Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective tarp for covering a mass, which includes of a flat, flexible sheet material having a top and s a bottom and having a peripheral edge, e.g. a plurality of edges. Along the peripheral edge or along each of at least two of the plurality of edges, there is a plurality of tank compartment anchors that have at least one fill orifice and closure means for the fill orifice. The plurality of tank compartment anchors are hollow, flexible tank compartment anchors, and, in preferred embodiments, the tank compartment anchors and sheet material are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is rectangular from a top view and has four edges, the four edges being two sets of two opposite edges. There are at least two edges opposite one another which contain a plurality of tank compartment anchors.

Abstract: A chain net tie down kit includes several multilink chain segments; several chain connecting mechanisms for connecting the chain segments for forming a chain net matching the size and dimensions of a particular portion of a building; and several chain anchoring fasteners for anchoring the chain net over the particular portion of a building. The several chain anchoring fasteners preferably include at least one of: a wall anchoring fastener and a ground anchor. The chain net tie down kit preferably additionally includes several door anchoring fasteners. The chain net tie down kit preferably still additionally includes several window frame anchoring fasteners. The chain segments optionally are of uniform length. The chain segments alternatively are of varied lengths. Groups of the several chain segments optionally are provided pre-assembled into modular net sections for linking together to construct a composite chain net.

Abstract: A flood prevention assembly uses a flexible plastic sheeting for positioning across the entryway of a building. A pair of plates are permanently attached on vertical door frame members, each plate defining a channel for receiving a hollow insert herein. The insert has a central opening for receiving an elongated bar of a shield assembly. The shield assembly has plastic sheeting stretched between the two elongated bars and secured to the bars by attachment panels. A plurality of tabs are secured along to the top edge of the shield; the tabs are folded over and secured to an elevated cross bar that is engaged with the bars of the shield assembly. An upper portion of the shield is attached to the elongated bars and the lower portion remains unsecured. The lower portion flares outwardly for positioning in front of the entryway. A primary water weight is filled with water and placed across the doorway, on the lower part of the shield.

Abstract: A wind protection system for covering a structure. The system, which is electronically activated, comprises primarily a pair of extendable poles located on opposite sides of the structure, and a sheet of flexible netting stored on a reel. Cables attached to the netting pull it up and over the tops of the extended poles when the system is activated and when the poles are retracted, pull the netting down and over the structure to form a protective tent.

Abstract: The present invention is a transportable weather shield having a sheet, first and second supports, first and second tensioners, and first and second stakes. The first support has an upper portion that is connected to a first end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The first tensioner is connected to the first end of the sheet and to the first stake. The second support has an upper portion that is connected to the second end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The second tensioner is connected to the second end of the sheet and to the second stake. The weather shield, upon erection, is compliant. A position of the sheet is adjustable by an angular displacement of the first and second supports.

Abstract: A ground stake is disclosed having a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis. The blades are connected along the length of the axis by at least one conical rib to promote retention of the stake within the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle flood protection system includes a vehicle housing to which a cover is hinged. The peripheries of the cover and housing each include locking mechanisms for creating a water tight seal. The cover further includes a spring biased valve for use in expelling air from the enclosure. The entire system is adapted to be anchored to the ground by way of a pair of straps. Through the use of the system a vehicle can be protected from the elevated water levels associated with floods.

Abstract: A retrofit roof tie down that helps prevent the roof from separating from the gable end wall, having a fork and yoke to accommodate different roof pitches. The forks attach to pipe that holds down the roofing material and roof sheathing. A plate attaches to the gable wall securing the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter. A bolt fastens the yoke and plate together through the roof and an eye nut secures everything together. A cargo strap secures the eye to the ground.

Abstract: A ski slope obstacle injury protecting system for protecting a skier from injury when colliding into an obstacle on a ski slop such as a pole or tree. The ski slope obstacle injury protecting system includes an annular mounting collar designed for mounting around an obstacle upwardly extending from a ground surface. A plurality of elongate upper flexible elements are extended from the mounting collar. A generally frusta-conical trampoline is provided having annular top and bottom edges. The upper flexible elements are coupled to the top edge of the trampoline. A plurality of elongate lower flexible elements are extended from the bottom edge of the trampoline and are designed for securing the bottom edge of the trampoline to the ground surface.

