Abstract: Specially configured synthetic boards are provided for use with conventional carpentry tools and techniques to form flat, water-tight surfaces such as decks, roofs, walls, boat decks, hulls, and the like. The boards are formed to their desired shape and scale by extruding mixtures of wood particles and thermoplastic materials through appropriate converging dies. In one configuration, the edges of the boards have complementary configured outwardly facing recesses that permit them to be joined to form the watertight surfaces, and in another configuration the boards have features that interact with separate plastic structures to provide water tightness.

Abstract: Portable tray apparatus and methods for displaying, serving, and conserving food products are provided. The apparatus comprises food support arrangements for making food readily accessible and visible to a person, and for conserving its state of preparation and keeping it free of insects and other airborne sources of food contaminants. The various embodiments include a means for directing a circulating stream of thermally controlled air over the food. Additionally provided are apparatus having catalytic heaters by which gas fuels can be converted to radiant heat for maintaining food at desired temperatures.