Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower and a method for supporting additional loading of the existing pole tower are disclosed. The single pole tower has a pole anchored to an existing foundation and supports a first load. The support structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole with a bottom sleeve anchored to a new foundation surrounding the existing foundation. Load transfer plates are disposed between the existing tower and sleeves and load transfer bolts extending through the sleeves are torqued against the load transfer plates for stabilizing the loaded tower. One or more additional loads may be attached to one of the sleeves.

Abstract: An efficient structural composite suitable for a cantilever applications in nonomnidirectional uses, such as that of highway guardrail posts, assembled from recycled plastic or rubber material as compressive elements with embedded formed sheet steel as tensile elements and shear transfer by encapsulation of said tensile elements in said compressive elements. Structural integrity and/or specific maximum service loads can be achieved through design sizing of shear-transfer elements allowing for intended catastrophic structural failure, which is useful in highway guardrail system design.

Abstract: A pole that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips, and an apparatus and method of anchoring the pole or another upright object. In a first preferred embodiment, the pole is welded to a base plate, with hollow metal cylinders welded to an opposite surface of the plate. In a second preferred embodiment, the base plate is polygonal, with studs extending from vertices. The studs are bent downward at right angles from the plate. In a third preferred embodiment, a sleeve is retained on the base plate, and the pole or a channel is retained in the sleeve. In the fourth preferred embodiment, studs extend downward from the bottom of the pole or channel. In all the preferred embodiments, holes are formed in a concrete surface, adhesive is inserted into the holes, and the metal cylinders or studs are inserted into the holes.

Abstract: A deck bracket for coupling a deck to a pair of stringers forming part of a dock or deck has a channel for receiving the stringers and a transverse flange for supporting the lengths of decking forming the deck. The flange is downwardly spaced from the top of the bracket so that the decking is flush with the top of the bracket. Apertures in the flange are provided to receive fasteners to secure the decking to the bracket. A deck unit made with a pair of deck brackets and lengths of decking extending between the brackets can be easily dropped onto the stringers and removed, as the need arises.

Abstract: A pole, such as for a parking meter, that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips, to prevent theft, and a method of anchoring the pole or other upright object. The hardening compound is preferably a solder that is applied to the external surface of the pole by welding. Once it cools, this hardening compound cannot be cut with an ordinary hacksaw. For esthetic purposes, and to prevent rust to the pole, a PVC pipe with a slightly greater diameter than the pole is placed over and around the pole. In a preferred embodiment, the pole is welded to a base plate, with hollow metal cylinders welded to and extending from an opposite surface of the plate. Holes are drilled (or otherwise formed) in a concrete (or other solid) surface, epoxy is inserted into the holes, the metal cylinders are inserted into the holes, and when the epoxy hardens the cylinders and base plate are bonded to the concrete.

Abstract: A pole is mounted in a tubular filament wound support mounted in the ground and supporting the pole standing upwardly therefrom so as to provide an extension for the pole to increase its height or to replace a rotten lower end or to provide an environmentally friendly mounting which avoids toxic preservatives reaching the ground. The tubular body has a hollow interior with one end substantially closed by a dome shaped insert formed during the filament winding process and an opposed open end for receiving a bottom end portion of the pole as a loose fit. A first engagement arrangement on the tubular body is arranged adjacent the open mouth and includes three clamping screws mounted in a reinforcing ring formed by an annular rib of wound filament.

Abstract: A base cover for a utility pole comprises a first base member and a second base member secured to one another to form a base unit to fit round the utility pole. The base unit has an opening at its upper end, the opening adapted to fit closely around the utility pole. A resilient gasket is formed adjacent the opening and is adapted to engage the pole and resist forced movement of the base unit up the pole. The gasket consists of two gasket members, one secured to each base member. The gasket member is a ring with a trunco-conical inner opening. The opening is narrowest at the top. The shape of the gasket allows sliding of the base unit down the utility pole, but resists sliding up the pole. The base unit is assembled at a convenient position along the pole, and slid down to its in-use position at ground level. The gasket prevents it from being lifted out of position without dismantling the two base members.

Abstract: A reflective mounting member mountable to a traffic sign post to augment the warning capability of the sign post or to provide a text message, the sign post being defined by a rear wall, divergent side walls extending from said rear wall and terminating in opposing planar flanges thereby defining a U-shaped longitudinal channel, the mounting member having a U-shaped channel formed therein such that it mates about the exterior of the U-shaped channel of the traffic sign post and is mounted thereto.