Abstract: One system of mobile home (or other structure) wind protection includes a channel below ground level around the structure, the channel including a lid around its perimeter adapted to open and close. Tie-down anchor bolts are spaced along the channel around the structure. Tie-down cables extend from the roof of the structure into the channel, each cable being removably connected to one of the anchor bolts. A storm shield secured to the tie-down cables likewise extends from the roof of the structure and into the channel below ground level. Another system includes a storage channel below ground level on one side of the structure, with ground anchors spaced along it supporting a ratcheted cable windup mechanism below ground level, all covered by a housing, and an anchor channel below ground level along the opposite side of the structure, with ground anchors spaced along it.

Abstract: The outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover of the present invention includes a free standing cover which is designed to fit over the grill with an air space between the grill and the cover. The cover is designed to rest on the ground or a platform sitting on the ground; and is intended to cover the entire grill including the legs of the grill, and prevent the effects of whether from attacking the grill. A presently preferred outdoor barbecue cooking grill cover is made of heat resistant molded rigid plastic, has integral handles, is weighted at the bottom, includes at least one horizontal surface which can be used as a counter, and is vented in a manner to allow air to circulate between the cover and the grill but will still keep out rain and snow. According to another embodiment of the invention, tie down loops are provided on the cover so that it may be tied down to a deck, retaining rings or the like.

Abstract: A new artificial boulder for easy placement and easy portability. The inventive device includes a shell having a top portion, a bottom portion, an exterior surface, an inner surface. The exterior surface of the shell is designed formed to resemble the exterior surface of a boulder. The inner surface of the shell defines a cavity. A plurality of spaced apart anchor tabs are coupled to the bottom portion of the shell. Each anchor tab has a hole for extending a stake therethrough to secure the shell to a ground surface.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: An adjustable tarpaulin (11) that can be adjusted to various predetermined lengths, and more securely fastened. The adjustability of the adjustable tarpaulin (11) is provided by having one or more sets of valances of the top layer (23, 41) and the valances of the bottom layer (27, 43). Because the valances are free on one end, the length of each of the valance side edges may be adjusted as desired and the valances provide two different pull angles to share the load of the tarpaulin. By doing so, the adjustable tarpaulin (11) enables the tarpaulin to be adjusted between two or more prefixed sizes. Moreover the adjustable tarpaulin (11) can provide the distribution of the load from more than one angle so stress and the load will be distributed over two different sets of tie points (33).

Abstract: A rapidly deployable protective and structural cover system comprising a frame structure and at least one multilayered flexible cover which is comprised of a flexible cover sheeting and a structural netting. The flexible cover sheeting has a plurality of eyelets arranged over the surface area of the flexible cover sheeting. The cover sheeting is attached at a selected plurality of eyelets to the structural netting at the intersections of horizontal and vertical members or strands of the structural netting. The frame structure is preferably comprised of steel cables attachable at the ends thereof to a rigid support structure; turnbuckles to tension the cables. The multilayered flexible cover is removably attachable along edges of the structural netting to the frame and to the cables.

Abstract: A new gutter covering system for keeping debris from accumulating in a gutter. The inventive device includes a length of net dimensioned for covering a gutter. The length of net is positioned over an open upper end of the gutter. The length of net has a long inboard edge, a long outboard edge, and opposing side edges. The inboard edge has a plurality of loops secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship therealong. A plurality of side hooks are provided each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom. Free ends of the elastic cords are secured to the outboard edge of the length of net in a spaced relationship therealong. The side hooks are extendable under a long outer side wall and a closed bottom end of the gutter and securing to a long inner side wall of the gutter. A pair of end hooks are provided with each having an elastic cord extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A gravesite covering system for protecting and decorating gravesites and gravestones. The device includes a first member made from a flexible, transparent plastic sheet material. The first member has a main body portion shaped for disposal over a gravestone, and a skirt portion for anchoring the first member to the ground around the gravestone using spikes extending through grommets in the skirt portion. A planar, rectangular member made from a flexible, transparent plastic sheet material is secured along one edge thereof to the first member for covering the ground in front of the gravestone. The rectangular member also includes grommets therein for anchoring the rectangular member to the ground. The first member and the rectangular member each include a pocket for holding a picture of the deceased therein, and are provided with ornamentation for making the gravesite more attractive. The members can also be separately used if only a portion of the gravesite is to be protected and decorated.

