Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises plurality of panels, each panel comprising a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of top projections. The top projections form top side water drainage channels. The panels have edges, with the edges of one panel abutting the edges of adjacent panels, thereby forming a drainage path between adjacent panels. The panel edges have vertical support extensions that extend into the drainage paths between adjacent panels. The vertical support extensions have an upper surface for supporting an artificial turf assembly overlying the turf underlayment layer, and the panel edges having one or more complementary indentations corresponding to vertical support extensions of adjacent panels. When the panels move toward each other, thereby closing drainage paths between adjacent panels, the vertical support extensions are received in the corresponding indentations.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A decorative material holder formed from a single piece structure having a series of equally spaced apart cavities formed by a series of upper and lower U-shaped bends in a sinuous shape. The cavities allow for the support of ornamental items, as well as facilitate and ease the making of ribbon bows. The material holder has a proximal end and a distal end extending a distance beyond the lower U-shaped bends. The ends are used in securing the decorative holder to items such as a Christmas tree or decorative wreath, for placement over two spaced apart elements such as two Christmas tree branches, or attached between an outer and inner circular ring to form a wreath template.

Abstract: An artificial decorative plant assembles multiple branches first which are then assembled with a main stem. Each branch is composed of a rod with resilience, a securing piece and multiple branch strips. The securing piece has two longitudinal sides and multiple clamping pieces alternatively staggered and extended from the two longitudinal sides respectively with multiple intervals and applied to wrap the rod. Additionally, multiple clamping attachments are extended from the two longitudinal sides inside the multiple intervals respectively so that each clamping attachment is between two adjacent clamping pieces to engage a corresponding branch strip with leaves. After completing assembly of the securing piece and the rod, the combination engages the main stem by a hook element on the rod. Because of such structure, it not only enhances the combinational strength but further improves efficiency of assembly convenience.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree includes a central trunk broken into at least two separate portions including a fixed trunk portion and at least one rotating trunk portion. The fixed trunk extends up from an underlying base. Rotating trunks rotatably attach at midpoints thereof at least indirectly to an upper end of the fixed trunk. Limbs are pivotably attached to the rotating trunks with optional lights coupled thereto. These limbs pivot between a perpendicular orientation extending from the rotating trunks and a collapsed configuration closer to a centerline of the rotating trunks. The rotating trunks can be pivoted from a first collapsed configuration with a first end above a second end to a deployed configuration with the second end above the first end. During such pivoting, the limbs attached to the rotating trunk transition between a collapsed to a deployed configuration automatically. A wheeled base and cover further facilitate storage and deployment.

Abstract: An assembly and method for sculptural presentation of plant or animal epidermal surfaces, the assembly incorporating a multiplicity of scallops and a multiplicity of links interconnecting the scallops in a laterally extending series or band, the multiplicity of links being manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops in a “clinker-built” configuration; the multiplicity links being further manipulated to extend the multiplicity of scallops helically; a plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to flare or counter-flare a plurality of the scallops; a second plurality of links among the multiplicity of links being further manipulated to corrugate a second plurality of the scallops.

Abstract: An artificial turf mat, including a backing and a plurality of protruding artificial grass blades divided into rows and connected to the backing. The mutual distance between successive blades in a row is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent rows and is at least 10 mm. The backing and the blades may be formed and mutually connected by weaving. A method for forming an artificial turf mat, including supplying a backing material, supplying an artificial turf material, forming a backing from the backing material, and connecting blades of the artificial turf material divided into rows to the backing. The blades may be connected to the backing such that their mutual spacing in a row is substantially equal to the mutual distance between adjacent rows and is at least 10 mm.

