one example, a front surface of the wall is not planar. In one example, the front surface of the wall has inward portions and outward portions. In one example, either the inward or outward portions correspond to locations of the bottom edge of the left portion and the top edge of the right portion having the first depth, wherein the other of the inward or outward portions correspond to locations of the top edge of the left portion and the bottom edge of the right portion having the second depth. In one example, the blocks'shape causes geometric aspects of the wall's appearance to change based on a viewing angle of a viewer. In one example, the blocks are contiguous when stacked vertically and horizontally in the wall, wherein the interior spaces of the blocks form breeze holes in the wall. In one example, the blocks are not contiguous when stacked vertically and horizontally in the wall, resulting in openings between the blocks, wherein the interior spaces of the blocks and the openings form breeze holes in the wall.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1A-1G show an example of a first block design, while FIGS. 1H-1M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0012] FIGS. 2A-2G show an example of a second block design, while FIGS. 2H-2M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0013] FIGS. 3A-3G show an example of a third block design, while FIGS. 3H-3O show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0014] FIGS. 4A-4G show an example of a fourth block design, while FIGS. 4H-4M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0015] FIGS. 5A-5G show an example of a fifth block design, while FIGS. 5H-5M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0016] FIGS. 6A-6G show an example of a sixth block design, while FIGS. 6H-6M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0017] FIGS. 7A-7G show an example of a seventh block design, while FIGS. 7H-7M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0018] FIGS. 8A-8G show an example of an eighth block design, while FIGS. 8H-8M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0019] FIGS. 9A-9G show an example of a ninth block design, while FIGS. 9H-9M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0020] FIGS. 10A-10G show an example of a tenth block design, while FIGS. 10H-10O show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0021] FIGS. 11A-11G show an example of an eleventh block design, while FIGS. 11H-11O show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0022] FIGS. 12A-12G show an example of a twelfth block design, while FIGS. 12H-12O show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0023] FIGS. 13A-13G show an example of a thirteenth block design, while FIGS. 13H-13M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0024] FIGS. 14A-14G show an example of a fourteenth block design, while FIGS. 14H-14K show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.

[0025] FIGS. 15A-15G show an example of a fifteenth block design, while FIGS. 15H-15M show assembly of this block into a breeze block wall.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Different examples of breeze blocks that produce a Trompe l'oeil effect are shown in the figures. Each of the blocks is different, but many of the blocks contain substantial similarities as well. Similar views of the blocks are given similar figure labels. For example, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show block 1 from the left, right, and front, and FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C similarly show block 2 from the left, right, and front, etc. Element numbers are also similar between the blocks. For example, element 1lf denotes the left front edge of block 1, wherein 2lf denotes the left front edge of block 2, etc. Given the similarity between the blocks, only those elements that are different enough from previous blocks are discussed, and as such some elements that are numbered in the figures may not be described in the text to avoid redundancy.

[0027] FIGS. 1A-1G show a first example of a breeze block 1 from different views: left oblique (FIG. 1A); right oblique (FIG. 1B), front (FIG. 1C), left side (FIG. 1D), right side (FIG. 1E); top (FIG. 1F); and bottom (FIG. 1G). While certain aspects of the block are described as appearing at the “top” or “bottom,”“right” or “left”, or “front” or “back” of the block 1 in accordance with how they are shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, these terms are merely relative. As explained later, the blocks 1 are configured for assembly within a breeze block wall 1w (see FIGS. 1K-1M) at which point certain of the blocks 1 (roughly half of them) will be turned upside down, and rotated (back to front) (see, e.g., FIGS. 1H-1J).

[0028] The block 1 comprises three main portions, a bottom portion 1b, and left and right side portions 1l and 1r connected to the bottom portion 1b. The top of the block 1 is open, but includes horizontal edges 1lt and 1rt at the tops of portions 1l and 1r. The top could also be closed by providing an additional top portion (not shown, but used in some other blocks as discussed further below). The bottom portion 1b includes a horizontal bottom surface 1bs. The overall vertical height of the block 1 from bottom to top is denoted z, as best seen in FIG. 1C. Height z can vary depending on design preferences, but in one example ranges from 6 inches to 2 feet. Portions 1b, 1r, and 1l can be formed with a thickness t, as best shown in FIG. 1C, which may be equal or different in these portions, and which may vary from about 1 to 2 inches. The thicknesses of the different portions can also be different, but this is not shown in the various disclosed block examples.

[0029] While the bottom portion 1b is preferably horizontal, side portions 1l and 1r are preferably not perfectly vertical, as best seen in FIG. 1C. Instead, these portions 1l and 1r form an acute angle θ with respect to the bottom portion 1b, such that the portions 1l and 1r point inwards at the top of the block 1. Angle θ can vary depending on design preferences, but in one example ranges from 70 to 85 degrees. Because the portions 1l and 1r are angled (θ), the length of the block 10 differs at the bottom (xb) and the top (xt), such that xt<xb, again as best seen in FIG. 1C. These dimensions can vary depending on design preferences, but in one example xb ranges from 4 to 12 inches while xt ranges 3 inches to 10 inches. Block 1 has an aspect ratio defined as the ratio between the (largest) length (e.g., xb) and the largest height (z). In block 1, this aspect ratio is such that the block is taller (z) than it is wide (xb), but this could be changed such that the block is wider (xb) than it is tall.

[0030] Side portions 1l and 1r each include front edges (1lf, 1rf) and back edges (1lb, 1rb) which again are preferably not perfectly vertical. Instead, these edges are preferably formed at an acute angle φ, as best shown in the left and right side views of FIGS. 1D and 1E. At the left side 1l (FIG. 1D), this acute angle φ is formed between edges 1lb and 1lf and the bottom surface 1bs. This also forms obtuse angles 180°-φ between the edges 1lb and 1lf and the top edge 1lt of the left side 1l. At the right side 1r (FIG. 1E), this acute angle φ is formed between edges 1rb and 1rf and the top edge 1rt of the right side 1r. This also forms obtuse angles 180°-φ between the edges 1rb and 1rf and the bottom surface 1bs. As a result, the left and right portions 1l and 1r are trapezoidal in shape, with the left portion having a depth ytl at the top that is smaller than the depth ybl at the bottom, and with the right side having a depth ytr at the top that is larger than the depth ybr at the bottom. Preferably, smaller depth ytl at the top left equals the smaller depth ybr at the bottom right, and larger depth ytr at the top right equals the larger depth ybl at the bottom left. Although not shown, this could be reversed: a larger depth ytl at the top left could equal the longer depth ybr at the bottom right, and a smaller depth ytr at the top right could equal the smaller depth ybl at the bottom left. Notice as shown in FIGS. 1D-1G that the bottom edge of the left portion (ybl), the top edge of the right portion (ytr), the top edge of the left portion (ytl), and the bottom edge of the right portion (ybr) are centered with respect to a plane P that is perpendicular to the left 1l, right 1r, and bottom 1b portions. This is true for some of the subsequent block examples as well, but is not shown again for convenience.

