Abstract: A decompression panel assembly (12) for use in an aircraft separation structure (14). The panel assembly includes a support pan (26) having an opening (28), a bull nose (64) extending outwardly from the support pan at the opening's edge, and a recess (62) surrounding the bull nose. An inner seal (70) is sized and located within the recess (62). A retaining ring (22) is provided and includes a number of fingers (84) formed from spaced-apart slits (86) extending into the retaining ring (22) from the ring's inner edge. The assembly (12) further includes a pressure relief panel (24) shaped similar to the support pan opening shape, though sized slightly larger. The pressure relief panel (24) is held between the support pan bull nose (64) and the retaining ring (22) during non-decompression use. A number of index pins (94) interconnect between the retaining ring and the support pan. A grill (30) is attached to the support pan to protect the pressure relief panel.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at points of transition in the ceiling surface in many different intersecting orientations, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.

Abstract: A wallboard fastening member and methods of using the same which is adapted to be positioned as a wall stud or joist between existing studs or joists present in a walls and ceilings of residential, commercial and industrial structures. The wallboard fastening member in accordance with the present invention is intended to be used where opposing ends of a piece of wallboard, such as gypsum drywall wallboard, are not aligned with an existing stud or joist to avoid the necessity of fitting up or cutting the wallboard and thus creating undesirable scrap. The preferred embodiment of a wallboard fastening member is a generally elongated member and preferably includes a stepped configuration on one side to permit the wallboard fastening member to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard having different sizes by using the side having a stepped configuration or to fasten adjacent pieces of wallboard of the same size by using the flat side.

Abstract: A breakaway guardrail post includes upper and lower post sections spaced apart but connected by a breakaway joint. The joint is attached at one end to the upper post by a first fastener set and connected at a second end by a second fastener set. The first fastener set has a failure strength less than that of the second fastener set. Upon impact forces being applied to the upper post section, the first fastener fails and the upper post section rotates downwardly.

Abstract: A tornado escape capsule 10 for a house trailer 100 having a structural framework 101 which defines an interior compartment 102 dimensioned to releasably receive the escape capsule 10 which is connected to a ground engaging anchor 40 by a tether 60 whereby the escape capsule 10 will remain attached to the ground engaging anchor 40 in the event that a tornado destroys the house trailer 100 that originally surrounded the escape capsule 10.

Abstract: A breakaway safety sign support post for obtaining predictable and reliable separation of an upper post section from a lower post section anchored in a substrate, when the post is struck by a vehicle. In a specific construction, the lower post section is adapted to be imbedded in the ground, with an upper end projecting a predetermined limited distance above the surface of the ground. The upper, post section is secured in overlapping, parallel relationship with the lower post section and is secured thereto with frangible fasteners to define a breakaway joint. The post sections each have a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape, including a longitudinal center web with a plurality of holes spaced uniformly along its length, and outwardly divergent side walls at opposite sides of the web, terminating in laterally outwardly projecting flanges.

Abstract: A plastic shim or other work piece useful in the construction industry is provided and is an elongated tapered hard plastic body incorporating qualities of a shim lacking in wooden shims. Each shim has transverse breakable lines so that segments can be broken off to adjust its length. For handling, a plurality of such shims are molded in a sheet with adjacent shims being spaced along their thinner sections but separably joined by longitudinal, manually breakable lines extending along their thicker sections, whereby the shims can be detached from the sheet either individually or in multiples. The shims have pockets defining nailing portions of reduced thickness which minimize the grasp of nails by the shim and allow removal of nails without damage to the shim or adjacent wood and etching to avoid uncontrolled slippage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation, along with methods for using the aid, are shown and described. The carpet layer's aid may be an elongated strip with one of more fold lines. The strip is folded at the fold line(s) to create an anchor portion that acts as a stand for the aid and/or that further protects a baseboard by conforming to the outer shape of the baseboard. The anchor portion is inserted into the corner space, created between the floor and a baseboard and between the wall and the tack strip. Preferably, the shield portion of the aid, which extends up to cover the baseboard, includes an adhesive on its back surface for adhering to the baseboard or wall.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form system for constructing the walls of a structure including a multiplicity of insulated concrete form units. Each insulated concrete form unit includes a body, a tenon and a mortise positioned at opposing ends of the body, and at least one opening extending substantially vertically through the body. Each insulated concrete form unit may further include at least one cavity extending through the body for receiving concrete. Each insulated concrete form unit is stacked vertically on one another to form a column. Thus, an insulated form system features a series of adjacent columns that are joined together to form the walls of a desired structure. In particular, adjacent columns are joined by offsetting the vertical height of one column relative to an adjoining column. Accordingly, each mortise and tenon from one insulated concrete form unit of one column joins in an offset manner with the mortises and tenons of at least two concrete form units from an adjacent column.