Abstract: Fire-resistant flexible dome (2) apparatus for covering and protecting buildings (6), goods, livestock, persons and other objects from a fire, especially a rapidly moving conflagration known as a "fire storm." In its preferred form, the apparatus comprises a dome-like structure (2) made of fire-retardant fabric, supported with air or gas pressure within integral tubes (40) radially disposed about the central axis, or between one or more layers of said fire resistant fabric. Said apparatus is rapidly deployed from its container (4), preferably located on the roof of the building (6) to be protected. Its ground-contacting periphery (13) is manually secured to the ground. In one embodiment, a liquid-filled circumferencial reservoir (24) integral with said ground-contacting periphery is provided to add an improved ground seal and added anchoring to ground to help maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a corner of a beach blanket or towel to the sand of a beach. The device includes a clamp removably attachable to the corner of the beach blanket or the towel for enabling the corner to be anchored to the sand of the beach, and a spike removably receivable in an eyelet defined on the clamp, for anchoring the clamp and thus the corner of the beach blanket or towel to the sand of the beach. The spike includes a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the spike within the eyelet of the clamp.

Abstract: The apparatus can secure a building having a roof, with a plurality of lines and a plurality of ground anchors, which are planted around the building peripherally. The lines are adapted to be attached to the ground anchors and routed over the building. Netting material spans the lines at the roof. The apparatus may also have at least one cinch transversely spanning the lines at the roof of the building. At least one lashing may be directed transversely to the predetermined azimuthal direction and may be connected between one of the lines and one of the anchors. A plurality of tubular boots may separately encircle corresponding ones of the anchors for providing peripheral clearance around the anchors.

Abstract: A temporary shelter for use with an existing frame structure is provided. The temporary shelter has a flexible sheet having a pair of parallel slits. The flexible sheet encloses the frame structure to define an inner shelter space. A pair of zipper structures are provided. Each zipper structure has a separable zipper chain composed of two interlocking halves having fastening elements attached to flexible tapes. The fastening elements are interlocked and separated by a slider. The slider is operatively connected to the interlocking halves. Each flexible tape has an adhesive strip located on a back portion of the flexible tape and extends along side and parallel to the fastening elements.

Abstract: The ground engaging restraint device (2) comprises a ground spike (4) and a clasp (6). Comprising the clasp is a head (48), a pin (50) and a pair of arms (52) having teeth (64). The ground spike has a receiver (12) having a bore (20) and circumferential notches (24), an elongated shaft (16) having a ground-engaging stop (18). In one embodiment the shaft has a plurality of interconnected webs (36), and in another embodiment the shaft has a helical blade (72) fixed concentrically about the shaft. A portion of an article (14) is placed over and inserted into the bore by placing the clasp over the receiver, causing the pin to enter the bore and frictionally engage the article between the pin and the bore. Teeth of a pair of arms engage a plurality of notches (24) on the receiver, removably retaining the clasp on the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a structure and its roof against damage from high winds. A harness of a plurality of strap-like elements runs from or over the roof of a structure to anchors in the ground, with a coarse fabric such as shadecloth attached to and running between the strap-like elements. As the wind velocity increases, the wind pressure against the shadecloth in the area between the eaves of the roof and the ground increases, thus increasing the downward tension on the harness and further securing the roof and structure against damage.

Abstract: A temporary cover for excavations comprising a platform having a lowermost surface for contact with the ground surrounding the excavation and an uppermost surface and means attached to the platform for securing the platform to a below ground anchor point.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting house or building from fire in neighborhood or area close by is described. When fire detecting system 16 detects a fire at a position close to house 14, computer 20 will send instruction to motor 18 and motor 18 will unfold foldable fire protecting cover 10, 12 to isolate house 14 from outside. At the same time, computer 20 will automatically send a fire alarm to the fire station and a specific phone such as work phone of householder through modem 22. Since fire protecting cover 10, 12 isolates the house from the fire outside, therefore house 14 can be effectively protected. Fire protecting cover 12 also can be remotely controlled by the householder through a telephone 24.

