Abstract: A skewed end assembly for connection to an arch culvert structure is provided. The assembly may generally include an arch-shaped inner skewed panel and a wedge member having a partially arch-shaped profile adapted for engagement with the inner skewed panel. The inner skewed panel may include a ledge that may include a plurality of threaded anchors. The wedge member may include a lip adapted for engagement with the ledge. The lip may include a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of threaded connectors adapted for threadable engagement with the corresponding threaded anchors in the ledge. Two assemblies, each comprising an inner skewed panel and a wedge member, are placed at opposed ends of an arch-shaped bridge or culvert structure to provide generally co-planar skewed ends to the structure such that it may be positioned at an angle in relation to a roadway such that the skewed ends are generally parallel to the roadway.

Abstract: An article of jewelry is disclosed wherein a stretchable filament is threaded through or otherwise attached to a desired number of ornaments and maintained in loop form by a knot tied in the filament. The filament is formed of a material that may be stretched between two extremes: a minimally stretched length and a fully stretched length. The filament further has a relaxed length that is less than the fully stretched length. The filament is selectively adjustable in that the relaxed length may be adjusted upward but not downward. Also disclosed is a method for tying a symmetric, sturdy knot in the stretchable filament that includes the step of simultaneously pulling with substantially equal force on each of the trailing ends exiting the knot in such a way that a portion of the filament including the knot is stretched to or almost to its fully stretched length.