[0031] This difference in depths also forms the top and bottom of block 1 with a roughly trapezoidal shape, as shown in the top and bottom views of FIGS. 1F and 1G. Because depth ytl at the top of the left portion 1l is smaller than the depth ytr at the top of the right portion 1r (FIG. 1F), top edges 1lt and 1rt form a roughly trapezoidal shape defined by angle α, although this shape is open between the edges 1lt and 1rt. (Note that this openness is not required, and other block designs may include another top portion spanning between the left and right portions, as discussed later. See, e.g., block 7, which includes top portion 7t, in FIGS. 7A-7M). Because depth ybl at the bottom of the left portion 1l is larger than the depth ybr at the bottom of the right portion 1r (FIG. 1G), the bottom surface 1bs of bottom portion 1b is formed with a solid trapezoidal shape defined by angle β. Angles α and β, can be equal or different, and generally range between 70 and 85 degrees.

[0032] Notice that the angle of edges 1lf and 1lb of the left portion 1l, and the edges 1rf and 1rb of the right portion 1r, preferably twist from the top to the bottom of the block 1. Thus, left edges 1lf and 1lb gradually twist such that they are roughly angled at β at the bottom of the block 1, but are angled at 180°-α at the top of the block (FIG. 1F). Right edges 1rf and 1rb, by contrast, gradually twist such that they are roughly angled at 180°-β at the bottom of the block 1, but are angled at α at the top of the block (FIG. 1G).

[0033] Blocks 1, and other block examples shown subsequently, may be formed by molding or by cutting a material to the desired shape, and can be formed of any suitable such as concrete, fly ash, cinders, cement, ceramics, clays, powdered stone, glass, metal, wood, plastics, fiberglass, and the like. Although not shown, the interior of the disclosed block portions (e.g., 1b, 1r, 1l) formed by molding may be reinforced by rebar, mesh, and the like. The interior of the block portions, or the blocks themselves, may also be hollow. The disclosed blocks are preferably formed integrally as single units with all necessary portions, but this is not required, and instead the disclosed blocks can be formed using individually-manufactured portions that are later affixed together in any reasonable manner given the materials that the block is made from (e.g., gluing, mortar, screwing, nailing, etc.).

[0034] The blocks 1, shaped as described, are stackable to form a breeze block wall 1w, as shown in FIGS. 1H-1M. When stacking the blocks 1 vertically as shown in the front, left oblique, and right oblique views of FIGS. 1H-1J, the blocks'orientations are alternated. Thus, the lowest block 1 is shown right side up, with bottom surface 1bs resting on the ground (or other substrate, or a lower block) and horizontal top edges 1lt and 1rt pointing upwards. Notice at this point that front edges 1lf and 1rf are facing outward (of the page). The next vertically-placed block is turned upside down, with surface 1bs pointing upwards and top edges 1lt and 1rt pointing downwards, and rotated back to front so that the back edges 1lb and 1rb are now facing outwards. This allows edges 1lt and 1rt of these first two blocks to make contact. The third block, like the lowest block, is turned right side up, with surface 1bs pointing downwards and top edges 1lt and 1rt pointing upwards, and again with edges 1lf and 1rf facing outwards. This allows surfaces 1bs of these next two blocks to make contact. This alternating pattern can be continued vertically until a wall 1w of desired height is formed.

[0035] Blocks 1 can also be stacked horizontally in a contiguous manner as shown in the front view of FIG. 1K. When stacking the blocks horizontally, the blocks'orientations are once again alternated by turning each sequential block upside down and rotating it back to front. This brings portions 1r of a first block into angular contact (in accordance with angle θ; see FIG. 1C) with portions 1l of the next block, and so on.

[0036] Notice that the blocks 1 in wall 1w are contiguously stacked in the sense that the blocks 1 contact both vertically and horizontally in a manner that leaves no additional spaces between the blocks. (Compare block 6 of FIG. 6K). Instead, the only open spaces in wall 1w correspond to the interior space surrounded by portions 1l, 1r, and 1b in each block, which together form breeze holes 1h in the wall 1w. These breeze holes 1h are roughly bow-tie shaped in this example, corresponding with the end-to-end manner in which the trapezoidally-shaped blocks 1 are joined.

[0037] The blocks 1, so configured in wall 1w, can be adhered together in any number of ways, and may contact through intermediate materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 1K, small gaps 1g can be provided between the blocks 1 to accommodate a grout, caulk, or mortar material 1gg. These gaps 1g may be provided horizontally between contacting edges 1rt and 1lt and contacting surfaces 1bs as well as between portions 1r and 1l (essentially vertically). This grout or mortar material 1gg is only partially shown in FIG. 1K, and is not shown in subsequent figures. Blocks 1 may, however, be differently adhered to each other in wall 1w, such as by bolting, clamping, binding, or bracing the blocks together. Such alternative means of fixing the blocks 1 to each other may bring the blocks into direct contact without a substantial gap 1g, such that material 1gg is very thin or unnecessary altogether. Furthermore, because the blocks are stackable, they don't necessarily need to be adhered to each other at all (although adhering them may be highly desired for safety and to guarantee the wall 1w from falling). Subsequent examples of blocks stacked to form walls can likewise be adhered in these same manners.

[0038] When blocks 1 are stacked to form a wall 1w as shown, note that the front surface of the wall 1w (facing out of the page of FIG. 1K) will not be perfectly flat (planar). This is because this surface is formed by edges 1lf, 1rf, 1lb, and 1rb, which are not perfectly vertical: as described earlier, these surfaces are angled φ (see FIGS. 1D and 1E). As such, corners 1ci or 1co (appearing at the junction of four blocks 1) are formed that are respectively relatively inwards (into the page) or outwards (out of the page). Corners 1ci are relatively inwards, because the depths of the blocks at these corners (depth ytl of left portion 1l, and depth ybr of the bottom portion 1b proximate to the right portion 1r) are relatively short. By contrast, corners 1co are relatively outwards, because the depths of the blocks at these corners (depth ytr of right portion 1r, and ybl of the bottom portion 1b proximate to the left portion 1l) are relatively long. In other words, ytr=ybl (at corners 1co) are greater than ytl=ybr (at corners 1ci). Although not shown, this could also be reversed: i.e., ytr =ybl (at corners 1ci) could be greater than ytl=ybr (at corners 1co). Because the blocks are symmetric from a depth perspective, the same is also true on the opposite side of the wall 1w, which is likewise not flat and shares these same inward and outward corners. Note that corners 1ci and 1co appear more or less in a checkerboard pattern, with a given corner (e.g., 1ci) being vertically and horizontally flanked by four corners of the opposite type (e.g., 1co).

[0039] A particularly interesting feature of wall 1w composed of blocks 1 as described relates to the appearance of the wall 1w when viewed from different angles, as illustrated by comparison of the front view of FIG. 1K with the left and right oblique views of FIGS. 1L and 1M. These differences in appearance can be summarized (overly-simply) as follows. When viewed head-on (FIG. 1K), the wall 1w appears formed of trapezoidal (bow-tie) shapes. When viewed from the left (FIG. 1L), the wall 1w appears to be formed of rectangular shapes. When viewed from the right (FIG. 1M), the wall 1w appears to be formed of triangular shapes. In other words, the shape of block 1 causes geometric aspects of the wall's appearance to change based on a viewing angle of a viewer.

[0040] As such, the blocks 1 when assembled into wall 1w achieve a Trompe l'oeil response as discussed earlier, and this results from the unique three-dimensional shape of the block 1. As such, the visual experience of a wall 1w formed from blocks 1 evolves or changes for a viewer with respect to their perspective and the angle with which they view the wall.

