Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of generally hollow frame members is provided. The generally hollow frame members are secured to central portions of core members. The core members are positioned in juxtaposition with respect to one another so as to enclose a space therebetween with the core member extending generally outwardly from the enclosed space. The core members are secured to one another. An associated frame assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A scissor jack having four aluminum arms of U-shaped cross section which are substantially identical and which may include a hollow aluminum lead screw. The threaded nut through which the lead screw is mounted may be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic as may the saddle which is adapted to engage the undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for attaching an applique panel to a support surface comprising securing a threaded stud to said support surface; placing a centering washer over said threaded stud such that said stud extends through the eyelet in said centering washer, and at least a portion of said centering washing is flush with said support surface; placing a hollow cone over said stud; placing an applique panel having an opening therein over the apex of said hollow cone such that said stud extends through said opening in said panel; placing an upper washer over said applique panel such that said stud extends through the eyelet in said upper washer; and placing a nut over the top of said threaded stud and rotating said nut thereby connecting and securing said upper washer, said applique panel, said hollow cone and said centering washer to said support surface.

Abstract: An inexpensive light weight system for attaching, supporting and suspending an item on or from a host surface without the need for tools to secure said item. The system comprises: (1) a base member attached to a host surface, the base member having a means for receiving a removable spacer member; (2) the spacer member having a first end for manually securing to the base and a second end opposite the first end which is provided with a means for receiving a coupling means, the spacer member being capable of damping vibrational energy originating with the host surface; and (3) the coupling means for manually attaching the item to the second end of the spacer member.

Abstract: An extruded node is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending substantially hollow core and at least one longitudinally extending, hollow flange, extending outwardly of and integral with a longitudinally extending side portion of the core. This invention also provides a joined structure wherein at least one longitudinally extending lineal member has a hollow peripheral portion defined by walls having inside surfaces adapted to mate with outside surfaces of a mating hollow flange of the extruded node. In this joined structure the peripheral portion of the lineal member is inserted over the hollow flange of the node to an extent that the outer peripheral surface of the lineal member surrounds the integral wall of the node and the outside surfaces of the sidewalls of the hollow flange and the inside surfaces of the lineal member mate along substantially the entire length and around substantially the entire perimeter of the flange.

Abstract: An inexpensive light weight hollow frustum of a cone for suspending items on or from a host surface. The cone has a high strength-to-weight ratio provided by a thin wall of material forming the hollow cone. The cone has a bushing-like end at the apex thereof for receiving and holding the suspended item. An opening is provided in the bushing-like end for receiving a removable fastener. The base end of the cone is provided with a flange for receiving removable fasteners for securing and removing the cone and item to and from the host surface.

Abstract: An extruded node is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending substantially hollow core and at least one longitudinally extending, hollow flange, extending outwardly of and integral with a longitudinally extending side portion of the core. This invention also provides a joined structure wherein at least one longitudinally extending lineal member has a hollow peripheral portion defined by walls having inside surfaces adapted to mate with outside surfaces of a mating hollow flange of the extruded node. In this joined structure the peripheral portion of the lineal member is inserted over the hollow flange of the node to an extent that the outer peripheral surface of the lineal member surrounds the integral wall of the node and the outside surfaces of the sidewalls of the hollow flange and the inside surfaces of the lineal member mate along substantially the entire length and around substantially the entire perimeter of the flange.

Abstract: An inexpensive light weight spacer and support for suspending items on or from a host surface. The spacer and support comprises a cone-type structure, the structure having a bushing-like end at the apex thereof for receiving and holding the supported item. An opening is provided in the bushing-like end for receiving a fastener. The base end of the cone-shaped structure is provided with a flange portion for receiving fasteners for securing the cone and item to the host surface.

Abstract: A system for attaching a bridge deck panel to a bridge structure which allows the panel to expand in lengthwise and sidewise directions independent of a bridge deck support structure. Brackets attached to members of a bridge deck support structure have undercuts on opposing ends which accommodate flanges on the bridge deck panel. Portions of the bracket overlying the undercut and flange prevent the deck panel from being separated from the deck support structure, but do not prevent the deck panel from lengthwise movement independent of the bridge structure due to temperature changes. To enable the panel to move in a sidewise direction, a space is provided between the outermost edge of the deck panel flange and the length of the undercut.

Abstract: A roof ridge ventilator system of the type adapted to be installed on the open ridge of a building's roof. The ventilator system is provided in at least two elongated sections having ends with top parts which are joinable together endwise. The top part of one end is fabricated to enable overlapping by the top part of an unfabricated end of another section of roof ridge ventilator. The overlapping inhibits migration of water between the overlapped ends. The fabricated top part is further provided with a capillary groove in its outer surface which also is to be overlapped by the unfabricated end of the other ventilator section when the ends are joined. The groove is located, sized and configured to (1) collect water attempting to enter the ridge vent opening by migrating between the overlapping ends, and (2) dispose of said water collecting in said groove to minimize the possibility of said water entering the ridge vent opening.

Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. The means includes a bracket, a threaded bolt having a shank portion for extending through the bracket and respective end, and a nut threaded on said bolt for drawing the bracket and respective end tightly together.

Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. The means includes a bracket, a threaded bolt having a shank portion for extending through the bracket and respective end, and a nut threaded on said bolt for drawing the bracket and respective end tightly together.

Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure an an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. A bolted joint connection and a method for installing a dish antenna mounting structure are also provided.

Abstract: A mounting structure for satellite dish antennae and method and means for anchoring the structure to the roof or sidewall of a typical residential building, such as a house, are disclosed. The mounting structure includes a mast for supporting the dish antennae. The anchoring means includes a bar having a back portion and sides which define an open-ended channel. The sides of the bar are further provided with integral adjoining lips which extend the length of the bar. Also included in the assembly is a clamp provided with holes through which bolt means may be inserted to tighten and secure the clamp about the mounting structure's mast to the bar's lips. When so tightened, the clamp tightly engages the external surface of the mast to prevent it from torsional movement relative to the clamp.

Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. The means includes a bracket, a threaded bolt having a shank portion for extending through the bracket and respective end, and a nut threaded on said bolt for drawing the bracket and respective end tightly together.