Abstract: A combination tarpaulin-blanket construction comprises a first, tarpaulin layer of a material such as a cotton canvas, a cotton duck or a cellulose acetate synthetic yarn, and a protective covering of a waterproof and windproof laminated plastic, and a second, blanket layer of a material such as synthetic fleece or wool. The second layer is sewn to a major surface of the first layer to form a tarpaulin-blanket unit of a rectangular shape. Grommets are provided at each corner of the tarpaulin-blanket unit for enabling the unit to be secured in place. Securing straps, affixed to one edge of the tarpaulin-blanket unit, encircle the unit, when the unit is in a rolled-up state, so as to retain the unit in that state. A carrying handle, secured to the one edge between the straps, enables carrying of the unit in the rolled-up state.

Abstract: A lockdown system for a low rise building including a roof structure with sheathing disposed over a plurality of roof rafters, the roof structure forming eaves around the periphery thereof, the system comprises a loop of rafter cable for being secured around the eaves of the roof; and a plurality of anchor cables operably secured to the rafter and to the ground, the anchor cables being adapted to exert a downward force on the rafter such that lift forces generated during high winds are counteracted.

Abstract: A portable soldier fighting cover having a pair of adjacent relatively rigid frames attached to an underlying waterproof flexible anchorage sheet, and defining a structure resistant to bending for spanning a military trench or foxhole, and further having a load bearing sheet attached to and overlying each frame for transmitting loads to the frame resulting from the weight of protective material such as sandbags or timber placed on the cover, and also from ballistic fragments and blast overpressure from near misses, and further having a pair of elongated straps attached to each frame and extending beyond the ends of the frames for securement to the ground for transmitting loads from the frame to the ground and for supporting the cover in the event of collapse of the foxhole side walls. Curtain sheets can be attached to the straps for service as revetments.

Abstract: A circular disk approximately 6 feet in diameter and approximately 0.50 inches thick, having a small hole through the center of the disk for engagement with a screw or a spike, and method of using the same. The user places the disk atop one or more bales of hay standing on end, and secures the cover to the topmost bale by engaging a screw or spike through the center of the cover and into the bale of hay.

Abstract: In an anchoring device to be driven into the ground, important features are that it be dismountable, safe and easy to manipulate. In this invention, the anchoring device is provided with a cross with two sliding members, two rods with pointed ends and a head, the heads being equipped with superposable eyelets that may be padlocked. The eyelets allow the anchoring of an object which one wants to insure the stability of and even its protection against theft. The anchoring device may comprise two angle irons, a first of which allowing the anchoring of a tridimensional object and a second comprising a tube to receive and orientate one of the two members of the cross.

Abstract: A roof anchoring apparatus includes roof-pressing assemblies for placement on a roof of a building structure. The roof-pressing assemblies are arrayed on the roof from one edge of the roof to another edge of the roof. Each roof-pressing assembly includes a roof-pressing portion which has a top side and a bottom side. One or more cable locking assemblies project upward from the top side of the roof-pressing portion. First cables are connected between neighboring roof-pressing assemblies. Second cable assemblies are provided, and each second cable assembly has a first end and a second end. The first end of each second cable assembly is connected to one of the roof-pressing assemblies located at an edge of the roof. Ground-engaging assemblies are provided, and each ground-engaging assembly is connected to a second end of a second cable assembly. The roof-pressing portions may be in the form of plates or L-shaped brackets. Crosspiece members may be placed between the L-shaped brackets and the roof.

Abstract: Method for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds. A wind-permeable perforate sheet extends downwardly and outwardly from the top of the object or the roof of a home at an acute angle so as to surround a substantial portion of each of the sides with an inclined wind-permeable planar surface. The sheet is anchored to helical ground anchors via mechanical attachments which may also be used to tighten the sheet over the object or home. Apparatus for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A net for covering raked leaves and similar plant debris. The net is bounded on two sides by two telescoping poles. A chain links the ends the ends of the two poles, and a second chain links the remaining ends of the two poles. The net is thus weighted to hug the ground and resist displacement by the wind. The net, being flexible, accommodates leaf piles of different volumes and dimensions. The telescoping poles and flexible chains both hold the net down by gravity, and also influence the overall configuration of the net. Opposing sides of the net attached to the poles remain straight, although of variable length due to telescoping. Opposing sides of the net attached to the chains are reconfigurable due to flexibility of the chains. The net is useful for immediately covering collected leaves, and preventing dispersion by the wind. Also, the net is suitable for longer term use in composting. Rings attached the poles enable stakes to secure the net in place for composting or other long term uses.

