1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to building modules for the erection of walls, more particularly for freestanding, sound absorbing/reducing walls and retaining walls. These are particularly modular elements comprising at least two subelements, preferably in the form of beams arranged at an angle to one another. The modules may be regarded also as a building module kit from which at least one or more complete modules can be assembled. Accordingly, the term "building module" is intended to comprise unitary modules as well as multi-pan and more complex modules.
In many cases, one of the subelements or beams is constructed as a longitudinal beam extending substantially parallel to the wall plane and comprising at least two cross-beams arranged at an angle to one another. The cross beams extend between a pair of the longitudinal beams, in a direction transverse to the wall plane. Two of said cross-beams form support blocks with planar top and bottom sides which act as spacing means between the individual modules. Each module is designed to be held in place by gravity, its own weight, and the weight of a bulk filling material. Each module normally stacks upon another module to build up wall height, and is installed adjacent to another in an end-to-end arrangement to build wall length.
2. Background Art
The typical retaining wall or freestanding wall is usually constructed with a plurality of flame-like elements comprising at least two subelements, preferably in the form of beams arranged at an angle to one another and connected in a form locking or material locking manner. U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,810, to Neumann, describes a locking beam that forms a three dimensional lattice in a construction system for plantable shoring walls. Said lattice comprises support blocks with planar top and bottom sides which are stacked one above the other. The blocks act as spacing means between individual planting levels. The structure includes a longitudinal component consisting of a base plate and a breast part. The longitudinal component and the locking beam extend parallel to the wall plane and always rest on two support blocks. The support blocks are spaced apart a distance and extend in a direction transverse to the wall plane. Each of the consecutive stacks of the support block pairs, together with the longitudinal component, the locking beam, and the earth within, form a construction section acting as a static slope shoring unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,050, to Jaecklin describes building elements for supporting a grid wall with a bulk filling material comprising at least two subelements, preferably in the form of beams arranged at an angle to one another, and connected in a form locking or material locking manner.
There is at least one hole or recess in the cross beam which is open over a part of its circumferential contour and adapted to receive a longitudinal beam in order to establish a form locking connection between the beams. The beams are secured against separation and displacement from one another in a mounted state. The contour of the hole or recess overlaps the other side of the longitudinal beam so as to form an abutment. The recess is shaped so as to permit a partial lateral insertion of the longitudinal beam while establishing contact between the abutment and the longitudinal beam in a first rotational position. The longitudinal beam is then rotated downward through an arc until it is fully inserted into the recess. Once fully inserted, a form locking connection is established which cannot be reversed when the construction is under load.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,351 to Jaecklin, describes building elements for supporting grid walls with a bulk material filling. The frame-like elements of the invention comprise at least two subelements, preferably in the form of beams arranged at an angle to one another, and connected in a form locking or material locking manner.
One of the subelements or beams is constructed as a longitudinal beam extending substantially parallel to the wall plane and comprises at least two profile legs arranged at an angle to one another. The first of these profile legs forms at least one bearing surface for the bulk filling material, while the second of these profile legs forms a retaining surface for the bulk filling material facing the inside space of the frame.
Such structural elements or structural systems have heretofore not been concerned with the need for structural features which allow for the adequate supply and retention of water necessary to sustain maximum plant growth without costly replanting. It is to this need and to other deficiencies of the prior art that this invention is directed.