WO2008100619A1

WO2008100619A1 - Systems for constructing sand structures

Info

Publication number: WO2008100619A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/002109
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Taufield
Original assignee: Gerald Taufield
Priority date: 2007-02-15
Filing date: 2008-02-16
Publication date: 2008-08-21

Abstract

Systems for constructing sand structures. The system comprises a plurality of mold blocks (310) that can be assembled together such that their inner surfaces (312) combine to form an internal cavity (320) in the shape of a desired sand structure. There may also an external support (322) used to retain the mold blocks (310) in their assembled position. Sand is packed into the internal cavity (320) formed by the collective internal surfaces (312) of the mold blocks (310) to form the sand structure. There may be a plurality of tiers (344, 346) of assembled mold blocks for constructing complex sand structures and there may be a mechanism (402) to aid the user in grasping a mold block (310) to facilitate the removal of the mold block (310) to uncover the completed sand structure and there may also be some interlocking (408, 409) of adjacent mold blocks together.

Description

SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRUCTING SAND STRUCTURES

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to systems for constructing structures and, more particularly, to systems utilizing a plurality of outer casings or mold blocks that are assembled together and may be retained in the assembled position by an external support and are filled with a sand material to create a unique structure.

Background of the Invention

[0002] One of the common and entertaining activities carried out at a beach is the construction of structures made up of compacted sand. Obviously, the structures run from the construction of rudimentary structures by children using only a shovel or simple tools to extremely difficult structures that are complex and produced by highly skilled persons.

[0003] There is also a time constraint on the construction of sand structures since most of the structures are produced on the beach by persons there for the day and therefore the structure must be finished within a relatively short period of time within daylight hours and prior to the onslaught of the tide that will eventually wash the structure away. As such, it is difficult for one having normal skill level to construct a solid, good appearing structure fairly quickly and with good results.

[0004] It would therefore be advantageous to have better tools to enable a person at the beach to construct good structures fairly rapidly and with good appearance of the structure. It would be further advantageous to be able to use such tools to enable a child to make a game out of constructing the sand structure with enthusiasm and make the day pleasant for the child.

#1 184616 v2 107276-62220 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention relates to systems for producing structures that can be used by one having minimum skill in building structures and yet produce a structure having a good appearance in a relatively short period of time. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention will be described with respect to mold blocks and the construction of sand structures, however, it will be seen that the present invention is applicable to other materials, including, but not limited to, edible materials, latex, snow, wax and the like.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is provided the tools necessary to produce a sand structure and which can include at least one outer casing that can be placed on the ground and filled with sand to create a particular shaped sand structure. In connection with the outer casing, there may be one or more void blocks that can be positioned at or near the lower edge or edges of one or more outer casings as a outer casing is being filled with sand, thereby, creating one or more voids in the ultimate sand structure. The void or voids also allow the user to create a wider variety of sand structures and still be able to remove the outer casing when the structure is complete.

[0007] hi another embodiment of the invention there may be at least two outer casings, one of which can be placed on the ground and the other placed atop of the first outer casing after that first outer casing had been filled with sand. Thus, the second outer casing is then packed with sand such that the eventual sand structure is in the shape of a combination of the at least two outer casings. There may, of course, be more than two outer casings and there may be of a variety of differing shapes and sizes.

[0008] With the aforementioned embodiment of at least two outer casings, the lower edge of an upper outer casing can be aligned or affixed to the upper edge of the next lower outer casing and, with more than two outer casings, additional outer casings can be affixed together and progressively filled with sand such that when all of the outer casings have been

#H ₈4616 v2 107276-62220 filled, all of the outer casings can be removed by simply vertically lifting the outer casings off of the sand structure.

[0009] In any of the aforesaid embodiments, or further embodiments to be described, there may be one or more objects that are placed within or at least partially within one or more of the outer casings as the sand is being packed into that outer casing so that the object can be searched for when the sand structure is completed or the object can create the formation of a tunnel or other passageway within the sand structure.

[0010] In a still further exemplary embodiment where a plurality of mold blocks are utilized, the mold blocks have inner surfaces and outer surfaces and where the configuration or shape of the inner surfaces of the plurality of mold blocks combines to produce a desired shape of sand structure. Accordingly, the mold blocks are individually shaped and, in constructing a sand structure, the mold blocks are assembled or arranged together such that their combined inner surfaces create an internal cavity in the desired shape. The mold blocks are then maintained in the arranged position by means of an external support that holds and stabilizes the mold blocks so that sand can be introduced into the internal cavity surrounded by the various inner surfaces of the mold blocks.

[0011] After the sand has been introduced into that internal cavity, the external support can be removed and thereafter the mold blocks are free to be removed, by a careful outward movement, so as to leave only the sand structure that is then in the shape of the combined inner surfaces of the mold blocks. In an exemplary embodiment, the external support may be a casing that abuts against the outer surfaces of the mold blocks and in another exemplary embodiment, the external support may be a plurality of substantially vertical upstanding rails that contact the outer surface of the mold blocks and hold them in their arranged orientation. As a still further exemplary embodiment, the mold blocks may be held together by straps or buckles spanning adjacent mold blocks.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, there may be multiple tiers of mold blocks placed atop each other to form a sand structure having additional height and

#1 184616 v₂ 3 107276-62₂₂0 possible increased complexity. In such embodiment, the plurality of vertically spaced apart internal cavities can be filed with sand sequentially up to the uppermost tier where a cap or other covering mold block can be used to create the upper tier of the sand structure. In the embodiment featuring multiple tiers, the mold blocks are removed by moving each mold block outwardly starting with the upper tier and working downwardly until only the sand structure remains.

[0013] As a further feature of the present invention, the mold blocks can be interlocked together to assist in the alignment and stability of the individual mold blocks forming the composite mold for creation of the sand structure. The mold blocks may also have openings, indentation or other grasping means to facilitate gripping the mold blocks to enable that user to readily pull the mold blocks outwardly in the removal thereof.

