HK1106011A - Columnar block fence system - Google Patents

Description

Columnar brick fence system

There remains a need in the art for a block that can be used to form a mortarless, strong, reinforced column having a desired appearance.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is a columnar block and stacking block system configured to interlock with one another in a fence barrier structure of a wall stud or column, respectively, in a fence. The columnar blocks are generally square and the stacking blocks are generally rectangular. The columnar block can be configured for use with one to four fence panels. The exposed face (i.e., the face visible to an observer) of any block preferably has a desired appearance, such as natural stone, or a smooth portion to provide a clean appearance. The faces of the columnar blocks may contain one or more slots to provide a more aesthetic appearance to the formed columns or pilasters, such as the appearance of a masonry joint. The appearance of the face of the columnar block interlocking with the fence panel can be smooth or rough to conform to the column finish.

The columnar blocks are provided with at least one interlocking element which allows positive connection between courses of blocks when it is received in an overlying block. In one embodiment, the blocks interlock when rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis of each block at each course. In addition, the blocks may be placed on pipes anchored in the ground. The core and the center of the interlock piece may be shaped to accommodate such a tube. The columnar blocks can be used to form columns having a natural stone-like appearance or a smooth appearance, depending on the type of block used. Such building block systems are designed to be easy to install and structurally sound.

When using asymmetric cylindrical tiles, such as corners, the location of the protrusions is different and there are 'left-hand' and 'right-hand' tiles, and the protrusions of the 'left-hand' tile will interlock into the core or space of the overlying 'right-hand' tile.

The sides of the columnar blocks are provided with grooves into which the stacking blocks fit. The resulting brick system is easy to install and structurally sound. The interlocking system uses unnecessary construction adhesives and other mortars, although these are still in use.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a columnar block according to the present invention.

Fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the columnar block of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a columnar block according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a view of the columnar block of fig. 1 with vertical reinforcement.

Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment of a columnar block according to the present invention.

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of other embodiments of the building block of the present invention.

Fig. 8A is a side view of the block of fig. 7.

Fig. 9A is a top view of the block of fig. 7.

Fig. 9B is a top view of another embodiment of the block of the present invention.

Fig. 10A is a bottom view of the block of fig. 7.

Fig. 10B is a bottom view of the block of fig. 9B.

Fig. 11 is a partial perspective view of a corner portion of a wall formed from stacked bricks and the bricks of fig. 9A and 9B.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of other embodiments of the building block of the present invention.

Fig. 14A and 14B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the block of fig. 13.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the building block of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the column of the block of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a top view of the block of fig. 15 and interlocking stacking blocks.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the building block of the present invention.

Fig. 19A and 19B are respective top and side views of the block of fig. 18.

Fig. 20A, 20B, and 20C are perspective, end, and top views of a first stacking block of the present invention.

Fig. 21A, 21B, and 21C are perspective, end, and top views of a second stacking block of the present invention.

Fig. 22 and 23 are partial perspective views of the fencing system of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the pen of the present invention.

Fig. 25A to 25D are end views of the capping layer.

Detailed Description

In this application, "upper" and "lower" refer to the placement of stacked bricks in columns and fence panels. The lower or bottom surface of the block is the surface that faces the ground. Subsequent courses are formed from stacked bricks so that the interlocking elements, projections, or "tenons" of the bricks fit into the notches, spaces, or "grooves" of overlying bricks. The "top" and "bottom" surfaces are formed as the most convenient surfaces for the block to use, but the block may also be used with the top and bottom inverted.

The blocks of the present invention may be made of a coarse, corrosion-resistant material, such as cement, especially if the column structure is constructed outdoors. Other suitable materials include plastics, reinforced fibers such as fiberglass, wood, metal, and stone. The blocks may be hollow rather than being formed of solid material. That is, the block has the desired size, texture, and properties, but is a hollow shell. This has the advantage of saving material and handling the brick. Such hollow shell bricks may be formed from urethane or concrete and by casting techniques.

The surface of the block may be smooth or may have a rough appearance, such as a natural stone appearance. The blocks are formed in a mold and can be formed with various textures on the surface, as is known in the art.