[0041] Blocks can be varied to create still different visual effects, and different block examples are shown in subsequent figures. These subsequent block designs are not necessarily described as fully as was block 1, as this should not be necessary. Discussion of these other block designs instead focuses on differences from preceding blocks. As noted earlier, not all aspects of the various blocks may be labeled with element numerals, and some elements numerals are not described again in the text to avoid redundancy. Subsequent blocks designs can be constructed and affixed in a wall as described previously.

[0042] FIGS. 2A-2M show another block design 2. As should be apparent from comparing these figures to corresponding FIGS. 1A-1M described earlier, block 2 differs from block 1 in that the left and right portions 2l and 2r are oriented at a right angle (θ=90°) with respect to its bottom portion 2b, as best shown in FIG. 2C. (Note that this block 2 is shown upside down in FIGS. 2A-2C). As such, the length of the block 2 at the bottom (xb) and the top (xt) are equal in this example.

[0043] Otherwise block 2 is the same as described before with respect to block 1. For example, portions 2l and 2r are angled (φ; see FIGS. 2D and 2E), giving rise to different depths ytl=ybr>ytr=ybl. The top and bottom surfaces are again roughly trapezoidal (α and β; see FIGS. 2F and 2G), such that the edges of the portions 2l and 2r twist from the top to the bottom of the block 2. As shown in FIGS. 2H-2M, blocks 2 can again be formed into a wall 2w, with the blocks 2 stacked contiguously both horizontally and vertically in an alternating fashion by turning them upside down and rotating them (back to front). The different depths give rise to corners that are again either outwards (2co) or inwards (2ci) (FIG. 2K) as described previously. Again, breeze holes 2h are formed which in this example are rectangular when viewed head-on (FIG. 2K). The blocks 2 can be constructed and affixed as described earlier.

[0044] Wall 2w composed of blocks 2 also produces a Trompe l'oeil response, as illustrated by comparison of the front view of FIG. 2K with the left and right oblique views of FIGS. 2L and 2M. When viewed head-on (FIG. 2K), the wall 2w appears formed of rectangular shapes. When viewed from the left (FIG. 2L), the wall 2w appears to be formed of trapezoidal or bow-tie shapes. When viewed from the right (FIG. 2M), the wall 2w appears to be formed of hexagonal shapes.

[0045] The example block 3 of FIGS. 3A-3O is similar to block 2 described earlier in that the left and right portions 3l and 3r are oriented at a right angle (θ=90°) with respect to its bottom portion 3b (e.g., FIG. 3C). However, block 3 is different in that the left and right portions 3l and 3r are of a different shape. Instead of being trapezoidal with straight edges 2lb, 2lf, 2rf, 2rb (see FIGS. 2D and 2E), the left and right portions 3l and 3r of block 3 have curved edges 3lb, 3f, 3rf, 3rb resembling circular arcs (FIGS. 3D and 3E). When blocks 3 are stacked in a wall 3w (FIGS. 3H-3M), outward (3co) and inward (3ci) corners are again formed (FIG. 3K), with the shapes of portions 3l and 3r creating a different Trompe l'oeil response. When viewed head-on (FIG. 3K), the wall 3w appears formed of squares. When viewed from the left (FIG. 3L) and right (FIG. 3M), still different appearances are formed. Further, these appearances differ more significantly if the user viewing angle changes up or down. For example, the views shown in FIGS. 3L and 3M show a relatively high (upward) viewing angle of the wall from the left and right, while FIGS. 3N and 3O show a relatively low (downward viewing angle which is more parallel to the height of the wall 3w. In these views, the wall 3w appears to be formed of hourglass (FIG. 3N) or circular (FIG. 3O) shapes which differ significantly from the shapes seen in FIGS. 3L and 3M.

[0046] The example block 4 of FIGS. 4A-4M is different in that the left and right portions 4l and 4r are both oriented at an obtuse angle (θ>90°) with respect to its bottom portion 4b, as best shown in FIG. 4C. As such, the length of the block 4 is longer at the top (xt) than at the bottom (xb).

[0047] Otherwise block 4 is the same as described before. Again, portions 4l and 4r are angled (φ; see FIGS. 4D and 4E), giving rise to different depths ytl=ybr<ytr=ybt. The top and bottom surfaces are again roughly trapezoidal (α and β; see FIGS. 4F and 4G), such that the edges of the portions 4l and 4r twist from the top to the bottom of the block 4. As shown in FIGS. 4H-4M, blocks 4 can again be formed into a wall 4w, with the blocks 4 stacked contiguously both horizontally and vertically in an alternating fashion by turning them upside down and rotating them (back to front). This gives rise to corners that are again either outwards (4co) or inwards (4ci) (FIG. 4K) as described previously. Again, breeze holes 4h are formed which in this example appear hexagonal when viewed head-on (FIG. 4K). Wall 4w as in earlier examples also produces a Trompe l'oeil response, as illustrated by comparison of the front view of FIG. 4K with the left and right oblique views of FIGS. 4L and 4M.

[0048] The example block 5 of FIGS. 5A-5M is generally similar to the block 4 of FIGS. 4A-4M, in particular in comprising left and right portions 5l and 5r that are both oriented at an obtuse angle (θ>90°) with respect to its bottom portion 5b (FIG. 5C). However, block 5 is significantly taller in vertical height z. This difference in aspect ratio creates a wall 5w that produces a different Trompe l'oeil response. Compare FIGS. 5K-5M with FIGS. 4K-4M.

[0049] The example block 6 of FIGS. 6A-6M is similar to earlier blocks, but different in that the left and right portions 6l and 6r are oriented at different angles with respect to the bottom portion 6b. (Block 6 is shown upside down in FIGS. 6A-6C). As best shown in FIG. 6C, the left portion 6l is oriented at an acute angle θ with respect to the bottom portion 6b, while the right portion 6r is oriented at an obtuse angle 180°-θ with respect to the bottom portion 6b. This makes the left and right portions 6l and 6r parallel, such that the block 6 appears roughly parallelogram-shaped from the front (but with an open top). Furthermore, the length of the block 6 is the same at the top (xt) and the bottom (xb).

[0050] Otherwise block 6 is the same as described before. Again, portions 6l and 6r are angled (φ; see FIGS. 6D and 6E), giving rise to different depths ytl=ybr>ytr=ybl. The top and bottom surfaces are again roughly trapezoidal (α and β; see FIGS. 6F and 6G), such that the edges of the portions 6l and 6r twist from the top to the bottom of the block 10.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6H-6M, blocks 6 can again be formed into a wall 6w, with the blocks 6 stacked vertically and horizontally in an alternating fashion by turning them upside down and rotating them (back to front). However, these blocks when stacked horizontally are not contiguous, because the right and left portions 6l and 6r do not touch throughout their lengths. Instead, the blocks (four of them) meet at corners 6ci1 (where top surfaces 6rt touch; see FIGS. 6C) and 6ci2 (where the bottom surfaces 6bs touch proximate to left portion 6l), leaving diamond-shaped openings 6s between the horizontally positioned blocks 6, as best seen in the front view of FIG. 6K. Corners 6ci1 correspond to locations where blocks 6 have smaller depths (e.g., ytr) and corners 6ci2 also correspond to locations where blocks 6 have smaller depths (e.g., ybl), and as such these corners 6ci1 and 6ci2 are relatively inwards.

