Abstract: A method of making a reinforced structural member comprising a solid structural member of recycled plastic having a reinforcing bar inserted therein, extending inwardly from one surface. The solid structural member is formed by extrusion into a desired shape. A notch is formed in the solid structural member extending inwardly with respect to the surface against which force is to be exerted. An untensioned reinforcing bar formed of a material having characteristics of resilience and compressibility different from that of the structural member is inserted and locked into the notch. The reinforcing bar is complementary in shape to the notch, and is held in place by the density of the solid structural member and fasteners. In this way, two dissimilar materials, neither of which alone has sufficient strength, rigidity, or "memory" can be combined to create a durable, inexpensive set of components which substantially exceed the mechanical qualities of either material by itself.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member comprising a solid structural member of recycled plastic having a reinforcing bar inserted therein, extending inwardly from one surface. A notch is formed in the solid structural member extending inwardly with respect to the surface against which force is to be exerted. An untensioned reinforcing bar formed of a material having characteristics of resilience and compressibility different from that of the structural member is inserted and locked into the notch. The reinforcing bar is complementary in shape to the notch, and is held in place by the density of the solid structural member and fasteners such as screws. In this way, two dissimilar materials, neither of which alone has sufficient strength, rigidity, or "memory" can be combined to create a durable, inexpensive set of components which substantially exceed the mechanical qualities of either material by itself.

Abstract: A vandal-resistant article of furniture comprises left and right mirror-image frames, and a seating area extending between and fastened to the seat portions of the left and right frames. Each frame includes a seat portion, a base portion, and a locking cap or spacer at the joint between the seat and base portions. Male portions of forward and rearward dovetail half-lap joints and forward and rearward fastener seats are formed in the lower surface of the seat portion. Female portions of the joints are formed at the upper end of the base portion and respectively matingly receive the male portions. The upper end of the base portion also includes a lateral rib or spaced shoulders offset from the male portions of the joints. Forward and rearward nut seats can be provided to prevent rotation of nuts seated therein. The optional locking cap includes a laterally-extending wedge portion inserted between the forward and rearward fastener seats and the lateral rib for aligning the seat and base portions.

Abstract: A vertically extending structure comprises a component of playground equipment which is provided with one or more bars having free ends provided with internal threads and configured to penetrate wood, and one or more wooden support members for supporting the component. Each support member has at least one transverse opening extending therethrough. This transverse opening is axially aligned with and receives the free end of the bar, and includes three portions. One portion is inwardly-facing and is of a size and shape to matingly receive and envelop in a supporting fashion one of the free ends; a central portion has a transverse dimension less than that of the inwardly-facing portion; and a third portion is outwardly facing and has a greater transverse diameter than the central portion. The central portion receives the body a bolt, while the outwardly-facing portion receives the head of the bolt.