In typical use, the interlocking elements extend above the top surface of the columnar block and protrude into the indentations of the overlying block. In a preferred embodiment, the indentations are identical to the inner core; i.e., the core extends through the thickness of the block. In a preferred embodiment, the two interlocking elements extend above the top surface of the columnar block into the core of the overlying block, thereby forming a positive bond between the opposing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, each successive block is rotated 90 degrees about its vertical axis thus causing the interlocking elements to protrude into the indentations or cores of the blocks above it. The interlocking elements hold the columnar blocks in place and do not require mortar in constructing the column.

For a cylindrical brick with a vertical axis of symmetry, an overlying brick is rotated 90 degrees about its vertical axis and placed on an underlying brick. The protrusion thus fits into the space formed by the core. For asymmetric columnar blocks, such as corner fence columns, the blocks are not rotated when stacked, but rather 'left-handed' and 'right-handed' blocks are provided, as will be described below.

The face of the tile that is visible to the viewer is provided with the desired surface appearance. These faces may be configured in a manner similar to the appearance of natural stone, or may be smooth to provide a more neat appearance. The four faces of the columnar block all have substantially the same width and height. One or more faces of the columnar block may optionally contain one or more slots that will be visible in the columnar structure to give the column of blocks a more aesthetic appearance. For example, the appearance may mimic a mortar brick.

Rotation of each columnar block about its vertical axis also changes the position of the slots, if present, forming a more visually pleasing pattern of the columns. The rotation of the columnar blocks in the construction of the column is also used to create a straight column. Stacking all of the blocks in the same direction may result in columns that are skewed or inclined, as the block forming process may result in uneven blocks. This problem is typically solved by shimming the block to make it flat. The columnar brick of the invention does not need to be filled with gaskets.

The columnar blocks are provided with one or more grooves in one or more sides of the block. The recess is sized to receive an end face of the stacking block. The columnar and stacking bricks together form a system of bricks that form a fence. Depending on the location of the grooves, straight portions, corner portions, T-junctions, or universal cross-columns may be constructed. The grooves in the columnar blocks are optionally provided with passages or channels. Thus, horizontal reinforcement bars can be used if desired to tie the layer of stacking blocks to the columnar blocks of the column.

The stacking blocks form fence portions. Suitable stacking blocks are described in U.S. patent No. 6,176,049 (crat et al), which is incorporated herein by reference. Stacking blocks have opposing top and bottom surfaces with corresponding channels and projections to interlock the blocks when stacked.

Other interlocking blocks may also be used with the columnar block of the present invention, such as those described in commonly assigned, co-pending, co-filed on the same day, U.S. application No. (attorney docket No. KEY1033US), entitled "columnar block system", claiming priority of commonly assigned, co-pending, U.S. provisional application No. 60/566,528, filed on 29/4/2004, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Both vertical and horizontal staggered fence systems are constructed from the blocks of the present invention.

Turning now to the drawings to describe the block of the present invention, fig. 1 and 2 show columnar block 100 a. Fig. 3 shows columnar block 100b, which is identical to block 100a except for the placement of interlocking elements 122 a/b. Fig. 5 shows block 100c, which is similar to blocks 100a and 100b except that a channel is added to provide horizontal reinforcement. Columnar blocks will be referred to generically as blocks 100.

Block 100 includes top and upper surfaces 112a/b/c, bottom and lower surfaces 113a/b/c, first and second opposing sides 114a/b/c and 116a/b/c, and third and fourth opposing sides 115a/b/c and 117 a/b/c. Top surface 112a/b/c is spaced apart from opposing lower surface 113a/b/c, thereby defining a block thickness. The opposing sides are substantially the same width and height. Top and bottom surfaces 112a/b/c, 113/b/c form block body 100a/b/c in conjunction with first through fourth sides 114a/b/c through 117 a/b/c.

The side faces are provided with the desired appearance, as visible to an observer. The sides 115a/b/c are also provided with grooves or slots 109 a/b/c. The slot is optional and an ornamental feature. The slots mimic the appearance of mortar joints when constructing the columns of blocks. Sides 114a/b/c and 116a/b/c have respective recessed areas 124a/b/c and 126a/b/c, generally in the center of the sides of each block, and are adapted to interlock with fence panels and/or stacking blocks as described further below.