Abstract: A cover for concealing utility equipment on real property such as air conditioner condenser units, telephone and electric cabinets, and trash containers, has a modular, rigid and stiff skeletal frame and a shell of flexible openwork material. The shell includes artificial foliage such that the cover appearance closely simulates natural plants and is aesthetically compatible with the local environment. Lengths and angles between components of the cover and the number of components can be adjusted such that a single cover kit is alone or in combination with supplementary components adaptable to fit objects of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: This textile support is intended for the preparation of a tufted product such as an artificial grass or a carpet. It comprises at least one woven or non-woven lay. Technical yarns extend in one or two directions and are joined to the said lay for reinforcing it by knitting on a warp knitting machine, the said technical yams extending on the one hand in the warp direction and on the other in the weft direction on all or part of the width of the said lay.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to create plant model with realism. A tree core having a trunk and branches is created. The tree core is pre-coated with a clear oil-based liquid. A coat is formed to cover the tree core with a composite mixture. The composite mixture contains at least a paint component, a color pigment, a binder component, and a glue component.

Abstract: An artificial hedge structure (10) comprising at least two panels, with each panel having a multiplicity of equidistant vertical members (26) and a multiplicity of equidistant horizontal spacers (28). A hinge assembly (44) comprising four hinge tabs (46), a hinge pin (50) and vertical spacers (52) is located between a first panel (12) and a second panel (42). The hinge assembly (44) allows the two panels to be positioned at an angle to each other, and allows multiple panels to be positioned in various shapes such as square or circular. Integrally attached to each panel's vertical member (26) and extending outward from the front and rear surfaces (78,80) are a multiplicity of needle clusters (60). Each cluster (60) has a plurality of resilient needles (66) that extend upward from a lower surface (62). Extending into the lower surface (62) is a cavity (64) that interfaces with a pin (40) that extends outward from the vertical members (26).

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.

Abstract: An artificial foliage structure with wire cores embedded in its leafy parts causing these parts to “spring back” upon removal of compressive loading acting thereupon. These wire cores may be made of hard, springy steel such as piano wire or small diameter spring wire. Thicker, woody limbs and branches have embedded therein heavier wire cores that are sufficiently soft to be given a set solely by manually applied bending force.

Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree comprising a plurality of tiers configured to facilitate assembly for use and disassembly for storage including a lower substantially frustum conical tier to support an open mesh substructure to receive and support a plurality of simulated sprays or Christmas tree branches and Christmas decorations, an intermediate substantially frustum conical tier to support an open mesh substructure to receive and support a plurality of simulated sprays or Christmas tree branches and Christmas decorations and an upper substantially conical tier to support an open mesh substructure to receive and support a plurality of simulated sprays or Christmas tree branches and Christmas decorations.

Abstract: A display tree for electrical ornaments has a support tube. A male electrical plug is connected to the support tube upper end. A female electrical socket is connected to the support tube lower end. A flange electrical contact is electrically connected to the female electrical socket. The flange electrical contact is connected to the lower flange. A shelf electrical contact is connected to the shelf bottom side. The shelf electrical contact is for detachable connection to the flange electrical contact. A shelf electrical outlet is connected to the shelf top side. The shelf electrical outlet is electrically connected to the shelf electrical contact.

Abstract: A device for providing three dimensional camouflage to a hunter's ladder stand having a seat, footrest, side rails and a plurality of rungs. The device has a hollow plastic tube with a split and holes through which a plurality of stalks of artificial vegetation are inserted. The split is in the form a groove or has notches so that when the tube is attached to a rail of a ladder stand, the tube does not interfere with the rungs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: Novel methods, apparatus and kits to provide a new presently-untapped market for state-of-the-art artificial flowers presently sold only as part of artificial plant assemblies that include artificial stems, branches, leaves, etc., the invention comprising various novel improved means, as well as kits including such means, for attaching such artificial flowers to non-blooming (pre-bloom, post-bloom or never-bloom) live vegeation having live stems, branches, leaves, etc., to simulate blooming thereof, for easy care-free instant yard beautification, said kits being devoid of artificial plant stems, branches, leaves, etc.

Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree or support foliage, such as in the form of a garland, which provides the tree foliage and gives the display the appearance of a tree.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a panel branch to be associated with an artificial tree. The panel branch includes a plurality of twigs, a channel element, an number of inserts, and a hook-like member. Each twig is inserted through an aperture in the insert and the insert, in turn, is placed in and secured in the channel element. The hook-like member has a short side and a long side. The long side of the hook-like member is secured in the channel element and the short side is used to secure the panel branch to an artificial trunk. In addition, optical fibres are associated with the twigs of the panel branch. Each optical fiber is threaded through one of the apertures in an insert and gathered into a bundle. When the panel branch is associated with the artificial tree, a socket with a light source is provided to receive the bundle of optical fibres such that the branch is lighted.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be mounted to a quiver on a bow provides camouflage and cover for the bow and a shooter. The apparatus is a hollow shaft with a first end having a tapered tip, and a second opposite end. A plurality of holes is formed perpendicularly through the sidewall. The holes are confined to an area of the shaft body that is substantially three-fourths of the circumference of the sidewall. A plurality of artificial foliage bundles is attached to the shaft body by a basal wire stem that is mounted in a respective one of the holes.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: A burn through and flame propagation resistant system, includes a sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper made of aramid fibers, mica flakes, and aramid fibrid binder; and one or more sheets of polymeric film, preferably, flame propagation resistant polymeric film, bonded to at least one major surface of the sheet of burn through and flame propagation resistant paper to form a laminated sheet. Preferably, for many applications, the system is also water vapor transmission resistant with the sheet or sheets of polymeric film or a coating providing the water vapor transmission resistance. The burn through and flame propagation resistant paper and/or polymeric film(s) may have major surface(s) coated with a heat sealable adhesive, e.g. for securing the laminated sheet to itself or another laminated sheet to form a bag or envelope for encapsulating insulation.

Abstract: An artificial palm tree having a planar base, a central support, an exterior covering and a separable crown. The central support of the artificial palm tree has one end flexibly affixed to the planar base. An exterior covering constructed around the central support is substantially greater in diameter than the central support and has the separable crown removably affixed to a free end of the central support.

Abstract: An artificial palm tree having a base, a frame fixedly attached to and extending upwardly from the base, the frame having an upper end; a helically wound metal strap having a leaf scar indicating edge, a multiplicity of heat fusion welds interconnecting the frame mounting edge of the helically wound metal strap and the frame; twelve rachis indicating shafts; a concentrically mounted cylinder slip sleeve and slip pin joint interconnecting the proximal ends of the rachis indicating shafts with the upper end of the frame; and a multiplicity of pinna indicating plates fixedly attached to the rachis indicating shafts.

Abstract: A foldable ornament frame structure of the invention includes a first movable part, a second movable part, and a plurality of support rods. The first and second movable parts are respectively mounted at a top and a bottom of the ornament frame structure. The support rods connect the first movable part to the second movable part around the ornament frame to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame. The first and second movable parts respectively include a plurality of strips that are superposed and cross over one another at approximately respective central portions thereof. A hinge passes through the central portions to pivotally connect the strips together, the support rods connecting the strips of the first and second movable parts to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame.

Abstract: A decorating system for decorating and/or covering the utility meters of a home such that the meters may still be read but which minimizes the aesthetic attraction caused by the industrial looking utility meters.

Abstract: An artificial tree has a central trunk, a number of main branches suspended from an upper portion of the trunk in a downwardly and outwardly inclined orientation, and a preformed tree top section extending upwardly from the upper portion of the trunk. Each main branch includes a number of sub-branch clusters and a bundle of fiber optic conduits which terminate in the sub-branches. The bundles of fiber optic conduits are received in an opaque enclosure housing a high intensity light source, which enclosure is attached to the upper portion of the trunk. Electric lights are disclosed as an alternative means to illuminate the tree. The trunk includes upwardly open hook elements which receive pin elements within the interior of rigid support members of the main branches. Each sub-branch cluster is pivotally connected to an associated rigid support member to articulate between a collapsed position for storage and shipping, and an extended position for display.

Abstract: An artificial flower and a frame structure fixing the bouquet's position, primarily comprises of a rounded tub-like frame, plate cover, fixed stick and the artificial flower. The stick of the artificial bouquet and the plate cover to be fastened together and rendered immovable; a hook on the plate cover is connected to the rounded hole of the tub-like frame. Then the holes on the bottom part of the depressed portion of the tub-like frame are connected into the hooks of the already fixed stick, forming an artificial potted plant.