Abstract: A termite shield includes two parallel planes of barrier material separated by perpendicular connecting strips to hold the barriers a fixed distance apart until completion of the wall fixes their positions. The strips can then be removed or bent back to permit access to the gap between the planes for inspection and repair. Flanges above and below secure the shield to sheathing above and below, and flanges along the back attach to the wall beneath to perfect the barrier.

Abstract: In a reinforcing structure for reinforcing a vertical frame member made of aluminum material and constituting a sash frame by attaching thereto a reinforcing member made of steel, the reinforcing member is an elongated member composed of an indoor side piece, an outdoor side piece and a connection piece. The vertical frame member comprises an indoor side vertical plate member, an outdoor side vertical plate member and a connection plate member. The indoor side vertical plate member has an end portion which is bent to form an indoor side recessed portion continuously extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the outdoor side vertical plate member has an end portion which is bent to form an outdoor side recessed portion continuously extending in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An elevated column base for supporting a wood column subjected to high mechanical loads and protecting the column lowermost portion from rot and other deterioration due to exposure to a tropical environment. The column base includes a stanchion, a diaphragm, and a cap, each monolithically molded from a thermoplastic. A first embodiment of the stanchion adapted for a 6.times.6 or 8.times.8 column includes a solid base portion with a cavity which is filled with concrete and plugged with the diaphragm. The stanchion has two pairs of side walls attached to the base portion. Opposed gussets attached to the upper portions of one pair stiffen the side walls against transverse loads. Most of the load carried by the wood column is borne by the concrete and by two horizontal bolts. The diaphragm acts to spread the load force to the base portion and side walls. The load on the diaphragm acts to create a seal against moisture entering the cavity. A second embodiment of the stanchion adapted for a 4.times.

Abstract: A sign post is formed of a lower support component for anchoring within terrain, leaving an exposed upper portion at the surface of such terrain. The support component includes an array of longitudinally regularly spaced apertures. An upper support component having the same regular spacing of apertures is attached to the lower component at the exposed portion through the utilization of a splicing technique. The splice is formed as a stress transfer component having two strategically positioned boltways therein. These boltways are spaced apart longitudinally a distance representing an even integer of the upper and lower component aperture spacings. The boltways are configured having a small threaded region adjacent one surface. Bolts having a threadless shank and threaded region therebelow are slidably inserted through one of the components into the stress transfer whereupon they are rotated for preassembly engagement with the minor threaded regions of the stress transfer component.

Abstract: A repair method which is used to restore planarity to concave damage in a wall of gypsum board construction, wherein the device is inserted through a small hole drilled in the damaged area, or inserted from the rear through a hole drilled in the back wall. Features of the device engage the opposing interior surfaces of the two wall boards. Tears and cracks in the wall are cemented. The device is manually powered in the manner of a jack to push out the damaged board pieces, which are still hingedly attached by the cardboard facing. Thus united, the cracks are bonded while the inexpensive device is left in the wall, acting as a permanent prop. Remnants of the device remaining outside of the wall are broken off and the hole is filled.