The block is provided with a core 120a/b/c, preferably located in the center of the block, which extends the thickness of the block. The core is needed because it causes a reduction in the weight of the block. The core is also useful in forming columns because vertical reinforcing bars can be inserted through the vertically aligned core to help stabilize the column structure. For example, cement and reinforced concrete, steel pipes, or post-tensioned rods may be used to fill the core and reinforce the structure. Various reinforcement materials are known in the art.

Block 100c, shown in fig. 5, has grooves 124c and 126c that communicate with core 120c through passage or channel 129 c. The channel is a U-shaped depression that allows the use of horizontal reinforcement when joining the stacking blocks into a block column. As will be further explained below.

The surfaces of the blocks are adapted to form the edges and corners of the walls. The corners may be beveled, chamfered or rounded to provide a natural stone appearance that is more weather resistant.

The inner core 120a/b/c is generally linear with walls generally parallel to the side surfaces. Two interlocking elements 122a/b/c are positioned at opposing inner corners of the core 120 a/b/c. These interlocking elements extend the thickness of the block and protrude above the top surface of the block. They are coplanar or parallel to the bottom surface of the block, i.e., the bottom surface of the block is substantially coplanar or contiguous with the bottom surfaces of the interlocking elements. This is usually easy to manufacture, although neither the interlocking elements nor the core need extend the thickness of the block. In any event, the interlocking elements extend a distance above the top surface of the block. This distance is sufficient to provide sufficient interlocking between the tiles when the second columnar block is stacked above the first columnar block.

The interlocking elements are arranged to both align with the columnar blocks and lock them in place when they are stacked one upon the other. That is, blocks 100a and 100b will be used together in a column. The position of the interlocking elements is changed so that columnar blocks can be stacked. Block 100c may be interlocked with a corresponding similar columnar block (i.e., similar to block 100 b); however, block 100c may be used in a column with blocks 100a and 100b and horizontal reinforcement may be used in a column at a level closer to the level of the column.

In a preferred embodiment, the interlocking elements are shaped so that a pipe connecting the column to the base or foundation can be installed vertically in the centre of the columnar block and through the centre of the column. That is, as shown, the raised portion facing the center of the core is curvilinear.

Fig. 4 shows block 100b with vertical reinforcement members 50. The stiffener, or tube, may be made of galvanized steel and the column of bricks forms around it when the pen is constructed, as will be described below. The stiffener elements 50 are tied to the column foundation (e.g. poured concrete in the ground) either directly embedded or using a threaded sleeve attached to a mating thread at the end of the steel pipe.

Fig. 6 to 11 show columnar blocks 200a and 200b of the present invention. Blocks 200a/b are similar to blocks 100a/b except that adjacent sides are similar rather than opposite sides. That is, for example, adjacent sides 214a/b and 215a/b have recessed areas 224a/b and 225 a/b. The block is used in the corner of a fence. Block 200a is similar to block 200b except that grooves 224b and 225b of block 200b are provided with channels for horizontal reinforcement bars.

Block 200a/b includes a top or upper surface 212a/b, a bottom or lower surface 213a/b (213a not shown), first and second opposing sides 214a/b and 216a/b, and third and fourth opposing sides 215a/b and 217 a/b. Top surface 212a/b is spaced from opposing lower surface 213a/b, thereby defining a block thickness. The opposite sides have substantially the same height and width. The top and bottom surfaces and the first, second, third, and fourth sides together form a block body.

The sides 216a/b and 217a/b are provided with a desired appearance as it would be visible to an observer. The sides 217a/b are also provided with optional grooves or slots 209 a/b. The block is provided with a core 220a/b, preferably located in the center of the block, which extends the thickness of the block.

Block 200b, shown in fig. 7, shows recesses 224b and 225b communicating with core 220b through U-shaped channel 229 b. Fig. 8 shows the side 217 b. The edges and corners of blocks 200a/b are chamfered.