Abstract: A relatively moderate size to large size figurine and the production thereof is described. The figurine is provided with a slightly wrinkled, high sheen exterior surface. This gives the product a high quality look and allows for natural variations in the surface finish. The figurine is covered with tinted foil, which provides for a high-quality ornamental appearance. The figurine generally includes first and second half-shell sections that form an inner shell when joined. The inner shell defines the shape of the figurine. The first and second half-shell sections are formed from layering a plurality of material strips. The figurine also includes an exterior foil surface that covers and is fixedly attached to the inner shell.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: An artificial aquatic plant is displayed in a desired array juxtaposed with the inside surface of a wall of an aquarium by attaching one end of the plant to a retainer secured to a frame at the top of the aquarium and extending longitudinally along the wall, and by attaching the other end of the plant to an anchor buried in a bed of sand or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. The artificial aquatic plant is constructed of synthetic resin materials and at least some components of the plant are fabricated of a synthetic resin material having insufficient buoyancy to support the plant in the desired array within the water contained in the aquarium. Support of the plant in the displayed array is accomplished by the attachment of the ends of the plant to the retainer and to the anchor.

Abstract: A device comprising a base, a foam pillar disposed adjacent the base and adapted for receiving a plurality of boughs to form the shape of a tree, and a support member operably associated with the foam pillar to provide support for the foam pillar.

Abstract: Described is a process for the incorporation of an antimicrobial agent into a non-woven comprising treating the nonwoven with a formulation comprising (a) an antimicrobial agent selected from (a1) halogeno-o-hydroxydiphenyl compound; (a2) phenol derivative; (a3) benzyl compound; (a4) chlorohexidine and a derivative thereof; (a5) C12-C14alkylbetaine and C8-C18fatty acid amidoalkylbetaine; (a6) an amphoteric surfactant; (a7) trihalocarbanilide; (a8) quaternary and polyquaternary compound; and (a9) a thiazole compound; and (a10) a iodine containing agent; (a11) a naphthyl derivative; (b) a solubilizing agent; and optionally (c) at least one copolymer made from two or more monomers, with at least one monomer having good affinity to the textiles and at least another monomer having affinity to the involved antimicrobial substances.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique design and technique of construction for an artificial tree. The tree is created from an engineered superstructure with a porous outer covering or skin. Artificial leaves are attached to the skin creating an artificial tree with no limbs or branches. An additional feature is a light source that can be incorporated inside the superstructure to illuminate the tree. The foliage is replaceable to allow for seasonal color changes.

Abstract: Positioning marks 15, 16 are formed at predetermined positions with respect to an active layer 11 buried in an LD chip body 10. In an Au metallized layer 12 for solder joining on the active layer 11, marks 17, 18 for measurement are precisely formed by the same mask with which the positioning marks 15, 16 are formed. The marks 17, 18 for measurement are arranged closer to the active layer 11 in comparison with the positioning marks 15, 16. Therefore, the distances between the active layer 11 and the marks 17, 18 for measurement can be respectively measured with high accuracy. In mounting of the LD chip to a substrate in a passive alignment technique, relative positions of the active layer and the positioning marks are measured in advance with high accuracy and the LD chip can be mounted to the substrate by correcting both the relative positions. Thus, the LD chip is positioned with high accuracy to be mounted to the substrate.

Abstract: A novel roofing material simulating natural thatch and methods of applying the roofing material comprises the provision of simulated thatch shingles or rolls of such material. The shingles or rolls are formed of elongate reeds or thatch elements formed of a polymer material and arranged in laterally extending bundles. The thatch elements are folded and secured to a binder and are secured to an appropriate substrate which is secured to the roof. Each shingle or roll extends in overlying relation to produce a shingled arrangement which simulates a natural thatched roof.