[0014] As a still further feature of the present invention, an exemplary external support that surrounds a tier or level of mold blocks to retain that tier of mold blocks in their assembled condition can have an outwardly extending flange at the lower perimeter edge thereof. As such, when a tier is completed or arranged together, the flange of the external support facilitates pushing the external support downwardly along the exterior of the assembled tier of mold blocks to retain the mold blocks in a fixed position for packing the sand into the mold block system. The presence of the flange also facilitates the removal of the external support prior to when the mold blocks are removed to reveal the sand structure. With a complete tier, the flange on the external support or tension band may encircle the entire perimeter of the mold blocks making up a tier or the flange can extend only partially therearound.

[0015] As another feature, the individual mold blocks may be constructed such that the mold blocks themselves are substantially hollow wherein the mold blocks can be used as previously stated to create a sand structure, but, being substantially hollow, the mold blocks can be stacked or nested together to provide a compact package for shipping, storage and the like.

[0016] As part of the interlocking feature to create tiers of mold blocks, there may be a key and keyway system that provides an interlocking between the mold blocks of a particular

#1 184616 V₂ 4 107276-62220 tier to aid in alignment as well as a key and keyway system that provides an alignment aid for vertically adjacent constructed tiers. By use of the keying system, the mold blocks are constrained to lateral movement so that the removal of the individual mold blocks of a tier can be removed laterally outwardly so as to minimally disrupt the sand structure thereby created, functioning as a guide for proper removal of mold blocks away from a completed sand structure.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment the mold blocks have interchangeable face plates so that different sand structures can be created by changing the face plates. Thus different faces can be used with the same mold blocks to add versatility to the overall system by simply interchanging one or more face plates with other interchangeable face plates. The interchangeable face plates can be sold along with a system for constructing said structures or sold separately.

[0018] All of the components needed to carry out the construction of a sand structure in the manner heretofore described can be conveniently provided to the user in a package and which may also include one or more weapons such as toy bombs, toy guns and toy cannons that can be used by a child in damaging or destroying the sand structure constructed in accordance with the present invention. There may also be one or more objects that are placed within or at least partially within a sand structure that is constructed with the use of mold blocks as the sand is being packed into an internal cavity formed by the inner surfaces of the mold blocks in accordance with the present invention

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent during the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings herein.

#1 184616 v2 107276-62220 Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a outer casing constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of outer casings with one stacked atop of the other;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of outer casings and illustrating three outer casings stacked together;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of outer casings stacked together in the completed stage of constructing a sand structure;

[0024] FIGS. 5 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary system for affixing one outer casing to another outer casing;

[0025] FIGS. 6 and 6A are exploded views illustrating an alternate system to that of Fig. 5 to align one outer casing to another outer casing;

[0026] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizing a void block;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the Fig 7 embodiment with a void block located within a outer casing;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the Fig 7 embodiment with the outer casing removed but with the void block in place in the sand structure;

[0029] FIGS. 10 and 1OA is a perspective view and a side view of the Fig 8 embodiment with the void block removed from the sand structure;

#1 184616 v2 6 107276-62220 [0030] FIGS. HA, HB and HC are schematic views of various weapons that can be used with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 12A, 12B and 12C are schematic views illustrating users playing a game using the weapons of Figs 11 A- 11 C;

[0032] FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating mold blocks of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mold blocks of Fig. 13 in an assembled, arranged orientation;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembled mold blocks of Fig, 14 and illustrating an external support usable therewith;

[0035] FIG. 16A and 16B are a side view of the external support of Fig.15 a perspective view of the present invention assembled with the external support; respectively;

[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the system of Figs 13-16B of the present invention in its assembled form and filled with sand;

[0037] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the present invention of Figs. 13-17 illustrating the removal of the external support;

[0038] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the present invention of Figs. 13-18 illustrating the removal of the mold blocks from a sand structure;

[0039] FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary multi-tiered embodiment of present invention;

#1 184616 v₂ 107276-622₂0 [0040] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the Fig. 20 embodiment illustrating the assembling of an external support to the mold blocks;

[0041] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the Fig. 20 embodiment illustrating the multi- tiered embodiment with external supports assembled thereto;

[0042] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the Fig. 20 embodiment illustrating the removal of the external supports;

[0043] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the Fig. 20 embodiment illustrating the removal of the mold blocks;

[0044] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a sand structure constructed in accordance with the Fig. 20 embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIGS. 26B and 26C are respectively views of an exemplary embodiment having a top cap including a schematic view of a multi-tiered embodiment for use with a top cap, a top view of the Fig 14A structure and a side view of a top cap;

[0046] FIGS. 27 A, 27B and 27C are perspective views, respectively, of exemplary single, double and three tiered embodiments of the present invention having a rectangular cross section;

[0047] FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C are perspective views, respectively, of single, double and three tiered embodiments of the present invention having a square cross section;

[0048] FIGS. 29 A, 29B and 29C are perspective views, respectively, of single, double and three tiered embodiments of the present invention having a circular cross section;

#1 184616 v2

107276-62220 [0049] FIG. 30 is a schematic view of an assemblage of mold blocks of the present invention and illustrating an interlocking feature and an outer surface configured to facilitate a user gripping a mold block;

[0050] FIG. 31 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an interlocking feature useable with the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 32 is a schematic view illustrating the removal of a mold block using the outer surface configuration of Fig. 30;

[0052] FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an alternative external support that can be used with the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a further alternative external support that can be used with the present invention;

[0054] FIG 35 is a schematic view of an exemplary multi-tier embodiment of the invention with external supports having flanges used to facilitate the installation and removal of the external supports;

[0055] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of exemplary, partially assembled mold blocks having interlocking features;

[0056] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of exemplary unassembled mold block tiers having vertical interlocking features;

[0057] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of exemplary mold blocks of the present invention nested together;

[0058] FIG. 39A is an exploded view of an exemplary mold block having an interchangeable face plate and FIG 39B is an assembled view of the FIG. 39A embodiment;

#1 184616 v₂ 9 107₂76-6₂₂₂₀ [0059] FIG. 4OA is a top view of an exemplary mold block having an interchangeable face plate and FIG 4OB is an assembled view of the FIG. 4OA embodiment;

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0060] Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary mold block 20 constructed in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen, the outer casing 20 is adapted to rest on the ground in order to carry out the present invention and the ground will normally be a beach where unlimited sand is available, however, the invention could be employed at other sites, such as a sand box at a playground or yard.