[0052] Additional junctions occur at locations where only two blocks 6 meet. Junctions 6jo1 and 6jo2 occur at opposing edges of the openings 6s where the top surfaces 6lt (see FIG. 6C) meet. Junctions 6jo3 and 6jo4 also occur at opposing edges of the openings 6s where the bottom surfaces 6bs touch proximate to the right portions 6r. Junctions 6jo1 and 6jo2 correspond to locations where blocks 6 have larger depths (e.g., ytl), and junctions 6jo3 and 6jo3 correspond to locations where blocks 6 have larger depths (e.g., ybr=ytl), and as such these junctions are relatively outwards. Again, breeze holes 6h are formed in the interior spaces of the blocks 6, which in this example are chevron shaped when viewed head-on (FIG. 6K). The diamond-shaped openings 6s also function as breeze holes like 6h. The blocks 6 can be constructed and affixed as described earlier. Wall 6w as in earlier examples also produces a Trompe l'oeil response, as illustrated by comparison of the front view of FIG. 6K with the left and right oblique views of FIGS. 6L and 6M. As before, this is due to the unique three-dimensional shapes of blocks 6 and the manner in which they are formed in the wall 6w.

[0053] Examples of breeze blocks shown to this point include three portions (bottom, right and left portions), but as noted earlier, these and other blocks can include a top portion as well spanning between the left and right portions. Blocks with top portions may be easier to manufacture, store, and transport reliably. This is because the top portion encloses the interior space of the block, rendering it stronger and less prone to damage. For example, when a top portion is used, the left and right portions are less likely to break away from the bottom portion.

[0054] Block 7 of FIGS. 7A-7M shows a first example of this, including a top portion 7t in addition to the bottom 7b, right 7r, and left 7l portions. In this example, these portions are connected at right angles (θ=90°) and are of the same length (xt=xb=xr=xl). Thus, each block 7 is square shaped when viewed from the front (FIG. 7C). However, as in earlier examples, the depths are different at the four corners, with ytl=ybr<ytr=ybl.

[0055] Otherwise block 7 is the same as those described earlier. For example, portions 7l and 7r are angled (φ; see FIGS. 7D and 7E) and trapezoidal owing to different depths ytl=ybr<ytr=ybt. The top 7t and bottom 7b surfaces are likewise trapezoidal (α and β; see FIGS. 7F and 7G), such that the edges of the portions 7l and 7r twist from the top to the bottom of the block 7. As shown in FIGS. 7H-7M, blocks 7 can again be formed into a wall 7w, with the blocks 7 stacked contiguously both horizontally and vertically in an alternating fashion by turning them upside down and rotating them (back to front). This gives rise to corners that are again either outwards (7co) or inwards (7ci) as described previously. Again, breeze holes 7h are formed which in this example are square when viewed head-on (FIG. 7K). Wall 7w composed of blocks 7 also produces a Trompe l'oeil response. When viewed head-on (FIG. 7K), the wall 7w appears formed of square shapes. When viewed from the left (FIG. 7L) or right (FIG. 7M), the wall 7w appears to be formed of shapes that are more triangular in nature.

[0056] The example block 8 of FIGS. 8A-8M is generally similar to the block 7 of FIGS. 7A-7M, particularly in comprising left 8l, right 8r, bottom 8b, and top 8t portions at right angles (θ) with respect to each other. However, block 8 is significantly taller in vertical height z, thus producing a wall 8w that is more rectangular (xl=xr>xt=xb) than square when viewed from the front. Compare FIG. 8K with FIG. 7K. This difference in aspect ratio creates a wall 8w that produces a different Trompe l'oeil response. Compare FIGS. 8K-8M with FIGS. 7K-7M. Although not shown, block 8 could be modified to have a different aspect ratio where the block is wider horizontally than it is vertically (i.e., xl=xr>xt=xb). This modification in effect comprises turning block 8 by 90 degrees (e.g., with the right or left portion at the bottom).

[0057] The example block 9 of FIGS. 9A-9M, like blocks 7 and 8, includes a top portion 9t to join the left and right portions 9l and 9r and to enclose this block. However, block 9 varies from blocks 7 and 8 in that the left and right portions 9l and 9r are not oriented at the same angle with respect to the bottom portion 9b. The left portion 9l is preferably angled θ1 at 90 degrees with respect to the bottom portion 9b, whereas the right portion 9r is angled at an obtuse angle θ2 (90°+Δ) with respect to the bottom portion 9b. The left and right portions 9l and 9r are also differently angled with respect to the top portion 9t. Angle θ3 opposite angle θ1 between the top and right portions 9t and 9r is 90 degrees, whereas the top and left portions 9t and 9l are at an acute angle θ4 (90°−Δ). The bottom 9b, right 9r, top 9t, and left 9l portions respectively have lengths of xb, xr, xt, and xl. Preferably, the length of the top portion 9t (xt) equals the length of the right portion 9r (xr). As shown later, shaping blocks 9 in this manner allows them to be stacked contiguously in a wall 9w without spaces between them.

[0058] Block 9 is otherwise the same as described earlier. For example, portions 9l and 9r are angled (φ; see FIGS. 9D and 9E), giving rise to different depths ytl=ybr>ytr=ybl as described before. The top and bottom surfaces 9t and 9b are again roughly trapezoidal (α and β; see FIGS. 9F and 9G), such that the edges of the portions 9l and 9r twist from the top to the bottom of the block 9.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 9H-9M, blocks 9 can again be formed into a wall 9w, but this occurs somewhat differently than in earlier examples. Here, the blocks 9 are stacked in units 9ua, 9ub, 9uc, and 9ud (FIG. 9K), with each unit comprising a 2×2 array of four blocks 9. These four blocks in each unit are labeled A, B, C, and D in FIG. 9K. Within each unit these blocks 9 are turned at 90 degrees. Thus, and referring to unit 9ua, block B is turned (clockwise) 90 degrees with respect to block A and placed on top of block A. This is also shown in FIG. 9H, and notice that turning block B in this fashion allows right portion 9t of block B to contact the top portion 9t of block A. As already noted, these portions 9r and 9t have the same lengths (xr=xt). Referring again to unit 9ua in FIG. 9K, block C is likewise turned 90 degrees with respect to block B, which again brings right portion 9r of block C into contact with top portion 9t of block B. Block D is likewise turned 90 degrees with respect to block C, which brings right portion 9r of block D into contact with top portion 9t of block C, and which brings top portion 9t of block D into contact with right portion 9r of block A. The blocks A-D in unit 9ua are not rotated front to back, and thus are all front-facing. Notice that the blocks 9 are vertically and horizontally contiguous (touching) inside of each unit. Each unit in this example forms a square with a length of xl+xb (see FIG. 9C).

[0060] Units can then be stacked to form the wall 220, and this involves rotating each unit in an alternating fashion. When vertically stacking the units, the unit 9ua is rotated around a horizontal axis. Thus, unit 9ub on top of unit 9ua has been horizontally rotated with respect to unit 9ua, such that the blocks 9 in unit 9ub are now back to front. When horizontally stacking the units, the unit is rotated around a vertical axis. Thus, unit 9uc to the left of unit 9ua has been vertically rotated with respect to unit 9ua, such that the blocks 9 in unit 9uc are now back to front. Continuing this pattern, the blocks in unit 9ud, like 9ua, would be front-facing. Like the blocks 9 within the units, the units themselves stack contiguously both horizontally and vertically, leaving no additional spaces (compare 6s, FIG. 6K) between the blocks 9. Instead, wall 9w only includes breeze holes 9h formed by the interior space of each block 9.

