Abstract: A system of tracks, brackets and containers, typically empty beverage cans, assembled and used for temporary storage, temporary emergency shelters, toys, or other uses involving inexpensive and light weight building materials. The system is implemented by releasably attaching the containers to the tracks, then releasably attaching the tracks to each other either horizontally, vertically, or both to form structural elements such as beams, columns, or panels. The rigid tracks are made from a material which allows for apertures in the tracks to be sized to resiliently snap onto portions of the containers. The track may be formed in a variety of different shapes, such as straight, angled, curved, T-shaped or cross-shaped. Additionally, the brackets may be formed in a variety of different shapes to attach the track assemblies to each other in various orientations.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: An asphalt composition ridge cover providing a three dimensional character to a roof. The ridge covers are manufactured and packaged in an approximately 90 degree "V" shape so as to require very little bending during installation. Adhesive holds the angle formed during manufacture. The ridge cover may have a thickening member or members thereunder giving the ridge covers a tapered thickness which, when installed, gives the resulting roof a pronounced three dimensional appearance.

Abstract: Building block systems that can utilize either commonly available containers locked and spaced together by locking members or a pre-molded one piece container and locking member system. Either system can utilize two or four spaced containers in the locking member. Also, both systems may use commonly available material, such as sand or dirt, to fill the top opened containers to provide insulation and strength to the vertically formed structure. Interior and exterior facing materials, such as sheet rock, lattice for applied stucco, precast rock or brick may be attached to the joined containers. Locking members may have internal parallel raceway holes in which backing strips may be inserted to permit the attachment of the the exterior and interior panels to the blocks. Either vertical or horizontal cut out portions may extends along the interior side of the locking members to permit utility conduits (pipes, wires, etc.) to be inserted before the interior panel is fastened.

Abstract: A method of handling scrap tires including providing a satellite tire collection enclosure constructed of baled tires and sized to receive scrap tires, collecting scrap tires inside the tire collection enclosure until the enclosure is at or near capacity, volume reducing the scrap tires by baling the scrap tires using a mobile tire baler having a baler and a boom on a mobile platform at a minimum of about 2,400 whole tires into bales having a minimum of about 20 whole tires and a maximum of about 150 tires in a bale to achieve a volume reduction of about 80 percent by volume, and transporting baled scrap tires to a home base, a recycling center, or directly to an end-user. In one aspect, a mobile tire baler includes a baler and a boom on a mobile platform, a cutter for over-size tires, and a crusher for tire rims.

Abstract: A mat comprising shorter and longer lengths of tread portions cut from recycled tires and strung on cable is specially devised for protecting small-scale ground level ecosystems from destruction by crawler track propelled heavy equipment. To prevent earth and vegetation from being ripped up when the mat is removed after being pressed into the ground by equipment operated atop it, stiffened permanent airways, rectangular in plan view, are systematically distributed throughout the main central portion of the `hoe-chucking` mat, called such by virtue of boom-mounting excavators called `hoes`, which are forbidden (by regulations) entry to certain environmentally sensitive areas unless accompanied by mats to crawl on. The same mat can be swung through the air to knock branches off trees, but cannot be used as a blasting mat, though the service duty conditions endured in the company of hoes are comparably severe.

Abstract: A reinforced stucco panel and straw insulator wall assembly includes a plurality of straw bales, a vertical column of rigid material, a layer of fabric, a plurality of screens, a footing section, a bond-beam form and a layer of reinforced mortar. The straw bales are stacked. The column includes concrete and a reinforcement rod. The concrete fills aligned vertical channels of the straw bales. The reinforcement rod is disposed in the channels and embedded by the concrete. The fabric of a substantially air-permeable material is attached to the stacked straw bales and disposed on vertical sides of the straw bales forming exterior and interior surfaces of the building employing the wall assembly. Each screen overlies and caps a top end of one of the straw bales and intersects the channels and defines an opening aligned with the channels and allows passage of the reinforcement rod.

