A composite tapered tubular assembly includes a composite tapered tube extending between a first end and a second end and tapered so as to have a smaller radius R1 at the first end than a radius R2 at the second end. The assembly also includes a first internal annular wedge that is in contact with an inner surface of the tube at said first end and a first external annular wedge in contact with the outer surface of the tube at said first end. The assembly further includes a first nut provided at said first end that is configured to be connected to said first internal wedge and a second external annular wedge provided on an outer surface of the tube and a second internal annular wedge in contact with the inner surface of said composite tube at said second end, and a second nut connected to an internal surface.

A truncated icosahedron assembly can include a plurality of structural elements coupled together in a truncated icosahedral configuration. Each structural element can include first and second hexagonal portions and first and second pentagonal portions. The hexagonal portions of each structural element can be coupled together at a first edge of the first hexagonal portion and a second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The pentagonal portions of each structural element can be spaced relative to each other by the first and second hexagonal portions. The first pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The second pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion.

A truncated icosahedron assembly can include a plurality of structural elements coupled together in a truncated icosahedral configuration. Each structural element can include first and second hexagonal portions and first and second pentagonal portions. The hexagonal portions of each structural element can be coupled together at a first edge of the first hexagonal portion and a second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The pentagonal portions of each structural element can be spaced relative to each other by the first and second hexagonal portions. The first pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The second pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion.

A structural member includes an inflatable bladder. The structural member may include a fabric shell disposed about an exterior surface of the bladder, or a spacer element attached to an interior surface of the bladder. The fabric shell or spacer element restrains the shape of the bladder to contour the bladder into a desired shape and increase the load carrying capacity of the bladder.

A structural member includes an inflatable bladder. The structural member may include a fabric shell disposed about an exterior surface of the bladder, or a spacer element attached to an interior surface of the bladder. The fabric shell or spacer element restrains the shape of the bladder to contour the bladder into a desired shape and increase the load carrying capacity of the bladder.

A truncated icosahedron assembly can include a plurality of structural elements coupled together in a truncated icosahedral configuration. Each structural element can include first and second hexagonal portions and first and second pentagonal portions. The hexagonal portions of each structural element can be coupled together at a first edge of the first hexagonal portion and a second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The pentagonal portions of each structural element can be spaced relative to each other by the first and second hexagonal portions. The first pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The second pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion.

A decorative bar, configured to be mounted on a surface (wall or floor) of a room or building, comprises (a) an elongate rod formed of natural stone and having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape from a first end to an opposite, second end and a longitudinal groove extending along one side, and (b) an elongate metal armature or brace having a portion thereof inserted in and substantially filling the longitudinal groove in the stone rod. The metal brace has a flange or bracket at each end configured to be attached to the surface (wall or floor) of a building to affix and retain the stone rod in a mounted relationship to this surface with its longitudinal groove on a side which is not readily visible to a casual observer.