Abstract: A collapsible post structure having a frangible region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck. The post structure includes an elongated anchoring member. The anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining an anchoring member inner surface. The post structure also includes an elongated supporting member. The supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining a supporting member inner surface. The post structure further includes a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section. The connecting component first section and the connecting component second section are configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section.

Abstract: A breakaway mounting system for mounting a structure to a fixed support surface has a plurality of elongated mounting members extending generally perpendicular to the support surface. An attachment plate is coupled with the structure to be mounted. The attachment plate has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and each of the mounting members extends through one of the apertures. A plurality of shearing plates are provided. Each shearing plate generally surrounds one of the mounting members and is positioned between the support surface and the attachment plate. Each shearing plate has an upper surface and a lower surface. The area of the shearing plate upper surface is substantially smaller than the area of a lower surface of the attachment plate, and the area of the shearing plate lower surface is substantially smaller than the area of the support surface. A fastener is attached to the mounting member for securing the attachment plate to the support surface.

Abstract: An access floor system comprising (1) block panels made up of one or more panel units, (2) a groove structure defined by adjacent block panels, the groove structure capable of containing wiring, (3) lid panels for covering the groove structure, and (4) central locking plates to cover the spaces remaining at the juncture of lid panels and to lock the assembly together.

Abstract: Deflection slide clip of two piece construction for use in curtain wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while it accommodates vertical slip of the primary frame.

Abstract: A carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation, the aid including an elongated strip which can be separated into two portions. The elongated strip is separated into an edge portion, which is used to anchor the elongated strip, and a central portion, which is used to shield the baseboard or wall. Preferably, the elongated strip has perforations which allow the central portion to be detached from the edge portion of the elongated strip upon completing the carpet installation. The edge portion of the elongated strip is left behind under the tack strip and carpet.

Abstract: A new Plastic Timber Landscaping System for providing an efficient landscaping tool which has the appearance of natural wood but does not rot or discolor from the elements, and of which is constructed from a staggered formation increasing strength and stability of the structure. The inventive device includes a plurality of elongated hollow rectangular members constructed from plastic including a plurality of knockout passages near the ends of said elongated hollow rectangular members, where the knockout passages align to corresponding knockout passages of other elongated hollow rectangular members where a joiner pipe projects through the corresponding knockout passages providing a strong, staggered, orthogonal connection of at least two elongated hollow rectangular members, and where the elongated hollow rectangular members include arcuate wood grain sides and a planar wood grain top simulating the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: A sign post is formed of a lower support component for anchoring within terrain, leaving an exposed upper portion above the surface of such terrain. The support component includes an array of longitudinally regularly spaced apertures. An upper support component formed having the same cross-sectional configuration and regularly spaced apertures is attached to the lower component at the exposed portion through the utilization of a splicing technique. The splice is formed as a stress transfer bar having two strategically positioned bores therein. These bores are spaced apart longitudinally a distance representing an even integer of the upper and lower component aperture spacing. Breakaway bolts are positioned through one of the components and into and through the stress transfer bar, and then the second component is attached with nuts being positioned and tightened over the bolts as they extend through the stress transfer bar.

Abstract: A window unit (20) including a jamb extension assembly (28) is provided for use with fenestration products. The jamb extension assembly (28) includes a frame member (30) having structure to permit installation of the window unit (20) in a building wall rough opening. The frame member (30) presents inner, outer, rearward and forward portions (62, 64, 66, 68), and includes a jamb extender receiving slot (70) extending and opening rearwardly from the rearward portion (66) of the frame member (30). An elongated jamb extender (32) is provided and includes a transverse, extender flange (88) extending forwardly from an extender corner, and a trim flange (92) extending outwardly from the corner. The extender flange (88) is configured to slide in the slot (70). The extender flange (88) includes structure defining a plurality of longitudinally disposed lines of weakness being in the form of scores (94) disposed on an outer flange surface (96) to permit the length adjustment of the extender flange (88).