Abstract: A composite wall system that uses fiber bales or other quasi-structural building blocks in conjunction with a bracing system that stabilizes vertical rods to create columns capable of transferring the gravity compressive loads on the wall to the foundation. Rod columns are installed vertically along a line between the inside and outside faces of the wall. The rods extend from a foundation at the bottom end to a header at the top end. The rods are operatively connected to trusses or beams integrated into the layers of bales. The trusses or beams braces and thereby immobilizes the rods in all horizontal directions at every bale interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixed composition for making structural building materials or articles; wherein the composition comprises a prepared or reprocessed solid or sludge waste material such as impure lime obtained, in particular, from water treatment plants, and further comprises a reinforcing material such as fiberglass, metal material, sisal fiber, or plastics, and also comprises a polymeric material which preferably includes polyurethane foam. A coloring agent is added the composition to give a distinctive color to the structural building materials or articles such as shingles, panels, sidings, walls, and logs, all replicating products made especially from wood.

Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a longitudinally extending guardrail supported by an array of spaced apart vertically mounted supporting posts and associated offset block whereas the supporting posts and/or the offset blocks are I beam shaped members.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing blocks for bullet stops at firing ranges and for traffic trol are made by encasing scrap rubber tires in concrete. To ensure firm attachment of the tires to the concrete, reinforcements such as wire loops are fastened to the tire. To prevent the formation of air pockets during the pouring of the concrete mixture into a mold holding the tire, vent holes are punched into the side walls of the tire. To allow the concrete mixture to flow under the tire in the mold, the tire is propped up with support blocks. Wires may be strung across the top of the tire and attached to the side walls of the mold to prevent movement of the tire while the concrete is being poured into the mold. The concrete mixture may contain an aqueous foam additive, a stabilizer, and fiber reinforcements such as steel or organic polymers.

Abstract: The invention is a custom bale (10) comprising compressed fibrous material, integral load-bearing structural supports (20), and multiple cinctures (22) for use in construction. One embodiment utilizes an inverted-lip U-channel connector (28) as a bond beam that snaps onto the upper ends of the integral load-bearing structural supports (20) to connect the bales (10) to the roof. U channel splices (36) and (38) connect the inverted-lip U channels (28) together to form a complete bond beam around the house. The inverted-lip U channel (28) is also used as the window sill frame (41), window header (43), and footing beam. Bales with properly sized and oriented integral load-bearing structural supports (20) can also be used as posts and beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing an improved cementitious product which includes improved surface characteristics such as skid resistance, as well as improved structural characteristics such as flexural toughness. The product is provided by the inclusion of skid-resistant particles within an uncured cement product, such that the product eventually cures with the skid-resistant particles fixed at and adjacent to the surface, providing improved skid resistance to the cement product its supporting surface, which could be a pedestrian sidewalk, steps, a vehicle roadway, handicapped ramps, or other surfaces where skid resistance is required. The product is desirably softer in structure than traditional concrete structures to allow for desirable wearing by traffic thereon to continuously expose new rubber particles, while still having integral properties which discourage pullout of the particles.

Abstract: A method of handling scrap tires is disclosed, including providing a satellite tire collection enclosure constructed of baled tires and sized to receive at least about 2400 scrap tires, collecting scrap tires inside the tire collection enclosure until the enclosure is at or near capacity, volume reducing the scrap tires by baling the scrap tires using a mobile tire baler having a baler and a boom on a mobile platform at a minimum of about 2,400 whole tires into about 24 bales to achieve a volume reduction of about 80 percent by volume, and transporting baled scrap tires to a home base, a recycling center, or directly to an end-user. In one aspect, a mobile tire baler includes a baler and a boom on a mobile platform, a cutter for over-size tires, and a crusher for tire rims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to markers manufactured from skis. In accordance with the invention, the structure of a ski is modified to enable its use as an object which may be driven into soil or snow to designate the presence of underground objects, to delineate or identify a border or as a post for signage or fencing. The process of the invention relates to the modification of a ski by treating or removing the existing outer surfaces of a ski and providing new outer surfaces to the ski which may include graphics or notices specific to its new use. In order to inhibit the removal of a marker from soil or snow after placement, the marker may be provided with a barb system on its underground portion.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear, or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: A new rubber expansion joint for preventing distortions, cracks, and breaks in building materials normally caused by thermal movement. The invention includes a method of making an expansion joint member from used tires and using the resulting expansion joint member by installing it into a structure to create an expansion joint.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing blocks for bullet stops at firing ranges and for traffic trol are made by encasing scrap rubber tires in concrete. To ensure firm attachment of the tires to the concrete, reinforcements such as wire loops are fastened to the tire. To prevent the formation of air pockets during the pouring of the concrete mixture into a mold holding the tire, vent holes are punched into the side walls of the tire. To allow the concrete mixture to flow under the tire in the mold, the tire is propped up with support blocks. Wires may be strung across the top of the tire and attached to the side walls of the mold to prevent movement of the tire while the concrete is being poured into the mold. The concrete mixture may contain an aqueous foam additive, a stabilizer, and fiber reinforcements such as steel or organic polymers.

