Abstract: Apparatuses for forming blocks of compactable material such as snow, having a hollow upper body with a compression chamber within for containing and subsequently compressing the compactable material to form a block that can be used in connection with recreational activities. A lower body having a flat compression plate attached to a top end, is configured to slide within the compression chamber, the compression plate being capable of pushing the compactable material into a hinged lid that is attached to a top end of the upper body and acts to cover a top opening of the upper body. Ferromagnetic materials attached to the underside of the compression plate are configured to contact other ferromagnetic materials attached to the interior walls of the compression chamber, which at least temporarily arrests sliding movement of the upper and lower bodies, and allows a user to fill the apparatus with compactable material.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming blocks of compactable material such as snow, having a hollow upper body with a compression chamber within for containing and subsequently compressing the compactable material to form a block that can be used in connection with recreational activities. A lower body having a flat compression plate attached to a top end, is configured to slide within the compression chamber, the compression plate being capable of pushing the compactable material into a hinged lid that is attached to a top end of the upper body and acts to cover a top opening of the upper body. Ferromagnetic materials attached to the underside of the compression plate are configured to contact other ferromagnetic materials attached to the interior walls of the compression chamber, which at least temporarily arrests sliding movement of the upper and lower bodies, and allows a user to fill the apparatus with compactable material.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming blocks of compactable material such as snow, having a hollow upper body with a compression chamber within for containing and subsequently compressing the compactable material to form a block that can be used in connection with recreational activities. A lower body having a flat compression plate attached to a top end, is configured to slide within the compression chamber, the compression plate being capable of pushing the compactable material into a hinged lid that is attached to a top end of the upper body and acts to cover a top opening of the upper body. Ferromagnetic materials attached to the underside of the compression plate are configured to contact other ferromagnetic materials attached to the interior walls of the compression chamber, which at least temporarily arrests sliding movement of the upper and lower bodies, and allows a user to fill the apparatus with compactable material.