Abstract: A kit of parts for forming a plant covering device for the protection of garden plants and shrubs from external environmental conditions. The parts are made of semi-rigid plastics material molded into component panels allowing many different configurations to be made out of a few standard components. The individual component panels are provided with flanges and joining strips for joining the separate component panels into a completed assembly and strapping arrangement for holding the plant covering device in place on a supporting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening building structure against hurricanes and wind storms. Several support beams are removably mounted adjacent to the building structure. A net member is positioned over the roof of the building structure. Cables are used to interconnect the support beam members and to keep the net in place. Anchorage assemblies keep support beam members in place. Tension adjusting devices are used to tighten the cables against the structure being protected.

Abstract: A system for securing a building structure, and various components of a building structure, to one another and/or to the building foundation or ground, is provided. The system includes apparatus for securing shingles against wind damage on a sloped, shingled roof; apparatus for securing the roof structure of a building to the adjacent upper wall structure; and apparatus for securing the roof structure directly to the foundation of the building or to the ground. The system is particularly adaptable to single and two story residential dwellings, such as single family homes and townhouses, and their related structures, such as garages and sheds, having sloped, shingled roofs. Installation of the complete system of the present invention provides substantial additional security for a structure against storm damage, particularly due to high winds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tarpaulin (1) comprising a woven basic fabric (2) made waterproof, and several fastening means (5,6) for fastening the tarpaulin (1) to a transport means. A problem with previous tarpaulins has been that they are not alone able to bind the load but chains, for instance, have to be used. This problem is avoided by means of a tarpaulin according to the invention, which is characterized in that the warp yarns of the basic fabric (2) are multifilament yarns, and that areas (3) woven mainly with flat-film as weft yarns and reinforced areas (4) woven with multifilament weft yarns having a greater thickness and tensile strength than warp yarns alternate in the basic fabric in the warp direction, the fastening means (5,6) being attached to the reinforced areas (4) of the basic fabric (2).

Abstract: A protective apparatus for the collection and redirection of a liquid spilled during the transfer thereof between a vessel and a transfer point, the transfer point spaced apart at a distance from the vessel, the distance subject to change due to relative movement therebetween. The apparatus includes a sheet of flexible material having a first end affixable to the vessel and a second end affixable to the transfer point, the flexible sheet being of a length sufficient to traverse the horizontal distance between the vessel and the second point; and a plurality of cable restraining means, the cable restraining means positioned in at least two substantially parallel and horizontally disposed rows along the length of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A tent has a flexible canopy, a floor and a series of inflatable tubes serving as frame hoops. The tubes are fastened removably to the tent using sleeves that open along a longitudinal slit and hook and loop pile fastener closures for closing the sleeves on the tubes.

Abstract: A waterproof cover for a multiple bale stack of forage material arranged in a peaked pile of bales, the cover having opposite edges provided with hems having spaced notch-like openings therein along the edges of the hems which respectively receive a series of rods in longitudinally-spaced position in the hems, a series of U-shaped members connected at the ends thereof respectively to the rods with the rounded ends of the members projecting through the notch-like openings, a series of parallel tie strands disposable beneath the stack of bales in alignment with the U-shaped members on the rods in the hems, and the opposite ends of the tie strands being connectable respectively to the U-shaped members to secure the cover to the top and sides of the stack of bales.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a combination of a flexible sheet member and a decorative bag member simulate a universal conception of the appearance of a well known theme. For example, a combination structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a ghost and Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkin comprises a flexible sheet member placed over a support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon, and a generally rounded bag for receiving filling material and having indicia simulating a pumpkin. The free ends of the sheet member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a substantially pyramidal or generally inverted conical shape, so that, if desired, the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind. The support bag member may be fixed to the ground, for example, by means of pegs.