Abstract: A matrix for aggregate containment and drainage system for road-base construction, or reconstruction--provides by reuse of vehicle tires. Each tire (unit) has one sidewall removed and drain holes provided in the remaining sidewall. A plurality of these units are positioned and fastened together to form a matrix. Each unit open side up, lying flat then receives aggregate construction material. The matrix configuration provides an excellent base for construction, minimizing aggregate loss due to sinking, wash out or lateral movement. A major ecological advantage is the beneficial use of otherwise problem used tires.

Abstract: A novel container called a tire tube is made from whole, used tires. They are first turned inside out or inverted. Several tire tubes may be connected together side by side with holes aligned sing fasteners such as screws. With the ends sealed the tire tube may be used as a container for toxic substance storage, or sand to act as a highway bumper. With the ends left open the tire tube may be used as a conduit, or a culvert. Supported to allow rotation at a slight angle to the horizontal and with the higher end being fed material, the rotating tire tube tumbles the material to the exit end. With rock added, the result of tumbling is a pulverizing action. By adding organic material and keeping it moist the rotating tire tube becomes a continuous-action composter.

Abstract: Used tires are sorted on-site to separate those which are still good from those that are scrap. At the site, the sidewalls are separated from each scrap tire and the remaining tire portion is slit transversely and laid flat, stacked one atop the other. The stack is transported by vehicle from the site to a central processing facility that shears the tire portions to a uniform width and thickness. The uniformly dimensioned tire portions are then connected into strips by male/female dovetail cuts. Two strips are bonded together at their flat inner tire sides to form a two-ply tread strip. The two-ply tread strips are then used in construction, building component manufacture, fencing or landscaping; the two-ply treads are more flexible then lumber. The sidewalls are used as landfill or grounds cover in landscaping.

Abstract: A construction for and method of building a tie-down type ground anchor for securing a structure to supporting ground. A cylindrical block formed from recycled plastic waste has a longitudinal bore and receives a tether through the bore. The tether is knotted at one end. The tether is pulled through the block until the knot lodges thereagainst, thus preventing the tether from being pulled free of the block from the unknotted end. The block is lowered into a hole dug beneath the structure being secured. The block is disposed with the free end of the tether facing away from the structure. The free end of the tether is then tied to the structure after being adequately tightened. The hole is then filled.

Abstract: A retaining wall system comprising a plurality of scrap tire bales arranged to define a retaining wall structure. A structural material is positioned or applied about the scrap tire bales in order to provide a continuous retaining wall structure serving to retain water, control erosion, support buildings and associated structures, provide a barrier or fence, or other similar functions.

Abstract: An earth stabilization structure and methods for making and using thereof are provided. The structure comprises a compressed annular tire wall stack unit encased in a reinforced matrix shell. The structure is preferably octagonal and cross-sectioned and preferably have a hollow core. The structure has welding elements for fixedly attaching adjacent structures together in the form of weld elements from any adjacent structures to be welded together. A stabilization wall is also provided by rigidly attaching a plurality obstructors together using the weld elements. The method involves providing a mold having a central pipe, compacting a plurality of tire sidewalls to provide a compacted annular tire wall stack unit (bundle), placing the bundle over the pipe, placing weld elements at the bottom of the mold, placing concrete in the mold, permitting the concrete to solidify, and removing the resultant structure from the mold.

