Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, apparatus, and method that allow a football goalpost to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the football goalpost has a gooseneck-type post adapted to fit within a sleeve in the ground. The sleeve generally has one or more positioning members positioned near an upper end of the sleeve. A rotation collar is movably coupled to the post and has one or more grooves for cooperating with the one or more positioning members of the sleeve. The rotation collar is configured to move between a secured position, where the at least one groove engages the at least one positioning member to prevent the post from rotating within the sleeve, and a rotating position, where the at least one groove is disengaged from the at least one positioning member to permit the post to rotate within the sleeve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a trench former assembly and a method of constructing a trench using the trench former assembly. Typically, the trench former assembly comprises a forming member and a corresponding retention and removal system. The forming member is structured to facilitate forming the trench, while the retention and removal system is structured to suspend the forming member and support the forming member against displacement and rotation during forming of the trench. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to a dual-pour type trench former assembly for forming a multi-layer trench.

Abstract: An adjustable mold capable of making castings of various configuration is provided. The adjustable mold has an adjustable die with a core and an adapter, a protrusion, a cavity, and an outer portion with at least two sidewalls, at least two endwalls, and a base therebetween, which outer portion at least partially surrounds the adjustable die to thereby define a mold. During casting, molding material is poured in the mold and allowed to cure to make a casting. The adapter is replaceable to enable castings of multiple configurations to be cast suing the adjustable mold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, apparatus, and method that allow a football goalpost to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the football goalpost has a gooseneck-type post adapted to fit within a sleeve in the ground. The sleeve generally has one or more positioning members positioned near an upper end of the sleeve. A rotation collar is movably coupled to the post and has one or more grooves for cooperating with the one or more positioning members of the sleeve. The rotation collar is configured to move between a secured position, where the at least one groove engages the at least one positioning member to prevent the post from rotating within the sleeve, and a rotating position, where the at least one groove is disengaged from the at least one positioning member to permit the post to rotate within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is manufactured to prevent the difficulties that may arise when installing a drainage system into a trench that has been cut into a sidewall of a building containing a network of structural members. The present invention is developed to produce a secure and effective connection between the structural member(s) of a drainage system and the structural members in the sidewall of a building in order to increase the stability of the drainage system within the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a drainage device that is used for controlling the flow of rainwater during the first flush of rainfall. The drainage device includes a basin configured to receive rainwater or other liquids from an adjacent driving surface roadway through a drain (e.g., a grate). The interior of the basin encloses a plurality of pollution collection members (e.g., lattices) configured to trap pollutants in the rainwater for extraction from the rainwater. The pollution collection members are angled so as to increase the surface area that is exposed to rainwater entering and received within the drainage device (also referred to herein as the “outside surface” of the pollution collection members). The pollution collection members are configured to trap pollutants. The outside surfaces of the pollution collection members may be covered in a fabric that increases efficiency in filtering pollutants from the rainwater.

Abstract: A form assembly for creating structural supports is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide a form assembly for molding a structural support of a predetermined configuration using a moldable forming composition. The present invention provides non-planar interlocking stackable form members for adjusting the height of molded support structures such as joists and beams.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods relating to a drainage channel comprising two half members further comprising overhangs extending away from the half member along the length of the half member, wherein the overhang features alternating protrusions and recesses at regular distances along the length of the overhang and wherein the first half member and the second half member are joined together by the recesses of the first half member receiving the protrusions of the second half member and the recesses of the second half member receiving the protrusions of the first half member; and wherein the interior edges of the first half member and the second half member define a channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drainage channel comprising a first barrier for containment and a second barrier for containment. In one embodiment, the second barrier comprises a liner and a support. In a further embodiment, the support substantially secures at least a portion of the second barrier in the first barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for securing a movable soccer goal to a fixed football goal or other vertical post. When in use, the apparatus functions to prevent the soccer goal from being overturned, thereby, making it considerably safer than an unsecured soccer goal.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a drainage device that is used for controlling the flow of rainwater during the first flush of rainfall. The drainage device includes a basin configured to receive rainwater or other liquids from an adjacent driving surface roadway through a drain (e.g., a grate). The interior of the basin encloses a plurality of pollution collection members (e.g., lattices) configured to trap pollutants in the rainwater for extraction from the rainwater. The pollution collection members are angled so as to increase the surface area that is exposed to rainwater entering and received within the drainage device (also referred to herein as the “outside surface” of the pollution collection members). The pollution collection members are configured to trap pollutants. The outside surfaces of the pollution collection members may be covered in a fabric that increases efficiency in filtering pollutants from the rainwater.

