Abstract: A method of forming an elongated composite element includes providing an elongated tubular member and establishing a plurality of holes through an outer wall of the elongated tubular member. A polymeric resin is provided that comprises a curable material that, when uncured, comprises a fluid material and that, when cured, comprises a substantially rigid material. The uncured polymeric resin is extruded along the elongated tubular member, whereby the polymeric resin flows at least partially through the holes and is disposed within the inner cavity and at an outer surface of the outer wall of the elongated tubular member. The polymeric resin is cured to form the composite element whereby the cured polymeric resin limits flexing of the at least one elongated tubular member and the elongated composite element.

Abstract: A shipping container for transporting bulk particulate material includes an outer container and an inner container with tapered sides that taper or narrow downward towards a bottom portion of the inner container. As a vacuum removes particulate material from at the bottom portion of the inner container, material higher up in the outer container and/or inner container funnels downward towards a central region at the bottom portion of the inner container and near the mouth of the vacuum tube or hose, filling a void created by the extracted material that is drawn up the tube or hose. The inner container provides a continuous flow of material to the vacuum hose or tube and a more complete emptying of the container, without having to tilt the shipping container or move the vacuum hose or tube in the shipping container.

Abstract: A decorative container assembly and method are provided for storing traction-enhancing materials such as salt pellets or tablets, sand or gravel. The decorative container includes a container cover and a container base configured for mating together, where at least the container cover has a decorative outer shape and/or surface ornamentation, such as in a winter theme. The base defines an inner storage cavity for holding the traction-enhancing materials, and has a lower mating element for cooperatively engaging an upper mating element of the cover. The upper mating element is removably attachable to the lower mating element in a manner that substantially seals the inner storage cavity. Optionally, the base has a decorative outer shape or ornamentation that cooperates with the cover so that the assembled container forms a complete winter theme. Optionally, the container base may be substantially non-decorative, such as part of the original packaging of the traction-enhancing material.

Abstract: A shipping container for transporting bulk particulate material includes an outer container and an inner container with tapered sides that taper or narrow downward towards a bottom portion of the inner container. As a vacuum removes particulate material from at the bottom portion of the inner container, material higher up in the outer container and/or inner container funnels downward towards a central region at the bottom portion of the inner container and near the mouth of the vacuum tube or hose, filling a void created by the extracted material that is drawn up the tube or hose. The inner container provides a continuous flow of material to the vacuum hose or tube and a more complete emptying of the container, without having to tilt the shipping container or move the vacuum hose or tube in the shipping container.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated composite element includes providing an elongated tubular member and establishing a plurality of holes through an outer wall of the elongated tubular member. A polymeric resin is provided that comprises a curable material that, when uncured, comprises a fluid material and that, when cured, comprises a substantially rigid material. The uncured polymeric resin is extruded along the elongated tubular member, whereby the polymeric resin flows at least partially through the holes and is disposed within the inner cavity and at an outer surface of the outer wall of the elongated tubular member. The polymeric resin is cured to form the composite element whereby the cured polymeric resin limits flexing of the at least one elongated tubular member and the elongated composite element.