US Patent 9145676 Masonry block with taper

A cast block for use in a wall is provided. The block includes: a body including a top surface and an opposed bottom surface; and a face portion extending frontwardly from the body portion, the face portion including a front surface, an upper tapered surface, and a lower tapered surface, the upper tapered surface disposed between the top surface and the front surface and the lower tapered surface disposed between the bottom surface and the front surface; wherein the front surface, the upper tapered surface, and the lower tapered surface are each patterned. Also provided is a wall formed of rows of cast blocks. Also provided is a method of forming masonry blocks for use in structural retaining walls.