[0061] Due to the differences in depths at various corners of the blocks (e.g., ytl=ybr>ytr=ybl), corners 9ci1 in the wall (corresponding to depth ybl) will be relatively inward; corners 9co1 (corresponding to depth ytl) will be relatively outwards; corners 9ci2 (corresponding to depth ytr) will be relatively inwards; and corners 9co2 (corresponding to depth ybr) will be relatively outwards. Wall 9w as in earlier examples also produces a Trompe l'oeil response, as illustrated by a comparison of the front view of FIG. 9K with the left and right oblique views of FIGS. 9L and 9M.

[0062] The example block 10 of FIGS. 10A-10O comprises left 10l, right 10r, bottom 10b, and top 10t portions at right angles (θ) with respect to each other. However, block 10 also differs from previous blocks in certain respects. First, the depths of the blocks differ. In previous blocks, the depth at the bottom left edge (ybl) and at the top right edge (ytr) equal a first depth, and the depth at the bottom right edge (ybr) and at the top left edge (ytl) equal a second depth, with the first depth being either smaller or large that the second (i.e., ybl=ytr>ybr=ytl, or ybl=ytr<ybr=ytl). In block 10, the depth at the bottom edges on the left and right sides (ybl and ybr) equal a first depth, while the depth at the top edges on the left and right sides (ytl and ytr) equal a second depth, with the first depth being either smaller or larger than the second (i.e., ybl=ybr>ytr=ytl as shown in the figures, or ybl=ybr<ytr=ytl). As such, the left and right portions 10l and 10r are still trapezoidal in shape as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E, but are angled the same (φ). Thus, in this example, an acute angle φ is formed between edges (10lb and 10lf; 10rf and 10rb) and the bottom surface 10bs of both the left and right portions, with obtuse angles 180-φ formed between these edges and the top.

[0063] Another difference in depth in blocks 10 occurs in the middle of the top 10t and bottom 10b portions. As best shown in the top view of FIG. 10F, the depth at a middle portion of the top portion 10t (ytm) is larger than the depths at the left and right edges (ytl=ytr). As such, the front edges of the top portion (10tf1 and 10tf2 ) are angled (A<180) and intersect at intersection 10tfi at the middle. The back edges of the top portion (10tb1 and 10tb2) are similar and intersect at intersection 10tbi. This gives the top portion 10t a roughly hexagonal shape. As best shown in the bottom view of FIG. 10G, the depth at the middle of the bottom portion 10b (ybm) is smaller than the depths at the left and right bottom edges (ybl=ybr). As such, the front edges of the bottom portion (10bf1 and 10bf2) are angled (360-A) and intersect at intersection 10bfi. The back edges of the bottom portion (10bb1 and 10bb2) are similar and intersect at intersection 10bbi. This gives the bottom portion 10b a roughly bow-tie shape.

[0064] In a preferred example, the larger middle depth of the top portion 10t ytm is equal to the larger depths at the left and right edges of the bottom portion 10b ybl and ybr, and the smaller middle depth of the bottom portion 10b ybm is equal to the smaller depths at the left and right edges of the top portion 10t ytl and ytr. Thus ytm=ybl=ybr>ybm=ytl=ytr. However, it is not strictly necessary that these middle depths be set equal in this fashion, and these middle depths can have their own unique values.

[0065] In a preferred example, and as best seen in FIG. 10A, edges 10tf1 and 10tf2 at the top front of the block 10 and edges 10bf1 and 10bf2 at the bottom front of the block 10 are preferably twisted, such that the intersections 10tfi and 10bfi lie along a common axis 10xf. Although not shown, edges 10tb1 and 10bf2 at the top back of the block 10 and edges 10bb1 and 10bb2 at the bottom back of the block 10 are also preferably twisted, such that the intersections 10tbi and 10bbi lie along a common axis 10xb.

[0066] Edges 10tf1 and 10tf2 at the top front of the block 10, while twisted, are generally linear as shown and intersect at intersection 10tfi as explained above. However, these edges 10tf1 and 10tf2 can also be smoothly curved in a manner forming a single top front curved edge 10tf without an intersection. Alternative shapes for the top portion 10t showing such a curved edge 10tf are shown in miniature in FIG. 10F, with these alternative shapes generally maintaining the overall dimensions of the block 10. Top back edge 10tb can be similarly curved (essentially combining edges 10tf1 and 10tb 2). FIG. 10G in miniature similarly shows smoothed and curved edges 10bf and 10bb at the bottom of the blocks and corresponding shapes the bottom portion 10b can take.

[0067] Block 10 can be formed in a wall 10w as in earlier examples, although this block 10 may not be vertically and horizontally stacked in the same manner. As best shown in FIG. 10H, when vertically stacking the blocks 10, the block 10 needs only be turned upside down; it doesn't also need to be rotated from back to front as in some earlier examples. As such, the top portions 10t of first and second vertically-stacked blocks are in contact, followed by the bottom portions 10b of the second and third vertically-stacked blocks, and so on. When stacking the blocks horizontally, the block's orientation can remain the same and simply be repeated, and need not be turned upside down or rotated, as best shown in FIG. 10K. Thus, the right portion of a first block is brought in contact with the left portion of a second block to its right, and the left portion of the first block is brought into contact with the right portion of a third block to its left, etc. As such, when blocks 10 are formed in a wall 10w, only their front sides are facing forward. (However, it's worth mentioning that because the blocks 10 are symmetric, the front and back sides of the block 10 are exactly the same when these blocks are rotated).

[0068] Similar to earlier examples, blocks 10 when formed in wall 10w have outward and inward corners. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 10K, inward corners 10ci1 are formed where smaller depths ytl and ytr coincide in the wall. Inward corners 10ci2 are formed where smaller depths ybm coincide in the middle of the bottom portions 10b. Outward corners 10co1 are formed where larger depths ybl and ybr coincide. Outward corners 10ci2 are formed where larger depths ytm coincide in the middle of the top portions 10t. As before, breeze holes 10h are formed by the interior spaces of each block 10.

[0069] Due to the difference in these depths, wall 10w forms a Trompe l'oeil response. When viewed head-on (FIG. 10K), the wall 3w appears formed of rectangles. When viewed from the left (FIG. 10L) and right (FIG. 10M), a mixture of hexagons and bow-tie shapes are formed. Still other interesting viewing effects are noticeable based on viewing angle. For example, in FIG. 10N, the blocks 10 are viewed from a relatively upward viewing angle, but not at left or right angles. Here, first hexagonal shapes are noticeable (along with bow-tie shapes). When the viewing angle is changed downward and to the left (or right), as shown in FIG. 10O, the trapezoidal-shaped portions 10l and 10r are more visible. Because these portions are inverted on top of each other, these portions appear as second hexagonal shapes, which, interestingly, are different from the first hexagonal shapes noticeable in FIG. 10N.

[0070] The example block 11 of FIGS. 11A-11O comprises left 11l, right 11r, bottom 11b, and top 11t portions at right angles (θ) with respect to each other. Block 11 is in some respects similar to block 10 in that various depths of the block differ. However, the depth in block 11 changes along the left 11l and right 11r portions instead of along the top 11t and bottom 11b portions as occurred in block 10. In effect, block 11 can be understood as similar to block 10, but turned by 90 degrees, perhaps with its aspect ratio modified.

