Abstract: A spring clip device for use with leashes and dog runs to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury to pets and their owners. The spring clip assembly includes a closable clip member, a swivel portion, a housing, a sleeve member and a resilient member. The closable clip member is adapted to be connected to the collar of the dog or other animal and is pivotally connected to the housing by use of the swivel portion. The resilient member is positioned within the housing and biases the sleeve member within the housing. The sleeve member is adapted to telescope outward from the housing and compress the resilient member in the event that a force greater than biasing force of the resilient member.

Abstract: Mixtures of bitumen and thermoplastic polymer stable to storage are prepared by a process comprising:(i) mixing a bituminous product having a content of total asphaltenes, resins, saturated and aromatic products which satisfies the condition that the I.sub.c value is between 0.200 and 0.270 in the expression:I.sub.c =(C7+C5+S)/(A+R)with a thermoplastic polymer, the reaction being carried out at a temperature of between 160.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. and for a time of between 15 and 120 minutes and(ii) diluting the bituminous composition obtained in (i) with a bitumen or bituminous component having an I.sub.c defined as specified above in (i) of between 0.270 and 0.700 in such a quantity that the final concentration of the polymer is between 2.5 and 15% by weight, and heating to a temperature of between 160.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. for a time of between 30 and 90 minutes.

Abstract: A fire and wear-resistant strap material particularly useful in conjunction with fire fighting apparatus is disclosed. The strap material comprises a carrier fabric, the surfaces of which have been provided with a flexible retro-reflective coating permanently bonded thereto. The carrier fabric is preferably comprised of aramid yarns which, while having low abrasion resistance, are rendered highly wear-resistant by the retro-reflective coating, which also functions to minimize heat transfer to the supporting fabric.