Abstract: A new Breakaway Sign Post Repair System for reusing a broken sign post thereby reducing the cost to repair the broken post while providing a breakaway post that will produce less damage to vehicles and people if a vehicle should hit the sign post. The inventive device includes a sign post cut into an upper post and a lower post, and a breakaway tube with a concentric horizontal partition forming an upper lumen and a lower lumen which capture the respective portion of the sign post, where the break away tube is constructed from a material that breaks concentrically.

Abstract: A segmented, encapsulated insulation assembly preferably includes a blanket of fibrous insulation having a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending cuts therein. The cuts divide the fibrous insulation into segments and weaken the fibrous insulation to permit the fibrous insulation to be selectively separated at any of the cuts. The fibrous insulation is encapsulated within an envelope having weakened transverse tear lines that divide the envelope into envelope segments. The transverse tear lines in the envelope overlay the cuts in the fibrous insulation to permit the envelope to be separated at the cuts thereby forming a plurality of encapsulated fibrous insulation modules. One or more of the encapsulated fibrous insulation modules can be selectively separated from the segmented, encapsulated fibrous insulation assembly to form an insulation panel of a desired length to insulate a cavity.

Abstract: A post device, which is yieldable when hit by a vehicle, comprises a post with a base having at least three spaced-apart fixtures fixedly attached thereto, and a foundation with a fixing device supporting at least three spaced-apart rods, which are arranged to cooperate with the fixtures, thereby securing the post to the foundation. The fixtures are arranged on the outside of the base and embrace the associated rods and are each provided with a through opening or slot which is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the post. Stop devices each engage an associated rod and an upper portion of an associated fixture.

Abstract: Deflection slide clip of two piece construction for use in curtain wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while it accommodates vertical slip of the primary frame.

Abstract: A lineal of plastic material comprises multiple components extruded as a single piece and secured to one another by at least one wall formed in the lineal. One of the components is provided with a recess and another of the components has a leg which, upon separation of the components at the wall, fits into the recess of the one component to provide a mated component system.

Abstract: A mailbox stand comprising a vertical support sleeve; a vertical extension shaft rotatably and vertically adjustably mounted within and extending vertically from the upper opening of the bore of the vertical support sleeve; a support arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the vertical extension shaft; a mailbox attachment bracket fixedly attached to the support arm; a first breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower end of the vertical support sleeve; a second breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower surface of the first breakaway plate by means of threaded bolts; and a breakaway plate support shaft fixedly attached to and extending downward from the lower surface of the second breakaway plate.

Abstract: An angled roofing shingle for a roof ridge line is made from an organic, resinous material and a filler material. The shingle has a first elongated portion and a separable, second elongated portion. These two portions each have a longitudinal edge provided with a mating edge surface and are joined together at an angle less than 180 degrees so that the shingle can cover and conform to the ridge line. Means are included for moving the first and second elongated portions relative to each other to change the angle of the shingle to accommodate a variety of angles of ridge lines.

Abstract: A footing connector and a method for use thereof. The connector is preferably T-shaped and includes integrally formed end caps which may be used to prevent cement or the like from entering into the connector. The connector is used in a drainage network to drain water away form the outside of a building and to evacuate unwanted gasses from the inside of a building.

Abstract: A plastering and lining strip includes a first strip portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and that includes a base strip extending in the longitudinal direction. The base strip is defined by front and rear oppositely located sides, and two oppositely located edge faces connecting the front and rear sides together. The plastering and lining strip includes a web affixed to and projecting away from the front side and extending in the longitudinal direction. The web is positioned at a distance away from a selected one of the edge faces to form a plaster receiving space having an L-shaped cross section as viewed in the longitudinal direction. A region of the base strip extending from the selected one edge face to the web forms a spacing extension that constitutes a leg of the L-shaped cross section. The spacing extension has a width essentially corresponding to a thickness of an applied finish layer of plaster.