Two interlocking elements 222a/b are positioned on opposite interior corners of the core 220 a/b. These interlocking elements extend the thickness of the block and protrude above the top surface of the block and are substantially coplanar with the bottom surface of the block.

Fig. 9A shows top surface 212b of block 200 b. This is to contrast top surface 212c of block 200c of fig. 9B, which has the same features of block 200B. The corresponding bottom views (i.e., 213B and 213c) are shown in fig. 10A and 10B. The location of the projections where the columnar blocks interlock differs. These columnar blocks may be considered left and right hand blocks, as shown in fig. 11, which shows the corners of a partial wall with a first course of stacked blocks 700. In this case, block 200b is first lowered and then block 200c is placed on top of it. Interlocking projections 222b fit into the space formed by the core of block 200 c. As a plurality of columnar blocks are stacked as desired and interlocked in this manner. Stacking blocks 700 fit into the grooves in the sides of the columnar blocks to form the rail portions. Vertical reinforcing ribs and horizontal reinforcing ribs can be added.

Figures 12 and 13 show perspective views of two other columnar block embodiments. Blocks 300a and 300b are similar, each having a groove on each side of the block. Block 300b also has channels 329b that coincide with the grooves to accommodate horizontal reinforcement. These columnar blocks are used for universal cross columns.

Block 300a/b includes top or upper surface 312a/b, bottom or lower surface 313, first and second opposing sides 314a/b and 316a/b, and third and fourth opposing sides 315a/b and 317 a/b. Top surfaces 312a/b are spaced from opposing lower surface 31, thereby defining a block thickness. The opposing sides have substantially the same height and width and each side has a corresponding recessed area 324a/b, 325a/b, 326a/b, and 327 a/b. The top and bottom portions and the first, second, third, and fourth sides together form a block body.

As shown in the bottom view of fig. 14A, the inner core 320a/b extends the thickness of the columnar block. A top view of block 300B is shown in fig. 14B. The inner cores 320a/b are generally linear with walls generally parallel to the side surfaces. On opposite interior corners of core 320a/b are located two protrusions or interlocking elements 322a/b that project above the top surface of the block.

Block 400 is shown in fig. 15-17. The column block is similar to block 100b except that a portion of the block has been removed from side void 429. The side void is generally larger in area, but functions similarly to the U-shaped channel of block 100 b. Forming more space by the columnar blocks is more suitable for some types of horizontal reinforcing bars.

Block 400 includes a top or upper surface 412, a bottom or lower surface 413, first and second opposing sides 414 and 416, and third and fourth opposing sides 415 and 417. Top surface 412 is spaced from opposing lower surface 413, thereby defining a block thickness. The opposite sides have substantially the same width.

Optional slot 409 is located at the midpoint of side 415. The slots create the desired appearance of the columnar blocks, mimic the appearance of the plaster blocks, and facilitate placement of the columnar blocks when forming the column.

Core 420 extends the thickness of the block. The core 420 is generally linear with walls generally parallel to the side surfaces. Two protrusions or interlocks 422 are positioned on opposing interior corners of the core 420. These interlocking elements extend the thickness of the block and protrude above the top surface of the block. The bottom surfaces of the columnar blocks are substantially coplanar or contiguous with the bottom surfaces of the interlocking elements.

Fig. 16 shows column 475 of block 400. The side spaces 429 provide access through the columnar blocks. It should be noted that one block 400 may be used with several blocks 100, for example, when it is desired to reinforce a column horizontally through one course. Fig. 17 is a top view of one course of a fence with a column formed from block 400. Vertical reinforcement 50 is placed in the center of block 400. Stacking block 700 interlocks with and extends away from columnar block 400.

Fig. 18 and 19 show block 500, which is provided with a plurality of cores. I.e., not only central block core 520, but also interlocking projections and additional cores in the block corners. Block 500 is similar to block 100a in that it has a recessed area on the opposite surface and substantially the same profile as block 100 a. The presence of the added core reduces the weight of the columnar block. This is necessary if the blocks are made of a dense material such as concrete, but is also useful if the blocks are cast from a polymeric material, for example.