[0061] hi the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the outer casing 20 is configured to construct a pyramidal shaped structure, however, as will be seen, many other shapes and sizes of sand structures can be constructed in accordance with this invention. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the outer casing 20 comprises a rim 22 having an upper edge 24 and a lower edge 26, the latter of course, resting on the ground with an open area 28 formed within the rim 22. Due to the particular shape of the Fig. 1 embodiment i.e. a pyramid, the perimeter of the upper edge 24 is smaller than the perimeter of the lower edge 26 such that the rim 22 slopes outwardly in the downward direction. The outer casing 20 can be made of a metal, ceramic, plastic or any other suitable material having sufficient strength to carry out the purpose of this invention. Rim 22 can be a one piece construction or may be a plurality of individual components that are affixed together to make up the rim 22 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0062] To carry out the first step of the method aspect of the present invention, therefore, the outer casing 20 is placed on the ground and filled with sand, preferable wet sand having a consistency to form sand structures. The outer casing 20 may have a lower flange that flares out from the lower edge 26 to prevent the outer casing 20 from digging in the sand. As also can be seen in Fig. 1, there may be an object 30 that is buried in the sand as that sand is packed into the outer casing 20 to conceal the object 30 in accordance with a game that can be played along with the constructing of the sand structure. There may, of course, be more than

#1 184616 v2 10 107276-62220 one object 30 placed with a outer casing 20 and the object 30 can be of a wide variety of shapes. Thus, once introduced into a outer casing and buried within the sand packed within the mold, a player can make a game out of trying to locate the object or objects within a single tier or multiple tiers of the sand structure.

[0063] An object may also be a hollow object so as to form a tunnel with the ultimate sand structure is completed and the object can be completely concealed within the sand or may extend outwardly to the inner edge of the outer casing 20 so that a tunnel can be seen when the outer casing 20 is removed as will be later illustrated. As will also later become clear, the object 30 can be located in any one or more of the tiers of a multiple tiered sand structure constructed using the present invention.

[0064] As such, with the particular outer casing 20 in the shape as illustrated in Fig 1, when the sand is packed therein up to the level of the upper edge 24, the sand will take the shape of the outer casing 20 and be a truncated pyramid shape.

[0065] Turning next to Fig. 2, there is shown, a perspective view of the outer casing 20 of Fig. 1 having a further or second outer casing 32 resting atop of the outer casing 20. As can be seen, when the upper, second outer casing 32 is resting on the lower, first outer casing 20, the lower edge 34 of the outer casing 32 is resting upon and generally contiguous to the upper edge 24 of the outer casing 20. In an exemplary embodiment, that lower edge 34 of the second outer casing 32 is aligned with the upper edge 24 of the outer casing 20 in a manner that will be later explained. Since the upper edge 36 of the second outer casing 32 is open, again, the wet sand can be packed into the open area 38 to fill up that open area 38 up to the level of the upper edge 36.

[0066] As with Fig, 1 an object 40 can be inserted into the second tier of the sand structure being constructed by filling the second outer casing 32 and/or some device can be added that forms a tunnel, secret room or the like.

#1 184616 v2 1 1 107276-62220 [0067] As with the outer casing 20, the second outer casing 32, being configured to form a pyramid, has the perimeter of its upper edge 36 smaller than the perimeter of its lower edge 34 and the rim 42 is generally formed at the same angle with respect to the horizontal as the angle of the rim 22 of the outer casing 20.

[0068] Turning to Fig, 3, there is shown a perspective view of a still further, third outer casing 44 positioned atop of the second outer casing 32 and, again, the lower edge 46 of the rim 48 of the third outer casing 44 rests on, is supported by and is generally contiguous to the upper edge 36 of the second outer casing 32. Again, the upper edge 50 of the third outer casing 44 has a perimeter that is smaller than the perimeter of its lower edge 46 and an open area 52 is formed therein to be filled by the user with wet sand up to the upper edge 50 of the third outer casing 44.

[0069] As can now be appreciated, by progressively filling the outer casings 20, 32 and 44 with wet sand, the user has created tiers of the sand structure in the shape of a pyramid having a generally uniform outer angle with respect to the horizontal. As also can be seen, while three outer casings have been illustrated, there may be a greater or a lesser number of outer casings and tiers created and used in constructing a particular sand structure having a wide variety of differing shapes and configurations as is desired by the user.

[0070] Turning to Fig. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the completed assembly of all of the outer casings needed to construct a completed pyramid shaped sand structure, the top sand mold 56 having been positioned in place atop of the third outer casing 44. The top outer casing also has a lower edge 58 that is contiguous with and preferable affixed to the upper edge 50 of the third outer casing 44 and having a closed peak 60 and thus can be filled with sand and then inverted to be placed atop of the third outer casing 44. If, of course, the upper tier of the formed sand structure has a flat upper surface, the uppermost outer casing need not be closed as it is in Fig. 4. As such, all of the outer casings have been stacked in order to combine the individually packed tiers to produce the final shape of the pyramidal sand structure.

#1 184616 v2

12 107₂76-62220 [0071] Turning now to Fig. 5, there is shown an exploded view of a system that can be used to align together two adjacent outer casings and, in the exemplary embodiment, the alignment system can be used to affix together any or all of the outer casings described in Figs 1-4. Thus Fig. 5 shows a cutaway segment of an upper outer casing 64 and a lower outer casing 66, each having an inside surface 65 and an outside surface 67. The upper outer casing 64 has a recess 68 with an elongated protrusion 70 that extends along, or at least partially along, the lower edge 72 of the upper outer casing 64. There is a similar recess 74 along the upper edge 76 of the lower outer casing 66 and having a elongated groove 78 disposed at least partially therealong. As such, to affix the upper outer casing 64 to the lower outer casing 66, the respective edges 72 and 76 are brought together by movement in the direction of the arrows B whereupon the elongated protrusion 70 enters into and nests within the elongated groove 78 to affix those components together.

[0072] In Fig. 6, there is an exploded view of an alternative alignment system to that of Fig. 5. hi the exemplary alignment system of Fig. 6, again there is shown a cutaway segment of an upper outer casing 80 and a lower outer casing 82, each having an inside surface 81 and an outside surface 83. The upper outer casing 80 has a recess 84 forming a downwardly directed flange 86 that extends along, or at least partially along, the lower edge 88 of the upper outer casing 80. There is a similar recess 90 along the upper edge 92 of the lower outer casing 82 forming an upwardly directed flange 92 disposed at least partially therealong. As such to align the upper outer casing 80 to the lower outer casing 82, the respective edges flanges 86, 92 are brought in contact with each other, in the direction of the arrows B, to frictionally engage the upper outer casing 80 to the lower outer casing 82.