Abstract: The metallic guardrail barrier comprises a sustaining post and a spacing member extending parallel to the ground, secured at one side to the sustaining post and carrying at the other side of the rail. The spacing member includes a window presenting a quadrilateral shape with four sides defining as many vertexes. The spacing member is made of metallic material which is plasticizable under impelling loads, and one or more holes are provided on the spacing member in proximity of the vertexes of the quadrilateral window. Upon impact by a colliding vehicle, the spacing member is deformed in a controlled manner due to the fact that the quadrilateral window tends to collapse as an articulated quadrilateral.

Abstract: A tray for protecting exterior portions of a sill of a window. The inventive device includes a planar member positionable over the sill. A flange depends from a front edge of the planar member to tray the front face of the sill. Frangible grid areas extend along laterally opposed sides of the planar member for permitting a selective removal of portions of the lateral sides to customize the device to a particular window. The tray is removable for easy cleaning and can be inserted and removed from inside the associated house or building.

Abstract: A material used to fabricate sashes used by window assemblies. The material comprises a foam core covered by a cladding material. The foam core acts as a filler and provides insulation, while the cladding material protects the foam core from the environment and physical abuse. Often, a structural assembly or member is provided to stiffen the sash material. The cladding and structural assembly are placed into a mold and resin is injected into the mold between the cladding and the structural assembly. The resin cures to form the foam core. The foam core bonds the cladding and structural assembly together to form the sash material. The sash material is cut with woodworking tools to form a sash for a window assembly. The cladding is configured such that, when the window assembly is installed in a wall, interior vapor barrier material and exterior air barrier material applied to the wall overlap with the cladding material to reduce air flow through the wall around the window assembly.

Abstract: A weep screed for use in exterior construction has a vertical member, an outwardly projecting member, and an inwardly projecting member which is susceptible of being form-fit to a concrete foundation. The inwardly projecting member has a plurality of grooves or notches running along the length of the weep screed to provide tear strips, to permit adjustability of the length of the inwardly projecting member by allowing it to be torn off, or to permit bending of the inwardly projecting member for a form fit with the foundation where a flush fit occurs at a point in between tear strips.

Abstract: A roof includes a roof deck and a plurality of roofing shingles where the roofing shingles have the appearance of a wooden shake shingle and comprise organic, resinous material in, preferably a plastic material, an amount within the range of from about 16 to about 24 percent by weight, and a filler material in an amount within the range of from about 76 to about 84 percent by weight. The roof provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.

Abstract: A shelterwall assembly for a storage dock, characterized by its protrusion from the docks, beneath its canopy and the optional use of additional guarding because of its "breakaway" column feature. It is particularly useful when the storage dock has side-by-side openings for the simultaneous loading and off-loading of open truck/trailers which have been backed into registry with the dock. The units herein are anchored above and below the dock opening to provide swingable curtains that fill the gap between vehicle and building. Provision is made for optional winter or summer positioning and a lockout assembly coacts with curtain supports to retain the curtains against displacement, once they have been set.

Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus which is adjustable for providing a safety breakaway capability for the attachment of post assemblies normally adjacent to a road or highway location wherein the vertical post assembly includes mounting holes located in a foundation therebelow. The improved breakaway apparatus includes a plurality of anchors fixedly secured to the foundation and a breakaway coupling interconnecting the anchor to the vertical post assembly. The breakaway coupling includes a weakened section to facilitate breaking thereof responsive to a lateral force exerted adjacent to the lower end of the vertical post assembly. Securement of the breakaway coupling to the anchor is provided by a unique lateral and vertical adjustment design by providing of a lateral clearance space between the lower support member and the collar aperture while at the same time providing an annular clearance space between the coupling support shoulder and the collar lip within the containment bore.

Abstract: A carpet layer's aid for protecting floor baseboards or walls during carpet installation comprising an elongated strip with a separating means. The elongated strip is divided by the separating into an edge portion, which is used to anchor the elongated strip, and a central portion, which is used to shield the baseboard or wall. The separating means is integral with the elongated strip and allows the central portion to be detached from the edge portion of the elongated strip upon completing the carpet installation. The edge portion of the elongated strip is left behind under the tack strip and carpet.