Block 500 has an upper surface 512, a lower surface 513, first and second opposing sides 514 and 516, and third and fourth opposing sides 515 and 517. The opposite sides have substantially the same width and height. Side 515 has an optional slot 509. Sides 514 and 516 have groove areas 524 and 526, respectively, generally centrally located on the sides of each block. The top and side edges of the block are chamfered.

Core 520 is located in the center of the block and extends the thickness of the block. The inner core 520 is generally linear with walls generally parallel to the side surfaces. Two interlocking elements 522, each having an inner core 532, are positioned on opposite interior corners of the inner core 520. Adjacent the corners of each block is a core 534. The inner core can be seen in phantom in the top view of fig. 19A and the side view of fig. 19B.

The columnar blocks of the present invention can be made in any desired size. Typically, the thickness or height is about half the width of the columnar block. One desired size for a columnar block is about 12 inches (30.4cm) square (i.e., the maximum distance from side to side) and about 6 inches (15.2cm) thick. The recessed area is about 1 inch (2.5cm) deep and about 6 inches (15.2cm) wide so that it can accommodate the width of the stacking block. The U-shaped channel is typically about 3 inches (7.6cm) deep. The block dimensions are not only selected to form a pleasing shape for the desired column, but also allow for ease of handling and installation.

Two types of stacking blocks are used to construct fence panels. As noted above, U.S. patent No. 6,176,049(Crant et al), which is incorporated herein by reference, describes suitable stacking blocks. The first stacking block is shown in fig. 20A to 20C. Block 700 has opposing top and bottom surfaces 704 and 705, opposing side surfaces 706 and 707, and opposing end surfaces 702 and 703. The distance between end surfaces 702 and 703 defines the length of the stacking block. The distance between the side surfaces defines the width and the distance between the top and bottom defines the thickness of the stacking block. Running lengthwise through the center of the stacking block is an inner core 708 through which a longitudinal axis passes. The top surface has channels or grooves 710 adjacent each side surface and the bottom surface has protrusions 712 adjacent each side surface. During stacking, the projections on the bottom surface of the stacking block fit within the channels on the top surface of the underlying stacking block. The stacking blocks interlock. Interlocking eliminates the need for mortar to join the hollow stacking blocks 700 together.

It should be understood that the designation "top brick" or "bottom brick" is arbitrary and that the bricks may be stacked in opposite directions.

The tile edges may be chamfered or beveled to provide a pleasing appearance, and preferably the edges formed by the channels or grooves at the top and side surfaces are chamfered.

Fig. 21A to 21C show a second stacking block having substantially the same dimensions as the stacking block shown in fig. 20A to 20C. Block 800 has opposing top and bottom surfaces 804 and 805, opposing side surfaces 806 and 808, and opposing end surfaces 802 and 803. The distance between end surfaces 802 and 803 defines the length of the stacking block. The distance between the side surfaces defines the width and the distance between the top and bottom defines the thickness of the stacking block. Running lengthwise through the center of the stacking block is a cavity 809 coincident with the longitudinal axis. The cavity is open at the top surface. The top surface has channels or grooves 810 adjacent to each side surface and the bottom surface has protrusions 812 adjacent to each side surface. When stacked, the projections on the bottom surface of the stacking block fit within the channels on the top surface of the underlying stacking block 700.

Stacking blocks 700 and 800 can be made in any size, however, a convenient and attractive size for these blocks is about 6 inches (15.2cm) wide and tall and 8 inches (20.3cm) long. The inner core diameter was about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). The U-shaped channel of block 800 is about 3.5 inches (8.9cm) wide (i.e., measured as a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The channels and protrusions are about 1 inch (2.5cm) wide.

Fig. 22 shows a portion of fence 900 having fence segment 905 and columns 910 and 912. Blocks 100 and 200 form columns and blocks 700 and 800 form fence segments. The column is formed in a concrete foundation or foundation (shown as 901), which typically comprises concrete and has a diameter in the range of 18 to 24 inches (45.7 to 61 cm). Any desired dimension may be used to support greater horizontal and vertical loads. The base may be formed using tubing or casting or other methods known in the art.