Abstract: An artificial palm tree has a trunk made from at least one tapered pole segment. Multiple trunk segments are butt connected with doweling screws threaded at both ends. A palm head in the form of a cylindrical solid is attached to an uppermost end of the uppermost segment of the trunk in the same manner as abutting segments of the trunk are attached to one another. A plurality of frond attachment holes are bored in the head. Each attachment hole is sized to accept a removable wood dowel pin. Each dowel pin, when inserted within its receiving hole, is angled to approximate the position of a frond on the trunk. Prior to assembly, each trunk segment and the palm head are individually wrapped with a layer of palm matting harvested from live palm trees. The matting layer is either stapled or adhesively bonded to the wrapped trunk segments and head. Wrapping of the palm head is performed with the dowel pins inserted within the frond attachment holes so that the dowel pins may serve to mark the location of the holes.

Abstract: A simple foldable greeting card wherein, upon opening, decorative display elements self-generate a 3-D effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A formable decoration including an elongate formable member, decorative greenery, and attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus attaches the decorative greenery to the formable member. The formable decoration may be formed into a decorative shape such as a straight line, an arch, a candy cane, and a wreath. The formable decoration may then be reformed into multiple decorative shapes.

Abstract: A new kit and method for producing scent emitting artificial flower type articles. The inventive device includes an elongate first stem member and an elongate second stem member that is insertable into the first stem member. A first fringe member has an attachment portion at one end and a plurality of strips that extend from the other end to the attachment portion. A second fringe member has a plurality of first strips and second strips that each extend from a respective end of the second fringe member towards an attachment portion that is positioned between the ends of the second fringe member. A plurality of leaf members each have a leaf-shaped portion that extends from an elongate attachment portion. A third fringe member has an attachment portion at one end and a plurality of strips that extend from the other end towards the attachment portion. A porous strip receives scent emitting liquid. A scent emitting liquid may also be provided.

Abstract: An artificial plant assembly (10) that includes a base (12) which serves as a platform for securing the assembly (10) when it is inserted into a vase or the like. The base (10) which can be made in a variety of geometrical shapes such as a circle, a square or a multi-sided shape includes a central stem bore (18) and a plurality of outer stem bores (20). Into the bore (18) is inserted a central stem support (30) which has an upper edge (38) which includes a plurality of inner stem bores (42). Around the central stem support (30) is located, in a random or symmetrical pattern, a plurality of outer stem bores (20). Into the bores (20 and (42) is inserted an inner core (62) into which is inserted one or a plurality of nested and rotatable bulbous sections (70, 92, 102). Each bulbous section has an upper end which terminates with a flora (84) which may consist of a flower of leaf or a combination of various flora.

Abstract: A roofing membrane has a quantity of water-retaining particles fixed in the upper surface of the membrane. A fleece web affixed to the membrane surface in a quilt-like manner may provide zones of selectable size for holding the particles in place. By varying the amount of the absorber particles, the water-retaining capacity of the roofing membrane may be varied to the particular intended use, such as on a flat roof or a sloped roof.

Abstract: An artificial decorated and lighted Christmas tree (10) which is concentrically collapsible into a shallow open-topped box for storage. When displayed, the artificial tree (10) is preferably hung from a ceiling or other overhead support. The skeleton of the tree consists of a flat disk (15), a member (16) projecting upwardly from the center of the disk (15) from which the artificial tree (10) is suspended, a cylindrical crown (24) of garland supported on the disk, (15), at least three rigid wire loops (20, 30, 40) having different diameters, and at least three flexible cords (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) affixed to equally spaced apart edge segments of the disk (15) and to equally spaced apart segments of each one of the rigid wire loops (20, 30, 40).

Abstract: A base form for use in making decorative baskets and other art form arrangements has a plastic grid sheet on which is sewn a series of concentric circles of loops made from narrow strips of a thin plastic film. The loops are formed with their bases abutting and the bases sewn to the plastic grid sheet. The grid sheet is formed to fit the particular application. Flowers and other decorative notions may be inserted into the grid material and loops to form a pleasing arrangement.

Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium, serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.

Abstract: The present invention award plural component dispenser device includes a support means for supporting a framework of an object and a plurality of insert pieces. The support means has a base and a plurality of holders for holding the plurality of insert pieces. Each insert piece is sized and shaped to be removably inserted into a corresponding holder. The insert pieces and holders are polygonally shaped and approximately conical.

Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will be advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.