Abstract: Apparatus is described for arresting or at least retarding an avalanche. In the described embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate substantially cylindrical bodies (1) which are positioned on a mountainside in a likely avalanche path, for deployment into an avalanche. Each body is provided with a multiplicity of bristles (10) for engaging with one or more of the other cylindrical bodies (1) with which it may come into contact when the bodies are deployed. The bristles may be provided with locking mechanisms such as hook and loop mechanisms (14,16) for locking one cylindrical body to another when the bristles (10) of each come into contact. Each body may further be provided with anchor cables (26) to brake and arrest the body when deployed into an avalanche. The apparatus includes one or more stands (2) for deploying the cylindrical bodies into an avalanche. In use the stand(s) are fixed to the mountainside in strategic positions in the predicted avalanche path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pneumatic tire comprising a pair of sidewalls and a ground engaging surface extending therebetween, at least one of the sidewalls bearing two outwardly visible, outwardly projecting, concentric, inflation indicating beads. When the tire is correctly inflated, the section of the concentric inflation indicating beads adjacent to the ground, and vertically below the axle appear to abut each other when viewed from a vertical position above the axle. When the said tire is moderately, incorrectly under-inflated, the aforementioned portions of the tire inflation beads adjacent to the ground, when viewed in the noted manner, will appear separated by a visible interstitial band of sidewall material. Additionally, an arc of the radially outermost bead, adjacent to the ground surface, when viewed in noted manner, will not be visible when the tire is extremely under-inflated.