[0073] In Fig. 6A there is a still further alignment system for the upper and lower outer casings 85, 87 having inside surfaces 89 and outside surfaces 91 and wherein the upper outer casing 85 extends downwardly with an offset forming a downwardly directed flange 93 that extends over the outside surface 91 of the lower outer casing 87.

[0074] While the aforedescribed methods and devices for aligning two adjacent outer casings together are exemplary embodiments, there are certainly other ways of aligning one

#1 184616 v₂ 13 107₂76-62220 outer casing with another outer casing consistent with the intent and purpose of the present invention.

[0075] In Fig. 7, there is a further feature of the present invention. With the embodiments wherein the perimeter of the upper edge of the outer casing is smaller than the perimeter of the lower edge of the outer casing, it is relatively easy to remove the tiered outer casings vertically upwardly, however, there are instances wherein the perimeters may be the same or where it is desired to have a sand structure wherein the lower portions or perimeters of the sand structure are smaller than or undercut with respect to the upper portions or perimeters.

[0076] Accordingly, there can be used void blocks that can be placed into a outer casing along the inside wall thereof to create a void in the sand structure.

[0077] In Fig. 7, there is a perspective view of an outer casing 94 having sides 96 that are relatively vertical and thus there is a void block 98 that can be inserted into the outer casing 94 and positioned at a lower edge 100 thereof in accordance with the arrow C. As such, the cross section of the void block 98 is triangular, however, other cross sectionals shapes could be utilized consistent with the intent of the present invention. Also, the void block 98 can be placed in any one or more of the tiers and there may be multiple void blocks located in a single tier such as where the void blocks operate in tandem or form differing voids in that single tier.

[0078] Turning to Fig. 8, taken also with Fig. 7, the void block 98 is shown in the desired position at the lower edge of the outer casing 94. Thus, when the outer casing 94 is filled with sand, there is a void that is created in the sand structure in the shape of the void block 98.

[0079] hi Fig. 9, there can be seen that the outer casing 94 has been removed by being displaced upwardly in accordance with arrows D, with the void block 98 still in place creating the void in the sand structure 102.

#1 184616 v2 14 107276-62₂₂0 [0080] In Fig. 10 and 1OA, there is an exploded view and a side view, respectively, of the sand structure 102 where the void block 98 has been removed by removing it laterally in the direction of the arrows E, leaving a void 104 in the shape of the void block 98. A void block can, therefore be formed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to create a desired sand structure.

[0081] In the use of the present invention, a plurality of outer casings can be provided to a purchaser in a single package such that the package of the tools would include at least one of the outer casings along with one or more void blocks that can be used with the outer casings in that package to create a particular shape of sand structure.

[0082] Therefore, the user can purchase a particular package containing the necessary outer casings and void blocks that the user can employ in accordance with the method of the present invention to construct, for example, a castle, a pyramid, a building, a battleship or other sand structure desired by the purchaser along with a weapon or weapons that can be used by a user or other child to destroy the structure constructed by the use of the outer casings and void blocks. Preferably, the package also contains instructions to the purchaser as to how to use the outer casing and void blocks contained within the package to construct the particular sand structure illustrated on the package as well as the outer casings, void blocks, discovery objects and weapons.

[0083] As a part of a game that can be played with the sand structures of Figs. 1 IA-11C there can be provided to the user a weapon and that weapon can include those illustrated in Figs. 1 IA-C, that is, toy simulated bombs 224, a toy gun 226 or a toy cannon 228 and one or all of those weapons can be supplied to the user to carry out the game along with any number of other weapons that would be enjoyable for use by a child in destroying a sand structure.

[0084] Further, in accordance with the game, there is shown in Figs. 12A-12C, schematic views of a user 230 using each of the weapons illustrated in Figs 1 IA-11C, to destroy the submarine 214, the ship 218 and the castle 222.

#1 184616 v2 15 107276-62220 [0085] Accordingly, the particular package can be sold to the user containing all of the necessary tools to carry out the game in constructing a sand structure as well as the weapons that can cause the destruction of that sand structure.

[0086] Referring now to Fig. 13, there is shown an exploded view of a plurality of mold blocks 310 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. As can be seen, the mold blocks 310 each have an inner surface 312, an outer surface 314, top surface 316, side surfaces 317 and bottom surface 318. The inner surfaces 312 of each of the mold blocks 310 are specially designed so as to cooperate with other mold blocks 310 such that all of the inner surfaces combine together to form a particular sand structure, while the side surfaces generally abut against an adjacent mold block 310.

[0087] As will later be seen, therefore, the mold blocks 310 are placed on a relatively flat surface and are arranged together by moving the mold blocks 310 in the direction of the arrows A to form an arrangement of mold blocks having a contiguous inner surface. There are six (6) mold blocks 310 illustrated in Fig. 13, however, more or less mold blocks can be used in carrying out the purpose of the present invention and depending upon the complexity or lack of complexity of the sand structure being constructed. In the embodiment of Fig. 13, the bottom surfaces 318 are larger in area than the top surfaces 316, such that the outer surfaces 314 taper inwardly in the upward direction. The purpose of the tapering will later become apparent. As can be seen, the mold blocks 310 are adapted to rest on the ground in order to carry out the present invention and the ground will normally be a beach where unlimited sand is available, however, the invention could be employed at other sites, such as a sand box at a playground or yard.

[0088] Turning to Fig. 14, there is shown a perspective view of the mold blocks 310 that have been arranged by converging the mold blocks 310 in the direction of the arrows B so as to create an internal cavity 320 that is formed or shaped in the configuration of the particular sand structure to be constructed. As such, all of the inner surfaces 312 form an internal contiguous inner perimeter that is used in forming the eventual sand structure.

