Snow block erector set

Abstract

A snow block erector set including a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of each side wall connecting one end of the top edge of each side wall to one end of the bottom edge of each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each of the top corners; a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; a pair of brace bars, each having two ends; and a channel disposed substantially along each side edge on the inside surface of each of the substantially rectangular side walls.

Claims

1. A snow block erector set comprising: (a) a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of said each side wall connecting one end of said top edge of said each side wall to one end of said bottom edge of said each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each said top corner; (b) a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; and (c) a pair of brace bars, each brace bar having two ends and two retainers, each retainer disposed substantially on one of said two ends of said each brace bar, wherein said side walls are configured to be aligned in parallel with their inside surfaces facing one another and each aperture of one of said aperture and lock pairs of one of said side walls is substantially aligned with an aperture of one of said aperture and lock pairs of the other one of said side walls, each end of said each brace bar is configured to be inserted through one of said aligned apertures and removably secured in place with a lock of each said aperture and lock pair deployed against each said retainer such that said side walls are supported upright and said end walls are configured to be disposed within a space defined by said brace bars in a substantially parallel manner to form a rectangular space with said side walls for receiving snow to form a snow block.

2. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein each said side wall further comprises a pair of channels, each channel disposed substantially along each said side edge on said inside surface of each said side wall and each said end wall is configured to be coupled to said side walls by disposing each said side edge of each said end wall within one of said channels.

3. The snow block erector set of claim 2, wherein at least one of said channels comprises an elongated depressed path within which one of said side edges of one of said end walls is disposed.

4. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein each said side wall further comprises a pair of guides, each guide disposed substantially along each said side edge on said inside surface of each said side wall and each said end wall is configured to be coupled to said side walls by disposing each said side edge of each said end wall against each said guide.

5. The snow block erector set of claim 1, further comprising at least one stacking post configured to protrude from a top edge of at least one of said side walls and substantially in parallel configuration with said side edges of said at least one of said side walls.

6. The snow block erector set of claim 1, further comprising at least one stacking aperture disposed on said bottom edge of said each side wall, said at least one stacking aperture is configured to receive at least one stacking post of a snow block erector set disposed below said each side wall.

7. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein a lock of each of said aperture and lock pairs is a slide bolt lock.

8. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein a lock of each of said aperture and lock pairs is a pin.

9. The snow block erector set of claim 1, further comprising a carry strap disposed substantially on said top edge of on said outside surface of each of said side walls, wherein said side walls are disposed symmetrically, with their inside surfaces facing one another, to dispose the carry straps in position for easy grasps of a user.

10. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein each of said side walls further comprises a length and width, said length of each of said side walls ranges from about 18 inches to about 36 inches and said width of each of said side walls ranges from about 12 inches to about 30 inches.

11. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein each of said end walls further comprises a length and a width, said length of each of said end walls ranges from about 12 inches to about 30 inches and said width of each of said end walls ranges from about 12 inches to about 24 inches.

12. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein at least one of said side walls and said end walls is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of a non-moisture absorbent material and a wooden material.

13. The snow block erector set of claim 1, further comprising a compactor comprising an impact head and a handle extending from said impact head, wherein said impact head is configured to be held at said handle for compacting snow disposed within the rectangular space.

14. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein the inside surface of each of said side walls further comprises at least one guide pin configured for supporting a divider disposed within the rectangular space.

15. The snow block erector set of claim 1, wherein each said side wall further comprises a notch disposed on a side edge of each said side wall and a brace having two notches, each said notch of said brace is disposed substantially on one end of said brace and said brace is configured to be removably coupled to said pair of side walls at their respective notches.

16. A snow block erector set comprising: (a) a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of said each side wall connecting one end of said top edge of said each side wall to one end of said bottom edge of said each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each said top corner; (b) a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; (c) a pair of brace bars, each having two ends; and (d) a channel disposed substantially along each said side edge on said inside surface of each said substantially rectangular side wall, wherein said side walls are configured to be aligned in parallel with their inside surfaces facing one another and each aperture of one of said aperture and lock pairs of one of said side walls is substantially aligned with an aperture of one of said aperture and lock pairs of the other one of said side walls, each end of said each brace bar is configured to be inserted through one of said aligned apertures such that said side walls can be supported upright and each of said end walls is configured to be secured to said side walls by disposing each said side edge of each said end wall within one of said channels to form a rectangular space for receiving snow to form a snow block.