[0071] In block 11, the depth at the left edges on the top and bottom sides (ytl and ybl) equal a first depth, while the depth at the right edges on the top and bottom sides (ytr and ybr) equal a second depth, with the first depth being either smaller or larger than the second (i.e., ytl=ybl<ytr=ybl as shown in the figures, or ytl=ybl>ytr=ybl). As such, the top and bottom portions 10t and 10b are trapezoidal in shape as shown in FIGS. 11F and 11G, with an angle α.

[0072] Another difference in depth occurs in the middle of the left 11l and right 11r portions. As best shown in the left view of FIG. 11D, the depth at the middle of the left portion 11l (yml) is larger than the depths at the top and bottom edges (ytl=ybl). As such, the front edges of the left portion (11lf1 and 11lf2) are angled (A<180) and intersect at intersection 11lfi. The back edges of the left portion (11lb1 and 11bl2) are similar and intersect at intersection 11lbi. This gives the left portion 11l a roughly hexagonal shape. As best shown in the right view of FIG. 11E, the depth at the middle of the right portion 11r (ymr) is smaller than the depths at the top and bottom edges (ytr=ybr). As such, the front edges of the right portion (11rf1 and 11rf2) are angled (360-A) and intersect at intersection 11rfi. The back edges of the bottom portion (11rb1 and 11rb2) are similar and intersect at intersection 11rbi. This gives the right portion 11r a roughly bow-tie shape.

[0073] In a preferred example, the larger middle depth of the left portion 11l yml is equal to the larger depths at the top and bottom of the right portion 11r ytr and ybr, and the smaller middle depth of the bottom portion 11r ymr is equal to the smaller depths at the top and bottom of the left portion 11l ytl and ybl. Thus yml=ytr=ybr>ymr=ytl=ybl. However, it is not strictly necessary that these middle depths be set equal in this fashion, and these middle depths can have their own unique values.

[0074] In a preferred example, and as best seen in FIG. 11B, edges 11rf1 and 11rf2 at the right front of the block 11 and edges 11lf1 and 11lf2 at the left front of the block 11 are preferably twisted, such that the intersections 11rfi and 11lfi lie along a common axis 11xf. Although not shown, edges 11rb1 and 11rb2 at the right back of the block 11 and edges 11lb1 and 11lb 2 at the left back of the block 11 are also preferably twisted, such that the intersections 11rbi and 11lbi lie along a common axis 11xb.

[0075] Edges 11lf1 and 11lf2 at the left front of the block 11, and edges 11 rf1 and 11rf 2 at the right front of the block 11, while twisted, are generally linear as shown and intersecting at intersections 11lfi and 11rfi as explained above. However, these edges can also be smoothly curved in a manner forming a single left front curved edge and a single right front curved edge without an intersection. One example of this is shown in FIGS. 12A-12O.

[0076] Block 11 can be formed in a wall 11w as in earlier examples. As best shown in FIG. 11H, when vertically stacking the blocks 11, the block's orientation can simply be repeated, and need not be turned upside down or rotated. As such, the top portion 11t of a first block and the bottom portion 11b of a second vertically-stacked block are in contact, followed by the top portion 11t of the second block and the bottom portion 11b of a third vertically-stacked block, and so on. When stacking the blocks horizontally, the block's orientation can be turned upside down, but need not be rotated back to front, as best shown in FIG. 11K. Thus, the right portions 11r of first and second horizontally-stacked blocks are brought in contact, and the left portions 11l of the second and a third horizontally-stacked block are brought into contact, etc.

[0077] Similar to earlier examples, blocks 11 when formed in wall 11w have outward and inward corners. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 11K, inward corners 11ci1 are formed where smaller depths ybl and ytl coincide at left portions 11l in the wall. Inward corners 11ci2 are formed where smaller depths ymr coincide in the middle of the right portions 11r. Outward corners 11co1 are formed where larger depths ytr and ybr coincide at right portions 11r. Outward corners 11ci2 are formed where larger depths yml coincide in the middle of the left portions 11l. As before, breeze holes 11h are formed by the interior spaces of each block 11.

[0078] Due to the difference in these depths, wall 11w forms a Trompe l'oeil response. When viewed head-on (FIG. 11K), the wall 11w appears formed of squares. When viewed from the left (FIG. 11L) and right (FIG. 11M), a mixture of shapes are formed. Still other interesting viewing effects are noticeable based on the viewing angle. For example, in FIG. 11N, the blocks 11 are viewed from a relatively upward viewing angle, but not at left or right angles. Here, rectangular shapes are noticeable. When the viewing angle is changed downward and to the left (or right), as shown in FIG. 11O, the left and right portions 11l and 11r are more visible, thus providing a mixture of hexagonal and bow-tie shapes.

[0079] The example block 12 of FIGS. 12A-12O is similar in most respect to block 11 just discussed. The only significant difference relates to the shapes of the left and right portions 12l and 12r. As noted above with respect to block 11, edges 11lf1 and 11lf2 at the left front of the block 11, and edges 11rf1 and 11rf2 at the right front of the block 11, are generally linear as shown and intersecting at intersections 11lfi and 11rfi. However, these front edges, and corresponding back edges, can also be smoothly curved, and this alternative is shown in block 12. Specifically, block 12 is formed with a single left front curved edge 12lf and a single right front curved edge 12rf without an intersection, and with a single left back curved edge 12 lb and a single right back curved edge 12rb without an intersection. See FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12D, and 12E. Otherwise, block 12 is shaped and sized like block 11. For example, and again in this example, yml=ytr=ybr>ymr=ytl=ybl.

[0080] Block 12 is also stackable in a wall 12w in the same manner as block 11: when vertically stacking the blocks 12, the block's orientation can simply be repeated; when horizontally stacking the blocks 12, the block's orientation only needs to be turned upside down, but not rotated back to front. See FIGS. 12H-12K. Different Trompe l'oeil responses can be seen when the left and right portions 12l and 12r are shaped with smooth edges (block 12) compared to linear edges (block 11). Compare FIGS. 11K-11O with 12K-12O.

[0081] Block 13 of FIGS. 13A-13N has similarities to block 11, including the use of left 13l, right 13r, top 13t, and bottom 13bportions. Further, the left and right portions 13l and 13r of block 13 have different depths in the middle of those portions as did block 11. Again in this example, the larger depth yml of the left portion 13l equals the larger depths ytr and ybr of the right portion 13r, and smaller depth ymr of the right portion 13r equals the smaller depths ytl and ybl of the left portion 13l. This again gives rise to left portions 13l that are hexagonal, and right portions 13r that are bow-tie shaped, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E. And again, the front edges of the left portion 13lf1 and 13lf2) are angled (A<180) and intersect at intersection 13lfi, while the front edges of the right portion 13rff1 and 13lr2) are also angled (360-A) and intersect at intersection 13rfi, where intersections 13lfi and 13rfi lie along a common axis 13xf. (The back edges of the left and right portions 13l and 13r are similarly shaped).