Abstract: A support attachment for a post for reinforcing posts and straightening leaning posts. The support attachment for a post includes a generally L-shaped angle member for coupling to the post towards the lower end of the post. A pair of first arms are coupled to a lower end of the angle member for coupling, and a pair of second arms are pivotally coupled to free ends of the first arms.

Abstract: A pole, such as for a parking meter, that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips, to prevent theft, and a method of anchoring the pole or other upright object. The hardening compound is preferably a solder that is applied to the external surface of the pole by welding. Once it cools, this hardening compound cannot be cut with an ordinary hacksaw. For esthetic purposes, and to prevent rust to the pole, a PVC pipe with a slightly greater diameter than the pole is placed over and around the pole. In a preferred embodiment, the pole is welded to a base plate, with hollow metal cylinders welded to and extending from an opposite surface of the plate. Holes are drilled (or otherwise formed) in a concrete (or other solid) surface, epoxy is inserted into the holes, the metal cylinders are inserted into the holes, and when the epoxy hardens the cylinders and base plate are bonded to the concrete.

Abstract: A method of forming a pile isolation void including forming a foundation pile having an enlarged cross-section within a specific localized section and driving the foundation pile a desired distance into the earth so as to form a pile isolation void directly above the enlarged cross-section. The enlarged cross-section can be located at the bottom of the foundation pile or along the length of the foundation pile. The pile isolation void is an annular void extending around the foundation pile above the enlarged cross-section. This pile isolation void can be filled with a material, such as liquid, gel, or a solid material different than the material of the pile or of the earth. The enlarged cross-section can be a collar placed upon the foundation pile, or integrally formed with the foundation pile.

Abstract: A method of raising the transmission hardware carried by a utility pole having a base end with a ground foundation supporting the pole in upright position, without disturbing the pole foundation or disconnecting the cables, includes the steps of securing opposed, circumferentially spaced elongate pole support members to extend upwardly along the pole and severing the pole to define a first pole supported by the pole foundation and a second pole supported by the first pole; fixing the support members to the first pole and slidably banding them to the second pole; raising the second pole above the first pole to a level remaining below the upper ends of the support members; and fixing the lower end of the second pole within and to the upper ends of the support members at a spaced distance above the first pole. The method further contemplates the releasable securement of ladder steps to at least one of the support members to provide ready access for carrying out some of the method steps.

Abstract: An improved door jamb and brickmold assembly is provided wherein an extruded thermoplastic molding and stop member is secured to wooden support members to define the door jambs and mullions of a door and jamb assembly. The co-extruded plastic molding and stop members define both the stops of the assembly and the exposed decorative molding portion and also protect the wooden support members from exposure to the elements.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: A method of raising the transmission cables carried by a utility pole having a base end with a ground foundation supporting the pole in upright position, without disturbing the pole foundation or disconnecting the cables, includes the steps of anchoring opposed, circumferentially spaced elongate pole support members to extend upwardly along the pole and severing the pole to define a first pole supported by the pole foundation and a second pole supported by the first pole; fixing the support members to the first pole and slidably banding them to the second pole; raising the second pole above the first pole to a level remaining below the upper ends of the support members; and fixing the lower end of the second pole within and to the upper ends of the support members at a spaced distance above the first pole.

Abstract: A sleeve for the buried end of a fence or sign post provides a watertight construction having an enclosing side and bottom walls. A base portion encloses the post and a capping portion joins with the base portion, providing a water tight connection, the capping portion having a water tight sealing wall or a gasket for contact with the side surface of the post. An adaptor section may be fitted between the base and the capping portions in order to extend the length of the assembly for posts that are to be placed deeply into the ground or other footing.

Abstract: A reinforcing apparatus for supporting a utility pole against the bending forces of transverse wind components is described. The apparatus comprises an intermediate section extending to and meeting with spaced apart flanges. The intermediate section and the flanges are configured such that the elastic axis and shear center of the reinforcing apparatus is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pole and the point of load transfer from the pole than realized by prior art reinforcing apparatus. The intermediate section may have a variety of shapes, such as a "U" shape, "V" shape, or channel shape. The reinforcing apparatus may be constructed of high yield strength steel and is secured to the pole by means of one or more bands, or by means of bolts, screws or other fastening means.