17. The snow block erector set of claim 16, further comprising at least one stacking post configured to protrude from a top edge of at least one of said side walls and substantially in parallel configuration with said side edges of said at least one of said side walls.

18. The snow block erector set of claim 16, further comprising at least one stacking aperture disposed on said bottom edge of said each side wall, said at least one stacking aperture is configured to receive at least one stacking post of a snow block erector set disposed below said each side wall.

19. The snow block erector set of claim 16, wherein a lock of each of said aperture and lock pairs is a slide bolt lock.

20. The snow block erector set of claim 16, wherein the inside surface of each of said side walls further comprises at least one guide pin configured for supporting a divider disposed within the rectangular space.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set, depicting guide pins configured for retaining end walls.

(4) FIG. 2A is a partial top view of a top corner of a present snow block erector set depicting one embodiment of a channel within which an edge of an end wall is secured.

(5) FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a side wall of the present snow block erector set, depicting the lock in an unlocked position.

(6) FIG. 3A is a partial top perspective view of one top corner of a present snow block erector set, depicting a corner that is unlocked.

(7) FIG. 4 is a side view of two snow block erector sets, depicting the top snow block erector set aligned to be lowered and engaged with the bottom snow block erector set.

(8) FIG. 5 is a side view of two snow block erector sets, depicting the top snow block having been lowered and engaged with the bottom snow block erector set to form a snow block erector set twice the height of as achieved using only one snow block erector set.

(9) FIG. 6 is an end view of two stacked snow block erector sets.

(10) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of snow blocks formed using one or more present snow block erector sets.

(11) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set, depicting guide pins configured for retaining end walls and supporting dividers.

(12) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set depicting a brace configured for further securing one end of the present snow block erector set.

(13) FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set depicting a brace having been disposed at one end of the present snow block erector set to secure the same.

PARTS LIST

(14) 2snow block erector set 4side wall 6end wall 8brace bar 10lock 12lock shaft 14handle 16aperture for receiving brace bar 18slot 20guide 22carry strap 24stacking post 26stacking aperture 28bracket 30holder 32hole for receiving lock shaft 34guide pin 36snow block 38snow seam 40channel 42length of side wall 44width of side wall 46width of end wall 48length of end wall 50impact head 52handle 54snow 56divider 58notch 60brace 62notch

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

(15) The present erector set aids one in forming large snow blocks expediently and easily. Multiple erector sets may be combined to construct large forms to receive snow to yield snow walls. The erector set can be used by a single individual without requiring additional tools for forming snow. The only tool that may be required is a tool for moving snow into the space formed of the erector set for receiving snow. The erector set does not need to be turned upside down to expel a formed block. A snow block can be and is preferably formed in place. The present erector set can be dismantled for transport by individuals or in vehicles and storage without taking up a significant amount of space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(16) The term about is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term about is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term about is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

(17) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set 2. FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set 2, depicting guide pins 34 configured for retaining end walls 6. FIG. 2A is a partial top view of a top corner of a present snow block erector set 2 depicting one embodiment of a channel within which an edge of an end wall is secured. The snow block erector set 2 includes a pair of substantially rectangular side walls 4 having a length 42 and a width 44, a pair of substantially rectangular end walls 6, a pair of brace bars 8 and in one embodiment, a plurality of channels 40 for receiving side edges of end walls 6. Each side wall 4 includes a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface. Each side edge of each side wall 4 connects one end of the top edge of the side wall to one end of the bottom edge of the side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively. Each side wall 4 further includes an aperture 16 and lock 10 pair disposed substantially on a top corner. Each end wall 6 has two side edges. Each brace bar 16 has two ends. The length 42 of a side wall 4 preferably ranges from about 18 inches to about 36 inches and the width 44 of a side wall 4 preferably ranges from about 12 inches to about 30 inches.