Abstract: A fabric holding device is provided for use primarily to hold down a spread out fabric web, such as a beach blanket, towel, or sheet. The device is devised to be easily inserted into sandy soil to prevent the spread out blanket from being flipped over, crumpled or otherwise disturbed or blown away by prevailing wind or by movement of an occupant on the spread out blanket.The holding device is devised to be easily inserted and retained in the sand with one such device preferably being disposed at each corner of the spread out fabric sheet material, e.g., a beach blanket. A portion of the fabric such as a corner of the blanket is inserted into an open top slot which is formed in the upper part of the device, said fabric being securely gripped in the slot against dislodgement.

Abstract: Removable component for fastening an element (3) to be fastened to the ground (2), such as film, net for protecting a plantation fastening for horticulture, agriculture which is rigid and undeformable and comprises at least a principal elongated peg (7) intended to pass through the element (3) and to be embedded in the ground (2) and a guard (9) fastened transversaly to the principal peg (7) opposite (10) its embedding free end part (8) intended to immobilize the element (3) to be fastened by clamping against the ground (2).

Abstract: A stack cap for protecting stacked field crops such as hay from moisture comprising: roof structure for covering an upper portion of a stack; roof mounting structure for supporting the roof structure on a stack in spaced apart relationship therefrom whereby ventilation of the upper portion of the stack is permitted; securing means for securing the roof structure to a stack; stack mounting apparatus for raising the roof structure onto a stack; and alternate support structure for selectively supporting an end portion of the roof structure above a removed portion of a covered stack. Methods for mounting the stack cap on a stack and interconnection of a plurality of stack caps are described.

Abstract: A protection device for protecting bales of materials such as hay, straw, etc. having an end panel adapted to prevent animals from feeding from the end of the bale when the protection device is in place.

Abstract: A method of securing and covering a windrow-shaped stack of material to the ground includes the steps of laying a cover sheet over the entire stack and placing ballast around the base of the stack over the edges of the cover sheet to hold the sheet down. A plurality of anchors pairs are positioned on opposite sides of the stack, with flat adjustable-length side straps secured laterally over the sides of the stack from side anchor to side anchor. Anchor pairs are also positioned along the sides of semi-circular ends of the base of the stack, with flat adjustable-length end straps secured laterally over the ends of the stack from end anchor to end anchor. In addition at least one second end strap is also secured lateral over the end of the stack, but is secured at its ends to the first opposed pair of side anchors along the sides of the stack.

Abstract: This invention is a hold-down retainer, including a pair of wires pivoted together at their centers, one wire having one straight end for insertion into ground or concrete, and the other having legs to bear against a cover on the ground or concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for covering installed ceiling tiles without removal of the tiles from the ceiling. The system includes a novel facing for covering an installed ceiling tile, a method of applying the facing to the face of an installed tile and apparatus for carrying out the method. The novel facing includes a panel of at least semi-rigid material having a decorative surface, an underside surface and a flexible border which extends at an angle from and about the periphery of the decorative surface. The panel's underside surface is prefit to cover the face of an installed ceiling tile and is provided with selectively located pins which project from the underside surface of the facing. The disclosed method includes providing the aforementioned decorative facing and marking the face of the tile to provide selectively located marks on the face of the tile which are capable of aligning with the facing's selectively located pins to center the facing on the tile.

Abstract: Improvements in securing a blanket in place in vacuum bagging and like operations. Known systems for securing the blanket are cumbersome and time consuming and do not allow sufficient adjustment of the tension on the blanket. The system of the invention allows quick and easy attaching and detaching of the blanket, allows a wide range of adjustment of the tension, and does not require accurate alignment of the blanket. A strip (32) of net material is attached to a blanket (30) around the periphery of the blanket (30). A plurality of horizontally spaced pins (20) are secured to a lay-up structure (2) and positioned to extend downwardly and outwardly. The blanket (30) is placed over the structure (2) with the net (32) hanging down around pins (20). Net (32) is pulled over the free ends (22) of pins (20) to extend free ends (22) through holes (38) formed by the net structure. Tension may be adjusted by extending pins (20) through different holes (38).

Abstract: A laminate comprises fused adherent layers of plastisol vinyl chloride polymer resins in which a first layer contains Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 and a second layer contains TiO.sub.2. The flexible laminate is useful as a roofing membrane for the roof of a building wherein the layer containing the Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 is adjacent a structural or insulation member of the roof of the building while the TiO.sub.2 layer can be exposed to the elements and can protect the Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 layer from sunlight.