[0082] Block 13 is however different from block 11 in that the angles between the portions are not all right angles. Instead, only two of the angles are right angles, with both angles being associated with a particular portion. In this example, and as best seen in FIG. 13C, those right angles occur at the top (θ4) and bottom (θ1) of the left portion 13l, but the right angles could be associated with a different portion as well. The remaining two angles are acute (θ2=90°−Δ) and obtuse (θ3=90°+Δ). Block 13's shape is different form block 9's shape: in block 13, adjacent angles (θ1 and θ4) are at right angles, whereas in block 9 opposite angles (θ1 and θ3) are right angles. This produces in block 13 parallel opposing portions (e.g., the top and bottom portions 13t and 13b). The length of the left, right, top, and bottom portions are respectively xl, xr, xt, and xb as shown in FIG. 13C.

[0083] Blocks 13 stack differently when formed in a wall 13w, and like block 9, blocks 13 are preferably stacked in units comprising a 2×2 array of four blocks, as best seen in FIGS. 13H-13K. In unit 13ua, block A is provided with a normal orientation, with bottom portion 13b down and with the block facing forward. Block B as stacked vertically on block A and is turned upside down relative to block A's orientation, and rotated back to front, bringing the top portions 13t of these blocks into contact, and causing the back side of block B to face forward (see FIG. 13H). Block C is turned upside down relative to block A's orientation, but it is not rotated. Thus, block C's front side remains forward, and blocks A and C thus contact at their right portions 13r. Block D as stacked vertically on block C and is turned upside down relative to block C's orientation, and rotated back to front, bringing the bottom portions 13b of these blocks into contact, and causing the back side of block D to face forward. Blocks B and D, like blocks A and C, contact at their right portions 13r to complete unit 13ua. Notice that the dimension of unit 13ua comprises xt+xb by 2xl. See FIG. 13C. Notice that the blocks 13 in unit 13ua are stacked contiguously without spaces between them.

[0084] Unit 13ua can in turn be vertically and horizontally stacked when forming wall 13w. When stacking the units vertically, their orientation does not need to be modified. Thus, and as best shown in FIG. 13K, a unit 13ua can be stacked on top of another unit 13ua without being turned upside down or rotated. By contrast, the units are rotated around vertical axes when they are stacked horizontally. Thus, unit 13ub is formed by rotating unit 13ua around a vertical axis, thus changing the back-to-front orientations of the blocks in unit 13ub compared to their orientations in unit 13ua. Like the blocks in the units, the units themselves can be stacked contiguously with no spaces between them, leaving only breeze holes 13h formed by the interior spaces of each block 13.

[0085] With the blocks 13 so stacked in wall 13w, inward and outward corners are formed as in earlier examples. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 13K, inward corners 13ci1 are formed where smaller depths ybl and ytl coincide at left portions 13l in the wall. Inward corners 13ci2 are formed where smaller depths ymr coincide in the middle of the right portions 13r. Outward corners 13co1 are formed where larger depths ytr and ybr coincide at right portions 13r. Outward corners 13ci2 are formed where larger depths yml coincide in the middle of the left portions 13l. This as before produces a wall with different Trompe l'oeil responses depending on the viewing angle. Compare FIGS. 13K-13M.

[0086] FIGS. 14A-14G show another example of a block 14 which like earlier blocks is closed, but which is triangular in shape. As shown in the left, right and front views of FIGS. 14A-14C, this block 14 comprises a bottom portion 14b, and left and right portions 14l and 14r joined at their tops. These portions are all preferably equally angled with respect to each other (e.g., θ=60°), and thus the resulting shape is more specifically an equilateral triangle. While this is not strictly necessary, this allows the blocks 260 to be stacked in walls in a couple of different ways (14w1 and 14w2) and in a contiguous fashion without spaces, as shown later. The intersection of the left and right portions 14l and 14r (top edge) has a depth yt. The intersection of the left portion 14l and the bottom portion 14b (left bottom edge) has a depth ybl. The intersection of the right portion 14r and the bottom portion 14b (right bottom edge) has a depth ybr. In a preferred example, these depths yt, ybl, and ybr are equal, although this is not strictly necessary. Furthermore, the top edge, the left bottom edge, and the right bottom edge are preferably parallel as shown.

[0087] The bottom portion 14b fits within a rectangular projection 14p formed in a plane at the block's bottom surface 14bs, but the bottom portion 14b itself is shaped as a parallelogram. See FIG. 14G. This is affected by angling the block 14 via angle α within the projection 14p (see FIGS. 14A and 14B, and the top view of FIG. 14F). This angling sets the left bottom edge and the top edge forwards in the projection 14p, and right bottom edge backwards in the projection. This forms a parallelogram-shaped bottom portion 14b with angles β (=90°−α) and 180°−β, as best shown in the bottom view of FIG. 14G. This angling (α) further forms the left portion 14l as a rectangle, as best shown in the left view of FIG. 14D, and forms the right portion 14r as a parallelogram, as best shown in the right view of FIG. 14E. This parallelogram-shaped right portion 14r is formed with angles φ and 180°-φ.

[0088] FIGS. 14H and 14I show front views of a first wall 14w1 formed of blocks 14, and explain manners in which these blocks can be positioned and oriented in the wall. Due to the triangular shape of blocks 14, they are essentially stacked in a hexagonal pattern in the wall 14w1 as shown.

[0089] In the example of FIG. 14H, some blocks 14 (half of them) are rotated back to front. To ease in understanding this, block 14 is depicted at the left of FIG. 14H as 14a from the front (unshaded) and as 14b from the back after being rotated (shaded). Circles are shown at the intersection of portions 14b, 14k, and 14r, with the circles darkened to show relatively outward corners and unshaded to show relatively inward corners. Thus, in the front view (14a), the top and left bottom edges are shown as outward, while the right bottom edge is shown as inward; as explained earlier, this is because the top and left bottom edges are forward in projection 14p, while the right bottom edge is backwards. When the block 14 is rotated back to front (14b), the left and right portions 14l and 14r switch positions. Furthermore, the top and left bottom edges are now inward, while the right bottom edge is now outward. The bottom portion 14b is shown with a dashed line to better understand how the blocks are turned in the wall 14w1.

[0090] Notice in the resulting wall 14w1 that blocks with fronts facing forward (14a) occur in pairs with one block turned upside down, and with their left portions 14l in contact. Likewise, blocks with fronts facing backwards (14b) also occur in pairs with one block turned upside down, and with their left portions 14l in contact. The edges of six blocks meet at corners, and these corners are either inwards (14ci) or outwards (14co) in accordance with the outwardness or inwardness of the edges at these corners of the blocks 14. (This would be reversed on the opposite side of wall 15w, where inward corners would be outwards, while outward corners would be inwards). Corners 14ci correspond to the meeting of four back-facing blocks and two front-facing blocks. Conversely, corners 14co correspond to the meeting of four front-facing blocks and two back-facing blocks. With the blocks 14 oriented in this manner, the resulting wall will have roughly and equal number of corners 14ci and 14co. Furthermore, corners 14ci and 14co lie along alternating parallel lines, which are roughly diagonal in the wall (more specifically, 60 degrees from horizontal). As in some earlier examples, notice that the blocks 14 are contiguous, with the resulting wall 14w1 comprising breeze holes 14h formed by the interior space of each block 14. Wall 14w1 as constructed per FIG. 14H is shown in an oblique view in FIG. 14I.

