Abstract: A sports board comprises, at a minimum, a top layer, a bottom layer, and a core in between them. A structural element with puzzle piece shape fits into a correspondingly shaped seat formed by the core, in between the top and bottom layers. The shape of the structural element prevents the structural element from being dislodged by shock forces frequently associated with use of the board. Machined or molded features are provided that penetrate or partially penetrate the structural element. These features, which are filled or included with resin, adhesive or another chemical bonding agent, resist horizontal shearing between the structural element, the core, and the top and bottom layers. A leading portion of the structural element protrudes out from in between the top and bottom layers, forming a bumper that acts as the first point of contact between the board and the ground or an obstacle.

Abstract: A sports board comprises, at a minimum, a top layer, a bottom layer, and a core in between them. A structural element with puzzle piece shape fits into a correspondingly shaped seat formed by the core, in between the top and bottom layers. The shape of the structural element prevents the structural element from being dislodged by shock forces frequently associated with use of the board. Machined or molded features are provided that penetrate or partially penetrate the structural element. These features, which are filled or included with resin, adhesive or another chemical bonding agent, resist horizontal shearing between the structural element, the core, and the top and bottom layers. A leading portion of the structural element protrudes out from in between the top and bottom layers, forming a bumper that acts as the first point of contact between the board and the ground or an obstacle.

Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger and a baseplate assembly. A redesigned hanger, a large ball pivot, a load-redirecting pivot cup, a tapered kingpin and other improvements give the hanger a high kingpin ratio and a high angle of mechanical advantage, thereby improving the performance and turning characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger and a baseplate assembly. A redesigned hanger, a large ball pivot, a load-redirecting pivot cup, a tapered kingpin and other improvements give the hanger a high kingpin ratio and a high angle of mechanical advantage, thereby improving the performance and turning characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger and a baseplate assembly. A redesigned hanger, a large ball pivot, a load-redirecting pivot cup, a tapered kingpin and other improvements give the hanger a high kingpin ratio and a high angle of mechanical advantage, thereby improving the performance and turning characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger that includes a structural member that embraces an axle or pair of axles that support two wheels. The axle or pair of axles include two bearing standoffs that separate a bearing surface of the axle from a face of the structural member that embraces the axle. Alternatively, the structural member that embraces the axle or pair of axles includes two bearing standoffs that separate a bearing surface of the face of the structural member from a non-bearing surface of the face of the structural member.

Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger and a baseplate assembly. A redesigned hanger, a large ball pivot, a load-redirecting pivot cup, a tapered kingpin and other improvements give the hanger a high kingpin ratio and a high angle of mechanical advantage, thereby improving the performance and turning characteristics of the truck.

Abstract: A platform panel or module is provided to construct a surface for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof. The panel or module comprises a decorative top layer integral with or joined to a structural, composite molded platform. Each platform panel or module has two complementary module-coupling sides that take advantage of the full width of each joist that supports the platform. Also, male and female connecting members are disposed along the module-coupling sides that enable one platform panel or module to be efficiently and positively interlocked with an adjacent panel or module. Each panel or module can be fastened on one side to a single joist while being secured on its opposite side to an adjoining panel or module. The panels or modules are also designed to cover over an entire joist substructure, including the beginning-of-sequence and end-of-sequence joists.

Abstract: The invention provides a utility pole that comprises an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end having a butt end. The butt end of the pole is encased in a substantially non-corrodible metallic cladding, that is formed from a sheet of the metal, so that the cladding protects the buried end of the pole from attack by microorganisms in the surrounding soil, when the pole end is buried. Further, the metallic cladding substantially prevents migration of any biocidal chemicals from the pole into the surrounding environment. In certain embodiments, the metallic cladding may also be connected, through a ground conductor, to form an electrical grounding means for the pole.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising a plurality of lugged members, each having a plurality of substantially cylindrical stub inserts extending outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of hollow, substantially cylindrical tubes which receive the stub inserts in their ends and join the lugged members together to form the frame. Each of the stub inserts includes an inner portion having a first outside diameter and an outer, pilot portion having a second, smaller outside diameter. The tubes are sized such that their inside diameters form a slip-fit with the pilot portions and a press fit with the inner portions of the inserts. An appropriate metal adhesive is applied to the pilot portions to form a bond between the pilot portions and the tubes so that the frame components are held together by the adhesive bond as well as the press fit engagement between the inserts and tubes. The press fit engagement is such that the frame is capable of storage and handling prior to the setting up of the adhesive bond.