Abstract: Basic components for a snap-together structure include an elongated wall member with end caps, an elongated connecting member, an elongated corner member, an elongated end plate, and an aperture. Longitudinal locking channels are arranged on opposite sides of the wall member, and on orthogonal sides of the corner member. Each end cap for the wall member includes matching longitudinal locking channels, and a transverse end channel at its outer end extending between the longitudinal locking channels. The end plate includes a base portion and a connecting rib orthogonal thereto for being positioned in the locking channel of the other members. Each locking channel includes a pair of inner locking tabs arranged on opposite inner walls, and the connecting member includes two pairs of outer locking tabs on opposite side walls. The end plate is bolted to a foundation, and a plurality of wall members are stacked horizontally on top thereof.

Abstract: Straw bales are used in conjunction with a skeletal framework to form various structurally stable building components such as walls and floors. Straw bales and horizontal trussing members are combined to form a truss. The truss has of a pair of trussing members operatively connected to one or more bales. The trussing members, which are positioned opposite one another along the edges of the bale, form the chords of the truss. The bales form the web of the truss. The trussing members are one of the basic components of the skeletal framework used to construct the various composite structures embodying the invention. In the composite structures, straw bales are arranged in layers within a skeletal framework. The skeletal framework includes the trussing members and a series of rods positioned along the center line of the layered bales. The trussing members in each pair are positioned opposite one another along the edges of the bales at the interfaces between the layers of bales.

Abstract: A concrete building block or panel contains at least one tightly wound bundle of used tire casing tread sections that have been separated from the two end wall sections and which have been joined together and wound into a tight spiral bundle. In one form of the invention, the side wall sections are stacked in axial alignment and a tread bundle is inserted into the stack before being mounted in the block or panel.

Abstract: Prefabricated panels are formed by compressing a fiber slurry which may be composed of waste fiber products such as waste paper, cardboard, straw, leaves and grass clippings. The slurry, which may contain waterproofing, fire retardants, anti fungal agents and insecticides, is poured into a press form which contains the framework of a roof panel, wall panel, ceiling panel or floor panel as well as electrical wiring, heating ducts, plumbing or any other desired component. The fiber slurry is compressed to at least 1/4 of its original volume forming a solid dense inner core. This inner core can be covered with wall board, wall board paper, stucco, plaster, cement or stone. A method for locking the panels together is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall building panel apparatus includes a plurality of elongated panel frame members attached together to form a panel framework and having at least one stud attached between two panel frame members and having a panel side covering at least one side of the framework. A waste recycle aggregate material in a portland cement panel layer is formed in the panel to provide a prefabricated panel using waste recycle materials. A plurality of aggregate material and cement panel layers may be formed using recycled materials including used fiberglass insulation, recycled polystyrene, rubber tires, and old carpet material. The waste materials are converted to an aggregate through chopping, shredding, or with a hammer mill. A wall building process includes selecting waste recycling materials, such as used fiberglass insulation, used rubber tires, waste polystyrene, or waste carpet materials and converting the selected waste recycling materials into an aggregate material by chopping, shredding, or with a hammer mill.

Abstract: A safety cushion provided by folding a tread portion of a discarded tire back onto itself. Fasteners can be employed for maintaining the tread portion in the folded position. The safety cushion can be placed between and underneath shipping crates, underneath hold-down straps for the shipping crates, or contained in conventional cylindrical containers employed as road abutments. A plurality of safety cushions can be contained in a holding frame assembly, or interconnected by a cable network to provide an impact device. A plurality of the impact devices can be positioned at the end of a guard rail, or connected end to end to provide an impact-absorbing retaining wall.

Abstract: The installation in accordance with the invention consists of a roof (6) and of walls (9)--consisting of plastic tarpaulins (12, 13), for example--by means of which the sanitary landfill (1) that is to be stripped and the apron area (3) of a recycling installation (2) can be covered and closed off from the outside world in an airtight manner. A suction apparatus (16) provides for the necessary negative pressure in the range from 10 to 100 Pa. In the region of the apron area (3), the roof (6) rests on fixed supports (7), and in the region of the sanitary landfill on movable supports (10), which are mounted on crawler vehicles (41). The fixed supports and the movable supports (7, 10) carry lightweight beams (11), which form the supporting framework for the roof. One vehicle (14) carries a tarpaulin roll (15) through the use of which the stripping area (9) can be continuously expanded by means of side tarpaulins (13) while maintaining the necessary negative pressure.