Abstract: An attachment anchor assembly for securing a component (15) to a base material (U) includes an axially extending anchor rod (11) having an axially extending anchoring region and a centering sleeve (18) laterally enclosing the anchor rod in a sealing manner and spaced from the anchoring region. A sealing element (19) is located between the centering sleeve (18) and the anchoring region and laterally encloses the anchor rod (11) in a sealing manner. The sealing element (19) has a transverse sealing surface facing towards the anchoring region and the sealing surface can be displaced axially towards the centering sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a framing member for attaching panelling and windows to building structures which includes an integral and detachable J-shaped member and nail fin which obviate the need for decorative molding to mask the junction between the framing member and the underlying building structure. The J-member and nail fin may be broken away from the framing member to allow framing members to be attached to one another via a mullion strip to define a mullion between windows or panelling.

Abstract: A beam for reinforcement of a vehicle body is extruded as a hollow shape having substantially planar parallel longitudinally extending deformation walls each of which is of variable wall thickness along its length. Two laterally extending grooves define a deformation zone having a maximal wall thickness allowing for a controlled folding of the shape.

Abstract: A concealed suspension ceiling system advantageously uses a `T` bar grid network used for lay-in ceiling panels. Saddle clips are secured to upper beads of the `T` bar grid network allowing torsioning springs to releasably maintain the panels suspended beneath the grid. The system can be used for entirely new installations or used in a retrofit application.

Abstract: A frangible guy attachment adapted to be connected between a cable guy and a stationary guy anchor includes first and second elongated coaxial rods. The rods can either be formed as separate elements or can be formed integrally. In both cases the rods are constructed of an elongated rigid structural material. An intermediate coupler is coaxially fixed between the rods. The rigidity of the coupler exceeds that of the rods to concentrate shock bending stresses at an axial transition between one rod and the more rigid coupler. This stress concentration will cause the rod to fracture and break as a result of the sudden impact. A special clevis interconnects the lower end of the lower elongated rod and a conventional guy anchor, preventing subsequent attachment of additional cable guys to the anchor.

Abstract: A modular assembly of channel sections (2) is disclosed which are connected to one another for providing a drainage system by a shutter coupling between a groove 24 formed at one end of any channel section and a rib (6') formed at the other end. Channel section (2) has a modular construction as it is provided with a number of parallel ribs (6') extending in a plane perpendicular to the length of the section at regular intervals so that the length of the final assembled channel can be changed by varying the coupling of the sections. Further anchoring ribs (6) are provided near ribs (6'). A shutter head member (26) coupled at either end of channel section (2) and having a dead but easily pierceable pipe fitting (30) is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable angle wedge that supports a replacement window and compensates for whatever sill angle exists on the previous window frame. A flange opposite the variable angle extends between a window engaging member and a sill engaging member. The angle defined between the window engaging member and the sill engaging member can be decreased by removing a distal portion of the flange.

Abstract: A restorable breakaway post having a base post and a breakaway post which are connected with a breakable splice plate. The position of the base post is fixed with respect to ground or another suitable structure. A flexible member has opposing ends secured with respect to the base post and the breakaway post. Upon an impact force applied to the breakaway post, the splice plate shears and thus allows the breakaway post to move away from the base post. Under such impact force, the flexible member retains the breakaway post in a relatively close position to the base post. The broken splice plate can be easily replaced to restore the breakaway post to its initial condition.

Abstract: A breakaway base and upper-separation joint for use with highway luminaire supports. The breakaway base, circular in cross section, has a lower-base section with a first rim, an upper-base section with a second rim, a split-ring retainer, and a perimeter band. The split-ring retainer captures the first rim of the lower-base section and the second rim of the upper-base section. The perimeter band encircles the split-ring retainer. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the perimeter band fractures, causing disjunction of the split-ring retainer and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. Alternatively, the breakaway base is radial-spoked when viewed from above and has a first plurality of rims on the lower-base section, a second plurality of rims on the upper-base section, a plurality of retainer segments to engage and capture the first and second plurality of rims, and a plurality of fasteners to secure the retainer segments against the rims.