Base 901 is placed into the ground at least 24 inches (61cm) or to a freezing depth according to engineering requirements and local government building codes. For example, to construct column 910, block 200b (a left-hand block, as shown in FIG. 9A) is put in place, and then block 200c (a right-hand block) is put on top of it. For column 912, the first columnar block (e.g., 100b) is laid down and each subsequent block is rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis and stacked on the lower block. So that the interlocking projections on the upper surface of the lower columnar block fit into the core of the upper block and lock the blocks together.

On top of the fence is a capping layer, including capping blocks 902. Various capping blocks are suitable for use in the construction of the fence and are shown in figures 25A to 25D. The capping blocks cover the open area of the block and provide an elegant appearance to the fence.

Fig. 23 shows a portion of fence 920 having column 930 comprising bricks 300a and 300b and column 940 comprising bricks 200a and 200 b. The respective top-most blocks of each column are 300b and 200b to allow the use of horizontal reinforcement for the top blocks of the fence panel. Fence section 925 is a right angle. Each column is formed on a base 901. Fencing is accomplished with eave layers such as those shown in fig. 25A through 25D.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a fence segment, such as 925 of fig. 23, showing the use of both block 700 and block 800. Fig. 24 shows a fence segment constructed on a base layer 903, which is placed below the ground level, together with a layer of bricks. The fence segment also shows a capping layer, here a capping block 902a, placed. It is often desirable to use horizontal reinforcement, such as rebar 952 and concrete or other fill material 954, at the top and bottom layers of the pen. The horizontal reinforcing bars help form the same body of the column and the fence section and help to restrain bending of the fence section between columns or studs. Horizontal stiffeners are also used at and below the ground level. Which helps to transfer the load to the column and the column foundation. The reinforcement at the foundation level allows the pen section to spend soft, potentially settling soil. The top and bottom reinforcing bars together lock the fence segment bricks together and help resist movement of the individual bricks.

Stacking block 800 is preferably used within the same course of columnar blocks (block 400) or columnar blocks such as 100b, 200b, or 300b having lateral voids according to the fence structure. Stacking block 700 may be used with any columnar block, but is typically used with blocks 100a, 200a, 300a, or 500.

Fig. 25A to 25D show various types of capping blocks 902a to 902D, each having a respective recessed region 904a to 904D to fit over an underlying block. The capping blocks may be provided in different lengths, typically of a size to facilitate handling. The type of eave layer is a matter of design choice. Typically, several eaves bricks are used to form an eaves layer across the top of the fence. The canopy can be made of any material, including wood, concrete, and polymeric materials.

Although specific embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In particular, it is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, variations in materials or shapes or the selection of angles at which some surfaces intersect are considered to be routine to those of ordinary skill in the art having knowledge of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (28)

1. A system of bricks for constructing a column from which a wall extends, comprising:

a plurality of columnar blocks for forming a column, the columnar blocks having an upper surface spaced from an opposite lower surface, thereby defining a columnar block thickness, first and second opposing side surfaces and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the at least one side surface has a groove portion extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, said upper and lower surfaces defining with said side surfaces a columnar block body, at least one projection extending from one of said upper and lower surfaces, at least one indentation extending into the other of said upper and lower surfaces, the at least one projection and the at least one indentation are arranged such that when the columnar blocks are stacked one on top of the other to form a column, the at least one projection of a columnar block in a first course is received in the at least one notch of a columnar block in a second adjacent course; and

a plurality of wall blocks for forming a wall extending from said column, said wall blocks having upper surfaces spaced from opposite lower surfaces thereby defining a wall block thickness, opposite first and second side surfaces of the wall blocks extending between said upper and lower surfaces of said wall blocks, opposite first and second side end surfaces of the wall blocks extending between said upper and lower surfaces of said wall blocks, said upper and lower surfaces of said wall blocks and said first and second side surfaces of said wall blocks and said end surfaces of said wall blocks together defining a wall block body, one of said first and second end surfaces of said wall blocks being sized to be received within a recessed portion of a side surface of a columnar block.