[0091] FIG. 14J shows another example in which blocks 14 can be positioned and oriented in a second wall 14w2, and in this example, all of the blocks are front-facing (14a). However, the blocks are differently turned. Along each row of blocks, notice that the bottom portion 14b (dotted line) is turned as shown. As with FIG. 14H, wall 14w2 also has inward and outward corners 14ci and 14co, but they are not equal in number; instead, there are twice as many outward corners 14co than inward corners 14ci. (This would be reversed on the opposite side of wall 14w2, which would have twice as many inward corners as outward corners). Notice that each inward corner 14ci is hexagonally flanked by six outward-facing corners 14co, essentially in a honey-comb pattern. Wall 14w2 as constructed per FIG. 14J is shown in an oblique view in FIG. 14K. Notice by comparing the walls 14w1 and 14w2 as shown in FIGS. 14I and 14K that changing the relative number and positions of the corners 14ci and 14co changes the aesthetic and the Trompe l'oeil response of the resulting wall.

[0092] FIGS. 15A-15M show another example of a block 15 which is similar in certain respect to block 14. However, unlike block 14 which is three-sided (triangular), block 15 is four-sided, and like other blocks includes top 15t, bottom 15b, left 15l, and right 15r portions. Block 15 is thus closed. The intersection of the various portions 15l, 15r, 15t, and 15b have depths which are preferably equal (i.e., ytl=ytr=ybl=ybr), although these depths are offset differently in a projection 15p formed in a plane at the block's bottom surface 15bs. Specifically, in this example of block 15, the left edges (ytl, ybl) are set forwards in the projection 15p, while the right edges (ytr, ybr) are set backwards in the projection. As with the example of block 14, these edges in block 15 are preferably parallel. Setting these edges in this manner in the projection 15p angles the block 15 via angle α within the projection 15p (see FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15F and 15G). This causes the left and right portions 15l and 15r to be rectangular, as best shown in the left and right views of FIGS. 15D and 15E. This also causes the top and bottom portions 15t and 15b to be shaped as parallelograms, as best shown in the top and bottom views of FIGS. 15F and 15G.

[0093] In the example of block 15, and as best shown in the front view of FIG. 15C, the angles between the portions differ. Specifically, opposing angles θ1 and θ3 are obtuse (90°+Δ) while opposing angles θ2 and θ4 are acute (90°−Δ). As such, the front view of block 15 is shaped as a parallelogram (FIG. 15C). However, such angling is not specifically required. Instead, block 15 could also be formed with right angles θ=90° between each of the portions 15t, 15l, 15b, and 15r, thus forming a rectangle or square shape.

[0094] FIGS. 15H-15M show views of a wall 15w formed of blocks 15, and explain manners in which these blocks can be positioned and oriented in the wall. When vertically stacking blocks 15, the block's orientation is changed by rotating the block from back to front without also turning the block upside down, as best seen in FIG. 15H. When horizontally stacking blocks 15, the blocks orientation is changed by turning the block upside down without also rotating the block, as best shown in FIG. 15K. FIG. 15K as earlier, shows block 15 depicted at the left as 15a from the front (unshaded) and as 15b from the back after being rotated (shaded). Circles are shown at the intersection of portions 15b, 15t, 15l, and 15r, with the circles darkened to show relatively outward corners and unshaded to show relatively inward corners. The bottom portion 15b is also shown in dotted lines.

[0095] As shown, in wall 15w, half of the blocks are oriented with their fronts forwarded (not shaded), while half are oriented with their backs forward (shaded), with this orientation alternating in subsequent rows of blocks 15. Furthermore, in each row, the blocks 15 are alternatively turned upside down. Orienting the blocks in this manner causes inward corners 15ci and outward corners 15co in the wall 15w. (This would be reversed on the opposite side of wall 15w, where inward corners would be outwards and vice versa). Comparing the views of FIGS. 15K-15M shows the different Trompe l'oeil response of the resulting wall 15w formed of blocks 15.

[0096] While various blocks are shown with particular dimensions or angles, one skilled should understand that these dimensions can be changed. In particular, the aspect ratios (x / z) when viewed from the front can be varied. The various depths (y) and angles can likewise be readily changed. Such modifications can be experimented with to produce different Trompe l'oeil responses of the resulting wall when formed of the blocks.

[0097] Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that the above discussion is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A block stackable to form a wall, the block comprising:when viewed from a front, a bottom portion, a left portion, and a right portion,wherein the left portion is formed at a first angle with respect to the bottom portion, and the right portion formed at a second angle with respect to the bottom portion,wherein a bottom edge of the left portion and a top edge of the right portion have a first depth, and wherein a top edge of the left portion and a bottom edge of the right portion have a second depth different from the first depth,wherein left, bottom, and right portions surround an interior space.

2. The block of claim 1, wherein the first and second angles are acute, or wherein the first and second angles are obtuse, or wherein the first and second angles are right angles.

3. The block of claim 1, wherein the first angle is acute, and wherein the second angle is obtuse.

4. The block of claim 3, wherein the right and left portions are parallel.

5. The block of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of the left portion, the top edge of the right portion, the top edge of the left portion, and the bottom edge of the right portion are centered with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the left, right, and bottom portions.

6. The block of claim 1, wherein tops of the left and right portions are parallel with the bottom portion.

7. The block of claim 1, further comprising a top portion,wherein the right portion is formed at a third angle with respect to the top portion, and the left portion is formed at a fourth angle with respect to the top portion,wherein the top portion encloses the interior space.

8. The block of claim 7, wherein the top and bottom portions are parallel when viewed from the front.

9. The block of claim 8, wherein the left and right portions are parallel when viewed from the front.

10. The block of claim 7, wherein the top and bottom portions are not parallel when viewed from the front.

11. The block of claim 10, wherein the right and left portions are not parallel when viewed from the front.

12. The block of claim 11, wherein the first and third angles are right angles.

13. The block of claim 1, wherein the left and right portions are trapezoidally shaped when viewed respectively from the left and right.

14. The block of claim 1, wherein the left and right portions have curved edges when viewed respectively from the left and right.

15. A wall comprising a plurality of the blocks,wherein each block comprises:when viewed from a front, a bottom portion, a left portion, and a right portion,wherein the left portion is formed at a first angle with respect to the bottom portion, and the right portion formed at a second angle with respect to the bottom portion,wherein a bottom edge of the left portion and a top edge of the right portion have a first depth, and wherein a top edge of the left portion and a bottom edge of the right portion have a second depth different from the first depth,wherein left, bottom, and right portions surround an interior space,wherein in the wall:the blocks are alternatively turned upside down and rotated from back to front when stacking the blocks vertically, andthe blocks are alternatively turned upside down and rotated from back to front when stacking the blocks horizontally.

16. The wall of claim 15, wherein a front surface of the wall is not planar.

17. The wall of claim 16, wherein the front surface of the wall has inward portions and outward portions, wherein either the inward or outward portions correspond to locations of the bottom edge of the left portion and the top edge of the right portion having the first depth, wherein the other of the inward or outward portions correspond to locations of the top edge of the left portion and the bottom edge of the right portion having the second depth.

18. The wall of claim 15, wherein the blocks'shape causes geometric aspects of the wall's appearance to change based on a viewing angle of a viewer.

19. The wall of claim 15, wherein the blocks are contiguous when stacked vertically and horizontally in the wall, wherein the interior spaces of the blocks form breeze holes in the wall.

20. The wall of claim 15, wherein the blocks are not contiguous when stacked vertically and horizontally in the wall, resulting in openings between the blocks, wherein the interior spaces of the blocks and the openings form breeze holes in the wall.

Images