#1 184616 v2 16 107276-62220 [0089] Next, in Fig 15, there is a perspective view of the assembled mold blocks 310 as shown in Fig. 14 with the addition of an external support that is used to retain the mold blocks 310 in this arranged orientation. In Fig. 15, the external support for example, is an outer casing 322 that is placed by the user over the mold blocks 310 so as to surround the outer perimeter made up of all of the contiguous outer surfaces 314 of the assembled mold blocks 310. Due to the aforedescribed taper of the outer casing 322 and the outer surfaces 314, the outer casing 322 can be readily slid over the mold blocks 310 to hold the mold blocks 310 firmly in their assembled condition.

[0090] The outer casing 322 can completely or at least partially surround the mold blocks 310 and may be made of any material having sufficient strength to retain the mold blocks 310 in their assembled positions including but not limited to metal, ceramic, plastic or any other suitable material. In Fig, 15, the outer casing 322 can be seen to have tapering inwardly tapering sides 324 defining an opening 326. The outer casing 322 is designed to fit snugly over the assembled mold blocks 310 by being moved in the direction of the arrows C.

[0091] Turning next to Fig 16A, there is shown a side view illustrating the inwardly tapering sides 324 of the outer casing 322 and, in Fig. 16B, the outer casing 322 has been positioned surrounding the mold blocks 310 to retain the mold blocks 310 in their assembled positions.

[0092] In Fig.17, the assembled mold blocks of Fig. 16 can be seen and wherein the internal cavity 320 has been filled with sand that is packed for forming the sand structure 328.

[0093] Turning now to Fig. 18, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention where the outer casing 322 has been removed by raising it upwardly and away from its position surrounding the mold blocks 310 generally in the direction of the arrows D. At this point, the mold blocks 310 are capable of being removed by sliding them directly outwardly and away from the sand structure 328 contained within the internal cavity 320 such as in the direction of the arrows E.

#1 184616 v2 17 107276-62220 [0094] In Fig. 19, therefore, there is a perspective view of a sand structure 328 that remains after the removal of the mold blocks 310 and, as can be seen, the overall configuration of the sand structure 328 is determined by the combined inner surfaces 312 of the mold blocks 310.

[0095] Turning next to Fig. 20, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment having multiple tiers of mold blocks. As such, there can be seen the lower tier of mold blocks 310, using the same designation numbers as with Figs. 19 and an upper tier comprising upper tier mold blocks 330, each having an inner surface 332, an outer surface 334, a top surface 336 and a bottom surface 338. As can be seen in Fig. 20, the upper tier mold blocks 330 are placed atop of the mold blocks 310 by movement generally in the direction of the arrows F to create a mold for a second tier for a sand structure to be formed. The outer casing 322 of the lower tier remains in place surrounding the mold blocks 310.

[0096] In Fig. 21, it can be seen that the upper tier mold blocks 330 are positioned in place creating an upper internal cavity 340 which is also to be packed with sand for forming the sand structure 328 atop of the lower tier 344 of the sand structure 328 and, as with the prior embodiment, the shape of the cavity 340, and, of course, also the sand structure, is determined by the collective and contiguous inner surfaces 332 of the upper tier mold blocks 330. An external support is also provided for the upper tier mold blocks 330 in the form of an upper outer casing 340 that is positioned over the upper tier mold blocks 330 by movement in the direction of the arrows G in the same manner as described with respect to the assembling of the lower tier. Again, the outer surfaces 334 of the upper tier mold blocks 330 and the sides 342 of the upper outer casing 340 can be tapered inwardly in the upper direction.

[0097] Turning next to Fig. 22, there is a perspective view of a multi-tier embodiment of the present invention wherein the upper outer casing 340 has been affixed to the upper tier by surrounding the upper tier mold blocks 330 and the upper tier 346 of the sand structure 328 has been packed with sand.

#1 184616 v2 18 107276-62220 [0098] A system for aligning together the adjacent outer casings can be the same or similar to that described with respect to Figs. 5, 6 and 6A hereof.

[0099] In Fig, 23, there is a perspective view of the multi-tier embodiment of the invention and wherein the outer casing 322 and the upper outer casing 340 have been removed generally in the direction of the arrows H, thereby leaving only the mold blocks 310 and the upper tier mold blocks 330 surrounding the sand structure 328. The outer casing 322 and upper outer casing 340 can be removed one at a time or removed together.

[0100] Turning now to Fig. 24, there is shown a perspective view illustrating the removal of the mold blocks 310 and the upper tier mold blocks 330 to reveal the two tiered sand structure 328 i.e. the lower tier 344 and the upper tier 346. The mold blocks 310 are pulled away along the path of the arrows J and the upper tier mold blocks 330 along the path of the arrows K. As can be seen the lower tier 344 of the sand structure 328 has the shape of the contiguous inner surfaces 312 of the mold blocks 310 while the upper tier 346 has the shape of the contiguous inner surfaces 332 of the upper tier mold blocks 330 and that the two tiers have different shapes.

[0101] In Fig. 25, as to the multi-tier embodiment, there can be seen a sand structure 328 having different shapes for the lower tier 344 and the upper tier 346. Thus, with the multi- tier embodiment there may be two or more tiers used in constructing the sand structure and each may or may not have different inner surface configurations lending considerable versatility in the use of the present invention for constructing desired shapes of sand structures.

[0102] Turning now to Figs. 26A, 26B and 26C, there can be seen, respectively, a cross sectional view of a multi-tier embodiment, a top view of the Fig. 26A embodiment and a perspective view of a covering for use with the Fig, 26A embodiment, hi this embodiment, the top has a rounded top or "skull cap" instead of the flat top surface as shown in the prior embodiments. Thus, in Fig. 26A, there are three tiers; a lower tier 348, intermediate tier 350 and an upper tier 352. There is an inwardly tapered opening 354 formed in the upper surface 356 of the upper tier 352 and a recessed annulus 358 forming a seat at the upper surface 356 of

#1184616 v2 19 107₂76-62220 the upper tier 352. That inwardly tapered opening 354 is also seen in Fig. 26B. As such, in Fig 26C there is a cap 360 that is adapted to be filled with sand and then inverted and placed into the inwardly tapered opening 354 in order to create a curved top to the sand structure and any excess sand runs down into the recessed annulus 358.