Abstract: The use of rubber fragments from discarded tires in building panels, including panels suitable for house construction. A rubber panel is constructed of metal frame members, using a metal mesh on the interior for structural strength and support, and ground up rubber fragments which may contain strands of steel or other metal or fibre reinforcing materials present in tires. These fragments are mixed with an appropriate glue and bonded together to ensure the structural integrity of the panel. Different types of panels are made wherein a window or door frame is mounted at a suitable location. The method of manufacturing a rubber panel includes the steps of preforming a metal frame with mesh covering enclosed area, mixing an appropriate glue with shredded vehicle tires to form a mixture, place the mixture over the mesh, clamping the panel and placing it under pressure by a press and maintaining the pressure until the glue has set.

Abstract: A tile obtained from recycling worn rubber tires of automobiles. The tire is chopped into lengths of about 10" to 16" and then about 4" is lopped off the two side rim parts. The outer surface of the remaining central rolling tread part is run down to make it smooth and even and the tile is heated to between 210 .degree. and 300 .degree. F. for about one-half hour to straighten the longitudinal curvature. The cross curvature is maintained for a colonial type tile aspect.

Abstract: A bulkhead system to resist waterfront wave forces and reduce or eliminate erosion damage to waterfront property and structures. The bulkhead system is comprised of one or more rows of spaced nominally vertical piles, the piles extending into and above a ground surface in a self-supporting configuration. A stack of annular units, each in the form of a vehicle tire filled with concrete or other ballast material, is positioned on each of a plurality of the piles. Adjacent piles are positioned to have a pile-to-pile spacing to accommodate adjacent stacks of annular units and to form a substantially continuous wall or bulkhead. Intercoupling means, such as cabling, is also provided to couple adjacent groupings of piles so that wave forces incident on one or more piles are distributed to other piles on a shared basis.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: A wall-like sound barrier for placement along the shoulders of a highway is formed of a plurality of arcuate tire sections arranged in stacked rows to define a vertically-extending wall of such tire sections. The concave, partly open face of each tire section is oriented in confronting opposition to a source of sound or noise to be damped and reflected, such as a roadway. Each tire section may be inclined so as to encourage runoff of rainwater and the like that could otherwise collect in the interior of the tire section. The inclination may be defined by orienting each tire section so that its convex exterior is elevated above its concave interior, and/or by orienting each tire section so that one of its ends is elevated above the other of its ends.

Abstract: An inexpensive, durable, and easily applied roofing material for commercial establishments prepared from waste and used tires, wherein the tires are shredded into small particle size, and thence uniquely compacted into large log-like article of substantial size and weight, as on the order of 2,000 pound and four feet in length. The logs are cut in a peeling manner to form wound up rolls of thin rubber tire sheeting, which are then cut and laid as roofing. Sealant applied over the roofing ensures waterproofing, enhances ultraviolet ray protection, adds to overall fire resistance, and helps to prevent leakage at the sheeting joints.

Abstract: A concrete building block for erecting a wall and/or disposing of used rubber tires and other waste material detrimental to the environment. The block is made up of three rectangular portions, and includes a central chamber in which a bale of used rubber tires is encased. The tongue-and-groove design of the block facilitates the construction of a strong wall by joining the blocks end-to-end, with the tongue of one block disposed in the groove of another.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a structural building unit formed from a set solid mixture consisting essentially of about 30% to about 75% by weight portland cement, about 1% to about 25% by weight percent ground expanded cellular polystyrene, about 1% to about 35% by weight ground cellulosic fiber, about 2% to about 15% by weight fly ash, about 1% to about 10% by weight silica fume, about 1% to about 15% by weight bentonite, about 25% to about 50% by weight water, about 0% to about 3% by weight air entrainer, about 0% to about 10% by weight paraffin wax emulsion and about 0% to about 15% by weight rubber emulsion.

Abstract: An improved wood substitute product (56) is provided having sawability and fastener-holding properties which approximate natural wood. The product (56) includes an outermost casing (20) preformed to a desired shape and filled with a cementitious fill material (55) including respective amounts of cement and synthetic resin foam. In fabrication procedures, the casing (20) is first formed as a hollow tubular body by roll forming, rotational molding or similar techniques, whereupon the body is temporarily capped and filled with the material (55). A filling device (28) is preferably employed for this purpose, which includes a pumping assembly (32) as well as an elongated horn (30), which is complemental with the casing (20).