(18) The present snow block erector set 2 can function without channels that are disposed on the side walls when it is used to form snow blocks at a bottom course of a soft base. Without channels, the end walls are preferably urged down and lodged against the soft base for stability. Each channel 40 is disposed substantially along each of the side edges and on the inside surface of each of the side walls. In one embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), each channel is formed of a combination of a guide 20 and a guide pin 34 spaced apart laterally from the guide 20 to create a channel space within which one of the side edges of one of the end walls 6 is disposed. In one embodiment, only one guide pin 34 is used and biasly disposed toward the top edge of a side wall as the snow that is subsequently disposed in the space formed in an erected set tends to push the bottom portion of an end wall outwardly, negating the need for a guide pin for the bottom portion of the end wall. The guide pins 34 can also prevent installed end walls 6 from toppling towards themselves within the space outlined by the side and end walls 4, 6. Formed snow blocks may have inadvertent impressions left by these guide pins 34. However, these impressions are rather small and easily patched if the appearance of a smooth side surface of a snow block is intended.

(19) In another embodiment, a channel 40 includes an elongated depressed path within which one of the side edges of one of the end walls 6 is disposed as shown in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the channel 40 is preferably shallow with its mouth tapering outwardly to avoid collection of snow and the need to remove snow collected from the channel 40 while in use. The use of channels 40 as shown in FIG. 2A eliminates the need for guides configured to hold end walls in place as collected snow within the space tends to urge against the end walls from within the space.

(20) In use, the pair of side walls 4 are aligned side by side and in parallel with their inside surfaces of the facing one another and each aperture 16 of an aperture 16 and lock 10 pair substantially aligned with an aperture 16 of a corresponding side wall 4. The ends of each brace bar 8 are configured to be inserted through the aligned apertures 16 of the pair of side walls such that the pair of side walls can be supported upright. Upon securing the side walls with the brace bars 8, each end wall 6 is secured to the pair of side walls 4 by disposing each side edge of each end wall 6 within one of the channels 40 to form a rectangular space for receiving snow with four walls, i.e., two opposingly disposed side walls 4 and two opposingly disposed end walls 6.

(21) In one embodiment, the present snow block erector set 2 further includes at least one stacking post 24 configured to protrude from the top edge of each side wall 4 and substantially in parallel configuration with the side edges of the side wall 4. In one embodiment, the present snow block erector set 2 further includes at least one stacking aperture 26 disposed on the bottom edge of the each side wall 4. Each stacking aperture 26 is configured to receive at least one stacking post 24 of a snow block erector set 2 disposed below the side wall 4.

(22) In one embodiment, a lock of each of the aperture 16 and lock 10 pairs is a slide bolt lock as shown in FIGS. 1-2, 3 and 4-6. A slide bolt lock essentially includes a lock shaft 12 configured for slidable movement in a path bounded by one or more holders 30 and can assume a locked position and an unlocked position and a handle 14 for facilitating manipulation of the lock shaft 12. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2, 3 and 4-7, a locked position is achieved when a lock shaft 12 is inserted or engaged in a retainer, e.g., a hole 32, disposed substantially on one end of a brace bar 8, serving as a travel limit to prevent movement of the corresponding top corner of a side wall 4 from sliding off of the end of the brace bar 8. With a slide bolt lock, the locking mechanism is already made available and attached to the side wall such that a user of a set 2 does not need to locate such part during use. In another embodiment, a lock of each of the aperture and lock pairs is a pin for insertion and removable retention within a hole 32. The pin can additionally be tethered to a side wall 4 to ensure the pin is in close proximity and ready for use when it is needed.

(23) In one embodiment, the present snow block erector set further includes a carry strap 22 disposed substantially on the top edge of on the outside surface of each of the side walls 4. In transporting the present erector set 2, the side walls 4 are brought close together and disposed symmetrically, with their inside surfaces facing one another, to dispose the carry straps 22 in a position for easy grasps of a user's hand.

(24) FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a side wall of the present snow block erector set, depicting the lock in an unlocked position. FIG. 3A is a partial top perspective view of one top corner of a present snow block erector set, depicting a corner that is unlocked. It shall be noted in the unlocked position, the handle 14 may be tucked in a slot 18 neatly just as it may in the locked position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It may also be shown that when not in use, one or more end walls 6 may be tucked in the space between a bracket 28 and an outside surface of a side wall 4 such that they may be transported or stored along with the side wall 4.

(25) FIG. 4 is a side view of two snow block erector sets, depicting the top snow block erector set aligned to be lowered and engaged with the bottom snow block erector set.