2. The system of blocks of claim 1, wherein said columnar blocks are generally square.

3. The system of blocks of claim 1, wherein said wall block is generally rectangular.

4. The system of bricks of claim 1, wherein the columnar bricks are configured for use with one to four fence panels.

5. The system of blocks of claim 1, wherein the exposed surface comprises at least one slot.

6. The system of bricks of claim 1 wherein the columnar bricks are configured such that when the column is constructed, the columnar bricks in a first course are rotated 90 degrees about a vertical axis of the column relative to the columnar bricks in a second, adjacent course.

7. The system of blocks of claim 1, wherein the indentation comprises a core.

8. The system of bricks of claim 7 wherein the columnar bricks are configured such that when the column is constructed, the vertically aligned core of the column is filled with reinforcing bars.

9. The system of bricks of claim 8 wherein the reinforcing bars are selected from the group consisting of cement reinforced concrete, steel pipes and rear tension rods.

10. The system of bricks of claim 1 wherein the wall bricks comprise left and right hand bricks.

11. The system of blocks of claim 10, wherein the wall block is configured such that when a corner is constructed, the at least one projection on the left hand block in the first course interlocks into the core of the right hand block in the adjacent course.

12. A columnar block for forming a column, the columnar block comprising:

an upper surface spaced from the opposing lower surface, thereby defining a columnar block thickness;

first and second opposed side surfaces and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between said upper and lower surfaces, said at least one side surface having a recessed portion extending from said top surface to said bottom surface, said upper and lower surfaces defining with said side surfaces a cylindrical tile body;

at least one projection extending from one of said upper and lower surfaces, at least one indentation extending into the other of said upper and lower surfaces, said at least one projection and said at least one indentation being arranged such that when columnar blocks are stacked one upon the other to form a column, said at least one projection of a columnar block in a first course is received in said at least one indentation of a columnar block in an adjacent second course.

13. The columnar block of claim 12, wherein the columnar block is generally square.

14. The columnar block of claim 12, wherein the columnar block is configured for use with one to four fence panels.

15. The columnar block of claim 12, wherein the exposed surface comprises at least one slot.

16. A columnar block as claimed in claim 12, wherein each block has at least one interlocking element which allows positive connection between courses of the blocks when the interlocking element is received in an overlying block.

17. A columnar block as recited in claim 12, wherein the columnar block is configured such that, when the columnar body is constructed, the columnar block in a first course is rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis of the columnar body relative to the columnar block in a second, adjacent course.

18. The columnar block of claim 12, wherein the indentation comprises an inner core.

19. The columnar block of claim 18, wherein the columnar block is configured such that, when the column is constructed, the vertically aligned inner core of the column is filled with the reinforcing bars.

20. A columnar block as defined in claim 19, wherein said reinforcing bars are selected from the group consisting of cement reinforced concrete, steel pipe and rear tie rods.

21. The columnar block of claim 12, wherein the columnar block is generally hollow.

22. A fence, comprising:

at least one column of bricks stacked in vertically aligned courses, wherein each brick has an upper surface spaced from an opposite lower surface, thereby defining a columnar brick thickness, first and second opposing side surfaces and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces, the at least one side surface has a groove portion extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, said upper and lower surfaces defining with said side surfaces a columnar block body, at least one projection extending from one of said upper and lower surfaces, at least one indentation extending into the other of said upper and lower surfaces, the at least one projection and the at least one indentation are arranged such that when the columnar blocks are stacked one on top of the other to form a column, the at least one projection of a columnar block in a first course is received in the at least one notch of a columnar block in a second adjacent course; and

at least one fence panel has at least one end connected to the at least one post.

23. The pen of claim 22, wherein the column of at least one block is a column of at least two blocks, wherein the at least one end is at least first and second ends, the first end being connected to a first of the two columns and the second end being connected to a second of the two columns.

24. The pen of claim 22, wherein the columnar blocks are generally square.

25. The pen of claim 22, wherein the at least one post is configured for use with one to four pen panels.

26. The pen of claim 22, wherein the notch comprises an inner core.

27. The pen of claim 26, wherein the vertically aligned cores of the posts are filled with reinforcing bars.

28. The pen of claim 26, wherein the reinforcing bars are selected from cement reinforced concrete, steel pipes and rear tension rods.