Composite structural members and fastening methods

Abstract

Composite moldings are provided defining structural members such as beams, stakes and poles for use in a variety of applications including the fabrication of fences, frames and other architectural structures wherein a plurality of structural members or planks are secured together by means of the composite moldings. In one form, the composite moldings are formed of elongated structural core members such as rods, tubes, angles, channels, box-beams or otherwise shaped members, preferably but not necessarily, made of metal which are disposed within a mold after which a cellular plastic material is cast or injection molded thereabout to form a sheathing. The sheathing may be decorated or shaped to represent a wood grained structure and the core member may extend from either or both ends thereof for fastening purposes and to permit the composite molding to be driven into the ground or secured to an anchoring material such as concrete. In another form, the sheathing is especially shaped with one or more cavities therein to permit attachment of other structural devices such as rods, tubes, beams or planks, to the composite molding, to form fences, frames and the like thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.