Abstract: A rodent barrier device for use on the ground engaging tires of a vehicle. A continuous wall barrier made of a weather resistant and low outer friction slippery material, such as the slippery plastic LEXAN material, having an upper concave surface rim encircles the tires of the vehicle to be protected from the rodents. Initially before made into a continuous wall, the material making up the wall barrier may be a single elongated flat strip that is processed and bent into a continuous tire encircling wall by having the two opposite ends of the strip meet at a common edge.

Abstract: A steel building having a frame with at least one roof beam on respective top sides of the frame wherein the top ends of the roof beams defines an apex, at least one side wall post and an eave strut member along the outer edge of the roof at the side wall posts being generally square and tubular in construction, having a hollow interior, an open face in which flanges on respective sides are directed inwardly, being insulated by inserting an insertion means into the hollow interior and a barrier wrap around the strut member between each of the side posts. A kit of parts for the building comprising an insertion means at the inner portion and a barrier wrap surround the strut member between each of the side posts.

Abstract: A protector apparatus for a vertical structure includes a plurality of protector units for contacting the vertical structure, wherein each protector unit includes a structure-contacting portion, standoff portions projecting out from the structure-contacting portion, and a bumper portion supported by the standoff portions. Interconnectors are provided for connecting between the protector units for securing the protector units to each other and to the vertical structure. The interconnectors are connected between standoff portions of adjacent protector units. The standoff portions include bolt-reception channels, and the interconnectors include double-threaded-double-ended bolts. A single threaded end of each of the double-threaded-double-ended bolts is received in a bolt-reception channel, and the interconnectors include nuts secured to the single threaded bolt ends. When the nuts are tightened on the double-threaded-double-ended bolts, the protector units are connected tightly to each other.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: A basketball mounting system for an in-ground basketball system has a flanged basketball support pole and a flanged ground sleeve receiving a portion of the pole in overlapping relationship. The flanges are connected together by removable fasteners such as threaded bolts. In addition, the mounting system may include jacking members in the pole flange to facilitate removal of the pole from the ground sleeve. The jacking members include members such as threaded bolts passing through the pole flange that, when rotated in one direction, press against the ground sleeve flange causing the pole and the ground sleeve to separate.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: A boot system and method are described for preventing water or debris from entering a hole in the ground in which a pole has been placed prior to filling the hole with dirt or concrete. A flexible sheet is attached to the pole above the ground, and the lower edge of the sheet is secured to the ground around the pole. The side edges of the sheet are connected together. This system sheds water and keeps all foreign material out of the hole.

Abstract: A system for mounting road signs and other posts which is simple to use, has few parts and is tamper resistant. The system also allows for the easy dismounting of the post for maintenance and changing of signs. The system uses a metal base driven into the ground, a non-square post with at least one flat side and a bifurcated wedge to lock the post into position in the base. This system also prevents rotation of the post due to winds or other forces.

Abstract: A prefabricated flashing for post bases intended for installation in new or existing construction comprising two different pieces. One piece having a nailing flange (22) which fits snugly around a post whose dimension is 31/2".times.31/2" has a total of eight nail holes (20) and has four tapered sides (28) that terminates in a bottom flange (29). The second piece is shaped and sized similarly to the first except that it is split verticaly straight across the nailing flange and on one side has an extension of material (30) which creates a seam.

Abstract: A tree trunk protector includes a pair of elongate upright members, each of which has opposing end portions. Each of the upright members defines a pair of upright edges such that respective pairs of the upright edges are engageable with one another to form an elongate opening suitable to surround the lower portion of the tree and the elongate opening is substantially the same size along the length of the upright members. Each end portion of each of the upright members defines a respective integral flange that includes a pair of faces where respective pairs of the faces are in face to face abutment when the upright edges are engaged with one another. Each of the faces of the integral flanges define a projection and a hole located such that the projection of one flange is engaged in the hole of another flange when the upright members are engaged with one another.

Abstract: A bridging beam for bridging a weakened area of a pole to reinstate the pole. The beam includes a sleeve for abutting the external surface of the pole on an inner surface of the sleeve and an external brace extending outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve. The brace is constructed to brace the sleeve in radial and tangential directions relative to the sleeve. The brace is formed as an elongate tubular box section.

Abstract: A plastic covered article for a railing which includes an elongate core encased in a seamless, plastic casing. The casing is heat shrunk to conform with the exterior surface of the core. The core is thereby covered along its length with a weather-resistant casing which requires no periodic field maintenance.The railing articles of the present invention are fabricated by heating a tube of plastic material and causing the tube to expand. The elongate core is inserted into the expanded tube to encapsulate the core. The tube encapsulating the core is again heated to shrink the tube tightly against the core such that the tube conforms to the exterior surface of the core.