[0103] Turning next to Figs. 28A-C, 27A-C and 29A-C, there are illustrated, various examples of some arrangements or assemblies of mold blocks that can be used to create sand structures using the present invention. For example, in Figs 27A, 27B and 27C, there is shown, respectively, a single tier 360, two tier 362 and a three tier 364 sets of mold blocks having their outer surfaces 366, 368 and 370, respectively, formed in the shape of rectangles; in Figs 28A, 28B and 28C there is shown, respectively, a single tier 372, two tier 374 and a three tier 376 sets of mold blocks having their outer surfaces 378, 380, 382, respectively, formed in the shape of squares and in Figs. 29A, 29B and 29C, there is shown, respectively, a single tier 384 two tier 386 and a three tier 388 sets of mold blocks having their outer surfaces 390, 392 and 394, respectively, formed in a circular shape. While Figs. 27A-C, 28A-C and 29A-C illustrate up to three tiers, it can be seen that there may be more than three tiers used in the construction of a sand structure and the tiers may have different outer shapes, for example, octagonal, hexagonal or other geometric shapes.

[0104] Turning now to Fig. 30, there is a perspective view of a multi-tier embodiment of the present invention and wherein there are interlocking devices that provide an interlock of respective tiers of the arranged mold blocks 396 of adjacent tiers. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 30 the interlocking devices are comprised of guide pegs 398 that extend downwardly so as to interfit within guide notches 400 formed on the next lower tier. As such there is an interlocking mechanism that holds the mold blocks 396 of the vertically disposed tiers together. The interlocking feature may be in some or all of the mold blocks 396.

[0105] As also can be seen in Fig. 30, there is also a surface configuration formed in one or more of the mold blocks 396 to facilitate a user getting a good grip on the particular mold block 396 to pull it out from the assembly of mold blocks 396 in freeing up the eventual sand structure as previously explained. The surface configuration can be, for example, an opening 402 in a mold block 396 and which can be grasped by the user in removing a mold block 396.

#1 184616 v2 20 107276-62₂20 [106] Turning to Fig, 31, there is an enlarged view of one interlocking mechanism that can be used with the present invention as described with respect to Fig. 30. As such, there can be seen an upper mold block 404 and a lower mold block 406. A guide peg 408 extends downwardly from the upper mold block 404 and interfits into the guide notch 409 formed in the lower mold block 406, thereby interlocking the upper mold block 404 with the lower mold block 406.

[0107] In Fig. 32, there is an example of the use of a surface configuration, such as opening 410, to remove a mold block 412 from a plurality of mold blocks 414 in the direction of the arrows M to reveal the sand structure 416. As can be seen, with a multiple tiered sand structure, the upper tier of mold blocks are initially removed and thereafter the user continues downwardly in removing the further mold blocks until all of the mold blocks are removed, leaving the sand structure.

[0108] Turning now to Fig. 33, there is shown a multi-tiered embodiment having mold blocks 444 arranged together. In this embodiment, there is an alternative form of external support and is shown as straps 446 that span and attach together abutting adjacent mold blocks 444. With the Fig. 33 embodiment, the straps 446 may include buckles or other devices that connect the straps together and the straps 446 may be located between any two or more mold blocks 444.

[0109] In Fig. 34, there is a further alternative form of external support and in this embodiment, the external supports for the mold blocks 448 comprise a plurality of rails 450 that are generally vertically oriented and which bear against the surfaces 452 of the mold blocks 448 to retain those mold blocks 448 in the assembled orientation.

[0110] In the use of the present invention, a plurality of mold blocks can be provided to a purchaser in a single package such that the package of the sand structure constructing components would include a plurality of the mold blocks along with an external support with

#1 184616 v2

21 107276-622₂0 the inner surfaces of the mold blocks forming a particular desired shape to create a particular shape of sand structure.

[0111] Therefore, the user can purchase a particular package containing the necessary mold blocks and external supports that the user can employ in accordance with the method of the present invention to construct a sand structure, along with a weapon or weapons that can be used by a user or other child to destroy the structure constructed by the use of the mold blocks and external supports. Preferably, the package also contains instructions to the purchaser as to how to use the mold blocks contained within the package to construct the particular sand structure illustrated on the package as well as any other components necessary to carry out that construction.

[0112] Accordingly, the particular package can be sold to the user containing all of the necessary tools and components to carry out the game in constructing a sand structure as well as the weapons that can cause the destruction of that sand structure, hi addition, the package can contain discovery objects that can be packed into and thus concealed in the sand as it is packed into an internal cavity formed by the internal surfaces of an assemble of mold blocks so that the objects can be discovered by a child within the sand structure thereby formed.

[0113] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment having multiple tiers of mold blocks, including an upper tier 468, a middle tier 470 and a lower tier 472 comprised of mold blocks 474. As also can be seen, the mold blocks 474 that make up the upper, middle and lower tiers 468, 470 and 472 are retained by an upper casing 476, a middle casing 478 and a lower casing 480 and which hold the mold blocks 474 in position as the sand is serially packed into the cavity between the mold blocks 474. As also can be seen, each of the casings 476, 478 and 480 has an outwardly extending flange 482, 484 and 486 along the lower edge of the outer perimeter of each of the casings. As such the presence of the flanges 482, 484 and 486 facilitates pushing the casings downwardly to fit around the mold blocks 474 and to remove the casings 476, 478, 480 before the mold blocks 474 are removed to reveal the sand structure. With respect to any one tier, the flange may encircle the entire perimeter of the casing enclosing a tier of mold blocks or can extend only partially therearound.

#1 184616 v2 22 107276-62220 [0114] As a further feature and which can be appreciated by resort to Fig. 35, each of the individual mold blocks 474 can have a different profile of mold and thus create a different impression on the sand as it is packed into the cavity formed by the plurality of different mold blocks. Thus, as such, with the individual mold blocks 474 being interchangeable with other mold blocks on the same level or tier, a puzzle can be devised therein that would be different, or solved, by the particular placing of a mold block at a specific position along a tier and with respect to different tiers. Accordingly, the puzzles could be to make up a particular sand structure depending on the location that the user places a mold block and that the user must place the individual mold blocks in the correct location oriented with other mold blocks in order to achieve the desired structure.