(26) FIG. 5 is a side view of two snow block erector sets, depicting the top snow block having been lowered and engaged with the bottom snow block erector set to form a snow block erector set twice the height as achieved using only one snow block erector set. It can be seen that, in order to build a snow block that is even taller, one or more sets 2 may be stacked atop the two already stacked sets 2. It is also conceivable that, in order to build blocks in the lengthwise direction of the already built blocks, one or more sets 2 may be further erected. In connecting one or more new blocks to one or more existing blocks laterally, one of the end walls 6 of each newly erected set 2 will not be used such that newly poured snow in each newly erected set can be formed to connect with existing blocks.

(27) FIG. 6 is an end view of two stacked snow block erector sets 2. Each of the substantially rectangular end walls 6 includes a length 48 and width 46. The length 48 of each end wall 6 ranges from about 12 inches to about 30 inches and the width 46 of each end wall 6 ranges from about 12 inches to about 24 inches.

(28) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of snow blocks formed using one or more present snow block erector sets. In this example, a total of six blocks have been formed. Four of the six blocks 36 are formed in a first plane and two 36 are formed in a second plane that is roughly perpendicular to the first plane. This structure may be formed using only one erector set or multiple erector sets. Multiple erector sets may be erected first such that the spaces formed of erected sets can be filled all at once or one erector may be used at a time to construct one snow block at a time to add to the structure. As disclosed elsewhere herein, laterally constructed snow blocks may be built with laterally disposed blocks in contacting fashion. However, for the two blocks which are disposed at about right angle to the four blocks, depending on the sequence in which the groups of blocks was built, space may need to be allocated between the two groups as the length of an individual block differs from the width of an individual block. Therefore, all walls 4, 6 of an erector set 2 may be required in constructing an adjoining block that is not geared towards extending the existing blocks laterally, e.g., when the groups of four blocks is constructed first. However, this is not a concern as loose snow may be used to fill the gap to form a seam 38 to close the gap between the two groups if desired. If the group of two blocks had been constructed first, no seam will be necessary as one or two blocks of the group of four blocks simply extend from the group of two blocks without the use of an end wall as disclosed elsewhere herein. A present erector set is preferably assembled in place as there are components of the erectors that are not securely attached to one another to allow such erected set to be assembled at one location and moved to a second location for use. In some instances, in using more than one erector set as a single construction unit, a first erector set is preferably filled first to provide sufficient weight and integrity to the erector set such that a second erector set that is assembled on top of the first may already have a strong base to support the second erector set and the block that is being built on top of the first bottom block. In forming a block, snow is incrementally dumped and compacted, e.g., with a shovel, in the space formed from the side and end walls. When the space is sufficiently filled and the snow compacted, the assembly may be dismantled by first unlocking the brace bars such that the brace bars may be released from the side walls. The end walls may then be readily removed as they will have no support once the side walls have been removed.

(29) In one embodiment, at least one of the substantially rectangular side walls and the substantially rectangular end walls is constructed from a non-moisture absorbent material, e.g., polycarbonate or another plastic material. Although less desirably so, the side walls may alternatively be constructed from a wooden material, e.g., plywood. Although the present erector set is configured for the purpose of holding snow, it is conceivable that the erector can be used as a form for concrete, foam and other materials.

(30) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set, depicting guide pins 34 configured for retaining end walls 6 and supporting dividers 56. If a large snow block is unnecessary or if smaller snow blocks are desired, the space within the snow block erector set may be subdivided using one or more dividers 56. As shown herein, with two dividers 56, three smaller snow blocks may be formed. Upon being formed, the smaller blocks may be moved and used elsewhere. Further disclosed is a compactor useful for compacting the snow 54 placed within the erector set such that formed blocks can be made denser and stronger. In use, the handle 52 of the compactor is simply held in a hand of a user with its impact head 50 impacted repeatedly against the snow 54 disposed within the erector set.

(31) FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set depicting a brace 60 configured for further securing one end of the present snow block erector set. FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present snow block erector set depicting a brace 60 having been disposed at one end of the present snow block erector set to secure the same. In this embodiment, a notch 58 is disposed on each side edge of a side wall 4. It shall be noted that such notches 58 are only shown on one end of the erector set. Such features can easily be applied to the opposite end of the erector set. In securing the side walls at one end of the erector set, a brace 60 is provided. The brace 60 is essentially a bar having two notches 62, each configured to be removably coupled to a notch 58 of a side wall. Each brace 60 adds stability to the erector set, especially when it is filled with snow, thereby allowing thinner and hence lighter side walls to be utilized.

(32) The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.