Abstract: A wild fire suppressor includes a base wrap, including a fire-resistant, groundcontour-following base panel for installation about the base of a utility pole, and base panel anchors for holding the base panel in place on the ground. A pole wrap includes a rigid pole panel, and fasteners for fastening the pole panel to the utility pole.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic plastic sheeting which is in the form of a flexible synthetic plastic film of material which has a biocide incorporated therein. The biocide can serve to inhibit the growth of different microorganisms that cause bio-deterioration and, as such, the film can be used for packaging of or the covering, or protection of, products that are exposed to bio-deterioration. The sheeting can also be provided in sleeve form permitting fitting on timber poles, for covering regions of poles to be disposed underground, in use, thereby protecting these regions against bio-deterioration.

Abstract: A long-lasting base for supporting a structural post for a shelter-type structure for use principally on a farm. The base is made of an impervious material to avoid any rotting or deterioration which might result from moisture in the ground, and is formed to receive laminated posts as part of the structure.

Abstract: A fence post trim collar which prevents vegetation growth in the corners between fence posts and fencing material is disclosed. The collar also protects the fence posts from damage by monofilament line trimmers and protects the monofilament in a line trimmer from damage by the fence posts. Accumulation of grass clippings in the corners between the fence posts and the fencing material is also prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting various structures, and especially freestanding structures such as walkways, boardwalks, prefabricated buildings, electrical towers, and decks. The apparatus includes a pier assembly comprising a pier member connected to a helix, the pier member also having a compression member fixed to an intermediate portion thereof. The compression member having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface of a generally frusto-conical configuration. Upon rotation of the pier assembly, the compression member is forced downwardly into the earth thereby compressing and compacting the earth there beneath to provide a stable support structure. Furthermore, a tubular member may be inserted at the upper end of the compression member and a body of rigid material may be provided within both the compression member and the tubular member.

Abstract: A frame for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The frame preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain members are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant members are integrally connected to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: The invention constitutes an apparatus and method for inexpensively, repairing wooden fences which fence posts have rotted or failed. The apparatus comprises segment of 90 degree angle iron or angle aluminum or similarly tough angle hardware, which is generally comprised of two flanges joined along a common edge. The flanges have a plurality of holes drilled or punched in the flanges for bolting the flange to a wooden fence post. The lower end of the angle hardware is pointed or sharpened or both pointed and sharpened to facilitate the angle hardware being driven into the ground or partially cleaned out fence post cavity in a concrete fence post base. The hardware may be used to support a new fence post by either setting the hardware piece in the ground by driving or hammering it in to the ground or it may be set in cement and then have a fence post attached to it.

Abstract: A post protector for protecting a fence post in a constructed fence from damage by lawn care tools such as lawn trimmers, mowers, or clippers. The post protector is three-paneled with a front panel, and a second and third panel attached to opposite edges of the front panel. The three panels are sized to have the approximately the same widths as the post to be protected. The second and third panel are bowed inward towards each other to provide spring pressure against a post positioned therebetween. A pointed piece is attached to the bottom edge of the front panel, and a flange is attached to the top edge of the front panel. In another embodiment of the invention, side molding pieces are attached to the second and third panel of the post protector and extend outward from the panels to protect adjacent fence boards.

Abstract: The service life of wooden poles such as utility poles is increased by forming the butt end portion thereof with slots that penetrate deeply into the wood, these slots being formed prior to pressure treatment of the wood with preservatives and thus improving the penetration of the preservatives into the wood. After drying, the butt end of the pole is encased in a shell, suitably of polymers, that is bonded to the butt of the pole and presents a barrier to the penetration of fungus or insects, and likewise prevents the passage of liquids which might leach preservative from the pole into the surrounding ground.

Abstract: A device for protectively encasing wooden piles to reduce marine borer attack, abrasion and other structural damage, comprising: a sheet of flexible plastic wrapped around a pile in a substantially circumferential configuration, where the longitudinal edges of the sheet are placed in an overlapping position; compressible seals attached to both of the horizontal edges of the sheet and to one of the longitudinal edges of the sheet; strap members encompassing the compressible seals of the horizontal edges; a reinforcement member positioned adjacent to the outside longitudinal edge of the sheet; and a plurality of fastening means securing the reinforcement member and the overlapping longitudinal edges to the piling.