[0115] In Fig. 36, there is shown a perspective view of a typical tier 488 having mold blocks 490, 492, 494 and 496 that are illustrated in a partially unassembled condition. Taking one of the mold blocks 490 as typical of all of the mold blocks, there is a top surface 498, a bottom surface 500 and side surfaces 502 and 504. There is also an internal surface 506 that provides the molding design for the ultimate sand structure. In this exemplary embodiment, the mold block 490 is hollow, that is, there is an open space 508 in the area facing outwardly from the internal surface 506. As such, the overall weight of a mold block is greatly reduced and, as will later be explained, the open space 508 enables multiple mold blocks to be nested together - compactly for shipment or storage and reduces the size of the overall package for sale thereof.

[0116] As also can be seen, there is an interlocking system between the side surfaces of adjacent mold blocks. As exemplary of the interlocking system, there is a keyway 510 formed in the side surface 504 of the mold block 500 and a corresponding and dimensionally interlocking key 512 formed on the side surface 514 of the mold block 496. When, therefore, the tier 488 is assembled and adjacent mold blocks are bought into mutual contact, the key 512 enters into and interlocks with the keyway 510. That relationship is provided in a similar manner with respect to all of the mold blocks 490, 492, 494 and 496.

#! l₈4616 v2 23 107276-62220 [0117] The purpose of the interlocking is to align all of the mold blocks of a particular tier so that the internal mold is formed in a consistent manner and also to require the removal of each mold block to a lateral sliding motion outwardly in the disassembly of the system of molding a sand structure that is the movement of the mold blocks during their removal is constrained so as to require pulling the mold blocks laterally outwardly and which minimizes the risk of damage to the sand structure.

[0118] That interlocking system providing for the constrained lateral movement is also facilitated by an interlocking system between tiers themselves, that is, vertically and, as can be seen in Fig. 36, there is a key 516 formed in the top surface 498 of the mold block 490 that interlocks with a corresponding keyway (not shown in Fig.36) in a mold block of the next higher tier of mold blocks.

[0119] Turning then to Fig. 37, there is shown a rear view of an upper mold block 518 a middle mold block 520 and a lower mold block 522 as illustrative of typical vertically aligned mold blocks of multiple tiers, there obviously being three more sets of mold blocks to complete this particular mold block system. In Fig. 37, however, there can seen a key 524 formed in the upper surface 526 of the lower mold block 522 and which interfits into a keyway 528 formed in the lower surface 530 of the middle mold block 520. In addition, there is a key 532 formed in the upper surface 534 of the middle mold block 520 that interfits into a keyway 536 formed in the lower surface 538 of the upper mold block 518.

[0120] Accordingly, it can be seen that the vertical interlocking of mold blocks of vertical contacting tiers stabilizes and aids in the alignment of the construction of the present system as well as aids in removal of mold blocks in a direction laterally outwardly as the mold block assembly is disassembled since the orientation of the key and keyway interlocking occurs along a line that extends generally radially outwardly from the geometric center of the mold block tiers where the sand structure is located.

[0121] In Fig. 38, there is a perspective view of an exemplary upper mold block 538, a middle mold block 540 and a lower mold block 542 that are illustrated in their nested

#1 184616 v2 24 107276-62220 orientation with respect to each other. It can be seen that the upper mold block 538 fits into the open space of the middle mold block 540 and which, in turn fits into the open space of the lower mold block 542 (note the open spaces illustrated in Fig. 37). In the construction of the mold blocks themselves, to facilitate the nesting feature, the upper mold block 538 is designed to be a bit narrower than the middle mold block 540 and which, in turn, is designed to be a bit narrower than the lower mold block 542. In addition, the key 544 of the middle mold block 540 is narrower than the key 546 of the lower mold block 542 to aid in the nesting of the mold blocks together. The same can be true of a system with horizontal keys and keyways on each level.

[0122] Accordingly, with this nesting feature and the mold blocks having open spaces, a typical mold block system of twelve mold blocks can be reduced to four stacks of three blocks, for example, and the stacks are relatively compact for storage, shipment, packaging and sale. With such feature, the open spaces in the mold blocks can be used as a handle to pull the mold blocks away from the sand structure. The mold blocks themselves can be constructed of injected molded plastic.

[0123] In Figs. 39A and 39B, there is respective perspective views of a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the mold block 548 is constructed of two components, that is, there is a base block 550 and a replaceable face plate 552. The mold block 548 of Figs 39A and 39B can be any of the mold blocks of a mold block system since the feature of interchangeable face plates is applicable to any or all of the mold blocks used in creating a sand structure.

[0124] As such, the base block 550 can have a key 554 that aligns with a key 556 on the replaceable face plate and the keys 554, 556 and keyways (not shown in Figs. 39A and 39B) are used in the manner described with respect to Figs 36 and 37.

[0125] The replaceable face plate 552 is removable attached to the base block 550 and that means of attachment can be by a sliding the removable face plate 552 into a receptacle formed by flanges 558, 560 so that the removable face plate552 can be readily removed and

#1 184616 v2 25 107276-62220 replaced by that sliding motion, snapped into place or installed from the bottom. In an alternate embodiment, the face plate 552 can be snapped onto the base block 550. As seen, the interior surface 562 of the removable face plate 552 normally has the particular mold that is desired to be used to shape the sand that is poured into a completed mold block system and, therefore, by making the face plate 552 replaceable, different faces can be used with a base block 550 to change the exterior design of the completed sand structure.

[0126] By the use of replaceable face plates, therefore, the user need only purchase a set of base blocks along with a set of face plates that may be different. Thus, face plates that are compatible with the base blocks can be sold separately and the user has the versatility of simply buying differing sets of face plates, thereby, saving the cost of having to buy an entire set of mold blocks each time a different sand structure is desired to be constructed.

[0127] Turning finally to Figs 4OA and 4OB, there is shown top views of the mold block 548 of Figs 39A and 39B, both unassembled and assembled, and illustrating the location and extent of the flanges 558, 560 that hold the replaceable face plate 552 to the base block 550.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the system of constructing sand structures and packages of tools to construct sand structures of the present invention which will result in an improved system and package, yet all of which will fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.