Abstract: A rotatable football goalpost is provided comprising a mounting structure; a gooseneck, the gooseneck comprising an outer tubular member having first and second portions, each of the first and second portions of the outer tubular member having first and second ends, the first end of the first portion of the outer tubular member being secured to the mounting structure, the second end of the first portion of the outer tubular member releasably engaging the first end of the second portion of the outer tubular member such that the second portion of the outer tubular member is structured to rotate relative to the first portion of the outer tubular member; a cross bar attached to the second end of the second portion of the outer tubular member; and a pair of upright members extending from the cross bar.

Abstract: A text fixture apparatus for testing structures with a compression testing machine. The test fixture apparatus includes a support plate assembly and a load plate assembly. The support plate assembly includes two parallel support plates and has sloped surfaces to support a first and second structures and angles of equal magnitude and opposite slope. The load plate assembly is configured to oppose the support plate assembly, includes at least one load plate, and allows the load plate assembly to apply a load to the structures in response force on the support plate assembly, load plate assembly, or a combination thereof in a direction other than perpendicular to the sloped surfaces. A vertical force applied by the assemblies results in substantially equal and opposite horizontal components of force on the first structure and the second structure. Methods of testing and of making the apparatus are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal, such as a soccer goal, to a surface, such as the ground. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: (1) an enclosure structured to be placed at least substantially below the surface, the enclosure defining a cavity; (2) a goal engaging member movable relative to the surface and structured to engage the structural member of the movable goal; and (3) a tightening mechanism mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected to the goal engaging member, the tightening mechanism being structured to urge the goal engaging member toward the tightening mechanism so that the goal engaging member releasably secures a portion of the structural member of the movable goal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for securing a movable soccer goal to a playing surface. When in use, the apparatus functions to prevent the soccer goal from being moved, thereby, making it considerably safer and more sturdy than an unsecured soccer goal.

Abstract: A form assembly and method is provided for use in making a jump pit having a cover. The form assembly comprises at least one frame member structured to form a ledge for receiving the cover and a removable form member removably secured to the frame member. The method comprises providing a frame member and removably securing a removable form member to the frame member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a drainage system for draining surface liquids from a first surface adjacent to one side of a drainage channel and for providing a transition from the first surface on one side of the drainage channel to a synthetic turf surface or other thick surface material on the other side of the drainage channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow for the manufacture of a number of drainage channels of different heights, widths, thicknesses, shapes, and slopes from only one mold or a greatly-reduced number of molds. In one embodiment, the drainage channel mold has an interior mold and an exterior mold. The exterior mold has two opposing sidewalls that can be placed at different distances apart from one another to vary the overall width of the drainage channel. The sidewalls can be independent of each other or they can be coupled to each other yet still allowed to be positioned at different distances apart. In one embodiment, the sidewalls are hingedly coupled to a base support mechanism. The mold also contains mold spacers that can be located between the interior mold and the exterior mold sidewalls to create different heights, widths, shapes, and slopes in the drainage channel walls formed by the adjustable mold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drainage channel comprising a first barrier for containment and a second barrier for containment. In one embodiment, the second barrier comprises a liner and a support. In a further embodiment, the support substantially secures at least a portion of the second barrier in the first barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for securing a movable soccer goal to a playing surface. When in use, the apparatus functions to prevent the soccer goal from being moved, thereby, making it considerably safer and more sturdy than an unsecured soccer goal.