Abstract: An article and method of maintaining wooden fence posts from attack by landscaping equipment in which the base of the post is encircled with a hard plastic cuff having a smoother surface than the post such that string cutters used in edging around the fence post create a smoother and cleaner cut of the vegetation with the cuff as a backing while protecting the post from attack by the tip of the string element.

Abstract: An improvement in the known method of setting or resetting poles in the ground or ground line protection of encapsulation of pole treatment chemicals in the ground and enhancement of the strength, density, ratio of foam polyurethane resins formed in-situ from polyisocyanate and resin reactive therewith. Ground water and detrimental natural soil chemicals are often encountered in pole setting and affect polyurethane foam formation by undesirably reacting with the polyurethane to give a foam of insufficient density and strength. This improvement comprises stabilizing the highly reactive isocyanate component by pre-reacting to form a prepolymer. This composition decreases the cost per unit of foam per pole installation. There is also the method for the addition to the polyurethane composition of various repellant materials and preservative agents for the pole.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for reinforcing wooden utility poles, having lower ends embedded in the ground, with elongate cage parts having grippers at their lower ends. The grippers are swingably secured to the cage parts for movement from a first position in which the grippers are in vertical alignment with the cage parts and can be driven into the earth to positions alongside the pole in which the grippers are beneath any weakened portions of the pole and can be swung to substantially grip the pole. The steps include forcing the cage portions down along the pole and then lifting the cage portions and thereby causing the pressure of the earth to swing the grippers to second position. The cage portions are secured to the pole above ground to form a unitary cage structure embracing the pole.

Abstract: A repair system and method for wooden power poles which includes a rigid reinforcing post member having a longitudinal bend formed therein and attachable to the outside surface of a pole to be repaired in overlying relation to the weakened rotted portion thereof, and means for attaching a driving mechanism to the upper portion of the reinforcing post member, and including means for attaching adjacent partially overlapped post members to the upper exposed portion of the pole to be repaired.

Abstract: A method of giving strength to a pole comprising taking a nail comprising two longitudinally extending metal sections generally of L-shape cross-section, wherein the two sections are secured together so that, in cross-section, the nail is generally of T-shape, driving the nail into the ground adjacent the pole with the cross-bar of the T-shape adjacent the pole and the upright of the T-shape extending generally radially of the pole, and fastening the nail to the pole.

Abstract: A method of repairing utility a pole having a section damaged by an accident or decay includes the steps of severing the utility pole above the location of the damage; removing the section of the utility pole including the damaged portion, and replacing the lower section of the utility pole with a steel stanchion having a platform thereon with a split socket disposed above the platform. The upper section of the utility pole is then laterally slid onto the platform through a window provided by opening the split socket upon removing one of two shells forming the split socket. The split socket is then closed by bolting one shell to the other. A space between the outer surface of the upper section of the utility pole and the inner surface of the split socket is then filled with urethane foam. The stanchion is made of a steel which forms a protective iron oxide coating, which coating is brown in color so as to match the brown color of the utility pole.

Abstract: A post frame building utilizing wood support posts having bottom portion of the posts sunken into the ground. An encapsulating sleeve for each underground portion of the posts providing a positive barrier against deterioration by ground contact. The sleeve may be trimmed at ground level or higher as desired.

Abstract: A fence post bracket is stamped from a single sheet of material and includes a back wall and three side walls for supporting a fence post on the major portion of its perimeter. The fence post side walls terminate in a pluality of legs providing for multiple point support of the fence post in a concrete embedded post hole. The bottom of the fence post is supported above ground level and is unencumbered to provide for complete drainage of the fence post, minimizing deterioration of the fence post due to moisture retention.

Abstract: A wooden post of mast which has been or is going to be sunk into the ground, is protected particularly in the transition zone between soil and outer atmosphere, by synthetic ribbon shrunken onto the wooden post carrying between it and the wood, upper and lower sealing material for sealing of the ribbon against the wood while in between the sealing material on the side of the strip facing the wood, a paste is included which contains boron or a boron compound; end portions of the strip as wrapped around the wooden post overlap, there being an adhesive strip for bonding and holding the two ends of the ribbon together and against the wood. Also, the connection maintains the sleeve as such after heat shrinking.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged by environmental effects, which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired casement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistant coating to the pole.