#1 184616 v2 26 107276-62220

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for producing a structure, said system comprising a plurality of outer casings, each of said outer casings having a perimeter with an open area within the perimeter, each outer casing having an upper edge and a lower edge, and wherein the plurality of outer casings are adapted to be positioned adjacent one another to form a common internal cavity having a desired shape by the collective internal surfaces of the plurality of outer casings.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the structure is a sand structure.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein adjacent outer casings are vertically oriented creating an upper outer casing and a lower outer casing and wherein the upper outer casing has a lower edge adapted to be aligned to an upper edge of the lower outer casing.

4. The system of claim 3 further including an alignment device to align the lower edge of upper outer casing to the upper edge of the lower outer casing.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the alignment device comprises an elongated groove formed either in the lower edge of the upper outer casing or the upper edge of the lower outer casing and an elongated protrusion is formed along either the upper edge of the lower outer casing or the lower edge of the upper outer casing, said protrusion adapted to interlock with said elongated groove.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the alignment device comprises a flange formed in the perimeter of one of the outer casings and an overlapping flange formed in the perimeter of the other outer casing and wherein the flanges are adapted to be interfitted together to frictional engage each other.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the system further includes a void block adapted to be located at or proximate to an inner lower edge of one or more of the plurality of outer

#1 184616 v2 27 107276-62220 casings to prevent material from occupying the space taken up by the at least one void block when the one or more outer casing is filled with material.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of outer casings are formed in tiers and wherein the system includes a plurality of void blocks located in at least one of the tiers.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes objects adapted to be located within or at least partially within at least one outer casing.

10. A system for producing a structure, said system comprising a plurality of mold blocks having inner surfaces shaped in a desired configuration and outer surfaces, the mold blocks adapted to be arranged generally contiguously together to create an internal cavity having a desired shape by the collective inner surfaces of the mold blocks and at least one external support adapted to retain the mold blocks in their arranged position.

1 1. The system of claim 10 wherein the external support comprises a plurality of upstanding rails contacting the external surfaces of a least some of the mold blocks.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the external support comprises a plurality of straps that span and are affixed to adjacent mold blocks.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the arranged mold blocks form an outer perimeter and the external support comprises an outer casing that at least partially surrounds the outer perimeter thereby formed.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the outer perimeter of the mold blocks and the outer casing both taper inwardly in the upward direction.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one of the mold blocks has an interlocking device to interlock adjacent mold blocks together.

#1 184616 v2

28 107₂76-62220

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the interlocking device comprises a guide peg provided on a mold block that interfϊts into a guide notch formed on an adjacent mold block.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the guide peg of one mold block extends downwardly to interfit into a guide notch formed in a mold block directly below the one mold block.

18. The system of claim 10 wherein a least one of the mold blocks has a surface configuration to facilitate a user gripping the mold block.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the surface configuration comprises an opening or indentation in the outer surface of the mold block.

20. The system of claim 10 wherein the mold blocks are adapted to be arranged in a plurality of vertical tiers.

21. The system of claim 10 wherein the mold blocks are formed in vertically oriented tiers and wherein an uppermost tier has a curved surface and a lower perimeter adapted to fit into an inwardly tapered opening in the next lower tier.

22. The system of claim 10 wherein the mold blocks are formed in a plurality of vertically oriented tiers and wherein the at least one external support comprises a plurality of outer casings, each of the outer casings at least partially surrounding a tier of the plurality of vertical tiers.

23. The system of claim 10 wherein the at least one external support has an outwardly extending flange that extends at least partially around the outer perimeter of the mold blocks.

#1 184616 v₂ 29 107276-622₂0

24. The system of claim 10 wherein each mold block is substantially hollow, having an open area facing outwardly from the inner surface such that one mold block can be nested into and interfϊt within the open area of another mold block.

25. The system of claim 10 wherein at least one mold block is comprised of a base block and a removable face plate having the inner surface shaped in the desired configuration.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein at least one mold block has a removable face plate that is slidably attached or snaps to the base block.

27 The system of claim 10 wherein at least one mold block is interlocked to at least one other mold block by means of a key and keyway.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein the at least one mold block is interlocked to at least one other mold block vertically oriented with respect to the at least one mold block.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein the at least one mold block is interlocked to at least one other mold block horizontally oriented with respect to the at least one mold block.

30. The system of claim 27 wherein the at least one mold block is interlocked to at least two other mold blocks, one of the at least two other mold blocks being vertically oriented with respect to the at least one mold block and the other of the two at least two mold blocks being horizontally oriented with respect to the at least one mold block.

31. A package of sand molding tools for constructing a sand structure, the package comprising: a plurality of mold blocks having inner surfaces shaped in a desired configuration and having outer surfaces, the mold blocks adapted to be arranged generally contiguously together to create an internal cavity having a desired shape by the collective inner surfaces of the mold blocks.

#1 184616 v2 30 107276-62220

32. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 31wherein the package contains at least one external support adapted to retain the mold blocks in their arranged position.

33. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 32 wherein the at least one external support comprises one or more of a rail, a strap or a buckle.

34. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 32 wherein the at least one external support comprises an outer casing adapted to at least partially surround the collective outer surfaces of mold blocks when arranged together.

35. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 31 wherein the package includes at least one weapon that is adapted to be used to destroy a sand structure constructed by the use of mold blocks.

36. A package of sand molding tools for constructing a sand structure, the package comprising: a plurality of outer casings having inner surfaces shaped in a desired configuration and having outer surfaces, the outer casings adapted to be positioned adjacent one another to form a common internal cavity having a desired shape by the collective inner surfaces of the outer casings.

37. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 36 wherein the package contains a plurality of outer casings wherein at least one of the outer casings is adapted to interlock with another outer casing to become affixed together.

38. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 36 wherein the package includes at least one weapon that is adapted to be used to destroy a sand structure constructed by the use of mold blocks.

#1 184616 v2 3 1 107₂76-622₂0

39. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 36 wherein the package includes at lea isstt oonnee void block adapted to be located within at least one outer casing to prevent sand from filling the space occupied by the outer casing.

40. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 36 wherein the upper edge of one of the outer casings can be aligned to the lower edge of another outer casing and wherein the respective mating edges are generally contiguous to each other when aligned together.

41. The package of sand molding tools as defined in claim 36 wherein the package includes at least one object adapted to be located within or at least partially within at least one outer casing.

42. A package of individual face plates adapted to be affixed to mold blocks for creating a sand structure.

#1 184616 V₂ 32 107276-6₂220