Method, Kit and Armature for Assembling a Plurality of Slabs into a Decorative Bin, Cachepot, or the Likes

Abstract

A method, kit and armature for assembling a number of upright slabs into a decorative enclosure are described herein. The armature includes a same number of armature elements than of slabs. A respective armature element is positioned at each intersection of two adjacent slabs. Each armature element includes a stopper for contacting onto one side face of corresponding slabs and a cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper. The armature further includes a cable that is mounted into the cable-receiving member and that is then tensioned to add rigidity to the assembly. The kit includes the armature elements, the cable, elastic bands and attachments that cooperate with the elastic band for holding the slabs in the predetermined configuration prior and during assembly of the armature. A tensioning element can further be used to tension the cable.

1 . An armature for assembling a number of upright slabs into an enclosure; each of the slabs having two opposite faces; the armature comprising:
 a same number of armature elements than of slabs, each adapted for positioning at an intersection of two adjacent slabs from the number of upright slabs; each of the armature elements including a stopper for abutting onto one of the opposite faces of one of the two adjacent slabs and a cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper for insertion between the two adjacent slabs; the cable-receiving member being adapted for receiving an attachment cable;   
       whereby, in operation, the upright slabs are positioned end-to-end according to a predetermined geometry defining the enclosure, the armature elements are positioned at the intersection of corresponding two adjacent slabs; and the attachment cable is mounted to the cable-receiving members of the armature elements and then attached. 
     
     
         2 . An armature as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cable-receiving member is mounted to the stopper so as to extend beyond the other one of the two opposite faces when the stopper abuts the one of the opposite faces of one of the two adjacent slabs. 
     
     
         3 . An armature as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a tensioning element for tensioning the attachment cable received in the cable-receiving member. 
     
     
         4 . An armature as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the stopper is in the form of a plate. 
     
     
         5 . An armature as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the plate includes a bended portion that defines a cap for covering the intersection of the two adjacent slabs. 
     
     
         6 . An armature as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each armature element further includes a plate mounted to the stopper for the insertion between the two adjacent slabs; the plate including a hole that defines the cable-receiving member. 
     
     
         7 . A kit for assembling a number of upright slabs into an enclosure; each of the slabs having two opposite faces; the kit comprising:
 an attachment cable;   a same number of armature elements than of slabs; each of the armature elements being adapted for positioning at an intersection of two adjacent slabs and including a stopper for contacting onto one of the two opposite faces of one of the two adjacent slabs and a cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper for insertion between the two adjacent slabs; the cable-receiving member being adapted for receiving a portion of the attachment cable;   
       whereby, in operation, the upright slabs are positioned end-to-end according to a predetermined geometry defining the enclosure, the armature elements are positioned at the intersection of corresponding two adjacent slabs; and the attachment cable is mounted to the cable-receiving members of the armature elements and then attached. 
     
     
         8 . A kit as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a tensioning element to be attached to the attachment cable at both end thereof for tensioning the cable. 
     
     
         9 . A kit as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising i) a same number of bands than of slabs, each for surrounding a respective slab, and ii) attachments to tie the slabs together via the bands in a closed end-to-end arrangement. 
     
     
         10 . A kit as recited in  claim 9 , wherein at least one attachment is a clip or a string. 
     
     
         11 . An enclosure comprising:
 a number of upright slabs positioned in a closed end-to-end arrangement; each of the slabs having opposite faces;   an attachment cable; and   the same number of armature elements than of slabs; each armature elements being positioned at an intersection of two adjacent slabs; each of the armature elements including i) a stopper that contacts onto one of the opposite faces of one of the two adjacent slabs and ii) a cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper for insertion between the two adjacent slabs for being tightly tied together by the attachment cable.   
     
     
         12 . An enclosure as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the slabs are made of concrete. 
     
     
         13 . An enclosure as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the closed end-to-end arrangement of the slabs defines a geometrical shape. 
     
     
         14 . An enclosure as recited in  claim 11  defining one of a decorative bin, a cachepot, a flower container, a base for post, and an outdoor piece of furniture. 
     
     
         15 . A method of assembling upright slabs into an enclosure; each of the slabs having opposite faces; the method comprising:
 positioning the slabs upright in an end-to-end arrangement;   positioning an armature element at each intersection of two adjacent slabs; each armature element including i) a stopper for contacting onto one of the opposite faces of a respective one of slabs and ii) an cable-receiving member mounted to the stopper for insertion between the two adjacent slabs; and   attaching together the armature elements by attaching the cable-receiving members using a cable.   
     
     
         16 . A method as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising tensioning the cable attached to the cable-receiving members.