Abstract: The road-guard construction comprises a first wall of superimposed whole tires disposed horizontally in vertical rows and horizontal columns. A second wall of superimposed half tires--which are cut circumferentially along their tread path, is also disposed in vertical rows and horizontal columns. Each half-tire defines a toroidal chamber, facing upwardly. Tie-bands interconnect the whole tires to the half-tires, whereby a single integral wall unit is achieved. Sand is poured into the toroidal chambers of the half-tires, whereby the first and second walls become firmly anchored to the ground. The road-guard will therefore remain substantially immobile over ground even after repeated vehicle impacts.

Abstract: A general purpose laminated construction block element is constructed from discarded rubber-like material such as tire casings or belt conveyor straps. Tire casings are first cut open and laid flat to form flattened mats. The mats are then stacked and secured into blocks suitable for transport and storage. The blocks may be later disassembled and the individual mats spirally wound to form cylindrical posts. Alternately, the blocks may be used as formed for general purpose construction blocks. The properties of the laminated block can be adjusted by adjusting the properties of an adhesive which is applied to one surface of the mat prior to stacking. The laminated rubber blocks may be formed to predetermined sizes by appropriately preconfiguring the mat by juxtaposing or superposing multiple single tire mats. The laminated rubber-like blocks have excellent strength, impact and vibration absorbtion, and machinability.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: A containerized prefabricated building kit comprises a cuboidal frame having eight corners and twelve edges the corners being provided with standard container handling equipment components, allowing the kit to be transported as a standard shipping container. The structure of the container kit consists substantially only of components of the prefabricated building kit. The cuboidal frame is used in the building, either after separating it into its components, that is into separate beams or by using the open sided frame as the frame work for a side room or other part of the building.

Abstract: An I-beam structure is made from discarded tire belts wherein the beam web is constructed from two car or truck tire belts joined centrally along their lengths tread to tread. Flange members are made of a single ply of truck tire belts joined end to end or of a two ply laminated structural material wherein each ply is a continuous car tire belt, and the two plies are bonded tread to tread along their lengths. The flange forming members are attached to the web by adhesive or vulcanization bonding which may be reinforced with mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: Rubber-crumb-reinforced cement-concrete structures (such as mortar (0), cement board (30), concrete masonry units (40), and concrete pipe (50)) provide resistance to cracking, increase resistance to acid rain, lower weight, improve shock wave absorption, lower heat conductivity and improve the acoustical environment. The structures preferably are made of concrete having a predetermined proportion (from about 1 to about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of cement) of recycled scrap rubber crumbs which are preferably undirectionally aligned in the cross-section of the structures.

Abstract: An underground agricultural irrigation system in which annular semi-cylindrical or concave-convex water reservoirs, formed by splitting used or abandoned vehicle tire casings in half, are buried concave side up at appropriate subsurface depths to trap and retain moisture used to nurture overgrowing plant roots. In a modified version concave moisture retaining caps are mounted over the open centers of each reservoir to increase moisture retention capacity.

Abstract: A road safety barrier comprises an encasement in which vehicle tires are retained so that the central openings through the tires are aligned. End caps close the encasement but permit a coupling member, such as a pipe, to extend through the aligned openings of the tires and through apertures in the end caps. The coupling member can be connected at each end to adjacent barriers to form a barrier wall. Each of the components is separable so that construction and repair are facilitated.

Abstract: A partition of the type commonly used in bathroom facilities. The partition is constructed of one or more panels having a construction which permits the use of a high percentage of recycled materials. The panels include a plurality of slats each having a elongated narrow construction which allows the slats to be formed by the process of pultrusion. This permits use of a high percentage of recycled materials. The slats and other components are designed such that the slats are maintained in alignment and held securely in place in the assembled state.

Abstract: Plants during an initial growth period are protected by a plurality of plastics drinks bottles arranged in a pattern surrounding an area in which the plant is growing. The drinks bottles are engaged by a locating device in the form of a flat sheet with a plurality of openings therein with each bottle being inserted into an opening to engage the locating device to hold the bottles in the pattern surrounding the area. The locating device is a central opening through which the plant can grow and a generally circular outer peripheral edge.